Duterte to Congress: Prioritize bills on tax reform, retail trade, other flagship programs

Plenary Hall of the House of Representatives. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday urged Congress to pass priority bills that include the comprehensive tax reform program, retail trade liberalization, and foreign investments, among others, once it resumes session next month.

“I hope that when both houses of Congress resume session this year, priority will be given to the remaining flagship programs of my administration,” Duterte said during the re-enactment of the signing of several bills in Malacañang attended by some members of Congress.

“This will include the comprehensive tax reform program, the Retail Trade Liberalization Act, Foreign Investments Act, and Public Service Act,” he added.

Congress will resume its third and final regular session on July 26 when the President delivers his final State of the Nation Address.

Duterte said the passage of said measures will help the Philippines recover its pandemic-hit economy.

“As we take more concrete steps to revive the economy and help our people recover from the effects of the pandemic, I hope that more government agencies will foster greater cooperation with each other,” Duterte said.

“Now more than ever, we need to follow the whole of the nation approach in ensuring the inclusive and more seamless response to the current challenges facing the nation,” he went on.

The President also thanked members of Congress for their “steadfast efforts” in supporting his administration’s legislative agenda.

In attendance at the ceremonial signing were Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, and Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, among others.

KGA