Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 27) — Senator Koko Pimentel on Wednesday said the minority bloc would support the Marcos administration but stressed a new tax proposal would be considered an “alarm bell.”

According to Pimentel, one of the guiding principles of the bloc is not to support new taxes.

“Ang position ng (The position of the) minority is no new taxes, especially if imposed on the poor, majority of the people,” the bloc leader told CNN Philippines’ Politics As Usual.

“If it’s a tax measure on the floor, expect lengthy, thorough, and detailed interpellation from the minority,” Pimentel added.

The minority bloc is composed of Pimentel and Senator Risa Hontiveros.

Pimentel said the bloc will still cooperate with the majority if the measures being pushed would be good for the Philippines and Filipinos.

In his first State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. bared his plan to impose taxes on digital transactions to increase the country’s tax collection.

READ: VAT ‘not a new tax: Palace stands by Marcos’ plan to tax digital transactions