Aquino execs apologize to Recto over sin tax bill remarks

Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima

MANILA, Philippines – Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima apologized “in behalf of everyone” to Senator Ralph Recto during a caucus held in the Senate on Wednesday, Recto himself said after the caucus.

Recto said Presidential Legislative Liaison Office head Manuel Mamba, Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Henares and Health Secretary Enrique Ona were also present in the caucus but it was only Purisima, who apologized to him.

“Secretary Purisima offered an apology in behalf of every one,” Recto told reporters.

“They were all there and (I) accepted (the apology,” he said, adding that Purisima’s apology was “good enough” for him.

Asked what Purisima had apologized for, Recto said, “For what transpired. They already knew it, and no need to talk about it further.”

Also in the caucus, Recto said many senators have expressed sentiments in favor of the original proposed   P60 billion target revenue proposal of Malacañang from the controversial sin tax bill.

“Sentiments were expressed that it would be better to come up with the highest number, the P60 billion they they’re taking about.  Doon tayo mag umpisa (Let’s start there). That was the sentiment of many senators,” he said.

Recto was apparently surprised however that the government officials present during the caucus were suddenly talking about P40 billion revenue target only.

“I said let’s start at P60 billion but now they mentioned P40 billion only.  Let’s take a look at that if it’s doable,” the senator added.