Statement of Sen. Pia S. Cayetano on 'idiotic' Expanded Senior Citizens Act

"Critics of the Expanded Senior Citizens Act (ESCA) should not train their eyes solely on tax revenues to be lost with the exemption of the elderly from the 12 percent VAT because these so-called 'losses' would ultimately contribute to the overall welfare of our senior citizens. The law brings them improved purchasing power and better health, and comes as a timely relief, especially amid high prices of drugs and prime commodities.

Calling the law 'idiotic' by sizing it up solely in terms of government's lost finances while ignoring its many benefits is utterly sweeping and unfair. If they really think it's a bad law, let me urge critics of ESCA to present their own amendments and alternative proposals to help senior citizens in the 15th Congress."