BIR wants to collect a 5 percent withholding tax on campaign contributions to candidates or political parties.

It won’t fly. The tax imposition needs prior approval by Congress.

* * *

Believe It Or Not Department: BIR Commissioner Sixto Esquivias resigns out of shame for failing to meet collection target.

* * *

Swine flu has downed millions of people around the world, as many as 6 million in the United States.

Not enough vaccine could be produced to counter the virus. It’s the worst pandemic since the flu epidemic of 1917 that also killed millions. What gives?

* * *

Malacañang is being subjected to terrific pressure and threats from the oil companies to lift the order on price controls but the Palace is not budging.

There’s more than one way to skin a cat and you are not using any of it.

* * *

It’s almost definite that Loren Legarda of the NPC will team up with the NP’s Manny Villar as his vice presidential team mate.

They will slug it out with the tandem of Noynoy Aquino-Mar Roxas and Gibo Teodoro – mate still unknown.

* * *

Sixteen Filipino seamen are being held captive by pirates from Somalia.

The government must exert maximum effort to free them. Those seamen are only trying to make a living.

* * *

Makati Congressman Teddyboy Locsin is one of those being considered for appointment as justice of the Supreme Court.

He is first-class material – one of the most sober men I have known.

* * *

GMA is being groomed by partymates either as Speaker of the House or Vice President.

Opposition says it’s a dangerous proposition because if she becomes vice president, she could become president again.

* * *

Malacañang tells the nation to wait until Dec. 1, the last day for filing of certificates of candidacy, to know the President’s political plans.

I vote for a quiet retirement in Lisbon or San Francisco.

* * *

Mar Roxas, who will run as vice president of Noynoy Aquino, sees an easy victory over GMA in the fight for the vice presidency.

* * *

If you keep challenging her, she might just decide to run and give us a most unusual political spectacle.

* * *

The Nationalist People’s Coalition is undecided whether to support Manny Villar of the NPC or Gibo Teodoro of Lakas Kampi for president.

The party has been left high and dry with the sudden departure of their presidential candidate Chiz Escudero.

* * *

Nene Pimentel is accusing the government of selling assets in last-minute attempts to raise funds for the coming elections. The target is to raise P3 billion.

Joker Arroyo has weighed in on attacking the plan.

* * *

Bill in US Congress aims to reunite Filipino war veterans living in the States with children left behind in the Philippines.

They should approve the bill and not impose many restrictions to qualify the applicants.

* * *

With Chiz Escudero gone from its ranks, the Nationalist People’s Coalition will participate in the elections without a presidential candidate.

It’s every man for himself among the rank and file – they will affiliate with any one of the parties that will give them a good chance to win.

* * *

Erap’s Partido ng Masang Pilipino has a powerhouse senatorial slate which includes Johnny Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada, Miriam Defensor Santiago, Rep. Roilo Golez, Rep Teddyboy Locsin, Joey de Venecia, and General Danny Lim.