MANILA - A measure imposing a 12-percent value-added tax (VAT) on foreign digital service providers (DSPs) hurdled committee level at the House of Representatives. During a hearing on Wednesday, the House Committee on Ways and Means approved House Bill No. 372, which seeks to level the playing field between traditional and digital businesses by clarifying the imposition of VAT on DSPs. Digital services include online licensing or software, updates and add-ons, website filters and firewalls, mobile applications, video games and online games, and webcasts and webinars. It also includes the provision of digital content, such as music, files, images, text, and information; online advertising spaces; electronic marketplaces; search engine services; social networks; database and hosting; and online training. "The measure also aims to strengthen tax compliance through simplified invoicing and registration requirements for VAT-registered nonresident DSPs," Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, au