stranded in Kuala Lumpur

I had just landed at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in Clark after being stranded for 24 hours in Kuala Lumpur. It's not that I had a bad deal with the extra time I had to spend there but I'm just extremely tired and I missed my dearest A very much.

For the first time in my years of roaming different corners of the world, I missed my flight. It really can't be all that good all the time. When things are going along just fine, something as horrible as missing a flight happens.

I will write more about my trip (which was as amazing as the breathtaking view of Petronas towers) in the coming days. In the meantime, I'll get a warm bath and a good rest before I get back to work again tomorrow. It's good to be home.

the story behind the tax story

Once in a while, there comes a story that is picked up by the wires, the television media and the populist lawmakers.

The proposed 2,600 percent increase in taxes of public utility vehicles is one such story. There were only three reporters who broke the story -- Lawrence of Manila Standard, Mitch of Inquirer and myself and we're quite proud. It came out on the front pages of our newspapers and was followed up by other media the day after.

As of the moment, it has been put on hold amid vehement protests from transport groups.

Personally, I'm happy the regulation has been put on hold. For sure, there are other ways that the government can look into to raise revenues. The problem of corruption at the BIR, for instance, seems to be falling on deaf ears.