Opposition Senator Paolo Benigno Aquino III on Monday expressed disappointment after President Rodrigo Duterte defended a controversial tax reform law and even pushed for the passage of its second phase.
In his State of the Nation Address (Sona), Duterte rejected calls to suspend the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (Train) Law.
READ: Duterte rejects calls to suspend TRAIN law
In a chance interview, Aquino admitted that he was pleased that the President mentioned the legislative agenda that he worked on, particularly the National Land Use Act.
“To be frank, ang hinihintay ko talaga ay ‘yung pagbanggit ng solusyon sa pagtaas ng presyo ng bilihin,” Aquino told reporters.
“Unfortunately, wala talagang nabanggit sa batas na ito,” he said.
The senator said he was also disappointed when it came to the TRAIN law.
“I pushed for the repeal of some parts of Train Law but unfortunately mas pinanindigan pa ito,” Aquino added.
He also said the Filipinos were hoping to hear from the President his proposed solution to the skyrocketing prices of basic goods and services. /vvp