By Vanne Elaine P. Terrazola
Sen. Vicente C. Sotto III has urged the government to launch an extensive information campaign about the recently enacted Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law to allay fears over its implementation.
Sotto made the appeal amid concerns raised over the consequences of the excise tax enforced under the TRAIN of the Duterte administration.
Critics have said it would further burden consumers, especially the poor, on the looming increase in prices of goods and utility.
“Dapat diyan ang gobyerno ipa-liwanag mabuti para hindi lang yung mga kritiko ’yung nadidinig, at ang akala tama ’yung sinabi ng kritiko,” Sotto said.
Sotto, who said he “is worried” over the negative perception on TRAIN, admitted that he, at first, was not inclined to vote for the measure due to some of the provisions he did not approve.
“Nagcritical yes ako sa second reading kasi hindi ko gusto ’yung mga nakalagay. ’Yung iba pabor sa tao, okay, ’yung iba hindi. Pero pagdating ng bicam, after ng bicam, matinong-matino ’yun. Mali ’yung mga kwentong iba dun,” he explained.
The Senate Majority Leader, for example, cited misconception on the impact of the excise tax that will be imposed on fuel products and automobiles, which triggered appeals for the increase in fares in jeepneys, taxis, and even in ride-sharing services.
Sotto denied that the Congress favored big car dealers and manufacturers and said that they would be most affected of the imposition of excise tax on automobiles.
