Econ team to propose details of tax relief for oxygen firms

MANILA – Malacañang is leaving it up to the country’s economic managers to decide on the details of giving tax relief to manufacturers of medical-grade oxygen.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made this remark after President Rodrigo Duterte announced that he is considering talking with Congress about giving tax relief to what he described as a “vital” component in the country’s fight against Covid-19.

“Wala pa pong exact percentage na nabanggit ang Presidente, pero ang paggamit po ng tax relief ay para ma-enganyo nga po ang mga manufacturers na magproduce pa ng mas maraming oxygen na baka kakailanganin natin pagdating po ng spike dito sa Delta variant (The President did not mention an exact percentage, but tax relief is meant to entice manufacturers to produce more oxygen that we might need in case of a spike in cases due to the Delta variant),” he said in a Palace press briefing on Tuesday.

Asked if Duterte would certify the proposed measure as urgent, Roque expressed confidence that Congress would swiftly act on the matter.

“Hayaan na po natin ang (Let us leave the) economic managers propose to Congress the exact figure and I’m sure naman with the level of cooperation being extended by Congress, mapapabilis po ang pagpasa sa batas na ito (the passage of this law would be acted on immediately),” he added.

In his pre-recorded public address, Duterte said the country’s hospitals should prepare additional medical-grade oxygen in case of a possible surge in Covid-19 cases.

“If it really goes out of control, we would need all the oxygens that they can produce para sa mga tao. Kailangan talaga (for the people. It’s really needed),” he said.

Duterte recalled when some hospitals ran out of medical-grade oxygen for patients during the country’s first wave of infections.

“Kaya itong gumagawa ngayon, bigyan ninyo ng lisensya ‘pag tama lang (So for those who are producing it, give them license if appropriate). If everything is in order, bigyan ninyo na kaagad (give it right away),” he added.

Last week, World Health Organization country representative Rabindra Abeyasinghe urged the Philippines to increase medical-grade oxygen to avoid running short of supply.

The Food and Drug Administration on Monday assured that the country still has enough supply of medical-grade oxygen.

There are currently 81 manufacturers of medical-grade oxygen around the country.