House Committee Chair Challenges Neophyte Lawmaker on Legislative Rules
House neophyte reminded of ‘1-subject, 1-title’ rule

Image: Inquirer
During a House session in Manila, Marikina Representative Miro Quimbo reminded Batangas Representative Leandro Leviste of the 'one-subject, one-title' rule in legislative processes. This exchange occurred while discussing the Kalinga bill, aimed at addressing economic disruptions from the Middle East conflict, highlighting the importance of adhering to constitutional guidelines in bill formulation.
- 01The Kalinga bill aims to provide a comprehensive government response to economic disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict.
- 02Quimbo emphasized that including a VAT reduction in the Kalinga bill could render it unconstitutional due to the 'one-subject, one-title' rule.
- 03Leviste argued that reducing VAT from 12% to 10% is a necessary response to the oil crisis.
- 04Quimbo assured Leviste that his committee would discuss pending tax relief bills, including those proposed by Leviste.
- 05The exchange underscored the tension between legislative intent and constitutional compliance in the Philippines.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
In a recent House session in Manila, Marikina Representative Miro Quimbo, chair of the House committee on ways and means, engaged in a contentious debate with Batangas Representative Leandro Leviste regarding the Kalinga bill. This bill seeks to formulate a comprehensive response to economic disruptions stemming from the Middle East conflict, known as 'Komprehensibong Alalay sa Livelihood, Inflation, Negosyo at Goods Assistance.' Leviste proposed including a provision to reduce the value-added tax (VAT) from 12% to 10%, arguing it was a necessary response to the ongoing oil crisis. Quimbo countered that such an amendment would violate the 'one-subject, one-title' rule established in the Philippine Constitution, which mandates that bills address a single subject to avoid constitutional challenges. He reiterated that the Kalinga bill should focus solely on the oil crisis, warning that adding unrelated provisions could render the measure unconstitutional. After a heated exchange, Leviste agreed to let Quimbo's committee discuss tax relief bills in the future, including his own proposals, provided they gain majority support.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
This legislative discussion could influence future tax policies and economic relief measures in the Philippines, particularly in response to the oil crisis.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Do you think the VAT should be reduced in response to the oil crisis?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.



