Manila, Philippines – Ako Bicol partylist Representative Rodel Batocabe has proposed a bill increasing taxes on cosmetic products and beauty services as an alternative to increasing tax on fuel.
“Ang lipstick P300, dagdagan mo ng P30. Siguro naman ang isang taong nagli-lipstick ay di naman magiging pabigat ang P30 sa kaniya, para sa isang lipstick. O ang makeup, dagdagan mo ng 10 porsiyento, di rin pabigat. Kung talagang mabigat na ‘wag ka na mag-makeup, mabubuhay ka naman,” Batocabe told GMA News.
The lawmaker argued that “vanity tax” is better than the proposed hike in excise tax on petroleum products which he said would affect mostly the poor.
“‘Pag tinaas mo ang gasolina, tataas ang bilihin, tataas ang presyo ng transportasyon, tataas po ang ating mga pagkain dahil ‘yan ay konektado sa lahat,” Batocabe said.
Meanwhile, House leaders are rallying behind the proposal saying that the Department of Finance (DOF) should reconsider their proposal to tax fuel products.
“I support aesthetic tax and other taxes like tax on sweetened beverages because these products are usually used or consumed by those who are in the higher income earners level,” Deputy speaker and Batangas Rep. Raneo Abu said.
Isabela Rep. Rodolfo “Rodito” Albano III said it is about time to impose “luxury” tax rather than increase tax on gasoline and impose a P6-per-liter levy on diesel, kerosene, cooking gas and bunker fuel.
For his part, Quezon City Rep. Winston “Winnie” Castelo, chairman of the House committee on Metro Manila development, said Batocabe’s proposal is worth considering.
