Meynard M. Pabellano

Wealth Tax: Benchmarking Global Practices for the Philippines Introduction Calls for a wealth tax in the Philippines have gained traction, particularly from labor leader Atty. Luke Espiritu, who argues that taxing billionaires (“bilyonaryos”) is essential to address inequality. He emphasizes that removing regressive taxes like VAT and excise tax is not enough; structural reforms must include direct taxation of the ultra-rich. Global Benchmarking Spain – Imposes a net wealth tax with progressive rates up to 3.5%. It targets individuals with high net worth and has become a significant source of revenue for social programs. Norway – Levies a net wealth tax of 0.85% on net wealth above a threshold. While critics argue it encourages capital flight, it remains a cornerstone of Norway’s redistributive fiscal policy. Switzerland – Applies cantonal wealth taxes ranging from 0.1% to 1%. These are deeply integrated into local fiscal systems and accepted as part of the country’s tradition of equitable taxation. France (until 2017) – Had a net wealth tax (ISF) applied to assets above €1.3 million. It was later replaced by a real estate wealth tax due to concerns about capital flight, but it remains a reference point in debates on wealth taxation. IMF Guidance – Suggests that alternatives such as capital income tax and inheritance tax may be less distortive while still promoting equity. These options are often considered alongside wealth taxes. Philippine Context • Espiritu’s Position: Wealth tax should complement the removal of VAT and excise taxes, ensuring that the burden of taxation shifts from ordinary consumers to the ultra-rich. • Target Group: Billionaires and high-net-worth individuals who hold disproportionate economic power. • Rationale: Wealth tax would redistribute resources, reduce reliance on regressive taxes, and provide fiscal space for social programs. • Public Discourse: Espiritu’s advocacy highlights the need for systemic reforms rather than temporary relief measures. Conclusion Benchmarking global practices shows that wealth taxes can be designed to fit national contexts. For the Philippines, adopting a wealth tax could strengthen equity, reduce inequality, and ensure that the richest contribute fairly to nation-building. References • International Monetary Fund (IMF) reports on wealth taxation • Spain’s Net Wealth Tax legislation • Norway’s Wealth Tax framework • Switzerland’s Cantonal Wealth Tax system • France’s former ISF (Impôt de Solidarité sur la Fortune) • Public statements of Atty. Luke Espiritu on wealth taxation @LukeEspirituPH

Sufferings and Pain Bring the Best in Us Today, on Good Friday, we remember the profound sacrifice of Jesus Christ—a love so deep it embraced agony, redemption, and salvation to bring us hope. The crucifixion was not just suffering; it was mercy embodied, paving the way for eternal life and the joy of Easter. “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” — 1 Peter 2:24 His sacrifice teaches us that no pain is unseen, no heart is too far gone, and no life is beyond God’s mercy. In our own lives, sufferings and pain can transform us—making us kinder, more compassionate, and better persons. Forgiveness frees us, redemption renews us, and mercy heals us. Thank You, God, for the cross, for Your mercy, and for the love that saved us. May this Good Friday bring hope and healing to all. Tony Leachon

Utang na loob… Pakilabas ng audit ng public debt!

In laying down the charges against Duterte, the ICC Prosecutor also just made the world smaller for his co-perpetrators by naming them. They include Bato dela Rosa, Bong Go, Vitaliano Aguirre II, and several PNP officials. Time and again, we warned this people, even from prison, that this day will come. Like Duterte, they did not listen. Mayayabang pa sila. Many of them will now go into hiding, joining Bato on the lam. No matter, Justice will always catch up with them. Justice will be served. Panahon na ng pagpapanagot sa pagpatay sa mga kapwa Pilipino! Oras na ng pagbabayad sa mga krimen laban sa sangkatauhan!

"The wheels of justice turn slowly, but grind exceedingly fine." #TheWheelsofJustice Atty @chronikrissys

@MagooBlues like her hubby, the typical epalitico.

@X_Facelesssone "the" is the only word in small letters.

The many setback we had in fighting corruption, paano nga ba tayo mananalo? Kahapon sa lecture sa UP MCLE, muli kong binalikan yung mga naging hamon sa pag-laban sa katiwalian. Hindi ito upang mag-pahina ng paninindigan. Ito ay pag-lalabas ng personal na saloobin at pag-hingi ng kuro-kuro kung ano pa ba ang pwedeng gawin. Matibay ko pa ring sasabihin: Hindi lahat ng tao sa gobyerno ay korap! Pero napakahirap manatiling matino, sa loob ng sistemang minsan ay syang nagiging dahilan upang ang ito ay sukuan. Sa audit na lamang, hindi nababawasan ang trabaho pero kulang ang tao. Sisikapin mo pa rin ang kaya mo, dahil masipag ka, ikaw ang paboritong bigyan ng sensitive audit assignments. Kung mauwi ang audit report mo sa Ombudsman. Dagdag oras para sa pagpapakopya ng lahat ng mga dokumento, mga meetings at bago yan, syempre yung pag-gawa ng Notice of disallowance. Hindi ito simple, kailangan pag-aralan kung sinu-sino at anu-ano ang antas ng partisipasyon at ano ba ang dapat panagutan. Bawat isang voucher, bawat supporting document ay kailangan mong suyurin at himayin! Minsan, nagbiro ang tadhana… may SC decision na disallowances affirmed but no refund. Parang yung isa lang desisyon sa Senador na nasangkot sa PDAF, not guilty pero need naman mag-refund! Pagkatapos ng mahabang panahon, habang nalipat ka na sa ibang ahensya, may sub-poena, may hearing at muli, babalikan mo ang halos kinalimutan mo nang audit. Hahalukayin muli ang mga dokumento at muling pag-aaralan sng audit na ginawa mo! Haharap ka sa mahuhusay na defense lawyers at mananalangin na sana, wag kang malito! Wag ka ring mainis dahil minsan, nagpalit ng prosecutor at mukhang hindi nya rin sapat na napaghandaan sa dami ng kasong kanyang tangan. Kung matapos ang kaso at natalo ang gobyerno, minsan auditor ang binabalikan. Hahanap ka ng sarili mong abogado, hugot sa sariling bulsa at minsan may ilan ding kung kailan pa retire ay saka, sasampahan ng harassment case. Pero ito ang pinili mong kurso, ang buhay na ginusto mo. At kahit minsan paulit-ulit kang gustong sumuko, hindi mo magawa, kasi ito ang mahal mo! Minsan, napapatanong ka na lang sulit ba ang lahat ng hirap upang wag sukuan ang laban? Ganito kami, sa laban na hindi namin sinukuan!

@HeidiMendoza45 @HeidiMendoza45 💜🇵🇭

Meron ba? Kung wala, I’m suggesting this.

Maraming, maraming salamat, UPSE family!!! 🥰🥰🥰 #TOYM2023

🇵🇭 Securing Sin Tax Gains, PAGCOR and PCSO Receivables: Strengthening PhilHealth and Defending UHC Sen. Loren Legarda’s recent reservations during the ratification of the 2026 national budget bring to light a deeply concerning pattern: the national government’s continued failure to remit PhilHealth’s legally mandated sin tax revenues from 2023 onward, as well as its unremitted statutory shares from PAGCOR and PCSO dating back to 2019. These receivables are not mere line items—they are the financial backbone of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act. When these mandated funds are delayed or withheld, the consequences are immediate and far‑reaching. PhilHealth’s capacity to expand benefits, protect families from catastrophic health expenses, and move toward a true zero out‑of‑pocket care system is severely compromised. This undermines the very spirit of UHC and places the burden back on ordinary Filipinos, especially the poorest households who rely most on public health financing. It is imperative that the top leadership of the Department of Health and PhilHealth pursue full accountability and transparency on these unremitted revenues. Securing the complete transfer of sin tax gains and the statutory shares from PAGCOR and PCSO is both a legal obligation and a moral duty. Without these funds, UHC cannot be fully realized. At the same time, we must remain vigilant against programs that weaken PhilHealth’s mandate. The proposed MAIFIP framework risks fragmenting health financing, diluting PhilHealth’s role as the primary financial risk protector, and pushing vulnerable families deeper into poverty due to catastrophic health outcomes. Any initiative that undermines UHC or bypasses PhilHealth’s central role must be halted. We commend senators who continue to champion transparency, fiscal discipline, and people‑centered governance. Their leadership reinforces the truth that good health policy is built on integrity, evidence, and an unwavering commitment to public welfare. May this renewed call for oversight inspire stronger collaboration across government to protect UHC, strengthen PhilHealth, and ensure that every Filipino receives the quality healthcare they deserve. #RelentlessForChange @loren_legarda

Forensic autopsy of an unnatural, violent, suspicious death should be mandatory, consent of next of kin not required. But this is the Philippines. Lame state. 😒

As expected from a fall. Any natural disease condition? What about toxicology? Was she pushed? Did she slip? Did she jump?

@anakmartiallaw Eto need mo Sara Discaya, unlimited yan.

Ang tawag diyan ay consequence of your action. Hindi mo inisip ang mga anak mo nung gumagawa kayo ng kabalbalan. Infact, naging gahaman ka pang namili ng 44 na kotse. Kung maayos kang magnegosyo nung una pa, hindi ka aabot ng ganito.

"INSERTIONS OF UNPROGRAMMED APPROPRIATIONS IN NATIONAL BUDGET UNCONSTITUTIONAL" Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Ramon Paul L. Hernando ruled that the inclusion of unprogrammed appropriations in the General Appropriations Act (GAA) is unconstitutional and that the entire amount should be removed from the budget. In his separate concurring and dissenting opinion to the recent SC En Banc ruling, which declared unconstitutional the transfer of ₱60 billion in PhilHealth funds to the National Treasury, Justice Hernando emphasized that unprogrammed appropriations have no constitutional basis and their insertion into the GAA exposes public funds to potential misuse and corruption. He noted that if certain funds fall outside the scope of the GAA, only Congress, through its power of appropriation, may legally determine how they should be spent by enacting a special appropriations law. Under the 2024 national budget, Congress raised unprogrammed appropriations by ₱450 billion. The Executive Branch had originally proposed ₱281.9 billion in unprogrammed funds under the National Expenditure Program (NEP), but this suddenly increased to ₱731.4 billion in the version ultimately passed and ratified by Congress. #batasph @SCPh_PIO @marvicleonen @loren_legarda @iampinglacson @stgatchalian @piacayetano @jvejercito

@anakmartiallaw Sulit ang boto ng mga critical thinker.

Eto yung 2 Senador na ambilis ng Return of Investment (ROI) ng boto mo given isang taon pa lang halos nakaupo. Thank you!

PUBLIC ADVISORY Dear fellow citizens, I categorically declare that I am not endorsing any unregistered product from the FDA. These products are part of a dangerous scam that exploits unsuspecting patients and puts lives at risk. I have already reported this matter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). Furthermore, I have sought the assistance of Senator Bam Aquino, who is actively helping to address this situation. This is a call to action: please disseminate this advisory widely to protect patients and prevent further harm. Together, we must remain vigilant against fraudulent practices that compromise public health. Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to safeguarding our communities. Dr. Tony Leachon @bamaquino @FDAPhilippines @DOHgovph @verafiles @rapplerdotcom @dojphofficial

@jcpunongbayan Happy New Year guys, we should be happy we have a budget, saan dapat kami matuwa? The way i see it, this lady is being groomed by admin for a national elected position for returning the favor, araw-araw may fb live through her AsecPR Godess Hope Libiran. Hindi cute ang pagnanakaw

Up!