KIKO PANGILINAN AGAINST RAISING OF TAXES; FILIPINOS SHOULD NOT BEAR THE BURDEN OF GMA'S SINS

Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan today says that further raising taxes on an already burdened citizen is not the answer to solving the country's budget deficit.

"The budget deficit is brought about by overspending in government and widespread corruption that result in flawed system of tax collection. These are the legacies of the Arroyo administration."

"I don't see raising VAT as the solution to our budget deficit. Why should the Filipinos bear the burden of Arroyo's transgressions? The system of tax collection must be improved. Smuggling must be addressed. Corruption within the BIR must be stopped. It is fortunate that Arroyo is leaving her post--that solves the extravagant spending of the executive department. All these must be dealt with, and only by addressing these concerns can we solve the problem of the budget deficit."