OPINIONS / COLUMNS (July 28 – August 3, 2008) Serious Business Jay S. Ramos GMA cares and poor governance Forty years ago our political authority has been pushing for poverty alleviation, stability and vigorous economic expansion. Forty years after, our government is asserting for the same purpose. Thus, considering the influx of aids, grants, revenues, funds from the taxes of the people and other government income the quality of life has dramatically worsened. In 2003, based on the area of investments the Philippines has poorly functioned compared to neighboring countries like Indonesia, Thailand, India and China. In other words, we were being outperformed by these countries who have already considered investment as an economic booster. The study further noted that the Philippines’ 25-year average gross domestic product growth was only at 3.5 percent, which was lower than China’s 9.7 percent, Korea’s 7.8 percent, Singapore’s 7.7 percent, Malaysia’s 6.8 percent, Thailand’s 6.5 percent and Indonesia’s 5.4 percent. Last July 28, GMA’s SONA categorically presented her accomplishments and possible solutions to our unending unstable economy together with the fragmented pictures of politics. What is quite inspiring was her data presentation through power point which somehow displayed with evidence her concrete achievements from last year’s performance. Critics on the other hand made their own SONA by way of showing all the negative side of the GMA administration. It’s really funny these protests and rallies has become a perennial activity to every administration. What have these good hearted Filipinos who demonstrate with public disapproval contributed then to make real changes—they have complicated otherwise the word change. Nakakainis minsan parang they are being exploited. The critics have been pushing for the cancellation of the VAT but Albay Gov. Joey Salceda was quick to say “no” and countered that it will lessen the provision of public service. VAT is the easiest way to acquire government income and thus relaxed the conversion of public spending. Compared to the collection of income tax, VAT will require no effort but according to some economist this is just a cover up to poor governance and corruption. For instance, BIR, according to professional observers, has not been sincere and competent enough in their function as a collecting agent. Apparently, these agent allowed its terms to diminish the collection of huge income taxes to well-known tax evaders or are being fixed by examiners(?) to lessen otherwise payments which if seriously figured out could sustain and augment government spending on public services. How about those in the customs area? Those millions of pesos smuggled goods? Latest is the allegation in Cagayan Valley. Here in Ilocos I heard smuggling existed sometime but I really don’t know how far—secret? Government’s needs for spending are obvious. They have to maintain high expenditures on social services, education, housing, military, infra and other priority concerns. Swift expansion on government spending is necessary because of the growing population. Increase in the demand for goods and services attract the movement of supply of the same. Another probable principle for spending is the infamous inflation. Increasing prices of goods and services have to be balanced thereby the government would need more money to provide the same amount of service to the people (subsidy for instance). Pulse Asia’s latest survey on performance rated GMA as the lowest ever compared to her predecessors when democracy was restored in 1986. Some UP professors and past cabinet members of hers downgraded her SONA presentation. So what else is new? These are challenges we have seen before, now, and forever. And according to GMA we should put special care and serious attention in the solution to these global crises affecting “climate changes” in the quality of our life. NEDA, on the other hand, should be more realistic in their projections. NEDA was created as a super body in-charge of economic planning. Actually, there are so many economic planners including the private sector which are not consistent with one another. Maybe because of politics, we face so many failures in our economic planning, however, politics and economics should always be intertwined. In the likes of former NEDA chair Romulo Neri, the purpose of the agency’s existence becomes futile - look what is happening now. NEDA’s supposed role were to formulate continuing, coordinated and fully integrated social and economic development plans and programs ascertaining opinions with the private sector, LGUs, and other government agencies. NEDA usually compare and provide new information following inevitably for development planning. And not to be manipulated by higher ups to conceal real information regarding the true state of our nation. They evaluate investment and export priorities plans prepared by appropriate agencies. Given these functions, we could have a better economic blueprint instead a repetitious recycled plan and programs thus, a snail-paced progress resultant. Therefore, with these complex crises someone has to start putting special care and attention to our corrupt government officials and remind them of JFK’s famous remarks to the American people, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country”. So let’s start finding a leader who can really lead us and someone we can trust. Ilocos Times copyright 2008 Back to top

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