Opinion: Consideration, Moderation

There is need to reconsider when policies laid down are deemed detrimental and works contrary to the best interest and welfare of the majority, notably when they come from the very sector directly affected by such policy. That’s basic and elementary. In the interest of public service, something’s got to give, especially when the tax burden being imposed or about to be exacted from the people- the taxpayers - are relatively heavy, unreasonable or untimely, not to mention claims by certain sectors that it is “illegal, excessive, exhorbitant.”

Such is the predicament the Bacolod citizenry finds itself being embroiled and the only way out, it seems, is for the city government to soften a bit and to reconsider what it has decided upon, what with many businessmen feeling there was lack of adequate and thorough consultation with the affected sectors, in so far as the controversial revenue-raising code is concerned, believed to be a tax burden that appears “astronomical, injurious and outright inconsiderate of the people’s plight.”

While we believe that the people should support their government in its basic duty and responsibility to serve the essential needs of its constituency and that its taxpayers who are in business and industry should bear the heavier burden, such must be tempered with the task to ease the burden of the many by way of adopting policies with reason and moderation.

Needless to say, there is need to help boost government resources to realize the noble goals of public service, but similarly, those in government service are also called upon to be always considerate enough to understand the people’s predicament, notably the low-income ones, their capacity to contribute towards the overall goal that would redound to the greater welfare of the general public.

What does it mean? The governors and the governed must understand each other’s role in the community, something that should prod them to work together for the common good, sharing the burden and making sacrifices whenever necessary, for the welfare of the community.

True, tax imposition is a legal and necessary function of the city and the states, but such burden on the people should not be too heavy, especially at a time like this, when the economy is beset with extraordinary problems and faced with some of the worst, adverse beatings due to some external and worldwide phenomena not of our own making, but beyond our control.

How much, really, can our people afford to pay in the form of taxes? Our leaders and responsible officials should know how to ascertain this, based on exhaustive consultations and dialogues with their constituents, before they embark on something that would involve the taxpayers’ pocketbooks.

Obviously, what usually happens is, enacting an ordinance first, before consulting with the people. This process must change, for the good of local governance and people’s popular support and compliance with lawful orders, notably the tax code.

Indeed, before adopting tax measures, adequate notice and consultations must be conducted first, instead of what had happened, where the business community had to rise in protest, virtually with clenched fists and fits of anger and disgust, which could only end in frustration or dissension later.

And now the protesters are bringing their complaints against the supposed tax hikes of five to seven times higher than the previous tax rates, the issue being elevated to the Department of Justice for decision, it’s best to wait for its final verdict on the matter. *

Meantime, it depends upon the complainants to decide for themselves whether to pay now or delay such payment, until everything clears up, even at the risk of paying more, and being slapped additional penalties. Let’s leave it up to their better discretion. This is a free country.

Respect and understanding must be the better option, the essence of freedom. Everyone must be heard, for how can government act effectively when it ignores one sector while acting on another’s concern? The point is, government must always be open-minded. It must not discriminate. Complaints must be acted upon without distinction or discrimination, but with the highest motive of utmost consideration and moderation. That’s the least that government fuctionaries are expected to do and act. Let the policy of transparency, rationality and openness take over and persevere.*