Editorial

By May 16, 2011Editorial, News

Winning compromise on RPT

“WIN-WIN” was for a while the buzzword in the corporate world and at some point has turned cliché even in government pronouncements. But Governor Amado Espino Jr.’s likely “win-win” tag on the recommended compromise for a staggered implementation of the adjusted real property tax (RPT) assessment is well-fitting for now until an even better compromise is laid on the table.

Espino’s decision to yield to clamor for some relief in the payment of the increased RPT is a welcome development because it not only provides breathing space for taxpayers but also eases the tension that spawned from the controversy between the provincial government and the private sector.

Before agreeing to the staggered scheme, the governor’s continued intransigence was not helping the situation, as the more he defended his position the more he sounded insensitive to the difficulties of his constituents. He should have known that no political leader ever wins a debate on taxes.

The adjustment made in the RPT rates is provided for under the local government code, which gives the provincial government the legal right for its move. But by giving people more time to cope with the increase, the provincial administration is showing sensitivity and tact to help alleviate the current economic crisis that is hitting homes viciously.

From our standpoint, it is a “win-win” option, indeed.

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Charice & Pacquiao

CHARICE and Manny Pacquiao did the country proud once more on May 8: Charice for singing the national anthem very politically correct and Pacquiao for defeating Mosley in lopsided fashion.

Previous singers who performed in Pacquiao fights were criticized for straying out of the true tune of our Lupang Hinirang but Charice sang the anthem so truer than true and was greeted with lusty cheers of approval from the Filipino spectators at MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao, a famed knockout artist, failed to knock out Mosley, but it wasn’t entirely his fault.  Mosley elected to run circles around Pacquiao successfully avoiding a sure knockout.

We don’t know if Charice earned a million dollars for her sterling effort but as for Pacquiao, we know he laughed his way to the bank richer by $20 million (roughly P1.3 billion).

If that’s not a knockout of a purse, what is?

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