Palace won't stop lawmakers' push for income tax cut

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang will not stop lawmakers who will still push for the lowering of income tax rates even if President Benigno Aquino III has rejected such proposal.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the Palace respects the independence of the Congress so it will await the next move of lawmakers.

"Sa ating sistema ng pamahalaan, ang Kongreso ay independiente at hiwalay na sangay at kapantay ng Ehekutibo. Trabaho ng mga mambabatas ang magbuo ng mga batas kaya’t hihintayin na lamang namin ang kanilang pasya hinggil diyan," Coloma said in a press briefing.

On Monday, Aquino disagreed with the proposed income tax cuts, saying these will not benefit Filipinos and the economy.

Aquino argued that lower income tax rates will decrease government revenues and may affect the country's credit ratings.

Despite Aquino's rejection, Sen. Sonny Angara expressed hope that the president will support his proposal on income tax reforms.

"I am an optimist. I believe in the better angels of our nature. I think that even those who are skeptical would come around and join our cause," said Angara, chair of the Senate ways and means committee chair.

"Ituloy natin ang pangungumbinsi. Kung naniniwala tayo na tama tayo, bakit tayo hihinto? We will be resolute in our advocacy but respectful," he added

Angara said Aquino may have been given an incomplete picture on the proposed tax reform bills.

"Ang kinatatakutan ko talaga ay hindi siya binibigyan ng tamang impormasyon ng kanyang mga economic managers," the senator said.