DTI assures public of minimal effect of TRAIN law

BALANGA CITY, Bataan – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Bataan, headed by Provincial Director Nelin Cabahug, in a radio interview at Power Radio 104.5FM, reassured Bataeños that they are continuously monitoring to ensure that the government’s Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) program will really benefit the people while minimizing its negative effects.

DTI-Bataan, as the lead agency of the Price Coordinating Council takes center stage amidst brewing confusion among the public regarding the implementation of the TRAIN law by correctly conveying to the public its effects on the basic prices of commodities.

During her guesting at the “Morning Connections” radio program, DTI Division Chief on Consumers Welfare, Ms. Connie, clarified that the tax reform program will only have minimal impact on the prices of basic commodities and reiterated that in their regular monitoring, even before the approval of TRAIN, the suggested retail price (SRP) of products in the growth areas of Mariveles, Limay Balanga City, Orani, Hermosa and Dinalupihan have remained the same.

Ms. Nelin Cabahug explained that the TRAIN which will be implemented by January 15, will have an impact on what the so-called “sin taxes”, on supplies and products like the tobacco excise tax, petroleum excise tax, sweetened beverages like soft drinks, taxes on cosmetic procedure, coal excise tax and value added tax but will definitely have exemptions for senior citizens and cooperatives.

In closing, DTI Bataan assured the people that they are closely monitoring the market, that if any, they find violations such as charging additional prices on prime commodities more than what the government allows, violators will incur penalties ranging from P20K to 1 million pesos.