CREATE bill to boost Philippine economy by cutting corporate income tax and implementing incentives

Yesterday, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez announced that the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act is aimed to reduce the corporate income tax which should lead to creating more jobs as well as attracting investments.

Given the dramatic fall of the Philippine economy as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the CREATE bill could be the big solution to boost the economy and pave the way for recovery. For almost a year now, the said pandemic caused a lot of people to lose their jobs and much of their income. A lot of businesses closed down as well.

For your reference, here is a long excerpt of the news release about the said bill published via Philippine News Agency (PNA). Key words are highlighted in bold:

The recent bicameral approval of the game-changing CREATE Act can also provide a big boost to the National Employment Recovery Strategy (NERS) Task Force chaired by the DTI and co-chaired by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), which was signed last Feb. 5 by several agencies.  

“The landmark tax and incentives reform bill that we expect to be signed by the President is expected to bring in (a) massive inflow of investments that will create more jobs, especially as we focus efforts in the National Employment Recovery during this period of the pandemic and beyond. The passing of CREATE will firm up the tax and incentive reforms that will make the investment climate significantly more attractive than the current tax and incentive regime,” Lopez said in a statement.

He said the bill will certainly encourage more investments with the lowering of the corporate income taxes rate from 30 percent to 20 percent for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and 25 percent for large corporations.

“Modernizing the incentives system likewise makes the incentives such as income tax holiday (ITH), special corporate income tax rates (SCIT) or enhanced deductions (ED), available to industries considered strategic, critical or export oriented,” he added.

The Trade chief said the length of incentives, such as four to seven years of ITH plus five or 10 years of SCIT or ED, will depend on the nature of industry, export or domestic oriented, degree of technology and value adding, and geographical location, with additional years outside the Metro Manila and urban centers.

“There is also (a) longer transition period for those currently granted incentives. Thus, incentives are now made more performance-based, focused and timebound,” Lopez said.

CREATE is a bill certified urgent by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte upon the recommendation of the economic team led by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III.

Lopez also thanked the legislators at the Senate and the House of Representatives, with Sen. Pia Cayetano and Rep. Joey Salceda, respectively, as principal authors, for the hard work of the committee members in bringing the CREATE bill to fruition.

“The passing of CREATE will unleash the growth potential of investments by removing uncertainties during the period that the bill was under deliberation,” Lopez said. “Based on our estimate and those from Cong. Joey Salceda, CREATE can bring in over PHP200 billion of new investments that can generate 1.4 (million) to 2 million incremental jobs.”

CREATE will help boost investments in the Philippines, which would support the 2021 target of the Board of Investments (BOI) of PHP1.25-trillion investment approvals.

A report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) had also estimated that the Philippines bucked the trend in Southeast Asia, and had increased its foreign direct investments (FDIs) during the pandemic by 29 percent last year.

Meanwhile, the NERS 2021-2023 is a medium-term plan anchored on the updated Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 and ReCharge PH by expanding the Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan initiative and improving access and security of employment.

The strategy also takes into consideration the changes in the labor market brought about by the pandemic and the fast adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution (FIRe) technologies.

“NERS shall also consolidate all measures, programs, and institutions that influence the demand and supply of labor, as well as the functioning of labor markets,” Lopez said.

Members of NERS Oversight Committee include the Departments of Transportation (DOTr), Tourism (DOT), Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Science and Technology (DOST), Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Agriculture (DA), Agrarian Reform (DAR), Interior and Local Government (DILG), Information and Communications Technology (DICT),  Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and National Security Council (NSC), as well as the Office of the Cabinet Secretary (OCS), Departments of Finance (DOF) and Budget and Management (DBM), and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III said: “This JMC (joint memorandum circular) will fortify our collective undertaking as a Task Force working to develop a policy environment that encourages the generation of more employment opportunities, improves employability and productivity of workers, and supports existing and emerging businesses.”

Lopez further stressed the importance of continuing with the calibrated and safe reopening of the economy to allow the country to regain the growth momentum that it had before the pandemic. 

+++++

Thank you for reading. If you find this post engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City releases zero-interest loan to local entrepreneurs for their recovery amid pandemic

In an effort to revive the stalled local economy due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City Government of Muntinlupa provided a zero-interest loan assistance to micro-entrepreneurs and MSMEs dubbed as “Muntipreneurs”.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi led a turn-over ceremony of loan assistance amounting to P938,000.00 to 51 Tulong Negosyo Batch 122 beneficiaries in Muntinlupa City Hall two days ago. Among the beneficiaries were two local entrepreneurs who received P100,000 each while one member received P75,000. Fresnedi vows to continue the local financing program and hopes to revive the local economy by supporting grassroot players through various programs.

Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi turns over the local government’s zero-interest loan assistance amounting to P938,000.00 to Tulong Negosyo Batch 122 beneficiaries in Muntinlupa City Hall last January 27. Among the beneficiaries were two local entrepreneurs who received P100,000 each while one member received P75,000. Fresnedi hopes to revive the local economy by supporting grassroot players through various programs. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

The City Government assists local micro-entrepreneurs through its Tulong Negosyo Program (formerly Dagdag Puhunan). Muntinlupa is the first LGU to introduce the micro-financing program.

Tulong Negosyo caters to MSMEs and provides micro-finance assistance ranging from P2,000 up to P150,000 depending on the business capital ceiling and payment record of beneficiaries. The program aims to provide additional capital for business expansion for aspiring and established business owners in Muntinlupa.

Recently, the loan repayment period was extended by three months for clients with existing loans from March to June 2020 in a bid to help them recover from losses due to the pandemic.

Tulong Negosyo program has three categories namely: Simulang Kapital (SIKAP) Pangkabuhayan with loan application amounting to P2,000 – P5,000, Asenso Loan Program amounting to P6,000 – P75,000, and Maunlad Loan Program amounting to P75,000 – P150,000.

Further, a Savings Program has been incorporated in the loan assistance to teach clients about the importance of economizing and serve as protection to the clients and the program. Entrepreneurial education through trainings and other related interventions are also conducted.

Due to the limitations in face-to-face transactions, the Tulong Negosyo has implemented Online Application services and cashless repayment system through Smart Padala and G-Cash.

To apply, visit Joint Resources Financing Program – JRF Facebook Page or click the following links: New Applications – bit.ly/TulongNegosyoNew, and Renewal – bit.ly/TulongNegosyoRenewal. The Muntinlupa Joint Resources Financing Program is located at 2F Plaza Central, Brgy. Poblacion with contact numbers 8772-3457and (0921) 888 6124.

+++++

The above information was provided by the City Government of Muntinlupa for the purpose of public information and transparency. Some parts were edited for this website.

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

Muntinlupa City at Work (December 8, 2020)

26 GRAB RIDERS RECEIVE STIMULUS PACKAGE FROM MUNTI LGU: The City Government of Muntinlupa rolled out the distribution of stimulus packages for Batch 3 and 4 ‘Deliver to Recover’ program beneficiaries. Congressman Ruffy Biazon (center) and Mayor Jaime Fresnedi (right) led the turn-over ceremony of stimulus packages to 26 beneficiaries last December 7 at Muntinlupa City Hall. The local government is assisting displaced workers and public transportation drivers in the city that were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic with their Grab application. A stimulus package amounting to P7,500 which include Grab uniforms, food insulated box, P2,500 worth of e-wallet credit, and P2,500 cash assistance as initial cash revolving fund are also given to qualified applicants. The City Government entered a partnership with Grab Philippines for the registration of 500 city residents. The application process is still ongoing through PESO Muntinlupa Facebook Page or via http://bit.ly/MuntiGrab. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)
ZERO-INTEREST LOAN FOR MICRO ENTREPS IN MUNTINLUPA: Mayor Jaime Fresnedi (center) turns over P1.4 million zero-interest loan assistance to Tulong Negosyo Batch 118 representatives, dubbed as “Muntipreneurs,” last December 2 in a bid to help local businesses recover from the economic disruption brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. 57 micro entrepreneurs were provided with the loan assistance this month. Tulong Negosyo caters to MSMEs and provides micro finance assistance which ranges from P2,000 up to P150,000 depending on the business capital ceiling and payment record of beneficiaries. Muntinlupa City is the first LGU to introduce the micro-financing program. Fresnedi vows to continue the program and assist Muntipreneurs especially in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

+++++

Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media releases. Some parts were edited for this website.

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 distorted views, NO to reckless publishers, and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila-related community developments, engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, visit and join the growing South Metro Manila FB group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Muntinlupa City launches ‘Deliver to Recover Program’ with Grab Philippines, 500 drivers to receive additional stimulus package

The City Government of Muntinlupa officially launched the ‘Deliver to Recover Program’ with Grab Philippines in a bid to provide livelihood to tricycle drivers and displaced workers in the city affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi led the launching event and turn-over ceremony of grant packages to the first batch of beneficiaries on Friday together with Congressman Ruffy Biazon and Grab Philippines execs Jackson Tan and Jeanine Tadique.

Fresnedi said the City Government entered into a partnership with Grab Philippines for the registration of 500 city residents who have lost their jobs during the community quarantine, including returning OFWs, to Grab Food and Grab Express Delivery service.

(L-R) Grab Acquisition Executive Jackson Tan, Congressman Ruffy Biazon, Deliver to Recover Program beneficiary Jovencio Atienza, Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, and Grab Acquisition Executive Jeanine Tadique. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

The local exec noted that the city’s economic cluster will also provide a grant package amounting to P7,500 to beneficiaries on top of assistance with their registration to the delivery service company.

“We recognize the challenges faced by Muntinlupa residents whose livelihoods were affected by the lockdown due to the pandemic and we will continue to assist them through various socio-economic projects,” Fresnedi noted.

The first batch of 500 beneficiaries received grant packages which include Grab uniforms, food insulated box, P2,500 worth of e-wallet credit, and P2,500 cash assistance as initial capital.

Muntinlupa City is the only LGU-partner of Grab Philippines in Metro Manila to include a ‘stimulus package’ for its beneficiaries.

Public Employment Service Office – Muntinlupa chief Glenda Aniñon said the registration for the city’s Deliver to Recover Program is still ongoing. Aniñon said city residents aged 21-50 y/o with smartphone and owns a motorcycle or a bicycle can apply to the program.

For more information about the process of application and other requirements, interested applicants may visit PESO Muntinlupa Facebook page or register via https://bit.ly/3d9y4Do.

+++++

Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release. Some parts were edited for this website.

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 distorted views and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, engagements, commerce and updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City releases zero-interest loan to micro entrepreneurs

The official photo release. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi turned over the P1.3 million zero-interest loan assistance to Tulong Negosyo Batch 117 representatives, dubbed as “Muntipreneurs,” last October 6 in a bid to help local businesses recover from the economic disruption brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

70 micro entrepreneurs were provided with the loan assistance this month. Tulong Negosyo caters to MSMEs and provides micro finance assistance which ranges from P2,000 up to P150,000 depending on the business capital ceiling and payment record of beneficiaries. Muntinlupa City is the first LGU to introduce the micro-financing program. Fresnedi vows to continue the program and assist Muntipreneurs especially in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

+++++

Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release. Some parts were edited for this website.

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake newsNO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiaristsNOT to distorted views and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, engagements, commerce and updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Virtual Job Fair in Muntinlupa Accomplished

The City Government of Muntinlupa, through the Public Employment Service Office, organized a virtual job fair this past October 2 with over 63 job vacancies offered from Southbend Express Services Inc.

Job application and other processes done via computer.

PESO Muntinlupa chief Glenda Zamora-Aniñon said at least 32 job seekers participated in the virtual job fair. Aniñon noted that the city government will continue to launch digital innovations in local employment services to adapt in the “new normal.” Recently, PESO Muntinlupa introduced an online registration system for applicants and virtual learning sessions for job-seekers in the city.

+++++

Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release. Some parts were edited for this website.

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake newsNO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiaristsNOT to distorted views and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, engagements, commerce and updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

My Observations: Watching Wonder Woman 1984 on VOD streaming will NEVER match the theatrical experience

By now you should be aware that Warner Bros. postponed yet again the release of the much-awaited Wonder Woman 1984 and selected December 25, 2020 (Christmas Day) as the new opening day. This is because of the ongoing pandemic which depressed economies around the world and dragged down the movie theaters. Of course, as I personally observed on social networks, a lot of fans are upset with the daily and there are some of them who expressed that a theatrical release of Wonder Woman 1984 is no longer needed and it should instead be released via video-on-demand streaming services. And then there were a few who did not hide their Leftist, socialist beliefs and even condemned Warner Bros. for corporate greed only because it still insists on showing Wonder Woman 1984 in the cinemas first.

Wow! It’s as if doing business is an evil thing and being a socialist and a hater of business are good things. Talk about being delusional and impulsive as a result of being brainwashed with socialism and anti-capitalism views. The truth of the matter is that socialism sucks and will continue to suck. To understand the business side of things before talking more about Wonder Woman 1984, let’s examine the state of movie theaters.

As of this writing, the movie theater operators are slowly reopening their locations and already they have spent time and money on implementing a variety of measures such as sanitation, constant cleaning, practicing social distancing, requiring moviegoers to wear facemasks and the like. At the same time, seating capacity per screen has been reduced to minimize the risk of viral infection. The reopening of cinemas not only means the resumption of their business but also the retention of the employees they still have.

Even with less than 100% of movie theaters in operation, Warner Bros. took the big risk of releasing their $200 million production Tenet which went on to gross more than $20 million in its first four days in the United States and Canada. Elsewhere, the movie raked in more than $100,000,000 in ticket sales and it has surpassed the $150,000,000 mark globally. The more movie theaters open – including the drive-in locations –  the better it will be for Wonder Woman 1984 and this obviously requires time.

To have the theatrical opening of Wonder Woman 1984 moved all the way to Christmas Day is, in my honest opinion, a sensible move. Like other forms of businesses negatively affected by the pandemic, movie theaters are struggling to reshape themselves (and retain their employees somehow in order to avoid adding them to the unemployed) and get back to business. Movie studios on the other hand are struggling with what to do with their finished productions, especially the ones that cost $200,000,000+ to make (complete with the hard work of the technical crew, the creative team and the talents who worked).

Like anyone else, I love Wonder Woman (she is my favorite of all superheroes) and I also love 2017 Wonder Woman movie which I still replay on Blu-ray. Unlike other fans who lost patience, I myself am willing to wait for the new Wonder Woman movie to open in the local cinemas, especially in the IMAX cinema. I certainly do not agree with the idea that Warner Bros. should just skip all the movie theaters in favor of releasing Wonder Woman 1984 on VOD streaming services, and I have reasons.

Warner Bros. is right to delay Wonder Woman 1984 and keep it scheduled to open in movie theaters first!

Firstly, Wonder Woman 1984 was made with the movie theater viewing experience first and foremost. The creative team led by director Patty Jenkins even used IMAX cameras for some scenes. While the filming of scenes for IMAX is limited in total, it is clear that Wonder Woman 1984 will look and play its very best on the gigantic screen in the IMAX theater! It is also likely that the most spectacular (or the most important) scenes filmed with IMAX captured Gal Gadot as the cinematic Wonder Woman. That being said, the visual splendor and the magnificence of big screen viewing will NEVER be matched on VOD streaming nor on the HDTV at home. I should add that the enhanced visuals that come with scenes being filmed with IMAX cameras can only be seen on the large IMAX screen, and this cannot be achieved on HDTV or on the best smartphones via streaming.

Secondly, releasing Wonder Woman 1984 directly to VOD streaming services is harmful not just to the struggling theater operators and their employees but also the economy itself. I do understand that going outside the home during the pandemic has its risks but the fact remains is that businesses around you have suffered a lot and there is a need for commerce and industry to be revived, and you can help the local and the national economy move forward again. Be mindful that many people who lost their jobs and their income are also suffering, and there is a need for businesses to be supported so that new job opportunities can be made…jobs that the unemployed badly need! Let’s face it, you can enjoy watching movies on the VOD streaming service you subscribed to and binge watch at the comfort of your home all you want but still the best place to watch is in the cinema. I can never forget the very day in 2017 I went to the local IMAX cinema to watch Wonder Woman by buying a premium movie ticket, buying popcorn and a drink, sat comfortably and watched the movie in its full greatness. I paid a lot and got tremendous value in return for the premium cinematic experience with Wonder Woman. Right now, movie theaters are struggling to recover and they badly need you to buy their tickets, snacks and drinks and enjoy the movie. It is also clear that both Warner Bros. and the movie theaters need each other, and Wonder Woman 1984 is too expensive a production to be released only on VOD streaming services.

Thirdly, still on the business side, video-on-demand streaming services are not exactly effective in helping movie producers recover the massive amounts of money spent on producing and marketing their major projects. Wonder Woman 1984 is a more expensive production than its predecessor and it is still the movie theater business model that will help it recover all the negative cost and break even (if not profit). The following are my questions to the loudmouths who ranted that Wonder Woman 1984 should be released directly to VOD streaming services only because of their impatience and other reasons: Do you seriously believe that video-on-demand will help Wonder Woman 1984’s producers and investors recover their money? If you are willing to pay a premium rate for digitally availaing Wonder Woman 1984 at all, how much are you really willing to pay? Do you seriously believe that movie theater operators and their employees should suffer only because you are so self-centered with wanting the new Wonder Woman film only on video-on-demand streaming?

Finally, this one is aimed at those who got indoctrinated with socialism and Leftist beliefs …who do you think you are to condemn Warner Bros. for corporate greed only because the studio is focused on releasing Wonder Woman 1984 first in cinemas? We are Wonder Woman fans here, right? It is the movie studio, its investors and other capitalists who pooled the financial resources together to hire Patty Jenkins, Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Kristen Wiig, Hans Zimmer and a whole lot of other people to make Wonder Woman 1984! They did that, not your socialist partners nor your socialist idols! The least we fans can do is be thankful to the filmmakers and their capitalism partners for making the movie. As for Warner Bros., we should keep in mind that the pandemic has made it very hard for them to decide when to release the movie we have been waiting for, and for sure their top executives and strategists have struggled in ways that you cannot imagine. You seriously believe that Warner Bros. and the other movie studios did not lose any money from the months-long shutdown of the cinemas during the pandemic? What is your basis for condemning Warner Bros. for corporate greed over Wonder Woman 1984?

Oh, one more thing, do you still go to a coffee shop, availed of their coffee and WiFi and used your branded smartphone to condemn capitalism and promote socialism? Capitalists made the things that you socialists enjoyed, not to mention all the other Wonder Woman-related products like comic books, toys, action figures, clothes, souvenirs, accessories and much more!

That being said, what we Wonder Woman fans can all do right now is wait for Wonder Woman 1984 to open in cinemas this Christmas Day. I believe that the delayed movie itself will turn out great and prove to be worth the long wait…and then prove that the movie theater is still the best place to watch it.

Who knows? Wonder Woman 1984 could spark a strong revival of the movie theater business around the world and we fans can be part of that!

+++++

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenor is still available in paperback and e-book format. 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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City extends deadline of biz tax payment to Sept 18,2020 amid extension of CQ

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City extends deadline of biz tax payment to Sept 18,2020 amid extension of CQ

In a bid to extend assistance to the private sector experiencing disruption of economic activities brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and community quarantine, the City Government of Muntinlupa extends the payment of business tax payments.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi approved City Ordinance No. 2020-115 extending the deadline of payment of the 3rd Quarter Business Tax payments from August 19, 2020 to September 18, 2020 without penalties, surcharge and interest.

However, all business taxes due for the said period shall be subject to the penalties and interest prescribed by Muntinlupa Revenue Code if not paid on or before September 18, 2020.

Fresnedi assured the members of the private sector that the City Government will continue to support local businesses in Muntinlupa during these trying times.

Recently, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Muntinlupa has recognized the City Government’s efforts in curbing COVID-19 in the city and its assistance to local businesses amid the pandemic.

During the local business chamber’s virtual general assembly last July, PCCI-Muntinlupa president Elvie Sanchez-Quiazon conferred the Sterling Growth Catalyst Award to Mayor Jaime Fresnedi in recognition of his leadership in addressing the health crisis while still boosting the sustainability of local economy.

Quiazon said the local chamber lauds Mayor Fresnedi’s “transformational and adaptable leadership, commitment and eminent public service to boost the development and sustainability of the Muntinlupa City in challenging times.”

The mayor extended his thanks to PCCI-Muntinlupa for their recognition of the City Government’s COVID-19 response efforts to minimize its health, economic, and social impacts in the city.

Fresnedi said the award also recognizes the hard work of Muntinlupa’s front-liners who are driven by a shared goal to eliminate COVID-19 in the city.

As of August 10, Muntinlupa City has 2,038 confirmed cases with 1,222 recoveries, 726 active cases, 90 reported deaths, 968 suspect cases, and 675 probable cases.


Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release.

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 distorted views and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.

 

COVID-19 Crisis: 305 quarantine violators apprehended in Muntinlupa Oplan Galugad, 6 charged

COVID-19 Crisis: 305 quarantine violators apprehended in Muntinlupa Oplan Galugad, 6 charged

The City Government of Muntinlupa warns the public of the strict enforcement of community quarantine measures in the city and violators will be meted with fines and penalties.

Muntinlupa City Police Station has launched Oplan Galugad to apprehend residents violating city ordinances for the duration of community quarantine including curfew hours, mandatory wearing of face masks, quarantine pass system and liquor ban, among others.

As of August 10, MCPS recorded 305 apprehensions in which six (6) individuals were charged with cases for regular filling. Among recent violators were 60 minors who were given a stern warning for their offense. Minor violators or those below 18 in Muntinlupa will lose their city scholarship on their second offense.

Muntinlupa Public Information Officer Tez Navarro said members of Muntinlupa PNP, city security officers, and barangay police will continue to augment round-the-clock inspections to ensure that health protocols and quarantine guidelines in public places and business establishments are strictly followed.

Navarro added that the stringent measure aims to limit movements and interactions in public places which are hotspots for the transmission of COVID-19. She noted that the public can report cases of violation to PNP or barangays.

Recently, the City Government reverted curfew hours to 8:00 PM – 5:00 AM for the duration of the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) and approved a liquor ban that will be in effect for all types of community quarantine.

Curfew violators may face penalties of up to P1,000.00, while liquor ban violators will pay up to P2,000.00 penalty. Establishments who will be caught selling alcoholic beverages in the city will incur a P5,000.00 fine, suspension or revocation of business permits, and one-year imprisonment.

Further, the City Council has also passed an ordinance imposing tougher implementation of home quarantine pass system during ECQ and MECQ.

Qpass holders in the city are required to bring a government-issued ID for verification and can only purchase essential goods from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Establishments and Homeowners Associations are mandated to inspect quarantine passes from persons entering or exiting their premises. Violators of the Qpass system may face penalties of up to P1,000.00.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi asks for the cooperation of the public and says that the strict quarantine measure aims to slow down the transmission of COVID-19 in the city. He also urged residents to observe health protocols such as wearing face masks, physical distancing, and frequent hand washing.

As of August 9, Muntinlupa City has 1,984 confirmed cases with 1,169 recoveries, 726 active cases, 89 reported deaths, 1,061 suspect cases, and 763 probable cases.


Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release.

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 distorted views and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa imposes liquor ban for all levels of community quarantine, stricter QPass system

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa imposes liquor ban for all levels of community quarantine, stricter QPass system

In a bid to slow down the transmission of COVID-19 in the city, the City Government of Muntinlupa will be enforcing a liquor ban during all levels of community quarantine and stricter home quarantine pass system.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi approved City Ordinance 2020-111 ordering a city-wide liquor ban for the duration of all levels of community quarantine as determined by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.

This initiative aims to prevent gathering opportunities of city residents and minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

Under the local ordinance, sale, trade, delivery, and consumption of liquor and other alcoholic beverages are prohibited in Muntinlupa City with a penalty of P5,000.00, suspension or revocation of business permits, and one year imprisonment for violating establishments.

Individuals who will consume liquor during the ban will be meted with P500.00 for first offense, P1,000.00 for second offense, and P2,000.00 for third and subsequent offenses. While violators who are minors, charges shall be fined against their parents or guardians: stern warning for first offense, withdrawal of scholarship grants from the City Government or P500.00 (non-grantee) for second offense, and P1,000.00 for third and subsequent offenses.

Muntinupa City Council Majority Floor Leader Coun. Raul Corro said the liquor ban will only be lifted if the city is no longer under any community quarantine. He noted that the City Council decided to impose stricter regulation on alcoholic beverages because many residents still violate quarantine and health protocols despite the alarming increase of COVID-19 cases.

Corro added that the measure also responds to the call of the national government and medical frontliners for stricter home quarantine measures.

Members of PNP Muntinlupa, Public Order and Safety Office, City Security Office, Muntinlupa Traffic Management Bureau, Business Permits and Licensing Office, and Barangay Chairpersons shall take the lead in enforcing the liquor ban. Local homeowners’ associations, including security guards, will also be deputized to augment operations.

Further, the City Council has also passed ordinances imposing tougher implementation of home quarantine pass system and curfew hours during the Enhanced and Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine.

Qpass holders in the city are required to bring a government-issued ID for verification and can only purchase essential goods from 6:00AM to 12:00PM. Establishments and Homeowners Associations are mandated to inspect quarantine passes from persons entering or exiting their premises. Violators of the Qpass system may face penalties of up to P1,000.00.

Curfew hours in Muntinlupa during ECQ and MECQ have been reverted to 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Authorized Persons Outside their Residence (APOR) and other individuals determined by the Joint Task Force COVID Shield are exempted from the curfew.

Curfew violators may face penalties of up to P1,000.00 and withdrawal of scholarship grants from the City Government for minor violators.

As of August 6, Muntinlupa City has 1,849 confirmed cases with 1,035 recoveries, 736 active cases, 78 reported deaths, 971 suspect cases, and 726 probable cases.

+++++

Key references: 2020-111 Liquor Ban     2020-112 Quarantine Pass

2020-113 Curfew Hours


Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release.

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 distorted views and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.