BoB weighs in on tax debate
Friday, December 13, 2019
BoB governor, Moses Pelaelo
The Finance and Economic Development ministry is proposing broad tax reviews as part of measures to restore fiscal stability in NDP 11, which is due to suffer P18 billion in budget deficits. “What government gives, it must first take from its citizens; that’s public finance 101,” BoB governor, Moses Pelaelo told BusinessWeek at a briefing last week. “It’s just like that.
“The issue of broadening the tax base and enhancing the efficiency of public finance management are critical. “When you have many exemptions and others, they may be distortionary and hamper the ability to collect tax efficiently. “We are all aligned on this, from the BoB, to government and others, looking at the situation.
Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...