Monday, August 4, 2008

President's SONA Nothing But Futile Rhetoric

Sadly enough, the state of the nation address of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo did not really reflect the true state of the nation.

 It was merely a speech to justify the continued imposition of the value added tax irregardless of anything. In fact, she made it appear that if we abolish VAT, the poor will suffer and it will be a great setback to the nation.

 Why is GMA interested to maintain the VAT despite everything, and at all cost.. So she will have money to spend on unallocated budget to be given out in terms of subsidies. Congress has expressed doubts about the legality of these subsidies because these items are not in the budget.

 The government enjoyed cash overflow from VAT emanating from the high prices of gasoline and food the higher these expenses, the more money going to VAT. So eventually rich and poor are being imposed VAT, not only the rich as she has stated.

 She cited instances of success stories, of people receiving higher income. Madame President have you not felt the hunger of the people, unable to bring food on the table because of the economic difficulties, many are still without jobs and many don't have enough money to buy food. Temporary subsidies of P500 are nothing compared to the present economic difficulties. - Bohol Sunday Post Column

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