A party-list representative recently suggested that taxes should go on cosmetics rather than fuel. And to call out how ridiculous this is, netizens—both men and women—posted their sentiments with the hashtag #DontTaxMyBeauty.
This started when Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe suggested to reconsider the excise tax implemented on fuel products because it’ll affect daily life. He also adds that the people who can afford cosmetics are those who have the capacity to spend.
“Tax revenues from the beauty industry, if properly collected has the capability of surpassing even the sin taxes collected from tobacco and alcohol,” Batocabe said in a statement.
Netizens took to Twitter to express their qualms about the proposed “vanity tax,” calling it unconstitutional and just another way to shame women.
https://twitter.com/ohnopaige/status/818804711696408576
https://twitter.com/kirishiimas/status/818846168943828993
Society pressures womem to look presentable and look good but now they want to tax us pa? Wow ah. #DontTaxMyBeauty
— { f e m i n i s t } (@feministph) 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
This isn't "just about make-up". It's but a small reflection of a system that impacts women disproportionately. #Donttaxmybeauty
— ~♡ (@lizzytimbreza) January 10, 2017
Some even noted how a few personalities evaded tax in the past. (*cough* Manny Pacquiao *cough*)
https://twitter.com/OYEVlTNE/status/818850421611511810
What about increasing income taxes of billionaires ? #DontTaxMyBeauty
— Noemi L. Dado (@momblogger) January 10, 2017
As of writing, #DontTaxMyBeauty is the top trending topic in the Philippines.
Makeup tax underlies a bigger issue as it implies that a woman should pay extra just to look “presentable” in the real world. This also exploits the fact that women can shell out money to buy cosmetics.
Let’s be real here: NO ONE should be taxed with using something that makes them feel empowered, much more makeup. It is not a vice that you should fine people for nor is it a money-making venture just because you don’t want to pay extra tax for your fuel.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
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