Former budget chief suggests higher VAT, lower income tax - and tax on softdrinks and bottled water

MANILA - Former budget secretary and UP economist Benjamin E. Diokno during the Foreign Correspondent Association of the Philippines forum dubbed "Prospects for the Philippines 2013, The Philippines: Things Looking Up?" on Thursday presented some ideas which he said would address some "unfinished political and economic agenda" when put in place could move the country forward.
Among these is the hike in value added tax and levies on softdrinks and additional real properties.