Tag: GMA Network

House of Representatives approve Marcos-backed VAT refund for outbound foreign tourists bill on 3rd and final reading

House of Representatives approve Marcos-backed VAT refund for outbound foreign tourists bill on 3rd and final reading

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It looks like the Philippines will make a major step forward in the highly competitive field of tourism as the House of Representatives recently approved on 3rd and final reading the proposal on granting Value Added Tax (VAT) refund for outbound tourists, according to a GMA Network news report. The newly approved bill is a measure backed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.

Having been to Israel recently, I noticed that the VAT refunds for foreign tourists who are about to leave the country is the norm.   

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news article. Some parts in boldface…

The House of Representatives on Monday approved on third and final reading a bill granting Value Added Tax (VAT) refund for outbound tourists, a bill backed by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.

House Bill 7292 earned 304 “yes” votes, four “no” votes, and zero abstention.

Under the proposed measure, tourists will be eligible for a VAT refund on goods purchased from accredited retailers in the Philippines as long as such goods are taken out of the country within 60 days from the date of purchase and the value of goods purchased per transaction amounts to at least P3,000.

The bill also authorizes the Secretary of Finance to adjust the P3,000 threshold, taking into account the following indicators: administration costs in processing refunds; consumer price index; and other market conditions, upon the recommendation of the Secretary of Tourism and the Commissioner of Internal Revenue.

“This measure [is being passed] to adopt best practices in VAT refund schemes among Asia Pacific tourism destinations and expand the country’s competitiveness among its peers and neighboring countries,” the committee report on the measure read.

The bill defines a “tourist” as a foreign passport holder who is a non-resident individual not engaged in trade or business in the Philippines.

House ways and means panel chairperson Representative Joey Salceda earlier said the measure will generate P10 billion to P40 billion worth of increased sales for local suppliers.

Salceda was one of the principal authors of the measure, alongside House ways and means panel vice chairperson Mikaela Suansing of Nueva Ecija who chaired the technical working group drafting amendments to the original proposed bill.

“Generally, for every P1 refunded, the tourist spends an additional 1.5 pesos. That will create an additional twenty to eighty thousand jobs, and will also improve our gross international reserves,” Salceda said.

The above report ended stating that the newly approved measure was recommended to the Marcos administration by the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), a group composed of business leaders and industry experts providing technical advice to the President. Take note that last year, the Philippines attracted over 2.6 million foreign tourists and generated P200 billion worth of tourism revenue.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the newly approved measure will pass in the Philippine Senate soon? Do you think the measure will make the Philippines more competitive in international tourism?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Over 200,000 Maynilad customers to get rebates this month

Over 200,000 Maynilad customers to get rebates this month

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If you are a paying customer of Maynilad who got affected by water service interruptions, then you will be receiving a rebate this month as the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System-Regulatory Office (MWSS-RO) made a big announcement about rebates for over two hundred thousand customers of the water concessionaire, as reported in a recent GMA Network news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the GMA Network news report. Some parts in boldface…

Over 200,000 customers of Maynilad Water Services Inc. in areas served by the Putatan Water Treatment Plants (PWTPs) affected by water service interruptions shall expect a hefty refund in their water bills next month, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System-Regulatory Office (MWSS-RO) said Tuesday.

During the public information drive for the affected Maynilad customers, MWSS-RO Technical Regulations Area-Operations Monitoring manager Engr. Joel Dominguez said that the agency “found out during the period December 23 to January 15, there was service level breach in the areas of Parañaque, Muntinlupa, Las Piñas, and Cavite which includes Bacoor, Imus, Noveleta, Rosario, and Cavite City.”

“There are actually 222,221 affected customers during the interruption,” Dominguez said.

The said service interruptions was the subject of the MWSS-RO’s investigation which found that Maynilad violated its service obligation of an uninterrupted 24-hour supply in areas served by the PWTPs.

The water concessionaires’ regulator eventually ordered Maynilad to rebate or refund affected customers in the amount of P27.477 million.

The west zone water concessionaire has since agreed on the rebate program and said it would be best for customers to get the details from the public information drive of the MWSS-RO scheduled this week.

During the public information drive, Dominguez said there are two types of service interruptions.

“One is those who are receiving intermittent supply, meaning there are a number of hours that customers were rendered with low pressure or no water,” the MWSS-RO official said.

“The other type of customers were found to have no water for more than 24 hours,” he said.

Of the total 222,221 accounts or customers affected during the water interruptions, 18,032 accounts were those who experienced no water for more than 24 hours while the bulk or 204,189 were those who experienced intermittent supply.

“We have computed a total penalty for those accounts with no water for more than 24 hours in the amount of P6,794,166.67. Followed by customers with intermittent supply… the computation was P20,673,450.46,” Dominguez said.

The refund shall be reflected in the bills of affected customers next month.

“The rebate for those who were rendered no water for more than 24 hours is at P376.78, while those accounts with intermittent supply of water it’s at P101.30 per water service connection,” Dominguez said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this new development? If you are a paying Maynilad customer who got affected by water service interruptions in recent times, do you think you are qualified for the rebate of P376.78?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/.

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

Metro Manila Council (MMC) approves traffic code paving way for single ticketing system in NCR to start this April

Metro Manila Council (MMC) approves traffic code paving way for single ticketing system in NCR to start this April

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Following the recent developments regarding traffic in the metropolis, the Metro Manila Council (MMC) gave its approval on the Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023 which paves the way for the implementation of the single ticketing system in the National Capital Region (NCR) this coming April, according to a GMA Network news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the GMA Network news report. Some parts in boldface…

The implementation of the single ticketing system in the National Capital Region (NCR) will start within April, Metro Manila Council (MMC) head and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora said Wednesday.

“Within April, realistic ‘yan. Like what I’ve mentioned earlier, after today, it has been approved already. Aandar na ‘yung proseso natin (The process will start),” Zamora said at a press briefing shortly after the meeting of the MMC.

The MMC has approved the Metro Manila Traffic Code that will be used for the single ticketing system in NCR.

Concerned LGUs have to amend their respective ordinances in connection with traffic policies before March 15, according to Zamora.

The Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023, which will serve as the guideline for the system, includes 20 most common traffic violation penalties that will be imposed uniformly in NCR:

  • Disregarding traffic signs
  • Illegal parking (attended and unattended)
  • Number coding UVVRP
  • Truck ban
  • Light truck ban
  • Reckless Driving
  • Unregistered motor vehicle
  • Driving without license
  • Tricycle ban
  • Obstruction
  • Dress code for motorcycle
  • Overloading
  • Defective motorcycle accessories
  • Unauthorized modification
  • Arrogance/Discourteous conduct (driver)
  • Loading and Unloading in Prohibited Zones
  • Illegal counterflow
  • Overspeeding
  • Special laws:
  • Seat Belts Use Act of 1999
  • Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act
  • Mandatory Use of Motorcycle Helmet Act
  • Children’s Safety on Motorcycle Act
  • Anti-Distracted Driving Act
  • Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act

Asked for the list of fines for the violations, the MMDA said this is still subject for amendment.

The single ticketing system aims to establish a uniform policy on traffic violations and penalty system in Metro Manila.

It would cover Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela, Quezon City, Marikina, Pasig, Taguig, Makati, Manila, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, and Pateros.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this new development? What is the one thing about the newly approved Metro Manila Traffic Code that concerns you the most right now?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/.

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

COMELEC confirms over 1.5 million voters registered for 2023 Barangay and SK polls as of January 21

COMELEC confirms over 1.5 million voters registered for 2023 Barangay and SK polls as of January 21

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Recently the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) announced that over 1.5 million voters nationwide have registered for the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections as of January 21, according to a GMA Network news report. Take note that the registration process will officially end today.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the GMA news report. Some parts in boldface…

Over 1.5 million voters have registered for the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) as of January 21, data from the Commission on Elections showed.

Based on the latest figures released by Comelec spokesperson Rex Laudiangco, there are 1,530,317 who have processed their registration through the regular process, while there are 8,651 who registered through the Registration Anywhere Project.

The latest figures bring the total number of registrants to 1,538,968 for the 2023 BSKE. Of this, 931,256 are new registrants.

Most of the new registrants are 15 to 17 years old with 442,330; 18 to 30 years old with 397,323; and 31 and above with 86,818. The voter registration will end on January 31.

In an interview with reporters, Comelec Chairman George Garcia reiterated that there will be no extension of registration period for the 2023 BSKE.

However, they will accommodate those who will be lining up to the Comelec registration sites until 5 p.m. on January 31.

“Kung pagdating ng alas singko sa bawat registration sites ay may nakapila pa, kukunin po lahat ng pangalan ng nakapila, at sila ay patuloy pa ring irerehistro,” he said.

(Those who are in queue by 5 p.m. will still be accommodated in all registration sites.)

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this new development? Are there lots of people in your local community who wanted to get registered for this year’s Barangay-SK elections but still have not yet registered for some reason?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/.

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

President Marcos mentions economic growth of 7% for the Philippines this year

President Marcos mentions economic growth of 7% for the Philippines this year

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Not so long after Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno stated that the Philippine economy is expected to grow by around 6.5% this year, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos stated a figure of 7% economic growth for 2023, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). GMA Network and the Philippine Daily Inquirer each had similar news stories.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the PNA article. Some parts in boldface…

During the Country Strategy Dialogue at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, Marcos presented the current state of the Philippine economy and the opportunities that are expected to be unlocked.

Marcos, in his opening remarks, cited that while the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) forecast for the 2023 global economic growth is only 2.7 percent, the Philippines projects that its economy would grow by at least 7 percent this year.

The IMF’s latest projection is slower than the 3.2 percent posted last year and shows a significant decrease from the 6 percent recorded in 2021.

“Our strong macroeconomic fundamentals, fiscal discipline, and structural reforms instituted over the years have enabled us to withstand the negative shocks caused by the pandemic and succeeding economic downturns and map a route toward a strong recovery,” he said.

Marcos said the Philippines remains focused on sustaining the country’s economic recovery, as well as promoting a local environment that would help businesses maximize their competitiveness and facilitate their entry into the global market.

He added that the Philippines’ development plan puts together coherent strategic measures to address the current energy and food crises, allowing the country to hasten its economic and social recovery toward inclusive and resilient development.

Addressing challenges – In his speech, Marcos also emphasized the need for the world economies to implement sufficient welfare measures to cushion the impact of elevated inflationary pressures, especially on the most affected and vulnerable sectors.

“We have seen inflation accelerating globally in recent months. While protectionist policies may be appealing in the short term, there will ultimately be no winners,” he said.

“We support the call for all governments to unwind any trade restrictions and reinforce our commitment to the World Trade Organization (WTO) reform.”

Marcos also renewed the Philippines’ support for the timely and effective delivery of pragmatic outcomes to address the current geopolitical risks, adding that economies should try to find a common ground to settle critical global issues.

He likewise emphasized the importance of economic and technical cooperation to assist the development of smaller economies and enable their participation, including the small businesses and economic segments with untapped potential, in the global economy.

Marcos said it is also vital to address the current social vulnerabilities, noting that education, skills development, and lifelong learning would help enhance the employability of workers.

Government interventions and public-private partnerships (PPPs), he said, must be strengthened to improve access to employment opportunities, adding that health systems and social protection must also be enhanced to abate and mitigate present and future risks.

Digitalization – Marcos also acknowledged the need to pursue heightened collaboration to realize economic and social transformation.

He believed that his bid for digital transformation is a “key driver for long-term economic growth.”

“The government also recognizes the importance of digitalization as a key driver for long-term economic growth and as a tool for economic recovery,” Marcos said, adding that he would put a premium on the participation of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the digital economy.

More details are available for reading in the PNA’s news article.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you believe that the Philippines can achieve 7% economic growth this year?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Metro Manila Council head Francis Zamora: Metro Manila traffic code for single ticketing system approved by technical work group

Metro Manila Council head Francis Zamora: Metro Manila traffic code for single ticketing system approved by technical work group

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The proposal for a single ticketing system related to traffic matters within Metro Manila was approved by a technical work group (TWG), Metro Manila Council (MMC) chairperson San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora announced recently, according to a GMA Network news report. This means that the proposal will be formally discussed with the MMC members and they will determine the final form of the system.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA News report. Some parts in boldface…

The technical working group (TWG) has approved the Metro Manila traffic code that will be used for the single ticketing system, Metro Manila Council (MMC) chairperson San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora said Friday.

Interviewed on GMA News’ Unang Balita, Zamora said the final TWG meeting in connection with the single ticketing system was conducted in San Juan City on Thursday.

“Kaya ang gagawin ko po ngayon ay mag-schedule ng meeting ng MMC upang pag-usapan na ang pinal na porma nga ng ating magiging Metro Manila traffic code na prinisenta na rin kahapon at inaprubahan ng mga representatives na nandoon at kasama na po ako doon,” he said.

(So, I will schedule a meeting in MMC to discuss the final form of the Metro Manila traffic code, which was already presented yesterday and approved by the representatives including me.)

“I just want to clarify na ang aprubado dito ay sa level pa lang ng TWG. So ito ay ii-elevate na natin sa mismong MMC at kung wala naman pong pagtutol ng mga mayors dito, dyan  po magsisimula ang aktwal na proseso ng pag-implementa,” he added.

(I just want to clarify that it is approved only at the level of the TWG. So it will be elevated to the MMC and if there is no objection from the mayors, the process of implementation will start.)

According to Zamora, 20 common traffic violations with corresponding fines have been identified.

In San Juan, he said the fine for disobedience of traffic signs will be lower with the implementation of the single ticketing system. From 2,000 up to 4,000, the fine will be 1,000 only.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will shoulder the expenses for the equipment needed for the new system, according to Zamora.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What can you say about this new development? Do you think a single ticketing system is needed?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

Middle income earners in the Philippines will have lower income taxes this year

Middle income earners in the Philippines will have lower income taxes this year

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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?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/.

German vlogger arrested by Muntinlupa police officers for allegedly raping minor in motel

German vlogger arrested by Muntinlupa police officers for allegedly raping minor in motel

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Recently a German national who published online a video of his own acts of picking up a local girl in the Alabang area and paying her got apprehended by Muntinlupa City’s police officers for allegedly committing rape, according to news report by the Manila Bulletin. The video, which was posted on Facebook and YouTube, caught the attention of Mayor Ruffy Biazon who wanted the vlogger declared persona non grata. The German national goes by the online identity as “Mr. Pogi German”. In the news report of GMA Network, it was stated that the suspect has been overstaying here in the Philippines according to the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

A German vlogger who posted a video on Facebook and YouTube that showed him picking up a girl in Alabang, Muntinlupa, paying her P1,000 as “help” and kissing her was arrested by the police for alleged rape.

Marcel Messall, more popularly known as “Mr. Pogi German” on his social media accounts, was nabbed by the Muntinlupa police on Jan. 10.

Based on the report by Muntinlupa police chief Col. Angel Garcillano, the girl that Messall picked in Alabang turned out to be 17 years old, a minor, and not 18 as he claimed in the video.

Messall, 29, a resident of Barangay San Isidro, Rodriguez, Rizal, was nabbed by combined elements of the Muntinlupa police’s Alabang Substation and Intelligence Section.

Based on the investigation by the police, the victim had a chat with Massell on the Messenger app. They met in front of a mall in Alabang and he invited her to go to a motel.

The police said, however, Messall “insisted to have a sexual Intercourse with the victim but the latter refused to it. The suspect forced to undress the victim” and had sex with her.

The victim told her mother what Massell did to her and they went to the Women and Children Protection Unity of the Muntinlupa police to report the incident.

Messall will be charged with violation Republic Act 8353 (The Anti-Rape Law of 1997) in relation to Republic Act 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act).

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon on Jan. 9 condemned Massell’s video showing him picking up the woman in Alabang, bringing her to a motel and kissing her–all caught on video, which he uploaded on Facebook and YouTube.

Biazon asked the Muntinlupa City Council to declare “MR Pogi German” persona non grata in the city after the mayor was tagged by a netizen in the latter’s video, which was uploaded on Jan. 7 on Facebook.

Messall’s video, titled “I’ve Met a 18 Years old Filipina Pick Up Girl from alabang Muntinlupa,” has garnered 10 million views, more than 13,000 comments and more than 256,000 reactions as of this writing.

“Sa una, akala ko papakita pa niyang nagmamagandang loob siya na tinutulungan yung 18-year-old single mother na mabigyan ng kaunting panggastos. Akala ko ang ending ay kunwari dinala niya ito sa kwarto tapos bibigyan nya ng pera tapos hahayaan na niya. Pauuwiin na niya, binigyan ng aral. Obviously hindi iyon ang nangyari. Meron pang scene na pinost sa kanyang vlog na nagtalukbong sila dun sa kumot (Initially, I thought he was doing a good deed of helping the 18-year-old single mother by giving her money to spend. I thought the ending was him bringing the woman to the [motel] room and then he would give money and let her go. He would send her home after lecturing her. Obviously, this did not happen. There is a scene that he posted on his vlog that they hid under the sheets),” said Biazon.

The mayor said, “Ang parang lumalabas sa akin, parang napopromote na dito sa Muntinlupa, with P1,000 may makukuha ka (For me, it seems that it is being promoted that in Muntinlupa, with P1,000 you can get [a woman]). That is something we should not tolerate.”

“Mr. Pogi German” even encouraged other women to participate.

“Who wants to be the next girl for my content?! Tara na pm me!!!” he wrote.

“Obviously, pinagkakakitaan niya rin ito. Ang masama dito, he is actually promoting prostitution (Obviously, he is making money out of this. The bad thing is he is actually promoting prostitution),” said Biazon.

For added insight, watch the Tagalog news video of GMA Network below.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Have you seen the controversial video online already? If you did, are you convinced that prostitution and rape really happened? Do you think that Muntinlupa could be a hot spot for prostitution and rape now?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Philippines counted 2.6 million tourist arrivals in 2022

Philippines counted 2.6 million tourist arrivals in 2022

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Since it opened its borders for travelers from abroad in early 2022, the Philippines registered a total of 2.6 million tourist arrivals for the year, according to a GMA Network news report quoting the Department of Tourism (DOT). Take note that the DOT has higher targets for attracting foreign tourists this new year.

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?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/.

BIR confirms lower income tax rates for individual taxpayers effective on January 1, 2023

BIR confirms lower income tax rates for individual taxpayers effective on January 1, 2023

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For those of you living and working here in the Philippines, be aware that starting January 1, 2023, lower tax rates will charged on individual taxpayers as confirmed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), according to a recent GMA Network news report. Now is a good time to approach a certified expert on taxation if you want to see how this upcoming development will affect you.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the GMA Network news report. Some parts in boldface…

Individual taxpayers will be charged lower tax rates starting next year, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said Friday.

Individuals earning purely compensation income, including non-business/non-profession related income and sole proprietors, “can look forward to a higher take-home pay in 2023,” according to the BIR.

The taxman said the lower income tax rate is pursuant to Republic Act 10963, or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law, which took effect on January 1, 2018.

Starting January 1, 2023, those with annual taxable income below P250,000.00 are still exempt from paying personal income tax, while the rest of taxpayers, except those with taxable income of more than P8 million, will have lower tax rates ranging from 15% to 30% by 2023.

To maintain progressivity, the BIR imposed a 35% tax rate on top individual taxpayers with annual taxable incomes exceeding P8 million, up from 32% previously.

The income tax on the individual’s taxable income shall be computed based on the following schedules, effective January 1, 2023, and onwards:

The taxation reference from GMA’s news report.

Compared to the income tax rates imposed during the initial implementation of the TRAIN Law in 2018, the new annual income tax rates for individuals significantly decreased by 5% for those with taxable income of more than P250,000.00 up to P2,000,000.00, while a 2% decrease in tax rate was noted for those with taxable income of more than P2,000,000.00 up to P8,000,000.00.

The above article ended stating that employers must use the revised withholding tax table to calculate the withholding taxes on their employees’ compensation income taking effect on January 1, 2023.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this new development? When was the last time you consulted with a tax expert for insight about your income tax returns? Do you think this new development will boost the national economy as a whole somehow in 2023?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/.