Leviste wants to cut VAT to 10%

Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste has filed a measure that would slash the current value-added tax (VAT) rate from 12 percent to 10 percent in a bid to provide relief to millions of Filipino families.

- By ELLSON QUISMORIO

Legarda Leviste, 32, filed for this purpose on Wednesday, Sept. 3, House Bill (HB) No. 4302, or the proposed VAT Reduction Act of 2025.

“This bill is about giving ordinary Filipinos a break. The VAT is regressive, hitting the poor and middle class the hardest. Lowering it makes our tax system more progressive,” the self-made billionaire said.

Although the measure has the potential to forego P200 billion in annual VAT collections, it will also equate to an estimated P7,000 savings per household each year.