Lacson: Collect unpaid taxes for better internet connection

MANILA, Philippines — Collecting billions in unpaid taxes would go a long way in funding development projects, including programs that would improve the country’s information and communications infrastructure, independent presidential candidate Sen. Panfilo Lacson said.

Lacson said he is determined to go after unsettled taxes to fund the crucial projects of his government, including a well thought out national broadband plan (NBP) to significantly improve internet connection services.

“Think about it, P23-billion estate tax, but it reached P203 billion because it was long overdue. Because every year, it incurs a five percent interest rate. Why is it not being collected? It continues to be neglected. If we are already digitalized, it would not get to that point, it will be paid,” he said in his town hall meeting over the weekend with residents of Malibay, Pasay City.

He was referring to the controversial estate tax debts owed by the Marcos family that the Bureau of Internal Revenue tried but failed to collect in 25 years.

Recalling his work in defending the budget of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), he said roughly P18 billion is required to build the necessary infrastructure and systems to carry out such a plan.

He said he could raise the amount if Filipinos grant him the privilege and opportunity to manage the executive department, which has the authority to implement these kinds of programs.

“If we accomplish that, our internet services will be steady. Unfortunately, I was always trying to pursue that – P18 billion. I was drawing funds from other agencies that I believe would only misuse it. But the problem again was in the implementation,” Lacson said.

He recalled the Department of Budget and Management released only around P900 million for the NBP, preventing the DICT from developing the fiber optic backbone, a vital component of high-speed internet services.

Improving the country’s information and communications highway, he said, is tied to his overall digitalization plan, which will be a priority program under his presidency.

For this reason, he said he would pursue whatever taxes are owed to the government to fund future projects for the benefit of the people.

Lacson’s intention to digitize all government transactions is part of his lifelong mission to combat graft and corruption.

He said he believes a fully digitized administration would intensify tax collection efforts, so the government would no longer have to keep borrowing money for its programs.

This would also help make the Philippines be on par with neighboring countries whose investments on similar NBP or digitalization programs are not only saving them billions in public funds, but are vastly improving their economies as well, according to the candidate.