Public anger in the Philippines over the multibillion-peso flood-control scandal has reopened a debate that has simmered for years: will this finally force politicians to tackle a tax system many Filipinos see as unfair, inefficient and tilted against them?
A Senate inquiry late last year heard that politicians and local officials had worked with contractors to siphon off at least 200 billion pesos (US$3.5 billion) earmarked for flood-control projects across the country, with some structures allegedly never built, poorly constructed or placed in the wrong areas.
The revelations – touching a programme meant to shield communities from chronic flooding – drew thousands into the streets to protest what they called the theft of “people’s money”.
Since then, tax reform has re-emerged as part of the public conversation.
On Tuesday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr allowed congress to fast-track a bill abolishing the travel tax, long criticised by overseas Filipino workers and holidaymakers.
For some, the move signalled responsiveness but for others, it looked cosmetic.
Discover more from PressNewsAgency
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.