Philippines blog – Page 125 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Setback did not stop growing nationwide support for “Love the Philippines” campaign of DOT

August 15, 2023August 13, 2023carlocarrasco

Not even the embarrassment that hit the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) “Love the Philippines” slogan previously could stop its momentum as support for it nationwide grew, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. To say the least, there were hundreds of local government units (LGUs) and other stakeholders that confirmed support for “Love the Philippines” campaign.

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

Nearly 900 local government units and stakeholders across the country have so far adopted the “Love the Philippines” campaign, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said Thursday.

In her remarks during the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) general meeting in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco confirmed anew that the country will carry the slogan amid the previous issue with the advertising agency that conceptualized the campaign.

“Love the Philippines is an effort on the part of our national government to remind our fellow Filipinos that there is so much to love about our country. We are only one of the 18 mega biodiverse destinations in the world. We are a treasure trove of heritage, history, culture and the creative arts,” she said.

She said the campaign is a call to action to highlight “that if we love our country, we will herald the best of the best of our destinations”.

“To love the Philippines is to ask the difficult questions, to try to understand what we can do to introduce difficult but helpful solutions to programs and projects that have never been done before, but are being implemented now as our response to global tourism trends,” she said.

Frasco said nearly 900 local government units and stakeholders all over the Philippines “have expressed this deep love for the Philippines” by adopting the slogan in their own local destinations.

She called on stakeholders present to join the movement and “localize” the campaign in their towns.

“We love our country. We all love the Philippines. And it is this deep love for our country that will propel us and give us the daring to say that the Philippines deserves a much more primary position in Asia and the world as a tourism powerhouse,” she said.

The DOT terminated its contract with advertising agency DDB Philippines after discovering that it used stock footage shot abroad in the new tourism campaign video.

The advertising firm publicly apologized, saying it is taking full responsibility for the non-original materials used in the now-deleted video.

The DOT adopted “Love the Philippines” as the country’s new tourism campaign slogan in June, replacing the decade-old “It’s More Fun in the Philippines”.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you convinced that the DOT’s “Love the Philippines” campaign will succeed in terms of public awareness, marketing and attracting more tourists (both local and foreign)? Is your local government’s tourism office localizing the new DOT slogan?

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

MCX acquired by Villar-led company for P3.8 billion

August 14, 2023August 10, 2023carlocarrasco

Have you been driving lately along the Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway (MCX)? In case you missed the news, the MCX has officially been acquired by a company led by the influential Villar group for almost P4 billion, according to a Manila Standard news report.

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

Prime Asset Ventures Inc., a company led by the Villar Group, on Wednesday finalized the acquisition of the four-kilometer Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway from Ayala Corp. for P3.8 billion.

PAVI said in a statement it signed the implementing agreements for the acquisition of MCX after the Department of Public Works and Highways in July approved the transfer of ownership of from Ayala Corp. to the Villar Group.

Vista Land chairman Manuel Villar Jr. and Ayala Corp. president and chief executive Cezar Consing attended the signing ceremony at Brittany Hotel in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

“This momentous event shows our resolve to provide our countrymen better services in the area of roads and toll ways. You’ll be surprised of the many wonderful things to come in Villar City,” Villar said.

MCX is a four-kilometer controlled-access toll road linking the southern part of Cavite to Muntinlupa. It is the first public-private partner project under the Aquino administration.

Ayala signed the 30-year concession agreement for the operation of MCX Expressway in 2012. It invested P2.2 billion for the project including a P902-million cash payment to the government.

Ayala announced in March 2022 it would sell its entire stake in MCX Project Company Inc., which holds the concession for the MCX to the Villar Group for P3.8 billion.

“Ayala developed MCX over a decade ago to connect Metro Manila to Imus, Dasmarinas and Bacoor in Cavite which were experiencing rapid growth. MCX succeeded in relieving traffic congestion and reducing the travel time between Metro Manila and Cavite. The sale of MCX represents another example of our recycling capital to benefit from opportunities in our core and emerging businesses,” Consing said.

The acquisition will further expand Villar Group investment portfolio which currently includes housing, retail, food, water, power, and utilities, to integrated resorts and entertainment.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there will be major changes regarding the MCX under the new owners? Do you constantly travel along the MCX?

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

Philippine economy grew only 4.3% in 2nd quarter

August 14, 2023August 10, 2023carlocarrasco

Achieving economic growth of 7% this year has gotten much more challenging for the Philippines as the economy grew by only 4.3% in the 2nd quarter of 2023, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The Philippine economy continued its downtrend as it grew at a slower pace in the second quarter of 2023 — its slowest pace in nine quarters since the country entered the positive territory in the middle of 2021 following a pandemic-induced recession— amid high inflation that tempered consumption during the period, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Thursday.

The economy, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP) or the total value of goods and services produced in a specific period, grew by 4.3% during the April to June 2023 period, PSA chief and National Statistician Claire Dennis Mapa said at a press conference.

This is slower than the 6.4% growth rate seen in the first quarter of the year and far slower than the 7.5% GDP growth seen in the same quarter last year. Quarter-on-quarter, it posted a decline of -0.9% during the period.

This also marks the fifth straight quarter of deceleration for the country’s GDP, and its slowest footing in nine quarters since it exited the pandemic-induced recession in the second quarter of 2021.

The economy was pulled out of recession in the April to June period of 2021 with a GDP growth rate of 12%.

The second quarter print brought the year-to-date economic growth rate at 5.3%, according to Mapa.

To achieve the government’s 6% to 7% target, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the economy “needs to grow by 6.6% in the second half.”

“Notwithstanding the challenges, we believe this is still attainable,” Balisacan said, reading the joint statement of the economic team.

The country’s chief economist earlier floated that the second quarter GDP growth is expected to “further moderate.”

High inflation, interest rates – The slower growth came amid a still high inflation environment and the consequential costly interest rates to temper rising prices.

As of the first half of the year, inflation or the rate of increase in the prices of goods and services clocked in at 7.2%, still far above the government’s comfortable ceiling of 2% to 4%.

To tame inflation, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) raised monetary policy rates by a cumulative 425 basis points since May last year.

“For the second quarter, the moderate economic expansion was driven by increases in tourism-related spending and commercial investments, but was tempered by high commodity prices, the lagged effects of interest rate hikes, the contraction in government spending, and slower global economic growth,” Balisacan said.

Notably, Household Final Consumption Expenditure (HFCE) contracted by 0.1% quarter-on-quarter. Likewise, Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing posted a quarter-on-quarter decline of -0.97% in the second quarter. Industry and Services sectors also saw contractions of 0.7% and 1.02%, respectively, during the period

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? What do you think must be achieved to boost economic growth for the rest of 2023? Do you think the Philippine economy will achieve growth of at least 6% by the end of this year?

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 COVID-19 vaccines for general population allowed

August 10, 2023August 6, 2023carlocarrasco

More patients around the country can avail of the bivalent vaccines for COVID-19 as a result of the Department of Health’s (DOH) revision of its guidelines, according to a Manila Times news report. This developed as less than 50% of the initial batch of bivalent vaccines have been used on patients limited to health care workers and senior citizens.

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

THE general population can now be administered with Covid-19 bivalent vaccine after the Department of Health (DoH) issued revised guidelines on the updated jab.

A bivalent vaccine protects against both the original virus that causes Covid-19 and the Omicron variants.

In a memorandum dated July 10 but was released to the public only this week, the DoH said those under the A3 group, meaning persons with comorbidities and compromised immunity, can now receive the Pfizer bivalent vaccine in hospitals and health facilities nationwide.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa added that the general public can also avail of bivalent vaccine, noting their decision stemmed from the slow consumption of the updated jab among the A1 (health care workers) and A2 (senior citizen) subgroups. He said only 38 percent of the 391,000 donated doses allotted for these groups were used.

“Because of that, we have decided to make it available to those who want to get vaccinated with the booster. We only decided on this last week as the uptake was slow,” Herbosa said in Filipino and English in a radio interview.

The government’s stock of donated bivalent vaccines are set to expire on July 31, with an extension date of August 30.

Herbosa said a person can only receive a bivalent vaccine four to six months after getting the second booster dose.

He added that the government is negotiating with the global Covax Facility for additional bivalent vaccine doses.

Pfizer, Herbosa said, has issued a certificate of product registration that would make the vaccine available in drugstores across the country, but the lack of local cold chain storage proves to be a hindrance.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are there many people in your local community who have been wanting to get immunized with the bivalent vaccines?

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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Maid arrested in Las Piñas City for alleged theft of her superior’s cash and valuables

August 9, 2023August 5, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in Las Piñas City, a maid got arrested by the local police for allegedly stealing her superior’s cash and jewelry in the home, according to a Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) news report.

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

A house help was arrested in Las Piñas City after her boss discovered that she had stolen millions worth of cash, pieces of jewelry, and a watch, the police said on Thursday.

According to the Southern Police District (SPD), Las Piñas City Police Station personnel identified and apprehended suspect Rosanna Salvadora at her employer’s residence along Versailles Alabang Daang Hari, Almanza Dos last August 1.

Based on SPD’s report, the employer found that her safe went missing on the same day after coming home from work. The victim immediately turned to Salvadora and asked about the vault, who then pointed to the kitchen.

When the complainant found her safe, it was already forcefully opened and empty. Police said missing items include P1.5 million worth of cash, P1 million worth of watch, and P2.1 million worth of jewelry.

The employer immediately sought the assistance of the police, who immediately arrested the suspect.

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 suspect acted all alone over the theft of her superior’s cash and valuables?

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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Single ticketing system in NCR to be fully implemented this September

August 9, 2023August 6, 2023carlocarrasco

The single ticketing system in the National Capital Region (NCR) will start being fully implemented this September as announced recently by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), according to a GMA Network news report. As of the same report, Muntinlupa, San Juan, Parañaque, Caloocan, Valenzuela and Quezon City are currently the only cities implementing the said ticketing system which itself was launched formally last May.

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

The full rollout of the single ticketing system in the National Capital Region (NCR) will start by September, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairperson Romando Artessaid Wednesday.

“With the delivery nitong mga servers, handheld ticketing device, makakapag-roll out na tayo within this quarter, by September sa lahat ng local government units sa NCR,” he said at a press conference.

(With the delivery of these servers and handheld ticketing devices, we can do the rollout within this quarter by September in all local government units in the NCR.)

Artes said the few weeks delay in the delivery of some handheld ticketing devices did not affect the implementation of the program because its pilot operations are still undergoing some customization.

He made the statement after the turnover of 150 handheld ticketing device units to Valenzuela, San Juan, Caloocan, Parañaque, and Muntilupa. Each city received 30 units.

“Dagdagan pa po natin yan kung ilan yung kailangan ng LGU depende sa kanilang request (We will provide more depending on the need and request of the LGU),” Artes said.

The single ticketing system aims to establish a uniform policy on traffic violations and penalty system in Metro Manila.

It would cover Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela, Quezon City, Marikina, Pasig, Taguig, Makati, Manila, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, and Pateros.

The 20 traffic violations that will be imposed uniformly in the NCR are the following: Disregarding traffic signs, Illegal parking (attended and unattended), Number coding UVVRP, Truck ban, Light truck ban, Reckless Driving, Unregistered motor vehicle, Driving without license, Tricycle ban, Obstruction, Dress code for motorcycle, Overloading, Defective motorcycle accessories, Unauthorized modification, Arrogance/Discourteous conduct (driver), Loading and Unloading in Prohibited Zones, Illegal counterflow, Overspeeding.

According to the MMDA, the fines for these 20 violations range from P500 to P5,000.

The following special laws will also be implemented: Seat Belts Use Act of 1999, Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act, Mandatory Use of Motorcycle Helmet Act, Children’s Safety on Motorcycle Act, Anti-Distracted Driving Act, Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the full implementation of the single ticketing system all over the NCR will make an impact on metropolitan traffic?

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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Public school students of Muntinlupa to receive supplies from City Government

August 7, 2023August 3, 2023carlocarrasco

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?

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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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/.

Las Piñas City Government updates list of accredited facilities for Green Card program

August 3, 2023August 1, 2023carlocarrasco

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?

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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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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