💔 I’m only a student, but I’m already tired. Tired of watching my family—and countless Filipino families—work hard every single day, only to see a huge part of their salaries disappear into taxes. We are not rich. We are not poor. We are middle class. And yet we’re punished the most. We don’t get ayuda. We don’t get subsidies. But we’re taxed endlessly—while prices keep rising and corruption keeps eating up what’s left.

Every morning, I wake up early to catch a ride to school, spending exorbitant amounts on fare (pamasahe) that never correlates to better services. Hours are lost in traffic, hours that could have been spent resting or studying. By the time I reach school, fatigue has already set in, and yet the day's struggles are far from over. After class, when I should be heading home to recuperate, it’s another round of transport-related exhaustion.

The middle class bears a significant tax burden, yet the benefits remain elusive. We witness ghost projects that never materialize, roads left unfinished, and funds disappearing into the pockets of corrupt officials. The ripple effect is palpable as infrastructure crumbles and public services falter.

The Philippine taxation system needs urgent reform to address these imbalances. We need a system that rewards hard work, ensures equitable distribution of public services, and prioritizes transparency and accountability in public spending.

Tax relief for the middle class could involve increasing the tax threshold, offering deductions on public transport expenses or educational materials, and ensuring transparent utilization of tax revenue. Establishing a system free from corruption and prevents the misallocation of funds will pave the way for economic stability and societal progress.

Stand with me in demanding a fairer taxation system that fosters opportunities instead of hindering them. Help us shift the focus from oppressive taxes to empowering the lives of the middle-class, who form the backbone of our society. Please sign this petition to advocate for a change that aligns our taxation system with the principles of fairness and justice.