Title
Science Fund Tax on Vehicles and Stamps
Law
Republic Act No. 5448
Decision Date
Sep 25, 1968
Republic Act No. 5448 imposes a tax on privately owned vehicles and a science stamp tax, with the collected funds dedicated to promoting scientific research and development in the Philippines for a duration of five years.
A

Expenditure Guidelines and Appropriations

  • Fund expenditures require appropriation by law.
  • Initial collections (until June 30, 1969) may cover unprogrammed appropriations for science agencies lacking funds.
  • Subsequent expenditures must be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Additional Tax on Privately Owned Passenger Automobiles, Motorcycles, and Scooters

  • Imposes additional tax based on shipping or factory weight of private passenger vehicles:
    • 1,000 kilos or less: P35.00
    • 1,001 to 1,500 kilos: P100.00
    • 1,501 to 2,000 kilos: P250.00
    • Above 2,001 kilos: P450.00
  • Fixed additional tax for motorcycles and scooters: P15.00.
  • Fixed additional tax for jeepneys: P30.00.
  • Tax collected alongside vehicle registration fees under R.A. No. 4136 with "Science Tax" indicated on receipts.

Additional Science Stamp Taxes

  • Imposes an additional 100% science stamp tax on documentary stamp taxes under National Internal Revenue Code.
  • Specific rates on tax clearance certificates:
    • First-class passengers: P50.00 per certificate.
    • Second or tourist-class passengers: P30.00 per certificate.
    • Third-class or steerage passengers: P5.00 per certificate.
  • Exemptions:
    • No science tax on freight tickets (goods as accompanied baggage on passenger carriers).
    • No science tax on certificates issued by notaries or authorized oath administrators.
  • Collections follow same procedures and penalties as documentary stamp taxes.

Collection and Management of Funds

  • Commissioners of Internal Revenue and Land Transportation Commission must remit collections monthly within first 10 days of succeeding month.
  • Collections form part of the Special Science Fund and cannot be diverted or used for other purposes.
  • Budget Commissioner and National Treasurer responsible for fund release upon proper authorization by relevant science authorities.

Rule-Making Authority

  • Secretary of Finance and Secretary of Public Works and Communications to issue rules for tax collection.
  • Chairs of the National Science Development Board and National Research Council granted authority to promulgate implementing rules and adopt science stamp designs.

Reporting Requirement

  • Chairs of National Science Development Board and National Research Council must submit annual reports within 15 days from Congressional session start.
  • Reports to include accounts of programs, projects, and detailed expenditures funded under this Act.

Duration of the Special Science Fund

  • Tax proceeds to form the Fund for five years from the Act’s effectivity.
  • After five years, taxes revert to the General Fund unless otherwise legislated.

Penal Provisions

  • Failure or refusal to remit collections, delayed or obstructed processes, or diversion of funds punishable by:
    • Fine up to P10,000 or imprisonment up to six years, or both at court discretion.
  • Government officials guilty face dismissal with prejudice, disqualification for public office.
  • Alien offenders subject to deportation after fine payment without further proceedings.

Separability Clause

  • Invalidity of any part of the Act does not affect remaining provisions which can operate independently.

Repealing Clause

  • All inconsistent laws, orders, and regulations are repealed, amended, or modified to conform with this Act.

Effectivity

  • The Act takes effect January 1, 1969.

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