House to oppose Recto’s version of sin tax bill

THE House of Representatives vowed to oppose the “watered down” version of the sin tax bill proposed by Senate ways and means committee chairman Senator Ralph Recto.

Recto received criticism from his colleagues and several health advocates for recommending a sin tax measure that would raise only P15 billion to P20 billion in government revenues. The amount is half of the expected P31 billion from the House version.

“Recto’s proposal is watered down. We will stick to the House version,” Western Samar Representative Mel Senen Sarmiento, one of the authors, said in a text message.

“The campaign of the government for good health and universal health care will fail if we adopt the Senate version. We should not back down on our position,” Eastern Samar Representative Ben Evardone, chairman of the House committee on public information, added.

Recto’s proposal uses a three-tier tax rate for tobacco and alcohol products while Malacanang is pushing for a uniform tax rate. The government’s original proposal seeks to increase revenues to P60 billion. The revenue will be used for healthcare projects.

Recto said his committee’s version of the bill is “realistic.” He said high taxes on sin products could lead to smuggling.

Davao City Representative Isidro Ungab, chairman of the House committee on ways and means, said that although his colleagues reject Recto version of the sin tax bill, he would rather wait for the final version of the Senate.

“The committee report will still undergo debates and perhaps amendments at the plenary,” Ungab said.

House Deputy Speaker Lorenzo Tañada III also urged senators to scrutinize the Recto version of the bill.

“Health of the majority of the poor trumps revenue anytime. It is not a question of revenues, it is a question of health,” he said.

The House of Representatives has already found an ally in Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago who earlier called on university students and social media netizens to join the war against the committee version of the sin tax bill, which she calls “the death star bill.”

“I am gobsmacked – speechless with amazement – at the committee report. It bears no recognizable resemblance to my bill. It is an abject surrender to the very rich and very powerful tobacco and alcohol lobby,” Santiago, whose proposal aims to raise revenues to P60 billion, said earlier. (Kathrina Alvarez/Sunnex)
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2012/10/13/house-oppose-rectos-version-sin-tax-bill-247839

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For inquiries and bookings, Please click here to contact Clearwater Resort for inquiries and reservations now

Clearwater Resort and Country Club, Clark Pampanga
Creekside Road near Centennial Expo,
Clark Freeport, Pampanga Philippines 2023
(045) 889-5151 0917-520-4403 0922-870-5177
Joanne or Jeremy or Loydha

Getting to this lake and beach resort in Pampanga Angeles City Clark Philippines

After entering Clark Freeport from Dau and Angeles City, proceed straight along the main highway MA Roxas, passing the stand-along wine shop called Clark Wine Center on the right, continue to bear right making no turns at all, go past Mimosa Leisure Estate on the opposite side of the road, one will hit a major intersection. Go straight and the road becomes Creekside Road. YATS Clearwater Resort and Country Club is on the right just 200m down.

Family Bonding by the famous lake of Clark Pampanga

http://www.ClearwaterPhilippines.com

Manila Sales Office
3003C East Tower, Phil Stock Exchange Center,
Exchange Rd Ortigas Metro Manila, Philippines 1605
(632) 637-5019 0917-520-4393 Rea or Chay

Email: Inquiry@ClearwaterPhilippines.com

Please click here to contact Clearwater Resort to reserve a venue for your upcoming event now

Wedding couples looking for wedding reception venues and beach wedding venues can log on to this Philippines Wedding Venue web site for free information and assistance:

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While in Clark, it might be a good idea to enjoy an evening of wine-and-dine in the fine dining Yats Restaurant and Wine Bar that features an award winning 2700-line wine list. It is located in Mimosa Leisure Estate of Clark Freeport Zone. For more information, visit http://www.YatsRestaurant.com

YATS Leisure Philippines is a developer and operator of clubs, resorts and high-class restaurants and wine shops in Clark Angeles Philippines http://www.YatsLeisure.com

While in Clark, one might as well add to the itinerary a visit to the famous Clark Wine Center, the largest wine shop in Philippines which offers over 2000 selections of fine vintage wine from all wine regions, vintages spanning over 50 years covering all price ranges.
http://www.ClarkWineCenter.com

Looking for famous tourists spots, places to visit and see, relax and unwind in Clark, Pampanga, Philippines? You may want to check out these sites also:

http://www.LondonPubClark.com

http://www.HotelClarkPhilippines.com

http://www.ClarkPhilippines.com

http://www.YatsWineCellars.com

For jobs and business investment opportunities in the Philippines please visit http://www.yilp.com

Hot Line for what’s happening in Clark: 045 889-5151 or 0927-940-2669 ask for Loydha

0915-542-6250 (Jeramie)