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Advocates Philippines
DOF Calls Out Kiko Barzaga Over False 2026 VAT Hike Claims
Photo credit: DOF
The Department of Finance (DOF) has called out Cavite Rep. Kiko Barzaga for allegedly spreading misinformation about a supposed plan to raise the Value-Added Tax (VAT) in 2026.
In a strongly worded statement, the DOF denied the claim and urged public officials to stop spreading false information.
“Cong. Kiko Barzaga, wag po tayo magpakalat ng fake news!” the DOF said.
The agency clarified that there are no plans to increase or introduce new taxes in the coming years.
“Nililinaw ng Department of Finance (DOF) na HINDI TOTOO ang balitang may planong magtaas ng VAT sa 2026. Wala pong dagdag o bagong buwis na ipapataw sa taumbayan,” it added.
According to the DOF, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and Bureau of Customs (BOC) are capable of raising sufficient funds through digitalization, tighter enforcement, and efforts to plug leakages in the tax system.
The department also highlighted ongoing efforts to boost non-tax revenues by increasing dividend contributions from GOCCs and privatizing government assets.
“Sapat ang pondo ng gobyerno at on track tayo sa ating collection performance para mapondohan ang HEARTS (H–health, E–education, A–agriculture and environment, R–roads and infra, T–technology, and S–security and social protection) ng bawat Pilipino!” the DOF said.
The DOF ended its statement by reminding elected officials to be responsible and avoid becoming purveyors of fake news.
In a strongly worded statement, the DOF denied the claim and urged public officials to stop spreading false information.
“Cong. Kiko Barzaga, wag po tayo magpakalat ng fake news!” the DOF said.
The agency clarified that there are no plans to increase or introduce new taxes in the coming years.
“Nililinaw ng Department of Finance (DOF) na HINDI TOTOO ang balitang may planong magtaas ng VAT sa 2026. Wala pong dagdag o bagong buwis na ipapataw sa taumbayan,” it added.
According to the DOF, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and Bureau of Customs (BOC) are capable of raising sufficient funds through digitalization, tighter enforcement, and efforts to plug leakages in the tax system.
The department also highlighted ongoing efforts to boost non-tax revenues by increasing dividend contributions from GOCCs and privatizing government assets.
“Sapat ang pondo ng gobyerno at on track tayo sa ating collection performance para mapondohan ang HEARTS (H–health, E–education, A–agriculture and environment, R–roads and infra, T–technology, and S–security and social protection) ng bawat Pilipino!” the DOF said.
The DOF ended its statement by reminding elected officials to be responsible and avoid becoming purveyors of fake news.
Oct 25, 2025
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