Monday, August 18, 2008 (Philippines)

Iba, Zambales Bishop Most Reverend Dong Lavarias celebrates the mass during Sunday's arrival of the relic of Saint Rita (right) at the Sta. Rita Parish Church. (Sun.Star Pampanga/Chris Navarro) CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Even senior citizens in this highly urbanized city are feeling the burden of the 12-percent expanded value-added tax (e-VAT). Without any other means to support their daily needs aside from their pensions, members of the San Fernando Senior Citizens Association (SFSCA) have asked Third District Representative Aurelio "Dong" Gonzales to help them be exempted from the payment of e-VAT. Visit the Beijing Olympics 2008 blog [full story]