There are few law practitioners in the Philippines with as colorful and impactful a career as Liwayway Vinzons-Chato. A notable figure from the late 20th century, she is known primarily for her role as the Commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) during the administration of President Fidel V. Ramos from 1993 to 1995. Born in 1945 in Daet, Camarines Norte, she carved a path in a male-dominated field with her stern commitment to reform and improvement.
Being politically liberal, Vinzons-Chato consistently advocated for reforms in the Philippines' tax system and law enforcement. Her time at the BIR, a notoriously difficult role in any nation but especially in a developing country battling corruption, was marked by significant efforts to increase tax compliance and reduce evasion. Her work aimed at not just filling government coffers, but also establishing a foundation of trust between the state and its citizens through fair and transparent actions.
Despite these noble efforts, Liwayway faced continuous obstacles, not least from those who preferred the status quo of bureaucracy and under-the-table dealings. Ever the fighter, she took on these challenges headfirst, demonstrating that determination coupled with integrity can create ripples of change even in seemingly stagnant institutions.
Her legal upbringing and activist history were no coincidence. Liwayway comes from a lineage of fighters; her father, Wenceslao Vinzons, was a famed resistance leader during World War II, rootting the will for activism and integrity deep in her blood. This heritage instilled in her the belief that law is a service, not a tool for personal gain.
What resonates with the younger generation today is her undying spirit in advocating equality and fairness. In offices decked with patriarchal structures, she stood her ground when calling for gender equality and offered mentorship to numerous budding women lawyers who aspired to break similar glass ceilings. She championed causes that mattered not just to her age group but also to Gen Z concerns about transparency, trust in public institutions, and the power of the public voice.
While some detractors may argue that her methods were aggressive or overly idealistic, there's something to be said about refreshing honesty in settings often drowned in doublespeak. In every tax reform proposal, public speech, or educational initiative, Liwayway's underlying argument was clear: the law should be understandable and accessible for all, a reflection of community needs rather than corporate greed.
Her influence extended beyond her BIR tenure as she remained a vocal advocate for human rights and pushed back against authoritarian practices. She continued to critique governments that forget the very people they swore to serve, ensuring her voice is one that demands accountability.
These days, she may not be in active governance, but her legacy is felt in the continued dialogue around reform and modernization in the governmental sector. For those skeptical of the impact one individual can make, Liwayway sets a precedent: change does not always follow suit comfortably nor immediately, but every endeavor sows the seeds for eventual transformation.
Some might still view her as too radical for her time, but perhaps it’s time the current and coming generations recognize that the movements she championed are quite forward-thinking. The systems she aimed to dismantle remain topics of discussion, even if we consider ourselves 'woker' today. After all, advocating for change inevitably invites opposition, but Vinzons-Chato showed how to persevere with dignity.
Ultimately, for those of us in Gen Z facing our own political landscapes fraught with uncertainty and old-world mentalities, Liwayway Vinzons-Chato is more than just a historical figure. She's a reminder that while opposition is inevitable, progress is possible when led by informed, passionate individuals. Whether in tax reform, gender equality, or governmental transparency, Liwayway offers a blueprint of resilience and hope.