If there's any proof -- any proof -- that your congressman (or woman) who you so voted for firmly believing that he/she will rightfully and fairly represent you and work towards improving your condition; any proof, that he/she doesn't give a rat's ass about you, and has instead sold his soul to big business, stop-gap solutions, here's more tax on you, the average consumer.

I have no problems with VAT per se. Excise taxes, in the global economy, is both equitable and useful. The exemptions are in place for the "poorest of the poor". What is important to note here is that Congress, calling it a Bitter Pill Tax, did so to arrest the convulsions stemming from the huge budget deficit (which their fiscal mismanagement caused) and the low tax returns reported by the BIR (probably the most corrupt government agency). To generate 30 or 40 billion, in other words, they will simply tax you more, particularly you, the educated middle class.