The Department of Finance is opposing a provision in the sin tax bill that requires a court order before authorities can conduct raids on suspected illegal traders of alcoholic drinks and e-cigarettes.
Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III told reporters at the sidelines of an event at the DoF headquarters in Manila Friday night he wanted President Rodrigo Duterte to veto the provision. The House and Senate recently approved the bill, which is now awaiting signature of President Duterte.
“… I want him to take out one line there. There is a line there [saying that] we cannot raid before the court order. You cannot check without the court order,” Dominguez said.
The bill, if unsigned, will lapse into law on Jan. 24. Dominguez said he had already informed the President on his concerns through a memorandum following the passage of the bill in the House and Senate in December.
Dominguez said getting court orders before authorities can conduct raids and investigation on unscrupulous traders would impact negatively the government’s campaign against illegal traders. “… That is how we catch these guys… ,” he said.
