http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/09/05/1175631/miriam-only-taxpayers-should-be-allowed-vote An absolutely horrible argument. I always found Santiago "entertaining" to watch. Always says what's on her mind and asked tough questions.....but maybe she should have kept this one to herself. As if it were only the poor taking bribes. lol This sounds a lot like the old US laws that stated only white property owners can vote (1812-1860). If the Philippine government wants riots on their hands and be removed from power by force they should move forward with this nonsense.
I agree with her, only my definition of taxpayer includes anyone that pays taxes. Value Added Tax, (VAT) is paid by everyone.
I agree with her and don't see the connection to the US only white can vote. It's quite natural that those who pay tax also are those deciding what to do with the tax money. It's very easy to be generous with others money. Besides, it will be the first time foreigners doing tax paying business will be allowed to vote. Not.
The "property owner" part was the part I was comparing....not the white only part. As Cletus stated, even the poor pay taxes with the VAT. They don't have a say in where that money goes? I don't think anyone was saying foreigners should be able to vote.
She clearly stated that the poor were the people who don't pay taxes and are susceptible to being paid for votes. She can try to backtrack with a technicality but everyone knows she meant that the poor should not be allowed to vote. From the article and original post: Should I get to vote since I pay more taxes than most Filipino do? I'm sure she meant to exclude foreigners as every tourist/expat in the country will pay taxes of some sort. There is no doubt she was referring to property tax payers who are citizens.
Maybe it should be one vote for every 100 P in taxes or portion there of. It would stimulate the payment of taxes. Also if you sold your vote you would get some of your tax expenses paid for by the very politicians that take the money from the people throughout their rein in office....
