MikeLigalig.com

By Bong Pedalino

Tacloban City (1 December 2005) -- The dishonored former Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner of "Hello, Garci" fame was back in the news, reportedly to re-claim his honor. Then, so what? The Filipino is tired of all the noise caused by the Garci wiretap tale.

It may be a blessing in disguise that his re-appearance in public view coincided with the conduct of the 23rd Southeast Asian Games. The Pinoy viewers, it turned out, watched the games rather than listen to the pronouncements of our honorable politicians who smelled blood with Garci lurking around.

That Team Philippines continued to haul gold daily and showed their finest best in the games was a clear indication that Garci's resurrection has not spoiled our athletes' quest for glory.

Our Politikos should read the writings on the wall: Garci is no longer a crowd-drawing magnet he used to be.

Southern Leyte

In Southern Leyte province, for example, the people are more concerned on businessmen asking 10% more on the price of goods bought if an official receipt (OR) is demanded supposedly because of the expanded value-added tax (EVAT). It was obvious consumers cannot care less about Garci, but to pay something more so an OR can be issued is much more valuable.

Let me get this straight before I dwell on the EVAT. With Garci's coming out in the open we do hope the political turmoil that started six months ago can be put to a stop, finally. I do hope Garci can enlighten the legislators, and the public at large, which has suspended judgment until all the cards are laid down, faces up.

The sooner we say, in the end, "The Garci saga, bow" (complete with drums rolling, trumpets in rising-falling crescendo in the background as the curtains fall), the better for the country -- and for our improving economy.

On EVAT

Now, back to the EVAT. Noemi Abiera Pizon, the Revenue District Officer in Southern Leyte province, clarified that the tag price of the goods already contained the tax. So it is not right for businessmen to charge 10% more to the unit price of goods if customers insist to have an official receipt, she said. Repeat, it is not RIGHT, in bold, capital letters.

Having said that, Pizon warned that businessmen who continue the wayward practice are guilty of OVERPRICING. (Again, in bold, capital letters for emphasis.) And the penalty for this one, mind you, is no less than P 10,000.00 as a start.

Official receipts

Asking an OR every time you buy something or pay for a service rendered is not just a matter of privilege. It is a basic right of customers. The OR is a material proof if ever an item is returned due to factory defect. The OR is a document to support a consumer's complaint, like being shortchanged. And the OR is a sure sign that the EVAT can be collected by the government.


*Work from HOME and launch your own Wordpress blog, business or personal website, or online store at www.dreamhost.com Yes, FREE Wordpress migration from your existing web host.

START your OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.fastcomet.com - FREE service to transfer your website from your current webhosting provider.

Latest RSS Feeds



Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=116270.0