By Pearl Gumapos
The Department of Finance (DOF) on Tuesday (March 15) expressed its stand on the suspension of excise tax, explaining that it will only have negative effects on the country’s economy.
“Diyan sa usapin na iyan, iyong posisyon natin ay hindi po tayo sang ayon sa pagsuspinde ng excise taxes. Kasi po malaki ang mawawala sa ating treasury kapag ginawa natin iyan,” DOF Spokesperson Paola Alvarez said during the Laging Handa public briefing.
“Kapag ginawa nating automatic ang pag-suspend ng excise taxes, in the long run, mas malaki ang magiging epekto niyan sa atin kasi iyong ating economic growth at government spending naka-attach sa kung magkano ang nakokolekta natin in terms of revenue,” she said.
Alvarez said that instead of suspending the excise tax, the government should look into providing targeted support to those who may need it.
“So, iniisp natin na mas maganda na iyong mga PUV [public utility vehicles] at saka mga drivers ay bibigyan nalang natin sila ng targeted subsidy. Kapag ganoon, mas makokontrol natin at iyong ating collection ay hindi bumababa,” she said.
“Ngayong paglalabas natin sa pandemya, kailangan po talaga nating i-push iyong ating economic growth at government spending. Kung hindi po, maaapektuhan talaga ang pagbalik natin sa ating ekonomiya bago po ang pandemya,” she added.
-ag
