Housewives do a better job

Yes they do!

When it comes to balancing budgets, making do with what they have, and living within their means, most housewives all over the world clearly do a better job than politicians, government officials and so called experts in finance who can’t balance the national budget. Here in the Philippines those in government cannot or won’t live within their means or what they can afford. They have what we in Church call “A Performance Spirit” meaning a spiritual mindset that lives in the belief that their value and success is solely on their performance or doing something that makes them look good. It’s all about what they do and they are not particular about the means they take to do it. But how can people or citizens appreciate something done at the people’s expense?

Yes, people expect projects, results and development. Yes it is admirable if a government or administration wants to build as many projects in their term. But if you don’t have the money for “New” and “Big” projects, why not simply live within your means, maximize collection and CORRECT utilization of the available funds for our urgent or priority needs instead of chasing after what is unaffordable or politically painful for government and the governed. I remember how the Aquino administration got whipped for reportedly choosing not to spend available funds for public works during the campaign. So clearly there is some money for some things to get done.

As it is the Duterte administration has yet to crow about something the public has been asking in terms of public works or infrastructure. The DPWH can’t even properly repair or pave the dedicated truck lane on C5. Everything is vague and unsure except for the unpopular pronouncements of upcoming taxes and continuing increase in the cost of living and prime commodities. The bite and distraction provided by the anti-drug war, EJK, and a perpetually cussing President constantly picking a fight with critics has lost its sting.

Instead the Duterte administration wants to tax anything they can tax, increase taxes on what is already over burdened and the worst of all is they want to remove tax exemptions and tax benefits to senior citizens, NGOs and Cooperatives. The current administration along with their overly willing “Lihislators” or legislators with a twisted view and sense of purpose are apparently bent on raising funds for their pet projects “By hook or by crook.” So far most of it is by crook because the “Lihislators” actually want to rob certain members or sectors of society the same benefits or assistance granted to them by laws written and passed by astute legislators in the past who served the people not politicians.

The DOF wanted and still wants to limit or reduce benefits enjoyed by senior citizens. Recently I learned that several “Lihislators” are playing the role of Attack Dog by sponsoring bills that effectively remove or rescind tax exemptions to NGOs and Cooperatives. Not content in punishing organizations that have helped themselves and helped others, the DOF and “Lihislators” now want to tax whatever profit NGOs and Cooperatives make. So now they also want to punish organizations for actually being operationally and financially successful!

I don’t know what cave these people have been living in for the last 10 years but they are apparently unaware that many NGOs and Cooperatives are self-help organizations that come to life because the government does not have the means, manpower or legislative basis to deliver enough services or funding. In their early years these NGOs and Cooperatives relied on dole outs, grants or pooling their money, talents and resources in order to have bargaining and purchasing power. Together they can get bank loans and technical assistance that are available to single proprietors or individuals.

But in recent times people in the private sector and government have rolled out the concept called “Self Sustaining.” Private companies no longer view CSR or Corporate Social Responsibility projects as dole outs. Instead they must be financially viable and sustainable. No more UNLI dole outs or funding for free. NGOs and Cooperatives have recognized the need to be financially successful and independent from political pressure and interest. Recently, even those in government have initiated programs that require many agencies to increase income generation and self-sustainability instead of depending on the National Government. So why tax NGOs and Cooperatives who partner with the private sector as part of their CSR in empowering and raising financially successful members and organizations. It’s a special relationship that is not primarily about business or profit but about self-help and sustainability. Why tax their success?

This approach of government and “Lihislators” of taxing NGOs and Cooperatives reminds me of multi-level investment operators who collect commissions and profit from the sweat, risk and hard work of others. The only effort they put in was to step back and say: “Ok you’re exempted because you help us do our work.” Then one day after the NGOs and the Cooperatives have invested their time, work, reputation and personal funds, after they recruit thousands of people to invest and share in the work, here comes the DOF and the “Lihislators” wanting to kill the Golden Goose or the Hen that did all the work. They want to take away the exemptions that helped groups build up and worst: they want to tax the NGOs and Cooperatives for actually succeeding!

From what I can figure, the “Lihislators” are trying to hit two birds with one stone. Unable to draft and pass relevant laws, the “Lihislators” are more than willing to adopt “administration bills and agendas” thereby giving them something to author in Congress and the Senate that has a better chance of being passed into law with their name on it because it is an administration bill. That’s the first part. The second part is it buys them favor with the DOF and the Administration and since they live in a “scratch my back – I’ll scratch yours” world, chances are these “Lihislators” would be at the front of the line when it comes to funding priorities and projects.

I for one am angry that politicians and government officials who do not contribute to the development, strengthening and success of Cooperatives now want to use their power and position to undermine NGOs and Cooperatives. We must all stomp out political termites that profit at destroying peoples’ hard work!

*      *      *

E-mail: [email protected]