Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Monday emphasized that the government's fight against corruption must serve the interests of all Filipinos, not just the business community, especially ordinary citizens burdened by taxes like the 12 percent value-added tax (VAT).
In a statement responding to a recent appeal by 34 business groups calling for decisive anti-corruption measures, Lacson said he supports the sector’s demands but urged them to recognize that the struggle is shared by tens of millions of everyday taxpayers.
“I couldn’t agree more with the business sector except that they should not only be speaking on their behalf but for the tens of millions of individual taxpayers including every Filipino that cannot escape the 12% VAT or consumer tax that we all pay in exchange for goods and services that we deal with on a daily basis,” Lacson said.
The business groups, in calling for government action against corruption, had suggested that the government empower the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) with full legal authority and independence, free from political influence; prosecute all those responsible regardless of rank, position or political affiliation; implement institutional reforms; ensure restitution of ill-gotten wealth and embezzled funds; and strengthen procurement and oversight systems.
Lacson echoed the urgency of the call but reminded the public that such efforts must extend beyond sectors of influence and wealth.
“In the midst of all the acts of corruption being exposed on a regular basis that seem to cut across almost all implementing agencies entrusted with public funds, we should sustain the momentum of guarding against any and all shenanigans by monitoring and reporting the same, if not to the concerned authorities, directly to the Filipino people so those responsible may be shamed, prosecuted and put behind bars,” he said.
He likewise warned that public vigilance must not wane.
“Lowering our guard, and worse, forgetting after reaching this far in terms of awareness and inciting public anger, is no longer an option,” Lacson said.
He urged Filipinos to report corruption, whether to authorities or directly to the public, so that those responsible may be “shamed, prosecuted, and put behind bars.”