Changing Lives and Justin Timberlake

MVP (Manny V. Pangilinan's) group of companies - PLDT, SmartBro and QT5 staged a one night benefit concert at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds last night. Entitled Changing Lives, the concert starred Timbaland with guests Jojo and of course, Justin Timberlake.

Alright, so nothing is perfect!

Upside of the concert first.

1. Justine Timberlake was there. And as I thought the guests at the concert were going to sing just 2 songs, JT brought the house down with a 45 minutes performance together with Timbaland and solo, some of the coolest rap and pop that I've ever heard. Mind you, I have heard of JT, but last night I became an instant fan. (I loved his profanity as well. They came at the most unexpected parts of the concert.)

2. The fireworks at the last song of JT and Timbaland was a show stopper. People could not figure out which to watch - the concert or the fireworks! But good job!

3. This was for a charitable cause. For the victims of Ondoy and Pepeng. For a school displaced because of the storm. For lives that were lost and needed to be rebuilt. The drop in the bucket from the concert goers and organizers would indeed go a long way.

And now the downside.

1. It was a long wait. Which is why I can't stand concerts that make people pay and make you stand up the whole time. Of course, this minimizes the cost and ups the allowable number of people, to which I don't mind. What I do mind is that when you say the concert begins at 8PM, it begins at 8PM and not at 930PM. Especially when you pay a hefty sum, but stand up.

No matter what Timbaland did to keep the crowd upbeat, many in the audience couldn't keep up in the standing position up to way past midnight. Sure, while many of them still help their hands up high and screamed to JT during the last minutes of the show, you could tell that even if the "spirit was willing, the body was not".

No excuses. When you put the time for a concert, you follow the time. The prima donnas, can just roll over and die.

2. All concerts in the future should have NO DRINKING and NO SMOKING!!! The little crowd in front of us (which included some beer guzzling boys and chain smoking bitches) were polluting the crowded area with their smokes. While I have nothing against people with vices, they should do this in the confines of their privacy.

There were prepubescent teenage boys on the left side that were puffing cigarillos as well. Darn, they still didn't have pubic hair but seemed to have vices. And the fat girl to my right, was just a handful. She kept laughing and flirting and twirling her head that her ponytail kept hitting my face. I just wanted to slap someone that night.

I don't know, but even in concerts, their ought to be some decent boundaries, no matter how indecent the show is. After all, we all bought the same tickets and most of us wanted to watch the show, rather than to show off.

3. Finally, Jojo was such a disappointment. While I may not be familiar with her songs, she was out of tune and desperately needed to get pulled out of the stage! After two songs, she was gone. Good riddance! You didn't even hear the crowd ask for her again.

While there were a few glitches in the show, particularly on how late it really started, overall, it was a great concert. While I'm not particularly a fan of hiphop and JT, this was one concert I was glad I was dragged into watching. The heart thumping, crowd popping, dancing performances in spite of the LCD setbacks, was a thrilla to remember!

And, after standing for more than 4 hours in the Changing Lives concert, I will need that massage from Mandarin Spa.

Family affair and the backdoor

So what's wrong with all the politicians looking for a job in the government?

The more well entrenched they are, the harder it will be to get rid of them in the long run.

And that is the reality of Philippine Politics.

In the upcoming elections, there is a joke circulating that the Lower House (Congress) will be the House of Arroyos as Ate Glue makes a comeback, this time as congresswoman in the 2nd district of Pampanga. Her son, MIkey, will give up his current position for his mother (talk about mama's boy) and will run under a party list called Ang Galing Pinoy. Ironically this latter party list, represents the marginalized sector of security guards in the Philippines. Watdfuk is happening to this country?!?!!? Sanamagan banana republic!?!?!!?

The Comelec declined Ladlad, a party list that supposedly would represent the marginalized gay and lesbian sector of Philippine society. Fine! Whatever! The Comelec said they are not marginalized. Fine! Whatever! But to decline Ladlad and approve security guards as a marginalized sector, dang! Toink! Gadzooks! It makes me wanna puke big time! Will somebody please shoot the politicians? As in NOW?

I will not want to discuss this any further. I guess you can figure it out for yourself. Anyone to the defense can roll over and please, just die!

And so the party list system is the new backdoor for the exiting congressmen or administration candidates who still want to steal the thunder in the political gymnasium of the Philippines.

So presuming Ang Galing Pinoy wins in the upcoming election, then their nominee for congressman, Mikey A will become their representative. And that means that there will be more Arroyos in congress. Not counting her in-laws who are running for specific posts in their respective provinces as well.

But is Ate Glue all to blame?

In this banana republic, the political scenario is actually a family affair. It's a family business. Most of the luminaries in politics stay in politics. You can actually draw a family tree and mark those in the family tree who have political backgrounds! Children and grandchildren grow up wanting to become politicians - not to improve the plight of the Filipino people - but to make sure that the financial coffers in their generation continues to grow. And grow it does.

Marcos, Yulo, Binay, Chongbian, Lapid, Recto, Aguilar, Cayetano, Estrada, Biazon, Aquino...and the list just grows longer each election period.

Among the crafters of our constitution were lawmakers. And had vested interests as well. They all took the vested interest into consideration. These slimy scum of the earth people were not serious about their view on nepotism. Nepotism is just another word. And because it is used so loosely and not clearly defined, because some people seem to not want to define this term, is the reason for its being abused in the political arena.

Mind you, it's not only nepotism that was forgotten in the constitution. Creating this so-called Party List was actually a safety guard for the lawmakers whose terms were ending or who would have been displaced after their terms in office. It became a reason for wanting to stay in public office.

It is not so much that in the banana republic, there is no decent job for the Pinoys. It's just that there seem to be vacancies in government that the Pinoys seem to want to hold on to. And never let go. So the list of families in government service has ballooned disproportionately.

Out of curiosity, if there is no money in traditional politics, why does everyone want to seem to fight and die just to be a public servant? Hogwash! There is money from greed and corruption. And the more seasoned the politician is, the easier it seems for him to be able to get away with so much graft.

And you should see how much their wealth has grown each year and even the BIR (Bureau of Internal Robbers) do not seem to be running after them or their families. How can you explain such ostentatious display of wealth? Please, don't make us look really stupid. Darn!

The irony is, even with the violence in elections, the sheer number of family members makes it practically impossible to wipe out the "enemy". As you can see, the Ampatuans tried doing that against the Mangundadatus. But it was impossible to wipe every Mangundadatu from the face of the Republic of Mindanao.

It will not only take a political will to break down the barriers in the political system in the Philippines. The families that form various stakeholders in the dynasty game plan are the most resistant to change.

Even if someone like Noynoy would win, there will still be the majority who will be resistant to tearing down their dynasties and clans or use the backdoor, to remain in power.

God save us!

Bitching 101 - Of politics, celebrities and some nuts and bolts in between

Another week in the life of Juan de la Cruz.

1. An upbeat Philippine economy during election fever? It seems so. The peso is at an all time high - USD1.00 = P45.50. The bank and money changers are buying your dollars at P44.80. They sell at P46.00. For my balikbayan friends, this is not a good time to come over and think that your moolah is worth much. Which goes to show also that families of OFWs seem to be scrimping a lot these days. They need to pay for the final exams, tuition fees, graduation fees, house and lot, electricity, gas, etc. that the dollars their relatives are remitting seem to be at an all time low. In order to push the Philippines to increase spending, the Central Bank of the Philippines has also issued to all banks that all savings and checking dollar accounts will no longer earn interest. Nada, zip, 0%! What the f*#!@*#?!?!?! And the interest rates for all peso current and savings accounts will earn 0.5-1% less depending on your balance.

Analysts say that the dollar will probably drop to the 44 mark before the elections. And at the rate it seems to be dropping in the world market, it will not be surprising to see the dollar at an all time low.

Sad to say, the dollar is useless already. Some banks have opened Yuan deposits and are encouraging investors on this financial promo. Tsk tsk tsk. Obama must be reeling at how badly the American economy is doing.

2. A congressman has filed for impeachment of the 9 justices of the supreme court that voted for Ate Glue to appoint the next Supreme Court Justice before her term ends. This has caused so much uproar among constitutionalists, lawyers and academicians. As you very well know, except for the current chief justice of the supreme court, all the other associate justices were appointed by Ate Glue in the last 9 years span of her reign as president. As to whether this impeachment will prosper or not, there are two thoughts on that.

On a positive note, politicians can use this for their political mileage. We know that Ate Glue has lost her popularity among the Filipinos. Except for the people of Pampanga, being linked to Lakas-Kampi has seemed to be a curse for the politicians. It is evident in their presidential bet, Gibo Teodoro who seems to be lagging in the polls.

On a negative note, because it is already the campaign period, the politicians may be engrossed in campaigning and saving their balls. So this may not be a priority for them. Why waste time in session when they can gain more ground on the streets.

3. Edu Manzano, the running mate of Gibo Teodoro, who is running for Vice-President under the Lakas-Kampi banner is complaining that he is not getting enough funds or exposure.

Duhhhh!?!?! I thought he was famous. In the first place, I do not understand why he was chosen as the running mate for Gibo. He is the albatross of the Lakas-Kampi group. He has NO achievement at all. Darn. I would have probably been happier if Ate Glue were able to convince Boy Abunda to run as the vice of Gibo. As I said in the past, even Vice Ganda would have been a better choice. As to choosing Edu, uhmm..who he?

There is no use infusing money for his campaign. It's better to donate it to a better cause. Whether Edu stayed on or not in the campaign trail, it wouldn't matter.

4. Entertainment columnist Dolly Carvajal bumped into Anabelle Rama and Ruffa Gutierrez. When she pressed Ruffa to comment on the "walk out" incident on "The Buzz" a few weeks ago, Ruffa retortedly refused and commented that "I'm moving on and moving up. I'm happy in my new home TV5 and with my new endorsement of Nokia N97mini. Imagine ka-level ko na si Rihanna who also is a Nokia Girl (giggles)" . Ang kapal talaga ng mukha ng mga yan, is all I can say. Ruffa will never be on the level of Rihanna. On the contrary I take back my words. She is in Rihanna's level. Remember Chris Brown, Rihanna's ex who used to beat her up (and her seeming to luveet!!!). Well that's the level of Ruffa with her ex husband. Aside from that, there is no other similarity, this aging queen is going to get.

On a lighter note, Mark Bautista, has jumped the ABS-CBN bandwagon to join GMA 7. Rumor has it that it's not because he's not being given better breaks in Kapamilya. It's because he has to heal a broken heart. It seems that the rumor has it that he's leaving Kapamilya to forget a romantic liaison with the all-start hunkaloid (who's rumored to be closeted up to now) of this network. Hence, his transfer to Kapuso will be a new beginning. Perhaps he will find his dream partner in his new home.

And so life goes on in the world of Juan de la Cruz. Till next bitching....

Moments

I heard that line from Simon Cowell in various elimination rounds of American Idol. Oprah calls it our Ahah! days. Whatever term you coin for it, it's what it is - a stupendously thrilling event that makes our day.

Each time we step up to a task, we have our moments. I recently gave a lecture at the Renal Transplant Convention held at the Crowne Plaza and I received an excellent review. Some of my previous professors and colleagues were in the audience. To have them come up to me after the talk and provide positive feedback was a moment that impressed on me. Mind you, this was not a large a crowd as in my previous lectures. There were just about 60 or so subspecialists in the audience. My largest crowds have been bigger plenaries and conventions and my last performance prior to this talk was the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians where I gave a short lecture to 1,800 doctors at the World Trade Center.

Which goes to the point of this short blog.

"Moments" do not come to us on a silver platter. We make those moments and those Ahah scenarios. Every time we step up to the plate in anything we do - big or small, menial or gargantuan - we need to give our best.

In anything we do, there is that "moment" that we can showcase our best. It's why it is called our shining moment. It must not only be when we need to show off to a larger crowd what we can do. It is when we give our all, our best, even in the smallest group or task we do that makes that moment glitter and is well remembered.

Then there are those forgetful or forgotten events - either intentionally or because of the aging process. We call it our "senior moments". I, however, believe that there are no senior moments.

I am what you would call someone who multitasks. I am spread so thin with all my social, business and family commitments that I require a balancing act with them. In all my years, I have learned that part of making those moments meaningful is making sure that these commitments are kept.

It is a process called maturity which refines the very core of every individual.

And defines us as a person who earns respect from our colleagues.

Several years back, I was invited by Dr. Tony Dans to give a plenary talk on the relationship between the pharmaceutical industry and physicians. Having to deliver a lecture on this controversial topic to captains of the industry and foreign delegates was one of the most nerve-wracking moment in my life.

At the end of the talk, I received a standing ovation and I was so moved that I could never forget this defining moment in my life.

What struck me was that it was not only a life-turning event for me, but for the many more in the audience whose views I changed, whose paradigm has shifted, because of my shining moment.

It's moments like these that make me proud that in spite of all the temptations to gain more ground and popularity and financial remuneration, there is no tag price at maintaining my dignity in exchange for being "politically correct".

And it's not only lecture circuits that amps my moments. Even in the kids that I see in my clinic or the day-to-day relations with friends and colleagues, or the difficult referrals that I need to co-manage with colleagues and how to deal with their families, these are moments in my life that I will always treasure. The satisfaction you get out of these is the ultimate high.

Each day, each action, each decision - should be a decisive yet memorable moment for everyone. It is, after all, our final performance each time we step up to these opportune times.

At the end of my life, I would have said to myself that I ran the race and reached the finished line. And I will be remembered for all these moments I have shared with all who mattered most to me.

Have you had your defining Ahah moments too?

Lupang Hinirang

There is so much brouhaha over Arnel Pineda and other artists' version of Lupang Hinirang, which, has received so much flak. It goes without saying that Pineda, like some other artists in the past are about to be crucified, stoned to death, or left hanging out to dry this Lent.

Let's make a short review of the artistic versions and or performances of the Philippine National Anthem in Pacman's bouts.

The most interesting random post on Facebook as a blogger wonders is "Maybe Manny Pacquiao should ask someone from the National Historical Institute to sing 'Lupang Hinirang' in his next title bout. If it's still no good, then the pound-for-pound king should pound the offending singer to bits right there."

In the last bout of Pacquiao vs Clottey, it was Arnel Pineda's turn to sing with pride the Philippine National Anthem. But like his predecessors, Pineda, a Pinoy of the hit American rock band Journey had his own version.

Interestingly all of Pacquiao's fights had singers that wanted a shot at the national anthem as well. They had their own, ahem....artistic version so to put it.

1. Lani Misalucha (Pacquiao vs Morales I, March 19, 2005) one of the country's greatest divas migrated to the US a few years back. I bumped into her at the NAIA II airport, sans sunglasses and all that heavy make-up. I nearly did not recognize her as she was in jeans, a light jacket, and kids in tow. They were pushing some carts which looked like they were not going on vacation, but leaving the Philippines for good. And so her story as an immigrant to the land of plenty or milk and honey began. The only time I ever heard of hear again was that she was in LaLa land. Crooning in bars in Vegas. And yup, you said it - singing the national anthem for Pacquiao's greatest fight with Morales. It was the only fight that Pacman would lose before his successive fights of winning all other fights. After this bout, he would never turn back to losing a fight again. Sad to say, this was the last time Misalucha, Asia's nightingale songbird, would ever sing in the ring again. Her rendition of the anthem wherein she sang it too slow was such a bore that it would be a prelude to her career as well. And she would be soon forgotten...going...going...going...


2. Jennifer Bautista (Pacquiao vs Morales II, January 22, 2006) is (or was) an upcoming singer whom I cannot even recall. The last words of the song was given "vocal liberty" and she sang off key! Talk about hitting the high notes and her career hitting rock bottom after that!

3. Bituin Escalante (Pacquiao vs Larios, July 2, 2006) has the voice to belt out a song and her rendition of the song was akin to Jen Bautista. While Escalante did not sing off key, her rendition provided the problem of "artistic liberty" like her predecessors. And the road to a call for proper singing of the national anthem was being paved. Until the next Pacquiao fight.

4. Sarah Geronimo (Pacquiao vs. Morales III, November 18, 2006) sang the national anthem for the penultimate fight of Morales. Talk about masochism, Morales is one guy who needed the adrenaline rush of getting beaten up by Pacquiao twice in a year. And what better way to go down in history that have pop princess Sarah sing the anthem Kundiman (love-song) style!

Right after her performance, Davao City councilor Nilo Abellera went on a frenzy to file a resolution that the national anthem should be sung in accordance with the composition and arrangement of Julian Felipe, the anthem's original composer. Should the singer violate this rule would be fined P50,000.00 per performance.

5. Geneva Cruz (Pacquiao vs. Solis, April 14, 2007) erstwhile wife to Paco Arespacochaga, whom they have son Heaven, separated from him and shacked up eventually with KC Montero, gave a boring rendition of a slow and boring tune to the national anthem. Most of the critics thought that she was singing to the tune of a funeral march. This time, the National Historical Institute came out with their own statement that the anthem should sound like a "brisk march" and sung "with vigorous singing, a full-throated song that begins and closes in one minute."


6. Kyla (Pacquiao vs. Barrera II, October 6, 2007) is Melanie Calumpiad in real life. After hearing all the flak of her predecessors, the R & B princess vowed to sing the anthem the traditional way. She did not falter on her promise.

7. Ciara Sotto (Pacquiao vs Marquez II, March 15, 2008) comes from the Sotto showbiz clan. Parents Tito Sotto and Helen Gamboa must have been proud of her performance as she received great raves on her national anthem performance at Pacquiao's fight.

8. Nicole Angela Judalena (Pacquiao vs Diaz, June 28, 2008) is the youngest singer (and most unknown) at 17 years old who sang for a Pacquaio boxing match. She came in recommended by a friend of Manny P. Her rendition was one of the most heartfelt and genuine as it was as authentic as a national anthem could be.


9. Karylle (Pacquiao vs de la Hoya, December 6 2008) is the daughter of Zsa Zsa Padilla. Her thespian singing style was probably one of the reasons why she was handpicked for this performance. And while she may have the experience, she definitely showed her nervousness in the ring when she gave her rendition of the anthem. Nevertheless, she sung it the way it was supposed to be sung.

10. Martin Nievera (Pacquiao vs Hatton, May 2, 2009) is the ever popular recording artist husband of Pops Fernandez. A Fil-Am in reality, Nievera broke into the limelight of the Philippine media industry after being discovered in a singing stint in the US. His rendition of the national anthem received one of the worst reviews. Aside from being the only male artist in the stable of Pacquiao's pick of the lot to sing the national anthem, Nievera carries gazillion recording hits to his name - only to be maligned for giving one of the worst renditions under the guise of "artistic freedom". He sang the anthem like a ballad and then some - repeated the lines again and again. The last lines were worst! He changed the notes, only to show off to the crowd that he could hit the higher notes! He thought he was still a contestant to a singing contest giving his own rendition of the anthem. This was in stark contrast to Tom Jones singing the national anthem of England. This was not a Nievera-Jones singing match.

While Pacman and many other Filipino artists came to his defense, it was a losing bout for Martin. This is one round Pacman lost.

11. La Diva (Pacquiao vs Cotto, November 16, 2009) is a pop R & B all Pinay girl group composed of Jonalyn Viray, Aicelle Santos and Maricris Garcia. Of course, they come from the GMA Artist center where Pacman is also a mainstay in the stable of wannabe actors and actresses. And because the three girls have different ranges (alto, soprano and mezzo-soprano), there was premonition that they would show off each of their vocal abilities. Voila ! They changed the melody. And this stirred the hornet's nest after the Nievera fiasco. The National Historical Institute, however, was not as angry or bitter over their rendition as they were over Nievera.


Last but not the least is Pinoy superstar Arnel Pineda. The 42 year old Pineda was a surprise last pick over Charice Pempengco, both of whom were featured and discovered by Oprah and Ellen Degeneres. Charice was rumored to be the opening salvo of the Pacquiao-Clottey match held last March 14, 2010 in Texas. When Pineda opened his mouth to sing, the song was headed for a disaster. Pineda said he couldn't hear himself singing because there was too much noise around, and according to him, he was singing from the heart. Pineda's version had stirred the angry mob at the National Historical Institute and the politicos at home, including erstwhile DENR secretary and Pacman buddy Lito Atienza had scathing remarks ala Simon Cowell over Pineda's rendition of the national anthem. "It was not a rock concert nor a final song contest for American Idol".

What gets me is that while our artists claim "vocal liberties" at song renditions, the national anthem IS NOT some hot number that needs a vocal rendition or a make-over. It is a song that talks about the nation's pride. It is to be sung in a manner befit that of respect and dignity. Which is also why I can't get over the fact that these tone deaf fans are there to defend the artists rather than the song! It is not how melodramatic the song is sung, or how much heart is put into it, or how well we showcase the Filipino talent, but how the song should be sung because it is, after all, the Philippine National Anthem.

Once in a blue moon, we showcase to the world the Philippine National Anthem.

And sing with pride we must, even if it is a rowdy boxing match of a national boxing icon in the likes of Manny Pacquiao. Every time we raise that flag, we must rise to the occasion of respecting it, even if our government officials do not.

As a nation, we owe it to ourselves to make the statement that we are Filipinos.

And that we intend to make the world realize that there is one version, and one voice, and one tune to singing the Philippine National Anthem.

And this is our pride. It's all we have left.

Vice

This is not about deadly vices - alcohol, smoking, drugs, gambling, sex.

It's about the once upon a time, presidential wannabes, who through some stroke of fate, have settled to run as vice-president of the republic.

There are simply four to contend with - Mar Roxas (runnning with Noynoy Aquino), Loren Legarda (running with Manny Villar), Jojo Binay (running with Erap Estrada), and Bayani Fernando (running with Dick Gordon). If there is anyone else running for this position, he or she is as inconsequential as a cockroach.

Not really much to choose from, considering that they all at one time or another wanted to become president but had to settle for something of a lesser position, yet a greater chance for winning.

Mar Roxas looks like the boy wonder and superhero among the four. Of course, his penultimate sacrifice of scooting over the side for and on behalf of Noynoy Aquino, did wonders for his survey. He now leads commandingly over the others, as others see "Mr Palengke" as the champion of good. Practicality came into the picture. Why throw away millions of pesos to a losing position? After all, what is important is that he wins in the upcoming election a governmental position and what better strategy that to be the consummate martyr at this point? Whether Noynoy wins or loses this election, Mar seems to have his fate sealed for him already. This is what great strategy is all about.

Loren Legarda has been called all names after her switching from camp to camp. Well, let's just quote some other people that have said that she is akin to a prostitute who moves from one man to another. In 2004, she was the running mate of erstwhile President, Joseph Estrada. The Estrada camp found a more loyal ally in Jojo Binay and she was in much need of a party to belong to. And after hanging on the ledge for months, she ends up with a nod from the Villar camp. She trails a distant second in the polls to Mar Roxas.

Jojo Binay once wanted to be called the Philippine version of Barack Obama. Fine. Whatever! But no Obama is he. This is a guy who has the people of Makati at the palm of his hands. His family's dynasty has ruled Makati City since the late Cory Aquino made him Mayor after the EDSA Revolution. Since then, his life has never been the same again. He ran for mayor for 3 terms, then gave up the position for his wife (because of a political ban on running for 3 consecutive terms), and after his wife's term, ran again for Mayor. A position he has held to this very day. His potential votes come from the Erap and Aquino group. While Erap is his running mate in the upcoming May 10 elections, he is very close to the family of the late Cory Aquino. At this point, you can judge that not all the people that Cory kept close company with, were actually trustworthy.

Bayani Fernando also wanted to be President. Aside from Metro Manila, however, no one else visibly knew him. He was not popular in other provinces except for Metro Manila in general, and Marikina in particular. Like Binay, the family of Fernando has ruled Marikina for the longest time as well. Unlike Binay, however, Fernando ruled with a golden fist and insisted on discipline in Marikina and in the Metro Manila Development Authority. While Fernando may not be liked by the majority of the Filipino poor, the middle class and elite seem to support him.

Of all the four that are potential vice-presidentiables, Bayani Fernando is actually the most practical person that should be the successor to the throne of Noli de Castro. He is an action man. He practices what he preaches and his policies actually make sense. He is not interested in doing work so that he can get media mileage. He does his work because he is a civil servant.

Oh yeah, there is this guy called Edu Manzano who's supposed to be running with Gibo Teodoro. I don't know why he was even picked by the Lakas Kampi party, but duh?!?!?!?!?!? Why him? What in God's name did he ever do to even deserve the nomination to be Vice President of the Philippines? What are we - a big game show? Gibo would have been more assured of a vice-presidential candidate had Vice Ganda been his running mate. With the latter, win or lose - Vice pa din siya!!!

The tax payer and the tax collector

The Bible has stories of the tax collector. Either as a lowly man who recognizes he is sinful or as the proud man who believes that he gives God more than any other man from what he collects from the people. Either ways, even in the Bible, the tax collector is projected to be a sinner.

And no where in the Bible is the poor tax payer mentioned. It does not acknowledge the common worker in order to pay for taxes that Augustus Caesar has decreed on his people. It only recognizes the greater sinner - the tax collector.

In modern day life, the tax collector's image has not changed. They have not changed their values and live up to the true image of what the tax collector was.

Together with the modern day tax collectors are the devils that surround the tax collection system in the country.

I cannot understand why the minimum wage earners should be exempted from paying taxes. The illogical reasoning that because of inflation and high cost of living they have difficulty in making ends meet is a pathetic excuse. The only logic here is when you work, you must pay taxes corresponding to this. Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's. I thought even the Bible made that very clear! Services rendered, services paid for, require taxes that should be paid to Caesar.

Imagine if you have 10Million people who work on minimum wage, that's a lot of moolah to collect.

And then of course the politicians who make the law do not want to stir the hornet's nest. Never mind bleeding dry the white collar workers, but spare the blue collar workers - masons, public utility drivers, barkers, street vendors, farmers, etc. Our Philippine taxation system sucks! And sucks big time. My accountant tells me that to pass accounting and be a certified public accountant in the Philippines, you have to be a genius!

With so many laws and a complicated taxation scheme, this country is headed for doggie land, where all you see around you are the pool of shit made by the lawmakers and financial gurus of the government.

I am not an economist. I am a mathematician. Simple arithmetic recognizes that in order to balance the sheets, what comes in goes out in the same proportion and vice versa.

Which comes down to basic mathematics.

If the budget deficit is large, it can only mean one of two things - there is little coming in OR there is more going out. The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) claims that the collections are low or off target. Which means that their forecasted collection is either unreasonably high or is an imaginary number that is unachievable except in dreams. Let me give them the benefit of the doubt. Which means that there may be many who have not paid their taxes correctly. We should encourage the BIR to fill up all the remaining jail cells and the courts with cases against everyone who are not paying taxes correctly.

But this does not seem to be a problem that the government can handle sufficiently because if it is, there will be so much backlog in the courts and there will be so many people in jail that no one will be working for the economy anymore. Besides, it sounds illogical to put the very people who somehow or the other pay taxes (through one way or another) in prison, while the lackeys do nothing but stand in the street each day, hoping that their protruding bellies will somehow make the economic problems of this country go away. Or to see big names like Tan, Sy, Zobel, Madrigal, Gokongwei, Pangilinan, et al. in jail?!?! Never mind Juday and Goma, but not those big wigs rubbing elbows with La Presidente!

Then there is the problem about the taxes we pay. If the government tried to tighten its belt (to the point of self-sacrifice), then we probably wouldn't be in such deep shit today. The reason for increasing the budget each year for government agencies according to Ate Glue is so that more spent for public service, is a lot of hogwash.

I actually DARE the BIR to show all the receipts of what government officials spend. Make them public and I believe the Filipino people will then either pay their taxes correctly OR not pay taxes at all!

Politicians should not even be allowed to fly on business or first class seats on airlines at taxpayers expense. Politicians should not be entitled to luxury cars. Their should be a ceiling limit for what kind of car and how many service vehicles each politician entitled to. They cannot have a service car above the lowest end Chery QQ. Politicians should not be allowed to stay in 5 star hotels anywhere locally or internationally. There should be a ceiling on their allowed reimbursements. The public deserves to know what perks are provided for each politician in each possible position in government.

How can a Congressman afford to buy 4 Lacoste Shirts each week? How can a Senator afford to go out of the country with his entourage and spend millions of pesos on one dinner or lunch alone? How much do military officials get in both salaries and perks? How can they carry hundreds of thousands of Euros for a field trip out of the country? How are our foreign affairs diplomats compensated? What kind of living standards are they entitled to?

In short, there's too much going out as well. It is shameful that our government officials go on a spending spree with hard earned taxpayers money while every Juan de la Cruz is begging to live a more dignified life - a roof over their head, three meals a day, educational opportunities, health priorities...to name a few.

The problem with public officials is that they love to show off. And they use our money to show off what they perceive they have but in actuality don't have. Sanamagan these Pinoys!

There needs to be a redefining of the concept of taxation in this country. Transparency and accountability seem to be two of the most needed things in government today. It is, unfortunately, wanting.

Until this is achieved, there will always be a budget deficit.

And we will always be third world.