Senator Sonny Angara on Saturday called on the government to ensure the job security of the affected workers of proposed tax reform.
According to Angara, part of the “incremental revenues” of the proposed tax reform should be allocated for the affected workers.
“Oo nga’t mababawasan ang buwis para mas malaki ang maiuuwing sweldo ng ating mga kababayan, pero mahalaga na tiyakin ng gobyerno na mayroon pa rin silang hanapbuhay sakaling mawalan man sila ng trabaho bunga ng panukalang tax reform,” said Angara, chairman of the ways and means committee.
The House Bill 5636 imposes a P10-excise tax on every liter of sugar-sweetened beverages.
Angara also said that imposing excise tax based on sugar content would be more reasonable and more effective in encouraging Filipinos to consume healthier drinks.
In the hearing last Thursday, the Beverage Industry Association of the Philippines said around 130,000 jobs of beverage industry will be affected by the proposed excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages.
However, the Finance Undersecretary Karl Chua stated that about 500,000 jobs will be generated annually by the Build, Build, Build program or infrastructure projects that will be funded by the fresh revenues from the proposed new taxes.
Also, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), provided emergency employment for the employees who were terminated because of the closure of establishments, and for self-employed workers who lost their businesses. | Angelica Bobiles – PTV
