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(a)
The power to tax is the authority given to a government to impose taxes on its
citizens or entities within its jurisdiction. Taxes are levied on various forms of
income, assets, and transactions, and the revenue generated from taxation is used to
fund government operations, services, and programs.
The legislative branch of government, typically composed of a parliament or
congress, is responsible for passing tax laws determining the amount and type of
taxes to collect. These laws must conform to constitutional limits and principles,
such as the equal protection of the law and the prohibition of retroactive taxation.
In a democratic society, the exercise of the power to tax is subject to various
checks and balances, including public scrutiny, transparency, and accountability.
Citizens have the right to know how their tax dollars are being spent and to
demand accountability from their elected representatives.
Taxation can also be used as a tool to influence economic behavior and promote
social policies. For example, governments may use tax incentives to encourage
investment in certain sectors or regions or impose taxes on harmful activities such
as smoking or pollution to discourage them.
Overall, the power to tax is essential for governments to raise revenue and fulfill
their obligations to their citizens. However, it must be exercised responsibly and by
democratic principles to ensure that it is fair, reasonable, and proportional, and
used for the public good.
(b)
In the Philippines, the power to tax is granted to the government through the
country's Constitution and related laws. This power is vested primarily in the
legislative branch of government, which has the authority to pass tax laws, subject
to certain constitutional limitations.
The Philippine government's power to tax extends to all forms of income, property,
and transactions within its jurisdiction. Taxes are collected from individuals,
corporations, and other entities based on their income, assets, and activities, and
the revenue generated is used to fund government operations, services, and
programs.
The Philippine Constitution requires that taxation be uniform and equitable and
that tax laws be applied impartially. It also prohibits retroactive taxation and
requires that tax laws conform to constitutional principles such as due process and
equal protection of the law.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is the government agency responsible for
enforcing tax laws and collecting taxes. It has the power to conduct audits,
investigations, and assessments of taxpayers to ensure compliance with tax laws.
Overall, the power to tax is essential for the Philippine government to raise
revenue and fulfill its obligations to its citizens. However, it must be exercised
responsibly and by constitutional principles to ensure that it is fair, reasonable, and
proportional and used for the public good.