Former senator urges people not to pay taxes

Human Rights lawyer Rene Saguisag is reportedly asking people not to pay their taxes until President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo breaks her silence on the illegally tapped conversation between her and former Comelec Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano. The first question that entered our mind was, "Can’t Saguisag be disbarred for urging the public to break the law?" Because of his suggestion, many people will not pay their taxes. It will not be because of the tape controversy. It will be because now not paying your taxes can be viewed as a patriotic act. And if the majority of people follow Saguisag’s advice, it will not be GMA that will collapse. It will be the country itself.

Frankly, we have not heard the tape. But we know that it was illegally tapped. No one has a right to tape the private conversation of two individuals. That is an invasion of privacy. And it cannot be used as evidence in court. So it is GMA that has cause to complain. Her privacy has been invaded. Now a former lawmaker is urging the public to stop paying taxes till GMA does two things: First, admit that it is her voice in the tape; second, explain the contents in relation to alleged cheating in the last presidential elections. Who is out of order here? The former senator or the president?

We want this issue clarified. But it must be done according to law. Street demonstrations cannot settle the issues. First, who is the complainant? Where will he file his case? Should it be an independent investigating body, Congress, the Senate or a court? The only evidence are tapes that have been illegally acquired. As such, they are inadmissible in court. The thing is that their existence cannot be denied. Many have heard them. We say "them" because there are many versions.

Undoubtedly, this is an issue that will haunt the country for sometime to come. The main issue is: How reliable were the results of the last presidential election? As Susan Roces pointed out, everything is now academic because if it was Fernando Poe Jr. who won – he is no longer with us.

Sen. Raul Roco has come up with the suggestion of having a "snap election." This can’t be done because up to this day there is absolutely no proof whatsoever that GMA did not win the elections. We are not a banana republic. We respect the results of the elections. As far as the opposition who are determined to unseat GMA, the first thing they should realize is that there is only one legal way – through impeachment and so far no one has found an impeachment case against GMA that will stand up in court.

We believe that GMA is doing well. Most of the problems in our government today are things that were handed down from past administrations. We have relative peace and order and so far we are moving forward and not at a stand still or worse, moving backwards. What the opposition must do is unite and have an alternative program for the country if they do not agree with GMA. We may be committed to different parties or political leaders. But we are all committed to democracy and as William H. Hastie said, democracy is: "A process, not a static condition. It is becoming, rather than being. It can easily be lost; but never is fully won. Its essence is eternal struggle."