The News Today Online

EDITORIALS

Christmas 2005

The lifting of the freeze order on the Expanded Value Added Tax (EVAT) Law would certainly affect how the common Filipino celebrate Christmas which is only two months away.

As expected the EVAT Law would eventually increase the prices of basic commodities, fuel, water and power rates, etc. No amount of assurance from the government could prevent this from happening. In short, the poor Filipino would have to tighten his belt more.

In the face of this scenario is the ongoing political turmoil in the upper echelon of government which causes economic instability. While, on top is the threat of terrorism that is becoming a global plague.

What then do we expect in Christmas 2005?

Certainly, it would be no better than last year's. At the rate things are going Christmas 2005 would be so blue.

If there could be any consolation, it would be hearing Christmas songs over the radio.

Supreme sacrifice

Former Pres. Fidel V. Ramos has finally called on Pres. Arroyo to shorten her term in the light of the ever growing political turmoil the country is facing.

Ramos who has remained on the side of Arroyo up to this time must have realized that the present political conflict will not be resolved as long as the President stays in power.

Perhaps this is now the right time for Pres. Arroyo to contemplate on what former Pres. Corazon Aquino had appealed to her about three months ago—to make the supreme sacrifice of resigning.

If the President has concern for the entire nation she must consider Aquino's, as well as Ramos', appeal instead of being too adversarial to the opposition.

The current political situation in the Philippines is hurting especially the lowly Filipinos. Pres. Arroyo should think beyond politics. That is, if she has concern for the entire nation. .