Opinions Unlimited
by Atty. Tony(APA) Acyatan (Atty. APA – chairman of Acyatan & Co., CPAs-DFK International is president of PICPA in 1990 and ASEAN Federation of CPAs (1998-2000) and Accountancy Hall-of-Famer (2006).
EFFECTS: The Philippine territory is invaded by typhoons twenty two times per year, on the average. Because of this regular visits and consequences, typhoon occurrences create impacts – especially on our economy. Like our latest – “Basyang”, she was most welcome in water-starved Central Luzon, except that she carried more wind and fury than rains. Also, instead of passing centrally near Angat Dam, it hit \thickly populated Metro-Manila.
The typhoon – first under the young Aquino Administration, brought to the fore equipment and personnel insufficiencies at PAGASA. P-Noy reacted fast as he warned “this is unacceptable”. Opinions Unlimited has for long suggested that public storm bulletins should be aired by the weather bureau preferably on hourly basis instead of the present – EVERY SIX HOURS! If there are timely warnings, more lives and properties can be saved.
EMPLOYMENT: Starting in the second semester, more job opportunities are expected both here and abroad. There will be more slots for business outsourcing services, led by call centers. For one, Convergys Corporation – largest private employer in the Philippines has announced its hiring of 3,600 new agents. This is a clue not only to job-seekers and recruitment agencies but also to our technical schools and colleges.
On the ASEAN front, as Singapore braces itself for a 14% GDP growth this year, it plans to hire more foreign workers. Because of the Filipinos’ English proficiency, our people are preferred for hiring. Our authorities should take advantage of this open window for employment abroad. We suggest, though – that our manpower exports should be given special trainings to compete ably and survive – in the global arena.
JUETENG: The appointment of DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo is most welcome by his fellow Bikolnons – a sort of regional recognition. His bold plan to abolish the illegal numbers game will be his litmus test. He may rise or fall on this hard down-to-earth issue. His good experience in Naga City and the Bikol Region may not be enough for this nationwide money tug-of-war.
Majority of local politicians will get disappointed with Robredo. Many of the LGU winners spent fortunes during the campaign, naturally hoping that they can recover all those, while “on the job”. For many, the jueteng intake has been included in computing the periodic cash inflows. Barangay bet-collectors and “cabos” will lose income – so they must be given new jobs.
Good luck to you, Sir!
TAXES: The gargantuan task of generating revenues to eliminate our budget deficit falls on the shoulders of Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and BIR Commissioner Kim Jacinto Henares, both fellow CPAs. Their no-nonsense approach will mean stricter implementation of tax collection and examination of returns. We fully subscribe to the change. Sadly lamented by one BIR Examiner – even in our audits, no more “wang-wang”,
Our auditing and financial consultancy firm has been advising our clients to always file genuine financial reports. If they do so, there is no need to tempt and “grease the palm” of tax people. Once BIR and Customs are ridden of grafters, the systemic corruption will be cleansed – and the dishonest personnel will voluntarily leave, to the delight of the honest majority. Mabuhay!
PROVERBS: The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself.
Bikol Reporter 