The government should rethink the cost-effectiveness of its tax strategy. It just doesn't make sense that the government is rushing to impose VAT on books to generate P272 million while dragging its feet on the sin taxes, which could bring in P11.3 billion. As for cracking the whip to collect taxes on small businesses' Christmas sales, amid government neglect of social services, the environment, the economy -- why does the word "extortion" come to my mind?

By Michael Tan*
Inquirer News Service Opinion

The majority call for merely reducing rather than totally eliminating the pork barrel appears to be a pragmatic compromise that takes into account two opinions: on the one hand, there is prevalent opinion that a good deal of legislators' projects go to corruption, but on the other hand, there is a still widespread belief that it is a legislator's duty to deliver projects and programs to his constituents

Pulse Asia research fellow Emmanuel de Dios*
on Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) Poll Survey

Blaming the illegal loggers for what happened in Dingalan, Real and Infanta is like blaming the pickpockets in Cubao for the crime situation in Metro Manila. Running after the illegal loggers for the ferocious ravaging of this country is like running after the Muslims in Quiapo to solve the problem of piracy in Asia. It is selective perception of mind-boggling proportions. No, it is self-inflicted blindness.

By Conrado de Quiros*
Inquirer News Service

3G is not a new service that is to be governed by new rules and requirements. There are effective quasi-judicial procedures for the grant of such [a] license in place. 3G should therefore not be used as a circumvention of the constitutional and legislative requirements. Technologies come and go, but the basic services remain the same and even [with] the rapid pace of technology change, the law has provided for such by qualifying and lumping them under value-added services.

The NTC and private telecommunications companies should band together to determine the utilization of third generation [3G] technology in the Philippines and be wary of being influenced by foreign suppliers whose primary objective is to sell 3G equipment. SMART is very much willing to work together with the NTC within the framework of RA 7925.

Rogelio Quevedo*
Smart legal and external carrier relations head

Our economic history showed that it is marked by booms and bust. If the reported growth rate is accurate, it is likely to be transitory.

Ernesto Pernia*
Economist, University of the Philippines

This is not going to be a walk in the park for Secretary Reyes as far as his confirmation by the commission is concerned. You have witnessed this.

Senator Rodolfo Biazon*

We have secured the commitment of the majority and this is the first time that it (line-item budgeting for intelligence and travel funds) will be done.

Why, have you seen the P70 million on paper in the past?

So there will be P40 million 'declared' and P30 million 'hidden'.

Huwag na tayong mag-plastikan (Let's dispense with the niceties). Who will refuse P70 million?

Why should the opposition take the lead? We all know that if administration lawmakers get P70 million, members of the opposition will get the same.

House Minority Leader Rep. Francis Escudero*
NPC, Sorsogon

Every day has been a roller coaster ride ... This is the best Christmas ever.

Grace Nayan*
Angelito Nayan's sister