News Report 22 July 2019 Local
1. PRRD to deliver meaningful SONA
Manila Bulletin, 22 July 2019, p. 1, continued on p. 4
When he faces the joint session of the 18th Congress, the President is expected to highlight his accomplishments in these areas in the past three years as well as plans to “further move the nation forward” for the remainder of his term, according to his spokesman Salvador Panelo.
In his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), combating criminality and corruption, promoting inclusive economic growth, and tackling the West Philippine Sea issue will likely take the spotlight.
Korea -
Economic
2. DOTR prefers Cavite LGU for Sangley airport project Manila Bulletin, 22 July 2019, p. B1
Transportation Secretary Athur Tugade said the proposal of the Cavite local government unit to develop Sangley Point into an international airport remains a priority over private sector proponents.
A private proponent, Solar Group’s All-Asia Resources and Reclamation Corp. (AARC) also submitted a separate unsolicited proposal to build the Philippine Sangley International Airport for $12 billion.
3. All pending tax reform bills already filed in 18th Congress Philippine Daily Inquirer, 22 July 2019, p. B1, continued on p. B3
Finance Undersecretary Karl Kendrick Chua said that tax reform bills have already been filed by incoming Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, Camarines Sur Rep. LRay Villafuerte and Quirino Rep. Junie Cua.
Since all tax laws must emanate from the House, the DOF has yet to seek a sponsor in the Senate.
To be refiled in the 18th Congress are the following pending tax reform packages: package 1C raising the motor vehicle user’s charge coupled with the lifting bank secrecy and automatic
exchange of information to finally implement a general tax amnesty, the Tax Reform for Attracting Better and High-quality Opportunities bill reducing corporate income tax rates while rationalizing investors’ fiscal incentives, package 2-plus for higher alcohol excise, package three reforming the property valuation system and package four on capital income taxation.
