governance – Page 62 – Author Carlo Carrasco

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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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 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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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

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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As e-trikes become more involved in road hazards, traffic violations and accidents, regulation of them in Muntinlupa City proposed

February 3, 2024January 29, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, electric tricycles (e-trikes) became a topic of concern for one member of the City Council, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The City Councilor clarified that any regulation covering e-trikes will be discussed in a public hearing that will be conducted by the legislative body.

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

A member of the Muntinlupa City Council has proposed to regulate passenger e-trikes (electric tricycles) amid the growing number of the vehicles plying the national road.

During the City Council’s regular session on Jan. 29, Councilor Ryan Bagatsing expressed concerns about the safety of e-trikes, which are currently not required to register with the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

He is also concerned that some e-trike users are not following traffic rules and overloading.

In an interview with Manila Bulletin, Bagatsing said the use of e-trikes should be regulated in Muntinlupa.

Bagatsing noted that road accidents have happened involving e-trikes. He is also concerned that in some cases, these electric vehicles are driven by minors.

He is proposing that all e-trikes should be registered with the city government to identify the owners, users and drivers.

“It’s the same thing with what we are doing with fishing boats. These have body numbers to identify the users. We really need to come up with some regulations,” he said.

Another issue is e-trikes using the national road in Muntinlupa. Currently, tricycles in Muntinlupa are banned from using the national road, a long stretch of road from Barangay Tunasan to Sucat.

Motorists have complained that e-trikes have become hazards on major roads in the country.

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 consider e-trikes as a hazard on the major roads locally? Do you think that e-trike drivers in the city lack discipline and are prone to causing traffic violations knowing that they are not under the LTO since they are not required to be registered with them? Do you think that e-trikes traveling along major roads like the Alabang Zapote Road are so slow, they make traffic congestion worse and slower moving? Do you think it is time to have all e-trikes and electric bikes (e-bikes) banned from traveling along the city’s major roads?

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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Las Piñas City gains recognition for exceptional disaster risk management

February 1, 2024January 27, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government announced that it was recognized by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) for outstanding performance in local disaster risk management.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt the City Government’s social media post dated January 26. Some parts in boldface…

The City of Las Piñas has been conferred the Gawad Kalasag Seal of Excellence by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). The award, which recognizes the city’s outstanding performance in local disaster risk reduction and management, comes after Las Piñas scored a 2.37 rating in the 23rd Gawad KALASAG Seal for Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils and Offices (LDRRMCOs) for the calendar year 2023. This honor underscores the city’s compliance with the standards set by the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, also known as Republic Act No. 10121.

City Mayor Imelda Aguilar expressed her gratitude and pride in receiving the award, emphasizing the city’s proactive approach to disaster risk management.

Under her leadership, the city has implemented comprehensive disaster risk reduction programs, including regular drills, community awareness campaigns, and investments in infrastructure that mitigate the impact of natural calamities. These initiatives have been instrumental in preparing the city’s residents and institutions to effectively respond to emergencies.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you delighted to see your city getting recognized for disaster management excellence?

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 1,000 senior citizens vaccinated for pneumonia in two Las Piñas City barangays

February 1, 2024January 27, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, over a thousand senior citizens in two barangays were vaccinated for pneumonia as a result of the latest vaccination drive of the City Government, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Las Piñas City Health Office (CHO) launched a pneumonia vaccination drive in two communities to safeguard the health of the city’s senior citizens on Wednesday, Jan. 24.

Las Piñas Vice-Mayor April Aguilar said the vaccination drive was held at Barangays Almanza Dos and Pamplona Tres with over 1,100 senior citizens getting the pneumonia vaccine.

Aguilar said the vaccination drive is part of the city’s ongoing effort to protect the elderly population who are vulnerable to respiratory diseases like pneumonia.

She said the initiative is especially crucial as pneumonia remains one of the leading causes of illness and death among senior citizens in the Philippines.

The vice-mayor who supervised the vaccination drive emphasized the local government’s commitment to the health and well-being of the senior residents.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are there many senior citizens in your local community who need to be vaccinated for pneumonia?

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 now capable of tracking social media influencers’ earnings

January 31, 2024January 24, 2024carlocarrasco

Social media influencers of the Philippines who make a lot of money should be aware that the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) now has methods to track their earnings online, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. As far as the BIR is concerned, the influencers cannot hide from them.

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

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has cautioned social media influencers considering tax evasion, emphasizing that the agency has mechanisms to accurately ascertain the earnings of all individuals involved.

BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. said the bureau has various methods to effectively obtain and verify the actual earnings of influencers by collaborating with their online platform providers.

“If others think they can hide it, they’re mistaken. We have mechanisms in place to obtain information from these entities about their revenues, so we can access that data,” Lumagui told reporters on Wednesday, Jan. 24.

The BIR categorizes social media influencers as individuals who generate income from their digital posts, identifying them as self-employed individuals operating as sole proprietors.

Despite the BIR’s best efforts, there have been numerous reports indicating that many social media influencers have chosen to ignore the bureau’s requests for voluntary compliance with tax laws.

In 2021, the BIR launched a campagin to address tax non-compliance among influencers, targeting around 250 prominent social media personalities who were believed to have earned substantial incomes and received various benefits.

Under Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 97-2021, influencers are required to pay their income and business tax obligations, including either a percentage tax or a value-added tax.

However, the BIR faced a setback after several influential figures promptly deactivated their social media accounts for various reasons following the issuance of RMC 97-2021.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think it is good for the nation that social media influencers should be compelled to pay the BIR the tax on their respective online income? Do you think the local money making social media influencers will come up with new ways to avoid taxation? Do you think the affected social media influencers will somehow rebel against the government by posting subversive content with the 2025 national and local elections in mind?

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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LTO considering mandatory registration of all types of e-bikes

January 30, 2024January 23, 2024carlocarrasco

Did you notice electronic/electric bikes (e-bikes) traveling a lot on major roads in cities and causing traffic congestion (due to slow speed and weak acceleration) or even road accidents? Was there an e-bike that sparked a fire in your residential community? Things might change a lot for owners/users of e-bikes as the Land Transportation Office (LTO) announced that it is considering mandatory registration of all e-bikes, 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…

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is considering the mandatory registration of all kinds of electronic bikes or e-bikes, according to Katrina Son’s report on State of the Nation on Monday.

The report said this was due to the high number of accidents involving e-bikes.

From January to November last year, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) recorded 556 accidents related to e-bikes in the National Capital Region (NCR).

At present, e-bike drivers are not required to have a license.

“Pag tumatakbo ‘yan ng less than 25 kilometers per hour, hindi kailangan i-rehistro sa (if the vehicle is running less than 25 kilometers per hour, you don’t have to register it with the) LTO although we’d like to deviate from that thinking,” said Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza, LTO chief.

“So we’re coming up with a proposal, regardless of the speed of the vehicle… kelangan rehistrado sa (it must be registered to the) LTO,” he added.

E-bikes are popular mode of transportation for both commuters and delivery riders for practical reasons.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think it is high time to implement the mandatory registration of all e-bikes nationwide as well as the requirement for e-bike drivers to have driver’s licenses? Considering the slow speed and weak acceleration of e-bikes, do you think they should be banned from traveling on major roads?

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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New deadline for business permit renewal in Las Piñas City is on January 31, 2024

January 29, 2024January 23, 2024carlocarrasco

To those of you who are doing business in Las Piñas City, be reminded that the extended deadline is on January 31, 2024, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Las Piñas City government has extended the deadline for business permit renewal to Jan. 31.

Las Piñas City Mayo Imelda Aguilar said the City Council, headed by Vice-Mayor April Aguilar, passed and approved a resolution on Jan. 20 extending the period for the payment of business permits, licenses, taxes and such other similar commercial and industrial fees and charges from Jan. 20 to 31without surcharges and penalties.

Aguilar said the chief of Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO), Jesus Wilfredo Gaerlan, requested for the extension of the deadline.

She said this will not only encourage the settlement of such business, commercial and industrial fees and charges and accelerate the collection but also enable the delinquent individuals and firms to legalize their business operation.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? If you are managing a business in the city, have you been able to renew your business permit? If you did, was the processing at the Las Piñas BPLO efficient?

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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New SBMA chief Aliño eyes more hotels and infrastructure projects to make Subic Bay freeport more attractive to investors

January 26, 2024January 26, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently a local businessman who has extensive experience of doing business inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone took office as the new head of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and made clear his plan to make the zone more attractive to investors, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. His predecessor served for last than one year.

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

Businessman Eduardo Aliño officially assumed post on Monday as chairman and administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

During his first press conference as SBMA head, Aliño noted the vast potential of Subic which should be given priority for development.

“We have so many potentials here in Subic and we may be putting more hotels, more infra projects to attract more investors,” he said, adding that together with his management team, they will study everything to determine what is lacking.

Citing his experience as a locator himself, he also expressed his desire to give investors who are experiencing difficulties in paying their financial obligations to SBMA, a chance or consideration to recover.

He said these businessmen had invested so much money and it would be so painful to lose the business they dreamed of in Subic, so giving them a chance to recover would be like giving them a new lease on life.

Earlier on Monday, Aliño attended the flag ceremony in front of the SBMA Administration Office with his family, and was welcomed by senior officers, members of the board, and employees of the agency.

In his message, he revealed having some apprehensions when President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. offered him the position.

He said he consulted his family and thought about it for a while before saying “yes” to the President.

“How can I say no to your President?” he said. “Because if you always refuse to help our leaders, who else would? So, I said yes.”

Aliño said his acceptance of the post was also driven by his desire to repay for all the help that SBMA people had given him and his business over the past 20 years.

“It is because of you, other than us, that made our terminal into what it is right now. Hindi po namin magagawa ang lahat ng ito kung wala ang tulong ninyo (We won’t be able to accomplish all of these without your help)”, he said.

Aliño is the former president and chairman of the S.T.A.R. Group of Companies and former chairman of the Subic Bay Yacht Club. The S.T.A.R. Group of Companies is engaged in integrated supply chain services and port operations.

He is also the former president and chairman of the Subic Bay Freeport Grain Terminal Services Inc. and Mega Equipment International Corp. which is now being managed by one of his sons.

Addressing the employees of SBMA, the new administrator and chairman assured fairness and honesty in serving the people, while asking for their support.

“I promise you that I will be fair. I promise you to be honest,” he said, adding that he has no agenda other than to help and to serve SBMA as a gesture of love for the country, God and the President.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the new SBMA head Aliño and his team will succeed in revitalizing business in the Subic Bay Freeport over the next six months?

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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