Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste on Monday, April 13, questioned why Congress has yet to act on proposals seeking to reduce the value-added tax (VAT) on essential goods, including fuel, amid growing public demand for relief from rising prices.
Speaking during the second extended hearing of the House Legislative Energy Action and Development (LEAD) Council, Leviste criticized what he described as continued inaction on key tax relief measures.
The hearings were conducted to explore both short-term and long-term solutions to mitigate the impact of high fuel costs on Filipino consumers.
“We have had enough hearings. It is time to let every member’s vote be known. There should be separation of powers, so why is Congress allowing the Cabinet to block a vote on the VAT?” Leviste said.
The first-term lawmaker has filed House Bill No. 4302, which seeks to reduce the VAT rate on all goods from 12 percent to 10 percent. He also authored House Bill No. 8838, which proposes the suspension of VAT on petroleum products.
Leviste said there is already growing support within both the House of Representatives and the Senate for VAT reduction, stressing that the measures should now be put to a formal vote.
He also cited a position paper from former Finance Secretary Ralph Recto opposing VAT cuts, warning that such proposals could lead to significant revenue losses for the government.
Recto, who previously authored the law increasing the VAT rate from 10 percent to 12 percent, currently serves as Executive Secretary.
Leviste further noted that Congress has yet to schedule deliberations for voting on the proposed measures, attributing the delay to continued opposition from the Executive.