ILOILO CITY — The Senate committee on public services will hold a hearing on the effect of the tax reform program on public services and utilities on Friday.
Governor Arthur Defensor Sr., in his regular press conference on Thursday, said he received a letter from Senator Grace Poe, chairperson of the committee, asking permission to use the session hall of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan as venue for their 10 a.m. public hearing.
Aside from Poe, Senators JV Ejercito, Bam Aquino and Nancy Binay also confirmed their attendance.
The committee will tackle Senate Resolution No. 736 filed by Poe amid concerns that the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law has jacked up utility rates, triggering calls for higher public transport fares and daily wages.
The committee will also discuss measures on the creation of Land Transportation Offices in the Visayas and franchise applications of various broadcast firms in the region.
Among the expected participants are Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, National Economic and Development Authority Director General Ernesto Pernia, Securities and Exchange Commission Chairperson Teresita Herbosa, National Telecommunications Commission Chairperson Gamaliel Cordoba, Philippine Competition Commission Chairperson Arsenio Balisacan, and Land Transportation Office Assistant Secretary Edgar Galvante. (PNA)
