Batangas’ 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste renewed his call to lower the Value-Added Tax (VAT) during a congressional hearing, citing the need to ease the burden of rising prices on consumers.
Leviste pointed out that 37 days have passed since the onset of the current crisis, yet many transport workers have yet to receive government assistance, even as they continue to pay VAT on a daily basis. He said this underscores the need to reduce the tax.
During the hearing, Leviste asked Ways and Means Chair Miro Quimbo whether it would be possible to cut the VAT rate from 12 percent to 10 percent. Quimbo responded that such a move is possible and expressed support for measures that would help ease the lives of Filipinos, provided they remain fiscally responsible.
Quimbo added that the committee aims to promote a more progressive tax system that benefits the public without compromising government finances.
Leviste then moved to bring the proposal to a vote and called for transparency, suggesting that the votes of all 318 members of Congress be made public.
Quimbo backed the motion, saying he supports putting the matter to a vote.
In closing, Leviste said that if the majority favors lowering VAT, the measure should be approved, while those opposed should be identified to ensure public accountability.|
