Inclement weather on Wednesday grounded three senators in Manila, prompting the cancellation of a Senate hearing on Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (Train) Law in Cagayan de Oro.
Senators Grace Poe, Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, and JV Ejercito were supposed to conduct the Mindanao leg of the hearings on the Train Law.
Poe explained that as early as 5:00 a.m., she and Senator Aquino were already waiting for the chartered flight, but pilots had advised canceling the trip.
“Para sa ating mga kababayan diyan sa Mindanao, humihingi po ako sa inyo ng taos-pusong paumanhin na kami po ay hindi nakalipad kaninang umaga. Ayoko naman pong isugal ang kaligtasan ng ating mga kasama,” Poe said in a video footage.
(I apologize to our people in Mindanao. Our flight was canceled this morning. I don’t want to risk the lives of our companions.)
Tropical depression “Henry” enhanced the southwest monsoon on Tuesday and Wednesday, dumping heavy rains in Metro Manila and some parts of Luzon.
“Gayunpaman (Nevertheless), I would like to thank those of you who made an effort to be there for this hearing today, especially the ones coming from all over Mindanao and Metro Manila, to be present in this hearing,” she said.
The public hearing was converted into an “exploratory meeting” where the technical working group and the resource persons shared their concerns.
Poe assured them that their concerns would be discussed in future hearings.
The senator was also supposed to meet with transport leaders and public utility vehicle drivers at the Agora Market in the city.
“Nandito po kami para tumulong, para masiguro na ang pangakong tulong ng gobyerno, mga fuel vouchers, unconditional cash transfer at mga diskwento sa pamasahe ay maibigay talaga sa inyo,” she said.
(We are here to help and to ensure that the promised assistance from the government, such as the fuel vouchers, unconditional cash transfer, and fare discounts, will be given to you.)
[Although I am] not there physically, I am always here for you to advance whatever goals we need to be able to achieve to help our countrymen,” she added.
The senator’s staff said the hearing was rescheduled to July 31. It will be held at the Senate in Manila and will formally adopt the discussions in Cagayan de Oro. /ee
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