|
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Editorials: Great RVAT imbroglio
Today is the second day of the implementation of the Reformed Value-Added tax law (RVAT).
While the political opposition and presidential detractors from civil society and cause-oriented groups have held on to the general prognosis that RVAT would wreak havoc on the nation’s poor and needy citizens, the Palace has gone ahead with its implementation after the Supreme Court had declared it constitutional.
While it is still too early for anyone to say the prognosis is true, the fact remains that the Arroyo government’s determination to go through with its implementation despite strong opposition indicates a bullheadedness that could push her beleaguered administration to the brink of undue disaster.
But the President does not seem to have any choice in the face of the nation’s disturbing fiscal condition. It is a damned if you do and damned if you don’t kind of situation that has unduly driven her to a politico-economic cul-de-sac where she finds herself without any way out but to fight back with all the guile and bravado she could muster.
The President appears lucky the RVAT found favorable support from the Supreme Court. But while her luck may be holding for now, eventually it would have to depend on the outcome of RVAT’s implementation.
The need to stabilize the country’s fiscal condition is on top of the President’s economic plans, if she has to retain international trust and confidence in our capability to repay our foreign debts. The issue has become a matter of national survival.
So will RVAT make or will it not make our poor poorer when inflationary prices overruns the basic commodities of our local markets?
The President should brace for either the good or stormy weather that is expected to come. At stake, after all, is either her prolonged or shortened stay in the Palace.
People-oriented projects
In most instances, local government projects funded from the municipality’s share of the yearly Internal Revenue Allotment are invariably oriented to the imperatives of local politics rather than to the actual needs of the town’s citizenry.
In view of this prevailing condition, two government agencies have reportedly issued an admonition to have local government units focus on projects that answer basic problems of the inhabitants.
The Department of Budget and Management and Department of Interior and Local Government have urged municipal governments to focus on such projects as providing water supply systems and “building or repairing training centers for out-of-school youth, women, minors, displaced families, indigenous people and persons with disabilities and the elderly.”“
These are laudable projects, and the suggestion is sound and well taken.
(November 2, 2005 issue)
Write letter to the editor. Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board. Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
SUPERBALITA
WEEKEND
|
