Stop Taxing Survival: The Government Should Take Less Instead of Pretending to Give More!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Removing the 12% VAT on Electricity Could Empower More Filipinos Than Any AYUDA Ever Could

 

Imagine a nation where relief doesn't come with red tape.

Where help isn’t dangled like a carrot by politicians waiting for applause, likes, or loyalty.

Where dignity isn’t sacrificed just to claim a few hundred pesos in government aid.

It’s time to ask the uncomfortable but necessary question: What if we stopped pretending that AYUDA (government cash assistance) is the only way to help Filipinos—and started rethinking the system entirely?

Let’s break it down, no gimmicks, no politics—just pure numbers and logic.

The True Cost of Government “Help”

Every year, the government allocates ₱194 billion for AYUDA.

That amount is supposed to help 27 million Filipinos—the most vulnerable, the most in need.

But reality hits hard:

Not everyone receives it.

Distribution is often delayed, poorly managed, or worse—politicized.

Entire communities are left waiting, while others get more than their fair share.

Corruption, inefficiency, and favoritism plague the system.

That’s ₱194 billion spent with no guarantee of real, equitable impact.

Now Consider Your Monthly Power Bill

The Philippines consumes about 110 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually.

At an average of ₱10 per kWh, that translates to a national electricity bill of ₱1.1 trillion.

And then—here comes the punch in the gut:

A 12% VAT slapped on every watt we use.

That’s ₱120 billion collected in taxes—taken not just from the rich, but from every single Filipino who pays a power bill.

Yes, the same 27 million people that AYUDA supposedly targets.

So here’s the million-peso idea:

What if we REMOVE the 12% VAT on electricity instead of handing out selective, flawed AYUDA?

The Power of Letting People Keep Their Money

Removing VAT on electricity would instantly and automatically return ₱120 billion to the pockets of Filipino households.

No paperwork.

No waiting in line.

No political photo-ops or strings attached.

Everyone who pays for electricity—rich, poor, middle-class—gets a fair, equal share of relief.

And unlike AYUDA, which comes once or twice a year (if at all), this benefit is felt every single month, for every family, every business, every barangay.

The Bigger Picture: Economic Justice in Action

This isn’t just a numbers game—it’s a justice issue.

Here’s what removing the VAT on electricity really means:

Long-term affordability for every Filipino.

Boosted productivity for small businesses struggling with overhead costs.

More money circulating in local economies instead of going to government coffers.

Less corruption, because there’s no program to manipulate or mismanage—just straightforward tax reduction.

In fact, the ₱120 billion in VAT relief directly benefits the people who paid it—unlike the ₱194 billion in AYUDA, much of which gets lost in transit.

Let’s Call It What It Is: A Smarter Kind of Help

It’s time to stop acting like AYUDA is the only way to show compassion or provide support.

Real support doesn’t need to be performative.

Real support means making everyday life less expensive, not just handing out seasonal crumbs.

And real leadership means knowing when not to take, rather than pretending to give.

The Bottom Line

Do we continue with a broken system that demands people beg for a share of ₱194 billion?

Or do we choose fairness, dignity, and long-term impact by letting families save ₱120 billion on their electricity bills—no application required?

The answer is simple, bold, and revolutionary.

Stop taxing survival.

Remove the VAT on electricity.

Give power back—literally and figuratively—to the people.

Taxation hinders economic growth and individual prosperity, and that government spending is often ineffective or even harmful. The government should focus on reducing taxes to stimulate the economy and leave more disposable income in the hands of individuals.

Because sometimes, the best kind of ayuda is when the government simply gets out of the way.

Triumph of Integrity: CBN Asia Honored at Malacañang as the Philippines Exits FATF Grey List

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a momentous stride toward global financial credibility, the Philippines has officially been removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List—a milestone marked by a historic national recognition ceremony at Malacañang Palace. Among the 200 honorees, CBN Asia—the faith-driven media ministry behind The 700 Club Asia and Superbook—stood out, a beacon of integrity amid a sea of institutions honored for their role in this unprecedented national achievement.

Presided over by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., the ceremony awarded 29 heads of government agencies with plaques of recognition, acknowledging their crucial roles in the nation’s reinvigorated financial vigilance. In the presence of state leaders, CBN Asia emerged as a compelling testament that even nonprofit and faith-based organizations can play a pivotal role in upholding transparency, trust, and good governance.

A Ministry on a Mission—Recognized at the Highest Level

Representing CBN Asia at the prestigious event was President and CEO Peter Kairuz, who accepted the plaque of recognition with humility and honor. Joining him were Malou Ibañez, Vice President for Administration, and Danilo Camerino, Senior Director for Finance, who both received individual certificates of recognition for their roles in ensuring the organization's financial integrity.

“As a non-profit organization, the award speaks about CBN Asia’s integrity—about our commitment to cooperate with our government in the best way we can,” said Kairuz. “We are here to be good citizens, be good stewards of what the Lord has entrusted to us.”

This declaration of stewardship was more than just ceremonial—it was deeply spiritual and symbolically powerful. In a climate where faith-based institutions are often sidelined in discussions about governance and reform, CBN Asia’s recognition from the nation’s highest office serves as a profound affirmation: that integrity transcends sectors and that morality can, and should, have a seat at the table of national development.

Beyond the Ceremony: What the Grey List Exit Means

The FATF Grey List is reserved for countries identified to have strategic deficiencies in their systems for countering money laundering and terrorist financing. Being delisted is not merely a feather in the nation’s cap—it is a transformative leap in the eyes of the international community.

Exiting the list brings far-reaching benefits:

Renewed trust from global investors

Increased economic opportunities for Filipino businesses

Lower remittance costs for OFWs, who remain the lifeblood of the Philippine economy

A stronger, more credible financial infrastructure

For a nonprofit like CBN Asia, the implications are deeply resonant. The recognition affirms that their financial practices meet the highest standards of accountability—strengthening donor confidence and reaffirming their commitment to responsible resource management.

“CBN Asia was honored, but we were there on behalf of our nation,” said Ibañez. “By the grace of God, we were part of this achievement. It was truly a great honor.”

Stewardship and Transformation: A Divine Partnership

CBN Asia’s honor is not just a reward; it is a responsibility. As the country enters a new chapter of financial credibility, organizations like CBN Asia become torchbearers of ethical governance. Their work in media evangelism is underpinned by an equally strong foundation in accountability—showing that faith and finance, when guided by principles, can move a nation forward.

Through its globally recognized television programs and humanitarian efforts, CBN Asia has long inspired spiritual transformation. Now, it adds another layer to its mission: to inspire financial transparency and public trust as instruments of national progress.

This recognition does not signal an end, but a new beginning—a call for continued vigilance, faithfulness, and unity between government, civil society, and organizations that champion both faith and facts.

A Collective Victory, A Shared Calling

As the plaques and certificates were handed out, one truth became clear: the Philippines’ removal from the FATF Grey List was not the work of a few, but the victory of many. CBN Asia’s presence at Malacañang stands as a symbol that change is possible when diverse sectors—government, finance, and faith—work hand in hand.

In a world too often shaken by corruption and doubt, this moment reaffirms a greater truth: that integrity, when grounded in faith and action, can indeed transform a nation.

And CBN Asia? They’ll continue doing just that—one broadcast, one community, and one act of stewardship at a time.

A Fortress for the Future: Pasig City to Break Ground on Its Most Ambitious Project Yet

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

A towering symbol of resilience, sustainability, and future-readiness is about to rise in the heart of Pasig.

The city, long known as a progressive and dynamic force in Metro Manila, is now poised to make history with the groundbreaking of its new modern Pasig City Hall—a marvel of engineering, architecture, and vision that promises to stand tall for the next 100 years and beyond.

The Stronghold of Pasig: Built to Last

This isn’t just a government building. It’s a fortress, a command center, and a civic sanctuary designed to weather the storms of the future—both literal and metaphorical. Covering a sprawling 20,000 square meters of total site development, and boasting a massive 75,000 square meters of total floor area, the new Pasig City Hall is built with precision and purpose.

At its core are three monumental towers, each stretching seven floors high, crowned by a roofdeck, and rooted in 37-meter-deep bored piles—armed with seismic isolators and over 70 base isolators to dramatically reduce lateral movement during earthquakes. This isn’t just compliance—it’s commitment to safety.

Flood-prone no more, the new structure is elevated with a 1.5-meter flood level, and features lower and upper ground evacuation plazas, designed for swift and organized emergency response.

A Smart, Sustainable Civic Center

This is not your ordinary city hall. This is a green-powered, smart-enabled, future-proofed ecosystem, ready to support 4,500 seated employees and welcome 15,000 visitors daily.

From its 60% glass surface façade (with low-emissive, double-glazed reflective glass to optimize light and reduce energy usage), to its rainwater harvesting systems and water-saving fixtures, sustainability is embedded in its very DNA.

The new city hall integrates a Material Recovery Facility (MRF), tree preservation initiatives, irrigation systems, and energy-efficient sensor lighting, all designed to slash power and water costs even at full operating capacity.

Designed for Function. Built for the Future.

Every detail has been considered. The interior spaces—spanning 46,000 square meters of office area—feature acoustic ceiling panels and a generous 4.5-meter minimum floor-to-floor height, ensuring comfort and efficiency. Upon completion, the entire complex will be fully furnished, with finishes, fixtures, directional signage, and ready-for-occupancy fit-outs. No waiting. No lag time. Just instant functionality.

The building will be protected and monitored by a state-of-the-art security and surveillance system, while its Information and Communication Technology infrastructure empowers employees to adapt seamlessly to future digital innovations.

An Icon in the Making

When the first shovel hits the ground, it will mark more than just the start of a construction project. It will signal the dawn of a new era in local governance—where people, progress, and the planet are all at the heart of public service.

The new Pasig City Hall is not just a building. It is a vision realized, a promise fulfilled, and a legacy built to withstand the tests of time.

With its eyes on the future and its foundation rooted in resilience, Pasig is boldly declaring: we are ready.