ABS-CBN reporter Jacque Manabat clarified her viral Facebook post about the taxpayers’ right to scrutinize where their taxes go.
Jacque said that while some got her point, there are others who called her names and redtagged her. She said she was just pointing out that those who are complaining about the long lines and delayed payments of the government’s Libreng Sakay program should not be “cancelled” or ridiculed because they have the right to do so.
“Those who complain have every right and freedom to do so. This post is not just about the Libreng Sakay. Lahat ng government services may karapatan tayong kilatisin dahil binabayaran natin iyon ng buwis mula sa pinaghirapan nating pera. Kahit biniling kendi, may bawas nang buwis,” Jacque explained.
“This is not a fight whether whose administration is the best or a failure. No colors here. This is about holding whoever is in power accountable. Kaya nga ang tawag sa kanila ay ‘Public Servant.’”
In her original post, which has gained 14k reactions and 16k shares, Jacque reminded Filipinos that they are all taxpayers so it is okay to hold those in power accountable.
She cited “Libreng Sakay” as an example. Jacque said she has been hearing others say that people should not complain because it is being offered for free. However, she said that people technically still pay for it through their taxes.
“People, we are all paying for the Libreng Sakay. Whether you avail of the free ride or not. Whether you live in Metro Manila or not. It’s our taxes working. It’s proper that we ask and demand that our taxes be used well,” she said.
“So let me tell you again. We have the right to ask and scrutinize where our taxes go. Hold those in power accountable. Hindi nila pera yan. Pera ng taumbayan yan. Perang pinaghirapan natin.”