It was not the case in the Senate as it voted 16-4 to approve the measure that was expected to provide tax relief to almost 6.8 million workers. Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara, chairman of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, sponsored the bicameral conference committee report that would be transmitted to President Rodrigo Duterte for signing on December 19. * expanding the value added tax (VAT) base;* increasing the excise tax on petroleum products;* increasing the excise tax on automobiles;* introducing the tax on sugar-sweetened beverages. ”Tinio said that the ratification should not be allowed because the copies of the bill were not given to them. Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo Farinas, House majority leader, said, however, that the bicam report has been ratified and may only be challenged through the plenary or through legal actions.

Source: Manila Times December 14, 2017 16:18 UTC