Online selling taxation appeals to delay - local official

By Raadee Sausa August 29, 2020 IMUS CITY, Cavite - Gov. Jonvic Remulla of Cavite appealed to the national government on August 24 to con...

By Raadee Sausa
August 29, 2020


IMUS CITY, Cavite - Gov. Jonvic Remulla of Cavite appealed to the national government on August 24 to consider delaying the taxation for online sellers who are just trying to make a living instead of relying on the government’s aid.

The lawmaker pointed out that owners of small businesses are “barely making a profit” during the period of community quarantine that was imposed to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease.





“I am asking the national government to please consider delaying the taxation of online trading or selling. This is for the benefit of small business entrepreneurs,” Remulla said on his Facebook post.

"Rather than impose taxes, we should create programs, encourage and inspire people to shift to the new digital economy. I think innovation and progress is what the country truly needs,” he said.





The official also cited a Social Weather Stations’s survey in July which showed that the adult unemployment in the country rose to 45.5 percent, or a 28-point increase from the 17.1 percent in December 2019, setting a record-high from the 34.4 percent in March 2012.

The online selling is one of the effective ways to cope with the pandemic, Remulla said, adding that even teachers and other professionals who lost their jobs during the crisis have engaged in this business.

In Silang, Cavite, where Remulla lives, owners of shops of ornamental plants have also taken their businesses online, he added.

“There is no reason not to support those who are crafty, resourceful, street smart and adaptive to the modern world. Please, let us not burden them. Rather, let us work together to make their numbers grow. Let us boost their spirits so that someday, they may be big enough to pay bigger taxes,” Remulla said.

“Let us give comfort to those who are striving to survive. They are not even asking for a dole out. These entrepreneurs are not depending on the SAP. They are just trying to make a living in order to provide for their families. Is it that difficult to make the lives of the people we serve easier?” he added. RAADEE S. SAUSA