A sure thing

It was one of America’s founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin, who invented the oft-repeated phrase about death and taxes being the only certain or sure things in life.
While we agree with the great man, may we humbly suggest that in our beloved archipelago of delicious coconuts and smiling carabaos, greedy and blood-sucking political dynasties should be included for they have been, and continue to be, a curse to the Philippines and its people since time immemorial? No wonder most or many Pinoys, if given the choice and opportunity, would rather go abroad with their loved ones and start anew. Leave, ehek, love the Philippines!
Anyway, we fully agree with newly-appointed Finance Sec. Ralph Recto who disclosed the current administration will not impose new taxes as part of efforts to repair the Philippine economy after the deadly Covid-19 pandemic.
In a news article, Recto said the plan was to “collect what’s on the table” and not burden long-suffering Filipinos reeling from high prices with new consumption taxes.
The article reported in order to achieve the department’s target revenue of P4.3 trillion this year, Recto (husband of “Star for All Seasons” Vilma Santos) said the government would pursue several tax reforms and “intensify implementation of digitalization initiatives, strengthen enforcement efforts, improve the administration of taxes, and intensify its anticorruption drive.” Amen.
As a public servant for more than three decades now whose meager salary is automatically taxed (withholding tax), this near-sighted Ibaloy writer hopes that indeed, government strengthens its enforcement efforts in making sure that those who have not been paying their taxes or the right amount, be made to do so.
It is unfair to hear of some highly-paid professionals who earn so much more than those in public service but allegedly pay less (if at all) in taxes. I said “some” and “allegedly”.
Again, we agree with the newly-minted Finance chief that what is needed are greater enforcement efforts, reforms and definitely, not more taxes.
By the way, Feb. 23 is Ibaloy Day!
May our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ continue to bless and keep us all safe.