Re-electionist Senator Francis Tolentino is advocating for the removal of the 12% value-added tax (VAT) on electricity rates.
During his visit in Pampanga on Monday, Tolentino said that he had filed Senate Bill No. 2970 to address high electricity costs, which he said contribute to inflation and rising prices of basic goods.
“This will be a game-changer. Removing the 12% VAT on electricity bills will help lower the cost of essential goods, ease inflation, and give consumers more purchasing power for their daily needs,” he said.
Tolentino said the bill seeks to amend Section 108 of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997.
It would explicitly exempt from VAT the sale of electricity by generation, transmission, and distribution companies, the services of franchise grantees of electric utilities, and the sales and services of internet providers.
Tolentino joined provincial government employees of Pampanga during the flag ceremony on Monday.
During his speech, Tolentino lauded Kapampangan’s discipline, creativity and unity which brought recognition for the province.
The senator was among the principal authors of the bill that declared Pampanga as the country’s culinary capital.
“More than the title, it is the discipline, creativity, and teamwork of Kapampangans that have earned the province its many distinctions. Like the famous Kapampangan parol, behind its beautiful and colorful display are countless intertwined wires working together to create a kaleidoscope of light,” he said.