With the extension of the deadline over, the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) withholding tax on online sellers who conduct business on electronic marketplaces (example: Lazada) came into effect recently, according to a Manila Bulletin business new report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has started implementing the withholding tax requirement for online sellers who conduct business on electronic marketplaces like Lazada and Shopee.
In a statement, BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. said there will be no further extensions for online merchants to comply with the new withholding tax system outlined in Revenue Regulations (RR) No. 16-2023.
Under the BIR regulations, e-marketplace operators are mandated to withhold one percent creditable tax on half of the total payments sent to sellers or merchants for products or services sold through their platform.
“Electronic Marketplace Operators will begin imposing Withholding Tax against their sellers/merchants starting July 15, 2024. We have already extended this by 90 days. No further extensions will be given,” Lumagui said.
Last April, the BIR extended the RR No. 16-2023 deadline until July 14, 2024.
“No more extensions will be given after the previous 90-day extension under [Revenue Memorandum Circular] RMC No. 55-2024,” the BIR noted.
The previous extension was given to allow e-marketplace operators to comply with the requirements of the BIR and adjust to the provisions of RR 16-2023 before the withholding tax is imposed.
Lumagui also clarified that withholding tax is not a new tax, noting it is a system where taxes are collected in advance and later offset against the seller’s total income tax liability.
“The BIR aims to level the playing field between brick-and-mortar stores, which are regularly complying with their tax obligations, and online marketplaces,” Lumagui said.
“Whether their business is operated online or through physical stores, sellers and merchants have to pay their taxes,” he added.
Meanwhile, the BIR has given digital financial services providers more time to switch to the new withholding tax system.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you have been selling through the electronic marketplaces, do you think the 1% withholding tax will be a big challenge in the long-term? Have you prepared your business for the withholding tax?
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, local police officers arrested a man who staged a robbery hold-up at a convenient store in Barangay Talon Singko, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
A call center agent was arrested by members of the Las Piñas City police Talon Substation for robbing a convenience store on Monday, July 15.
Col. Sandro Tafalla, Las Piñas police chief, reported to the Southern Police District (SPD) the arrest of the suspect identified as alias Allan, 48.
Tafalla said alias Allan staged a robbery hold- up at a convenience store along Rainbow Village, San Antonio Street, Marcos Alvarez, Talon Singko, Las Piñas City at around 2:30 a.m.
According to the victim, identified as alias Daryl, 20, the suspect entered the store and pretended to be a customer.
The victim told the police that the suspect was requested to remove his helmet upon entering the store and instead of heeding the request, alias Allan drew out his firearm, a .9mm pistol, and declared the holdup. The cashier, at that time, was about to transfer the money inside their vault amounting to P67,314.
The suspect reportedly told the cashier “bilisan mo” (faster) during the heist and immediately left store. The suspect boarded his motorcycle going to the direction of Alabang-Zapote Road.
Tafalla said the quick response of members of the Talon Substation led to the arrest of the suspect at around 5:00 a.m. and the recovery of a sling bag where the .9mm pistol was placed loaded with nine ammunitions, 30 live ammunitions, one black holster and the stolen cash.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you concerned that more similar robberies will happen in the stores in your local community?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Welcome back, my readers, YouTube viewers and all others who followed this series of articles focused on YouTube videos worth watching. Have you been searching for something fun or interesting to watch on YouTube? Do you feel bored right now and you crave for something to see on the world’s most popular online video destination?
I recommend you check out the following topics and the related videos I found.
#1John List true crime documentaries – In America, the late John List is one of the most notorious criminals ever in their history. At a very desperate point in his life, List murdered his own family members in 1971 and it took some time for the local authorities to find out what he left behind in their huge home. Having left his home and investigators behind, List traveled across the nation, came up with a fake identity and lived away from the law for almost twenty years. How the law enforcers tracked him down (involving America’s Most Wanted TV show) and arrested him is a great story to follow. All of these are documented in the two videos below.
#2 The Stepfather explanatory video by GoodBadFlicks – Believe it or not, the story of John List inspired the creation of the 1987 psychological horror film The Stepfather. This video by YouTuber GoodBadFlicks is a must-see.
#3 The assassination attempt on US President Donald Trump – I really cannot ignore the assassination attempt on US President Donald Trump which resulted in the injury on his right ear, the death of a campaign rally attendee and one other person getting injured. Whatever your political views are, this is a tragedy and it clearly was not staged. It was indeed an attempt to kill and already the Satanic Leftist mainstream news media are distorting the facts and lying to you. To get clear insight on what happened and who the suspect (a very young guy who was a registered Republican voter who also donated money to support Democrats and far-left movement), watch the selected videos below.
#4 HolyLandSite’s Mount of Olives video – Recently, the YouTube channel HolyLandSite published their newest video featuring the Mount of Olives in Israel. I personally visited some of the sites at the Mount of Olives featured in this video and in my experience, I witnessed the Holy Bible come to life and gained insight on what the place was like during the time of Lord Jesus. Mount of Olives was where Lord Jesus last stepped on before ascending into Heaven and He will arrive there sometime in the future. Watch the video below.
#5 Capcom’s failed case against Data East over Fighter’s History – Remember how popular Street Fighter II was in the arcades in the 1990s? Capcom made tons of profit from SFII which led to the production of sequels, spin-offs and other 2D fighting games that followed. Of course, as the fighting game genre became tremendously popular, there were other fighting games that competed with Capcom’s creations. Believe it or not, Capcom sued Data East alleging that their competitor’s game Fighter’s History infringed the copyright of Street Fighter II. To find out what happened, watch the video from Top Hat Gaming Man below.
6. Donald Trump nominated again by Republicans for President of the United States– By the time you are reading this, the 2024 Republican National Convention has concluded a few days ago. Donald Trump has been nominated again for US President by the party, only this time the Republicans are very united and they were reinvigorated arguably because of the failed assassination attempt on their candidate. The Democrats meanwhile are divided and already their powerful members stopped supporting the re-election campaign of Joe Biden. The contrasts between the two parties are so great during the last week. If you want to see all the Republican speeches and the nomination acceptance speech of Trump (whose running mate is US Senator J.D. Vance), watch the Republican National Convention (night 4) below.
Recently in the city of Parañaque, two individuals who engaged in selling online were arrested by the local police for qualified theft, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. It turns out that the suspects were found selling hair growth serum which were stolen from someone.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Two online sellers were arrested by members of the Parañaque City police for theft after they were found selling stolen hair growth serum on Tiktok last July 9.
Parañaque City police chief Col. Melvin Montante reported to the Southern Police District (SPD) the arrest of alias Zerimar, 29, manager and a resident of 8th Avenue, Caloocan City; and Raymark, 21, packer and a stay-in employee at Hosuku Inc. at a condominium located in Roxas Boulevard, Barangay Baclaran, Parañaque City.
Montante said the owner of Hosuku hair growth serum, alias Yuji, 29, a businessman and a resident of Ayala Alabang Village, Muntinlupa City, discovered that his hair growth serum product was being sold at a Tiktok account called “Parktikal” for a cheaper price and was registered under the name of alias Jerick, reportedly the common-law husband of Zerimar.
He said the victim inspected his warehouse located at Lot 5A Street, Agueda Queensway, Pascor Drive, Barangay Santo Nino, Parañaque City at around 5:35 p.m. and discovered one box of his product containing 300 pieces of 30ml bottles of the hair growth serum worth P105,000 at the locker of Zerimar.
The victim told the police that prior to the inspection of his warehouse, he also saw Raymark bring the box of stolen items inside the locker of Zerimar who was her cousin.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you think there could be thieves selling stolen products online while secretly residing in your local community?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from reading the comic book and doing personal research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.
Welcome back superhero enthusiasts, 1980s arts and culture enthusiasts, Marvel Comics fans and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1985 to examine a small part of the Marvel Comics universe through a tale of the Amazing Spider-Man monthly series.
For this particular review, the Amazing Spider-Man comic book does not involve Tom DeFalco and Ron Frenz. Instead, we will see the creative contribution of Bob Layton who already established himself within Marvel Comics on the Iron Man monthly series. Layton is the same guy who co-founded Valiant Comics with former Marvel Comics editor-in-chief Jim Shooter.
With those details laid down, here is a look back at Amazing Spider-Man #262, published in 1985 by Marvel Comics with a story written and illustrated by Bob Layton.
The cover.
Early story
The story begins as Spider-Man arrives at the Newark International Airport in New Jersey distracting a few air traffic control operators. As he makes his way into a deserted baggage room, Peter Parker intends to change clothes as he has a journalistic assignment from the Daily Bugle to photograph President Ronald Reagan who is set to arrive soon. For Peter Parker, the assignment is crucial as he needs to earn money.
Elsewhere within the airport, the sleazy tabloid news photographer D.J. Jones makes his way through and he intends to photograph something unusual or embarrassing about Reagan. He accidentally bumps into a lady whose items fall down. Jones pretends to be kind to her as he secretly takes her wallet while helping her collect her belongings.
As Jones decides to take the lady’s money, he goes into one of the baggage rooms to get rid of the wallet. Inside, he accidentally spots Peter Parker (still wearing the upper half of his Spider-Man costume) changing clothes and quickly photographs him. Jones starts to run away compelling Parker to chase him knowing that his secret identity will get exposed if he fails…
Quality
This is what happens when you carry very valuable information with you which the mob wants.
I really like this Spider-Man tale crafted by Bob Layton. For one thing, it tackles the concept of having your secret identity being discovered by someone who has a record of unethical behavior as well as the opportunity of using the acquired confidential information (the secret identity) for financial gain (at the expense of the affected person). Layton’s story also reconnected Spider-Man to a significant part of his legacy (the death of his Uncle Ben and the identity of the man who killed him) which opens up moral and ethical challenges on his part.
Character development of Spider-Man in this story is short yet substantial to read. As he recalls the painful lesson he learned about his uncle’s death, he remembers how guilt (by previously allowing a crook to get away who later turns out to be the same person responsible for the death of Uncle Ben) overwhelmed his early desire for revenge and this compels him to re-evaluate the responsibility he carries with his superhuman abilities.
Instead of utilizing a super villain, Layton presented D.J. Jones as the antagonist that Spider-Man has to overcome somehow. Jones is not exactly evil, he’s just unethical and sleazy. As a human being, Jones is a turn-off but he is not murderer nor a bank robber. The sleazy photographer is an ordinary man who, like Peter Parker, is trying to survive with his occupation which in turn makes him determined to get the big scoop to rise high.
Conclusion
Spider-Man ended up having to save the lives of many innocent people resulting in losing track of the man he was chasing.
Amazing Spider-Man #262 (1985) is a very inspired work by Bob Layton who clearly researched the history of Spider-Man and tackled the crucial themes (note: power, responsibility, morality and ethics) through the story. The plot is simple yet engaging to follow and the character development is really solid. This is great writing by Layton and his approach on superhero spectacle (the action scenes) works well within the narrative.
During the recent presentation of newly designated police officers in the City of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon reminded them to follow the values of ACT (Accountability, Confidence and Trust) as they perform their duties, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon reminded the police to follow the values of ACT or Accountability, Confidence, and Trust, in doing their duties as law enforcers.
Biazon made the reminder during the presentation of the newly designated police officers by Muntinlupa Police chief Col. Robert Domingo.
The new officers in the Muntinlupa Police are:
⬪Major Allan Rainier Cabral – chief of the Investigation and Detective Management Section (IDMS)
⬪Capt. Reynaldo Par – chief of the Custodial and Detention Facility Unit (CDFU)
⬪Capt. Fernando Niefes – chief of the Station Tactical Operations Center (STOC) and concurrent assistant chief of the Patrol Operations Section (POS)
⬪Capt. Rolando Ty – commander of the Tunasan Police Substation (SS1)
⬪Capt. Alemar Cabanit – commander of the Putatan Police Substation (SS2)
⬪Capt. Roderick Tubon – commander of the Sucat Police Substation (SS4)
⬪Capt. Rizalyn Soledad – commander of the Ayala Alabang Police Substation (SS5)
⬪Capt. Marlo Abella – commander of the Poblacion Police Substation (SS6)
Biazon congratulated the newly designated police officers and told them about the expectations from the public.
“And, of course, our expectations from the newly designated. Remember the word ACT. The expectation is not only from you but from the whole Muntinlupa Police Station. The rank and file,” he said.
He added, “One is your accountability to your duty. We will expect that you will take action in fighting crime. Definitely, the public is expecting that. That is why you are in the police because you are our hope in addressing problems of drugs, criminality and, of course, the safety of our citizens. You have assumed that accountability.”
“Letter C, you have our confidence. As what Col. Domingo said earlier, we approved the designation by putting confidence in you. So don’t fail us on that,” he said.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you looking forward to observing how the new city police officers will do their duty?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
As some of you are already aware, I fully stand with Israel which is very connected with my uncompromising faith in the Lord. I keep on praying to Him for Israel to overwhelm its enemies, rescue the hostages and recover from the effects of the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks committed by the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas. I can assure all of you that nobody from the evil Islamo-Leftist mob, nobody from the pro-Palestine radicals and nobody from any evil society would stop me from supporting and loving Israel.
Now, on with the news…
Recently, the Israeli organization ORT announced that it is eager to collaborate with the Philippines and share with local students sci-tech focused education models, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
Israeli organization ORT is eager to partner with the Philippines to help prepare Filipino students become part of a “technology-driven workforce”.
An ORT Israel delegation is in Manila to introduce the organization’s various science and technology-focused teaching and learning methodologies to Filipino private and public education stakeholders.
At a roundtable in Taguig City on Friday, Alona Kletsel, ORT head of International Business Development & Marketing, said her group can provide unique expertise and support in crafting an innovative curricula to keep students apace with the rapidly changing technology once they graduate.
“There was a lot of interest and there’s really a pain point here with regard to closing the gap between the industry needs and academy or vocational education institutions,” Kletsel said.
“We at ORT have a very practical approach towards this situation — to work closely with the industry to tailor education in line with the needs and provide practical experience through collaborative projects with the industry,” she said.
ORT is the largest education network operating in Israel and is funded by the Israel Ministry of Education, supporting 30 vocational colleges, 220 secondary schools, and more than 100,000 students, annually.
In its network of schools, it champions the use of artificial intelligence to reduce the workload of teachers.
It also uses virtual reality both for teaching and as an asset for learners — either to develop virtual reality atmospheres in their software lessons or to sharpen their English and presentation skills.
Following this visit, Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss said the Israeli Embassy is willing to facilitate cooperation between the organization and the education stakeholders in the country.
“Yes we are still at war, we are living in a very challenging time but we are still committed to build partnership with the Philippines,” he said.
During her visit to Manila, Kletsel met with officials from the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Technical Education Skills and Development Authority, local government units, and Philippine universities.
It is indeed a blessing to see Israel-Philippines ties grow stronger through this education and innovation development with ORT Israel. I honestly believe that the potential collaboration will benefit Filipinos as education is essential in Philippine society and there is a need to help our nation’s workforce keep up with the rest of the world using technology and varied innovations. That being said, I want to see collaborations between ORT Israel and Filipino partners happen soon with long-term development in mind..
To my fellow Filipinos reading this, I encourage you to accept the truth that Israel is the land God designated specifically for the Jewish people (read Genesis 35:10-12) and His command must be followed without hesitation. If you want to be blessed further by the Lord, do so by loving and blessing the Jewish people (Genesis 12:1-3). I did my part when I was in Israel. Also, let me remind you all that the ties between the Jews and Christians are truly biblical!
We live in a very divided world. Around the world, Leftist forces have been supporting evil forces like the current regime of Iran which is known for supplying and arming the Palestinian terrorists, Hezbollah and other terrorist groups around the Middle East. The Leftists and terrorists always go together and their anti-Semitism is clearly obvious. Hamas, which has long been supported by terrorist state Iran, is purely evil and they are being protected by not only their fellow terrorists but also by mainstream news media outlets who are linked with Leftist forces and people who hate Israel and the Jewish people. Iran even has Hezbollah in Lebanon doing their evil works for them. Beware of the evil union of the Islamo-Left which is wicked deep within.
With all that said, I encourage you all to pray to the Lord God in support of Israel and believe that He will guide the Israeli forces to another victory which means finishing off Hamas, crushing Hezbollah and forcing Iran and its terror proxies to fall down. Read Joshua 11:1-20 in the Holy Bible for relevance and truth. Pray to the Lord to support Israel, its government officials, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the citizens and other stakeholders.
In a major move to improve local emergency response capabilities with the use of technology, the City Government of Muntinlupa formally launched at Crimson Hotel today their new iRespond mobile app which is now available for download via Google and Apple online, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
In its latest digital innovation, the Muntinlupa City government launched the iRespond mobile app, setting a new standard in emergency response capabilities.
Built for emergencies, Muntinlupa iRespond provides residents with immediate access to essential services directly from their smartphones.
The app allows residents to report emergencies such as disasters and fire, or the need for the police and ambulance.
“The iRespond app is a significant leap forward in emergency management, providing users with seamless access to emergency reporting with just a single tap. Whether in need of medical assistance, fire rescue, police intervention, or other critical services, Muntinlupeños can now initiate help swiftly and effectively through this platform,” said Mayor Ruffy Biazon during the app launch on July 18 at the Crimson Hotel in Alabang.
According to the city government, the iRespond app’s key functionalities include one-touch emergency reporting, allowing responders to pinpoint the exact location of those needing help; real-time incident tracking for back-end dispatchers to supervise incoming alarms and respond appropriately; and community alerts and notifications that allow the city’s Department of Disaster Resilience and Management to inform residents of potential scenarios and help them to prepare or respond adequately.
The digital tool ensures that emergency situations are addressed promptly, leveraging real-time incident tracking to facilitate quick and precise responses from dedicated dispatch teams, the city government added.
“By empowering residents with a tool that expedites emergency response, we are not only enhancing public safety but also reinforcing our city’s resilience in times of crisis.” added Biazon.
Residents are encouraged to download the free iRespond app for from the App Store or Google Play Store, ensuring they are prepared and empowered to respond effectively to any emergency situation.
Upon download, users need to create an account by providing their name, birthday, gender, photo, valid document, address, email address and mobile number.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you think the newly launched iRespond app will improve local emergency response capabilities? Have you downloaded the app?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
The Philippines moved some steps forward into a nuclear-powered future as the United States-Philippines Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement (also referred to as the 123 Agreement) came into force recently, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. This means that the legal framework for potential nuclear projects with American providers has been laid down. It is recalled that the 123 Agreement has been progressing since last year.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
The United States-Philippines Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement, or the 123 Agreement, entered into force on July 2, the US Department of State’s Office of the Spokesperson announced on Tuesday (Manila time).
Signed in November last year, the 123 Agreement will establish a legal framework that allows the export of nuclear fuel, reactors, equipment, and special nuclear material from the US to the Philippines.
The agreement lays the legal framework for potential nuclear power projects with US providers and aims to facilitate Philippine-US cooperation in the safe and secure use of nuclear energy, taking into full account the standards and safeguards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency, as well as in accordance with respective national laws, international agreements, and regulations.
Upon entry into force, the 123 Agreement will allow the transfer of information, nuclear material, equipment, and components directly between the Philippines and the US or through persons authorized by their respective authorities to engage in transfer activities, which will support potential nuclear power projects with US providers.
It will also pave the way for streamlining the licensing requirements for the private sector with respect to investments in nuclear-related intangible transfers of technology.
“Energy security is an increasingly critical global challenge requiring deliberate collaborative efforts, and together, our two countries can make a significant contribution to our shared clean energy goals,” the US Department of State said.
Nuclear energy, it said, could help achieve these global climate change and energy security targets.
The US Department of State said the agreement is part of its efforts to develop the Philippines’ civil nuclear sector.
“Creating a safe, secure, and modern sector requires a skilled workforce, robust regulations, and strong commercial partnerships. Our government is committed to working with the Philippines to advance each of these areas and we look forward to further building our partnership together,” the US Department of State said.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. earlier said the administration would be glad to pursue nuclear energy as part of the country’s energy mix by 2032 through the partnership forged with American providers.
His administration seeks to increase the country’s renewable energy mix to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that nuclear power will be more beneficial for the Filipino people and the national economy than solar and wind power? Are you aware that solar and wind power will cost too much money to create abundant energy for the Philippines?
Recently in Davao City, a 21-year-old Chinese national got arrested by elements of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for using falsified documents when he applied for a Philippine passport at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), according to a Manila Bulletin news report. As it turns out, the suspect has been using a fake identity for some time here in the Philippines and has already admitting to possessing a Chinese passport.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)-Davao arrested a 21-year-old Chinese national on Tuesday afternoon, July 9, for applying for a Philippine passport at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)-Davao here using falsified documents.
NBI-Davao Region Director Arcelito Albao said in a press conference on Wednesday, July 10, that the DFA-Davao alerted the NBI-Davao that a Chinese national using the Filipino name Hengson Jabilles Limosnero attempted to apply for a passport. Albao said the suspect was accompanied by the family driver.
Albao, however, declined to disclose the suspect’s Chinese name, pending verification of his real identity from the Bureau of Immigration.
In a brief interview with the media, the suspect, who was presented during the press conference, admitted to possessing a Chinese passport.
Albao said that the Chinese used a birth certificate, driver’s license, and national identification (ID) card from the Philippine Statistics Authority to apply for a passport.
He said that the Chinese used his fake identity to study high school at Philippine Academy of Sakya Davao and college at the Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU). Albao said the Chinese is a first-year accountancy student at ADDU.
The suspect will face charges for violating the New Philippine Passport Act and Revised Penal Code penalizing falsification of public documents, perjury, and using fictitious name and concealing true name, Albao said.
He said the suspect was issued original documents and IDs by various government agencies but were considered falsified as the information was false.
Albao said that the suspect and his family have been residing in Davao City for 10 years. He said they own a hardware business in this city’s Chinatown District on Ramon Magsaysay Ave., called by residents Uyanguren.
The NBI-Davao head added that an employee from DFA-Davao doubted the suspect’s nationality and authenticity of the documents as he could not speak Cebuano, not fluent in Tagalog, and could only talk in English during interview.
He said the Chinese gave inconsistent answers during the interview.
Albao said the suspect applied for a passport as he wanted to become a Philippine citizen and plans to travel to the US.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there could be even more Chinese nationals who have been living here in the Philippines using fake identities?
Author Carlo Carrasco 