Similar to the win achieved by Manny Pacquiao and Brian Villoria, there was also a sporting event that was eagerly anticipated and prepared for by the TIP-Manila community. In the merry month of February, a sporting competition was held between the sports enthusiast of TIP-Arlegui and TIP P. Casal.
They say that for four straight years, TIP P. Casal has been whipping the sports enthusiast of TIP-Arlegui. Well, I do not know if that is true (about the 4 consecutive years), what I do know is that for two consecutive years such "whipping" did occur and I was a personal witness to the whipping, especially in men's basketball.
Last year, TIP-Arlegui underestimated TIP P. Casal and the price was a humiliating lost. For this year, TIP-Arlegui prepared long and hard for the annual basketball game. They even spent some cash to purchase a basketball uniform. Unfortunately, the result was still the same. They were still defeated. It is not because that the players of TIP P. Casal were taller or more talented or heaven forbids, more good looking. It was simply a case of more determination, pride and honor.
For this year, the bragging rights belong to TIP P. Casal. Next year would be another chapter to this friendly rivalry, nevertheless - the sporting competition next year promises to be more fierce and competitive. But for the meantime, let TIP P. Casal savor the joy of victory for another year. No one could promise the results of next year's games, so for this year, TIP P. Casal, enjoy the victory. For TIP-Arlegui, better luck next year!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You could always tell when the palace (or specifically, the president) is playing politics. Was is me or was it just a year ago that the battle against E-VAT polarized the entire republic - where people normally are against additional taxes and by sheer political force, the expanded value added tax law was finally passed and implemented by the present administration and rammed against the populace.
Now in the face of another threat (real or imagined), the present administration is again advocating the removal of withholding taxes for the minimum wage earners. If this is allowed, the revenues gained from the E-VAT will just be cancelled by this populist move.
Clearly, this is just another side of ugly politics where the long-term betterment of the republic is being sacrificed for the short-term respite of the grudging minimum wage earners and a play for their perceived support. A questionable support that is still to be established and verified (in the very first place).
If one is sacrificing a long-term goal (to raise more revenues) in lieu of the artificial purchase of a popular support then all is lost. Governance now will be based on what is popular rather than what is right. Taxes are the lifeblood of any government. If you are exempting one sector then what about the other sector? Psychologically, a sacrifice is really not that difficult if all are bearing the brunt. If one sector is exempted, then the perennial question of "why me?" is going to fester and in the long run will cause more harm than the immediate good.
We have all heard it before; these are all bitter pills for the betterment of the future. But it seems that the present administration is losing its perspective and is starting to believe the negative impact of surveys. They are wavering in their stance and believe me when I pronounce that they would be asking for more exemptions and sacrifices.
If one is really bent on being popular, why not scrap all taxes altogether? Now that is one stupid idea worth considering since they are after the "popular support". With the summer fast approaching, they are playing with fire that could easily swallow the entire forest (that is not virgin anymore).
We are heading for a brewing disaster that will implode sooner or later. This is now a failure of leadership at the highest level. More turmoil is before our road, my dear Brutus, more turmoil indeed...
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment