Philippines blog – Page 143 – Author Carlo Carrasco

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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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 at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

August 2, 2023July 31, 2023carlocarrasco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

August 1, 2023July 28, 2023carlocarrasco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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COMELEC chairman issues warning about BSKE premature campaigning

July 31, 2023July 27, 2023carlocarrasco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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2023 Waterlily Festival in Las Piñas City emphasizes care for the environment, competition winners announced

July 28, 2023July 26, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the 16^th edition of the Waterlily Festival took place which continues to emphasize to local residents the commitment of taking care of the environment, according to a press release published through Senate.gov.ph. The said festival had a slew of activities and competitions that symbolically emphasized environmental care.

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

This year’s celebration of the Las Piñas Waterlily Festival reinforced the commitment of Las Piñas residents to value and protect the environment.

Sen. Cynthia A. Villar, who started the festival in 2005, said the yearly event is not only a celebration or a venue for the city’s most talented performers but also a recognition of the importance of environmental protection.

“Today, the waterlily is no longer a menace or a pest but a symbol of ingenuity, resilience, and community cooperation. It stands as a testament to our collective commitment to preserve our environment,” Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, said.

Villar lauded the shared efforts of Las Piñeros in the rehabilitation of the Las Piñas and Zapote River through the Sagip Ilog Program, an initiative she started when she was Las Piñas Representative. Water hyacinths or what is commonly known as water lilies were considered as aquatic pests clogging the Las Piñas and Zapote River, which caused massive flooding in the city.

One of the most awaited activities of the festival is the Ms. Waterlily Pageant 2023. It is participated in by female candidates fielded by each of the 20 barangays in Las Piñas City. The candidates will be judged according to beauty, intelligence, and the over-all creativity of their respective gowns made of waterlilies.

Candidates are required to create their attire using 100% waterlily. Prizes at stake include Php 30,000 cash, flowers, trophy and crown for the Ms. Las Piñas Waterlily 2023, Php 20,000 cash, trophy and flowers for the First Runner-up, and Php 10,000 cash, trophy and flowers for the Second Runner-up.

This year’s winners are: Francine Anne T. De Castro of Talon Tres, Ms Waterlily 2023; Christine Maico Bautista of Brgy. Talon 5; 1st Runner-up Loiuse Zapanta of Brgy.Pamplona Tres, 2nd Runner-up; Princess Romana De Guzman of Brgy.Almanza Dos as Ms. Photogenic and Ayessa Emille Estrellado of Brgy.Pulang-Lupa Uno as Ms Congeniality. Likewise, designer Nash Leeho of Talon Singko won the best designer award

Also, part of the festivities is the Sayaw Kabataan (SK) Para Sa Kalikasan” Dance Video Contest. This activity requires each barangay to field 10 to 15 youth dancers, who will be dancing to an upbeat song that they have to demonstrate in a 3 to 5-minute dance presentation. The incorporation of waterlilies as a prop, costume, or background, is a requirement for this contest.

Winners of the SK Para sa Kalikasan competition was judged based on their creativity, content, and messaging; choreography, presentation, and originality; and video presentation. The following prizes are up for grabs: Champion Php 30,000 and trophy, First Runner-up: Php 20,000 and trophy, Second Runner-up: Php 10,000 and trophy.

This year’s SK para sa Kalikasan this year are; Remake Family of Brgy. BF International-CAA, Grand Champion; Talon Youth for Progress Organization Dance Company of Brgy.Talon Uno, First Runner-up; Fusion Flames of Brgy.Talon Singko, second runner-up and People’s Choice; and Ry Ultra of Brgy Ilaya, Best in Costume.

To get a glimpse of what the 2023 Waterlily Festival looked like, watch this related Manila Bulletin video clip below…

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? Were you able to attend in person the Waterlily Festival 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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Maldives lawmakers in Muntinlupa City

July 27, 2023July 25, 2023carlocarrasco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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High-priority infrastructure projects to be financed by Maharlika Investment Fund

July 27, 2023July 25, 2023carlocarrasco

Just days after signing into law the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF), President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., stressed during his 2^nd State of the Nation Address (SONA) that the new law will finance the high-priority infrastructure projects of the Philippines, 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…

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday said the newly established Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) would be used to fund high-priority projects.

“For strategic financing, some of the nation’s high-priority projects can now look to the newly established Maharlika Investment Fund, without the added debt burden,” Marcos said in his second State of the Nation Address (SONA).

The MIF is the Philippines’ first-ever sovereign wealth fund designed to catalyze economic development by mobilizing government financial assets.

“In pooling a small fraction of the considerable but underutilized government funds, the Maharlika Fund shall be used to make high-impact and profitable investments, such as the ‘Build Better More’ program,” Marcos said.

He said the gains from the Fund shall be reinvested into the country’s economic well-being.

To ensure sound financial management, Marcos assured that a group of internationally recognized economic managers shall oversee the operations of the Fund, guided by principles of transparency and accountability.

“This guarantees that investment decisions will be based on financial considerations alone, absent any political influence,” Marcos said.

“The funds for the social security and public health insurance of our people shall remain intact and separate.”

The Department of Finance (DOF) earlier said the Fund can look into big-ticket infrastructure such as in green and blue projects, countryside development, and other employment-generating projects.

For the newcomers reading this, if you want to understand what a sovereign wealth fund is and how it would work with the Philippines in mind, watch the video below…

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Were you able to watch President Marcos’ 2^nd SONA?

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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