Senator Bam Aquino called on President Duterte to also listen to the cry of the people, especially the poor, on the high prices of goods and services caused by the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law.

“Tama po kayo. Ramdam na ramdam na ng mamamayan ang paghina ng ekonomiya dahil nalulunod na ang Pilipino sa taas ng presyo,” said Sen. Bam, referring to Duterte’s pronouncement that the rising prices of goods could prolong the economic stagnation in the provinces.

“Ang isa sa magpapasigla sa ekonomiya lalo na sa probinsya at kanayunan ay ang pagpapababa ng presyo ng bilihin,” added Sen. Bam, one of four senators who voted against the ratification of the TRAIN Law.

Sen. Bam said Duterte must listen to the people, who are pleading on the government for respite from the burden of high prices of goods and services.

 “Sana po pakinggan natin ang hinaing at panawagan ng taumbayan, hirap na hirap na po ang pamilyang Pilipino dahil sa taas ng presyo. I-roll-back na natin ang excise tax sa petrolyo na dulot ng TRAIN law,” said Sen. Bam.

Sen. Bam renewed his call for the immediate suspension of the excise tax on petroleum products under the TRAIN Law to ease the public’s burden.

The senator has filed a measure seeking to roll back of TRAIN’s excise tax on fuel when average inflation rate surpasses the annual inflation target over a three-month period.

Sen. Bam is also pushing for the full implementation of mitigating measures under the TRAIN Law, such as the unconditional cash transfer program for poor families and the Pantawid Pasada for jeepney operators and drivers.

In addition, Sen. Bam has also filed a resolution calling for an investigation regarding the implementation of the unconditional cash transfer to ensure if the amount is still sufficient to cover the increase in prices of goods and other services.