Colmenares vows to remove VAT on basic goods if elected senator

Bayan Muna Chairman Neri Colmenares on Thursday said he intends to remove the value added tax (VAT) on basic commodities if elected as senator in the 2019 midterm polls.

Accompanied by Makabayan bloc solons and former social welfare secretary Judy Taguiwalo, Colmenares arrived at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) headquarters to file his certificate of candidacy as the senatorial bet of the Makabayan bloc.

Hundreds of supporters also accompanied him as they marched from the National Press Club towards the Comelec main office in Intramuros, Manila.

“Tanggalin ang VAT sa kuryente, sa tubig, at sa langis,” Colmenares said when asked about his platform before entering the grounds of the Comelec office.

Colmenares being interviewed by reporters at the Comelec main office. (Photo by Christia Marie Ramos / INQUIRER.net)

Colmenares added that he also intends to craft a law that would prohibit all forms of contractualization in the country, citing that it is the “immediate platform” of the Makabayan bloc at the Senate.

“Isang batas na magbabawal, walang patumpik-tumpik, nagbabawal ng contractualization,” he said.

“Yan ang immediate na plataporma ng Makabayan sa Senado,” Colmenares said.

As then Bayan Muna representative, Colmenares authored RA 10639 which requires the sending of warnings through text messaging during typhoons and disasters.

Colmenares  made an unsuccessful bid for the Senate during the May 2016 elections.  /muf