What would you do if you had so many containers of sunblock lotion? I had to ask that question because the Manila Bulletin reported a recent incident that happened in Alabang, Muntinlupa City in which three people got arrested for shoplifting inside a popular retailer. They were caught carrying over fifty units of expensive sunblock lotion and had no proof of purchase with them as they attempted to leave.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Three persons were arrested by the police for allegedly shoplifting 55 sunblock lotions at a popular membership-only warehouse club in Muntinlupa.
The Muntinlupa police identified the suspects as Zamuel Campo, 50; Riza Cuatro, 46; and Fatima Cuatro, 39.
According to the police, the shoplifting incident happened at the S&R Membership Shopping branch at Westgate Alabang on March 19.
The three allegedly posed as customers and put 55 pieces of Beach Hut sunblock lotions in a bag and immediately walked out of the store. Each sunblock lotion cost P492 for a total of P27,060.
At the S&R exit, they were searched by the guards and when they failed to show a receipt for the sunblock lotions, they were prevented from leaving.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think the arrested suspects could be working together or could they be working for a crime syndicate?
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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
If you have been engaging on selling items or services online, you should be aware that the Philippines’ authority on taxation the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is constantly watching you and it is seeking ways to tax you, according to a BusinessWorld news report. Already the BIR has been communicating with the e-commerce platforms.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the BusinessWorld news article. Some parts in boldface…
THE BUREAU of Internal Revenue (BIR) is looking to collect taxes from online sellers on e-commerce platforms more efficiently.
BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui said it is difficult to monitor taxes on individual online sellers on e-commerce platforms.
“We’re in constant communication with the platforms, because it’s a challenge to monitor. We’re thinking of ways to approach it because if we look at individual online sellers, it’s a bit difficult. It’s a challenge,” he told reporters on Thursday evening.
Mr. Lumagui said the BIR is prioritizing ways to better collect taxes from online sellers and other new platforms this year.
The pandemic forced many entrepreneurs to shift to online selling using e-commerce platforms like Shopee and Lazada, as well as social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok.
As of 2022, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) estimated there are around two million entities doing business as online sellers.
In 2021, the digital economy contributed 9.6% to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), or about P1.87 trillion. DigiPinas, the multi-sectoral initiative led by UBX Philippines Corp., earlier said the Philippine digital economy can grow to as much as $150 billion or about P8.3 trillion in the next decade.
Meanwhile, Mr. Lumagui said the BIR will tap social media influencers to help educate the public on the importance of paying taxes.
“They have reach and I think that one way of making people comply with tax obligations is to educate the people since tax is a very complicated topic not easy to understand,” he said, adding the BIR will schedule a dialogue with them.
Mr. Lumagui said the BIR will continue its efforts to collect taxes from social media influencers, since they’re earning income. He noted there are already some who are undergoing tax audits.
“What we want is to dialogue with them that these are your obligations as social media influencers, you’re earning from whatever you’re doing, so this is your responsibility as income earners,” he said.
The BIR said it collected around P44.6 billion worth of tax from online content creators and retail sales at the end of 2021.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you have been selling products or services online for the last twelve months, do you think the BIR’s move with taxing your business will negatively affect Philippine e-commerce as a whole? Have you set aside enough money for potential taxation by the BIR? What is the one thing about online selling that made you stay away from selling through physical establishments like a store?
Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from my personal experiences and observations during the Israel pilgrimage tour I joined. Additional information from the official website of the subject business is also used. 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.
During the one and only free day I had in my recent tour of Israel, I decided to make use of the extra time to visit the Temple Mount, the Western Wall (note: my return for prayer), the Jewish Quarter, King David’s Tomb and Oskar Schindler’s grave on foot. It was also my plan to have lunch at the popular Mahane Yehuda market.
Coming from the old city of Jerusalem, I marched along Jaffa Street heading towards Mahane Yehuda. However, the accumulated stress of very long walks in the morning caught up with me and I needed a break. It was then I decided to pursue finding a certain Jerusalem joint known for good food, drinks and books which was featured on the YouTube channel of Israel (called Jerusalem’s culture café). That place is Tmol Shilshom and as soon as I saw a sign of it along the very busy Jaffa Street, I made the decision to search for it knowing it was a challenge to do so.
What exactly is Tmol Shilshom? It is described as “the one holy place of Jerusalem that stands above the fray,” quoting Amoz Oz.
According to the official material of theirs, Tmol Shilshom is a Jersualem institution. A café-restaurant and bookstore that was established in 1994 in a century-old building in the Nahalat Shiv’a quarter of the city center. The joint’s name means “yesteryear”, is the title of a classic Hebrew novel by Nobel laureate S.Y. Agnon. Tmol Shilshom was founded as a unique way to combine culture, good food, and a cozy atmosphere, as imagined by the late David Ehrlich who was the business partner of the joint’s owner Dan Goldberg.
For several minutes, I struggled to find Tmol Shilshom going through a few narrow walkways coming from Jaffa Street. I did not have mobile Internet access with me and there was no way Google Maps could help me. I simply paid attention to details of the walkways and the signs that I saw. There was a point when I thought I got lost but I found another sign leading to the place. After some further walk, turns and climbing up some steps, I finally made it to Tmol Shilshom!
My experience inside Tmol Shilshom
As soon as I entered the café-restaurant, I felt this great relief not only from the cold weather outside but also because I found the place’s beautiful interiors very welcoming and cozy instantly. The place’s heater was so good, I took off my trench coat and sat at the nearest table enjoying the instant warmth and comfort.
As it was my plan to have lunch at Mahane Yehuda, I first wanted to try Tmol Shilshom’s coffee. On the table, however, I noticed there was this visual reference about their special drinks offered complete with descriptions and prices (in Shekels) displayed. After some thinking and wanting to try something really unique, I decided to order their Halva Drink which is a vegan beverage composed of date honey, tahini, hot soy milk and shredded Halva. I stated my order to the waiter who passed it on to the counter. The waiter was also helpful in granting me access to their Wi-Fi.
After several minutes of browsing and checking updates online, a pretty blonde served to me my Halva Drink and she said, “Enjoy.”
The Halva Drink is one of the special drinks from Tmol Shilshom and I enjoyed this a lot! You should go for this when you visit!
Just looking at the Halva Drink, I was very impressed with the way it looked and how Tmol Shilshom made it. As a native of the Philippines who had been to local cafés and other cafés in the United States, Canada, Japan and Hong Kong, the drink truly looked one-of-a-kind to me!
After marveling at it, I finally decided to start drinking my Halva Drink. The first sensation of my tongue registered a mild sweetness that was also delightful. Naturally, I wanted more of the enjoyable taste so I continued consuming it. The combination of Halva combined with the other mentioned ingredients made it a pretty engaging and very unique drink experience for me. Whoever prepared the Halva Drink there at Tmol Shilshom deserves admiration and thanks! The same should also go to whoever designed the drink there.
As I enjoyed my drink, I took a break from my smartphone and observed the really nice interiors around me. There was this unique feeling of being at home (note: explanation in the Conclusion section) while also feeling comfortable as a consumer. I have been to many cafés and restaurants in my life but Tmol Shilshom is not only very unique but also a standout.
Lots of books on display. Tmol Shilshom is also a bookstore and if you love literature, you should ask for their recommendations.
It comes to no surprise that the Halva Drink, combined with the warmth, the coziness and fine atmosphere of the interior, relaxed me a lot. The stress and the slight soreness of my feet faded away, and I was ready to move on to Mahane Yehuda for lunch and further exploration. Before leaving, I ordered bottled water (to keep myself hydrated), paid the bill and tipped them.
Conclusion
That’s a cozy looking spot and the decorations around are really nice.
While my stay at Tmol Shilshom lasted less than an hour, my experience there still proved to be memorable with the mentioned factors above. I really enjoyed the place (note: the building was originally residential and it got converted for commercial use) and the minimal interior space was not a problem to me at all. Their workers were very professional, friendly and accommodating. It should be noted that apart being a fine place for dining, reading and working, Tmol Shilshom also established itself as a place for special events and gatherings.
If ever I will get to revisit Jerusalem, I would not hesitate to return to Tmol Shilshom and try out their meals and other offerings. It is truly a very special place of Jerusalem and I encourage you to visit them for your food and beverage interests. I personally thank our Lord for guiding me to find the place.
As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.
Colossians 2:6-7 (NKJV)
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV)
To each of you reading this, I highly recommend visiting Tmol Shilshom when you are in Jerusalem. For your reference, visit their website at https://www.tmol-shilshom.co.il/en/home/ and follow them on Instagram.
Watch out for more Israel 2023 travel pieces here.
Recently in a high-level economic meeting in Germany, Philippines Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno declared that the national economy is resilient enough for the post-pandemic world and that the national government has been making adjustments, according to a news article published by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the PNA news report. Some parts in boldface…
Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno on Monday told foreign investors and business leaders that the Philippine economy is resilient enough and that the government is doing its best to address post-pandemic challenges.
Diokno made the remarks during the Philippine economic briefing attended by the economic managers in Frankfurt, Germany that was streamed through various government agency Facebook pages.
The Finance chief noted that inflation is also a concern in the Philippines just like in other countries, but measures are being undertaken by the government to address the issue, such as managing prices by ensuring adequate supplies of agricultural products, and boosting the agriculture sector’s capacity and productivity to help address the rising commodity prices, among others.
“We also are continuing the importation of necessary commodities to ease inflation,” he said.
The government has allowed the continued importation of rice, sugar, and meat, which are among the primary factor for the elevated food prices due to supply issues.
Relatively, Diokno assured investors that the government has put in place a fiscal consolidation program to address the uptick in government liabilities, due in part to the increased borrowing to finance pandemic-related programs.
He identified three factors that will support the government’s fiscal consolidation and one of this is the fact that “only a small fraction of our outstanding debt is exposed to interest rate resetting.”
This, as bulk of the government liabilities are sourced from domestic fund sources, with around 75 percent of the borrowing program allocated to the domestic market.
“We already have anticipated the tightening monetary policy conditions when we formulated the interest rate payments in the 2023 budget,” Diokno said.
He added that “government securities market is dominated by local players that are bank-centric and homogeneous in investment governance.”
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this new development? Do you believe that the economy of the Philippines is resilient enough for the post-pandemic age even as there are concerns about high inflation and economic slowdown around the world? Do you believe that the national government has what it takes to make key adjustments to unforeseen developments that could happen anytime? Are you convinced that foreign investors as well as foreign tourists will come into the Philippines in great numbers over the next eighteen months? How is your local government doing when it comes to economic developments like livelihood, jobs training and other related activities?
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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government announced that the deadline for the renewal of business permits has been moved from January 20 to January 31, 2023, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Their City Council approved a resolution which was subsequently signed by the Mayor.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Las Piñas city government announced on Saturday, Jan. 21, that the deadline for the renewal of business permits has been extended from Jan. 20 to Jan. 31.
Mayor Imelda Aguilar signed the resolution extending the period for payment of business permits, licenses, taxes, and other similar commercial fees and charges without surcharges and penalties.
The resolution was passed and approved by the City Council on Jan. 16.
Aguilar said they made the move since the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) has been receiving numerous business permit registration and renewal applications.
She said the resolution states that an extension of deadline for payment of business permits and licenses will not only encourage the settlement of fees and charges but also accelerate the collections. It likewise enables delinquent individuals and firms to legalize their business operations.
The resolution also says the extension will ultimately redound to the benefit of the city because the taxpayers will be able to comply with the mandatory obligation of providing revenues to the city government.
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? If you are running a business within the city, will the extension be helpful to you?
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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Even though HSBC and the World Bank revealed their own 2023 economic growth forecasts for the Philippines to be below 6%, the national government still sees the economy growing around 6.5% this year, according to a recent Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Philippine government expects a strong full-year gross domestic product (GDP) growth for 2022, most likely much faster than its growth target of 6.5 to 7.5 percent, Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Benjamin Diokno said here on Jan. 16 (Switzerland time).
Diokno said this during a Monday luncheon hosted for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Philippine chief executive officers (CEOs) in Davos, Switzerland.
In addition, Diokno said the Philippine economy is seen to “grow by around 6.5 percent this year” due to the expected slowdown of the global economy.
“And that’s still one of the highest, if not the highest, growth projection in the Asia-Pacific Region,” he said.
According to Diokno, the country’s bustling manufacturing sector, record-low unemployment, and stable and resilient banking system can alleviate buffers against external headwinds, all indicating a resilient economy.
Further, opening economic sectors to foreign equity, improving the ease of doing business, and allowing modern transformative industries to take root and grow will sustain the economy.
At the same time, the Finance chief said the Marcos government has created a more competitive and enabling environment through public-private partnership (PPP) to expand further the Build, Better, More infrastructure agenda of the administration.
Diokno said this would further boost investments on top of the government’s goal to spend at least five to six percent of GDP on infrastructure, stressing all these form the backbone for the rapid and sustained growth of the Philippines.
But because of the current challenges, he said the Philippines is taking the first steps toward launching the Maharlika Investment Fund, the country’s first-ever sovereign wealth fund that will support the goals set by the administration in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this new development? Do you believe that the Philippines’ economic fundamentals are strong enough to keep the economy growing around 6.5% this year? Do you think that the tourism industry alone will be a major driving force of economic growth and earning foreign currency? Apart from the announced Maharlika Investment Fund (sovereign wealth fund) new economic initiatives do you want to see from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.?
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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently, it was emphasized that middle income earners here in the Philippines will have lower income taxes to pay in accordance to the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law (Republic Act Number 10963) which will result in better take-home pay this year, according to a news article published by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). This is related to what was reported weeks ago by GMA Network news.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the PNA news report. Some parts in boldface…
Middle-income earners will have lower income taxes this year and thus, higher take-home pay, under Republic Act No 10963 or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law.
Taxpayers earning more than PHP250,000 a year but not over PHP8 million will be subject to lower income tax rates ranging from 15 percent to 30 percent, from the previous 20 percent to 32 percent.
Those with annual taxable income of PHP250,000 or below will continue to be exempt from paying income taxes.
“Inaasahan natin na lalo pang lalakas ang domestic consumption na may malaking kontribusyon sa paglago ng ating ekonomiya. Dahil sa pinababang buwis, mas mataas ang take-home pay ng mga empleyado na magiging malaking tulong sa gitna ng mataas na presyo ng mga bilihin (We expect a stronger domestic consumption which will be big contribution to our economy. With lower tax and higher take-home pay, this will be a good help amid the rising prices of commodities),” Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said in a statement on Monday.
Gatchalian cited the Teacher 1 post, with a monthly salary of PHP25,439 or Salary Grade (SG) 11, will now have monthly tax savings of PHP420.83 or PHP5,050 for the year.
A Nurse III with SG 17 or an entry level monthly income of PHP43,030 will save PHP1,289.13 monthly or PHP15,469 yearly.
“Dahil sa mas mataas ang kanilang kita, inaasahan din natin na magiging maganda itong insentibo para sa mga empleyado na lalo pa nilang paghusayan ang kanilang trabaho at magtulak sa kanila para mag impok o kaya ay mamuhunan (Because of a higher take-home pay, workers will be inspired to work better, save and invest), Gatchalian said.
Also included in the TRAIN law are provisions for small and micro self-employed professionals, who now have the option to pay a simpler, flat tax of eight percent on gross sales in lieu of the income and percentage tax.
Taxpayers can save time falling in line and filing and paying from eight times a year will be reduced to just four.
Estate tax will also be lowered from 20 percent to a single rate of six percent for net estate with standard deduction of PHP5 million as well as exemption for the first PHP10 million for the family home.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this new development? Are you qualified for a reduction of income taxes under the TRAIN Law? Have you consulted with a certified tax expert already?
As it continues to make predictions about different nations’ economies around the world, the World Bank (WB) revealed that it sees the Philippines achieving 5.4% economic growth in 2023, according to a BusinessWorld news report. The said forecast goes against the more optimistic 2023 target of the Philippine government.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the BusinessWorld news report. Some parts in boldface…
PHILIPPINE economic growth would probably slow to 5.4% this year, from an estimated 7.2% in 2022, amid a looming global recession, the World Bank (WB) said.
In its latest Global Economic Prospects report, it trimmed its gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for the Philippines from its 5.6% projection in June.
The World Bank’s latest GDP forecast is below the government’s 6-7% growth target for the year.
“After the strong rebound in 2022, growth in Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam is expected to moderate as the growth of exports to major markets slows,” it said.
In December, the World Bank upgraded its forecast for the Philippines to 7.2% for 2022 from 6.5%, amid a surge in private consumption and robust export growth.
The Philippine economy expanded by 7.6% in the third quarter, bringing the nine-month average to 7.7%. The strong third-quarter data prompted economic managers to say that full-year GDP growth would settle above the 6.5-7.5% target.
“The recovery from the pandemic-induced recession has been uneven across the region. Output surpassed pre-pandemic levels last year in Cambodia, the Philippines and Thailand,” the World Bank said.
However, a “sharp, long-lasting” slowdown in the global economy this year is expected to affect nearly all regions, particularly developing countries, World Bank President David Malpass said in a statement.
“Global growth is expected to decelerate sharply to 1.7% in 2023 — the third weakest pace of growth in nearly three decades, overshadowed only by the global recessions caused by the pandemic and the global financial crisis,” the multilateral lender said in the report, noting this is 1.3 percentage points below previous forecasts.
The World Bank said the latest estimate reflects “synchronous policy tightening aimed at containing very high inflation, worsening financial conditions and continued disruptions from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.”
It said urgent global efforts are needed to mitigate the risks of a global recession and debt distress in emerging market and developing economies.
By the end of 2024, GDP levels in these markets will be about 6% below pre-pandemic levels, according to the report.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this new development? Do you agree with the WB’s analysis about slower economic growth for the Philippines this year? What do you think will help the Philippines achieve the more optimistic targets set by the national government?
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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Since January 3 – the first business day of the year 2023 – the City Government of Muntinlupa has officially started the issuance and renewal of business permits and applicants for such permits are welcome to visit the Muntinlupa Sports Center in Barangay Tunasan, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Muntinlupa City government has started the issuance and renewal of business permits on Tuesday, Jan. 3.
The renewal of business permits will be held from Jan. 3 to 20 at the Muntinlupa Sports Center in Barangay Tunasan.
“Please make sure that you have all the requirements for a smooth transaction,” said Mayor Ruffy Biazon.
According to the Muntinlupa Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO), the requirements for the renewal of business permits this year are:
1 BIR Monthly/Quarterly Payments for 2022 (photocopy and original), Form No. 2550Q/2551Q/2550M, Form No. 1701Q/1702Q
2. Audited financial statements duly filed before the SEC/BIR (for the period covering two years prior) / Annual Income Tax Return
3. Previous Mayor’s Permit
More requirements can be seen in the full news article of the Manila Bulletin.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident who runs a local business, have you tried having your business permit renewed already? Do you prefer to have it renewed online or over the counter?
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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the GMA news report. Some parts in boldface…
A total of 2.6 million tourists arrived in the Philippines in 2022, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said.
This is due to the opening of borders to all international travelers in February, the DOT added, according to a report on GMA Integrated News’ Unang Balita on Monday.
Some P173 billion tourism revenue was recorded in 2022, the department said.
The DOT said more than 628,000 arrivals are returning Filipinos.
The top arriving international tourists were from the US, South Korea, Australia, and United Kingdom.
Very clearly, the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic continues to happen in different ways around the world. For the Philippines itself, the arrivals and presence of foreign tourists as well as Filipinos based overseas are crucial for the socio-economic development of the whole nation. As such, we Filipinos can be more supportive towards the DOT and other national stakeholders to make tourism – both foreign and local – thrive again with the nation in mind.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this new development? Do you believe the DOT can achieve its targets for 2023? Do you think the local government units (LGUs) should become more pro-active on emphasizing local tourism? What is the most notable local tourist site in your city right now? Did you notice your favorite local coffee shop or restaurant having more foreigners as customers lately?
Author Carlo Carrasco 