governance – Page 67 – Author Carlo Carrasco

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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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

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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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

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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Free diagnostic testing now available in Las Piñas City

January 24, 2024January 15, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, it has been announced that locals can avail of free diagnostic testing currently being offered at the Las Piñas Diagnostic Center which is located at the compound of City Hall, 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…

Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar announced that the city government is offering free diagnostic testing in its first-ever diagnostic center.

Aguilar said the Las Piñas Diagnostic Center, located at the ground floor of the City Health Office (CHO) at the Las Piñas City Hall compound, is open to city residents from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday.

She said the city-run diagnostic center offers basic blood chemistry, ECG (electrocardiogram), blood typing, urinalysis, and fecalysis (stool analysis).

The mayor said those who want to avail of the free diagnostic testing services must be a registered voter, must show an identification card (ID) showing the patients is a resident of the city, and must present a request coming from the CHO.

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 members of your local community who intend to avail of the free diagnostic testing?

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 turns over several motorcycles to local traffic enforcers

January 22, 2024January 18, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government formally turned over several motorcycles that the local traffic enforcers will use in the line of duty, 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 turned over 16 motorcycles to traffic enforcers to beef up their capabilities.

“To those who regularly disobey road rules and regulations, you have been warned; sorry if our enforcers catch up to you,” said Mayor Ruffy Biazon during the blessing and turnover of the motorcycles to the Muntinlupa Traffic Management Bureau (MTMB).

Biazon said that the new motorcycles are a significant upgrade to the current fleet of the MTMB.

“These units now have a displacement of 400cc which makes them eligible to enter the (South Luzon) expressway; this will enable them to chase and apprehend violators,” he said.

Biazon reminded the traffic enforcers to be good stewards of the new patrol bikes by using them appropriately, and to implement the law correctly.

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 about the local traffic enforcers receiving new motorcycles that should help them do their jobs better? Do you think abusive motorists will become hesitant to commit traffic violations knowing that the local traffic enforcers can use the new motorcycles to catch up with them?

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 Government receives multiple awards for excellence on public service and more

January 22, 2024January 16, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government received several awards from different entities (including government departments) related to excellence on public service rendered and more, 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 received various recognitions for its commitment to excellence in public service and community development.

Vice-Mayor April Aguilar, who led the regular flag raising ceremony on Monday, Jan. 15 held at the City Hall grounds, thanked the national bodies for the recognition given to the city government.

Aguilar said the city was honored with a Plaque of Recognition for its active role in the 2023 Parañaque KALIPI Summit, emphasizing its contributions to women’s empowerment and nation-building.

She said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) awarded the city for its exemplary implementation of the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program (4Ps), highlighting its timely submission of monitoring tools and effective program execution.

The DSWD also recognized the city for its effective management of social welfare programs like the KADIWA and supplementary feeding programs.

The vice-mayor also said the chief of Public Information Office, Paul Ahljay San Miguel, received a Certificate of Recognition from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and the Most Outstanding Tourism Officers Club/Association award from the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines, Inc.

Aguilar said the recognition from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation underscored the city’s dedication to health care and tourism development.

She said the National Press Club of the Philippines (NPC) also recognized the city government for its support to the press community.

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 with the many awards achieved by the City Government? Does this development deepen your trust in the City Government and the current officials?

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 to designate nutrition scholars in each barangay

January 20, 2024January 18, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government announced that it will be designating nutrition scholars in nine barangays which is the result of an ordinance signed into law, 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 will designate barangay nutrition scholars (BNS) in each of the nine barangays to strengthen its health program.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon signed Ordinance No. 2023-140, passed by the Muntinlupa City Council, “strengthening the barangay nutrition program by designating at least one (1) barangay nutrition scholar (BNS) per barangay appropriating funds therefor and for other purposes.”

The ordinance is based on Presidential Decree No. 1569, which provides the designation of a BNS in every barangay.

According to the ordinance, “the BNS Program is one of the Philippine Plan Of Action for Nutrition’s human resource development strategies.”

“In order to further strengthen the BNS Program In the City, it is appropriate and timely to promulgate a comprehensive local policy through legislation beneficial to Barangay Nutrition Scholars in order to motivate them to sustain and, if necessary, improve their valuable performances and services in implementing the Muntinlupa City Nutrition Action Plan.”

A barangay nutrition scholar is “a barangay based volunteer worker responsible for delivering nutrition services and other related activities such as community health, backyard food production, environmental sanitation, culture, mental feeding, and family planning to the barangay.”

The qualifications of a BNS are: “Bona fide resident of the barangay for at least four (4) years; b. Possess leadership potential and the initiative and willingness to serve the barangay for at least one (1) year; willingness to learn, and to teach what he/she has learned to the people of the barangay; at least high school graduate; physically and mentally fit; at least eighteen (18) but not more than 65 years old; and willing to report to the health center for the agreed number of hours.”

The appointment of a BNS will be co-terminus with the barangay chairman unless there is a reappointment with the concurrence of the Sangguniang Barangay.

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 this latest development necessary with regards to community and health matters? Do you think nutrition scholars will make an impact on your local community?

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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VAT exemption in sale of residential properties hiked to P3.6 million

January 20, 2024January 17, 2024carlocarrasco

Those of you who own residential properties should be aware that the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) formally announced that it has hiked the value-added tax (VAT) exemption in the sale of residential properties to P3.6 million (over P400,000 higher than previous), according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has increased the threshold for value-added tax (VAT) exemption for the sale of house and lot as well as other residential dwellings from nearly PHP3.2 million to PHP3.6 million.

This, as BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. has issued Revenue Regulations 1-2024, compliant with Section 109 (P) of the National Internal Revenue Code.

The adjustment reflected the commitment to align the threshold with present values every three years using the consumer price index as published by the Philippine Statistics Authority.

“This timely increase in VAT exemption shows our commitment to Excellent Taxpayer Service. This increase in the selling price threshold, for VAT exemption purposes, of the sale of house and lot, and other residential dwelling from PHP3,199,200 to PHP3,600,000 gives testament to the BIR’s improved and updated services,” Lumagui said.

The BIR said its focus on Excellent Taxpayer Service aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s recent signing of the Ease of Paying Taxes Act.

The enactment of the legislation pushes for a modernized tax system, aiming to assist taxpayers in fulfilling their obligations, Lumagui said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a property owner, does the BIR’s act affect you? Do you think the raised VAT exemption will make a strong impact on many residential properties?

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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Better than Streaming: Las Piñas City senior citizens can now avail of free movies every Monday and Tuesday

January 20, 2024January 17, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government announced that local senior citizens can avail of free movies every Monday and Tuesday under a program that was halted during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The said program has been revived.

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

The Las Piñas city government announced that senior citizens in the city can now avail of free movies every Monday and Tuesday under the “Libreng Sine kay Lolo at Lola” program.

Aguilar said the city government stopped offering free ticket passes to senior citizens during the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure that their health would not be at risk.

According to Las Piñas Mayor Imelda Aguilar, the resumption of free movies for senior citizens is under City Ordinance 1427-17 and the Senior Citizens Act of 1995.

She said the senior citizens can avail of the free movies at three participating cinemas: SM Southmall, Robinsons Place, and Vista Mall.

The mayor encourages all senior citizens to visit the Senior Citizens Affairs Office to avail of the free movie pass.

Aguilar reminded the senior citizens that they must present their senior citizen identification card and certificate of residency.

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 want to avail of the free movie pass?

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

If you wish to join a group of movie enthusiasts and talk about cinema, visit the Movie Fans Worldwide Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/322857711779576

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