Wish Granted but Slashed

Metro Manila workers were heard by DOLE and other agencies concerned, yet the Php125 increase was cut down to Php25, a mere 20 percent of what was previously raised. Cebu workers get Php15 and Php 12 for the rest of Central Visayas.

The public has been temporarily relieved because of the postponement of the fare hike last May 26. The minimum fare should have been Php7.50 from Php5.50 despite the decline of oil prices in the world market. If we want to be more accurate, that is 36 percent more.

Last May 25, President Arroyo signed the expanded value-added tax bill, which has been putting the Senate and Congress in several sessions since January. From 10 percent, E-vat leads to 12 percent. The government may have been looking for additional measures for effective tax collection, yet it does not want to look under its own table.

Poor Juan dela Cruz, whose daily expenses amounts to Php 150/day for a decent standard of living, excluding education, shelter, medicines, fare, and clothing.

I was thinking that when laborers demand an increase they should opt for Php1000, and Php200 may be granted.