By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson and Bacolod City Mayor Evelio “Bing” Leonardia are backing the proposal submitted to the national government to suspend the 12 percent value added tax (VAT) on fuel, but both also pointed out that it would need to be carefully studied first.

According to Lacson, anything that can lower the price of fuel is most welcome.

“The proposal has been there from the start,” he said.

However, as the country still owes so much, Lacson said the country’s financial managers feel they cannot afford giving up the taxes.

Leonardia, meanwhile, said the proposal is a “very important decision to make” as there would be repercussions as well if the proposal pushes through.

He said the Department of Finance (DoF) must come into the picture and come into a decision.

“Considering the effects of the COVID-19 crisis, I think it should be done but for how long is up to the DoF para indi man matam-an ang gobyerno,” Leonardia said./DGB, WDJ