MANILA – The change in the leadership in the House of Representatives could be favorable for the passage of the second package of planned tax reforms, Representative Dakila Carlo Cua said recently.
In an interview on the sidelines of a hearing in Quezon City, Cua said that the installation of Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as House Speaker could be beneficial for the second package of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN).
“What I can say is in the past, nung TRAIN 1, naging very supportive po si former President GMA and she understands the issues, and therefore siguro ma-appreciate niya ang value nitong mga economic reforms,” he said.
Cua currently chairs the House ways and means committee, under which the proceedings on the TRAIN 2 are being heard.
His remarks come a day after the House of Representatives elected Arroyo as its speaker, effectively removing Davao del Norte representative Pantaleon Alvarez from his position.
The Department of Finance (DOF) in January submitted to Congress the proposed TRAIN 2, which seeks to lower the corporate income tax (CIT) rates and rationalize fiscal incentives.
“Granted the speaker’s support is very important, let’s not negate the need, the need of the majority of the members,” Cua said.
“Diyan po ‘yung challenge na ilalako natin ‘yung idea na kailangan natin ng mas maraming trabaho, na ito ‘yung paraan para mangyari ‘yun,” he added.
Cua also said that with the change in leadership, there may also be a shakeup in the leadership of committees in the House of Representatives, which he is open to.
“I’m not concerned but I recognize the possibility that there might be (a shakeup), so we welcome whatever happens and we continue to support the President,” Cua said. (GMA News)
