Senate to start tackling sin tax bill next week

The Senate will finally tackle the reformed sin tax bill starting next week, Senator Ralph Recto said Wednesday.   "Meron nang schedule sa Thursday next week. Kauna-unahang pagdinig [yun] ng ways and means dun sa sin taxes," Recto, chair of the Senate ways and means, told reporters during an interview on Wednesday.   The senator said they hope to pass the sin tax bill, which seeks to impose higher taxes on tobacco and alcohol products come October and November.   "It is my duty to pass this measure – fair measure – taking into account the interest of all stakeholders na patas ang laban para sa lahat at maipasa natin ito bago matapos ang taon... para 'di sumabay sa budget deliberation ng Senate. Palagay ko kakayanin," he said.   Earlier, Senate finance committee chairman Sen. Franklin Drilon said the sin tax bill has been included in the chamber's legislative priorities.   The passage of the sin tax bill will help increase government revenue, which could be used to improve state health programs.   In his third State of the Nation Address, President Benigno Aquino III likewise endorsed the measure.   But even before this, the House of Representatives passed its version of the sin tax reform bill or House Bill 5727 authored by Cavite Rep. Joseph Abaya. — VS, GMA News