Tag: economy

CREATE bill to boost Philippine economy by cutting corporate income tax and implementing incentives

CREATE bill to boost Philippine economy by cutting corporate income tax and implementing incentives

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Yesterday, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez announced that the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act is aimed to reduce the corporate income tax which should lead to creating more jobs as well as attracting investments.

Given the dramatic fall of the Philippine economy as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the CREATE bill could be the big solution to boost the economy and pave the way for recovery. For almost a year now, the said pandemic caused a lot of people to lose their jobs and much of their income. A lot of businesses closed down as well.

For your reference, here is a long excerpt of the news release about the said bill published via Philippine News Agency (PNA). Key words are highlighted in bold:

The recent bicameral approval of the game-changing CREATE Act can also provide a big boost to the National Employment Recovery Strategy (NERS) Task Force chaired by the DTI and co-chaired by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), which was signed last Feb. 5 by several agencies.  

“The landmark tax and incentives reform bill that we expect to be signed by the President is expected to bring in (a) massive inflow of investments that will create more jobs, especially as we focus efforts in the National Employment Recovery during this period of the pandemic and beyond. The passing of CREATE will firm up the tax and incentive reforms that will make the investment climate significantly more attractive than the current tax and incentive regime,” Lopez said in a statement.

He said the bill will certainly encourage more investments with the lowering of the corporate income taxes rate from 30 percent to 20 percent for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and 25 percent for large corporations.

“Modernizing the incentives system likewise makes the incentives such as income tax holiday (ITH), special corporate income tax rates (SCIT) or enhanced deductions (ED), available to industries considered strategic, critical or export oriented,” he added.

The Trade chief said the length of incentives, such as four to seven years of ITH plus five or 10 years of SCIT or ED, will depend on the nature of industry, export or domestic oriented, degree of technology and value adding, and geographical location, with additional years outside the Metro Manila and urban centers.

“There is also (a) longer transition period for those currently granted incentives. Thus, incentives are now made more performance-based, focused and timebound,” Lopez said.

CREATE is a bill certified urgent by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte upon the recommendation of the economic team led by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III.

Lopez also thanked the legislators at the Senate and the House of Representatives, with Sen. Pia Cayetano and Rep. Joey Salceda, respectively, as principal authors, for the hard work of the committee members in bringing the CREATE bill to fruition.

“The passing of CREATE will unleash the growth potential of investments by removing uncertainties during the period that the bill was under deliberation,” Lopez said. “Based on our estimate and those from Cong. Joey Salceda, CREATE can bring in over PHP200 billion of new investments that can generate 1.4 (million) to 2 million incremental jobs.”

CREATE will help boost investments in the Philippines, which would support the 2021 target of the Board of Investments (BOI) of PHP1.25-trillion investment approvals.

A report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) had also estimated that the Philippines bucked the trend in Southeast Asia, and had increased its foreign direct investments (FDIs) during the pandemic by 29 percent last year.

Meanwhile, the NERS 2021-2023 is a medium-term plan anchored on the updated Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 and ReCharge PH by expanding the Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan initiative and improving access and security of employment.

The strategy also takes into consideration the changes in the labor market brought about by the pandemic and the fast adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution (FIRe) technologies.

“NERS shall also consolidate all measures, programs, and institutions that influence the demand and supply of labor, as well as the functioning of labor markets,” Lopez said.

Members of NERS Oversight Committee include the Departments of Transportation (DOTr), Tourism (DOT), Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Science and Technology (DOST), Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Agriculture (DA), Agrarian Reform (DAR), Interior and Local Government (DILG), Information and Communications Technology (DICT),  Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and National Security Council (NSC), as well as the Office of the Cabinet Secretary (OCS), Departments of Finance (DOF) and Budget and Management (DBM), and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III said: “This JMC (joint memorandum circular) will fortify our collective undertaking as a Task Force working to develop a policy environment that encourages the generation of more employment opportunities, improves employability and productivity of workers, and supports existing and emerging businesses.”

Lopez further stressed the importance of continuing with the calibrated and safe reopening of the economy to allow the country to regain the growth momentum that it had before the pandemic. 

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Las Piñas City Tax Amnesty announced, good until May 15, 2021

Las Piñas City Tax Amnesty announced, good until May 15, 2021

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Yesterday the City Government of Las Piñas announced that property owners in the city who have not settled their dues have until May 15, 2021 to avail of the Tax Amnesty which is the result of the approval of City Ordinance No. 1729-20 (Series of 2021).

The Tax Amnesty covers all unpaid property taxes as well as Local Government interests, penalties and surcharges. Payment of taxes can be done by means of cash or by installment within the stipulated period.

The Tax Amnesty is meant to alleviate the financial concerns of the local constituents by giving them sufficient time to settle their taxes as the City Government is fully aware of the challenges and hardships caused by the pandemic on public health and on the economy.

Those who will be doing transactions at City Hall are advised to follow health and safety protocols.

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The above information was provided by the Las Piñas City Government for the purpose of public information and transparency. Some parts were edited for this website.

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

Muntinlupa City at Work – January 28, 2021

Muntinlupa City at Work – January 28, 2021

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The City Government of Muntinlupa continues to serve its constituents by executing varied forms of public service. To catch up with what they’ve been doing lately, here is a quick look at the recent developments in the city.

Yesterday, Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi turned over the City Government’s loan assistance amounting to P938,000.00 to Tulong Negosyo Batch 122 beneficiaries at City Hall. Among the beneficiaries were two local entrepreneurs who received P100,000 each while one member received P75,000. The mayor hopes to revive the local economy by supporting grassroot players through various programs.

A total of P938,000 worth of loans was released by the City Government of Muntinlupa under the leadership of Mayor Jaime Fresnedi. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)
Mayor Fresnedi checks on a local entrepreneur. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

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The above information was provided by the City Government of Muntinlupa for the purpose of public information and transparency. Some parts were edited for this website.

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

Muntinlupa City extends Business Permits Renewal until February 11, 2021

Muntinlupa City extends Business Permits Renewal until February 11, 2021

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The City Government of Muntinlupa yesterday announced that it has officially extended this year’s business permits renewal to February 11, 2021 from its original schedule on January 29 without penalties in a bid to help members of the private sector who are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Muntinlupa Business Permits and Licensing Office requested for the extension of the business permits registration to the City Council following a consultation with owners of commercial establishments in the city.

Muntinlupa City Council readies a resolution granting the extension of the filing and renewal of Business Permits and the payment of business taxes, fees, and other charges without penalty up to the closing hours of February 11, 2021.

The BPLO vows to assist business locators in the registration process and other services. Muntinlupa City’s Business Permits Renewal Hub is open from Mondays to Fridays, 8:00AM – 5:00PM at Muntinlupa Sports Center, Brgy. Tunasan.

Strict health standards and distancing protocols are implemented in the Renewal Hub which include sterilization and disinfection of submitted documents using UV box, body temperature check, and installation of alcohol sprays and sneeze guards. The public is advised to wear face mask with face shield and bring their own ballpen for their safety and convenience.

Business taxpayers are also instructed to download the StaySafe app on their mobile device to scan the QR Code at the entrance of the Renewal Hub for contact tracing purposes. The local government partnered with Staysafe.PH through City Ordinance No. 2020-181 to implement a “No QR Code, No Entry Policy” in all establishments for mandatory contact tracing starting January 2021. Further, senior citizens will not be allowed entry into the Renewal Hub, unless they are business owners renewing their permits in compliance with IATF guidelines.

A One-Stop Shop arrangement in the Business Permit Renewal Hub has been installed in the venue for the convenience of taxpayers. Business taxpayers can pay using Debit Cards in the Renewal Hub. Mobile ATMs and a Closed-Circuit Television Systems (CCTVs) are also installed across the venue. Free shuttle service is provided for clients going to the venue with pick-up points located at Muntinlupa City Hall Quadrangle in Putatan.

Recently, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) officials visited Muntinlupa City’s Business Permit Renewal Hub at Muntinlupa Sports Center for an inspection audit last January 21. ARTA lauded Muntinlupa’s policies on Ease of Doing Business including the Zero Contact Policy, Queuing System, and strict implementation of minimum health protocols.

Joining the audit were ARTA Deputy Director General (DDG) Ernesto V. Perez, Director Grace Fernandez, ARTA exec Atty. Marco Balleser, DILG Muntinlupa representative James Fadrilan, and LEIPO Gary Llamas. Earlier, BPLO Muntinlupa also encouraged business taxpayers to renew their business permits online through the Business E-payment SysTem (BEST).

Muntinlupa BEST is an online platform that will allow locators in Muntinlupa City to accomplish business permit applications and transactions through any internet-enabled device.

Taxpayers can access the online platform via www.muntinlupacity.gov.ph and accomplish transactions including application for New Business Permit, Renewal of Business Permit, Application Status Inquiry, Billing and Payment, and Payment History.

The list of requirements is posted in the city’s website www.muntinlupacity.gov.ph. For inquiries, you may call BPLO Muntinlupa at 8317-9964 or email at bplo.muntinlupa@yahoo.com.

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The above information was provided by the City Government of Muntinlupa for the purpose of public information and transparency. Some parts were edited for this website.

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

Business Permit Renewal processing in Muntinlupa City to last until January 29, 2021

Business Permit Renewal processing in Muntinlupa City to last until January 29, 2021

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The annual Business Permits Renewal process in Muntinlupa City commenced in a bigger venue with strict health measures in place to comply with IATF safety protocols.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi assures business locators in the city that health protocols are strictly observed in the 2021 Muntinlupa Business Permit Renewal Hub located at the Center Court of Muntinlupa Sports Center, Brgy. Tunasan.

Fresnedi inspected the venue with Local Economic Investment Promotions Officer Gary Llamas, City Administrator and Business Permits Licensing Officer Allan Cachuela, and other local officials during the opening of the renewal event last January 4.

Strict health standards and distancing protocols are implemented which include sterilization and disinfection of submitted documents using UV box, body temperature check, installation of alcohol sprays, and monitoring of ‘sneeze guards.’.

The public is advised to wear face mask with face shield and bring their own ballpen for their safety and convenience.

Business taxpayers are also instructed to download the StaySafe app on their mobile device to scan the QR Code at the entrance of the Renewal Hub for contact tracing purposes. The City Government partnered with Staysafe.PH through City Ordinance No. 2020-181 to implement a “No QR Code, No Entry Policy” in all establishments for mandatory contact tracing starting January 2021.

Further, senior citizens will not be allowed entry into the Renewal Hub, unless they are business owners renewing their permits in compliance with IATF guidelines. A One-Stop Shop arrangement in the Business Permit Renewal Hub has been installed in the venue for the convenience of taxpayers.

Business taxpayers can pay using Debit Cards in the Renewal Hub. Mobile ATMs and a Closed-Circuit Television System are also installed across the venue. Free shuttle service is provided for clients going to the venue with pick-up points located at Muntinlupa City Hall Quadrangle in Putatan.

The 2021 Business Permit Renewal will run from January 2 to 29, 2021 and BPLO Muntinlupa will serve clients from Mondays to Fridays, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Currently, there are 15,144 registered business in the city. Earlier, BPLO Muntinlupa also encouraged business taxpayers to renew their business permits online through the Business E-payment SysTem (BEST).

Muntinlupa BEST is an online platform that will allow locators in Muntinlupa City to accomplish business permit applications and transactions through any internet-enabled device.

Top Ten “Early Bird” Taxpayers in the 2021 Muntinlupa Business Permit Renewal receive cerficates of recognition and grocery packages from the City Government. Mayor Jaime Fresnedi (5th from left) and City Administrator Engr. Allan Cachuela (left) greeted early taxpayers and extended his gratitude to the business owners for renewing their businesses in the city last January 4. The business renewal event will run until January 29 at Muntinlupa Sports Complex, Tunasan. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

Taxpayers can access the online platform via www.muntinlupacity.gov.ph and accomplish transactions including application for New Business Permit, Renewal of Business Permit, Application Status Inquiry, Billing and Payment, and Payment History.

Mayor Fresnedi thanked the business owners for their punctuality in paying their dues and renewing their businesses in the city despite challenges brought about by the pandemic. The local exec also encouraged other locators to skip “rush days” of registration nearing the deadline.

He vowed to assist local entrepreneurs in the city through various social and economic programs and services for their recovery.

The list of requirements is posted in the city’s website www.muntinlupacity.gov.ph. For inquiries, you may call BPLO Muntinlupa at 8317-9964 or email at bplo.muntinlupa@yahoo.com.

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The above information was provided by the City Government of Muntinlupa for the purpose of public information and transparency. Some parts were edited for this website.

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

Muntinlupa launches the BEST (Business E-payment System), online business registration as e-governance innovations amid the pandemic

Muntinlupa launches the BEST (Business E-payment System), online business registration as e-governance innovations amid the pandemic

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The City Government of Muntinlupa formally introduced a contactless and cashless processing of business applications and payments through the launching of BEST (Business E-payment System), an e-governance innovation amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a bid to address the challenges of the pandemic to face-to-face transactions, the City Government, through its partner banks Development Bank of the Philippines and Landbank of the Philippines, formally launched the Business E-payment System (AKA Muntinlupa BEST) yesterday.

The counters where business applicants and taxpayers can do their transactions. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi says the City Government developed the project to adapt to the “new normal” of public service which requires an open government approach and use of digital platforms.

Fresnedi added that through the e-governance initiative, the risk of COVID-19 transmission will also be prevented due to reduced contact of clients and government employees who will process their applications.

Muntinlupa BEST is an online payment alternative that will allow locators in Muntinlupa City to accomplish business permit applications and transactions through any internet-enabled device. Taxpayers can access the online platform via www.muntinlupacity.gov.ph and accomplish transactions including application for New Business Permit, Renewal of Business Permit, Application Status Inquiry, Billing and Payment, and Payment History.

Upon assessment and verification of payment, the Muntinlupa Business Permits and Licensing Office shall endorse an advanced e-copy of the requested permit to the client via email.  The total processing time is shortened to around 30 minutes for applications with complete set of requirements.

Clients can schedule the pick-up of original documents or arrange delivery via courier service. The platform also serves as online portal for transactions processed by the Treasury Office which include application and submission of requirements, acquisition of assessment billing, Order of Payment and e-Payment for the convenience of taxpayers.

Payments can be processed through Bancnet and PESONet partner banks or over-the-counter via ECPAY, Bayad Express and 7-Eleven outlets. Taxpayers can now conveniently pay their taxes at their own time and within the safety of their homes.

Safety protocols and high-tech equipment are on place to ensure a safe environment for everyone. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

Muntinlupa BEST is facilitated by the city’s BPLO, the Mayor’s Office, the Management Information Systems Office, and the City Treasurer’s Office, Muntinlupa City is a frontrunner in business innovations which include the Single Window Transaction – Muntinlupa Business One Stop Shop. It is an innovative single-interface business registration process consisting of three simple steps with one and the same staff from start to end of the transaction for as fast as fifteen minutes.

Muntinlupa’s initiative in government efficiency has been recognized by the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) as one of the best practices in the country.

SWiT-MBOSS qualified as a finalist in the 4th International Best Practice Competition (IBPC) organized by the Asian Productivity Organization. Muntinlupa City shared runner up standing with Texas Instruments (Philippines) and City of El Paso, Texas (USA), while tied as the competition’s champions were Al Jazeera International Catering LLC (UAE) and Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services (UAE).

Further, Muntinlupa City has been adjudged as one of the winners of the Digital Cities Philippines Awards for Best Practices in eGovernance for Local Government Units. In 2018, Muntinlupa bagged the 2nd place in the Best in eGOV Government Inter-operability (G2G) category for its Budget Management and Monitoring System (BMMS) besting 65 entries from 36 LGUs in the country.

Muntinlupa City is the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Most Business-Friendly LGU in 2017 and 2018.

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Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release. Some parts were edited for this website.

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 distorted views, NO to reckless publishers, and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila-related community developments, engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, visit and join the South Metro Manila FB group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Muntinlupa City extends tax relief anew, penalties for late payment waived until December 29, 2020

Muntinlupa City extends tax relief anew, penalties for late payment waived until December 29, 2020

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The City Government of Muntinlupa announced yesterday its move to relax the collection of penalties for late payment of business taxes from the second quarter until the remainder of the year in a bid to help the private sector to recover from losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi signed City Ordinance 2020-150 waiving penalties and surcharges incurred for the non-payment of business taxes from 2nd to 4th quarter of 2020 as assistance to the business sector.

Fresnedi said as the effects of COVID-19 pandemic further intensify the hurdles being faced by the private sector, the City Government of Muntinlupa as a partner to business sector will extend its assistance by providing for tax reliefs.

However, all business taxes due for the said period shall however be subject to the penalties and interest prescribed by Muntinlupa Revenue Code if not paid on or before December 29, 2020. Muntinlupa City Business Permits and Licensing Office advised business taxpayers in the city to settle all outstanding balances on or before the deadline to avoid incurring penalties.

Earlier this year, Muntinlupa City has imposed several extension of deadlines for the payment of taxes and fees amid the community quarantine in Metro Manila.

In May, Muntinlupa City Council adapted the Department of Finance (DOF) Department Circular (DC) No. 002-2020 through City Ordinance 2020-095 for the uniform adoption and implementation on the extension of deadlines for the payment of local taxes, fees, and charges imposed by local government units from March 25 to June 25, 2020.

Read the details closely. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

The City Government of Muntinlupa has also passed ordinances in March providing a two-month payment extension on Real Property Tax payments and other payables to the City Government for the 1st Quarter, including payment for business taxes and fees for the 2nd Quarter, without penalties, surcharge, and interest. Penalties and surcharges incurred for the non-payment of 2nd and 3rd quarter business taxes were also waived through City Ordinance 2020-146.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Muntinlupa recognized the City Government’s implementation of the Local Economic Continuity Plan which outlines programs and activities for business adaptation in the time of the pandemic and future programs for economic recovery.

PCCI-Muntinlupa president Elvie Sanchez-Quiazon conferred the Sterling Growth Catalyst Award to Mayor Fresnedi in recognition of his leadership in addressing the health crisis while still boosting the sustainability of local economy last July. Quiazon said the local chamber lauds the mayor’s “transformational and adaptable leadership, commitment and eminent public service to boost the development and sustainability of the Muntinlupa City in challenging times.”

As of November 25, Muntinlupa City has 4,867 confirmed cases with 4,666 recoveries, 43 active cases, 158 reported deaths, 43 suspect cases, and 234 probable cases.

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Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release. Some parts were edited for this website.

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 distorted views, NO to reckless publishers, and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila-related community developments, engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, visit and join the South Metro Manila FB group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Muntinlupa City launches ‘Deliver to Recover Program’ with Grab Philippines, 500 drivers to receive additional stimulus package

Muntinlupa City launches ‘Deliver to Recover Program’ with Grab Philippines, 500 drivers to receive additional stimulus package

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The City Government of Muntinlupa officially launched the ‘Deliver to Recover Program’ with Grab Philippines in a bid to provide livelihood to tricycle drivers and displaced workers in the city affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi led the launching event and turn-over ceremony of grant packages to the first batch of beneficiaries on Friday together with Congressman Ruffy Biazon and Grab Philippines execs Jackson Tan and Jeanine Tadique.

Fresnedi said the City Government entered into a partnership with Grab Philippines for the registration of 500 city residents who have lost their jobs during the community quarantine, including returning OFWs, to Grab Food and Grab Express Delivery service.

(L-R) Grab Acquisition Executive Jackson Tan, Congressman Ruffy Biazon, Deliver to Recover Program beneficiary Jovencio Atienza, Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, and Grab Acquisition Executive Jeanine Tadique. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

The local exec noted that the city’s economic cluster will also provide a grant package amounting to P7,500 to beneficiaries on top of assistance with their registration to the delivery service company.

“We recognize the challenges faced by Muntinlupa residents whose livelihoods were affected by the lockdown due to the pandemic and we will continue to assist them through various socio-economic projects,” Fresnedi noted.

The first batch of 500 beneficiaries received grant packages which include Grab uniforms, food insulated box, P2,500 worth of e-wallet credit, and P2,500 cash assistance as initial capital.

Muntinlupa City is the only LGU-partner of Grab Philippines in Metro Manila to include a ‘stimulus package’ for its beneficiaries.

Public Employment Service Office – Muntinlupa chief Glenda Aniñon said the registration for the city’s Deliver to Recover Program is still ongoing. Aniñon said city residents aged 21-50 y/o with smartphone and owns a motorcycle or a bicycle can apply to the program.

For more information about the process of application and other requirements, interested applicants may visit PESO Muntinlupa Facebook page or register via https://bit.ly/3d9y4Do.

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Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release. Some parts were edited for this website.

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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 distorted views and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, engagements, commerce and updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City loans P1 million to a local cooperative

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City loans P1 million to a local cooperative

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The City Government of Muntinlupa yesterday provided a P1,000,000 loan to assist local business Salon de Ayala Service and Credit Cooperative in a bid to help businesses within the city’s jurisdiction to recover from the economic disruption brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi signed a memorandum of agreement with Salon de Ayala head Pam Godinez and Cooperative Salon De Ayala chairman Angeline Teodoro (3rd from left) for the loan assistance last September 18. Also present during the signing were City Cooperative Officer Cynthia Viacrusis and Coun. Eliot Martinez. The mayor assured business owners in Muntinlupa City of the City Government’s continuing concern and support during these trying times.

Muntinlupa City champions MSME development through various programs including the Tulong Negosyo program (formerly Dagdag Puhunan program) which offers zero-percent interest loan assistance from 2,000 to 150,000 pesos. As of September 17, Muntinlupa City has 3,967 confirmed cases with 3,188 recoveries, 649 active cases, 130 reported deaths, 452 suspect cases, and 581 probable cases.

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Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release. Some parts were edited for this website.

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 distorted views and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.

My Observations: Watching Wonder Woman 1984 on VOD streaming will NEVER match the theatrical experience

My Observations: Watching Wonder Woman 1984 on VOD streaming will NEVER match the theatrical experience

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By now you should be aware that Warner Bros. postponed yet again the release of the much-awaited Wonder Woman 1984 and selected December 25, 2020 (Christmas Day) as the new opening day. This is because of the ongoing pandemic which depressed economies around the world and dragged down the movie theaters. Of course, as I personally observed on social networks, a lot of fans are upset with the daily and there are some of them who expressed that a theatrical release of Wonder Woman 1984 is no longer needed and it should instead be released via video-on-demand streaming services. And then there were a few who did not hide their Leftist, socialist beliefs and even condemned Warner Bros. for corporate greed only because it still insists on showing Wonder Woman 1984 in the cinemas first.

Wow! It’s as if doing business is an evil thing and being a socialist and a hater of business are good things. Talk about being delusional and impulsive as a result of being brainwashed with socialism and anti-capitalism views. The truth of the matter is that socialism sucks and will continue to suck. To understand the business side of things before talking more about Wonder Woman 1984, let’s examine the state of movie theaters.

As of this writing, the movie theater operators are slowly reopening their locations and already they have spent time and money on implementing a variety of measures such as sanitation, constant cleaning, practicing social distancing, requiring moviegoers to wear facemasks and the like. At the same time, seating capacity per screen has been reduced to minimize the risk of viral infection. The reopening of cinemas not only means the resumption of their business but also the retention of the employees they still have.

Even with less than 100% of movie theaters in operation, Warner Bros. took the big risk of releasing their $200 million production Tenet which went on to gross more than $20 million in its first four days in the United States and Canada. Elsewhere, the movie raked in more than $100,000,000 in ticket sales and it has surpassed the $150,000,000 mark globally. The more movie theaters open – including the drive-in locations –  the better it will be for Wonder Woman 1984 and this obviously requires time.

To have the theatrical opening of Wonder Woman 1984 moved all the way to Christmas Day is, in my honest opinion, a sensible move. Like other forms of businesses negatively affected by the pandemic, movie theaters are struggling to reshape themselves (and retain their employees somehow in order to avoid adding them to the unemployed) and get back to business. Movie studios on the other hand are struggling with what to do with their finished productions, especially the ones that cost $200,000,000+ to make (complete with the hard work of the technical crew, the creative team and the talents who worked).

Like anyone else, I love Wonder Woman (she is my favorite of all superheroes) and I also love 2017 Wonder Woman movie which I still replay on Blu-ray. Unlike other fans who lost patience, I myself am willing to wait for the new Wonder Woman movie to open in the local cinemas, especially in the IMAX cinema. I certainly do not agree with the idea that Warner Bros. should just skip all the movie theaters in favor of releasing Wonder Woman 1984 on VOD streaming services, and I have reasons.

Warner Bros. is right to delay Wonder Woman 1984 and keep it scheduled to open in movie theaters first!

Firstly, Wonder Woman 1984 was made with the movie theater viewing experience first and foremost. The creative team led by director Patty Jenkins even used IMAX cameras for some scenes. While the filming of scenes for IMAX is limited in total, it is clear that Wonder Woman 1984 will look and play its very best on the gigantic screen in the IMAX theater! It is also likely that the most spectacular (or the most important) scenes filmed with IMAX captured Gal Gadot as the cinematic Wonder Woman. That being said, the visual splendor and the magnificence of big screen viewing will NEVER be matched on VOD streaming nor on the HDTV at home. I should add that the enhanced visuals that come with scenes being filmed with IMAX cameras can only be seen on the large IMAX screen, and this cannot be achieved on HDTV or on the best smartphones via streaming.

Secondly, releasing Wonder Woman 1984 directly to VOD streaming services is harmful not just to the struggling theater operators and their employees but also the economy itself. I do understand that going outside the home during the pandemic has its risks but the fact remains is that businesses around you have suffered a lot and there is a need for commerce and industry to be revived, and you can help the local and the national economy move forward again. Be mindful that many people who lost their jobs and their income are also suffering, and there is a need for businesses to be supported so that new job opportunities can be made…jobs that the unemployed badly need! Let’s face it, you can enjoy watching movies on the VOD streaming service you subscribed to and binge watch at the comfort of your home all you want but still the best place to watch is in the cinema. I can never forget the very day in 2017 I went to the local IMAX cinema to watch Wonder Woman by buying a premium movie ticket, buying popcorn and a drink, sat comfortably and watched the movie in its full greatness. I paid a lot and got tremendous value in return for the premium cinematic experience with Wonder Woman. Right now, movie theaters are struggling to recover and they badly need you to buy their tickets, snacks and drinks and enjoy the movie. It is also clear that both Warner Bros. and the movie theaters need each other, and Wonder Woman 1984 is too expensive a production to be released only on VOD streaming services.

Thirdly, still on the business side, video-on-demand streaming services are not exactly effective in helping movie producers recover the massive amounts of money spent on producing and marketing their major projects. Wonder Woman 1984 is a more expensive production than its predecessor and it is still the movie theater business model that will help it recover all the negative cost and break even (if not profit). The following are my questions to the loudmouths who ranted that Wonder Woman 1984 should be released directly to VOD streaming services only because of their impatience and other reasons: Do you seriously believe that video-on-demand will help Wonder Woman 1984’s producers and investors recover their money? If you are willing to pay a premium rate for digitally availaing Wonder Woman 1984 at all, how much are you really willing to pay? Do you seriously believe that movie theater operators and their employees should suffer only because you are so self-centered with wanting the new Wonder Woman film only on video-on-demand streaming?

Finally, this one is aimed at those who got indoctrinated with socialism and Leftist beliefs …who do you think you are to condemn Warner Bros. for corporate greed only because the studio is focused on releasing Wonder Woman 1984 first in cinemas? We are Wonder Woman fans here, right? It is the movie studio, its investors and other capitalists who pooled the financial resources together to hire Patty Jenkins, Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Kristen Wiig, Hans Zimmer and a whole lot of other people to make Wonder Woman 1984! They did that, not your socialist partners nor your socialist idols! The least we fans can do is be thankful to the filmmakers and their capitalism partners for making the movie. As for Warner Bros., we should keep in mind that the pandemic has made it very hard for them to decide when to release the movie we have been waiting for, and for sure their top executives and strategists have struggled in ways that you cannot imagine. You seriously believe that Warner Bros. and the other movie studios did not lose any money from the months-long shutdown of the cinemas during the pandemic? What is your basis for condemning Warner Bros. for corporate greed over Wonder Woman 1984?

Oh, one more thing, do you still go to a coffee shop, availed of their coffee and WiFi and used your branded smartphone to condemn capitalism and promote socialism? Capitalists made the things that you socialists enjoyed, not to mention all the other Wonder Woman-related products like comic books, toys, action figures, clothes, souvenirs, accessories and much more!

That being said, what we Wonder Woman fans can all do right now is wait for Wonder Woman 1984 to open in cinemas this Christmas Day. I believe that the delayed movie itself will turn out great and prove to be worth the long wait…and then prove that the movie theater is still the best place to watch it.

Who knows? Wonder Woman 1984 could spark a strong revival of the movie theater business around the world and we fans can be part of that!

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