Like the unconditional cash transfer (UCT) program under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law, Sen. Bam Aquino said the government has failed to immediately implement the Pantawid Pasada program that aims to help the transport sector cope with the increase in price of diesel fuel.

“Gaya nang nangyari sa UCT, hindi agad naipatupad ang programang ito kahit sinimulan na ang pangongolekta ng excise tax sa ilalim ng TRAIN Law,” said Sen. Bam during the hearing of the Senate committee on public services in Legazpi, Albay on the effects of the TRAIN Law

“Patunay lang ito na hindi sila handa at hinayaan munang magdusa ang taumbayan sa mataas na presyo ng bilihin bago kumilos,” added Sen. Bam, one of four senators who voted against the TRAIN Law.

Sen. Bam said that aside from its immediate implementation, he wants the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to expand it to other means of transportation, such as UV Express, tricycles and to fishermen as well.

“Kailangan ding tingnan ang ibang transport groups, tulad ng ating UV Express at tricycle. Hindi rin covered ang ating mga mangingisda na apektado rin dahil gumagamit sila ng diesel,” said Sen. Bam.

Also, Sen. Bam called on the DOTr to conduct further study to see if the subsidy is enough to cover the increase in prices of goods due to TRAIN.

“Kung tutulong na rin lang tayo, magbigay na tayo ng tulong na makakasapat sa kanilang pangangailangan para hindi na sila humingi ng dagdag sa pasahe,” said Sen. Bam.

For 2018, the government has earmarked P977 million for 179,000 jeepney operators under the Pantawid Pasada program.

During the hearing, Sen. Bam also batted for the passage of his measure that aims to roll back of TRAIN’s excise tax on fuel when average inflation rate surpasses the annual inflation target over a three-month period.

In addition, Sen. Bam also renewed his call for the full implementation of the unconditional cash transfer program, which will help alleviate the increase in high prices of goods and services caused by the TRAIN Law.