Malacañang hopes to overcome opposition of some senators on TRAIN 2

Malacañang is hopeful it would “overcome” the opposition of some senators on the administration’s second package of tax reforms.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said there was a “misconception” among some senators that the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) 2 would again increase taxes.

Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri on Wednesday said nobody was willing to sponsor the second package of the government’s tax reform.

“Well actually, maybe it’s because of a misconception that TRAIN 2 will increase taxes. On the contrary, TRAIN 2 will reduce corporate taxes. So, hindi po totoo na magpapataw ng bagong buwis ang TRAIN,” Roque said in a press briefing in Zamboanga Sibugay on Thursday.

“So, I think, it’s a matter of telling the senators what TRAIN 2 is and I think we can overcome their initial hesitancy,” he added.

During his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) to Congress on Monday, Duterte said he wanted to sign the measure into law by the end of the year.

Roque said Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) to “take the initiative” to explain to the senators the merits of the tax reform.

“We expect PLLO to take the initiative in this regard,” he said.   /vvp