Few have contributed so much for the democratic space Filipinos now possess. Let us all pray for the turnaround of Cory’s condition and her recovery.
Now that the institutions of that democracy have been weakened by continuous and continuing assaults by the powers that be, all the more does the nation need her uncompromising faith in democracy and her unflinching advocacy for good governance.
o0o
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
Lacson: Withhold Taxes to Protest Con-Ass
Senator Panfilo M. Lacson today called on businessmen and even ordinary taxpayers to withhold paying their taxes until there are clear signs that proponents of Charter change via constituent assembly (Con-Ass) are abandoning their plans and that President Arroyo is stepping down from power next year.
“Aside from being a protest move, this would ensure that our taxes will be safe from the propensity of officials of this administration to perpetuate themselves to power by dipping their hands into government coffers,” Lacson said.
Lacson recalled that it was taxpayers’ money – from fertilizer and swine funds to Philhealth cards – which the Arroyo administration used in various forms of election cheating in the presidential elections of 2004 and in the national polls in 2007.
He added this “tax revolt” will also be a big help for business capitals at a time of economic recession which is expected to worsen later this year.
Lacson said businessmen may opt to hold on to their corporate dues until after the deadline of filing of certificates of candidacy in November, while income tax payers have until April next year to see if Con-Ass proponents would drop their push for Charter change.
He said that if Mrs. Arroyo is intent in running for Representative of her home province of Pampanga as strongly indicated by her political advisers and strategists in recent days, this would be clearly known by November as she has to file her certificate of candidacy.
“At that point, we can already see a brewing scheme not only to prolong her power stint but also to change our form of government,” Lacson said.
In the United States, he noted taxpayer groups went on a similar “tax revolt” to protest government spending on less essential programs earlier this year. The US is one of the hardest hit by the ongoing global recession.
In the event a new and acceptable President is elected, Lacson said corporate and income taxpayers will have the opportunity to show goodwill or reward the next dispensation or administration by renewing their payment of correct taxes.
o0o
“Aside from being a protest move, this would ensure that our taxes will be safe from the propensity of officials of this administration to perpetuate themselves to power by dipping their hands into government coffers,” Lacson said.
Lacson recalled that it was taxpayers’ money – from fertilizer and swine funds to Philhealth cards – which the Arroyo administration used in various forms of election cheating in the presidential elections of 2004 and in the national polls in 2007.
He added this “tax revolt” will also be a big help for business capitals at a time of economic recession which is expected to worsen later this year.
Lacson said businessmen may opt to hold on to their corporate dues until after the deadline of filing of certificates of candidacy in November, while income tax payers have until April next year to see if Con-Ass proponents would drop their push for Charter change.
He said that if Mrs. Arroyo is intent in running for Representative of her home province of Pampanga as strongly indicated by her political advisers and strategists in recent days, this would be clearly known by November as she has to file her certificate of candidacy.
“At that point, we can already see a brewing scheme not only to prolong her power stint but also to change our form of government,” Lacson said.
In the United States, he noted taxpayer groups went on a similar “tax revolt” to protest government spending on less essential programs earlier this year. The US is one of the hardest hit by the ongoing global recession.
In the event a new and acceptable President is elected, Lacson said corporate and income taxpayers will have the opportunity to show goodwill or reward the next dispensation or administration by renewing their payment of correct taxes.
o0o
Friday, June 5, 2009
Statement Delivered at the ANC Leadership Forum, UP Diliman
Thank you for this invitation to the second ANC Leadership Forum. Up until I made a decision last Sunday to retire myself from a race that would matter most in the lives of our beloved countrymen, I had every intention to share with our people my vision of what the Philippines ought to be in a Ping Lacson presidency.
Marahil sa huling pagkakataon, sa isang pagpupulong na tulad nito, nais kong ipabatid sa aking mga minamahal na kababayan na ang kahirapan at kawalan ng mga serbisyong pangkalusugan, edukasyon at seguridad ng mamamayan ay hindi mabibigyang lunas ng pamumudmod ng tulong mula sa mga pulitiko tuwing papalapit ang halalan; tulong na magaan at madaling ipamigay dahil madaling kinikita sa pamamagitan ng pagsasamantala sa kaban ng bayan.
My vision is clear as it is simple - the country's problem is government, bad government. The solution stares us right in the face of the problem itself. I believe that we need to discipline 1.5 million members of the civilian and military bureaucracy and imbue them with the right motivation and a sense of genuine public service. In short, if we hope to solve the problems of most of the 90 million Filipinos, we must set government right. This is the only way we can move forward as a country, and as a people.
But correcting government will not come easy if it does not start with the leader himself. One cannot discipline if one is unable to discipline oneself. One cannot preach clean government if one is himself on the take, or his relatives and cronies are themselves the thieves. If a president cannot lead by the power of good example, then governance will always be bad.
My vision for the Philippines is one where basic services are guaranteed, where health and education and public safety are prioritized, and no-nonsense government is instituted in all levels of the polity.
Sadly, what we have today is a feudal set-up foolishly labeled as democracy, where transactional politics is entrenched both in the bureaucracy and local government units; and where the poor are deluded into believing that throwing candies or giving instant noodles or occasional help in distress is the be-all and end-all of public service. In the grind for survival, the poor forget all too often that the occasional goodies they get are mere scraps from the tables of the immoderately greedy powerful who plunder public coffers, or abuse power for self-profit.
I have always maintained that if we doggedly and purposively set government right, the rest will follow. When people respect government, they pay the correct taxes and follow even the simplest of traffic rules.
Equal opportunity. Level playing field. To each a fair, fighting chance.
Patas na laban, para sa lahat.
But reaching out to the voters, particularly those in the D and E income levels, which altogether comprise some four-fifths of the population, does not come easy. It is most expensive in a political system which has neither strong institutions nor correct procedures.
Minsan ay sumagi na rin sa aking isipan na tanggapin na ang 200 milyong pisong pork barrel bawat taon para sa isang senador upang magamit at makasabay man lang sa isang magastos na pangangampanya. Nguni't, at mabuti na lamang, nanaig pa rin sa aking isipan na ipagpatuloy ang isang adhikain at paniniwala na higit sa ano pa mang bagay, mas mahalaga ang integridad sa isang tulad kong inihalal ng bayan upang maglingkod nang tapat at walang halong pag-iimbot.
The great Charles de Gaulle of France, who put order back in a land wracked by anarchy, once remarked that “in order to become the master, the politician poses as the servant”. Like his forebear Nostradamus, he might have foreseen the Philippine political scene of this generation.
But I refuse to lie. And I refuse to purvey make-believe storyboards and saturate the airwaves with fairy tales.
Even if I tried to communicate the truth to our people given the extremely limited resources that I could raise from well-meaning friends who have kept the faith, and believe as I do in my central advocacy of good governance and national discipline, the time has come to face the reality that the intent to lead in this land in order to do good, has become an enterprise only for those who have access to unlimited funds.
I bow to that reality, which is why I have chosen not to participate any more in this laudable forum of those who seek the presidency of the land. And I beg your favor that you read this message that springs from my heart.
To my loyal supporters and those who appreciated the kind of work ethic and purposive leadership I have demonstrated as a soldier, as the Chief of the Philippine National Police, and share the advocacies I have been fighting for as senator of the Republic --- beyond expression of my undying gratitude, I now pledge that I will continue my relentless battle for good governance; lonely and difficult this may be. Rest assured that in time, we will all join together to support a leader who could best deliver our people from the bondage they now suffer. That leader must have both the competence and character that are the preconditions to purposive leadership so imperative in these crossroads of the nation’s life.
And I appeal to the learned and the highly educated in our society to share their thoughts and help guide the vulnerable 80% of the Filipino electorate to vote wisely and conscientiously, not for their day to day personal needs, but for a country that we all love and care for.
Magkaisa po tayong tumulong sa isang taong batay sa karanasan at sa ugali, ay alam nating hindi magnanakaw at hindi gagamitin ang kapangyarihang hiram para magpasasa sa sariling interes.
Maraming salamat po. Mabuhay ang sambayanang Pilipino!
Gumagalang,
PING LACSON
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Lacson Pushes Signing of Law Abolishing Documentary Stamp Tax
The stock market may finally get a much-needed boost in its competitiveness amid the global financial crisis, once a measure abolishing documentary stamp taxes (DST) on secondary stock trades is signed into law.
Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson thus urged President Arroyo to sign soonest the measure, which he said promises to benefit local and foreign investors while improving the country's investment rating.
"The costs of investing in the local stock exchange rank among the highest compared with other markets. The high friction costs for securities trading in the Philippines contribute to the local stock market becoming less liquid and investors are discouraged from placing their money in the stock market," said Lacson, whose Senate committee on ways and means secured the approval of the measure in the Senate last Monday.
The House of Representatives passed its version of the measure last April.
Lacson earlier noted the DST had been a double tax of sorts on players in the stock market. He said the DOF computation showed government stands to lose some P1.3 billion while the PSE computation showed a loss of P1.09 billion if the documentary stamp tax is removed.
"The tax was very cumbersome to compute. Even the Finance Department and Philippine Stock Exchange cannot agree on the amount in terms of foregone revenue. Second, it made the stocks exchange uncompetitive because it was like a second tax on top of the stock transaction tax," he said.
Also, he noted Philippine Stock Exchange executives had noted the economy stands to lose much more if investors were turned off because of the taxation.
Lacson noted that when stock trades were exempted from DST from 2004 to 2009, stock transaction taxes collected by government increased 500 percent due to enhanced trading activity in the stock market. However, the five-year exemption to the DST expired last March 20.
Unless the new measure is signed into law, transactions would be burdened with a 75-centavo tax for every P200 par value worth of shares traded through the secondary market.
The Philippine Stock Exchange imposes one of the highest taxes in the stock market because of the stock transaction tax, which is half of one percent imposed on sellers regardless of whether there is a gain or loss in the transaction.
o0o
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Lacson Bill Exempts OFW Remittances from Documentary Stamp Tax
Citing the contributions of overseas Filipino workers to the economy, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson sought to ease their burden by exempting them from the documentary stamp tax (DST).
Lacson, chairman of the Senate ways and means committee, filed Senate Bill 3255, exempting from the DST money transfers to the Philippines from OFWs.
"In recognition and solicitation of the OFWs' sustained contribution to the economic growth of our country particularly during these difficult times, immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought," Lacson said.
Besides, he pointed out the share of the DST on OFW remittances is a relatively negligible 3.4 percent of the total DST collection of the Bureau of Internal Revenue.
The revenue loss can be easily recovered through the increased inflow of currency coming from OFW remittances coursed through banks and foreign exchange companies, he added.
Lacson lamented the DST - along with other charges slapped by remittance companies - have prompted some OFWs to send money to their loved ones through the informal sector.
He cited figures from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas indicating charges by remittance firms amount to $15 to 26 per $200, or P720 to P1,248per P9,600 at an exchange rate of P48 to $1.
"No wonder that in 2006, for example, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas calculated that five percent of OFW remittances were coursed through the informal channels," he said.
But under the bill, an OFW can be exempt from paying the DST only if he or she is "duly registered with the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency."
The bill also stipulates that the OFW sending the money transfer must present a government-issued document as evidence of his or her being an OFW.
o0o
Lacson, chairman of the Senate ways and means committee, filed Senate Bill 3255, exempting from the DST money transfers to the Philippines from OFWs.
"In recognition and solicitation of the OFWs' sustained contribution to the economic growth of our country particularly during these difficult times, immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought," Lacson said.
Besides, he pointed out the share of the DST on OFW remittances is a relatively negligible 3.4 percent of the total DST collection of the Bureau of Internal Revenue.
The revenue loss can be easily recovered through the increased inflow of currency coming from OFW remittances coursed through banks and foreign exchange companies, he added.
Lacson lamented the DST - along with other charges slapped by remittance companies - have prompted some OFWs to send money to their loved ones through the informal sector.
He cited figures from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas indicating charges by remittance firms amount to $15 to 26 per $200, or P720 to P1,248per P9,600 at an exchange rate of P48 to $1.
"No wonder that in 2006, for example, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas calculated that five percent of OFW remittances were coursed through the informal channels," he said.
But under the bill, an OFW can be exempt from paying the DST only if he or she is "duly registered with the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency."
The bill also stipulates that the OFW sending the money transfer must present a government-issued document as evidence of his or her being an OFW.
o0o
Lacson Bill Seeks Allowances for State Auditors
To make sure state auditors will not engage in corruption, a bill has been filed in the Senate seeking to give allowances to the Commission on Audit.
Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson filed Senate Bill 3257 seeking to protect state auditors not only from temptations but also from pressures.
"An effective way to insulate the personnel of the Commission on Audit from unscrupulous individuals is to provide them with monetary incentives commensurate to the mandate of their office. This bill seeks to address this primary concern by granting the employees and officials of the Commission on Audit with special allowances proportionate to their current salary grade. By giving them an additional incentive, the government is thereby recognizing the importance of their profession and the value of their work in safeguarding the general welfare," Lacson said in his bill.
He noted that during budget deliberations, COA reports are a yardstick for Congress in assessing the budget proposals of the different government agencies or bodies. But Lacson said the confidential aspect of their work makes the employees and officials of the Commission on Audit easy targets of political pressure and influence.
"So much so that if not well-compensated, they might give into temptation and abandon their sworn duty to protect the government coffers," he said.
Under the bill, the grant of the said special allowance shall not exceed 100 percent of the basic salary, "proportionate to the salary grades of the officials and employees concerned" as provided in the Salary Standardization Law.
The amount needed for the initial implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current fiscal year’s appropriations under the budget of the Commission. Additional funding sources of the amount necessary to implement the additional compensation in the form of special allowances granted under this Act will include:
* Savings generated by the COA in its operations;
* Fees collected by COA in performing audit and related services to government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) and local government units (LGUs); services rendered to private entities audited in connection with their dealings with the government arising from subsidies, counterpart funding by the government, or where audited records become the basis for government levy and share; and audit and related services arising from contracts with government entities and international organizations;
* Income sourced through the imposition of filing fees on cases filed before the COA in the exercise of its quasi-judicial function;
* Collection through imposition of fines on administrative cases;
* Income collected through the use of COA facilities such as dormitories, gym and training centers; and
* Income sourced through the conduct of seminars and lectures.
"The amounts collected shall be deposited as a Special Trust Fund which shall be administered by the Chairman of the Commission to carry out the provisions of this Act," Lacson said.
In case of salary hikes, special allowances to COA officials and employees shall be converted as part of the basic salary.
o0o
Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson filed Senate Bill 3257 seeking to protect state auditors not only from temptations but also from pressures.
"An effective way to insulate the personnel of the Commission on Audit from unscrupulous individuals is to provide them with monetary incentives commensurate to the mandate of their office. This bill seeks to address this primary concern by granting the employees and officials of the Commission on Audit with special allowances proportionate to their current salary grade. By giving them an additional incentive, the government is thereby recognizing the importance of their profession and the value of their work in safeguarding the general welfare," Lacson said in his bill.
He noted that during budget deliberations, COA reports are a yardstick for Congress in assessing the budget proposals of the different government agencies or bodies. But Lacson said the confidential aspect of their work makes the employees and officials of the Commission on Audit easy targets of political pressure and influence.
"So much so that if not well-compensated, they might give into temptation and abandon their sworn duty to protect the government coffers," he said.
Under the bill, the grant of the said special allowance shall not exceed 100 percent of the basic salary, "proportionate to the salary grades of the officials and employees concerned" as provided in the Salary Standardization Law.
The amount needed for the initial implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current fiscal year’s appropriations under the budget of the Commission. Additional funding sources of the amount necessary to implement the additional compensation in the form of special allowances granted under this Act will include:
* Savings generated by the COA in its operations;
* Fees collected by COA in performing audit and related services to government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) and local government units (LGUs); services rendered to private entities audited in connection with their dealings with the government arising from subsidies, counterpart funding by the government, or where audited records become the basis for government levy and share; and audit and related services arising from contracts with government entities and international organizations;
* Income sourced through the imposition of filing fees on cases filed before the COA in the exercise of its quasi-judicial function;
* Collection through imposition of fines on administrative cases;
* Income collected through the use of COA facilities such as dormitories, gym and training centers; and
* Income sourced through the conduct of seminars and lectures.
"The amounts collected shall be deposited as a Special Trust Fund which shall be administered by the Chairman of the Commission to carry out the provisions of this Act," Lacson said.
In case of salary hikes, special allowances to COA officials and employees shall be converted as part of the basic salary.
o0o
Lacson Pushes Swift Approval of Bill to Professionalize Real Estate Service Practitioners
After nearly 22 years, real estate service practitioners in the Philippines will finally get a chance at seeing their ranks professionalized through the Real Estate Service Act (RESA).
On this note, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson pushed for the swift approval and signing by President Arroyo into law of the RESA bill following its approval in a bicameral conference last May 5.
“This bill was first filed during the Eighth Congress in the House of Representatives by Rep. Rodolfo Valencia, on October 22, 1987. Real property is seen as a major resource and the greatest financial asset of an individual, of business groups, and of the government. This is why real estate service practitioners play a vital role in developing public and investor confidence in the real property market,” Lacson said.
Following its passage in a bicameral conference, the RESA bill now awaits the approval and signing into law by Mrs. Arroyo.
He said real estate service practitioners help ensure the vibrant movement of capital to support economic activities that will generate more resources for development projects.
Lacson noted that with the value of real property, transactions of this nature are susceptible to manipulation and corruption, “especially if they are in the hands of unqualified persons working under an ineffective regulatory system.”
“This is why the real estate practice ought to be regulated through appropriate licensing and the observance of a code of ethics with a defined disciplinary procedure for the protection of the public,” he said.
Real estate service practitioners include real estate consultants, appraisers, assessors, brokers and salespersons. But the bill will require only real estate consultants, appraisers, assessors and brokers to have licenses and other requirements.
Salespersons are only required to be accredited by the Professional Regulatory Board of Real Estate Service and may undergo certain trainings as may be prescribed by the Board.
Under the bill, the Professional Regulation Commission will take over from the Department of Trade and Industry in administering examinations for real estate service practitioners in the private sector.
“By providing for an effective regulatory structure and licensing requirement, the public is assured that only those that are technically competent and qualified are allowed to practice their profession, or will be appointed in the case of government assessors and appraisers,” Lacson said.
On the other hand, those in government need not worry about losing their positions as the bill allows them to stay in their present positions. However, they must comply with the requirements if they want to be promoted.
The bill also includes a provision requiring a professional indemnity insurance/cash or surety bond for real estate brokers and private appraisers. The bill sets the minimum limit at only P20,000 but the client is free to impose additional requirements depending on the transaction involved.
The provision serves as an additional security for the public when transacting with brokers or appraisers.
o0o
On this note, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson pushed for the swift approval and signing by President Arroyo into law of the RESA bill following its approval in a bicameral conference last May 5.
“This bill was first filed during the Eighth Congress in the House of Representatives by Rep. Rodolfo Valencia, on October 22, 1987. Real property is seen as a major resource and the greatest financial asset of an individual, of business groups, and of the government. This is why real estate service practitioners play a vital role in developing public and investor confidence in the real property market,” Lacson said.
Following its passage in a bicameral conference, the RESA bill now awaits the approval and signing into law by Mrs. Arroyo.
He said real estate service practitioners help ensure the vibrant movement of capital to support economic activities that will generate more resources for development projects.
Lacson noted that with the value of real property, transactions of this nature are susceptible to manipulation and corruption, “especially if they are in the hands of unqualified persons working under an ineffective regulatory system.”
“This is why the real estate practice ought to be regulated through appropriate licensing and the observance of a code of ethics with a defined disciplinary procedure for the protection of the public,” he said.
Real estate service practitioners include real estate consultants, appraisers, assessors, brokers and salespersons. But the bill will require only real estate consultants, appraisers, assessors and brokers to have licenses and other requirements.
Salespersons are only required to be accredited by the Professional Regulatory Board of Real Estate Service and may undergo certain trainings as may be prescribed by the Board.
Under the bill, the Professional Regulation Commission will take over from the Department of Trade and Industry in administering examinations for real estate service practitioners in the private sector.
“By providing for an effective regulatory structure and licensing requirement, the public is assured that only those that are technically competent and qualified are allowed to practice their profession, or will be appointed in the case of government assessors and appraisers,” Lacson said.
On the other hand, those in government need not worry about losing their positions as the bill allows them to stay in their present positions. However, they must comply with the requirements if they want to be promoted.
The bill also includes a provision requiring a professional indemnity insurance/cash or surety bond for real estate brokers and private appraisers. The bill sets the minimum limit at only P20,000 but the client is free to impose additional requirements depending on the transaction involved.
The provision serves as an additional security for the public when transacting with brokers or appraisers.
o0o
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