2 senators urge buffer for effects of TRAIN

A member of a leftist group joins a “Black Friday” protest at a Manila market against the TRAIN law. —RICHARD A. REYES

Two senators are urging the government to immediately implement buffer measures to soften the blow of a rapid rise in commodity prices and service fees as a result of the enforcement of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law.

Sen. Bam Aquino on Saturday also raised fears that aside from inflation, jobs and livelihood were also being threatened by TRAIN. He cited reports that several business process outsourcing companies, or call centers, were either relocating, halting expansion or transferring workers due to the effects of TRAIN.

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, chair of the Senate committee on economic affairs, said the government should quickly implement the expanded cash transfer program for the poorest of the poor. —Jocelyn R. Uy