September 14, 2009

Hon. Prospero Nograles
House Speaker
House of Representatives

Dear Sir:

We would like to express our firm opposition to the consolidated bill of Ilocos Sur Rep. Eric Singson HB 6625 and Rep. Danilo Suarez HR 282 seeking to impose a 5-centavo tax for every text message.

This measure will be a burden to the Filipino consumers already experiencing a difficult time due to rising costs and diminishing income.

We believe that despite provisions that the “text tax’” should not add to the burdens of the tax paying public, these do not guarantee that consumers will not shoulder this additional burden. The present deregulated telecommunications industry lacks the transparency to make it possible for the government to implement the no pass-on provision.

The consumers will not allow additional taxes most especially during these times when some officials have been known to spend millions in lavish dinners and controversial trips.

Congress must exercise restraint in looking for ways and means to finance government programs and operations. As an alternative, congress can still get P36-billion without imposing a new tax by reallocating P4-million from each congressman’s pork barrel, P10-million from the Office of the President and 10 percent from the budget intended for debt servicing.

We are calling on your office to stand in the interest of the Filipino public and junk the tax on text proposal.

Sincerely,

(sgd)

Tonyo Cruz
President, TxtPower

(sgd)
Vencer Crisostomo

Secretary General, Kabataan Partylist
Leon Dulce
New Media Team Head, Computer Professionals’ Union

(sgd)
Reileen Joy Dulay
Campaigns and Advocacy Officer, AGHAM