Singson’s bill results to billions in earnings

By Myds Supnad

VIGAN, Ilocos Sur- The billions of pesos of taxes derived by the region from the Tobacco Excise Tax, known as Republic Act number 7171, that propelled the economy of Virginia Tobacco-producing provinces in Region 1 the past years was a product of the single bill principally sponsored by then congressman Luis “Chavit” Sinsgon, now gubernatorial-elect of Ilocos Sur.

“I am not ashamed to tell the public that I had only one bill filed that was passed when I was congressman representing Ilocos Sur’s First district because this is now earning billions of pesos for the province and other provinces planting Virginia tobacco,” Singson or Chavit as fondly called by friends and relatives proudly told newsmen here.

Before the May election, the national government released more than P6 billion.

Out opf this, P3 billion went to Ilocos Sur, as the province’s share from the tobacco excise tax, the biggest Virginia-tobacco producing province.

The enactment into law of Republic Act 7171 reportedly sparked the economic progress of Ilocos Sur, La Union, Ilocos Norte and Pangasinan that are now all classified as first class provinces.
Singson said although he was the one who fought for passage of the RA 7171, he shared the tobacco excise tax to municipalities that have been allocated 40 percent.

Another 30 percent went to the two districts and the remaining 30 percent was the only amount being implemented by the provincial government.

“Diak naagum, isu nga inted ko to 30 percent to dua nga congressman tayo, 40 percent met ti mapmapan iti mamayores ket 30 laeng ti mapmapan ti kapitolyo nga iyemplementar ti gobernador nga para kadagiti proyekto na,” (I am not that greedy so I gave the 30 percent to the two congressmen, 40 goes to the mayors and only 30 percent goe to the capitol to be implemented by the governor for his own priority projects),” pointed out Singson during his visit here.

A total of more of less P22 billion is is earned yearly by the government from the tobacco industry.

Singson said the province’s share from the excise tax was purely used in economic development, construction of farm-to-market roads and other infrastructure projects.