Aquino spells out priority legislation in 4th SONA

President Benigno S. Aquino III asked Congress in his 4th state-of-the-nation address (SONA) on Monday to prioritize several legislations that will speed up the country's transformation.

Among the priority bills wanted by the President for the congress to work on include the Cabotage Law to enhance competition in the business sector and to cut transportation costs.

He also wants Congress to pass the Fiscal Incentives Rationalization Bill to provide clear, honest and responsible guideline to investors doing business in the country.

Looking into the Land Administration Reform Bill should also be a prime consideration of Congress according to the President, as the proposal could provide direction to better land administration in the country.

The President also said Congress must also look into Presidential Decrees 1113 and 1894 because the law puts the government in a disadvantage.

The laws, crafted during the Marcos regime, favor businessmen close to the dictatorial administration. Anyone building infrastructure must tie up with Marcos cronies with franchises that could be extended for years even with small added works.

He said it hampers the construction of the expressway that will connect the North Luzon Expressway and the South Luzon Expressway.

Also during his SONA, the President lauded Congress for passing the Sin Tax Reform Law and the Responsible Parenthood Law.

Immediately after delivering his SONA, the President said he'll file the P2.268 trillion 2014 national budget to Congress.

"Bukas na bukas din po, ihahain natin ang panukalang 2.268 trillion pesos na national budget sa Kongreso. Kumpiyansa po ako sa suporta at pakikibalikat ninyo upang mapatibay ang pondong ito na talaga naman pong masusing pinag-isipan," the President said.

"Makakatulong ito hindi lang para ituloy ang agenda ng positibong pagbabago, kundi upang mapaspas pa ang pag-arangkada natin tungo sa malawakang kaunlaran." (PNA)