Agustin, Eunice G.

BSA-IA

NEWS UPDATES
NOVEMBER 30, 2018

(1) Re-enacted Budget ‘won’t have the impact’ on big ticket infra projects – Diokno
Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said that, “big ticket infrastructure projects will not
be affected in case of a re-enacted budget for 2019 because of a multi-year obligation
authority”. Well several major projects are already set to start next month, with
construction scheduled over the next years.
The start of construction for the Mega Manila Subway project will be in December 19,
2018 at the same time with the opening of NLEX Harbor Link Project, which could
possibly lessen the length of bus and truck travelling time from Roxas Boulevard to
NLEX.
Diokno, stands for his statement that the re-enacted budget will not affect the small and
local projects.

(2) Lower prices on Jeepneys could possibly stopped the implementation of Additional
Tax on Crude
One commuter group is pleading the higher departments to bring back the P 8.00
minimum fare on jeeps and to stop the second tranche of fuel excise tax. After they have
known that the Finance Department recommended the higher bodies to continue the
additional excise tax on January 2019.
The United Filipino Consumers and Commuter president RJ Javellana is also appealing
to President Rodrigo Duterte to decreased the P 10.00 minimum fare because it price of
gasoline in the past few weeks is already decreased. “Kami ay umaapela kay Pangulong
Duterte na pamasko niyo nalang po sa amin, sa mga commuters na huwag niyo po
pirmahan ang payo ng inyong mga economic managers na ito”, he said.
Senator Bam Aquino also said that, they must not continue to impose the additional tax
on 2019 because many of the consumers are still recovering from the high prices of
different goods due to inflation.
On the other hand, the Land transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board will release
a resolution concerning the plea of the jeepney drivers.

(3) Palace; Wait for Duterte’s Decision on Fuel Tax Hike

The Malacanang mentioned that the recommendation of President Rodrigo Duterte’s
economic team to proceed with the second round of fuel excise tax increase in January is
not yet final until the cabinet approves. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez said
Thursday that it would be “unnecessary” to suspend the increase with world oil prices
falling. But Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo noted that the recommendation
was still for further discussion next Tuesday on the cabinet meeting. He also mentioned
that, they should wait for the decision of the President regarding this matter because it
will always be based on national interest and benefit to the people.