Filipino protesters hold signs opposing the approval of the newly raised value-added tax during a rally outside the Senate building in Manila. Filipino protesters hold signs opposing the approval of the newly raised value-added tax (VAT) during a rally outside the Senate building in Manila February 1, 2005. The cash-strapped Philippine government drew nearer to its third victory on the fiscal reform front on Thursday, January 27, 2005 when the lower house of Congress passed a bill to raise the VAT to 12 percent from 10 percent. REUTERS/Cheryl Ravelo