Tijuana has been called to protest against the VAT standardization at the Border, an action that was approved today by the lower house of Congress, the Chamber of Deputies. The bill now heads to the Senate.

The opposition continues throught lobbying preassure in social media and now with a march on Saturday 19 at 9:00 a.m.

In the description of the event, they point out the following details:

"These taxes will affect everyone, they will affect our city and our state.

Let us remind our congressmen that they REPRESENT US, and not their political parties or the President.

Let us march peacefully, without hurting anyone, but raising our voice!

Suggested route: From the Federal High school Lazaro Cardenas in Paseo de los Heroes all they way to City Hall."

Juan Daniel Arau, one of the organizers for the event explained the objectives of the march and added that in case they were not heard they were considering other measures:

"-DEMAND our representatives of Baja California in congress to vote for what is best for the people, not because of a line drawn by their political parties or the President.

-RAISE OUR VOICE against this proposed Federal Tax Reform presented by the president which attacks: (I) the middle class; (II) private investments in the country; (III) Foreign private investments.

-Specifically we DEMAND that our representatives in congress vote against the two key points of the tax reform initiative:

1.- The VAT standardization in borders across the country;

2.- The increase in Tax on Rent;

3.- VAT in case of temporary imports (this would destroy the manufacturing industry and by consequence the hundreds of thousands of jobs which it generates);

4.- Taxes on top of mortgage interests and/or those which would be generated by leasing contracts.

In case the points above mentioned are approved, we will be forced to raise our voice in a stronger manner which at it's time we will consider appropriate.

We also DEMAND that they push for the Political Reform which (I) will eliminate "elected" officials by way of proportional representation; (II) reduce the number of senators and congressmen, given that the ones we have right now are too many and are too expensive; (III) lower salaries for public officials, as their position should be an honor not a gold mine.

*This movement came up because of the initiative of a group of professionals, workers, tax payers, sick of politicians living on the middle class, worried that our region is being put at great risk. We have no political affiliation or political interests."

This is one of many shows of rejection against the Standardization of the VAT in the border, and other aspects of the Tax Reform. There have been as well fliers given away by leaders, business owners and citizens. Young members of the National Chamber of Commerce

(CANACO) in Tijuana presented a video today which they hope will create awareness of the situation:

VIDEO : No+IVA - Courtesy Jóvenes Canaco Tijuana

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Brenda.Colon@sandiegored.com

Daniel.Aguilar@sandiegored.com