MAY I suggest that as a gesture of compassion for the Filipino poor, President Aquino, in coordination with Congress, certify as urgent a law authorizing government subsidy for the water and electricity bills of the poor, as well as for National Food Authority rice and corn grits. The program emanating from this law should be administered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, according to the following schedule:
Water bill:
Monthly consumption of up to 100 cubic meters
50 cu m or less—totally free (government pays)
The next 50 cu m—regular rate (consumer pays)
Electricity bill:
Monthly consumption of up to 200 kilowatt-hours
100 kWh or less—totally free
The next 100 kWh—regular rate
NFA rice and corn grits:
50 percent of commercial price
This welfare gesture will be appreciated nationwide for it will make the cost of living of the poor more bearable.
Possible wherewithal:
- Proceeds from the sale of smuggled goods confiscated by the Bureau of Customs
- Fines for transgressions of all applicable laws
- Increase in VAT by 2 percent
- Progressive taxation anchored on social responsibility.
—FILEMON F. GONZALES JR. Timpolok, Lapu-lapu City, Cebu