Tag: GMA Network

Ombudsman rejects Bamban mayor Alice Guo’s bid versus suspension order

Ombudsman rejects Bamban mayor Alice Guo’s bid versus suspension order

carlocarrasco

The bid of the controversial and suspended Bamban mayor Alice Guo to lift the preventive suspension has officially been rejected by the Office of the Ombudsman, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The Office of the Ombudsman has junked Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo’s bid to lift the six-month preventive suspension slapped against her over her alleged links to a raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in her jurisdiction.

The Ombudsman resolution dated June 21 said it is standing by its preliminary findings that there are sufficient grounds to hold that the evidence against Guo and the other respondents are strong.

Aside from Guo, also suspended by the Ombudsman were Bamban Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) officer Edwin Campo and Municipal Legal Officer Adden Sigua.

The Ombudsman suspended the three in May to keep them from interfering in the investigation following the complaint filed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), which is accusing them of committing grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, gross neglect of duty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

In its resolution signed by Ombudsman Samuel R. Martires, there is evidence that Guo has business interest in Baofu Land Development Inc., owner of the land where the raided POGO was located. It said this was shown by a Tarlac Electric Cooperative Inc Statement of Account dated March 8, 2024 under Guo’s name that was seized during the March 13, 2024 raid in the Baofu compound for alleged human trafficking and serious illegal detention.

The Ombudsman also cited documents showing that Baofu and the POGO, Zun Yuan, operated their respective businesses with permits processed by the BPLO and issued by Guo, as well as documents showing that Sigua knew and had prior acquaintances with Guo since he was the one who notarized each of the Deed of Absolute Sale covering the eight parcels of land that Guo bought that later on became the compound.

“This Office only deems it prudent to preventively suspend respondents Guo, Campo and Sigua given their undeniable hand in the operation of Baofu and Zun Yuan,” the Ombudsman said.

“After due consideration of the factual circumstances of the instant case, this Office finds no compelling reason to reconsider and lift the Order of preventive suspension of respondents Guo, Campo and Sigua while the case against them is pending adjudication,” it added.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you convinced that mayor Guo is involved with the POGO crime activities mentioned? Do you think that the raided Bamban POGO could be linked with the scam hub in Parañaque?

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

+++++

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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Suspended Bamban mayor Alice Guo and others charged for alleged human trafficking

Suspended Bamban mayor Alice Guo and others charged for alleged human trafficking

carlocarrasco

The controversial and suspended Bamban mayor Alice Guo along with others were formally charged before the Department of Justice (DOJ) for alleged human trafficking in connection with the raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Tarlac, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

In complaints filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ), Guo, former Technology and Livelihood Resource Center (TLRC) deputy director general Dennis Cunanan, and 12 officers and incorporators were charged with violation of Sections 4 and 6 of Republic Act (RA) 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 as amended by RA 10364, as further amended by RA 11862.

Among the respondents are Guo’s alleged business partner Huang Zhiyang, who is a fugitive in China, and Zhang Ruijin and Baoying Li, two individuals who are involved in the biggest money laundering case in Singapore.

Guo was also referred to as “a.k.a Guo Hua Ping” in the complaint.

GMA News Online has sought comment from the camps of Guo and Cunanan but they have yet to reply as of posting time.

Evidence – The complainants are the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG).

“Lumabas na mga ebidensya dito tulad ng fact na siya ang nag apply doon sa dating [letter of no objection] from the local government. Lumabas din ang kanyang involvement doon sa lesser company,” Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking chairperson and Justice Undersecretary Nicky Ty said in a briefing.

(There is evidence such as the fact that she applied the letter of no objection from the local government. Her involvement in the lesser company was also noted.)

“At kasama rin yung ibang ebidensya diyan katulad nung pangalan niya na lumulutang sa mga sabi-sabing document na nahanap sa POGO compound,” he added.

(There is also other evidence such as her name appearing in many documents in the POGO compound.)

Meanwhile, Prosecutor Benjamin Samson said authorities believe that Cunanan is part of a “grand conspiracy.”

“We discovered that the Zun Yuan operation actually started with one corporation which was Baofu, and then another corporation was created. All these three corporations, we believe that they are part of a grand conspiracy to commit labor trafficking,” Samson said.

“In one of the corporations, we found a document wherein the name of Mr. Dennis Cunanan appeared. After piecing together the pieces of evidence, we concluded and we decided that he is part of the grand conspiracy to commit labor trafficking,” he added.

Earlier, Senator Risa Hontiveros showed documents where Cunanan had introduced himself as the “authorized representative” for the Hong Sheng POGO in Bamban and the Lucky South POGO in Porac.

Other Complaints – According to Ty, the DOJ is now processing the Immigration Lookout Bulletin against Guo, which may be issued next week.

“Hindi naman natin matatanggi na kahit sinong makasuhan ng kriminal ay may flight risk, lalo na kung may resources ito mangibang bansa. Ngunit ito naman kay Mayor Guo, hopefully, no hindi naman siya lilipad dahil siya mismo at ang kanyang mga representatives ang nag sabi na nais niyang harapin ang mga alegasyon laban sa kanya,” he said.

(Anyone charged with a crime is a flight risk, especially if he they have resources to go abroad. Hopefully, she will not leave as her representatives said that he wants to face the allegations against him.)

Aside from this, Ty said Guo cannot travel without a travel authority as a public official.

Ty said that “there is a possibility” that other complaints may be filed against Guo and others.

POGO – Guo was placed under investigation for her alleged links to the 10-hectare POGO compound that was raided in March for alleged illegal activities that include crypto and love scams.

Earlier in June, the Department of the Interior and Local Government filed graft charges against Guo with the Office of the Ombudsman, prompting it to suspend her for up to six months.

Guo’s identity as a Filipino is also under question before the Senate.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has questioned whether Chinese passport holder Guo Hua Ping is Guo after he presented records from the Board of Investments of the Guo family’s application for a Special Investors Resident Visa.

The documents showed Guo Hua Ping entered the Philippines on January 12, 2003 when she was still 13 years old and her registered mother is Lin Wenyi, the same woman who was alleged to be the mayor’s mother.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that the mayor of Bamban is indeed connected or responsible with the human trafficking that happened at the raided Bamban POGO? Are you concerned that there could be a POGO operating in your locality and criminal activities are being done secretly? If there is a POGO in your locality, did you notice a rise in crime incidents?

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

+++++

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

Additional visa requirement for Chinese tourists revealed by DFA

Additional visa requirement for Chinese tourists revealed by DFA

carlocarrasco

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced that Chinese tourists who intend to secure a temporary visitor’s visa for travel to the Philippines will have to come up with an additional requirement, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) released details on Thursday on the additional requirement for Chinese citizens applying for a temporary visitor’s visa.

The DFA said that Chinese nationals applying for a 9(a) Temporary Visitor’s Visa at Philippine Foreign Service Posts will be required to submit their Chinese Social Insurance Record Certificates.

According to the DFA, the certificates must be registered for at least six months at the time of the visa application.

Those exempted from the visa requirement are Chinese citizens who are currently enrolled in primary, secondary, or college education—who will be required to submit proof of enrollment—and retirees over 55 years old.

Meanwhile, the department said other exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

“The additional visa requirement is part of the DFA’s continuing efforts to enhance its visa policies and regulations for the safe and efficient entry of foreign visitors,” it said in a statement.

Last month, the DFA announced that the Philippines would tighten its visa requirements for Chinese tourists amid many fraudulent applications received in its embassy and consulates in China.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Jesus Domingo said on May 9 that the stricter visa requirements intend to “weed out” the “illegitimate and unsavory” tourists from the legitimate ones.

Several Chinese nationals have reportedly been involved in organized crimes such as human trafficking, prostitution, kidnapping, and fraud.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the new requirement the DFA came up with will reduce the number of Chinese nationals who intend to commit crime while in the Philippines? Considering the recent conflicts between China and the Philippines at sea as well as the high number crimes committed by Chinese nationals in the Philippines, do you think the new requirement is justified? Do you think the new requirement will severely reduce the number of Chinese tourists visiting the country?

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

+++++

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

37 Chinese nationals arrested in Parañaque City over illegal retail

37 Chinese nationals arrested in Parañaque City over illegal retail

carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, immigration agents arrested almost forty Chinese nationals over alleged involvement in illegal retail, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Wednesday announced that it has arrested 37 Chinese nationals allegedly involved in illegal retail in Paranaque.

The BI said that the seven females and 30 males from Multinational Village were found to be illegally involved in food retail, groceries, and restaurants. They were arrested on Tuesday, June 4, 2024.

“We received credible information about foreign nationals engaging in illegal retail activities, and our team acted swiftly to address these violations,” Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said in a statement.

The Chinese nationals are detained at the BI’s facility inside Camp Bagong Diwa pending the resolution of their deportation cases.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be more Chinese nationals secretly committing crime or violating local regulations within the city? What do you think would stop Parañaque from being a hot spot of crime involving Chinese nationals? Are there lots of Chinese nationals living in your village by groups per household?

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

+++++

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 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

Ombudsman suspends controversial Bamban mayor Alice Guo

Ombudsman suspends controversial Bamban mayor Alice Guo

carlocarrasco

Remember the raid of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in Bamban, Tarlac? Since that happened, the incumbent Bamban mayor Alice Guo became the subject of the senate investigation as there were documents found that linked her with the raided POGO. Now a controversial figure, Guo officially suspended by the Office of the Ombudsman for up to six months, according to a GMA Network news report. Two other local government officials were suspended as well.

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

The Office of the Ombudsman has suspended Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo and two other local government officials for up to six months.

This development came after the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) filed graft complaints against Guo over her reported involvement with a raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in her locality.

According to the DILG, the complaints were filed with the Office of the Ombudsman on May 24 and stemmed from the issuance of a permit to Hongsheng Gaming Technology Inc. despite the company failing to complete the requirements and having an expired license from the Philippine  Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR).

“Given [the] respondents’ power and authority, there is a strong probability that they may influence witnesses or tamper with any evidence material to the case,” the Ombudsman said in a nine-page order.

Other than Guo, others ordered suspended were Business Permit and Licensing Officer Edwin Ocampo and Municipal Legal Officer Adenn Sigua.

On March 13, authorities raided a 10-hectare area operated by Zun Yuan Technology Inc. and found several devices said to be linked to POGO operations. Over 600 Filipinos and foreigners were rescued during the raid.

The complex was previously raided in 2023 when it was operated by Hongsheng Technology Inc., which is now being linked to Guo as she applied for the letter of no objection for the complex’s license to operate.

“The foregoing considered, this Office finds sufficient grounds to preventively suspend Alice Guo, Edwin Ocampo and Adenn Sigua considering: that, there is strong evidence showing their guilt; that the charges against them involves grave misconduct, conduct prejudicial to the best Interest of the service, and gross neglect of duty which may warrant their removal from the service,” the Ombudsman said.

“Their continued stay in office may prejudice the investigation of the case filed against them,” the Ombudsman added.

Guo, whose nationality as a Filipino is being questioned by lawmakers, was also found to be the incorporator of Baofu Land  Development Inc., which owns the land where the complex — home to over  36 buildings, a swimming pool, and luxury cars — is located.

Guo has denied links to the POGO operation.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the suspension of mayor Guo will turn out helpful as the quest for answers continues? Do you think the national government will make adjustments that will restrict POGOs? Do you think mayor Guo is a spy of mainland China? Do you think that the scam hub in Parañaque is linked with the controversial Bamban POGO?

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

+++++

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

Controversial Bamban POGO linked with scam hub in Parañaque City?

Controversial Bamban POGO linked with scam hub in Parañaque City?

carlocarrasco

Local authorities are investigating if the scam hub in Parañaque City is connected with the controversial raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in Bamban, Tarlac, according to a GMA Network news report. Take note that Senator Sherwin Gatchalian already called for a probe as he received complaints from residents of a particular Parañaque village.

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

Authorities are looking into the possibility that the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in Bamban, Tarlac is connected to a recent human trafficking and online scamming bust in a village in Parañaque City.

According to a “24 Oras” report by Mav Gonzales on Wednesday, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) believes the 10 Chinese and the Filipino bodyguard arrested in the police operations may have escaped from the recently raided Bamban POGO hub.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, who had called for a probe into the incident following complaints filed by the residents of the village, agreed with Pagcor.

“Itong mga sindikato umiikot lang sila (These syndicates just switch around),” he said.

The raid was launched on May 2 following complaints from homeowners, who said that the structures violated their 3-story regulations. They also said this was not the first raid connected to POGO inside their village.

“When we saw Bamban, the structures were so similar…the process of applying for stickers, IDs, and also constructions. Some are using already local identification, passports, birth certificates, driver’s license, postal ID [and] all these things. They can’t even speak Tagalog,” said a homeowner.

Below is the related GMA news video as well as a UNTV news video for you to watch. Multinational Village was specifically mentioned as the location of the recent raid.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be a lot more Chinese nationals committing illegal activities while doing business in the city? Is your village filled with Chinese nationals and new business establishments that were set up to cater to them? How many foreigners and local residents in your village are working in a POGO? Do you think the scam hub in Parañaque is linked with the controversial Bamban POGO as PAGCOR believes?

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

+++++

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 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

Over 4 million voters delisted by COMELEC

Over 4 million voters delisted by COMELEC

carlocarrasco

Recently the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) announced that more than four million voters were removed from the official record of voters which is the result of voters failing to vote in two successive elections or for other reasons, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

Some 4.2 million names have been removed from the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) official list of voters, Unang Balita reported on Friday.

Most of those delisted were from Region IV-A (Calabarzon).

Reasons for the delisting were failure to vote in two successive preceding regular elections, by court order, loss of Filipino citizenship, and having non-valid documents.

Comelec earlier said that as of May 5, 2024, more than 2.5 million new voters were already registered for the 2025 national and local elections, nearing the three million target set by the poll body.

The voter registration period for the May 2025 midterm polls started on February 12, and will end on September 30, 2024.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you anyone in your local community who got delisted by the COMELEC? Are many members of your local community aware of the ongoing voters registration process? Do you find it surprising that most of the 4.2 million voters who were taken off the official list were from the CALABARZON region?

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

+++++

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

Lady who scammed senior citizens at ATMs arrested

Lady who scammed senior citizens at ATMs arrested

carlocarrasco

Recently in Batangas, police officers arrested a lady for allegedly stealing money from senior citizens at automated teller machines (ATMs), according to a GMA Network news report. As it turned out, the arrested suspect scammed victims in multiple locations and she was previously arrested for the same crime. The suspect’s tactics include the pretentious assistance of senior citizens at ATMs and using glue on keypads of the machines.

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

A woman dubbed the “Glue Lady” was arrested for allegedly stealing money from senior citizens withdrawing from ATM Machines.

According to a 24 Oras report by John Consulta on Friday, the woman was arrested in an operation in Lipa, Batangas.

“Ang modus niya ay kunwari aalalayan niya ang mga matatanda para makapagwithdraw. Yun pala, gagamit siya ng glue at pag umalis na yung biktima, siya na ang magwiwithdraw ng pera,” said PNP PRO4A Regional Director Police Brigadier General Paul Kenneth Lucas.

(Her ploy is that she pretends to assist senior citizens in withdrawing. All along, she uses glue and withdraws money when the victim leaves.)

Based on police reports, the suspect puts glue on the ATM keypad so that it appears broken.

When the suspect persuades the victim to ask for help from the guards, she removes the glue and withdraws from the account.

The suspect was able to scam victims in Rizal, Batangas, and other areas outside of CALABARZON. She had previous arrests for the same crime five years ago.

“Ngayon ay naisilbi na ang 9 na warrant of arrests, may paparating na 9 pa, ang isa doon ay non bailable. Importanteng nahuli na natin siya para di na siya makaperwisyo,” added Lucas.

(We have now served nine warrants of arrests, and nine more are coming with one non-bailable case. It’s a good thing that we have apprehended her so that she can’t trouble anyone else)

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you know anyone who got scammed by the apprehended suspect? Did you notice suspicious people standing near you whenever you visit an ATM to withdraw cash?

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

+++++

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

Bureau of Immigration (BI) says tighter visa rules for Chinese tourists to help ensure national security

Bureau of Immigration (BI) says tighter visa rules for Chinese tourists to help ensure national security

carlocarrasco

The government here in the Philippines are trying to balance the nation’s need of security and the gains from attracting foreign tourists. Specifically speaking, the spotlight is currently on the handling of visa requirements from Chinese tourists as the Bureau of Immigration (BI) made clear the need to help ensure national security, according to a GMA Network news report.

The BI responded to the statement of the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) that tighter visa rules for Chinese nationals could harm the nation’s tourism as well as the businesses connected with tourist activities. Take note that criminal/illegal activities involving Chinese nationals happened many times here in the Philippines (click here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here).

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

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said Sunday that tightening the visa requirements for Chinese tourists would also help the Philippines protect national security, considering the illegal activities involving Chinese nationals.

Interviewed on Super Radyo dzBB, BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval explained that while tourism is very important to the Philippine economy, the government also needs to implement stricter measures to protect public interest.

“We also have to look into the national security issue, the safety of the country. Kung merong mga ilegal na ginagawa [if there are illegal activities], I think it’s also important to have strict measures kung may nakikita na tayo na kakaibang nangyayari [if we see anything different happening] or mga activities that are probably inimical to national security or public interest,” she said.

Sandoval made the remark in reaction to the statement of the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) that tighter visa rules for Chinese nationals visiting the Philippines could “discourage tourism and hurt businesses.”

She said that the BI has always been strict in inspecting arriving foreign nationals, particularly those involved in illegal activities.

Several Chinese nationals have reportedly been involved in organized crimes such as human trafficking, prostitution, kidnapping, and fraud. Some of them were also linked illegally working for a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO).

This prompted the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to tighten the Philippines’ visa requirements for Chinese tourists amid a high number of fraudulent applications received in its embassy and consulates in China.

The DFA, however, ruled out ongoing tensions with China in disputed areas in the South China Sea as the reason for imposing more stringent visa measures for Chinese visitors.

Sandoval welcomed this development, saying it would add a layer of security in the Bureau of Immigration’s assessment of foreign nationals entering the Philippines.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you agree with the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) that tighter visa rules for Chinese visitors could hurt Philippine tourism? Do you think that Chinese tourists could not behave themselves while they are in the country? Do you want visa rules on all Chinese visitors be tightened for the long-term? Did a Chinese national cause trouble in your local community 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.

+++++

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

BIR extends deadline for online businesses to transition to new withholding tax system to July 14, 2024

BIR extends deadline for online businesses to transition to new withholding tax system to July 14, 2024

carlocarrasco

Recently the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) announced that July 14, 2024, is the new deadline for online businesses to transition to the new withholding tax system, according to a GMA Network news report. Previously the deadline was April 15, 2024 and online businesses with annual earnings of over P500,000 were to be covered by the 1% withholding tax.

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

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) announced Tuesday that it has extended the deadline for online merchants to transition to the new withholding tax system by 90 days.

According to the agency, Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 55-2024 extended the transitory period for compliance with Revenue Regulations (RR) No. 16-2023 until July 14 after considering the private sector’s request on the implementation.

“This 90-day extension of the transitory period under RR No. 16-2023 shows the BIR’s commitment in listening to the voice of the private sector,” BIR Commissioner Jun Lumagui said in a statement.

“This is part of my administration’s thrust on Excellent Taxpayer Service. We hear the thoughts of the private sector, and if the same is reasonable, then we make policy adjustments for the benefit of the Filipino people,” added Lumagui.

Under RR No. 16-2023, one-half of the gross remittances of e-marketplace operations and digital financial services providers to the sellers or merchants for goods or services paid through their platform shall be subject to a 1% creditable withholding tax.

The BIR said that the online transactions industry has experienced growth during and after the coronavirus pandemic but it appeared that many online sellers were not paying their share in taxes.

RR No. 16-2023 was signed by Lumagui and Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno in December 2023.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that the new deadline will give all online businesses here in the Philippines enough time to transition into the new withholding tax system?

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

+++++

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