Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion

Sen. Bam: Shield farmers and fisherfolk from price surge, suspend TRAIN excise tax

Senator Bam Aquino renewed his push to suspend the excise tax on fuel under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law, saying the high prices of fuel also drive up cost of agricultural products. 

Sen. Bam said the government, especially the Department of Agriculture (DA), should recognize fuel increase as one of the main reasons for price increase.

“Kailangan natin tulungan ang mga magsasaka at mangingisda na pababain ang kanilang production at transportation cost para bumaba ang presyo ng agricultural products,” said Sen. Bam, one of four senators who voted against the TRAIN Law.

“Ito ang pinaka-epektibong paraan para maibsan ang hirap ng mga nalulunod sa taas ng presyo ng pagkain,” the senator added.

Sen. Bam insisted that suspending the excise tax on petroleum products could help lower prices of fuel, which in turn, would contribute to the lowering of prices of agricultural products.

“Itong pagsuspinde sa TRAIN sa petrolyo ay malaking tulong sa ating mga magsasaka at sa mga mamimili,” said Sen. Bam, saying that farmers also use diesel for their farm machinery such as tractor.

Sen. Bam has filed a measure seeking to roll back of TRAIN’s excise tax on fuel when average inflation rate surpasses the annual inflation target over a three-month period.

In addition, Sen. Bam is also pushing for the full implementation of mitigating measures under the TRAIN Law, such as the unconditional cash transfer program for poor families and the Pantawid Pasada for jeepney operators and drivers.

Also, Sen. Bam wants the Pantawid Pasada program expanded to include fishermen, who use unleaded for bancas and diesel for big fishing vessels.

Sen. Bam: Tulong, di kulong, para sa mahihirap nating kababayan

Krimen na ba maging mahirap ngayon?

Senator Bam Aquino posed this question as he criticized the government’s campaign against so-called “tambays”, which is mostly conducted in poor communities.

While acknowledging the need for crime prevention efforts, Sen. Bam insisted that it should be implemented without infringing on the rights of Filipinos, especially those in poor communities.

“Halos lahat ng mga naaresto ay mga mahirap at ang mga operasyon ay ginagawa sa mahihirap na komunidad,” said Sen. Bam. “Anti-poor ang ginagawa nilang ito.”

“Nalulunod na nga sila sa taas ng presyo, tapos ngayon ikukulong pa sa halip na tulungan,” added Sen. Bam, referring to the burden of high prices brought by the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law.

“Tulong po, hindi kulong ang kailangan ng mga mahihirap nating kababayan,” said Sen. Bam as he his call for the full implementation of mitigating measures under the TRAIN Law, such as the unconditional cash transfer program for poor families and the Pantawid Pasada for jeepney operators and drivers.

Sen. Bam is one of four senators who voted against the ratification of the TRAIN Law. Sen. Bam rejected it due to the government’s failure to immediately implement the unconditional cash transfer program and the Pantawid Pasada program.

As part of his effort to alleviate the burden of high prices of goods and services, Sen. Bam has filed a measure that aims to roll back of TRAIN’s excise tax on fuel when average inflation rate surpasses the annual inflation target over a three-month period.

In addition, Sen. Bam also renewed his call for the full implementation of the unconditional cash transfer program, which will help alleviate the increase in high prices of goods and services caused by the TRAIN Law.

Sen. Bam Aquino: Tama na, sobra na ang pagdadahilan sa taas-presyo

Instead of making excuses and misleading statements, Senator Bam Aquino called on the government to extend immediate assistance to Filipinos by finding solutions to the rising prices of goods and services due to the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law.

 “Huwag na nating paikutin ang mamamayan para ipagtanggol ang TRAIN Law,” said Sen. Bam, one of four senators who voted against the government’s tax reform program.

“Tama na, sobra na ang pagpapahirap sa Pilipino. Labanan at solusyunan na lang ang pagtaas ng presyo,” added Sen. Bam.

 Sen. Bam was referring to a GMA News report, where the National Economic Development Authority said that a family of five can survive on P10,000 a month, or P127 daily for food.

“Marami na ngang nasagasaan at nalulunod na sa pagtaas ng presyo, huwag na bilugin ang mga Pilipino. Tama na ang mga palusot, tulungan na lang natin ang mga pamilyang nahihirapan,” added Sen. Bam.

 “Hindi na nga makahinga ang mga Pilipino sa sikip ng sinturon, binibilog at niloloko pa natin ang mga tao para lang maidepensa ang minadali nilang Train Law,” added Sen. Bam.

As part of his push to ease the burden on the public, Sen. Bam has filed a measure seeking to roll back the excise tax on fuel under the TRAIN Law when average inflation rate surpasses the annual inflation target over a three-month period.

In a separate resolution, Sen. Bam also sought the review of the unconditional cash transfer program under the TRAIN Law. Six months after the implementation of the TRAIN Law, the government has yet to fully roll out the unconditional cash transfer program.

Sen. Bam also pushed for the full implementation of the Pantawid Pasada program, which aims to help jeepney operators and drivers cope with the increase in price of diesel fuel.

Sen. Bam: Pati pag-aaral ng kabataan nasagasaan ng TRAIN

Senator Bam Aquino expressed fear that high prices of goods and services due to the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law might force poor families to sacrifice the education of their children.

“Dahil sa pagtaas ng presyo, maraming mahihihirap na estudyante ang maaaring hindi na makapag-aral,” said Sen. Bam, one of our senators who voted against the TRAIN Law.

“Tumaas na ang cost of living pero hindi pa rin nadadagdagan ang kita ng mga manggagawa. Dahil kulang na ang suweldo, maaaring masakripisyo na ang pag-aaral ng mahihirap na estudyante,” added Sen. Bam.

“Ilang kabataan kaya ngayon ang di na nakapag-enroll dahil hirap ang mga magulang sa pagtustos ng mga gastusin dahil sa pagtaas ng presyo ng mga bilihin,” the senator queried.

Due to the high prices of goods and services, Sen. Bam said the value of government’s assistance programs, such as the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program (4Ps) and the free college education, to the poor has eroded.

“Hindi na sapat ang tulong ng 4Ps para matugunan ang pangangailangan ng mahihirap na Pilipino. Buti na lang at may libreng kolehiyo na,” said Sen. Bam, the principal sponsor of the free college law in the Senate.

Aside from filing a resolution seeking to review the unconditional cash transfer program under the TRAIN Law, Sen. Bam has filed a measure seeking to roll back TRAIN’s excise tax on fuel when average inflation rate surpasses the annual inflation target over a three-month period.

Also, Sen. Bam also renewed his call for the full implementation of the unconditional cash transfer program, which will help alleviate the increase in high prices of goods and services caused by the TRAIN Law.

During a Senate hearing on the TRAIN Law in Legazpi City, Sen. Bam also pushed for the full implementation of the Pantawid Pasada program, which aims to help jeepney operators and drivers cope with the increase in price of diesel fuel.

Also, Sen. Bam wants the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to expand the Pantawid Pasada to other means of transportation, such as UV Express, tricycles and to fishermen as well.

Sen. Bam wants Pantawid Pasada implemented ASAP, include other means of transportation

Like the unconditional cash transfer (UCT) program under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law, Sen. Bam Aquino said the government has failed to immediately implement the Pantawid Pasada program that aims to help the transport sector cope with the increase in price of diesel fuel.

“Gaya nang nangyari sa UCT, hindi agad naipatupad ang programang ito kahit sinimulan na ang pangongolekta ng excise tax sa ilalim ng TRAIN Law,” said Sen. Bam during the hearing of the Senate committee on public services in Legazpi, Albay on the effects of the TRAIN Law

“Patunay lang ito na hindi sila handa at hinayaan munang magdusa ang taumbayan sa mataas na presyo ng bilihin bago kumilos,” added Sen. Bam, one of four senators who voted against the TRAIN Law.

Sen. Bam said that aside from its immediate implementation, he wants the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to expand it to other means of transportation, such as UV Express, tricycles and to fishermen as well.

“Kailangan ding tingnan ang ibang transport groups, tulad ng ating UV Express at tricycle. Hindi rin covered ang ating mga mangingisda na apektado rin dahil gumagamit sila ng diesel,” said Sen. Bam.

Also, Sen. Bam called on the DOTr to conduct further study to see if the subsidy is enough to cover the increase in prices of goods due to TRAIN.

“Kung tutulong na rin lang tayo, magbigay na tayo ng tulong na makakasapat sa kanilang pangangailangan para hindi na sila humingi ng dagdag sa pasahe,” said Sen. Bam.

For 2018, the government has earmarked P977 million for 179,000 jeepney operators under the Pantawid Pasada program.

During the hearing, Sen. Bam also batted for the passage of his measure that aims to roll back of TRAIN’s excise tax on fuel when average inflation rate surpasses the annual inflation target over a three-month period.

In addition, Sen. Bam also renewed his call for the full implementation of the unconditional cash transfer program, which will help alleviate the increase in high prices of goods and services caused by the TRAIN Law.

Sen. Bam to gov’t: Nasaan ang malasakit sa mahihirap na Pilipino?

Nasaan ang malasakit niyo sa taumbayan?

This was Senator Bam Aquino’s reaction to Budget Secretary Ben Diokno’s pronouncement that Filipinos should not be ‘crybabies’ amid the rising prices in fuel that led to the increase in prices of goods and services.

“Makinig naman kayo sa daing ng taumbayan na nalulunod na sa taas-presyo at nabibiktima pa ng laganap na korapsyon,” said Sen. Bam,  one of four senators who voted against the ratification of the government’s Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law.

“Kung may kaya ka, matitiis mo pa ang taas-presyo. Pero ang mga nahihirapan at hindi na nakakayanan ang bigat ng presyo, tulungan na lang natin sila sa halip na sumbatan,” the senator added.

Sen. Bam said poor Filipinos will be at the receiving end of every increase in prices of goods and services due to a hastily approved reform.

“Malinaw na hindi nakapaghanda ang pamahalaan para maibsan ang hirap na dulot ng TRAIN.  Walang nakahandang salbabida habang marami ang nalulunod sa taas ng presyo,” added Sen. Bam.

“Halos 7.4 milliong pamilya pa ang hindi nakakatanggap ng cash transfer na sinusumbat nila. Saan sila kukuha ng pambayad ng bilihin?” Sen. Bam pointed out, referring to the unconditional cash transfer program under the TRAIN Law.

Sen. Bam recently urged the Senate to address the rising prices to give relief to the poor who are already crying out for help.

To strengthen safeguards against price surges, Sen. Bam filed Senate Bill No. 1798, which seeks to rollback of TRAIN’s excise tax on fuel when average inflation rate surpasses the annual inflation target over a three-month period.

Sen. Bam dares gov’t to roll back excise tax on fuel

Senator Bam Aquino challenged the government to act now and roll back the excise taxes on petroleum products under its tax reform program to lift the burden of high prices on the Filipino people, especially the poor.

“Nalulunod na ang mga Pilipino sa taas ng presyo. Huwag na natin antayin na tumaas lalo ang bilihin,” said Sen. Bam, one of four senators who voted against the ratification of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law.

”Aantayin pa ba nila ang 2019? Hindi pa ba aaksyon ang pamahalaan?” asked Sen. Bam.

Sen. Bam made this pronouncement after the Department of Energy (DOE) declared that the TRAIN Law allows for immediate suspension of excise taxes on petroleum products.

However, the DOE said the suspension would only cover the additional excise tax due for 2019.

“Next year is too late. Hirap na hirap na ang mga Pilipino sa pagtaas ng presyo,” said Sen. Bam.

In his privilege speech on Wednesday, Sen. Bam emphasized that one of the ways to alleviate the burden of the Filipino people is to suspend the excise tax on petroleum products under the TRAIN Law.

In his Senate Bill No. 1798, the excise tax on fuel under the TRAIN Law will be rolled back when the average inflation rate surpasses the annual inflation target over a three-month period.

Sen. Bam included this safeguard during the TRAIN deliberations, but the provision was removed from the final draft of the law during the bicameral conference.

 

Sen. Bam: Severe price increases with no cash transfer to poor families, grounds for TRAIN suspension

Senator Bam Aquino insisted that the excessive price increases, unprecedented inflation rate and government’s failure to deliver on the unconditional cash transfer program are sufficient grounds to suspend the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law.
 
“Hirap na hirap na ang mga Pilipino sa taas ng presyo ng bilihin. Mula tatlo, ngayon dalawang beses kada araw na lang kumain ang ilang pamilya. Masasabi pa ba nating magtiis na lang sila?” said Sen. Bam, one of four senators who voted against the ratification of the TRAIN Law.
 
Sen. Bam was alluding to Socio-Economic Planning Sec. Ernesto Pernia’s pronouncement that Filipinos should just tighten their belts and live with the effects of the tax reform law.
 
“Ang malala rito, hindi pa nabibigay ng gobyerno ang pinangakong financial assistance ng TRAIN sa higit 6 million na pamilya. Sapat na dapat ito para isuspindi ang TRAIN law,” said Sen. Bam, who is pushing to suspend the TRAIN Law, particularly the excise tax on fuel.
 
Under Sen. Bam’s Senate Bill No. 1798, the excise tax on fuel under TRAIN will automatically be suspended when the average inflation rate surpasses the annual inflation target over a three-month period.
 
Sen. Bam successfully included this safeguard during the TRAIN deliberations, but the provision was removed from the final draft of the law during the bicameral conference.
 
“Sagad na ang pagtitiis ng mga Pilipino sa pagtaas ng presyo. Gawin naman natin ang ating makakaya para bigyan sila ng kaunting ginhawa,” said Sen. Bam, adding that the targeted collections for excise tax on fuel in 2018 is only P70-billion, compared to government underspending last year amounting to P390 billion.
 
“Hindi lang TRAIN ang pinagkukunan ng budget. We can ‘Build, Build, Build’ and provide Filipinos free college tuition in SUCs even without collections from the excise tax on fuel,” Sen. Bam asserted.

Sen. Bam: Poor Filipinos are collateral damage of TRAIN and Build-Build-Build

Senator Bam Aquino urged the government to put the welfare of poor Filipinos first, instead of letting them become collateral damage of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law.

”Hindi puwedeng collateral damage ang ating mga kababayan sa hangarin na magkaroon ng maraming tulay at kalsada sa bansa. Habang mahalaga ang infrastructure projects, huwag nating hayaang magdusa ang mahihirap na kababayan natin,” said Sen. Bam, one of four senators who voted against the ratification of the TRAIN Act.

Sen. Bam was reacting to Department of Finance’s claim that funds for free college education and salary hike of uniformed personnel will be affected if the TRAIN Act is suspended.

The senator said the government should balance statistics with the welfare of Filipino families carrying the burden of high prices of goods and services due to the TRAIN Law.

“Ang problema, kapag puro numero ang tinitingnan, nakakalimutan ang mamamayan. Pakinggan naman natin ang hinaing ng mga nasasagasaan ang TRAIN Law,” said Sen. Bam, also the principal sponsor of the free college law in the Senate.

“Napakatindi na ng pag-aray ng ating mga kababayan sa pagtaas ng presyo ng bilihin,” he added.

Sen. Bam said the DOF’s pronouncement was baseless since the government has an unobligated appropriations amounting to P390 billion in the 2017 national budget.

“Malinaw na may pera ang pamahalaan kaya maling sabihin na hindi mapopondohan ang libreng kolehiyo. Huwag ipagkait sa mga estudyante ang libreng kolehiyo,” said Sen. Bam.

Sen. Bam recently filed a measure seeking to suspend the TRAIN Law, particularly the excise tax on fuel, once inflation rate breaches the prescribed “target range.”

In Sen. Bam’s Senate Bill No. 1798, the excise tax on fuel under TRAIN will be suspended when the average inflation rate surpasses the annual inflation target over a three-month period.

During the TRAIN’s deliberation, senators approved Sen. Bam’s amendment to include a safeguard where the implementation of TRAIN Law will be stopped once inflation rate breaches the “target range.”

However, the provision was not included in the bicameral conference committee and the approved version of the measure.

Sen. Bam to hit the brakes on TRAIN Law

Senator Bam Aquino will file a measure that will restore his earlier proposal to stop the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law once the inflation rate breaches “target range.”

“Importanteng may mga safeguards ang TRAIN para mai-preno ang pagpataw buwis kapag sumobra ang pagtaas ng presyo ng bilihin,” said Sen. Bam during the hearing of the Committee on Economic Affairs on TRAIN Law. 

“We pushed for these safeguards even before the TRAIN Law was passed, but they were disregarded. Siguro ngayong nakikita nilang nahihirapan na ang taumbayan, susuportahan na nila ang amyenda kong ito,” said Sen. Bam, one of four senators who voted against the ratification of the TRAIN Law. 

During the TRAIN deliberations, the Senate approved Sen. Bam’s amendment to include a safeguard where the implementation of TRAIN Law will be stopped once it breached the “target range.” 

However, Sen. Bam said the provision was not included in the bicameral conference committee and the approved version of the measure. 

“Kung hindi inalis ang safeguard na ito, napatigil na sana natin ang TRAIN Law ngayong napakataas na ng presyo ng mga bilihin,” said Sen. Bam. 

Earlier, Sen. Bam warned the country’s economic managers, led by the Department of Finance (DOF), that will country’s inflation rate will surpass the four-percent mark due to the TRAIN Law. 

“Noon pa tayo nagbabala sa pamahalaan na ang mahihirap ang masasagasaan ng TRAIN, kaya tayo kumontra sa pagpasa nito. Kailangan nating banggain ang mga repormang lalong nagpapahirap sa taumbayan,” said Sen. Bam.

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