Congressmen included in the senatorial line-up of independent presidential bet Senator Grace Poe will take the lead in pushing for the approval of the bill seeking to reduce income tax payments of ordinary Filipinos, noting that a presidential veto could spell instant defeat of Malacañang bet, former Secretary Mar Roxas.
Reps. Neri Colmenares of Bayan Muna and Roman Romulo of Pasig City said the proposal should be pursued despite President Aquino’s refusal to support it.
Colmenares and Romulo admitted that they foresee a presidential veto even if the bill gets the support of majority of close allies of Malacañang.
“Let him veto it and guarantee the defeat of Mar Roxas in 2016,” stressed Colmenares.
Roxas was reported to have previously adopted the Malacañang line in rejecting the measure.
But sending the bill to the doorsteps of the Palace may be difficult, if not totally farfetched if it fails to get the support of majority of Malacañang allies in Congress or if time runs out for the legislature to pass it.
Colmenares and Romulo are confident Congress has enough time to pass the measure if lawmakers will it.
“The Speaker previously said there is no more time for the bill. But recently, he said there is,” Colmenares said.
He added that the bill is too popular among congressmen who believe that it should pass.
“This bill is a perfect complement to the tuwid na daan,” said Romulo who has also been batting for approval of the measure.
The proposed reduction of income tax rate has the support of Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and the House Committee on Ways and Means headed by Marikina City Rep. Miro Quimbo.
However, House action on the measure slowed down after Aquino frowned on the legislative idea that would cost government P29 billion in revenues. (BEN ROSARIO)