Neri Colmenares renews call to scrap VAT in fuel, electricity: ‘Sana oil’

Former party-list Rep. Neri Colmenares. INQUIRER file photo

MANILA, Philippines — Senatorial candidate Neri Colmenares renewed his call to the government on Thursday to scrap the value-added tax (VAT) in oil and electricity.

Colmenares, progressive Makabayan bloc’s chairperson, reiterated his call as the 12-percent VAT will be removed in Manila Water and Maynilad bills starting March 21.

“The removal of the value-added tax (VAT) in the water bills of Manila Water and Maynilad is very much welcome, especially as all sectors try to recover from the effects of the pandemic. Malaking ginhawa po ito, lalo na sa pamilya ng mga manggagawa at mga negosyong kumokonsumo ng tubig,” he said in a statement.

(This is a big relief, especially to families of workers and businesses that consume water.)

“Pero, sana oil. Tulad ng matagal na naming iginigiit, dapat alisin din ang VAT sa langis at kuryente na dati naman ay hindi sinisingil,” he added.

(But, I hope the same for all. Like what we have been pushing for, the VAT on oil and electricity should be removed which was not charged before.)

The former legislator noted that taxes raise costs and can affect economic activity.

“These taxes drive up the prices of goods and services, making them harder to obtain, lowering incomes and stunting the growth of the economy. We cannot spur economic activity when costs are prohibitive due to taxes like VAT,” he explained.

Should he win a senatorial spot, Colmenares will prioritize legislation that aims to make commodities affordable for Filipinos.

JPV