LUIS MANZANO DEFENDS STEPFATHER RALPH RECTO AMID 20% TAX HIKE CONTROVERSY — “HE’S NOT THE VILLAIN YOU THINK HE IS!”

In the midst of growing public outrage over a proposed 20% tax increase, one of the Philippines’ most popular TV hosts and personalities, Luis Manzano, has taken to social media to defend his stepfather, Senator Ralph Recto, who has become the center of criticism for allegedly backing the controversial tax reform bill.

With emotions running high and netizens calling out lawmakers for what they view as “anti-poor” policies, Luis broke his silence in a heartfelt and surprisingly firm statement online, saying:

“I know him personally, and I know his heart. He’s not doing this to hurt the people.”

THE CONTROVERSIAL 20% TAX INCREASE

The issue began when news broke that a new tax bill, reportedly supported by several influential senators including Ralph Recto, would impose an across-the-board 20% increase in various government taxes. While some sectors support the bill as a necessary means to recover from economic losses due to the pandemic, a majority of netizens are furious, claiming the burden will fall primarily on ordinary Filipinos who are already struggling with inflation, rising food prices, and lack of wage increases.

Social media was immediately flooded with angry posts, memes, and hashtags such as #NoTo20Percent, #TaxReformOrTaxAbuse, and #RectoResign.

In the middle of this storm, Ralph Recto—known as a long-time public servant and respected economic policymaker—faced relentless backlash, with some accusing him of being out of touch with the masses.

LUIS MANZANO STEPS IN

Just as the criticism reached its peak, Luis Manzano, son of actress-politician Vilma Santos and stepson of Recto, posted a lengthy Instagram story defending his stepfather’s integrity and intentions.

“Let’s be clear. I’m not a politician, and I have no plans of becoming one,” Luis wrote.
“But I can’t stay quiet when I see people attacking someone I know has dedicated his life to making this country better.”

Luis emphasized that Ralph Recto’s role in the bill is being misrepresented, and that the senator had suggested amendments to reduce the impact on lower-income families.

“If only people knew how much time he spends trying to balance economic recovery and protecting the poor,” Luis added.

PUBLIC REACTION: MIXED AND HEATED

Luis’s defense did little to cool the flames. His post was met with mixed reactions, with many praising him for standing up for his family, while others accused him of being privileged and disconnected from the daily struggles of the average Filipino.

A comment under a reposted version of his statement read:

“Easy for Luis to say, he doesn’t have to worry about buying rice or commuting every day.”

Others, however, rallied behind him:

“Let’s not shoot the messenger. Luis is just standing up for someone he loves. That’s what any of us would do.”

Still, others urged Luis to use his platform to advocate for clearer transparency in tax policy rather than simply defending a politician:

“Why not invite your stepdad to explain it clearly to the public instead of just saying ‘he’s a good guy’?”

WHO IS RALPH RECTO IN THIS EQUATION?

Ralph Recto has long been respected as one of the most experienced economic minds in the Senate. His previous work on the Expanded Value-Added Tax (E-VAT) and other fiscal reforms has earned him both praise and criticism. While many of his policies were seen as technically sound, they were also often perceived as painful to the public in the short term.

In the case of the current 20% tax hike, Recto is allegedly one of the co-authors of the bill, though his office insists that he did not propose an outright 20% increase, but rather adjustments based on income brackets and consumption patterns.

His communications team released a statement shortly after Luis’s post:

“Senator Recto has always advocated for fair taxation. The current draft bill is still being refined to ensure that the most vulnerable sectors are protected.”

A FAMILY CAUGHT IN POLITICAL CROSSFIRE

Luis Manzano’s entry into the conversation underscores the personal toll that public office can take on families. Though Luis has largely remained apolitical throughout his career, focusing on entertainment and hosting, he is no stranger to the political limelight, being the son of two prominent figures.

His mother, Vilma Santos, served as governor and congresswoman of Batangas and is one of the most beloved celebrities-turned-public-servants in Philippine history.

“I grew up surrounded by politics, but I chose a different path. Still, that doesn’t mean I won’t stand by the people I love,” Luis stated.

THE BIGGER ISSUE: TRUST IN GOVERNMENT

At the heart of the uproar is not just a tax hike, but a growing distrust in government. Many Filipinos believe that while taxes keep rising, services remain poor, and corruption continues unchecked.

Social media users have asked:

Why impose new taxes when billions are lost to corruption?
Will the new tax law really go to public benefit, or will it end up in someone’s pocket?
Why not tax the ultra-rich instead of burdening the working class?

Luis’s defense, while heartfelt, may have unintentionally highlighted a deeper national frustration — that Filipinos are tired of being told to “understand” policies that seem to hurt them more than help.

WHAT’S NEXT?

The 20% tax proposal is currently under Senate review, and hearings are expected to be held in the coming weeks. Public consultations, policy amendments, and fiscal impact studies are being demanded by various groups.

Meanwhile, Ralph Recto is expected to appear in a televised Senate hearing, where he may address the public directly. Sources say he is aware of the backlash and is prepared to explain his side clearly and calmly.

Luis, for his part, has not deleted or edited his post, standing firm by his family and calling for a more respectful and fact-based public dialogue.

CONCLUSION

The tax controversy continues to evolve, but one thing is clear: the people are watching, and they want answers.

Luis Manzano may have defended his stepfather with good intentions, but the larger conversation about economic justice, government accountability, and transparency has only just begun.

As the heat intensifies in both the Senate and the streets, one can only hope that true dialogue—not just political defense—prevails.

Developing story.