In line with the government’s thrust to facilitate a more equitable distribution of opportunities, income and wealth, Bulacan Representative Linabelle Ruth R. Villarica filed HB 3186, granting qualified farmers and fishermen discount on petroleum products.
The bill seeks to grant a Php 2.00 discount privilege for every liter of petroleum products sold to farmers and fishermen, whose income does not exceed Php 200, 000.00. As such, Rep. Villarica said that the petroleum products shall be solely used for the planting and cultivation of agricultural harvests and raising, marketing, and distribution of marine products.
The Committee on Agriculture and Food convened on June 6 to confer on the probable enactment of the said bill. House members who were present during the hearing lauded the intention of the author to reduce the overhead expenses in agricultural and marine production. Conversely, they asked for the proposed funding scheme to ensure the sustainability of this policy.
Meanwhile, Cagayan Representative Randolph Ting proposed that in line with the passing of the bill, tax credit should be given to whoever will provide for the discount. The tax equivalent for the discounted petroleum products will be deducted from the total amount of tax paid by the petroleum companies.
Moreover, Representative Arnel Ty of the LPGMA Party-List motioned that the Committee should create a Technical Working Group to thoroughly study and discuss the bill. He suggested to include other concerned groups such as the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and Department of Energy (DoE), so as to ensure representation of involved interests.
He also asked for an update on the Pantawid Pasada Program of DoE, for the proposed bill might undergo the same procedure as the said program. However, Pasig City Representative Roman Romulo reminded the body that conducting a follow-through on the Pantawid Pasada Program is not under the jurisdiction of the Committee.
Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites
