Akbayan Partylist Rep. Perci Cendaña called on the House of Representatives to pass a proposed wealth tax as fuel prices and inflation continue to put pressure on Filipino households.
Cendaña has been involved in high-profile policy debates on taxation and public spending. His push for higher taxes on billionaires and large corporations has drawn criticism over possible impacts on investment and capital flows. He also figured in a public controversy after being mocked over his facial condition as a stroke survivor by Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, an incident that drew backlash and raised concerns over remarks targeting health conditions.
During House discussions this week, Cendaña raised House Bill 4304, also known as the Solidarity Contribution Act, which seeks to impose a 1.5 percent to 3 percent tax on individuals with net assets above 300 million pesos.
“At least P78 billion approximately can be generated from the top 15 richest Filipinos on the Forbes list. We need to help each other amid this crisis, and rich or poor, we have responsibility to one another,” Cendaña said.
He said the proposed measure could fund programs on mass transport, climate change adaptation, universal healthcare, calamity response, and other priority services. The proposal comes as transport costs rise alongside global fuel price pressures.
The measure is co-authored by Akbayan lawmakers Chel Diokno and Dadah Kiram Ismula, along with Rep. Kaka Bag-ao of Dinagat Islands.
Debate over wealth taxation remains active, with supporters pointing to new revenue sources and critics raising concerns over economic impact. Cendaña’s proposal places him again at the center of policy and political debate as Congress weighs responses to rising costs.
