Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, over three thousand qualified patients availed of the bivalent vaccines for COVID-19 as of July 28, 2023, 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…
The Muntinlupa City government has administered the bivalent Covid-19 vaccine to 3,026 people while its number of active cases totaled two.
Data from the city government showed that as of July 28, there were 2,139 people who received the Pfizer bivalent vaccine under the A1 category or healthcare workers and overseas Filipino workers who will be deployed within the next four months.
In addition, 866 senior citizens under the A2 category were administered the vaccine while 21 under A3 (adults with comorbidities and pregnant women) received it.
Eligible people can get the third booster dose at least four months after getting their second booster shot.
On the other hand, Muntinlupa’s active Covid-19 cases totaled two as of July 31, an increase of one case from the July 24 tally.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? If you are a qualified patient, do you intend to avail of the bivalent vaccine shot for COVID-19? Do you consider COVID-19 a serious problem locally?
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
Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government announced that it will be giving shoes, bags and supplies to local students enrolled in public schools via the Balik Eskwela Packages 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…
The Muntinlupa City government will provide free Balik Eskwela Packages to all students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 in public schools.
Mayor Ruffy Biazon said each Balik Eskwela Package contains leather shoes, school bags and school supplies consisting of notebooks, pencils (for Kindergarten to Grades 1 to 3) and ball pens (for Grades 4 to 12).
In the past months, the Muntinlupa City government asked schools and teachers to submit the shoe sizes of their students.
The Balik Eskwela Packages will be distributed to the students at the start of classes this year.
Biazon said the packages are part of his Karunungan (Knowledge) component of his 7K Agenda which he announced during his State of the City Address last March.
He also thanked the City Council for passing the budget that included allotment for the Balik Eskwela Packages.
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 the support from the City Government sufficient for the public school students?
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
Recently Las Piñas City Representative Camille Villar emphasized government-backed early detection programs and ways on helping women deal with breast cancer, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
Deputy Speaker and Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar on Tuesday reiterated her call for the government to intensify its early detection programs, and promote easier access to preventive screening against breast cancer to save the lives of Filipino women.
“With the alarming growth of breast cancer cases in the Philippines, there is a need to strengthen dedicated programs against breast cancer, and to allocate adequate budgetary support for programs involving early detection in hospitals and at the local level,” Villar said in a statement.
Citing data from the World Health Organization, she noted that in 2020, there were 86,484 total cancer cases in the Philippines, of which 27,163 breast cancer cases.
She pointed out that in the same year, breast cancer claimed the lives of 9,926 Filipino women, making it the third most fatal type of cancer afflicting Filipinos, just behind lung and liver cancer.
The Philippines had the highest rate of breast cancer in Asia and the ninth highest in the world in 2019, with the disease often diagnosed already in advanced stages.
She said an estimated 70 percent of breast cancer cases also affect indigent women, making it more difficult for them to fight off the dreaded disease.
“There is a seeming absence of comprehensive screening programs especially in far-flung areas, thereby depriving women to seek immediate early screening or medical help,” Villar said.
In view of this, Villar has filed House Resolution No. 1023 urging the appropriate House Committees to look into the increasing number of breast cancer cases in the country with the intent of promoting early detection programs and increasing breast cancer awareness.
She also called on her colleagues to pass a separate measure seeking to establish a special assistance fund dedicated for cancer patients, particularly the indigents and underprivileged Filipinos who need all the support from the government.
In her House Bill No. 5686, or the Cancer Medicine and Treatment Fund for Filipinos, Villar seeks the institutionalization of a PHP10-billion fund to support needy Filipino families in the battle against cancer.
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? Are you convinced that Representative Villar’s proposals for government-backed measures on dealing with breast cancer and early detection programs are justified? Are you convinced that breast cancer is a very serious issue in the country right now?
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
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?
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government announced through its official Facebook page that it has expanded the Green Card program to make healthcare services more accessible to the residents. This also includes the updating of the list of accredited facilities that the said program covers.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the City Government’s Facebook post of July 28, 2023. Some parts in boldface…
the City Local Government of Las Piñas proudly announces the expansion of its flagship Green Card Program. Led by the City Health Office, this pioneering initiative has been providing substantial subsidies for hospital bills and diagnostic services, significantly easing the financial burden on individuals seeking medical treatment.
Recognizing the importance of comprehensive healthcare coverage, the City of Las Piñas has updated its list of accredited facilities under the Green Card Program. This expansion aims to cater to a diverse range of medical needs, ensuring that all residents can access quality medical services without financial constraints across the city.
Green Card Accredited Hospitals: 1. Perpetual Help Medical Center 2. Las Piñas Doctors Hospital
3. Las Piñas City Medical Center 4. San Juan De dios Hospital 5. Philippine General Hospital 6. Pamplona Hospital & Medical Center 7. Christ the King Medical Center – Unihealth Las Piñas
Green Card Accredited Diagnostic Center: 1. Hi-Precision Diagnostics
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? Are there many people in your local community who are Green Card holders? Do you hope to see the City Government add more healthcare facilities into the Green Card program in the near future?
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
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?
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?
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
For the newcomers reading this, over the past years a notable number of Square Enix games were released without versions on Xbox consoles. It is already out in the open that Sony had been signing deals with game publishers and developers to exclude Xbox consoles and Xbox Game Pass so that the PlayStation platforms will gain the competitive edge (click here and here). This seems evident in Square Enix’s announcement of Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Collection coming to multiple platforms except Xbox.
Going to what happened this past weekend, almost out of nowhere Xbox chief Phil Spencer appeared alongside Square Enix CEO Takashi Kiryu and Square Enix video game producer Naoki Yoshida (AKA Yoshi-P) on stage during a Las Vegas event and symbolically confirmed the renewal of their business relationship. Adding credibility to the renewal was the announcement of Final Fantasy XIV for Xbox Series X and Xbox Series.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the Tweet from Xbox chief Phil Spencer himself…
Out of nowhere, today, Square Enix was joined on stage by Microsoft Gaming CEO and Xbox lead Phil Spencer to reveal that Final Fantasy 14: A Realm Reborn is finally coming to Xbox consoles in 2024.
Final Fantasy 14 is one of the best MMORPGs on the market, and one of the only credible alternatives to World of Warcraft, an MMO that Microsoft is poised to soon own with the Activision-Blizzard deal likely going through. FF14 has brought some serious competition to WoW in recent years, forcing Blizzard to up its game. It seems Square Enix isn’t taking that lying down either, announcing its own fresh expansion coming next summer, dubbed Dawntrail.
Additionally, incoming Square Enix CEO Takashi Kiryu had some warm things to say about Xbox that fans will no doubt be eager to hear (via Nova_Crystallis). Kiryu praised Phil Spencer for his “support” in bringing Final Fantasy 14 to Xbox. I believe Microsoft had to revert some of its long-standing Windows store policies around third-party content delivery networks in order to help get FF14 onto Xbox, and Spencer was naturally likely instrumental in getting that policy change through. Surprisingly, Kiryu also said that “with today’s announcement, and wherever possible, we are planning to bring our games to Xbox.”
“First off, I have thank you Phil-san for making the Xbox version of FF14 a reality. This is a project that would not have been possible without Spencer’s support. Please give him the biggest round of applause. As CEO of Square Enix, we want to continue to deliver fabulous games to fans across the globe. We want to welcome the Xbox community as well. Starting with today’s announcement and whenever possible we are planning to bring our games to Xbox for players to enjoy. Final Fantasy XIV is only going to get bigger and better. So I hope Xbox players give it a try.” – Takashi Kiryu, Square Enix CEO
Xbox lead Phil Spencer also emphasized that he looks forward to “building” on the relationship that brought Final Fantasy 14 to Xbox, and wants to partner with Square Enix on future games as well.
Indeed the renewal of ties between Xbox and Square Enix is a very positive breakthrough that will benefit not only the many millions of Xbox gamers (including those using Windows PC) worldwide but for video gaming as a whole. While Square Enix still has contracts signed with PlayStation still in effect, they and Team Xbox can collaborate on other available games for Xbox release. Whatever feelings you have towards the company behind the Final Fantasy games, this development opens the possibilities of releasing Legend of Mana games and a potential remaster of Xenogears on Xbox platforms. There is also the potential that Team Xbox can sign new deals with the Japanese titan to release more of its games on Xbox Game Pass (XGP).
While Final Fantasy XIV Online’s Xbox launch is still some time away, Xbox gamers have a lot to enjoy along the way with exclusives such as Starfield and Forza Motorsport (2023). Looking at the Xbox ecosystem as a whole, the renewed Xbox-Square Enix ties means more games from the Japanese titan will be released in the near future. Square Enix’s RPGs – both modern and classic – will add weight to Xbox as the ecosystem for RPG fans. That being said, I encourage you Xbox gamers to watch out for SE’s future releases. Also you might want to try the existing Square Enix RPGs still available on the Xbox store such as Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition.
Final Fantasy XIV Online on Xbox
To gain a deeper understanding of the Final Fantasy XIV Online announcement, posted below is the excerpt from the Xbox.com article. Some parts in boldface…
After much anticipation, it’s finally confirmed – critically acclaimed MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV Online is officially coming to Xbox Series X|S.
First announced at the Final Fantasy XIV Fan Fest 2023 in Las Vegas by FFXIV Producer and Director Naoki Yoshida and CEO of Microsoft Gaming Phil Spencer, let’s break down the announcement and reveal and what it means for Xbox gamers now that one of gaming’s most welcoming communities is set to get even bigger!
What is Final Fantasy XIV Online? – Firstly, if you’re not familiar with Final Fantasy XIV Online, as the name would suggest, it’s the fourteenth mainline game in the highly esteemed Final Fantasy series. As with all mainline numbered Final Fantasy games however, each entry is a standalone game that doesn’t require any previous experience with the franchise. If you’ve never played a Final Fantasy game before, FFXIV is the perfect place to jump in!
FFXIV takes place in the world of Hydaelyn – a vibrant planet blessed by the Light of the Crystal. Amid azure seas, encompassing the westernmost of the Three Great Continents, there lies a realm embraced by gods and forged by heroes. Her name — Eorzea. It is here that your tale begins to unfold. Beckoned by the Mothercrystal — the source of all life — you must embark upon a quest to deliver the land from an eternity of Darkness.
As an online massively multiplayer role-playing game, FFXIV offers a realm where you and 27 million adventurers worldwide can embark on epic quests together. Filled with bustling cities, towering forests, and deadly deserts, FFXIV’s constantly updated, and ever-engaging world takes you to the far reaches of the land and beyond, with a captivating and ongoing story. But it isn’t just about defeating massive monsters with your personalized Warrior of Light. You can also gather materials and craft items, enjoy series staples including Chocobos, Moogles, and Airships, enjoy a day of mini-games and mahjong at the Gold Saucer, and even buy a house.
Your adventure, played your way! – If all this sounds a bit overwhelming, never fear! Though initially designed to be played online with others, FFXIV includes a feature called the Duty Support system that enables tackling content with a party of NPC allies as opposed to other players. In fact, by the time the open beta launches it’ll be possible to complete all the main story dungeons from A Realm Reborn through Endwalker solo, enabling you to comfortably experience the stories of Eorzea on their own.
When can I play it…and what have I heard about a Free Trial? – Final Fantasy XIV Online is set to launch in open beta on Xbox Series X|S as part of the Patch 6.5x series, which means you can expect it very soon indeed! Alongside 4K support on Xbox Series X, both consoles will enjoy fast loading times, making sure your time in Eorzea looks and plays great.
Additionally, you may have seen some copypasta lurking around the internet pertaining to a certain free trial… well, rest assured, the Final Fantasy XIV Online Expanded Free Trial will indeed be coming to Xbox Series X|S, meaning you too will be able to enjoy the entirety of A Realm Reborn as well as the award-winning Heavensward and Stormblood expansions up to level 70 with no restrictions on playtime!
In concluding this post, posted below are Xbox-related videos for your enjoyment.
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?
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
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?
Author Carlo Carrasco 