Business sector expects details of 10-point agenda, tax reform

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu's business sector is now eagerly looking forward to the first State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Rodrigo Duterte this Monday.

"We are eagerly looking forward to the first SONA of President Duterte as he promises to focus on the details of his 10-point economic agenda" Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Melanie Ng told The FREEMAN yesterday.

"We believe his pronouncements will fulfill his promise of change and concretize his sincerity to enforce new laws for a better Philippines," Ng further said.

Earlier reports quoted incoming Department of Finance spokesperson Paola Alvarez as saying that the SONA could focus on the details of Duterte's 10-point economic agenda and the drive for constitutional change to allow the shift to federal government system.

The President is also expected to mention his ongoing all-out war against illegal drugs, crimes and corruption.

The business sector would also want to hear more about his economic plans for country especially in infrastructure development, regional economic development, attracting more investments and the ease of doing business.

CCCI's Ng said the business sector particularly wants to hear about Duterte's plan to reform the tax system.

"Especially on the issue of the comprehensive tax reform, we believe this will greatly favor our competitiveness and support the ease of doing business in our country," Ng said.

Organizers have said the SONA will be simple and have minimal fanfare as the President wants to communicate and connect with the people during his speech.

The SONA marks the opening of the regular session of Congress on the 4th Monday of July in accordance with the 1987 Constitution.

The SONA is the president's main yearly policy speech where he is expected to report on his achievements and plans for the future and get congressional support for his legislative agenda. (FREEMAN)