Angara backs war on drugs, possibly more taxes on junk food

Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara. FILE PHOTO

Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara threw his support behind an “all-out war” against illegal drugs while keeping an open mind on the incoming administration’s other proposals, possibly including additional taxes on junk food.

“Sobra na ang problema sa droga ng bansa kaya sinusuportahan ko ang all-out war sa drugs (The problem of drugs in our country is grave so I’m supporting all-out war against [illegal] drugs),” Angara said in a statement on Monday.

“We support measures to help rid the police of scalawags allegedly involved in corruption and illegal drugs. We also support the proposed salary increase of policemen in order to attract more qualified and competent law enforcers in the country,” he said.

Angara was reacting to President-elect Rodrigo Duterte’s stern warning against three alleged corrupt police officials.

“Corruption must stop. I would have to ask about three generals diyan sa (there at) (Camp) Crame to resign. Do not wait for me to name you in public because I will only humiliate you,” Duterte said during his thanksgiving party in Davao City over the weekend.

READ: Duterte warns 3 ‘corrupt’ PNP officers: Resign or be humiliated

Angara, chairman of the Senate committee on ways and means, promised to study carefully all proposals of the incoming administration.

“As a legislator, I will study carefully all proposals of the incoming administration and consider them with an open mind,” he said.

“We need to see the figures and the effects on the economy including job figures. The last tax amnesty was a decade or so ago so we are open to that suggestion,” the senator added.

Angara was apparently referring to reports that incoming Finance Secretary Carlos “Sonny” Dominguez was considering the imposition of additional taxes on junk food supposedly to discourage its consumption, promote health and boost government revenues. RAM/rga