BACOLOD City – The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) has approved a resolution expressing full support for House Bill (HB) No. 4302, which seeks to lower the value-added tax (VAT) rate from 12 percent to 10 percent.
The measure, authored by Batangas 1st District’s Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste, aims to provide immediate financial relief to Filipino families while stimulating economic activity by reducing the tax imposed on goods and services.
Councilor Caesar Distrito, who authored the resolution, said Bacolodnons, like most Filipino consumers, are heavily burdened by the current VAT rate.
“At 12 percent, the Philippines has one of the highest VAT rates in Southeast Asia, compared to 7 percent in Thailand and Malaysia, and 8 percent in Singapore. This disproportionately affects ordinary wage earners and low-income families who are struggling with rising prices,” Distrito stressed.
The resolution highlights that lowering the VAT will boost the purchasing power of Bacoleños, encourage consumer spending, and revitalize local businesses — contributing to a stronger and more inclusive economy.
The city government and its residents are expected to directly benefit from the proposed measure, as lower VAT would make basic goods and services more affordable and allow households to increase their savings.
“This is a call for tax reform that places people first. By easing the burden on consumers, we help families recover faster and create a stronger foundation for economic growth,” Distrito added.
Copies of the resolution will be forwarded to Leviste and the House of Representatives to formalize Bacolod City’s support for the bill./PN
