Angara lauds Duterte for mentioning tax reform plan in Sona

PRESIDENT Duterte “hit a home run” when he mentioned during his State of the Nation Address (Sona) his administration’s plan to pursue tax reforms, Senator Sonny Angara said on Monday.

Angara said Duterte’s speech sent a clear message not only to legislators but to all Filipinos for them to support his platform, particularly his anti-criminality and anti-illegal drugs drive.

“I think the President hit a home run when he mentioned his administration’s plan of pursuing tax reforms that can foster investment and job creation. I’m definitely 101% behind him on this,” said the senator, who is expected to retain his chairmanship on the Senate committee on ways and means.

“These statements from President Rody should give momentum to the push to reform our tax system. If I am given the leadership of the ways and means committee, we will prioritize these measures but we will need the help of the House since all tax measures must originate from them under our Constitution,” he said.

As he recognized the daunting challenges ahead, Angara called on the people to throw their support behind the President so he would succeed in the next six years.

“I am just hopeful that his administration can sustain what its predecessor has started, in terms of reforms in the economy and in the anti-corruption campaign,” he said.

“As we aim high, there is a need to work doubly hard as well. We are ready to support and give this new government a chance to fulfill its campaign promises,” Angara added.