journalism – Page 51 – Author Carlo Carrasco

BIR says that discounts for senior citizens and PWD for online purchases are mandatory

August 4, 2023August 2, 2023carlocarrasco

As far as the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is concerned, senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) are entitled to discounts over the online purchases they made, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Wednesday said the discounts on purchases made online by senior citizens and persons with disabilities are mandatory.

“Online platforms should recognize the mandatory discounts given to senior citizens (SC) and persons with disabilities (PWD). The BIR has issued Revenue Regulation (RR) No. 8-2023 to this effect,” BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said in a statement.

“The signature of the SC/PWD is not needed if the purchase is made through online means. The SC/PWD Identification card number should still be provided,” Lumagui said.

Under RR No. 8-2023, the BIR said that the signature of the SC or PWD shall not be required for qualified purchases made online or through mobile applications.

“Nonetheless, the SC/PWD Identification Card number should still be provided by the SC/PWD when purchasing through online or mobile platforms; and the rules on entitlement to the benefits of the SC/PWD and to the tax deduction… and to future issuances pertaining to SC/PWD purchases through online or mobile applications, shall be strictly followed,” the RR read.

Lumagui said the issuance is “a step towards making the BIR a service-oriented agency, not merely a goal-oriented one.”

Meanwhile, the BIR is proposing to impose a creditable withholding tax of 1% on one-half of the gross remittances of online platform providers to their partner sellers or merchants.

The taxman had defended the proposal, saying it is not a new tax and its collection is within existing laws.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that mandatory discounts on online purchases made by senior citizens and PWDs are justified? Do you think the BIR made the right move?

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 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. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. 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 at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/.

Department of Finance (DOF) says online sellers must pay equal taxes as physical stores

August 3, 2023August 1, 2023carlocarrasco

As far as the Department of Finance (DOF) is concerned, those who sell online must pay equal taxes as the physical stores do, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Take note that the Philippines continues to recover from the economic downturn of COVID-19 and the coronavirus itself no longer poses a danger to the nation.

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

The Department of Finance (DOF) asserted that online sellers should be subject to the same tax obligations as traditional brick-and-mortar business owners for the sake of fairness.

Finance Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno said the collection of withholding tax on online sellers by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is driven by the principle of fairness, and it does not constitute a new tax.

Withholding tax is a type of tax collected from various income sources, including salaries, wages, interest, and other earnings.

“It’s a matter of fairness because if you buy from a regular store, you have to pay taxes. But here [in online business], you don’t have to pay, and that’s unfair,” Diokno told reporters.

Diokno stressed the need for individuals to view the tax system as fair and willingly fulfill their tax obligations.

The BIR has proposed a new rule that would require online platform providers, such as Lazada and Shopee, to withhold one percent of the money they pay to their partner sellers. This withholding tax would be applied to half of the total amount being paid.

The BIR explained that this is not an additional tax, but rather a way to enforce existing tax laws and ensure proper tax collection.

“It’s not only increasing tax revenues, it’s a matter of fairness. A good tax system should be fair. That should be one of the characteristics of a good tax system, fairness,” the finance chief said.

BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui, Jr. earlier said the tax agency aims to begin collecting a creditable withholding tax from online platform partner merchants by the fourth quarter of 2023.

Lumagui also said that their objective is to fully implement this tax by next year.

He also explained that the purpose of imposing taxes on online merchants is to ensure a level playing field between traditional brick-and-mortar retailers and those selling on digital platforms or marketplaces.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you agree with the DOF on taxing online sellers? If you own a physical store selling products, does the presence of local online sellers harm your business?

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

Maynilad announces plan for new water treatment facilities costing P5.7 billion

August 2, 2023July 31, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently the water concessionaire Maynilad announced that it will establish new water treatment facilities to boost water production and they have set aside P5.7 billion as a result, according to a BusinessWorld news article.

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

WEST ZONE concessionaire Maynilad Water Services, Inc. is setting aside P5.7 billion as capital expenditure (capex) budget for new water treatment facilities to produce nearly 97 million liters per day.

“Ang capex na binudget namin diyan (The capex that we budgeted) to produce close to 97 million liters per day is 5.7 billion [pesos],” Maynilad President and Chief Executive Officer Ramoncito S. Fernandez told reporters in a chance interview last week.

“[The project is in] phases as it is tied with the wastewater treatment plant so what is laid out now that is starting is in Valenzuela, by the end of the year, and then next year would be in Pasay,” he added.

The new facilities are part of the company’s “new water” project that was launched in July last year starting in Parañaque City. The project aims to convert treated used water from sewerage treatment plants into potable water.

In June, Maynilad received a permanent operational permit from the Department of Health for its “new water” treatment plant in Parañaque City.

Asked about the ease in securing a permit for the facilities, he said: “That’s what we believe so because this is first in the Philippines, first in Asia.”

He said at first, the company struggled to convince regulators, but the project was accepted after efforts to gain public acceptance.

Mr. Fernandez said that after proving the project’s safety and “that it can be done scientifically, the adoption of the others should be faster.”

The project seeks to generate additional water supply in response to growing demand.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think this newest move by Maynilad will be able to solve the water supply problems once the new water treatment plants get completed and activated?

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

Mayor Biazon congratulates Muntinlupa’s Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC) for big achievement

August 1, 2023July 28, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon congratulated the Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC) for achieving a tremendously high rating based on the audit of the Regional Inter-Agency Monitoring Task Force (RIMTF) under the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Mayor Ruffy Biazon congratulated the Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC) in Muntinlupa for getting a high rating in the functionality assessment.

The LCPC Muntinlupa got an overall score of 97.71 percent, which has an equivalent adjectival rating of “Ideal.”

The LCPC assists local government units (LGUs) in the promotion of children’s rights and protection of their welfare.

“This is proof that the protection and welfare of young Muntinlupeño is a priority through different programs to ensure that children’s rights are not neglected,” said Biazon in a Facebook post.

The rating was based on a detailed audit of LCPC functionality indicators done by the Regional Inter-Agency Monitoring Task Force (RIMTF) of the Department of the Interior and Local Government in the National Capital Region.

These were organizational sustainability, policies and plans for children, budget and service delivery, monitoring and management for children.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Do you find Muntinlupa a safe city for children?

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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COMELEC chairman issues warning about BSKE premature campaigning

July 31, 2023July 27, 2023carlocarrasco

With the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) and campaign period set this October, the chairman of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) issued a warning to candidates about premature campaigning, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairperson George Garcia on Wednesday warned all who will run in the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) against premature campaigning.

During the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum, Garcia said those who will file their certificates of candidacy (COC) from August 28 to September 2 will already be considered as candidates.

“Kaya po ‘pag file ng candidacy, lahat ng posters na meron kayo na naglipana sa lahat ng kalsada, kalye, kanto, dapat tanggalin. Kung hindi, kakasuhan namin kayo, at the same time, tatanggalin namin yan [at] pwede rin kayo ma-disqualify,” he warned.

[Once you filed your candidacy, all your posters plastered around should be removed. If not, we will file a case against you and at the same time, we will remove them and you may even be disqualified.]

“Dahil kandidato na kayo, applicable pa ang Section 80 ng Omnibus Election Code, ‘yung tinatawag na premature campaigning,” he added.

[And since you are now a candidate, Section 80 of the Omnibus Election Code is applicable to you … which is premature campaigning.]

The campaign period for the 2023 BSKE will run from October 19 until October 28.

Garcia, a former election lawyer, explained that the jurisprudence in the case of Peñera vs. Comelec—which held that a person who files a certificate of candidacy is not a candidate until the start of the campaign period—cannot be applied on manual elections like the 2023 BSKE as the law interpreted by the Supreme Court pertained to automated elections.

“Gusto ko po i-clarify sa lahat ng kandidato na pag nag-file po kayo ng candidacy niyo sa August 28 hanggang September 2, kayo po ay considered na’ng kandidato agad. Hindi po namin ia-apply ang Peñera versus Comelec,” Garcia said.

[Let me just clarify that all those who would file their certificates of candidacy from August 28 to September 2, you will be considered candidates already. The Peñera versus Comelec (case) won’t apply to you.]

He stressed that the Comelec will be “inutile” in combating premature campaigning if they apply the SC decision on manual elections.

“Pagka po nagkaganoon ang interpretasyon namin, magiging inutil po ang Comelec. Ang campaign period sa October 19 pa e. Ibig sabihin mula sa filing hanggang October 18 pwede sila mag-ikot, [makipag-kamay], mamigay ng mga posters, walang magagawa ang Comelec?” he emphasized.

[If that would be applied, the Comelec will become inutile. The campaign period starts on October 19 yet. Does it mean that from the start of the filing period until October 18, they can go around, shake hands, give away posters and the Comelec cannot do anything?]

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you voting in the BSKE this October?

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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Bivalent vaccines for COVID-19 now available in Las Piñas City for qualified patients

July 28, 2023July 26, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government officially launched the administering of bivalent vaccines for COVID-19 specifically starting with the health workers, the senior citizens and other qualified patients, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. As of this writing, there are three sites in the city where qualified patients can visit to avail of the bivalent vaccines.

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

The Las Piñas City government has started administering bivalent vaccines against Covid-19 to health workers and senior citizens in the city on Wednesday, July 26.

Mayor Imelda Aguilar said, based on the advisory of the City Health Office (CHO), that all frontline health workers including their immediate family members aged 18 years-old and above can now receive the bivalent vaccine.

Aguilar said overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) bound for deployment within the next four months, along with senior citizens can also avail of the vaccine.

Individuals belonging to these groups can get vaccinated in any of the three vaccination sites designated by the city government — Robinsons Mall, SM Center, and Villages Square.

The above article ended stating that the administering of bivalent vaccines (for the 3^rd booster shot) is scheduled from 8AM to 4PM.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Las Piñas City resident, what is your reaction to this new development? If you are interested to avail of the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine, have you checked already if you are qualified? Do you think bivalent vaccines are still needed as COVID-19 infections have been minimal in recent times? Have you kept all your COVID-19 records?

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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Maldives lawmakers in Muntinlupa City

July 27, 2023July 25, 2023carlocarrasco

In the progressive city of Muntinlupa, the City Government hosted a delegation of lawmakers from Maldives who were on an official visit, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Mayor Rufino Biazon led the local officials in hosting them.

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

Lawmakers from Maldives, a country located in the Indian Ocean, visited Muntinlupa and met with officials led by Mayor Ruffy Biazon.

The delegation from Baa Atoll in the Maldives, led by council chief Ahmed Afrah, arrived in Muntinlupa for a working visit and study tour.

“We warmly welcome our friends from The Maldives delegation and we are privileged to share with them what we know about local governance in Muntinlupa,” Mayor Ruffy Biazon said.

He added, “They have come a long way to explore and learn more about the local government’s practices and gain more insights. We hope our visitors took away valuable lessons from us.”

After meeting Biazon, the Maldives officials attended the weekly session of the Muntinlupa City Council to learn about the city’s legislative procedures.

Atoll chief Ahmed Afrah also gave a privilege speech during the session, saying, “We are grateful for the very warm welcome and accommodation given us by the City Government, and we have learned a lot from the orderly way that the (Muntinlupa) council holds its regular session.“

The Maldives has a total population of 515,132 as of 2022, according to the Maldives Bureau of Statistics.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Do you wish to see more foreign lawmakers to visit Muntinlupa and learn from the local 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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Raided Las Piñas City firm files complaint against PNP

July 24, 2023July 21, 2023carlocarrasco

The firm in Las Piñas City that got raided responded by filing an ejectment case against the Philippine National Police (PNP), according to a news report by GMA Network. Take note that this is the same firm that the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) ordered to be shut down and there were foreign fugitives among those found during the raid (click here and here).

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

A firm that was involved in a police raid in Las Piñas City filed an ejectment case against the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday over their alleged continued stay at the compound.

“We filed the case because PNP had been continuously occupying the compound which is a private property, even after the expiration of the search warrants on July 7, 2023,” Christian Vargas, the legal counsel of the Xinchuang Network Technology, told GMA News Online.

Vargas said this is a “dangerous practice” and is a violation of the company’s constitutional right as it is being deprived of its property without due process.

“The duty of the PNP is to uphold and enforce the law and not take the law into its own hands. Nakakatakot ito kasi maari itong maging precedent in taking possession of a private property by our authorities by virtue of a search warrant,” he said.

(The duty of the PNP is to uphold and enforce the law and not take the law into its own hands. This is scary because this may set the precedent in taking possession of private property by our authorities by virtue of a search warrant.)

According to Vargas, Xinchuang sent several demand letters to police authorities asking them to vacate the premises, but they refused.

“They refused to leave the premises and instead made use of the same as their detention and holding facility for the foreigners still detained inside,” he said.

Vargas said the case was filed before a Las Piñas metropolitan trial court and will be raffled off.

GMA News Online has sought comment from the PNP but has yet to receive a response as of posting time.

On June 27, authorities implemented a search warrant over an alleged human trafficking situation in the compound. Police reported that 1,534 Filipinos and 1,190 foreigners were rescued.

Vargas has denied allegations of human trafficking or illegal activities taking place at Xhinchuang. He said that the business of the company is legitimate.

Court grants writ of habeas corpus

Meanwhile, the Las Piñas regional trial court granted the petition of the suspects arrested during the raid to be removed from state custody, according to a “24 Oras” report by Saleema Refran.

“Ang sinabi ng korte sa kanyang order is that their detention, continued detention inside the compound is illegal and the police as well as all the other agencies which are there have no reason for them to be detained inside,” Vergara said.

(The court said in their order that their detention, their continued detention inside the compound is illegal, and the police as well as all the other agencies which are there have no reason for them to be detained inside.)

According to the lawyer, the foreign nationals will remain in the country to face their charges. The hearings for the writ of habeas corpus they filed are scheduled for next week.

The PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) respects the court decision but said the “granting of the habeas corpus doesn’t necessarily follow that the case we have against these suspects is dismissed”.

“We respect the court’s decision. The granting of the habeas corpus doesn’t necessarily follow that the case we have against these suspects is dismissed. We will continue to fight until justice is served,” PNP-ACG Spokesperson Police Captain Michelle Sabino.

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 the PNP is at fault with regards to occupying the premises of the raided business? Do you think human trafficking really happened?

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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Pamplona Hospital and Medical Center officially accredited for Las Piñas City Green Card program

July 21, 2023July 19, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in Las Piñas City, the Pamplona Hospital and Medical Center has been accredited officially by the City Government for inclusion in the local Green Card program, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Patients of the Pamplona Hospital and Medical Center can now avail of the benefits included in Las Pinas City’s green card program after the hospital received its accreditation from the local government.

Mayor Imelda Aguilar said the city government added Pamplona Hospital and Medical Center to the growing list of accredited facilities for the green card program, citing it as a significant step towards enhancing health accessibility for its residents.

The green card program provides free hospitalization worth P30,000 to its residents, Aguilar said.

The inclusion of the hospital is set to further widen its reach and ensure better medical care for the city’s population, the mayor added.

The other hospitals in the city that are accredited to use the green card are Perpetual Help Medical Center-Las Piñas; Las Piñas Doctor’s Hospital, San Juan de Dios Hospital, Philippine General Hospital, and Las Piñas City Medical Center.

The mayor said the City Health Office (CHO) has outlined a smooth transition plan to integrate private hospitals into the green card program.

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 Green Card holders within your local community right now?

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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Another foreign fugitive found among those rescued in Las Piñas City raid

July 19, 2023July 17, 2023carlocarrasco

The developments related to the recent raid in Las Piñas City continues to be surprising as another foreign fugitive was identified among those who got rescued by the police, according to a GMA Network news report. Take note that previously there were other foreign fugitives uncovered.

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

Another Chinese fugitive was identified among the rescued workers from the raid in a Las Piñas City establishment in June, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Monday.

In a press briefing, PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said the fugitive was identified as one of the “big bosses” of the company that was raided by authorities over suspected illegal activities.

“Noong in-apply natin ang search warrant ay identified na po siya as one of the bosses po ng Hong Tai company,” Fajardo said.

(When we applied for a search warrant, he was already identified as one of the bosses of Hong Tai company.)

“Noong nag-background check na po ang embassy ay nalaman po natin, nagbigay po sila ng document na may warrant of detention na rin pala ito at lumalabas po noong chineck, isa pala siya doon sa mga big bosses ng company,” she added.

(We learned about it when the embassy conducted a background check and it gave us a document showing this person already has a warrant of detention.)

Four Chinese and three Taiwanese fugitives were previously discovered among the rescued workers. They were turned over to the Bureau of Immigration on July 7 for deportation.

On June 26, authorities implemented a search warrant in a compound in Las Piñas over an alleged human trafficking situation.

The police reported that 1,534 Filipinos and 1,190 foreigners were rescued from the raid.

According to Fajardo, authorities also discovered two minors — an Indonesian and a Malaysian — among the rescued workers.

On June 30, five Chinese suspects identified as Li Jiacheng, alias Li Jiachang, Xiao Liu, alias Xiao Lin, Yan Jiayong, alias Pan Wen Jie, Duan Haozhuan, and LP Hongkun, alias Li Yang, underwent inquest proceedings at the Department of Justice (DOJ).

But according to DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, the five Chinese were ordered to be released due to lack of evidence.

Remulla slammed the PNP’s Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG), which spearheaded the raid, for supposedly failing to coordinate with the DOJ before conducting the raid.

The suspects’ lawyer, Atty. Christian Vargas, said the five Chinese nationals are still under police custody despite a release order from the DOJ.

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 feeling concerned that there could be even more foreign fugitives among the many employees of the raided POGO?

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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