Rather than focus on persecuting the opposition and its critics, Sen. Bam Aquino said the government should address the high prices of food and other goods that burden poor Filipinos.

“Tama na po ang panggigipit sa oposisyon. Taas-presyo ang tunay na kalaban,” said Sen. Bam, referring to the recent arrest of Sen. Antonio Trillanes.

“Nakakaubos yan ng oras ng mga nasa gobyerno na dapat sana gumagawa ng paraan na tugunan ang malalaking problema ng bayan,” added Sen. Bam.

Sen. Bam said the government should wield its power to solve the high prices of food by certifying as urgent his Senate Bill No. 1798 or the Bawas Presyo Bill.

“Kung kaya ng gobyerno na ikulong si Sen. Trillanes, i-certify urgent ang end endo, bakit hindi nila i-suspend pagtaas ng buwis sa petrolyo?” asked Sen. Bam, adding that there will be another increase in the excise tax on petroleum products this January 2019.

Sen. Bam’s Bawas Presyo Bill aims to suspend the excise tax on fuel under the TRAIN Law when the average inflation rate surpasses the annual inflation target over a three-month period.

Passing the measure is crucial to stop the second round of increase in excise tax on fuel under the TRAIN Law.

Aside from pushing for the enactment of the Bawas Presyo Bill, Sen. Bam also called on the government to fully implement other social mitigating measures under the TRAIN Law, such as the unconditional cash transfer program, Pantawid Pasada Program and the 10-percent discount on NFA Rice.

“Huwag natin kalimutan ang taumbayan. Nalulunod na sila sa taas presyo habang nakatutok ang administrasyong Duterte sa away pulitika at pananahimik ng oposisyon,” Sen. Bam pointed out.