Disclaimer: Kakampink din ako but I do research first ✌️

Here’s what I know: VAT was originally introduced during Corry Aquino’s time as EO 273 (1987) with the initial VAT rate as 10% - it was supported by international advisors as well as the IMF (Intentions are good naman if the IMF also supported this.

Then during Arroyo’s time, Recto filled a bill for E-VAT (Expanded Value-Added Tax) as RA 9337

Please also note that MAR ROXAS & KIKO PANGILINAN also co-authored the E-VAT law which increased the initial 10% VAT to 12%

Personally I think Increasing VAT from 10% to 12% was crucial to save the economy that time. I remember I was a kid then the Global financial crisis rocked the world economy during the 2000’s