SENATOR Loren Legarda today batted for the creation of a Joint Legislative Tax Commission , a commission that will study, evaluate, and review tax measures and proposals.

    Legarda said the proposal as embodied in her Senate Bill No. 2485 is aimed at minimizing the delays associated with legislation and resolving differing views of various parties concerned in the system of taxation.

    This proposed commission, Legarda explained, will be the venue for efficient deliberations to ensure that the different concerns are addressed and evaluated before a rationalized measure is undertaken by the respective committees in Congress.

    Legarda said the creation of the commission is but imperative, to iron out the discord among the policy stakeholders which has remained slow and efficient.

    "It's time we adopt a mechanism to speed up the reforms necessary not just to help the common Filipino, but to help the country progress as well through the enhancement of the country's fiscal strength," she said.

    The Commission, Legarda added, will expedite the passage of tax measures. It will be composed of representatives from the Executive Department, the House of Representatives and the Senate. It shall likewise be supported by a technical staff as well as an initial fund of P50 million pesos to carry out its operations.   [top]