But before we pop the corks and hand-out the glasses, shouldn't we look a little closer at this picture? What did the so-called crime-busting mayor actually accomplish here? The logical thing to do would have been to arrest the "drug pushers" and put them in jail. Or, if Duterte is really as tough as he projects himself to be, eliminate them permanently. Was the whole thing a moro-moro intended to perpetuate his myth? If the presence of druggies did exist, Duterte did this country huge injury. Where will those hooligans head to now? Cagayan de Oro? Dumaguete? Cebu? Metro Manila? Those criminals were given a reprieve! Eventually, they will peddle their wares somewhere else. Lives will be put in danger. All because Mayor Rodrigo "Rody" Duterte didn't have the balls to deal with it when he had the chance.
Saturday 31 October 2015
The Sham Named Rody Duterte
They say, drug pushers and addicts dare not go to Davao. They dare not reap the fury of its saviour and defender, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. Legend tells of how the good mayor of the city has had criminals, who prey on the folks of the city, executed with extreme prejudice. Troublemakers stay as far away from his turf like they avoid pestilence. The stories associated with Duterte - and how he made Davao crime-free - has made him a folk hero of sorts. And his status as a tough-talking, crime-busting champion has captured the imagination of the Filipinos.
A story from the Philippine Daily Inquirer on the 28th of November 2015, seems to have put the fabulous tales to question. Davao City isn't actually drugs free! In a press conference, Duterete candidly warned drug pushers in the city to leave Davao within 48 hours or they will be killed. In the same event, he said they have identified the suspects and know their whereabouts. The entire affair presents the Rody Duterte of lore; brash, direct, and fearless. Just days after, city police spokesperson, Senior Inspector Milgrace Driz, reported the exodus of some pushers in the 31st of November 2015 edition of the PDI. To his rabid supporters, this is mission accomplished for the maverick mayor.
But before we pop the corks and hand-out the glasses, shouldn't we look a little closer at this picture? What did the so-called crime-busting mayor actually accomplish here? The logical thing to do would have been to arrest the "drug pushers" and put them in jail. Or, if Duterte is really as tough as he projects himself to be, eliminate them permanently. Was the whole thing a moro-moro intended to perpetuate his myth? If the presence of druggies did exist, Duterte did this country huge injury. Where will those hooligans head to now? Cagayan de Oro? Dumaguete? Cebu? Metro Manila? Those criminals were given a reprieve! Eventually, they will peddle their wares somewhere else. Lives will be put in danger. All because Mayor Rodrigo "Rody" Duterte didn't have the balls to deal with it when he had the chance.
But before we pop the corks and hand-out the glasses, shouldn't we look a little closer at this picture? What did the so-called crime-busting mayor actually accomplish here? The logical thing to do would have been to arrest the "drug pushers" and put them in jail. Or, if Duterte is really as tough as he projects himself to be, eliminate them permanently. Was the whole thing a moro-moro intended to perpetuate his myth? If the presence of druggies did exist, Duterte did this country huge injury. Where will those hooligans head to now? Cagayan de Oro? Dumaguete? Cebu? Metro Manila? Those criminals were given a reprieve! Eventually, they will peddle their wares somewhere else. Lives will be put in danger. All because Mayor Rodrigo "Rody" Duterte didn't have the balls to deal with it when he had the chance.
Wednesday 21 October 2015
Income Tax Reform: Good or Bad?
After years of discussions, both houses of Congress are finally hell-bent on passing the income tax reform bill; a proposal seeking to bring income taxes down. The Philippine Daily Inquirer reports that both Senate President Franklin Drilon and House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte are looking to talk to President Benigno Aquino III and seek his endorsement.
ELECTION FEVER
Their action is really expected, with the general elections just on the horizon. Politicians will try to attract the votes of the masses by championing populist causes and advocacies. According to the proponents, if the bill eventually becomes a law, this will strengthen the purchasing power of the working Filipino by increasing disposable incomes of each individual. Good news for income tax paying individuals like myself! Even the informally employed and minimum-wage earners -people who do not pay anything to this end- are pushing for the passage of the legislation. A measure that has this kind of popular support would definitely have the backing of any true-blooded professional baby-kisser. Any act showing opposition to it can result in nothing less than a debacle in May 2016.
BEYOND FACE VALUE
We do not live in an ideal world where people live happily without governments. The social theories presented by Thomas More and Henry David Thoreau have no place in this shallow, commercially driven existence. In the real world, government needs to collect taxes in order to pay for the "basic" social services (medical, housing, welfare, etc.), national needs (peace and order, disaster response, national security, etc.) and infrastructure. The national budget is determined based on the projected annual tax collection. Modifications to the tax law -like this new bill- can and will disrupt the cash flow and ultimately affect government programs. Therefore, government will need to find other sources in order to compensate for the losses. In other words, new taxes will be introduced, or existing taxes will be increased.
This early, the Bureau of Internal Revenue and representatives in the Lower House are already discussing where to get the needed funds. The BIR is proposing an increase in the Value-Added Tax (VAT) from 12% to 14%. VAT, for the information of the uninitiated, covers almost everything that is peddled in the market; be it products or services. Congress is also poised to raise taxes on non-alcoholic beverages by as much as PhP 10.00 per liter by January 2017. The extra fee on the drinks is on top of the 12% (or 14%) VAT already levied on the products. Proposed products to be covered include:
EGALITE, FINALLY!
So, what does this all mean? For one thing, the idea of increasing disposable income by lowering income tax is just an illusion. Prices of commodities will go up and thereby negate the value of a higher take-home pay. Informally employed Filipinos, like PUV drivers, street vendors, the daily-wage and minimum-wage earners, will be hit the heaviest. The masses who complain about the price of basic commodities will need to pay more in order to survive. The ironic thing is, they're the most vocal supporters of this bill. Two years or so from now, this commie-backed mob will be back in the streets clamoring for its repeal. Remember: Populist agenda look good on the surface. In the end, when the lies and deception of the likes of Teddy Casino and Neri Colmenares are unraveled, they bite back.
It is about time people who never or do not pay income tax contribute more into the national coffers. We will be proportionally charged the same amount of money by the taxman.
ELECTION FEVER
Their action is really expected, with the general elections just on the horizon. Politicians will try to attract the votes of the masses by championing populist causes and advocacies. According to the proponents, if the bill eventually becomes a law, this will strengthen the purchasing power of the working Filipino by increasing disposable incomes of each individual. Good news for income tax paying individuals like myself! Even the informally employed and minimum-wage earners -people who do not pay anything to this end- are pushing for the passage of the legislation. A measure that has this kind of popular support would definitely have the backing of any true-blooded professional baby-kisser. Any act showing opposition to it can result in nothing less than a debacle in May 2016.
BEYOND FACE VALUE
We do not live in an ideal world where people live happily without governments. The social theories presented by Thomas More and Henry David Thoreau have no place in this shallow, commercially driven existence. In the real world, government needs to collect taxes in order to pay for the "basic" social services (medical, housing, welfare, etc.), national needs (peace and order, disaster response, national security, etc.) and infrastructure. The national budget is determined based on the projected annual tax collection. Modifications to the tax law -like this new bill- can and will disrupt the cash flow and ultimately affect government programs. Therefore, government will need to find other sources in order to compensate for the losses. In other words, new taxes will be introduced, or existing taxes will be increased.
This early, the Bureau of Internal Revenue and representatives in the Lower House are already discussing where to get the needed funds. The BIR is proposing an increase in the Value-Added Tax (VAT) from 12% to 14%. VAT, for the information of the uninitiated, covers almost everything that is peddled in the market; be it products or services. Congress is also poised to raise taxes on non-alcoholic beverages by as much as PhP 10.00 per liter by January 2017. The extra fee on the drinks is on top of the 12% (or 14%) VAT already levied on the products. Proposed products to be covered include:
- soft drinks
- soda fruit drinks
- sports drinks
- sweetened tea
- coffee drinks
- energy drinks
- all non-alcoholic, ready-to-drink beverages
EGALITE, FINALLY!
So, what does this all mean? For one thing, the idea of increasing disposable income by lowering income tax is just an illusion. Prices of commodities will go up and thereby negate the value of a higher take-home pay. Informally employed Filipinos, like PUV drivers, street vendors, the daily-wage and minimum-wage earners, will be hit the heaviest. The masses who complain about the price of basic commodities will need to pay more in order to survive. The ironic thing is, they're the most vocal supporters of this bill. Two years or so from now, this commie-backed mob will be back in the streets clamoring for its repeal. Remember: Populist agenda look good on the surface. In the end, when the lies and deception of the likes of Teddy Casino and Neri Colmenares are unraveled, they bite back.
It is about time people who never or do not pay income tax contribute more into the national coffers. We will be proportionally charged the same amount of money by the taxman.
Wednesday 28 January 2015
A Time To Question Peace
Funny how the loudest noise is coming from the idiots who know little about the situation. The incident over the weekend involving our courageous PNP-SAF should not be used for personal and political mileage. That is just disgusting! You want to know why the President approved the mission to pursue and arrest the two high value targets? So that we can all sleep soundly at night knowing we are safe from terrorists! Instead of blaming government for taking action to ensure your safety, why don't you sign-up, pick-up a gun, go to Mindanao, and start defending your country!
The target of the SAF personnel were high profile terrorists. One is allegedly a member of the transnational group, Jemaah Islamiyah. This is the same organization responsible for the 2002 bombing of a resort in Bali, killing several people. Serious questions should be asked the MILF. First, what were those bombers doing in MILF controlled territory? Were they provided a safe haven from the Philippine authorities? Why were the MILF in cahoots with the BIFF bandits? Will this be the norm if and when the Bangsamoro Basic Law is enacted? These are the questions people in mass media are not asking. You want to know who is responsible for the massacre? The MILF and their lackeys the BIFF, you daft lot! Government sent the troops there to do the job they swore to perform; and the rebels obstructed their operation.
Thousands have spilled blood in Mindanao. Peace has been an elusive goal; but not impossible. By all means, give it a chance. But, not at the expense of those who have fallen. We should learn from other highly publicised peace deals; especially their mistakes. Starting 2001, then UK Prime Minister, Tony Blair issued 228 comfort letters to suspected IRA terrorists as part of the 1998 peace deal known as the Good Friday Agreement. The letters contain assurances to the receipients that they won't be arrested in connection with their activities during The Troubles. This allowed people involved in the most vile terrorist acts, including the 1982 attack on Hyde Park in London to go scot free. We cannot and should not accept an arrangement similar to this.
The PNP-SAF heroes were murdered! Government should demand the turnover of those involved in this massacre. Yes, peace sells. But, I will only buy one that is just and based on mutual trust.
The target of the SAF personnel were high profile terrorists. One is allegedly a member of the transnational group, Jemaah Islamiyah. This is the same organization responsible for the 2002 bombing of a resort in Bali, killing several people. Serious questions should be asked the MILF. First, what were those bombers doing in MILF controlled territory? Were they provided a safe haven from the Philippine authorities? Why were the MILF in cahoots with the BIFF bandits? Will this be the norm if and when the Bangsamoro Basic Law is enacted? These are the questions people in mass media are not asking. You want to know who is responsible for the massacre? The MILF and their lackeys the BIFF, you daft lot! Government sent the troops there to do the job they swore to perform; and the rebels obstructed their operation.
Thousands have spilled blood in Mindanao. Peace has been an elusive goal; but not impossible. By all means, give it a chance. But, not at the expense of those who have fallen. We should learn from other highly publicised peace deals; especially their mistakes. Starting 2001, then UK Prime Minister, Tony Blair issued 228 comfort letters to suspected IRA terrorists as part of the 1998 peace deal known as the Good Friday Agreement. The letters contain assurances to the receipients that they won't be arrested in connection with their activities during The Troubles. This allowed people involved in the most vile terrorist acts, including the 1982 attack on Hyde Park in London to go scot free. We cannot and should not accept an arrangement similar to this.
The PNP-SAF heroes were murdered! Government should demand the turnover of those involved in this massacre. Yes, peace sells. But, I will only buy one that is just and based on mutual trust.
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