Senator Francis Escudero on Thursday warned that if tax measures will be a burden to the people, they will face rough sailing despite in the chamber despite backing by President Ferdinand Marcos.
“Approval of President Marcos’ tax proposals will not be a “slam dunk” in the Senate, and may even be blocked, if they will cause misery to an already overtaxed people,” Escudero said.
He added however, that he was open to proposals and study the merits of the tax measures in deference to the President.
He gave assurance that the Senate is a free market for ideas, and every idea must be given its day.
He also admonished that if the administration team that would be selling the tax proposals “is the same crew that did a poor job in explaining the Maharlika Investment Fund,” the Malacañang-certified revenue measures might be doomed.
“At this time, selling taxes to Filipinos is like asking an Eskimo to buy a freezer,” he pointed out.
According to Esudero, the Philippines “has become an e-commerce republic.”
Because of this, vigorous opposition is expected when the government starts taxing consumer goods.
The senator was referring to a Palace-backed bill aiming to impose taxes on online purchases.
He also predicted that the proposal to raise motor vehicle registration fees would likewise face stiff opposition since car owners are already being taxed twice because of the VAT and excise tax on gas purchases.
He also cited the difficulties motorists suffer due to the government’s failure to fix damaged public roads.
He said the Marcos administration will be putting “its huge political capital on the line” in pushing these measures in the time of “high prices and low wages.
“What would help, he said, is good messaging that will win over the people that while these proposals are painful, they are needed,” he added.