Senator Roxas Pushes for Tax Relief and Affordable Medicines

Strategic Insights -

Senator Mar Roxas is advocating for tax relief measures to alleviate the financial burden on ordinary citizens, citing the increasing cost of living and rising oil prices. As the Congress resumes session on January 21, Roxas plans to push for the suspension of 12 percent expanded value-added tax (EVAT) on petroleum products and withholding tax on ordinary citizens. He also aims to pass the proposed Cheaper Medicines Bill, designed to make branded medicines more affordable for the poor.

Key Takeaways:

  • Senator Roxas plans to file an initiative to suspend 12 percent EVAT on petroleum products and withholding tax on ordinary citizens, citing the increasing cost of living and rising oil prices.
  • Roxas believes that reducing taxes can help ease the burden on ordinary people with "measly income" and skyrocketing prices of basic commodities.
  • According to a recent SWS survey, nine out of ten Filipinos enter the New Year with hope in their hearts, and Roxas vows to match this spirit with concrete programs to improve the people's quality of life.
  • Roxas also vowed to push through the passage of the proposed Cheaper Medicines Bill, designed to help the poor afford high-priced branded medicines.
  • The planned Cheaper Medicines Bill aims to include provisions to bring down the cost of medicines, and Roxas suggests an Affordable Medicines Summit to hammer out clear-cut strategies and responsibilities.
  • Roxas plans to delegate the execution of the bill's provisions to a common timeline, ensuring effective implementation.

Statistics:

  • The world crude oil price has reached US$90 per barrel, up from US$50 per barrel when the VAT was being discussed.
  • Nine out of ten Filipinos enter the New Year with hope in their hearts, according to a recent SWS survey.

Sources:

  • Asia Pulse
  • SWS survey
  • Philippine News Agency, January 2, 2008