raevens-ramblings-after-reading

[raevens-ramblings-after-reading]

How Train Law is Affecting the Wallet of Juan Dela Cruz

OBSERVATION

Throughout the years, the Philippine tax system has undergone numerous modifications and revisions, such as the Tax Reform Act of 1997 and the implementation of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law in 2018. Despite these efforts, however, the tax system has not succeeded in adequately addressing the issue of income inequality in the country (David, Garcia, Santiago, 2017). This lack of progress can be attributed to factors such as weak tax administration, corruption, and insufficient political will. Addressing these challenges is crucial in ensuring that tax reforms are successful in promoting fairness and reducing inequality in the country.

INSIGHT

According to the IBON Foundation, "the tax system remains unjust and regressive, with the poor paying more as a proportion of their income compared to the rich" (Africa, 2016). The lack of progressivity in the tax system, coupled with the TRAIN law's regressive nature, has contributed to the significant division between the rich and marginalized sectors in the country. Moreover, the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) noted the implementation of the TRAIN law has led to higher prices of essential goods and services, further exacerbating the situation for low-income households (Castillo, Clarete, Muyrong, Tuaño, 2019). The cost of necessities like transportation, electricity, and water has risen, placing an additional strain on low-income individuals who are already struggling to get by. As a result, these individuals face challenges in accessing essential services like healthcare and education, which were already difficult to afford.

Another issue with the Philippine tax system is the lack of accountability and transparency in the tax administration system. As highlighted by the PIDS report, corrupt practices and ineffective tax collection methods enable government officials to misuse their authority and evade taxes. This corruption and lack of accountability not only places an additional burden on low-income households but also erodes public trust in the government's capacity to utilize tax revenue efficiently. This undermines the ability of the government to provide necessary public services to all Filipinos, especially those in dire need of such services, such as the poor. As a result, this lack of accountability and transparency in the tax system further aggravates the existing income inequality and hinders the progress of the country toward more sustainable development.

LEARNING

The implications of the TRAIN law on the life of a Filipino citizen highlight the need for more accountability and stricter punishment for government officials who neglect their duties related to taxes. The government must ensure that tax reforms are designed to promote equity and social justice, and not merely to increase revenue collection.

To achieve this, the government must prioritize the needs of low-income households and implement reforms that take their concerns into account. These reforms should include measures to increase tax compliance among the wealthy, reduce tax exemptions and loopholes, and improve tax administration.

In promoting fairness and reducing inequality in the country, it is imperative that the government tackles the challenges posed by the weak tax administration, corruption, and lack of political will. Stricter accountability and punishment for government officials neglecting their tax-related duties will aid in achieving this objective. The government must not prioritize its interests over its people's welfare and should be more transparent in its actions or else we might face the country’s economic demise sooner than we think.

REFERENCES

Africa, S. (2016, September 2). TAX GANERN! DOF's Tax Reforms Tax the Poor and Relieve the Rich (Part 2). IBON Foundation. Retrieved March 31, 2023, from https://www.ibon.org/tax-ganern-dofs-tax-reforms-tax-the-poor-and-relieve-the-rich-2/

Castillo, C. J., Clarete, R., Muyrong, M., & Tuaño, P. (2019, October). Effects of TRAIN fuel excise taxes on goods and prices. PIDS Policy Notes, n/a(n/a), 3. https://pidswebs.pids.gov.ph/CDN/PUBLICATIONS/pidspn1911.pdf

Santiago, A. B. B., Garcia, L. S., & David, J. B. (2017, January). Unveiling the Salient Features and Development of Taxation in Philippine History. Imperial Journal of Interdisciplinary Research (IJIR), 3(6), 3. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319078695_Unveiling_the_Salient_Features_and_Development_of_Taxation_in_Philippine_History

[raevens-ramblings-after-reading]

Unpacking the Constitutional Amendment Debate: Implications for Philippine Development

OBSERVATION

The 1987 Philippine Constitution, the current one that is in-effect, has endured for 31 years without amendment, making it one of the longest-lasting constitutions in the world (About Philippines, 2022). On one hand, the fact that it has remained unchanged for over three decades suggests that it has been successful in guiding the country's development and has the ability to respond to changing situations. This stability and predictability are among its key strengths. However, proposals to amend the Constitution have been made, with some arguing that it needs to adapt to the country's changing needs. Previous discussions have included the consideration of federalism as a possible solution.

Nevertheless, there has been reluctance to amend the Constitution due to concerns about the cost and the potential for abuse of power. The issue of constitutional amendment remains relevant in the Philippines as the country faces various challenges. It is a debate that will continue as the country seeks to balance stability with progress.

INSIGHT

Many argue that the Philippine Constitution needs to change to better suit the current system. Supporters of the amendment believe that it could improve governance, particularly by granting greater regional autonomy. There have been suggestions and proposals related to switching to a federal system of government, which provides more autonomy to different regions and allows foreign ownership of land and businesses. Rizal, for one, advocated for and believed that federalism would foster a sense of unity and diversity among Filipinos, allowing for more responsive and effective governance (Raposas, 2017). However, opponents raise concerns about potentially breaking apart the country further and the unequal distribution of resources and power. The suggestion to modify the constitution via a House bill, as explained in a Rappler article, has also sparked worries about how it could affect human rights and the equilibrium of power among the government branches (Rappler, 2023).

Additionally, as Maria Atienza notes, some in Congress and the public have been hesitant to make changes due to concerns about cost and abuse of power. As the country continues to face challenges, the conversation around constitutional amendment is likely to persist as officials search for ways to promote sustainable growth and development (Atienza, 2018). While stability and predictability are important strengths of the current Constitution, it is also crucial to consider the need for progress and improvement. Especially with how time is becoming more and more unpredictable, it is best to make changes now and have a head start in facing a range of economic, political, and social challenges.

For this blog, I conducted an interview survey with five (5) individuals to gather their opinions on amending the constitution through the use of Google Forms. The individuals who answered the survey came from diverse backgrounds in terms of profession and had varied opinions on the matter, providing me with a more nuanced view of the topic. Through their answers, I gained valuable insights that will inform the insights and learning sections of this blog entry.

The first question in the survey was how the current constitution affects the rights and interests of individuals in their respective industries or communities, and whether there are any provisions that should be revised or added to better protect and promote their welfare. The answers obtained from various respondents representing different industries are as follows:

Allan from the public sector identified tax and commodity, and transportation infrastructure as areas that need improvement.

Victor, an IT specialist, believes that there should be no bias in all areas.

As a teacher, Sha believes that the education sector needs a stronger system and better benefits for teachers.

Goldie, a BPO employee, and Juls, a Grab driver, both raised concerns about the government's benefit deductions and taxes, which are increasing periodically and affecting the take-home pay of private business employees, while the basic commodities continue to increase, forcing them to increase debts to make ends meet.

Following that question, I asked them what specific parts of the current constitution they think are preventing the development of the Philippines. The responses I received are as follows:

Allan believes that inflation, high cost of living, and corruption are preventing the development of the Philippines.

Victor raised concerns about RA9262, which he believes discriminates against men and is not promoting gender equality.

Sha believes that the lack of specific regulations, particularly in addressing political dynasties and conglomerates, is impeding the country's progress.

Goldie highlighted the rampant red tape in almost every aspect of any transaction as a significant hindrance to the country's development.

Juls expressed that more accountability and transparency are needed in government, and programs and initiatives that address the root causes of poverty, like lack of education and opportunities, should be implemented to promote development.

The graph presented shows the outcome of the survey, in which all five of them answered ‘yes’, with regards to the question “Are you in favor of amending the constitution?”.

For my last question, "If you are in favor of amending the constitution, could you explain the reasons why you believe a change is needed and what specific changes you think should be made?", here are some answers I received from the individuals:

Allan stated that amending the constitution could lead to better ways of improving the old ways, studying and planning, and seeking other possible solutions.

Victor expressed his concern with RA9262, which he views as a law that discriminates against men and needs to be changed or revised.

Goldie believes that any amendment made to the constitution should focus on positive economic growth, exceptional education systems, and better living conditions for every constituent, not just the privileged few.

Sha believes that changes to the constitution should be made if there is no progress or improvement on the current one.

Juls sees the need to amend the constitution, especially when it comes to economic provisions, such as foreign ownership of businesses, employee benefits and protections, and support for small businesses owned by independent contractors.

From the answers obtained from the survey, it is clear that while the current constitution has provided stability to the Philippines, it is flawed and needs revision. The participants from various industries highlighted particular aspects that require enhancement, including inflation, the high cost of living, corruption, gender inequality, political dynasties, and red tape. These concerns can have a substantial effect on the general populace, notably those in the private sector who face difficulties with surging living expenses, taxes, and deductions. It is evident that these issues must be addressed urgently, as they have the potential to cause a significant deterioration in the quality of life for many citizens.

Although stability is important, it should not come at the expense of progress and development. Ignoring the flaws in the constitution may have long-term consequences that could hinder the country's growth and progress. Thus, it's imperative to critically examine the constitution and incorporate immediate changes to make sure that it reflects the needs and aspirations of the Filipino people.

LEARNING

It's really impressive that our current constitution has been able to sustain the country's progress for such a long time. Nonetheless, we must be open to making necessary changes to better serve the needs and goals of Filipinos. After reviewing the survey responses, it became clear that crafting a constitutional amendment that is inclusive and avoids major conflicts is a daunting task. This is why many amendments have been disregarded or dismissed in the past. It's truly a challenge to draft a constitution that all sectors and communities can agree on.

However, be that as it may, times are changing and sooner or later, we will have to cross that bridge. Even without the pandemic in the equation, the Philippines has been facing challenges in different sectors and communities even before the outbreak. The Economist reported that the Philippine economy was unstable in 2018, citing factors such as high inflation, a widening trade deficit, and a weakening currency as reasons for the country's economic struggles. The marginalized sectors, such as farmers and low-income earners, have been disproportionately affected, leading to a wider income inequality gap (The Economist, 2018).

In the same year, the country's gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate slowed down to 6%, which was the lowest recorded growth rate in three years, according to a report by Rappler. The agricultural and fishing sectors were struggling, and inflation rates were at their highest in years, which affected the purchasing power of Filipinos. These issues underscored the need for continuous efforts to address the country's economic challenges, even beyond the current pandemic crisis (Rappler, 2018).

These challenges demonstrate the urgent need for change and improvement in various sectors and communities in the Philippines. Although constitutional amendments are not one of President Marcos Jr. 's priority (Rappler, 2023), perhaps the current government under his administration can provide a framework for addressing these issues and promoting progress. It is critical for the government and the Filipino people to really consider the implications of any proposed amendments and ensure that they serve the best interests of all sectors and communities in the country.

REFERENCES

The economy of the Philippines wobbles. (2018, November 17). The Economist. https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2018/11/17/the-economy-of-the-philippines-wobbles

Ela, M., & Atienza, L. (2018, August 21). A Federal Constitution for the Philippines? A Reluctant Congress and an Unsupportive Public. ConstitutionNet. Retrieved March 25, 2023, from https://constitutionnet.org/news/federal-constitution-philippines-reluctant-congress-and-unsupportive-public

Jan. (2022, September 23). The Philippine Constitution: A History And Overview. About Philippines. Retrieved March 25, 2023, from https://aboutphilippines.org/the-philippine-constitution-a-history-and-overview/

Raposas, A. (2017, December 12). A Federal Agenda? Jose Rizal and the Advocacy for Federalism. Filipino Historian. Retrieved March 25, 2023, from https://history-ph.blogspot.com/2017/12/rizal-federal.html

Rivas, R. (2018, August 9). Philippine economy slows down to 6% in Q2 2018. Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/business/209165-gross-domestic-product-philippines-q2-2018/

Tomacruz, S. (2023, February 13). Marcos: Charter change 'not a priority'. Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/nation/ferdinand-marcos-jr-charter-change-not-priority/

[raevens-ramblings-after-reading]

The Importance of Supporting Small Farmers in the Pursuit of Philippine Economic Development

OBSERVATION

Farming has been the way of life for most people in the Philippines. But because technology is always advancing and people want to be part of the latest and greatest, the government is now more into industrialization and urban development. This has caused some tension between farmers and the business sector since their land is being used for industrialization, and they are left with nothing. Although it’s a big debate on whether the country should prioritize agrarian reform or industrialization for its economic development, it is not a new one because, historically, our country has relied on agriculture as a major contributor to the economy.

Growing up, I’ve always heard this issue on TVs, radios and even read them on the internet. It seems the debate always ends up in an impasse because all the parties involved, the farmers and landowners, and the business sector, are never satisfied with what’s being offered on the table. This ongoing and persistent shift of modernization has caused significant changes in the way of life for many Filipinos, especially those in rural areas who depend on agriculture. I am a firm believer that the government should prioritize agrarian reform to support the farmers and the agricultural industry. On the other hand, I understand and would love to support the general proposals of the business sector so that we wouldn’t be left behind from the rest of the world in terms of modernization.

INSIGHT

From my perspective lately, it's quite frustrating to see how our government and business sector are disregarding the importance of agriculture in the Philippines. The land that farmers have been working on for generations is the sole source of their livelihood. It's not fair that they have to suffer and lose their land just because the government wants to prioritize industrialization. I understand that industrialization can provide more job opportunities and boost the economy, but that shouldn't come at the expense of the farmers' welfare. It's important for the government to prioritize agrarian reform and provide support to the agricultural sector, as it can also contribute to the country's economic development, especially through export, and promote a more sustainable and healthier environment (Sulong Udyong!, 2014). It's a complex issue with no easy solution, but it's crucial to consider the impact on the farmers and the country's food security.

According to a report by the Philippine Statistics Authority, the country's economy bounced back in 2021 after a tough year due to the pandemic and recorded a 5.7 percent growth (Agricultural Accounts Division of the Philippine Statistics Authority, 2022). This highlights the significant role that agriculture still plays in the country's economy, despite the push towards industrialization and even with the drawbacks the country experienced because of the pandemic. Don't we owe it to them to show more support and provide them with the necessary benefits to sustain their livelihoods and help keep the economy afloat? We wouldn't have any food to eat without them, and we don't always appreciate that fact. It's not just about giving them the stuff they need to keep farming, but it's also about giving them the respect they deserve for working so hard. Since agriculture still plays a big part in our country's economy, we should support our farmers and make sure their hard work is noticed and rewarded.

LEARNING

Although industrialization is a crucial aspect of economic development, I believe that our focus should shift towards ensuring that our farmers are well taken care of and can continue working in their element. The issue of agrarian reform versus industrialization is complex and requires careful consideration of the needs and aspirations of small farmers, who form a significant portion of our rural population. (It’s clear as day that it’s difficult to find a solution for as this topic and debate has been going on for decades but there is still no real solution.)

Thus, as most people can probably agree on and have been thinking for decades, the government must prioritize pursuing a genuine agrarian reform program that considers the needs of small farmers, such as redistributing land ownership, providing support, and promoting rural development. Our farmlands in the countryside can actually boost our economy, but only if we take care of them and give them the right support they need. The small farmers who've been working on these lands for a long time already have the skills and know-how to maximize their resources. They just need the necessary help to make it happen.

In conclusion, it is crucial to strike a balance between agrarian reform and industrialization in order to achieve sustainable economic growth. The government must prioritize the needs of small farmers and ensure that they are not left behind in the pursuit of industrial development. By doing so, we can create a society that values and supports our agricultural roots while also moving forward towards a brighter future.

REFERENCES:

Agricultural Accounts Division. (2022). 2022 Selected Statistics on Agriculture and Fisheries. Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from: https://psa.gov.ph/sites/default/files/%28ons-cleared%29_SSAF%202022%20as%20of%2030082022_ONS-signed.pdf

Sulong Udyong! (2014, March 4). The Importance of Agriculture to the Philippine Economy. Sulong Udyong!. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from http://www.udyong.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4607:the-importance-of-agriculture-to-the-philippine-economy&catid=90&Itemid=1368

[raevens-ramblings-after-reading]

The Historian's Toolbox: How Sources and Technology Shape the Study of History

OBSERVATION

When I hear the term "history," depictions of past wars and historical figures who have long since passed away yet continue to hold a significant role in various cultures and societies come to mind. Growing up, teachers and elders in general taught me many aspects of history, but I never once questioned why they were doing so. For the sole purpose of learning more about history, I've read a ton of books, listened to the radio, and followed the news on television. I was encouraged to memorize those historical facts because I would find them valuable in social circumstances like a school, a mall, or even family reunions to appear intellectual and knowledgeable.

It wasn’t until a few years ago that I gained the consciousness to question myself if the sources for those historical facts were credible and still accurate after a lesson from one of my subjects in 11th grade. I vaguely remember my former research teacher talking about primary and secondary sources and how to tell them apart in order to make our research papers easier to write.

From my understanding, primary sources are direct information of the past and provide first-hand evidence of historical events. They include things like letters, diaries, government records, photographs, and artifacts. On the other hand, secondary sources are a retelling of primary sources or the kind of sources that did not witness historical events first-hand. Examples of secondary sources include history books, encyclopedias and research papers.

INSIGHT

Understanding History: A Primer of Historical Method (1969) by Louis Gottschalk gave me the insight that there is a difference between original and primary sources, despite having almost identical definitions. An original source refers to the earliest or most reliable source of information about a historical event or person, meaning that they are unpolished and the texts on manuscripts or documents are in their original language. As for the primary source, again, they allow researchers and historians to get a firm understanding of the past because the sources were directly involved or were created at the time of the historical event. But the more I think about it, the more I realize that an original source is always a primary source but not all primary sources are original sources.

For instance, if someone wants to learn more about the history of the Philippines, they should visit the National Museum and take a closer look at original sources like artifacts, antiquated photographs, and legal documents because these have been examined and are considered reliable sources by historians. However, they might be regarded as secondary sources rather than original ones if they were learning Philippine history from recently released textbooks.

Another insight I’ve learned from the reading materials is that history is dependent on how people communicate and the advancement of technology when it comes to sources according to Martha Howell and Walter Prevenier’s study From Reliable Sources: An Introduction to Historical Methods (2001). Before, people would walk for miles just to deliver news and information. It would also depend on the climate or geographic conditions of the area if the information would successfully reach its destination. As time went on, people resorted to using visual signals (flags) and sound signals (horns or drums) to communicate with one another. By 2000 B.C.E, they used pack animals as transportation for information. Then, Mesopotamians were able to put information on stone tablets when 3000 B.C.E rolled around.

It’s like how we look up information through the use of the internet nowadays in different mediums such as computers and mobile devices. Overall, communication and information technology have changed the way sources are created, stored, and shared, making them more accessible and easier to preserve, but also making it more challenging to ensure the authenticity and reliability of sources since it goes through a lot before reaching their destination.

SUMMARY

Despite all these insights and learnings, one thing is bothering me:

With how advanced technology is these days, almost anyone can fabricate information, manipulate photos, videos and even audio recordings. I wonder... how will they be able to tell apart factual sources from those made-up? Especially with the use of artificial intelligence on the rise, it's quite intimidating that they are able to replicate digital information with a few clicks and tricks of coding. And there are always people naive enough to believe them and spread them to garner even more attention.

Do historians have the technological means to determine whether or not the sources they have are original or just copies? I can only hope so.

To sum up my thoughts about this topic, I learned that historians go through a lot of labor to help us get a better understanding of history despite knowing that we will never be able to attain all information about the total past. It is only right that we acknowledge their efforts as they continue to pick apart and sift through portions of historical sources to put together historical facts, appropriately citing their works in our academic and professional publications, and generally supporting them in their attempts to provide a clearer picture of mankind's past. However, it's crucial to remember that honoring historians doesn't mean to worship them and take their every word as fact, but rather to recognize their significant contributions to society's knowledge and to our understanding of the past, present and potentially even future.

REFERENCES:

Gottschalk, Louis. Understanding History: A Primer of Historical Method. New York, Alfred A. Knopf, 1969

Howell, Martha, and Walter Prevenier. From Reliable Sources: An Introduction to Historical Methods. New York, Cornell University Press, 2001