Info drive on BIR plan to tax SSS, Pag-IBIG contributions set

Malacaang is standing by earlier plans of revenue officials to impose taxes on Pag-IBIG and Social Security System (SSS) contributions and insists the scheme needs only to be explained adequately in the face of growing opposition from Filipino workers abroad.

At a press briefing, presidential deputy spokesman Abigail Valte said the outline of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) memorandum calls for taxing sums in excess of benchmark amounts of voluntary contributions usually made by self-employed persons.

We will have to verify first with BIR Commissioner Kim Henares about the parameters. From what I understand, not all contributions will be taxed. (Only) those voluntary contributions, and even at that, not the entire amount, but only sums in excess of benchmarks in the voluntary contribution, Valte said.

Valte also declined to comment on whether the measure shows that Henares is hard up in improving revenue collections.

Let us not be angry with Commissioner Henares, she is just doing her job, Valte said.

Responding to supposed threats by overseas Filipino workers not to remit (SSS contributions), the Palace spokesman underscored that the remittances are beneficial to workers. We hope that does not happen. It is important that we encourage our OFWs to remit because the SSS is a big help for them, she said.

Vice President Jejomar Binay reportedly has also expressed displeasure over the move of the BIR.

The measure needs to be explained. I believe the president of Pag-IBIG also expressed reservations. This is something that they will have to discuss. That will be up to the BIR, Valte said.

She declined to confirm that Henares had sought President Aquinos approval of the measure. –Benjamin B. Pulta, Daily Tribune