Aquino: Senators ’owe it to the people’ to scrutinize proposed tax reforms

Sen. Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV (INQUIRER.net file photo)

Senators “owe it to the people” to scrutinize President Rodrigo Duterte’s version of the tax reform package, Sen. Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV said on Tuesday.

Aquino, who is vice chairman of the Senate Committe on Ways and Means, made the statement a day after Duterte asked senators in his second State of the Nation Address (Sona) to pass his proposal “in full.”

“Pagdating sa tax reform package, mukhang mahaba-haba pa ang mangyayaring debate tungkol dito,” Aquino said in a statement.

(“It seems that the tax reform package will have lengthy debate.”)

“We owe it to the Filipino people na kilatisin iyon kasi, at the end of the day, tataas ang presyo ng bilihin dahil sa panukalang ito,” he added.

(“We owe it to the Filipino people to criticize it because, at the end of the day, prices of commodities will increase because of this measure.”)

The administration’s tax reform package proposes higher excise on liquefied petroleum gas, gasoline, and diesel, which Aquino opposes.

“The excise tax on LPG, gasoline and diesel will raise prices eventually. It might be inflationary because everything is transported. This will affect the pockets of our countrymen,” the senator said.

Aquino supports, however, the administration’s suggestion to reduce personal income tax rate.

“Hindi naman tama na iyong CEO at kanyang secretary ay parehong kinakaltasan ng 32 percent na income tax,” he said.

(“It is not right that a CEO and his secretary are both deducted 32 percent income tax.”) /atm

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