Now it’s a ‘politicos’ issue

Wow, Philippine politics can really be something else. "Politicos", especially those who are seeking re-election or some kind of elective position in the coming 2004 elections, are obviously trying to look at every opportunity to have any kind of TV sound bites or newspaper quotes just to get whatever media mileage, even on issues that they do not fully understand.

Take the case of the controversial BIR RR 4-2003 that was approved by Finance secretary Jose Isidro Camacho and BIR commissioner Guillermo Parayno, which in a flash took out the excise tax exemptions of all AUVs and SUVs in the market. This is what many in the industry regard as the arbitrary ruling that changed the long-established and applied rules on seat measurements, which was announced for immediate implementation sans any industry consultation or any kind of public hearing even with those who would be adversely affected.

The "free-loading politicians" are now scrambling for a place in the bandwagon just so they can express their concern for the benefit of the populace, whose very precious votes they woo at whatever expense. And judging by their pitiful statements, they do not have a grasp of the issue and it seems that their primary concern is print space or TV airtime.

Now before my innate contempt for such kind of politicians derails me from the issue, it seems that the controversial "instant" BIR ruling gets into some twist or turn every time the sun rises. First it was reported that the implementation of the ruling takes effect 15 days after publication, which was 2 very short days after its announcement. Then, it was stated in almost all newspapers that the ruling would be deferred until May 31 while the next day an announcement came out that the effectivity would be on March 31. Now between the times I am writing this column, which is on a Monday, until it comes out today, who knows what new twist, would have developed?

Whatever, observers from within the industry and even those from outside still consider the controversial ruling as ill advised. These exclude those who might have logically speculated that the ruling was just a smokescreen to pre-empt the poised senate hearing to look into some other controversial moves of the DoF and the BIR that supposedly favored some manufacturer in the industry, which allegedly caused the government losses from tax collection potentials. Knowing fully well that this ruling would anyway be moot and academic once the new excise tax law, presently being crafted in Congress, is passed, only strengthens the logic of this school of thought.

But what’s sad, should there be any truth to such speculation, is that the ruling sends very depressing signals to those in the industry, who may now believe that long-term projections can be shattered by rulings of similar consequences. It can also be a discouraging indication to those who may just be contemplating on investing in the country or those who may be thinking of expanding their present business interests.

I guess the best thing to do for the DoF is to just defer the implementation of BIR RR 4-2003 in the interest of giving the Congress a free hand in fine tuning the legislation on excise taxation for the automotive industry while submitting it as additional inputs in the bill’s deliberation.

Toyota whoops it up for getting "Triple Crown"

The Beatles is a hands-down choice of being the "number one" rock & roll group the world has ever known. And what better theme to choose in celebrating a "triple-crown" than be associated with the "number one"?

Mr. Daniel Isla, first vice president of Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation, and a certified "marketing workaholic" can’t be more apt in exploring this parallelism to the hilt when TMPC celebrated their "top-of-the-heap" distinction in the local automotive industry for the year that just passed–Number One in passenger cars, Number One in commercial vehicles and Number One in total sales.

The Dish at the Power Plant at the Rockwell Center reverberated with the hits of the Beatles all night but reached a crescendo when the Inquirer’s Al Mendoza, a "canonized Beatle fanatic" combined scintillating vocal cords with Danny "Pareng Ringgo" Isla, a true blue Beatle maniac, in belting some of the Fab Four’s immortal numbers. Not to be outdone, despite not being born yet during the height of the rein of John, Paul George and Ringgo, Rev magazine’s Vernon Sarne surprised everybody when he got up the stage with a repertoire of great hits of the sixties.

TMPC’s very friendly president Mr. Nobuharu Tabata, profusely thanked the media for its help in accomplishing Toyota’s milestone achievement. He expressed his confidence that the local motoring journalists’ avowed role of constantly keeping the market abreast in the latest automotive developments would keep the industry sound and alive despite trying times.

Very traditional, the Toyota affair saw good food and expensive wines and spirits flowing (XO was served like it was going out of style the next day), but what was visible was the now benchmark camaraderie among motoring journalists that’s presently a common scene in events like this in the industry.

It was an exclusive thanksgiving party for the media and everybody had a grand time. As always, we had to be there with Toyota’s indispensably dependable Ariel de Jesus and the "motoring family" to make sure all the lights at the venue were turned off and the gates in the parking area securely closed–at almost 2 AM.

Congratulations to Toyota for your "Triple Crown"!

Despite heights reached, he misses the Philippines

Guess who blew into the country just for a short 4-day stay?

Mr. Koji Miyajima, once president of Honda Cars Philippines, with a distinguished stay in the country during the time when Honda was lording it over in the passenger car category, was not a year older in looks, despite just coming from a sun-drenched 18-hole golf game, when he appeared at the lobby lounge of the Makati Shangri-La last Saturday afternoon. The "merienda get together" was hosted by members of the "motoring family". I was joined by Popong Andolong and Erle Sebastian of Today, Brian Afuang of the Star, Aris Ilagan of Bulletin, Vernon Sarne of Rev magazine, Ron delos Reyes of Auto Review and Jenny Bleza of STV, Sunshine Television Ventures (other family members Pinky Colmenares and Anjo Perez of the Bullletin unfortunately had unmovable deadlines to meet) in renewing friendships and talking about the good old days of the Honda Media Challenge, with Honda’s Arnel Doria, the architect of the successful event, also present to remind us of some details.

Koji-san has reached extraordinary heights of success in his executive career at Honda Motor Japan but still confesses that he misses the Philippines, not only for his weekly golf (which now comes far in between in very expensive Japan), but more so for the many friends that he has made during his memorable stay.

We wish him more success in the future and look forward to his future visits to the country.

Informative viewing and prizes galore

The flow of useful information for the motoring public never ceases on the TV program Motoring Today (Sunday 11:30 PM Channel 4 Manila and nationwide on the National Broadcasting Network). This weekly fountain of information is coupled with valuable prizes.

Inputs on proper vehicle maintenance are regularly provided on the Caltex Xpresslube TV Mekaniko. Vital issues affecting motorists and the public are discussed on Honda Car Philippines’ Motoring Forum while quick checks to ensure trouble-free driving come from "Isuzu Joe" of Isuzu Philippines. Valuable prizes come from Ford Philippines in tandem with driving tips on the Ford Driving Test while Toyota determines your familiarity with Formula One on their Toyota Know Your Formula One Contest. So, watch, learn and win.

Happy motoring!!!

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