governance – Page 54 – Author Carlo Carrasco

DTI intensifies scrutiny of online sellers who engaged with offering mystery boxes to customers

February 16, 2024February 8, 2024carlocarrasco

If you are fond of ordering items online, better stay away from those mystery boxes offered to you because the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is closely watching online sellers offering those things, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news report.

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

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has intensified its scrutiny of online sellers, particularly those offering mystery boxes or parcels, to ensure consumer protection and uphold fair trade practices.

In an interview with Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon Wednesday, DTI Assistant Secretary Amanda Nograles said all online shops selling mystery items are subject to stringent verification procedures requiring them to provide evidence regarding the sourcing of the items they offer on their platforms.

Nograles said sellers must substantiate the items’ origin, demonstrating that they have acquired them through legal means. This could include proof of purchase from valid auctions or confirmation that the items were legally obtained from sources such as the Bureau of Customs (BOC) or through legitimate means like through abandoned parcels or “balikbayan” boxes.

“Kailangan iyong online seller ay makapagbigay ng ganoong ebidensiya; ngayon kung hindi, puwede natin siyang ipa-takedown doon sa platform – we have a good relationship with most online shopping platforms and kapag ni-request po ng DTI, napapakiusapan po natin na tini-takedown iyong mga seller na ganito at nang hindi po makabiktima ng mga consumers natin (The online seller needs to provide such evidence; now if not, we can have them taken down from the platform – we have a good relationship with most online shopping platforms, and when requested by the DTI, we ask them to have such sellers taken down so that they cannot victimize consumers),” she said.

Nograles said the DTI is regularly monitoring online stores.

Some items inside mystery boxes or parcels are illegally sourced, such as stolen products from warehouses, which is against the Anti-Fencing Law, the DTI official said.

The Anti-Fencing Law prohibits the selling of stolen goods or items obtained through illicit means. Both sellers and buyers can be charged if these items were stolen.

The DTI’s move to tighten regulations on online sellers aims to safeguard consumers from potentially fraudulent or unsafe products while also promoting transparency and accountability within the e-commerce sector, Nograles said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent report? Are you concerned that mystery boxes are harmful to consumers who are often looking for the best deals online? Do you think that items placed inside mystery boxes may have been stolen or smuggled? How many times have you availed of mystery boxes offers online?

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

Muntinlupa City Government receives Seal of Good Financial Housekeeping

February 15, 2024February 7, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government of Muntinlupa received the Seal of Good Financial Housekeeping from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) as a result of passing the set criteria, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Muntinlupa City government passed the 2023 Good Financial Housekeeping Assessment done by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on all local government units in the country.

It received the Seal of Good Financial Housekeeping after passing the criteria set by the DILG including transparency, accountability, and compliance with financial regulations.

According to Muntinlupa City Treasurer Erwin Vibora, passing the assessment meant timely submission of financial reports, compliance with budget guidelines, effective revenue generation strategies, financial efficiency and internal control.

“Muntinlupa City’s attainment of the Seal of Good Financial Housekeeping for the year 2023 underscores its commitment to responsible financial stewardship, which in turn fosters public trust and confidence in the local government’s management of public funds,” he said.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon welcomed the results.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you delighted with the latest achievement by the City Government?

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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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

DILG tells local governments to strictly enforce ban on tricycles and pedicabs on national roads and highways

February 14, 2024February 6, 2024carlocarrasco

In response to the recorded numbers of accidents involving tricycles and pedicabs, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) told local government units (LGUs) to strictly enforce the ban on such vehicles on national roads and highways, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday reminded anew local government units (LGUs) to strictly enforce the ban on pedicabs and tricycles on national roads and highways.

“It is unfortunate that many LGUs have not been strictly implementing such regulations which often result in traffic congestion and accidents,” DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said in a statement.

This came after a tricycle was hit by a passenger bus plying the national highway in Labo, Camarines Norte on Feb. 4.

Abalos said that while tricycles and pedicabs provide accessible and affordable modes of transportation, the safety of drivers, passengers and road users are of utmost importance.

The DILG chief, however, emphasized that in cases where there are no alternative routes available and as a last resort, LGUs through their respective Sanggunian (councils) may issue an exception.

This is in compliance with the Land Transportation Office’s Memorandum Circular 94-199 issued 1994, which sets the guidelines on the devolution of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board’s franchising power over tricycles-for-hire to LGUs, pursuant to the Local Government Code.

The DILG in 2020 issued Memorandum Circular (MC) 2020-036 prohibiting tricycles, pedicabs and motorized pedicabs from operating on national highways.

It also recently released MC 2023-195 urging all local chief executives to reorganize or reconvene their Tricycle Task Force (TTF) to update their Tricycle Route Plan (TRP) that would include penal provisions for violators.

Based on data from the Metro Manila Accident and Reporting System, Abalos said 2,829 road accidents involving bicycles, e-bikes and pedicabs were logged in 2022 alone, which is aside from 2,241 road accidents involving tricycles.

On Monday, the municipal government of San Mateo in Rizal province started apprehending e-bikes, tricycles and pedicabs plying national roads.

For further insight, posted below are images of DILG’s Memorandum Circular 2023-195.

Below is the PDF copy of the MC 2023-195 available for viewing and download.

dilg-memocircular-2023127_451c87933c Download

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent report? Are you concerned that the rise of tricycles, pedicabs and electric bikes (e-bikes) on national roads and highways are the direct result of the local government’s negligence? Do you think your local government made a secret pact or deal with the operators of pedicabs, tricycles and e-bikes which granted them freedom to travel along national roads and highways? Do you think that e-bikes and electric tricycles (e-trikes) were designed to be safe and stable?

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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Muntinlupa City Government collected P6.4 billion revenue in 2023

February 12, 2024February 8, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government of Muntinlupa announced that its total revenue collected in 2023 reached P6.4 billion which is an improvement of over 3% over the 2022 revenue, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Muntinlupa City government collected P6.4 billion revenue in 2023, translating to a higher collection efficiency rating.

According to the City Treasurer’s Office, the P6.4 billion revenue is higher by P200 million compared to P6.2 billion collected in 2022.

The 2023 revenue translated to a 100.98 percent collection efficiency rating for the Muntinlupa City government.

City Treasurer Erwin Vibora said the higher revenue was realized through the strict implementation of local taxation and fiscal policies.

“The strategies used by the City Treasurer’s Office – Muntinlupa City to meet or exceed the targeted income is through strict implementation of local taxation and fiscal matters of the Local Government Code or Republic Act No. 7160 and the Revenue Code of Muntinlupa, following the policy and guidelines of Local Treasury Operations Manual (LTOM) of the Department of Finance – Bureau of Local Government Finance, existing laws and ordinances,” said Vibora in his report.

He said offices that achieved high revenues for the city government are: Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) – P2.4 billion, City Treasurer’s Office – P2.3 billion, Colegio de Muntinlupa – P108 million, City Engineering Office / City Building Office – P57.5 million, and City Zoning Office – P34.2 million.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you delighted with the higher revenue collected by the City Government for the year 2023? Do you consider Muntinlupa’s City Government to be transparent with regards to collections and financial transactions?

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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Chinese nationals arrested by immigration officials for visa violations

February 9, 2024February 9, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the province, agents of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested three Chinese nationals for visa-related violations, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Friday reported the recent arrest of three foreigners in Ligao City, Albay for visa violations.

In a statement, BI intelligence division chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. said the case originated from the information from the Bureau’s Legazpi District Office against Chinese nationals Li Xiaodong, Shi Jiazhu, and Shi Yushuang, who were arrested last Jan. 24 for violating the limitations and conditions of their visas.

Verification of their records revealed that the foreigners, who initially underwent biometrics scanning for health reasons, were actually employed in different Metro Manila companies, which is clear violation of their visa limitations.

The foreigners were found by the intelligence agents to be working at a hardware and merchandise companies despite their visas.

“Our intelligence efforts, combined with effective operations, ensure that visa violators are identified and apprehended promptly. This operation underscores the importance of strict adherence to visa conditions,” Manahan said.

The three were transported to the BI Main Office in Intramuros in Manila for proper booking procedures, medical examinations, and legal disposition.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you concerned that there could be even more Chinese nationals here in the Philippines engaging in illegal activities? Are happy that immigration officials arrested the foreigners for violating their visa limitations and conditions?

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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Bureau of Immigration (BI) launches campaign against foreign sexual predators

February 8, 2024February 2, 2024carlocarrasco

Having rejected several foreigners (who were registered sex offenders or RFOs) from entering the Philippines, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) recently launched a new campaign against sexual predators from overseas, according to a Journal Online news report. There is simply no stopping with their duty to protect the nation from undesirable foreigners.

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

NOTING the recent increase in attempts of aliens who are registered sex offenders (RSOs) to enter the country, Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Norman Tansingco launched a campaign against sexual predators.

Seeing the need for a more focused approach against child exploitation, Tansingco said that in 2023 alone, the BI excluded 171 foreign nationals who were previously convicted of sex crimes or are wanted for such cases.

He said that the BI also apprehended multiple pedophiles in Philippine soil, among them French national Theddy Douglas Tissier who was apprehended in Makati just last December and the successful capture of octogenarian pedophile David John Buckley in Cebu last November.

“The threat against our children is real and is here. With the reopening of the country’s borders post-pandemic comes the rise of attempts of sexual predators to enter the country. We must protect those who rely on us for their safety,” the BI chief said.

Tansingco also encouraged citizens to immediately report to the BI sexual predators that might be in their communities, adding tehat “by protecting our children, we defend our future. Let us all do our share in protecting the most vulnerable from these undesirable aliens.”

In a ceremony held at the GSIS Theater in Pasay City, the BI led the launching of the Project #ShieldKids Campaign, which is a three-tier effort of the agency to combat the rise of sexual predators. Joining Tansingco in the said event were Deputy Commissioners Joel Anthony Viado and Daniel Laogan.

Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) Head Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty served as the event’s guest speaker. Also in attendance was Undersecretary Angelo M. Tapales of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Project #Shieldkids endeavors to harmonize government efforts against sex offenders in the country by institutionalizing a network of communication amongst government agencies involved in investigating and arresting pedophiles and traffickers.

The project also solidifies the BI’s drive against sexual predators by prioritizing cases against foreign nationals that might be involved in sex trafficking of children.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the BI should do more to not only prevent undesirable foreigners from entering the country but also apprehending and deporting the foreign sexual predators who are already in 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.

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Over 10,000 public elementary school students receive scholarship allowance in Muntinlupa City

February 7, 2024January 31, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, over ten thousand students enrolled in public elementary schools received their scholarship allowance from the City Government, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

A total of 10,273 students from public elementary schools received their scholarship allowance from the Muntinlupa City government.

The Muntinlupa Scholarship Division (MSD) of the city government distributed the first tranche of educational assistance amounting P2,500 to each student in seven public elementary schools in the city.

Under the first tranche of the educational assistance program, elementary pupils will get P2,500 each, junior high school students will receive P3,000 each, senior high school students will get P3,500 each, and students under the Alternative Learning System (ALS) Program will receive P3,000 each covering six months.

According to the MSD, of the 10,273 students, the following received their educational assistance to date: Itaas Elementary School – 1,940 pupils; Sucat Elementary Zone 3, 402; Sucat Elementary School Zone 4 – 333; Muntinlupa Elementary School – 1,721; F. De Mesa Elementary School – 1,160; Buli Elementary School – 988; Putatan Elementary School – 1,960; and Tunasan Elementary School – 1,769.

The first tranche of educational assistance covers five months from August to December 2023.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you delighted over the release of scholarship allowance for the qualified students?

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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BIR clarifies that small online sellers are exempted from 1% withholding tax

February 6, 2024January 30, 2024carlocarrasco

In response to growing concerns related to the recent implementation of the 1% withholding tax on online merchants with annual earnings of over P500,000, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) clarified that small online sellers are exempted from it, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

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

THE BUREAU of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Monday clarified that small online sellers are exempted from the payment of the creditable withholding tax imposed on online marketplaces but would still need to register their business.

“Small-scale online sellers are exempted from withholding tax. The BIR is sympathetic to small businesses in its approach to taxing online sellers/merchants,” BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui, Jr. said in a statement.

BIR Revenue Regulations No. 16-2023, which took effect on Jan. 11, imposes a withholding tax of 1% on one-half of the gross remittances by e-marketplace operators and digital financial service providers to the sellers or mer-chants for the goods and services paid or sold through their platforms or facilities.

The BIR said that the withholding tax is not imposed if the annual total gross remittances to an online seller for the past taxable year has not exceeded P500,000; if the cumulative gross remittances to an online seller in a taxable year has not yet exceeded P500,000 or if the seller is duly exempt from or subject to a lower income tax rate pursuant to any existing law or treaty.

“For those who are above the threshold of P500,000 annual gross remittance, it is only fair that they will be subjected to withholding tax. We have to be fair to the retail sector and brick and mortar stores who are regularly pay-ing their taxes,” Mr. Lumagui said.

The tax covers marketplaces for online shopping, food delivery platforms, platforms to book lodging accommodations, and other similar online service or product marketplaces.

E-marketplace operators and digital financial service providers were given a 90-day transitory period to comply with the order.

The BIR in a separate circular said all online sellers and merchants need to register with the BIR and submit documentary requirements, even if their annual gross remittance is below the P500,000 threshold.

The circular also noted that sellers and merchants are not allowed to receive payments through a personal account and instead must use a BIR-registered account.

“If you have a business, you have to register and pay your taxes. It doesn’t matter if it’s an actual store or an online store. It is your responsibility to pay taxes like everyone else,” Mr. Lumagui said.

In a press conference last week, Mr. Lumagui told reporters that the measure will help the BIR better gauge the impact of the digital economy.

“We gave the online platforms a grace period of 90 days. With that, we are still checking on which are already capable of complying… During our discussions with online platforms, they’re cooperative. With this development, we’re hoping to get the entire picture on online transactions,” he said.

In 2022, the digital economy contributed P2.08 trillion or equivalent to 9.4% of the gross domestic product.

A report by Google, Temasek Holdings and Bain & Company showed that the Philippines’ digital economy is projected to reach as high as $150 billion by 2030.

The BIR also earlier clarified that the withholding tax is not a “new” tax as it is just a measure that will allow for an advance payment of income tax.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the newest clarification made by the BIR will end the confusion or concerns regarding the 1% withholding tax? If you are aspiring to sell items online, does the 1% withholding tax discourage you?

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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Muntinlupa City Government facilitates opening of access road between two villages

February 5, 2024February 4, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government announced that an access road between two villages will be opened with the easing of traffic in mind, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Muntinlupa City government announced the opening of a connecting road between two villages to ease traffic and provide easy access to residents.

The opening of the access road between the government housing project Katarungan Village and South Greenheights Village will happen soon.

According to the city government, the connecting road between R. Pamatina Street in Katarungan Village and Rosemary Street in South Greenheights Village is being built with the pavement being constructed, and installation of lights and security guard post.

The homeowners associations of the two villages signed a memorandum of agreement on Dec. 18 last year to approve the opening of the access road.

“Malaking kapakinabangan kasi they don’t have to go to the National Road papunta ng Daang Hari, Alabang o papunta ng Poblacion so magiging parang declogging road para doon sa dalawang villages (This will have huge benefit because they don’t have to go to the National Road to go to Daang Hari [Road] in Alabang or [Barangay] Poblacion so it will be like a declogging road for the two villages),” said City Administrator Allan Cachuela.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you find this development beneficial to you when it comes to traveling locally?

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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Czech traveler denied entry in the Philippines due to rude behavior towards immigration officials and others

February 5, 2024February 8, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently the immigration officials revealed that citizen of the Czech Republic who arrived at the international airport in Clark, Pampanga, was denied entry as a result of bad behavior and disrespect with regards to registering with the eTravel system online, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Being rude can get you the boot. This is just what happened to Czech tourist Jaroslav Konsel, 55, when he arrived at the Clark International Airport (CIA) in Pampanga last Jan. 3.

Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Norman Tansingco said immigration officers denied the Czech tourist’s entry into the country for uttering expletives when he was asked to register with the eTravel system online.

“Reports that he taunted and mocked the immigration officers who were politely explaining to him the eTravel requirement is enough ground for him to be excluded and banned from entering the country,” Tansingco said.

He pointed out that Konsel showed disrespect to the country’s laws and persons of authority in refusing to comply with the requirement to fill out the eTravel.

“Registration in the eTravel system is mandatory for all international passengers as it is an electronic travel declaration system which receives and stores information and data about all passengers who enter and exit the country,” the BI said.

Citing reports from BI officials at the CIA, the bureau said that airline and immigration employees attempted to assist Konsel in filling out the form but he angrily rejected.

“BI-CIA officials reported that Konsel immediately became rude and started mouthing foul language when he was told by the BI officer to first fill out the e-travel form online,” it said.

“He allegedly continued to behave in an outraged manner even as he was filling out the eTravel form and even refused to listen or follow instructions from people who were assisting him in the eTravel counter,” it also said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the immigration officers did the right thing by denying the Czech visitor entry into the country in response to his rude behavior? Do you think the reported incident could cause a new diplomatic problem between the Philippines and the Czech Republic?

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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