Batangas Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste renewed his call for Congress to approve proposed tax cuts, including lowering VAT on goods and suspending VAT on fuel amid the ongoing fuel crisis linked to tensions in the Middle East.
He said Congress has the authority to act independently and criticized Executive Secretary Ralph Recto for allegedly blocking the proposals.
Leviste urged the House to put the VAT reduction bills to a vote, saying the executive’s position should not constrain lawmakers.
Recto, however, dismissed the claim and told Leviste to focus on his duties as a legislator, stressing that no single official can block Congress from passing laws.
The proposal remains under discussion as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. weighs revenue concerns and targeted aid measures for affected sectors.
Source: PhilNews24 | April 16, 2026
LEVISTE: CONGRESS INDEPENDENT FROM EXECUTIVE, SHOULD PASS TAX CUTS
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