Regine Velasquez laments corruption: "Hindi tayo mahirap, pinahihirapan tayo"

• Regine Velasquez just sparked widespread discussion on social media
• Earlier, she reposted a video originally from TikTok on her Instagram
• The video aimed to contrast the resource-rich Philippines from other countries
• In her post, the singer said she believes that the country is not actually poor

Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid has sparked widespread discussion after sharing a powerful video on her Instagram, originally from TikTok, that contrasts the resource-rich Philippines with other developed nations that lack similar natural endowments. In a deeply personal and impassioned caption written in Filipino, she said the country is not actually poor.

The video, which highlights that countries like Switzerland, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Japan, and the Netherlands have all found ways to thrive, juxtaposes their success with the Philippines, which possesses all these resources yet "remains poor." The video then asserts that the core problem is not nature but corruption—a sentiment echoed and amplified by the veteran singer.

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In the caption, Regine opened up about her own experience, dispelling a long-held belief: "Nung bata ako, ang akala ko mahirap ang Pilipinas, hindi rin nakatulong na pinanganak akong mahirap. Pero ngayon napagtantutantu ko, hindi tayo mahirap! Pinahihirapan tayo!"

As a hardworking singer who strove to uplift her family, she detailed the heavy tax burden she responsibly carries: "Ako po ay isang singer lamang na nagsumikap para maiahon ang aking pamilya sa hirap. Sa tulong ng ating Panginoon natulungan ko ang aking pamilya. Hanggang ngayon, ako ay nagtatrabaho nang marangal, nagbabayad ng wastong buwis. Ang aking income tax ay nasa 32%, plus meron po akong VAT na 12%. 32+12 = 44% po ng pinaghirapan ko napupunta sa gobyerno pero wala akong nakukuha kahit anong benipisyo," the singer lamented online.

The singer passionately questioned the lack of commensurate public services for the enormous tax payments: "Hindi po ba dapat ipaglaban nating lahat na meron tayong proper health care? Hindi ba dapat ipaglaban nating lahat na mabigyan ng magandang edukasyon ang ating mga anak? Matitinong infrastructure kasama pa dito ang ating siguridad. Bakit ako nagbabayad ng tax na halos 50% ng pinaghirapan ko tapos wala akong napakikinabangan sa ibinabayad ko?!?!"

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She drew a stark comparison to other countries, where high taxes typically secure a robust social safety net, "Sa ibang bansa pag ganito kalaki ang tax, may pension kang matatangap, pag nag-retire ka dito nganga." She eventually concluded her post by asserting that the narrative of a "poor Philippines" is a deliberate tactic used to discourage dissent and keep the populace dependent on token handouts. She criticized the practice of officials plastering their faces on government aid.

"Hindi mahirap ang Pilipinas, sa aking palagay hinayaan nilang isipin nating mahirap ang bansa natin para hindi tayo magreklamo at para umasa na lang tayo sa mga barya barya nilang binibigay. Pag nag bibigay sila ng ayuda kailangan nila ipamukha sa inyo na galing sa sarili nilang bulsa ang natatanggap niyo, nakapaskil pa mga mukha nila sa isang salop na bigas, na para bang galing sa pinaghirapan nila ang ipinamimigay nila. I'm ranting again I know pero ang laki ng utang ng gobyerno sa mga Pilipino. Hindi tayo mahirap pinahihirapan tayo!"

Watch the video below:

Regine Velasquez is a celebrated Filipino singer, actress, and TV host widely known as Asia's Songbird for her powerful vocals and influence in the music industry. She rose to fame after winning the televised singing competition Ang Bagong Kampeon in 1984 and later released her debut album in 1987. Over the decades, she became one of the Philippines' best-selling and most awarded recording artists, with numerous hit songs such as Narito Ako, Pangako, Love Me Again, and Araw Gabi. She has also held major concerts locally and internationally. Her music career has earned her multiple awards and recognition across Asia. Aside from singing, she has also served as a host and judge on programs like StarStruck, The Voice Philippines, and ASAP Natin 'To.

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As previously reported by KAMI, her husband, Ogie Alcasid, denied rumors that he is in a hospital being treated for lung cancer. The singer-host called the circulating photos and stories fake news. Old photos of him in a hospital bed were reused in false claims about osteoarthritis and a miracle cream. Ogie warned the public not to be fooled and stressed he does not endorse any product.

Meanwhile, Regine Velasquez expressed on social media her concern about how ordinary Filipinos face strict requirements to secure funds, while others seem to access money with ease. She observed that even modest home renovations demand contracts and receipts, while billion-peso undertakings seem to bypass such requirements. The singer also emphasized that regular citizens are burdened with collateral, interest, and amortization when applying for loans.

Source: KAMI.com.gh