journalism – Page 23 – Author Carlo Carrasco

BIR’s withholding tax on online sellers in effect

July 23, 2024July 16, 2024carlocarrasco

With the extension of the deadline over, the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) withholding tax on online sellers who conduct business on electronic marketplaces (example: Lazada) came into effect recently, according to a Manila Bulletin business new report.

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 started implementing the withholding tax requirement for online sellers who conduct business on electronic marketplaces like Lazada and Shopee.

In a statement, BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. said there will be no further extensions for online merchants to comply with the new withholding tax system outlined in Revenue Regulations (RR) No. 16-2023.

Under the BIR regulations, e-marketplace operators are mandated to withhold one percent creditable tax on half of the total payments sent to sellers or merchants for products or services sold through their platform.

“Electronic Marketplace Operators will begin imposing Withholding Tax against their sellers/merchants starting July 15, 2024. We have already extended this by 90 days. No further extensions will be given,” Lumagui said.

Last April, the BIR extended the RR No. 16-2023 deadline until July 14, 2024.

“No more extensions will be given after the previous 90-day extension under [Revenue Memorandum Circular] RMC No. 55-2024,” the BIR noted.

The previous extension was given to allow e-marketplace operators to comply with the requirements of the BIR and adjust to the provisions of RR 16-2023 before the withholding tax is imposed.

Lumagui also clarified that withholding tax is not a new tax, noting it is a system where taxes are collected in advance and later offset against the seller’s total income tax liability.

“The BIR aims to level the playing field between brick-and-mortar stores, which are regularly complying with their tax obligations, and online marketplaces,” Lumagui said.

“Whether their business is operated online or through physical stores, sellers and merchants have to pay their taxes,” he added.

Meanwhile, the BIR has given digital financial services providers more time to switch to the new withholding tax system.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you have been selling through the electronic marketplaces, do you think the 1% withholding tax will be a big challenge in the long-term? Have you prepared your business for the withholding tax?

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

Man arrested in Las Piñas City for robbery

July 23, 2024July 16, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, local police officers arrested a man who staged a robbery hold-up at a convenient store in Barangay Talon Singko, 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…

A call center agent was arrested by members of the Las Piñas City police Talon Substation for robbing a convenience store on Monday, July 15.

Col. Sandro Tafalla, Las Piñas police chief, reported to the Southern Police District (SPD) the arrest of the suspect identified as alias Allan, 48.

Tafalla said alias Allan staged a robbery hold- up at a convenience store along Rainbow Village, San Antonio Street, Marcos Alvarez, Talon Singko, Las Piñas City at around 2:30 a.m.

According to the victim, identified as alias Daryl, 20, the suspect entered the store and pretended to be a customer.

The victim told the police that the suspect was requested to remove his helmet upon entering the store and instead of heeding the request, alias Allan drew out his firearm, a .9mm pistol, and declared the holdup. The cashier, at that time, was about to transfer the money inside their vault amounting to P67,314.

The suspect reportedly told the cashier “bilisan mo” (faster) during the heist and immediately left store. The suspect boarded his motorcycle going to the direction of Alabang-Zapote Road.

Tafalla said the quick response of members of the Talon Substation led to the arrest of the suspect at around 5:00 a.m. and the recovery of a sling bag where the .9mm pistol was placed loaded with nine ammunitions, 30 live ammunitions, one black holster and the stolen cash.

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 concerned that more similar robberies will happen in the stores in 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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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Online sellers arrested in Parañaque City for qualified theft

July 22, 2024July 13, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, two individuals who engaged in selling online were arrested by the local police for qualified theft, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. It turns out that the suspects were found selling hair growth serum which were stolen from someone.

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

Two online sellers were arrested by members of the Parañaque City police for theft after they were found selling stolen hair growth serum on Tiktok last July 9.

Parañaque City police chief Col. Melvin Montante reported to the Southern Police District (SPD) the arrest of alias Zerimar, 29, manager and a resident of 8th Avenue, Caloocan City; and Raymark, 21, packer and a stay-in employee at Hosuku Inc. at a condominium located in Roxas Boulevard, Barangay Baclaran, Parañaque City.

Montante said the owner of Hosuku hair growth serum, alias Yuji, 29, a businessman and a resident of Ayala Alabang Village, Muntinlupa City, discovered that his hair growth serum product was being sold at a Tiktok account called “Parktikal” for a cheaper price and was registered under the name of alias Jerick, reportedly the common-law husband of Zerimar.

He said the victim inspected his warehouse located at Lot 5A Street, Agueda Queensway, Pascor Drive, Barangay Santo Nino, Parañaque City at around 5:35 p.m. and discovered one box of his product containing 300 pieces of 30ml bottles of the hair growth serum worth P105,000 at the locker of Zerimar.

The victim told the police that prior to the inspection of his warehouse, he also saw Raymark bring the box of stolen items inside the locker of Zerimar who was her cousin.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you think there could be thieves selling stolen products online while secretly residing in 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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A Look Back at Amazing Spider-Man #262 (1985)

July 19, 2024July 5, 2024carlocarrasco

Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from reading the comic book and doing personal research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.

Welcome back superhero enthusiasts, 1980s arts and culture enthusiasts, Marvel Comics fans and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1985 to examine a small part of the Marvel Comics universe through a tale of the Amazing Spider-Man monthly series.

For this particular review, the Amazing Spider-Man comic book does not involve Tom DeFalco and Ron Frenz. Instead, we will see the creative contribution of Bob Layton who already established himself within Marvel Comics on the Iron Man monthly series. Layton is the same guy who co-founded Valiant Comics with former Marvel Comics editor-in-chief Jim Shooter.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at Amazing Spider-Man #262, published in 1985 by Marvel Comics with a story written and illustrated by Bob Layton.

Early story

The story begins as Spider-Man arrives at the Newark International Airport in New Jersey distracting a few air traffic control operators. As he makes his way into a deserted baggage room, Peter Parker intends to change clothes as he has a journalistic assignment from the Daily Bugle to photograph President Ronald Reagan who is set to arrive soon. For Peter Parker, the assignment is crucial as he needs to earn money.

Elsewhere within the airport, the sleazy tabloid news photographer D.J. Jones makes his way through and he intends to photograph something unusual or embarrassing about Reagan. He accidentally bumps into a lady whose items fall down. Jones pretends to be kind to her as he secretly takes her wallet while helping her collect her belongings.

As Jones decides to take the lady’s money, he goes into one of the baggage rooms to get rid of the wallet. Inside, he accidentally spots Peter Parker (still wearing the upper half of his Spider-Man costume) changing clothes and quickly photographs him. Jones starts to run away compelling Parker to chase him knowing that his secret identity will get exposed if he fails…

Quality

*This is what happens when you carry very valuable information with you which the mob wants.*

I really like this Spider-Man tale crafted by Bob Layton. For one thing, it tackles the concept of having your secret identity being discovered by someone who has a record of unethical behavior as well as the opportunity of using the acquired confidential information (the secret identity) for financial gain (at the expense of the affected person). Layton’s story also reconnected Spider-Man to a significant part of his legacy (the death of his Uncle Ben and the identity of the man who killed him) which opens up moral and ethical challenges on his part.

Character development of Spider-Man in this story is short yet substantial to read. As he recalls the painful lesson he learned about his uncle’s death, he remembers how guilt (by previously allowing a crook to get away who later turns out to be the same person responsible for the death of Uncle Ben) overwhelmed his early desire for revenge and this compels him to re-evaluate the responsibility he carries with his superhuman abilities.

Instead of utilizing a super villain, Layton presented D.J. Jones as the antagonist that Spider-Man has to overcome somehow. Jones is not exactly evil, he’s just unethical and sleazy. As a human being, Jones is a turn-off but he is not murderer nor a bank robber. The sleazy photographer is an ordinary man who, like Peter Parker, is trying to survive with his occupation which in turn makes him determined to get the big scoop to rise high.

Conclusion

*Spider-Man ended up having to save the lives of many innocent people resulting in losing track of the man he was chasing.*

Amazing Spider-Man #262 (1985) is a very inspired work by Bob Layton who clearly researched the history of Spider-Man and tackled the crucial themes (note: power, responsibility, morality and ethics) through the story. The plot is simple yet engaging to follow and the character development is really solid. This is great writing by Layton and his approach on superhero spectacle (the action scenes) works well within the narrative.

Overall, Amazing Spider-Man #262 (1985) is highly recommended.

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Muntinlupa City Mayor reminds police to follow values of ACT (Accountability, Confidence and Trust)

July 19, 2024July 17, 2024carlocarrasco

During the recent presentation of newly designated police officers in the City of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon reminded them to follow the values of ACT (Accountability, Confidence and Trust) as they perform their duties, 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…

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon reminded the police to follow the values of ACT or Accountability, Confidence, and Trust, in doing their duties as law enforcers.

Biazon made the reminder during the presentation of the newly designated police officers by Muntinlupa Police chief Col. Robert Domingo.

The new officers in the Muntinlupa Police are:

⬪Major Allan Rainier Cabral – chief of the Investigation and Detective Management Section (IDMS)

⬪Capt. Reynaldo Par – chief of the Custodial and Detention Facility Unit (CDFU)

⬪Capt. Fernando Niefes – chief of the Station Tactical Operations Center (STOC) and concurrent assistant chief of the Patrol Operations Section (POS)

⬪Capt. Rolando Ty – commander of the Tunasan Police Substation (SS1)

⬪Capt. Alemar Cabanit – commander of the Putatan Police Substation (SS2)

⬪Capt. Roderick Tubon – commander of the Sucat Police Substation (SS4)

⬪Capt. Rizalyn Soledad – commander of the Ayala Alabang Police Substation (SS5)

⬪Capt. Marlo Abella – commander of the Poblacion Police Substation (SS6)

Biazon congratulated the newly designated police officers and told them about the expectations from the public.

“And, of course, our expectations from the newly designated. Remember the word ACT. The expectation is not only from you but from the whole Muntinlupa Police Station. The rank and file,” he said.

He added, “One is your accountability to your duty. We will expect that you will take action in fighting crime. Definitely, the public is expecting that. That is why you are in the police because you are our hope in addressing problems of drugs, criminality and, of course, the safety of our citizens. You have assumed that accountability.”

“Letter C, you have our confidence. As what Col. Domingo said earlier, we approved the designation by putting confidence in you. So don’t fail us on that,” he said.

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 looking forward to observing how the new city police officers will do their duty?

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’s iRespond app launched, now available for download via Google and Apple

July 18, 2024carlocarrasco

In a major move to improve local emergency response capabilities with the use of technology, the City Government of Muntinlupa formally launched at Crimson Hotel today their new iRespond mobile app which is now available for download via Google and Apple 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…

In its latest digital innovation, the Muntinlupa City government launched the iRespond mobile app, setting a new standard in emergency response capabilities.

Built for emergencies, Muntinlupa iRespond provides residents with immediate access to essential services directly from their smartphones.

The app allows residents to report emergencies such as disasters and fire, or the need for the police and ambulance.

“The iRespond app is a significant leap forward in emergency management, providing users with seamless access to emergency reporting with just a single tap. Whether in need of medical assistance, fire rescue, police intervention, or other critical services, Muntinlupeños can now initiate help swiftly and effectively through this platform,” said Mayor Ruffy Biazon during the app launch on July 18 at the Crimson Hotel in Alabang.

According to the city government, the iRespond app’s key functionalities include one-touch emergency reporting, allowing responders to pinpoint the exact location of those needing help; real-time incident tracking for back-end dispatchers to supervise incoming alarms and respond appropriately; and community alerts and notifications that allow the city’s Department of Disaster Resilience and Management to inform residents of potential scenarios and help them to prepare or respond adequately.

The digital tool ensures that emergency situations are addressed promptly, leveraging real-time incident tracking to facilitate quick and precise responses from dedicated dispatch teams, the city government added.

“By empowering residents with a tool that expedites emergency response, we are not only enhancing public safety but also reinforcing our city’s resilience in times of crisis.” added Biazon.

Residents are encouraged to download the free iRespond app for from the App Store or Google Play Store, ensuring they are prepared and empowered to respond effectively to any emergency situation.

The iRespond app can be downloaded at:

App Store https://apps.apple.com/ph/app/irespond-muntinlupa/id6478265785

Google Play Store https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=muntinlupa.cad.citizen.ph

Upon download, users need to create an account by providing their name, birthday, gender, photo, valid document, address, email address and mobile number.

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 think the newly launched iRespond app will improve local emergency response capabilities? Have you downloaded the app?

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 national arrested for using fake documents while applying for Philippine passport

July 18, 2024July 10, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in Davao City, a 21-year-old Chinese national got arrested by elements of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for using falsified documents when he applied for a Philippine passport at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), according to a Manila Bulletin news report. As it turns out, the suspect has been using a fake identity for some time here in the Philippines and has already admitting to possessing a Chinese passport.

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

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)-Davao arrested a 21-year-old Chinese national on Tuesday afternoon, July 9, for applying for a Philippine passport at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)-Davao here using falsified documents.

NBI-Davao Region Director Arcelito Albao said in a press conference on Wednesday, July 10, that the DFA-Davao alerted the NBI-Davao that a Chinese national using the Filipino name Hengson Jabilles Limosnero attempted to apply for a passport. Albao said the suspect was accompanied by the family driver.

Albao, however, declined to disclose the suspect’s Chinese name, pending verification of his real identity from the Bureau of Immigration.

In a brief interview with the media, the suspect, who was presented during the press conference, admitted to possessing a Chinese passport.

Albao said that the Chinese used a birth certificate, driver’s license, and national identification (ID) card from the Philippine Statistics Authority to apply for a passport.

He said that the Chinese used his fake identity to study high school at Philippine Academy of Sakya Davao and college at the Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU). Albao said the Chinese is a first-year accountancy student at ADDU.

The suspect will face charges for violating the New Philippine Passport Act and Revised Penal Code penalizing falsification of public documents, perjury, and using fictitious name and concealing true name, Albao said.

He said the suspect was issued original documents and IDs by various government agencies but were considered falsified as the information was false.

Albao said that the suspect and his family have been residing in Davao City for 10 years. He said they own a hardware business in this city’s Chinatown District on Ramon Magsaysay Ave., called by residents Uyanguren.

The NBI-Davao head added that an employee from DFA-Davao doubted the suspect’s nationality and authenticity of the documents as he could not speak Cebuano, not fluent in Tagalog, and could only talk in English during interview.

He said the Chinese gave inconsistent answers during the interview.

Albao said the suspect applied for a passport as he wanted to become a Philippine citizen and plans to travel to the US.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there could be even more Chinese nationals who have been living here in the Philippines using fake identities?

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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Mobile blood donation drive in Las Piñas City set for July 19 and 20, 2024

July 17, 2024July 8, 2024carlocarrasco

A mobile blood donation drive is scheduled to happen on July 19 and 20, 2024 at SM Center Las Piñas which is a short walk away from Las Piñas City Hall, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The blood donation drive is an initiative of Mayor Imelda Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar.

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

The Las Piñas City government announced that a mobile blood donation activity will be conducted in line with the observance of World Blood Donor Day.

Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar said the mobile blood donation activity to be led by a team from the City Health Office under the supervision of Dr. Julie Gonzalez will be held at SM Center Las Piñas on July 19 to 20, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Aguilar said the activity will be conducted is in coordination with the Las Piñas General Hospital and Satelite Trauma Center and the Philippine General Hospital.

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 any members of your local community who intend to donate their blood?

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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Police officers rescue kidnapped foreigners and apprehend suspects in Las Piñas City

July 16, 2024July 8, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, local police officers rescued four foreigners who were kidnapped and illegal detained by their compatriots over a car accident matter that involves money, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The suspects were arrested as well but two others got away.

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

Members of the Las Piñas City police rescued four Indian nationals who were kidnapped and illegally detained by four of their compatriots for non-payment of their P200,000 car accident settlement on July 5.

Las Piñas City police chief Col. Sandro Tafalla reported to the Southern Police District (SPD) the arrest of alias Ramanathan, 22; alias Devesh, 22; alias Sanjay, 22; and alias Venkata, 21, all Indian nationals.

Tafalla said the four suspects were arrested at around 10:30 p.m. at a residential building located at Barangay Pamplona Tres, Las Piñas.

He said two other suspects, identified as alias Lmahen and alias Shivarishi, were able to escape during the rescue operation and are now being hunted by the police.

The city police chief said the rescued victims were identified as alis Ven, 21; alias Vam, 21; alias Sai, 22; and alias Kal, 19.

Tafalla said the victims were allegedly robbed and detained by the suspects for their failure to pay the P200,000 car accident settlement.

He said the victims rented a Nissan Tiera owned by Shivarishi in going to Nasugbu, Batangas last May 24 but they unfortunately had an accident.

The police said suspect, Shavarishi, reportedly demanded the victims to pay the amount of P700,000 after his car suffered damages but the victims reportedly paid only P500,000.

Tafalla said by failing to to pay the remaining P200,000, the victims were kidnapped, robbed, and illegally detained by the suspects on July 5.

He said a friend of the victims reported the incident to the police and a rescue operation was launched.

The city police chief said recovered during the operation were a white Hyundai Accent with license plate DAC 2660, one wooden broomstick, and one metal dustpan, which were reportedly used in the assaults.

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? Do you think there could be foreigners in your local community who engaged in kidnapping and illegally detaining people secretly?

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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Bodyguards of Chinese national arrested for allegedly stealing guns and firearms licenses of fellow guards

July 16, 2024July 8, 2024carlocarrasco

Two bodyguards who worked for a Chinese national – reportedly involved with Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) – were arrested by law enforcer for the alleged acts of stealing guns as well as the firearms licenses of their fellow guards, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

Two bodyguards of a Chinese national involved in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) were nabbed for allegedly stealing the guns and the guns’ licenses from their fellow bodyguards.

According to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Southern District Field Unit, the two bodyguards claimed that their Chinese boss had told them to retrieve the weapons so these could be passed on to other people.

However, the two bodyguards’ compatriots resisted as the guns were registered in their names, and they were worried about how the guns would be used.

“Pinapangalan sa kanila nitong mga Chinese national ‘yung mga binibiling baril. Pero ‘pag kinuha kasi sa kanila, hindi alam kung saan ito gagamitin kaya ‘yun pinangangambahan ito ngayon,” said the CIDG-SPD’s Police Major Leopoldo Cajipe in Jonathan Andal’s Sunday “24 Oras Weekend” report.

According to the CIDG, the suspects said their Chinese boss had ordered them to take the firearms from their fellow security men.

One of the security men resisted, and he was then allegedly beaten and detained in the barracks. But he was later able to escape and alert the police.

The CIDG investigation found that the Chinese nationals may be getting help from someone in the government who could easily change the names on the licenses for the guns, as one of the suspects was found to have a license to carry.

However, the license indicated that the suspect was a government employee, which he was not.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that Chinese nationals linked with POGOs are going to the extreme when it comes to acquiring firearms locally? Do you think POGO Chinese nationals are conspiring with certain employees of the 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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