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Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA) expresses concern over Philippines’ digital tax and regulations

November 6, 2024October 28, 2024carlocarrasco

The Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA) – a Washington, DC-based group whose members include several prominent technology companies – expressed concern over the Philippines’ 12% value-added tax (VAT) on foreign digital services plus rules on online transactions, 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…

US-based tech giants are worried that the 12-percent value-added tax (VAT) to be collected from digital services providers (DSPs), plus more stringent rules on internet transactions under two new Philippine laws, could make it harder for global firms to operate here.

While this law imposing VAT on DSPs does not discriminate between US non-resident DSPs (or other foreign DSPs) and local DSPs, industry is concerned that (its) implementing rules and regulations, which are currently being developed, could impose unworkable requirements on foreign DSPs similar to what has happened for [non-resident] income-tax payers,” the Washington, DC-based Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA) told the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) in an Oct. 17 submission for its 2025 National Trade Estimate (NTE) Report on Foreign Trade Barriers, which also covers digital trade.

CCIA is referring to Republic Act (RA) No. 12023 enacted into law by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. last October, whose implementing guidelines are due before this year ends in order to collect VAT next year.

CCIA’s member-companies include Amazon, Apple, Cloudflare, Coupang, eBay, Google, Intel, Meta, Opera, Pinterest, Rakuten, TSMC, Uber and X (formerly Twitter), among other global tech firms.

Arlington, Virginia-based Consumer Technology Association (CTA) also flagged RA 12023 as a barrier to US electronic commerce in its USTR submission, citing that this new Philippine law encompasses not only digital goods and marketplaces but also cloud services as well as online advertising, media and search engines.

Back in 2021, the Washington-based multilateral lender International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned that slapping digital services taxes (DSTs) may “open the door to retaliatory trade measures” from the US, as it did with India’s DST.

CCIA pointed out to the USTR that implementation of the Income Tax Convention of 1976, in which both the Philippines and the US are parties, has been “challenging” due to “complex and burdensome documentation procedures” or so-called request for confirmation (RFC) required by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) from income taxpayers.

“The BIR has not established standard processing timelines, and businesses are subsequently required to wait indefinitely without any commitment toward a resolution of the filing. These requests are required of all US non-resident service providers operating in the Philippines and, therefore, this policy is not limited to digital services and impacts members of all industries seeking to provide their services and goods to the Philippine market,” CCIA noted.

CCIA added that the BIR revenue memorandum circular (RMC) issued in January of this year “added further confusion to income-tax obligations of non-resident suppliers of cross-border services.”

Referring to RMC No. 5-2024, CCIA said it “appears to depart from established principles of income taxation of cross-border services (using the place where the services are performed to determine if the transaction is income-taxable) and treats the place of receipt of the services as being crucial in determining the taxability of the transaction.”

As such, CCIA called upon the Philippine government and the BIR, in particular, to hold comprehensive industry consultations, “including with US non-resident service providers, to clarify the income-tax position under Philippine law in line with well-recognized and established international practices.”

Like CCIA, the also Washington-based National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) bewailed in its comment to the USTR that “there is significant ambiguity on how long the BIR will take to review the RFC and there is no guarantee of a positive outcome.”

“Such requests have to be made by each and every income payor (customers) of US non-resident service providers selling to the Philippines,” NFTC lamented.

Also, CCIA expressed concern about the Internet Transactions Act signed by President Marcos Jr. last year.

“Industry is concerned that the [Internet Transactions Law] would introduce obstructive requirements on electronic commerce platforms to have regulatory oversight such as mandatory collection of valid business certificates of merchants and subsequent submission to the government authority,” CCIA explained

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the national government should respond to the concerns of the CCIA? Do you think the digital tax and current laws will turn away technology giants?

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

Two persons arrested in Parañaque City for illegal drugs worth P306,000

November 5, 2024October 28, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, two persons were apprehended by the local police as a result of a drugs buy-bust operation, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The seized illegal substances were worth over P300,000.

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

Two individuals suspected of drug-related offenses were apprehended during a buy-bust operation executed by the Parañaque Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit, resulting in the seizure of shabu valued at P306,000 on Sunday, October 27.

According to the Southern Police District (SPD), the suspects, known by the aliases “Marty,” aged 54, and “Emely,” aged 30, were taken into custody at approximately 4:00 p.m. in Barangay San Antonio, Parañaque City.

The SPD reported that the operation culminated in the confiscation of 45 grams of shabu, amounting to P306,000, along with a P500 bill utilized as buy-bust money, a coin purse, and a mobile phone.

Following their arrest, the suspects were held at the police custodial facility and are facing charges for violations of Sections 5 and 11 of RA 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that the illegal drug trade will worsen within the city?

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

Las Piñas City Mayor expresses thanks to local rescuers and volunteers who worked during Typhoon Kristine

November 4, 2024October 28, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, Mayor Imelda Aguilar expressed her thanks to the local rescuers and volunteers who took part in helping almost five hundred families whose lives were severely disrupted by Typhoon Kristine, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar thanked rescuers and volunteers for swiftly acting to evacuate 489 families affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

Aguilar was grateful to the rescuers composed of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), the City Health Office (CHO), the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), and volunteers for immediately evacuating residents who were staying in low-lying areas and bringing them to evacuation centers.

She said Vice Mayor April Aguilar led the distribution of essential aid, like modular tents to evacuees, cooked meals, and relief items to families affected by Kristine.

The mayor said families at the evacuation sites were also given prophylactic medicine for leptospirosis, distributed vitamins, free medical check-ups, and essential medications and face masks by the CHO team led by Dr. Julie Gonzalez.

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 local rescuers and volunteers did a good job helping the typhoon victims? Do you wish to the see the City Government focus more on flood-prevention programs?

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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8 illegal aliens who were arrested in Alabang will be deported

November 4, 2024November 2, 2024carlocarrasco

The eight illegal aliens – seven Chinese nationals and one Vietnamese citizen – who were recently arrested inside Ayala Alabang Village, Muntinlupa City, will soon be deported by the Bureau of Immigration (BI), according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). All of the suspects were found to be undocumented and also under suspicion of scamming.

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

The eight foreigners apprehended for illegally staying in the country at a village in Muntinlupa City are set for deportation, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said Friday.

Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, in a news release, said seven Chinese nationals and a Vietnamese national were arrested by operatives of the BI’s intelligence division along three streets inside the village on Oct. 22.

“The homeowner association representatives of the Ayala Alabang Village were very helpful in helping us verify target areas,” he said in statement.

All of them were found to be undocumented — two of whom were also found to be overstaying while one was suspected to be an illegal entrant.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) earlier reported that items used for online scamming were seized from the suspects.

Viado noted that they have received information that smaller “pockets” of scamming hubs are forming after the closure of big Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hubs in the country.

“We have found reason to file deportation cases against them. They will be considered undesirables once their cases are resolved, and face deportation,” the BI chief added.

The operation was conducted with the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) and the NBI National Capital Region (NCR).

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you delighted that the local authorities arrested the illegal aliens and prevented them from proceeding with scams? Do you think there are small groups from POGOs that could be secretly operating 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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Chinese nationals arrested in Parañaque City for various violations

November 3, 2024October 27, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, three Chinese nationals got apprehended by the local police for different violations that include illegally possessing guns and violating the land transportation code, 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…

Three Chinese nationals were arrested by members of the Parañaque City Police Tambo Substation for illegal possession of drugs, firearms and for violations of the land transportation and traffic code on Thursday, October 24.

Southern Police District (SPD) Director Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang said the suspects, identified as alias “Zhenhua,” 30, alias “Zhi,” 29, and alias “Miu,” 26, were arrested at around 7:58 a.m.

They were spotted by patrolling policemen acting suspiciously and changing the plate number of two vehicles.

The police said that when requested to present documents for the two vehicles, the suspects failed to show any and attempted to flee leading to a brief chase and to their eventual arrest.

The police recovered from Zhenhua 25 grams of shabu worth P197,000 and one Bersa caliber .380 pistol. The same amount of shabu was also recovered from alias Zhi. Alias Miu yielded P120,000 worth of marijuana and a .9mm pistol.

The police also recovered from the suspects six different license plates and tools including handcuffs and shovels.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there are still a lot of Chinese nationals violating laws within the city? What do you think makes Parañaque such a hot spot of criminal activities involving Chinese nationals?

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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Eight foreigners (suspected scammers) arrested inside Ayala Alabang Village

November 2, 2024October 24, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, eight foreigners – seven Chinese nationals and one Vietnamese citizen – suspected for scamming got arrested inside a house in Ayala Alabang Village as a result of an operation by elements of the Bureau of Immigration (BI), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), according to a Malaya Business Insight news report.

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

SEVEN Chinese and a Vietnamese suspected as scammers were arrested in an operation in Ayala Alabang Village in Muntinlupa City, the Department of Justice said yesterday.

In a statement, the DOJ said the operation, carried out with the Bureau of Immigration, National Bureau of Investigation and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, stemmed from information provided by residents and corroborated by intelligence regarding the presence of the foreigners in the posh village.

The DOJ said three Chinese were initially nabbed, two of whom were found to be overstaying in the country, while the other one could not present any documentation.

It said one of the three served for a time as a manager of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Porac, Pampanga.

“Upon entry, there was a live computer operated by a Chinese individual. When read by an interpreter, the screen showed scripts used in a standard phishing scam,” the DOJ said, adding operatives also found a voice-over IP, an equipment usually used in telephone scams to avoid detection.

Four Chinese and the Vietnamese were later arrested.

The DOJ said four failed to present documentation and were considered illegally staying in the country.

“One Chinese national, though not lacking in documentation, is suspected to have harbored the illegal aliens in violation of immigration laws,” the DOJ 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 concerned that scammers from overseas could be living somewhere in your local community secretly doing illegal operations? Do you think that foreign POGO workers could be secretly staying in your village right now? Do you think the seven arrested Chinese nationals could be spies of Communist China?

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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Economy of the Philippines to keep growing above 6% in 2024 and 2025

November 1, 2024October 24, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently, an economist predicted that the economy of the Philippines will keep growing above 6% this year and next year, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

The Philippine economy is expected to remain one of the fastest growing economies in the region, with growth likely settling at above 6 percent for 2024 and 2025.

In his economic and market outlook released on Tuesday, BPI senior vice president and lead economist Emilio Neri Jr. said economic growth will likely hit 6.1 percent this year and further accelerate to 6.3 percent in 2025.

“The Philippine economy has been resilient despite significant headwinds like severe El Niño and devastating typhoons, still managing to grow by 6% in the first half of 2024,” Neri said.

“Looking ahead, the Philippine economy will likely continue to outperform in the region, supported by its strong consumer base,” he added.

Neri expects headline inflation to ease to 3.2 percent in 2024 and further decelerate to 2.8 percent in 2025.

“Inflation is expected to be more manageable in the coming year given the improving prospects of food supply. With El Niño now behind us and the potential increase in production, along with tariff reductions, rice may become more affordable,” he said.

Neri said lower inflation may help boost consumption in the coming year, while election-related spending could also further stimulate economic activity.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the economy of the Philippines has enough momentum to exceed the growth forecasts of the economists for 2024 and beyond? Do you think the Philippines can do a better job on attracting more foreign investors soon?

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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Man arrested in Parañaque City for stealing motorcycle and carrying a replica gun

October 31, 2024October 21, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, a man who stole motorcycle was arrested by the police who in turn responded to a victim who sought their assistance, 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 drug suspect was arrested by patrolling members of the Parañaque city police Substation 2 on Sunday, October 20.

According to the Southern Police District (SPD), the suspect identified as alias “Oliver,” 33 ws arrested at around 1:10 a.m. along Roxas Boulevard, Southbound, Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City.

Investigation showed the victim, a female call center agent was seen by patrolling policemen who was frantically signaling for assistance.

The victim told police that she was threatened by the suspect with firearm and forcibly took her motorcycle.

The police said operatives from Substation 2 immediately responded and with the (victim’s) assistance was able to block and apprehended the fleeing suspect.

Recovered from the suspect were 20 grams of shabu worth P136,000, a replica .45 caliber pistol and the stolen motorcycle.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be more individuals who threaten people using replica guns and take away their possessions?

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

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Las Piñas City Councilor Santos asks DENR to authorize P103.8 billion Las Piñas-Parañaque reclamation plan

October 31, 2024October 24, 2024carlocarrasco

In recent times, Las Piñas City Councilor and congressional candidate Mark Santos formally asked the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to authorize the Las Piñas-Parañaque Coastal Bay Reclamation Project of the national government which is worth over P100 billion, according to a Manila Standard news report.

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

Las Piñas City Councilor and congressional candidate Mark Anthony Santos asked the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to authorize the P103.8-billion Las Piñas-Paranaque Coastal Bay Reclamation Project of the national government.

Santos said the clearance to proceed with the project remained unresolved by the members of DENR’s Protective Area Management Board, despite the SC decision three years ago.

“The status of the project remains at the detailed engineering stage,” he said.

Santos said that in an en banc decision on Oct. 21, 2021, the Supreme Court, voting 11-2, approved the reclamation project of around 530 hectares of the Manila Bay coastline in Las Piñas- Parañaque, ruling that the supposed threat to environment was not sufficiently established.

Alltech Contractors proposed the project to develop 321.26 hectares of land in Las Piñas and 174.88 hectares in Parañaque, both along the coastline of Manila Bay in 2009. The Philippine Reclamation Authority approved the project in 2010 subject to compliance to environmental rules.

Alltech submitted an amended environmental performance report management plan (EPRMP) in December that year and expanded the project to cover 203.43 hectares in Parañaque and 431.71 hectares in Las Piñas.

The DENR-Environmental Management Bureau issued the environmental compliance certificate (ECC) for the project In March 2011, after Alltech Contractors submitted scientific and expert studies that assessed the potential flooding and flushing impact that may arise from the coastal bay project.

The SC decision suggests that the city government of Las Piñas may proceed with the reclamation project despite residents’ objections, said Santos.

Santos said the city councils of Las Piñas and Parañaque issued the corresponding resolutions authorizing their respective city mayors to explore the proposal under a joint venture agreement (JVA).

The cities of Las Piñas and Parañaque eventually accepted Alltech’s proposal, and the parties executed their respective JVAs, he said.

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 it is high-time for the reclamation in Las Piñas to proceed?

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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4th Asian Youth Games (AYG) set for September 7 to 17, 2025 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan

October 31, 2024October 29, 2024carlocarrasco

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) announced that the 4^th Asian Youth Games (AYG) will take place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan from September 7 to 17, 2025.

A total of 24 sports have been confirmed for the AYG which goes as follows: Athletics, Basketball, Cycling, Football and Futsal, Hand to Fight, Karate, Sambo, Volleyball, Aquatics, Belbolgi Kurash, Chess, Gymnastics, Judo, Kurash, Triathlon, Weightlifting, Boxing, Canoe, Fencing, Handball, Jiu-Jitsu, Rowing, Taekwondo and Wrestling.

As per the OCA Constitution, athletes in the age group of 14 to 17 years will only be allowed to participate in the AYG. This is being done in order for these athletes to participate in the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games.

To compete in the Youth Olympic Games (YOG), athletes must be 15 to 18 years old as of 31 December in the year of the Games. The OCA aims to prepare future AYG athletes for the YOG, which is why it has aligned age limits with the YOG criteria. This allows National Olympic Committees (NOCs) to adequately prepare their athletes for participation in the YOG.

The OCA states that athletes should be born not before 2008 and not after 2011 and should be between 14 to 17 years of age as of 31st December 2025.

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