Senior Citizens Party-list Representative Rodolfo Ordanes expressed strong opposition to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)’s recommendation to remove the value-added tax (VAT) exemption for senior citizens.
“Ang diskwento sa VAT ng ating mga senior citizen ay hindi pribilehiyo kundi pagkilala sa kanilang ambag at proteksyon sa kanilang dignidad,” Ordanes said, emphasizing that benefits for the elderly should not be sacrificed to address fiscal challenges.
The OECD argued that removing VAT exemptions for seniors and private education could help reduce debt and narrow the budget deficit.
Ordanes countered that deficit reduction should focus on eliminating corruption, wasteful spending, and bureaucratic red tape.
“Kung may kailangan mang bawasan o tanggalin, hindi iyon ang benepisyo ng mga senior citizens, kundi ang kurapsyon sa gobyerno, maaksayang paggastos ng mga opisyal, at red tape sa pamahalaan,” he added.
Ordanes highlighted that measures like closing tax loopholes and streamlining bureaucracy would attract investments and increase revenues without burdening vulnerable groups.
He also expressed support for Department of Finance proposals to remove exemptions benefiting wealthy individuals and large corporations.
“The rich and large companies can pay these taxes. Note also that the old reasons for many of the tax incentives no longer exist or are no longer valid,” he said.
Citing a 50% drop in foreign investments last year, Ordanes underscored the need for accountability and reforms that protect the poor and elderly while strengthening fiscal stability.