A consumer group has urged the Marcos administration to remove the 12% value-added tax (VAT) on electricity as a “pamasko” for Filipino families, easing the financial burden amid reports of billions allegedly lost in fake flood control projects.
Tracy Cabrera, veteran journalist and spokesperson for Filipino Consumers for Reform (Filcore), said it is time for the government to seriously consider eliminating VAT on electricity to reduce public hardship.
“Maganda sanang pamasko sa pamilyang Pilipino ang pagtanggal ng VAT sa kuryente na magpapababa naman sa buwanang electric bill para naman maibsan ng kahit kaunti ang hirap ng mga mamamayan,” she said.
Cabrera cited funds meant for flood control that allegedly ended up in the pockets of government officials, lawmakers, DPWH personnel, contractors, and state auditors, which should have ensured transactions were free from fraud. She added that recovering stolen government funds is far more difficult than providing relief to the public.
“Mahirap na para mabawi natin ang lahat ng mga ninakaw mula sa kaban ng bayan — kahit ibenta pa ang mga jet, kotse, mansyon at alahas na nakumpiska mula sa mga sangkot sa anomalya, kaya dapat makagawa ng paraan upang maibsan ang paghihirap ng publiko sa pagbabayad ng buwis na pinangangalagaan nanakawin din naman,” Cabrera stressed.
She reminded the administration that the government has a moral obligation to return something to taxpayers who are at the end of a corrupt system.
“Pati nga iyong system loss ng mga power company, tayo pa ang nagbabayad ng VAT kaya ang pagtanggal ng VAT sa electric bill ng mga consumer ay magiging isang paraan para makabawi ang taongbayan sa hagupit ng iskandalo,” she said.
Cabrera also noted that removing VAT would allow consumers and taxpayers to save money, strengthen household finances, support small businesses, and stabilize prices.
“Kahit mumunting baryang natitira sa bulsa, kapag naipon, ay malaking tulong na agad sa buwanang gastos ng bawat pamilya,” she added, stressing that now is the right time given public anger over alleged large-scale government fund misappropriation.
Filcore is a non-stock, non-profit group advocating for the rights, protection, and welfare of all Filipino consumers.