Sen. Richard Gordon (File photo by GRIG. C. MONTEGRANDE / Philippine Daily Inquirer)
Should “vanity” tax be also imposed on men who need “enhancements” or “reductions?”
The question was raised in jest after senators agreed on Monday to reduce from 20 percent to 10 percent the so-called vanity tax contained in the proposed tax reform measure.
READ: Senators agree on 10 percent vanity tax
“Senator Gordon wants the exclusion of certain procedures, which are related to his name,” Sen. Sonny Angara, chairman of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, said in jest, referring to Sen. Richard Gordon, who is also called as “Dick” by some of his colleagues.
Angara’s remark elicited laughter from the session hall.
“Why, does he need it, Mr. President?” Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, who wanted a vanity tax of 20 percent but later agreed to lower it to 10 percent, asked, also in jest.
Gordon took the floor and gamely engaged his colleagues.
“Obviously, there are limitations in the imagination and vocabulary of the chairman, your honor, and I think he’s referring to many of us who would not admit their infirmities in the manner of size, your honor,” Gordon said. “So I was just trying to give them a chance, because in South Africa, they are now making such procedure – enhancement.”
“I withdraw the joke, Mr. Presidnet,” Angara said. “It is said in jest. I thank the gentleman for his good humor.”
Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto joined his colleagues and asked if Gordon would want an “enhancement” or a “reduction.”
“He claims it’s a reduction Mr. President,” Angara answered.
The banter was a respite from the marathon hearings of the Senate, which has been holding morning sessions to fast-track the passage of the tax measure. /atm