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Monday, January 31, 2005
Cardinal to Arroyo: Spare us from VAT hike
By Jovy S. Taghoy
CEBU CITY -- If given the chance, Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal will personally appeal to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo not to impose the increase in value-added taxes (VAT).
Joining those against increasing the indirect tax from 10 to 12 percent, Vidal described the new VAT rate as an "anti-poor measure."
"It will really affect the poor. And so how I wish that they would not impose (the 12 percent VAT)," Vidal told Sun.Star Cebu.
In Manila, Senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr. expressed optimism Sunday that should the new VAT be passed in the Senate, it would not be the same as the one approved by the House of Representatives last week.
Pimentel, also Senate minority leader, said he could not see how they can pass the 12 percent VAT unless majority of the senators will agree to amendments that will cushion its impact on ordinary citizens.
Pimentel said the minority bloc is solid in opposing the increased VAT, while even some administration senators, like Francis Pangilinan, Manuel Villar and Joker Arroyo are either against or have strong reservations over the unpopular measure.
On the amendments to make the bill less unpalatable, Pimentel cited for instance, that processed foods, like sardines, instant noodles and milk, that are already subject to the 10 percent VAT, should no longer be slapped a two percent increase.
VAT exemptions of independent power producers and profitable cooperatives should also be lifted to widen the tax base, he added.
Cardinal Vidal, for his part, said that even with only the 10 percent VAT currently in effect prices of basic commodities are going up everyday.
"And who will be affected? If the poor see that there is decrease in what they can eat, then they will never accept the administration's claims there is progress," Vidal added, while shaking his head.
Futile
Pimentel said that lawmakers could not be faulted if they are forced to take the anti-VAT campaign to the streets after seeing that it is futile to pursue their cause in Congress.
He was referring to the threat of opposition and party-list congressmen to join protest actions planned by militant cause-oriented groups to prevent the imposition of higher VAT.
"I think the protest demonstrations are unavoidable. That is their way of pouring out their sentiments. We will not dissuade them from mounting protest actions. For our part, we will pursue what is expected of us in the Senate," Pimentel said.
He also expressed reservations on the move to lift the VAT exemption on the sale and importation of petroleum products, because this will inevitably hit producers or distributors of farm products and other essential goods, and cause them to jack up their prices.
More corruption
Vidal also supported observations that the VAT increase would only serve as a ground for more corruption in the government.
In this regard, the prelate said fighting corruption is not an easy task and one has to fight it with righteousness.
Vidal celebrated mass at 3 p.m. yesterday after a strategic planning conference of members of the Barug! Pilipino Movement, a church-based anti-corruption organization.
"What you have set for yourselves is not an easy thing to do. The challenge of fighting corruption in government is not easy but you have accepted it with serene determination, knowing fully well what you are getting into, and what frustrations you may meet along the way," Vidal said.
Charter
Using Sunday's gospel reading, Vidal said the Beatitudes can serve as a charter for Barug.
"What you have set out to do is to build the kingdom of God and you have taken up this task by fighting for righteousness in government. What we need is a trusting spirit that perseveres and persists because in the end, God will always have the last word," Vidal added.
He also reminded Barug that the fight against corruption should be anchored on the love of God, not hatred.
Fighting corruption begins with "rooting out corruption within ourselves" because corruption in the government is only a reflection of corruption within, Vidal said.
"As crusaders against corruption, therefore, we must begin with purity of heart that virtually allows you to see the face of God in your involvement with people, in your dealings with society.
"Your work must be transformational rather than confrontational. For that matter, it cannot be rarely occasional because transformation is perpetual," Vidal said. (JST/With PNA)
(January 31, 2005 issue)
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