Hi everyone! It’s me again with another Barangay BF Homes community and South Metro Manila update for you all.
If you like playing bingo games and want to win a prize or two, then Tahanan Village in Parañaque City is your next destination as the Bingo Socials will be held there on October 12 at 5PM. The precise venue is the covered court of the village which is just a short walk away from the clubhouse of the Tahanan Homeowners Association (THA).
This is what a ticket of the Bingo Socials of CCTI looks like. (photo published with permission)
Organized by the Century Club of Tahanan, Inc. (CCTI), the Bingo Socials is a fund-raising event that will support the club’s upcoming projects.
According to Century Club of Tahanan, Inc. president Florencia Umali, tickets are currently available and still for sale. Tickets are priced at P50 each while the block-out tickets are sold at P100 each.
“We have ten games and two block-out (blackout) for the grand prize,” she said. Umali stressed that details about the prizes will be announced soon as they are still finalizing them.
For those of you who are living outside of Tahanan Village, here is the good news – non-residents (visitors) are welcome to enter the village, buy tickets and play in the Bingo Socials. If you are a non-resident driving a vehicle that does not have a Tahanan Village sticker, you just have to tell the village gate guard you will play in the bingo, then leave your ID card so that you can enter.
If you have inquiries or you intend to buy tickets and play in the bingo, contact CCTI president Florencia Umali now at mobile phone number 0920-9046732.
For the newcomers reading this, Century Club of Tahanan, Inc. is a private club of senior citizens who live inside Tahanan Village. The club is recognized by the the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs of Parañaque City (OSCA-Parañaque).
On Saturday, the BFSK (led by its chairperson Mariel Angela Tumang) organized not one but two seminars inside the Phase 1 gym along Pilar Banzon street, BF Homes subdivision, Parañaque City. The seminars, which were attended by one hundred and seventy youth from around the local communities, focused mainly on the topics of early pregnancy and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), STD (sexually transmitted diseases) and AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). For the lecturing, some officials from the barangay health centers as well as from the health department of the City Government of Parañaque arrived.
A view of one of the seminars.
Right from the start, the youth were engaged over a series of issues relevant to the main topics. They were asked questions about puberty such as when did they each notice pubic hair first growing on them, when did their voice change, how they dealt with sexual arousal, what where the bodily changes happening and the like.
With regards to HIV and AIDS recorded cases, official statistics from the City Department of Health – Epidemiology Bureau showed that from 1984 to present, Parañaque has 275 cases of males who had acquired HIV or AIDS due to having sex with males and females, 138 cases of male-female sex only, 594 cases of males having sex with females only, 2 cases of mother-to-child and 3 cases labeled unknown. Parañaque has a grand total of 1,012 HIV-AIDS cases recorded.
Registered nurse Glovie Marie Nunez of the hygiene clinic under the City Government’s Health Department explains STDs.
When it comes to transmission of HIV, AIDS and STDs, it was explained that using condoms does not guarantee 100% protection. It was stated that abstaining from sex is the safest way one can protect himself or herself from viruses. For the record, contraceptives and condoms are still made available through the local authorities for local residents to use even though such products are being sold through several retailers.
During my talk with her, registered nurse Glovie Marie Nunez confirmed that the City Government’s Health Department closely follows the standards of the Department of Health (DOH) and that contraceptives and condoms distributed by the high department are all imported from overseas sources.
More on the topic of STDs, there were graphic images of infected body parts – including the male and female organs – showing what they look like when infected by diseases acquired through sexual contact. I personally noticed some youth participants showing signs of discomfort from seeing the images. The others, meanwhile, were focused as they wanted to learn. Unsurprisingly, some advice was given so that they will know what to do so they can avoid STDs.
By the end of the seminars, the youth participants were enlightened and the guest speakers Glovie Marie Nunez, Markneil Santos and Richie Dayto were ceremoniously acknowledged by BFSK chairperson Tumang, the SK Kagawads and the SK officers.
The guest speakers, as well as a few other guests, showed the certificates they received from the BFSK after the seminars ended.
“We are happy that we had a good reception today as the turnout was within our targets. What is more important, however, is that the youth will apply into their respective daily lives what they learned,” Tumang said during my interview with her.
The next day, Tumang and the SK kagawads and officers went to Masville, Sampaloc Site II. Clinicville and Lagoon to organize the latest edition of their special project called Waste for Rice 3.0
The BFSK kagawads and officers with a portion of the many eco bricks they collected from local residents. (contributed photo)
The project was a trade between the BFSK and the local residents. It goes like this: a resident gives a 1.5 liter bottle filled with silver-coated sachets (this is called the eco brick) to the BFSK which in turn gives the resident one kilogram of rice grain. Under their rules, a resident can give away a maximum of five eco bricks to receive 5 kilograms rice grain.
You must be wondering how chairperson Tumang, SK kagawads Alma Galindo, Jerry Dalmero, Kelly Haboc, Irene Juanico, Anne Corre, Stephanie Sebullen, SK secretary Darrenz Fabros and SK treasurer Jefferson Ching performed with their project.
The result: two thousand eco bricks were received from the residents and two thousand kilograms of rice grain were given to the residents. These numbers were confirmed to me by BFSK chairperson Tumang.
The numbers, however, does not even include the eco bricks and rice grain exchanged at schools according to Tumang. She said there is still an amount that has yet to be counted as of this writing. That should translate to going beyond 2,000 eco bricks and 2,000 rice grain.
For each eco brick they collected, they gave a kilogram of rice grain. (contributed photo)
The next Waste for Rice activity of the BFSK will be held some time this December.
Overall, the weekend of September 28 and 29 was indeed highly productive for the BFSK whose officials really worked hard and performed their tasks independently from Barangay BF Homes (led by Captain Paolo Marquez who supports the BFSK).
No doubt about it. The BFSK is really performing its public service tasks, engaging the youth of Barangay BF Homes and literally sowing the seeds on developing the local communities with their projects and activities (with the youth in mind). The BFSK’s 2019 Linggo ng Kabataan event attracted more than 300 youth participants and their previous seminar (about suicide awareness) was also successful. They also proved to be compliant with the January 2019 Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) Number 1 which is no easy feat to do. Clearly Tumang and the SK Kagawads/officers are showing what the Reformed SK system of the nation is meant to be.
The youth council also has upcoming events people can look forward to such as the Smart-play Mobile Legends Tournament on October 6 at the Phase 1 gym. P17,500 in cash prizes are at stake. On October 19, they will organize the Mutya ng BF Homes also at the Phase 1 gym. This local beauty pageant is currently open to local residents who are willing to participate and to do so, they need to attend the pageant screening of candidates on October 5 at 1PM at the conference at Barangay Hall.
If you want to approach the BFSK, visit their office at the Barangay BF Homes hall along Elsie Gatches street.
Another view of the venue during the Saturday events.
In ending this piece, here is a scripture from the Holy Bible.
But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 19: 14 (NKJV)
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenoris still available in paperback and e-book format. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
The City of Parañaque is back in the news but not in a very ideal way. Rather news about the city are depressing as the City Government declared a state of calamity due to a rise of dengue cases. According to the City Government’s own health department, one thousand seven hundred and two cases of dengue were recorded for the period of January 1 to September 14 this year.
Think about it. 1,702 dengue cases in the city versus 1,174 cases in the city in the same period a year ago. That’s a jump of 44.97% in difference! That’s really sad news and no amount of diversion publicity, beauty pageants, careless journalism and showing off can take people’s minds off that. With its 1,702 dengue cases, Parañaque is now the 4th highest ranking city in terms of dengue cases among cities in the National Capital Region (NCR).
My sources at City Hall told me that their health department has been working to solve the problems. City Councilor Wahoo Sotto, meanwhile, has been going around the city informing people about dengue, what the facts are and what are the myths hounding people from realizing the facts. He recently visited Parañaque Elementary School Central and, as the guest of honor, he spoke about the dangers of dengue and what can be done to deal with it.
Going back to the City Government, the declaration of a state of calamity would allow officials of barangays (communities) in the city to release funds to boost the campaign against the disease. The city has a total of sixteen barangays and the most notable among them all is Barangay BF Homes which is led by chairman Paolo Marquez. Already the barangay took action against dengue.
For you, my readers as well as residents and stakeholders in Barangay BF Homes, I contacted captain Marquez directly for his views about the campaign against dengue. I asked him about the City Government’s support for the barangay regarding dengue prevention. His answer below.
“Yes, somehow the City Government provided assistance to us to minimize dengue,” said Captain Marquez. “However, we cannot just depend on them since we have to do whatever is necessary to minimize it.”
The barangay chief further stated that their fogging (fumigation by means of machine-generated fog to disinfect areas) and information campaigns about dengue has been done for some time already (even before the City’s state of calamity declaration was done) and they will continue to perform and serve until the epidemic dies down.
Of course, Barangay BF Homes is working even harder and making the hard adjustments.
“I’m recently acquiring additional chemical solutions as I anticipate this will go on for quite some time. I’m now looking also in the feasibility of acquiring additional machines to do the job, plus the fact that water-based misting has been rendered ineffective due to rain,” he said.
When Marquez mentioned misting, that instantly reminded me of the community wide misting service performed by the Tahanan Homeowners Association (THA) for the residents in Tahanan Village over at least the past few years. Misting is fumigation by means of liquid spray. I personally witnessed misting in the village.
Back to Barangay BF Homes, captain Marquez said he is focused on thermal fogging machines which, he believes, are effective and can protect the community from dengue even further.
As of this writing, it has been confirmed that Barangay BF Homes personnel have been doing fogging operations around the community. They have done it on key areas of depressed communities (or mission sites) and also in private subdivisions like BF NorthWest. The barangay itself is open to requests for services related to dengue prevention. You want your residential community or establishment to be cleared of dengue mosquitoes? Visit barangay hall along Elsie Gatches street as soon as possible.
Right now, the officials of the three cities of South Metro Manila – Parañaque, Las Piñas and Muntinlupa – are performing their respective duties on preventing dengue infections among the constituents, informing people to be knowledgeable about the dreaded disease. Of course, the City Governments and barangay units cannot do the tasks alone as they need help from the constituents. Did you spot a particular location near your residence that could be a potential breeding ground for dengue mosquitoes? Call the local authorities immediately.
For those of you who know someone who is already infected and suffering from dengue fever, take time out to read my article about the use of papaya leaf juice as a remedy. I did not write that piece out of the blue. Rather, a certain scientist I met during the networking night of the Israel Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ICCP)encouraged me to do a research on papaya leaf juice as the cure for dengue fever.
Dengue is a national problem here in the Philippines right now. Beware of bites from dengue-carrying mosquitoes.
For more updates on Barangay BF Homes and South Metro Manila, come back here.
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenoris still available in paperback and e-book format. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
Hundreds Avail of Health Services in Tahanan Village
This morning, three hundred people – composed of villagers and homeowners association employees – trooped to the village clubhouse to avail of paid varied health services during the Health Check-Up activity organized by Century Club of Tahanan and its partners in Tahanan Village, Barangay BF Homes, Parañaque City.
Century Club of Tahanan president Flor Umali assists some people.
Before the services started at 6AM, several people were spotted waiting to get in line to be served. Many of them availed of the P350 health package which was composed of good and bad cholesterol check, Triglycerides, Creatinine, SGOT, ECG, blood sugar count, total cholesterol count, BUN, Urice Acid, SGPT, CBC and urinalysis. Most of the attendees not only fasted for ten to twelve hours but also brought samples of their own urine.
Other health services offered were PSA, Hba1c, T3, T4, TSH and Na, K and Ci (electrolytes). Those who had their eyes checked availed of computerized eye refraction. Those who had their consultation with a doctor went on to avail of prescription drugs. Medical test results will be released on October 6.
A line of people waiting for their turn.Free food and coffee.
Century Club of Tahanan president Florencia Umali confirmed to me that her club was delighted that their health project was well attended and that those who availed of the services were satisfied.
“Our project was very nicely attended. Of course, this project would not have been made possible without the support of the Tahanan Homeowners Association board of directors, Barangay BF Homes captain Paolo Marquez, City Councilor Wahoo Sotto, Asian Hospital and the Alviar Laboratory,” Umali said.
Adding further zest to the project apart from the free food and free coffee (provided by the office of Councilor Wahoo Sotto) was a raffle draw which saw some fortunate winners going home happy.
Medicine on the table.
The Health Check-Up activity on September 28 was a project of the Century Club of Tahanan in coordination with the Tahanan Homeowners Association, Inc. (THA) which is in-charge of the venue.
On the afternoon of September 24, the City Government of Las Piñas posted via its official Facebook page its response to a report they received from people living at Ohanan Place in Barangay Almanza Uno regarding a key area (located beside the condominium) described as a massive dengue mosquito breeding ground.
The said area is a construction site.
As a result, Mayor Imelda “Mel” Aguilar issued orders to the City Health Office and the City Engineering Office to address the Ohana residents’ concern.
The City Health Office responded saying it has conducted an inspection (jointly done with Barangay Almanza Uno personnel) of the construction site which has stagnant water and, so far, a negative result for mosquito larvae was found.
The contractor of the construction site, who remains unidentified as of this writing, was asked by the City Health Office to clean the site. The City Engineering Office, which also organized its own inspection, asked the contractor to pump out the stagnant water immediately.
To put things in perspective, stagnant bodies of water serve as breeding spots for dengue mosquitoes. If left unchecked, those mosquitoes can multiply, fly around, bite and infect people and cause dengue fever.
Going back to the City Government, Mayor Aguilar and her daughter Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery requested their citizens to report immediately to the City Health Office or to their respective Barangays what could be possible spots in their local communities that may be breeding grounds for dengue mosquitoes. It was announced that local health centers are equipped with dengue testing kits for free to the residents.
Meanwhile, people who are already infected with dengue virus and are sick should consider using papaya leaf juice. Of course, consult with a doctor first or a medical expert who is experienced with papaya leaf juice as a cure.
The City Government of Parañaque declared on September 23 a state of calamity as already over 1,700 dengue cases have been recorded in the city from January 1 to September 14.
Dengue fever is a harsh condition that includes symptoms of high fever, vomiting, pains on the muscle and joints, headache, pain behind the eyes, fatigue and skin rash. The time it takes for a sufferer to recover from it is two to seven days. However, there have been a small number of cases in which dengue fever becomes severe (referred to as dengue hemorrhagic fever). The symptoms for severe dengue include low blood platelets, bleeding and blood plasma leakage. There is also dengue shock syndrome which includes low blood pressure.
Watch out for more South Metro Manila updates here.
However, if you are a reader based in South Metro Manila and you want to expose a possible dengue mosquito breeding ground or create awareness about dealing with dengue fever, please contact me via mobile phone at 0905-3350831 or send me an email at Carlo.Carrasco@gmail.com
Today, hundreds of people went to the Satellite Registration processing organized by the Commission on Elections – Parañaque City office (COMELEC-PQUE) at Robinsons Townville (part of Pergola Mall) service of the residents of Barangay BF Homes who want to register themselves as voters as well as local voters who want to adjust their statuses.
As it turned out, most of the people here waited to get in for the Satellite Registration than for shopping.
To put things in perspective, no less than Barangay BF Homes chairman Paolo Marquez confirmed to me that, indeed, the whole day process was requested by him and members of the Barangay Council which the COMELEC-PQUE agreed to. It is important to keep in mind that Barangay BF Homes is still the largest barangay in the city in terms of voters and it is easily the hot spot for mayoral and vice-mayoral candidates to campaign in when it comes to local elections. Barangay BF Homes is part of the city’s 2nd district.
In the morning, there already was a line of people before 8AM just outside the Elsie Gatches entry into Robinsons Supermarket BF Homes. Once opened, they entered and went up to the 2nd floor for the registration. The process was done in five steps: verification of valid IDs, recording/releasing of forms, interview for precinct assignment, capturing of biometrics and the thumb marking process (with the release of claim stub).
The way the situation is right now here in the Philippines, the next national and local elections won’t be held until May 2022. When it comes to the next Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan, the next election is currently set for May 2020 although there is an ongoing effort in Congress to have it postponed to May 2023 (a response to President Rodrigo Duterte’s request during his 2019 State of the Nation Address).
Barangay BF Homes SK chairperson Mariel Tumang assisted a youth applicant. The COMELEC accepted youth applicants aged 15 to 17-years-old and thanks to the BFSK, several youth they invited arrived and applied.A COMELEC-PQUE official helped some applicants with regards to filling up forms.
Going back to the Satellite Registration for Barangay BF Homes, COMELEC-PQUE personnel confirmed to me that they will only accept up to five hundred people who apply to get registered formally as voters or, in the case of voters, have their statuses adjusted (including status reactivation for voters who failed to vote in successive elections).
As I noticed today, there were several teenagers who lined up to get registered. This was because the COMELEC-PQUE opened voter registration to youth aged 15 to 17-years-old, plus the Sangguniang Kabataan of Barangay BF Homes (BFSK) invited youth from around the community to take advantage of the free service. This was confirmed to me by no less than BFSK chairperson Mariel Angela Tumang. I saw Tumang as well as BFSK Kagawads Irene Juanico and Stephanie Sebullen plus other barangay personnel help out. Free coffee was provided by the office of Parañaque City Councilor Wahoo Sotto.
Personnel from the office of Parañaque City Councilor Wahoo Sotto set up a coffee machine which provided free coffee to applicants.
There were a few curious shoppers who passed by and asked me what was going on. After I answered the question, they decided to try to get registered.
For more South Metro Manila and BF Homes developments, come back here soon.
On the floor of the Philippine Senate, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go presented his proposal to make barangay officials regular government employees which drew reactions from two key officials of Barangay BF Homes in Parañaque City today.
Specifically, Senator Go presented Senate Bill Number 391 (SB 391) otherwise titled the Magna Carta for Barangays. He stated that there is a lack of regular salaries for barangay officials who have a lot of duties and responsibilities in their respective communities. This prompted him to make better compensation and benefits a reality for them.
If SB 391 ever gets approved, the head of the barangay (captain/chairperson), the barangay kagawads (the barangay council), the Sangguniang Kabataan head (SK chairperson), the barangay secretary and the barangay treasurer will be entitled to salaries, emoluments, allowances (example: transportation allowance), the 13th month pay and other benefits.
Reactions in Barangay BF Homes
My exclusive July 14, 2019 file photo of Barangay BF Homes captain Paolo Marquez (center) with the SK Kagawads, SK officials and SK chairperson Mariel Tumang (4th from left).
“It’s a relief to us in terms of benefits,” Barangay BF Homes captain Marquez said to me. “However, they first must look into amending the local government code in general since some important provisions are quite outdated already in terms of barangay administration and governance in general.”
For BFSK chairperson Mariel Tumang, Go’s move was good news not only for her but for many others in the barangay. Whether SB 391 will pass or not, she confirmed to me that she and the SK kagawads will focus on organizing and accomplishing projects and activities not only this year but also next year. Public service fulfillment is the priority for Tumang and the BFSK. In recent times, the BFSK organized the local Linggo ng Kabataan event as well as a seminar.
Going back to the Philippine Senate, SB 391 outlines the basic priorities in each barangay that include regular supply of clean/potable water, public transportation availability, barangay halls, etc.
If anything comes up regarding this development, it will be posted here.
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenoris still available in paperback and e-book format. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
The Alabang Hills Village Association, Inc. (AHVA) announced that the annual Megarahe Sale: Ukay-Okay will be held again this year precisely on September 28 and 29 at the Community Center inside Alabang Hills, Muntinlupa City.
Specifically speaking, Megarahe Sale is a community oriented shopping event that emphasizes the concept of garage sales. The difference is that sellers can use one large community venue to sell their products, hence the words “Megarahe Sale”. The large venue set-up spares the neighbors from the common hassles (pedestrian and vehicular traffic, lack of parking, vehicular pollution) that come with the holding of a garage sale at a house.
At the Megarahe Sale, buyers can look forward to products for sale like bags, clothes, shoes, slippers, books and other household items. The AHVA confirmed that there will also be some stalls of food and beverages set up.
With regards to non-residents who want to visit and shop at the Megarahe Sale, the AHVA personnel confirmed to me that they are welcome to visit and all they need to do is just follow the rules when entering the village. This means non-resident motorists whose vehicles don’t have AHVA-issued car stickers can visit, drop a driver’s license at the village gate, receive a pass and enter.
The Megarahe Sale has been going on for many years now and that alone makes it clear it is a successful village event.
For more information, call landline numbers 850-8254 and 850-9631.
Scheduled for September 28, 2019 is the Health Check-Up activity of residents of Tahanan Village, Barangay BF Homes, Parañaque City. The activity will begin at 6AM and will end at 10AM and those who plan to avail of the services will have to go to the pool side of the village clubhouse where the village clinic is located at.
Currently offered is a package of services priced at P350 which includes good and bad cholesterol check, Triglycerides, Creatinine, SGOT, ECG, blood sugar count, total cholesterol count, BUN, Urice Acid, SGPT, CBC and urinalysis. All of those who intend to avail of the said services are advised to bring their own urine sample and ensure they fast for ten to twelve hours.
Other health services people can choose from are PSA, Hba1c, T3, T4, TSH and Na, K and Ci (electrolytes). There will also be a free computerized eye refraction service as well.
The results of the medical tests will be released on October 6 at the Tahanan Village clinic.
According to Century Club of Tahanan, Inc. president Florencia Umali, the office of Parañaque City Councilor Wahoo Sotto will provide free coffee while the office of Barangay BF Homes chairman Paolo Marquez will provide free servings of arroz caldo with eggs.
The Health Check-Up activity on September 28 is a project of the Century Club of Tahanan, Inc. in coordination with the Tahanan Homeowners Association, Inc. (THA) which is in-charge of the venue.
Prominently displayed along Aguirre Avenue inside BF Homes subdivision, Parañaque City is this sign emphasizing Philippine senior citizens’ entitlement to 20% discount and exemption from 12% value-added tax.
Are you a senior citizen whose benefit under the national law was denied by a local business? Are you aware of the benefits for senior citizens under Republic Act Number 9994 (Full title:An Act Granting Additional Benefits and Privileges to Senior Citizens, further amending Republic Act No. 7432, As Amended, Otherwise Known As “an Act To Maximize The Contribution Of Senior Citizens To Nation Building, Grant Benefits And Special Privileges And For Other Purposes. Short title:Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010) whenever you purchase food and/or beverage in a restaurant?
Why did I ask you these questions and mentioned RA 9994? It’s quite simple – a senior citizen in BF Homes, Parañaque City filed a formal complaint against a certain food joint which refused to grant him his exemption from the 12% Value-Added Tax (VAT) when he dined at the said joint.
Here is the story with details from documents I acquired.
On June 10, 2019, Jose Luis Matti and his daughter dined at a restaurant (clue: a burger joint whose business name will be revealed in due time) along Aguirre Avenue, BF Homes subdivision, Parañaque City. He ordered food and drinks and, under law, the discounts are limited only to food and drinks he ordered for his consumption as he is a senior citizen
The problem was that, according to Matti, the restaurant applied the 20% discount for senior citizens and yet denied him his mandated benefit of exemption from the VAT. In his June 17, 2019 letter addressed to restaurant’s owner, Matti said that the restaurant personnel he encountered on June 10 claimed they were instructed (by the owner) not to give him the 12% VAT exemption. Photocopies of the receipts were included on the said letter.
As a result, Matti filed a formal complaint against the restaurant at the Office of Senior Citizen Affairs of Parañaque City (OSCA-Parañaque) urging officer-in-charge Dante Pacheco to take action against the food joint (as per his July 12, 2019 letter to Pacheco received by the said office).
A hearing between Matti and the food joint’s owner will happen very soon at OSCA’s office at Parañaque City Hall.
I visited the restaurant along Aguirre Avenue inside BF Homes to try to meet the owner and get feedback directly from him but the personnel told me over the counter that their boss was out of town.
Understanding the legal aspect
It is stated under RA 9994 (Rule IV, Article 7) that senior citizens shall be entitled to the grant of twenty percent (20%) discount and to an exemption from the value-added tax (VAT), IF APPLICABLE, on the sale of the goods and services covered by Section 1 to 6 of this Article, from all establishments for the exclusive use and enjoyment or availment of senior citizens.
Section 3 (Rule IV, Article 7) includes restaurants, hotels, recreational centers, places of leisures and funeral services with regards to the above mentioned 20% discount and VAT exemption.
Item b (under Section 3, Rule IV, Article 7) focuses on restaurants. It states that the discount shall be for the purchase of food, drinks, dessert, and other consumable items served by the establishments offered for the consumption of the general public.
Item c states for Dine-in services under paragraphs (a) and (b) of Section 3, and Section 4, paragraph 2 of Article 7,the privilege must be personally availed of by the senior citizen as defined under these Rules, and no proxies or authorization in favor of another person who is not a senior citizen will be honored.
Item e states Food, drinks and other consumable items provided in Section 3 (a) and (b), and Section 4, paragraph 2 of Article 7 purchased by the senior citizen shall be processed separately as an independent transaction from his/her non-eligible companions to ensure that it is his/her exclusive consumption and to enable computation of the 20% discount and the exemption from the Value Added Tax (VAT), which only the senior citizen is entitled to.
However, if the group of diners is composed entirely of senior citizens, all of whom present valid senior citizens IDs, each shall be entitled to a 20% discount and exemption from Value Added Tax.
Conclusion
This is an ongoing community development and if any breakthroughs happen, an update will be posted.
+++++++++++
UPDATE!
The hearing between Mr. Matti and the restaurant at the Office of Senior Citizen Affairs of Parañaque City (OSCA-Parañaque) at City Hall scheduled for August 20, 2019 did not push through due to the absence of the restaurant owner.
As such, the hearing will have to be rescheduled.
The restaurant accused in this conflict is Big Brat Burger.
