Bill filed for 20% tax on firecrackers
A BILL seeking to impose a 20% tax on the sale of firecrackers and fireworks has been filed at the House of Representatives. “To reduce the number of firecracker casualties, regulate the cost of dangerous firecrackers, yet still allow for safe pyrotechnics for dazzling fireworks like what we saw in the 30th SEA Games, I have House Bill (HB) 1517 which provides for a 20 percent tax on fireworks and firecrackers,” AKO BICOL Party-list Rep. Alfredo A. Garbin, Jr. said in a press statement on Dec. 24. Mr. Garbin noted how current law enforcement efforts “have not been enough to bring down the number of deaths and injuries each year from the use of firecrackers especially during the Christmas to New Year holidays.” He added, “In HB 1517, the cost provides a reasonable disincentive and makes the purchaser think more than twice by weighing the cost of firecrackers against other more urgent family needs because the excise tax will be collected or charged against the purchaser or consumer.” He further recommended that the pyrotechnics industry “donate ample funds to DoH (Department of Health) and PhilHealth (Philippine Health Insurance Corp.) so that there would be readily available funds for emergency treatment and post ER (emergency room) recovery of firecracker victims.” — Genshen L. Espedido
House leader calls on LGUs to help implement 20% discount for athletes
HOUSE SPEAKER Alan Peter S. Cayetano asked local government units to help ensure the implementation of the 20% discount for national athletes while the House of Representatives prepares to conduct an investigation on the reported failure of business establishments to observe the law. “I think this January, Congress can start with the hearing, but even before that, mananawagan na kami sa (we are calling on the) local governments (to implement that),” Mr. Cayetano said on Monday. National Wushu athlete Agatha Wong called attention to the matter after she was denied the benefit at a restaurant last Dec. 21. Section 4 of Republic Act 10699 provides that national athletes are entitled to a 20% discount from all establishments “relative to the utilization of transportation services, hotels, and other lodging establishments, restaurants, and recreation centers and purchase of medicine and sports equipment anywhere in the country.” Athletes are also entitled to the same discount for admission fees in cinemas, theaters, concert halls, carnivals, and “other similar events of culture, leisurement, and amusement.” Violators face a fine of at least P50,000 or imprisonment of not less than six months for the first offense. Mr. Cayetano also directed the House committee on youth and sports to study the possibility of providing health insurance to athletes. — Genshen L. Espedido
