VP Binay hits PNoy’s response to traffic problem

Vice President Jejomar Binay on Tuesday hit President Benigno Aquino III's administration anew for failing to address the traffic problem in Metro Manila.

"Kailangan lang bibigyan ng oras at pag-iisipan... Bawat problema may solusyon," Binay said during an interview with Mike Enriquez on radio dzBB for the "Ikaw Na Ba? The Presidential Interview" program.

"Hindi nagkakaroon ng matinding pag-aaral," Binay added.

In September, Aquino ordered the Philippine National Police's Highway Patrol (HPG) to take over the operational control on EDSA from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.

The traffic situation along EDSA, however, remains problematic.

The HPG recently started the stricter implementation of the yellow bus lane on EDSA.

Aside from the traffic situation in the capital, Binay also criticized President Benigno Aquino III's stand against the proposed tax reform and the P2,000-across-the board SSS pension hike bills.

Binay said he does not believe that the Social Security System will go bankrupt if the P2,000 pension hike is implemented. "Bakit sasabihin agad mababangkarote?"

Binay said other options should have been considered such as reviewing the high salaries and benefits of SSS officials.

Aquino vetoed the SSS pension hike bill, saying the P2,000 increase would shorten the system's fund life.

The vice president also said the administration should lower the income tax rates for salaries employees.

"Panahon na para bawasan ang taxes ng salaried employees," he added.

He explained that revenue from income taxes account for only one percent of government funds, which means that the government can still deliver services even though income taxes are lowered.

"Maraming compensating measures," Binay said, adding that the government can raise revenues without raising the income taxes.

For corporate taxes, Binay said the high rates deter foreign investors from setting up businesses in the country. —ALG, GMA News