By MANILA, Philippines – Senator Loren Legarda filed two bills to lower prices on basic goods and services while expanding value-added tax (VAT) exemptions for essential necessities medicines and medical services.
These measures represent concrete steps toward a more progressive national VAT system, easing the burden on low-income households.
“By treating healthcare and daily subsistence as fundamental rights rather than taxable transactions, the bills aim to reduce out-of-pocket costs for the most vulnerable sectors and ensure that life-saving medical care and basic necessities remain affordable,” she added.
