EDITORIAL - Tax reform law in a positive light

The tax reform law just signed by President Duterte and expected to swing into effect in 2018 has drawn mixed reactions from the Filipino public. That is to be expected of course. Things do not always seem the same thing to different people. Anyway, the tax reform law made many people happy with its substantial reduction in income taxes, but the trade-off consisting of hefty taxes elsewhere also made a lot of others apprehensive.

But here is where the new law might emerge in a positive light amid the overall scheme of things: Whether we like it or not, whether there is a new tax reform law that reduces income taxes or not, prices in virtually everything will always be going up. From oil products to sweetened drinks to brand new cars –there is not going to be any relief from the relentless assault of escalating prices.

These continuously soaring prices can come as a huge tidal wave, as feared by many as a consequence of the reduction in income taxes, or as slight but steady add-ons that a people rendered numb and callous by their inexorable certainty may not readily notice until the reality hits them when they get their bills. But as sure as the sun rises in the east, the increases will come to everything that people cannot do without.

And so, to the ever practical Filipino, the situation is ultimately made very clear. Given the absolute certainty of price increases in absolutely everything, would he still rather be given some relief in his income taxes or not? The obvious answer is of course, as Cebuanos would say in their very precise language –maayo na lang.

Whether there is a tax break or not, prices will still always increase. So “maayo na lang” that there is a tax break. Or as Cebuanos are bound to add: “Ha-i labi og wala.” It is therefore always better to consider things in their broader perspective.

It is always better to weigh the pros and cons. But more importantly, it is always better to maintain a little bias toward the positive.

For there is no government in the world that can produce a cure-all for all the problems of its citizens. Mankind is simply not capable of finding the silver bullet to end all that afflicts everyone. What little improvements that come into the lives of people must be embraced as little achievements against the challenges of everyday living. And if for nothing else, the tax reform law at least proves government is moving, is trying to do something.