President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wants the administration’s tax reform package approved before the year ends, with Malacañang assuring the public that the proposed measures are designed to ease the tax burden instead of adding to it.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Department of Finance is still fine-tuning the proposed Progress Bill and other tax reform measures, but the President wants the package enacted as soon as possible.
“Sa ngayon po ay inaaral pa, working on it ang DOF. At alam naman po ng Pangulo na kasalukuyan itong binubusisi ng DOF, kasi nais po ng Pangulo na ito ay maipasa sa pinakamabilis na panahon.”
Asked if the target is next year, Castro said the President wants the reforms passed this year.
Castro also sought to calm fears over new taxes, saying the proposals are aimed mainly at luxury spending, such as expensive vehicles, and are not expected to hit ordinary or middle-income Filipinos.
“Iyong iba po kasing tax na nababanggit ay hindi po ang mga pangkaraniwang mamamayan ang maapektuhan. Mas maapektuhan nito iyong bumibili ng mga mamahaling sasakyan.”
On proposals to tax sugary drinks, single-use plastics and vape products, Castro said the goal is also to protect public health.
“Ito naman po ay patungkol sa kalusugan. Mas maganda nga pong maiwasan kung tayo po ay laging magko-consume ng napakatamis na mga kakanin o pagkain o inumin.”
She added that middle-income Filipinos are already benefiting from government programs even before the tax reforms are enacted, citing zero-balance billing, transport discounts, lower electricity costs being pursued by the administration, expanded healthcare benefits and faster medical and financial assistance.IMT
