If you can’t believe a president of the Philippines is running for Congress to represent a medium-size district at the end of her term, try reflecting on a city councilor from Central Luzon aspiring to become president of the Republic. Councilor John Carlos “JC” de los Reyes of Olongapo City is the standard-bearer of the Ang Kapatiran Party, a group of idealists and reformers seeking to change Philippine politics and the way government is run by insisting on the rule of morality and the social doctrine of the Church.

He wants to end political dynasties, decentralize government and hasten growth in Mindanao. He also opposes the reproductive health bill strongly for offering questionable family planning choices.

What distinguishes de los Reyes from his rivals? His education includes impressive degrees in theology, public administration and
law. He travels without a bodyguard. Most refreshing, JC sends his children to public schools.

Not to mention that he comes from city hall, one of twelve councilors. Malacañang aspirants or Filipino presidents historically come from the Senate, the House or the Cabinet. Lito Osmena tried to break out from the Cebu provincial capital on a “Promdi” (from the province) campaign, and failed. No distinguished leader from the academe, business or trade unions has attempted a run.

President Gloria Arroyo is expected to sweep Pampanga’s second congressional district and demote herself to a congressman. Will Councilor “JC” de los Reyes make it to Malacanang? He needs a miracle.

The Daily Inquirer, by the way, reported that de los Reyes, a prayerful man, feel’s bad when people tell him, “I will pray for you,” because he takes it to mean that they think he will lose and all they can do is say a prayer. (We don’t necessarily believe the Inquirer writer’s presentation of what JC has in his mind.)

If you happen to meet “JC” on the campaign trail, tell him you’ll pray for Gibo Teodoro or Bro. Eddie Villanueva and, if the Inquirer is right, that will make him feel good.


The BIR’s 2/14 drive


In the interest of boosting tax collections, the Bureau of Internal Revenue will target motels and hotels on February 14. Call it “Operation Short Time.”

The agency said that motels, in particular, do brisk business on Valentine’s Day and wants to make sure the love-nests report their true incomes and pay the correct taxes.

A Philippine Star item reported that motels, hotels and restaurants would be placed under “discreet surveillance” to check on guest arrivals and departures. No, the BIR is not interested in identifying customers, the program is not meant to harass couples. Walang personalan. Official audit po lamang.

BusinessMirror said the BIR will post about 2,500 agents, almost one-fourth of its staff, in and around hotel and motel premises to monitor vehicle and people movement for verification and documentation.

Won’t the campaign tax the patience of business owners and prompt some to sue the BIR? No, said Revenue chief Joel Tan-Torres, because surveillance is a legitimate tax collection activity.

We asked The Times resident love counselor if the drive might turn couples away. No, he replied, but more pairs will be arriving in “biglang-kaliwa” (abrupt left turn) cabs than in private cars.

The agency head said the memorandum order enumerates the procedure and guidelines for Operation Valentine but the news accounts were silent on the details.

Would the guidelines include how many orders for “Soup No. 5” were made? How many pairs of abaca slippers were used for the day? Or how many couples booked themselves in the more expensive rooms with mirrored ceilings? Bigger tax collection hinges on these important extras.

Let’s wish the BIR success. Taxes are what make government work and deliver services. Taxes help create a civil society.

Immigration and Customs inspectors at the international airports greet arriving and departing passengers with hearty best wishes. How should the BIR collectors show their appreciation to motel guests? At the exit gate, they could wave a sign saying, “THANK YOU FOR COMING.”

Ganito tayo noon

The Spanish colonial government inaugurated the first Luzon railways service on November 24, 1892. As early as 118 years ago, Filipinos could travel from Manila to Dagupan, Pangasinan, to the north, and from Manila to Albay in the South. When the Americans took ownership of the service in 1917, the Manila-Dagupan line extended to San Fernando, La Union, where Baguio-bound travelers could take the bus to the summer capital.

Ganito tayo ngayon
Today, a passenger on the Philippine National Railways coaches could travel only up to Meycauayan, Bulacan, going north, and up to Bicutan, Taguig and Binan, Laguna, in the south. Beyond those lines lie abandoned tracks, bridges and rail stations.

Most First World nations and developing ones are busy building new lines or modernizing current systems. The railways service, the business and travel workhorse in the modern and emerging economies, has deteriorated in the Philippines in the technologous 21st century.