Presidential bets on tax reform, FOI, economic Charter change, gov't spending

Four presidential aspirants wooed businessmen with their economic programs and policies if they are elected to the highest post in the country in 2016.

 

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry organized Tuesday what it initially set up as a debate, but last minute changes resulted instead to a one-on-one interview with the candidates.

 

Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, Vice President Jejomar Binay, and former Interior secretary Mar Roxas came in the morning while Senator Grace Poe, who initially begged off due to a prior commitment, arrived around noon.

 

The forum's moderator threw questions at each of the aspirants about their stands on proposals to lower income tax, the proposed amendments to the economic provisions in the Constitution, and programs to address lack of infrastructure.

 

Here are what the four presidentiables said:

 

 

 

 

PCCI members satisfied

 

Donald Dee, PCCI chief operating officer, said the debate allowed their members to evaluate the candidates and most of them were satisfied with the answers of the aspirants.

 

“Maganda lang dito, all of them agreed that infrastructure has to be moved forward, all of them. In fact, they said that they want to see 5 percent of GDP spent on infrastructure. At least doon we are very happy now." —with Jessica Bartolome/ALG/JST, GMA News