Thursday, April 24, 2008 Bishop pushes for e-VAT review
A BISHOP said the expanded value-added tax (e-VAT) law should be reassessed in order to pave the way for a decrease in the prices of basic commodities.
"We have to reduce e-VAT on the prices of basic commodities," said Pampanga Auxiliary Bishop Roberto Mallari.
He said the evaluation on the e-VAT law would help in the increasing burden of workers since the prices of basic commodities keep increasing.
However, Mallari admitted that it is not easy for the government to increase the salary of the workers since it has many implications.
He noted that the government should also make sacrifices by reducing the taxes imposed on workers.
Meanwhile, an organization of human resource managers expressed support for the laborers' call for the adjustment of salaries in the light of continuous increase in the prices of basic commodities.
The People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) urged businessmen to "invest in their people resources" by helping the workers in alleviating their financial plight.
"The association exhorts the National Wages and Productivity Commission to implement their mandate in a pro-active and expeditious manner," said PMAP president Ric Abadesco.
There are already six regional wage boards that have already received wage petitions ranging from P50-P150 from various labor groups.
These regions are the National Capital Region (Metro Manila), Region 4-A or Southern Tagalog Region, Region 6 or Western Visayas, Region 7 or Central Visayas, Region 10 or Northern Mindanao and Region 13 or Caraga Region. (FP/Sunnex)
