#DontTaxMyBeauty: Netizens slam proposed vanity tax
MANILA, Philippines — Filipino netizens have been reacting since Tuesday night to a proposed imposition of a 10- to 30-percent excise tax on cosmetic products and beauty services as an alternative to imposing additional tax on fuel products.
Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Rodel Batocabe proposed a "vanity tax" that will also be imposed on services such as liposuction, facelift, nose job and breast augmentation. He said that it would be better to impose a "vanity tax" on those who want to look good, which, he said is a luxury.
On Tuesday night, the hashtag #DontTaxMyBeauty trended on Twitter as Filipino netizens expressed opposition to the proposed vanity tax.
The Corpus Juris, the online Philippine Law Library, said on its Twitter account that the proposed vanity tax is "unjust, unconstitutional, oppressive and discriminatory."
Most netizens lamented that the proposed vanity tax directly affects women.
This isn't "just about make-up". It's but a small reflection of a system that impacts women disproportionately. #Donttaxmybeauty
— nega star (@lizzytimbreza) January 10, 2017
We believe the proposed “vanity tax” to be unjust, unconstitutional, oppressive, and discriminatory #DontTaxMyBeauty https://t.co/XE7cvBBg2G pic.twitter.com/gYFVw8GcTZ
— The Corpus Juris (@thecorpusjuris) January 10, 2017
My Ganda is not a vice. #donttaxmybeauty
— COCO QUIZON l (@cocoquizon) January 10, 2017
: Kaysa patawan niyo ng tax ang kung-anuano, eh kung hindi niyo kaya binubulsa at sinasayang sa pang-bonus kina Bato? #DontTaxMyBeauty
— CHOWKING HAZARD (@Watdahel_Marcel) January 10, 2017
PH society: "Kayong mga babae, mag-ayos naman kayo."
— CHOWKING HAZARD (@Watdahel_Marcel) January 10, 2017
PH government: *Places additional tax on beauty products.* #DontTaxMyBeauty
: Isipin mo yung ipinambili mo ng lipstick at pulbo, isang parte nun ay ipapalamon sa mga tulad ni Tito Sotto. #DontTaxMyBeauty
— CHOWKING HAZARD (@Watdahel_Marcel) January 10, 2017
Tax is supposed to be equitable. You dont tax women's needs just because your misogyny feels they are for vanity. #DontTaxMyBeauty
— MrsHan (@MoxieLi) January 10, 2017
: Real talk, tho. I see #DontTaxMyBeauty through 2 different lenses. We have to admit, this is pretty much a middle class woe.
— CHOWKING HAZARD (@Watdahel_Marcel) January 10, 2017
YALL WANT WOMEN TO PAY TAX FOR MAKEUP BUT IGNORE SENADOR MANNY PACQUIAO WHO HAS A TAX EVASION CASE #DontTaxMyBeauty pic.twitter.com/GsgZNJ9z8L
— nami (@OYEVlTNE) January 10, 2017
Beauty products are highly misunderstood; hindi siya for vanity lang when the products become a tool for empowerment. #DontTaxMyBeauty
— Elon Musk4musk (@hjoldr) January 10, 2017
A society that shames women for how they look without makeup now wants to punish them financially. #DontTaxMyBeauty
— Sasuke Uchiha (@kirishiimas) January 10, 2017
Society pressures womem to look presentable and look good but now they want to tax us pa? Wow ah. #DontTaxMyBeauty
— Babae Power (@feministph) January 10, 2017
Batocabe: those who want to be gorgeous should pay
— Lesly B. (@breathlesslyb) January 10, 2017
This tax actually targets WOMEN, often required to use makeup for work #DontTaxMyBeauty
This Congress really is toxic masculinity incarnate #DontTaxMyBeauty https://t.co/THYWgPFuWX
— Lino Dimaculangan (@linoangelo) January 10, 2017
my highlight is literally brighter than the future of this country, pls #DontTaxMyBeauty
— Maris (@marisolanday) January 10, 2017
#DontTaxMyBeauty Highly taxing cosmetics is the perfect way to make women, artists and gays feel even more like second-class citizens.
— Kip Oebanda (@kipoebanda) January 10, 2017
Batocabe said that tax revenues from the beauty industry may surpass the "sin" taxes collected from tobacco and alcohol if properly collected. "Sin" taxes are collected on items that the government considers vices. The tax is not only meant to increase government revenues but is also to curb consumption as in the case of the "sin" tax on tobacco.
Batocabe's proposal has gained support from other members of the House of Representatives.
Isabela Rep. Rodito Albano said that it would be better to impose a vanity tax or a "tax on luxury" noting that being attractive comes with a price.
- Latest
