MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – Minimum wage earners should no longer pay income taxes as well as withholding taxes.

This was emphasized by Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero in his radio interview via DXIQ Malaybalay City, Bukidnon today, April 13, 2009.

“Under the law, minimum wage earners should not pay withholding taxes anymore. Wala na dapat binabawas sa suweldo nila,” Escudero said.

The young senator’s statement comes in light of the national government’s position that the tax relief being extended by Republic Act 9504 to qualified taxpayers covers only half of last year. “Six months lang daw ang covered. Meaning from January to June 2008 eh hindi na covered. Mali ito,” he said.

“This matter is still pending before the Supreme Court. Inakyat namin sa Korte Suprema ang bagay na ito para makuwestiyon at mabigyan linaw. Hindi iyan ang intensiyon ng Senado. What we are calling for is the exemption for the entire year,” Escudero emphasized.

Escudero, who sponsored RA 9504 as Chairman of the Committee of Ways and Means in the Senate, said that the bill aims to help alleviate the plight of poor Filipinos especially in these times of crises.

The law, which took effect last July 6, also increased the personal exemption for individuals as follows: single — from P20,000 to P50,000; head of family — from P25,000 to P50,000; each married individual — from P32,000 to P50,000; and each qualified dependent (not exceeding four) — from P8,000 to P25,000.

The deadline for filing tax returns is on April 15, 2009 (Bukidnon News)

PHOTO CREDIT: ASTERISK Events and Communications

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