What is VAT and EVAT

This issue on Value Added Tax (VAT) and Expanded Value Added Tax (EVAT) really gets into my nerves whenever I’m reminded of it. I am not well-informed about it but my speck of knowledge that it adds 12% of the value of a merchandise which therefore minuses 12% from the consumers’ budget, when I believe it is the huge companies and corporations who should be shouldering these taxes, really leaves me with a shaking head and a deep sigh of helplessness.

Just awhile ago, I dropped by the Mercury Drugstore to buy my baby a can of powdered milk. I was surprised as I took a peek on the receipt and my mind was immediately drawn to the three capital letters printed four times on the lower part of my receipt — VAT. My eyes widened as it landed on the text which says “VAT 12% P38.01.” Fortunately, the P354.75 presented on the tag fits our budget but as an entrepreneur, who calculates even to the last cent, this amount already matters specially considering the point that I need to purchase six to seven cans of milk in a month. I would’ve gotten a monthly saving of P266.07 at the eradication of the VAT. For the average and the below average, nursing Juan dela Cruz, this instantly added to and expanded their burdens.

Tax in its plain self is already heavy at times for most Filipino consumers, then here came Value Added Tax, indeed an added weight. But it doesn’t end there, following VAT was the Expanded Value Adde d Tax. It’s like terrible taxes times two! I can not wholly comprehend why and how these taxes where legalised. Why pass the heavier and additional load to the struggling consumers when successful companies have the larger pockets and stronger shoulders? To my perception, it just makes the rich richer and the poor poorer.

Again I queried, who passed the bill anyway? When a campaign advertisement flashed on our screen saying pacifying things about helping the poor, brushing off corruption, and the like, my sister convicted “Hmp! I will not vote for him! He was the one responsible for the VAT and EVAT!” She then added that he was bluffing his way again to the senate. Believing those strong words from my sister’s sensible mouth, made me erase that politician’s name off my ballot.

As May 10 is less than a month away, it is high time for me to strain my voting list. Scrutinizing political candidates’ profile, dissecting their track records, and critically examining their platforms would certainly avoid a morbid mistake of voting for someone like the one behind the VAT and EVAT.  Lawmakers who sincerely aim for the relief of fatigued Filipinos deserve to sit within the corridors of power. So, as they say, vote wisely!