Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, an elderly woman received a P100,000 cash gift from the City Government as she turned 100-years-old and Mayor Ruffy Biazon paid a visit, 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…
Mom Teodula Pesigan celebrated her 100th birthday with a P100,000 cash gift from the Muntinlupa City government.
Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon personally visited Pesigan at her house in Barangay Putatan to hand over the P100,000 gift, a program of the city government through its Office of the Senior Citizen’s Affairs.
“At her age, very sharp pa ang kanyang isip (At her age, her mind is still very sharp),” said Biazon.
When he asked about her secret to long life, her family responded that she likes to eat lechon and liempo.
“It was a great and fun experience na makilala at makausap si Nanay Dulay (It was a great and fun experience to meet and talk to Nanay Dulay),” the mayor added.
All centenarian residents of Muntinlupa get P100,000 cash gift under City Ordinance No. 2018-147.
Under Republic Act 10868 or the Centenarians Act of 2016, all Filipinos aged 100 and above will be given cash gifts to recognize their contribution to the country, added Biazon.
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 to learn about the existence of the local ordinance that ensures cash gifts to centenarians? Is anyone in your local community about to reach the age of 100?
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
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Wednesday filed tax evasion charges against dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo and two others before the Department of Justice.
Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. filed the charges against Guo, and Jack L. Uy and Rachelle Carreon of Baofu Land Development, Inc., which arose from Guo’s admission that she transferred her shares in Baofu to Uy.
“Upon investigation, the BIR discovered that no capital gains tax (CGT) and documentary stamp tax (DST) returns were filed and paid in relation to this transfer,” the BIR said in its statement.
The three were charged with “attempt to evade or defeat tax, failure to file CGT and DST returns, and failure to file/ supply certain information.”
Lumagui noted that while the parties to the transfer are Guo and Uy, Carreon, as the corporate secretary of Baofu, would also be charged with the same criminal case for tax evasion due to her “deliberate failure to report” the non-payment and non-filing of CGT and DST returns to the BIR.
“She even verified under oath the General Information Sheet reflecting the transfer even if no taxes were paid and no returns were filed,” he said.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think this development will compel Alice Guo to escape abroad from the authorities?
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government received two awards from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for compliance with Republic Act Number 9003 as well as its engagement in the proper implementation of solid waste management practices, 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…
The local government of Las Piñas received two awards from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for its compliance with the Ecological Solid Waste Act of 2000 and active engagement in the proper implementation of solid waste management practices.
Las Piñas Vice Mayor April Aguilar said the city was awarded after being included as one of the top five local government units (LGUs) who displayed outstanding performance in complying with the Republic Act 9003 or the “Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.”
The agency recognized the city government for its efforts during the 2023 LGU-Compliance Assessment and its contributions to the Manila Bay clean-up rehabilitation and preservation program.
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? Are you delighted with the newest awards the City Government received from the DENR?
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
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the dismissal from service of suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo for grave misconduct.
In an order dated Aug. 12, the Ombudsman also ordered the forfeiture of Guo’s retirement benefits and perpetually banned her from holding public office.
Guo’s involvement in operations of raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) in her area bared a “willful intent on her part to violate the law or disregard established rules,” the anti-graft office said.
“The series of acts are interconnected, leaving no other conclusion than that they were committed by Guo with ulterior motive or self-interest.”
Meanwhile, government lawyers said they may opt to pursue the quo warranto case they had already filed against Guo.
“The quo warranto petition will proceed for two reasons: Mayor Alice Guo may still appeal the OMB (Ombudsman) dismissal order. The quo warranto petition, if successful, will make Guo Hua Ping (a.k.a. Alice Guo) ineligible to run for any elective public position in the future,” Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra said in a message to reporters.
Meanwhile, the Ombudsman also found 12 other Bamban officials guilty of conduct prejudicial to the best interest of service and were ordered suspended for three months.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think this development will somehow compel Alice Guo to finally come out of hiding and face the government to clear her name?
Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government approved an ordinance establishing a moratorium on the collection of the amusement tax on Filipino films (note: movies produced by Philippine companies/organizations) within the city for the next three years, as reported by the Manila Bulletin. The ordinance was signed into law by Mayor Ruffy Biazon.
In short, local companies here in the Philippines whose films are shown in theaters within the jurisdiction of Muntinlupa City could earn more as the amusement tax won’t be imposed for most of the year for the next three years while the cinema operators themselves can benefit along the way.
I say most of the year because the moratorium does not cover the time period of December 25 to January 7 which is precisely the time when the annual Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) happens.
To put things in perspective, read the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report posted below. Some parts in boldface…
Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon and the City Council approved an ordinance granting a three-year moratorium on the collection of amusement tax from Filipino films in the next three years.
The Muntinlupa City Council passed and Biazon signed Ordinance No. 2024-229 “Declaring Moratorium on the Collection of Amusement Tax for Filipino Films in the City of Muntinlupa from January 08 to December 24 of every year for the next three (3) years.“
Under the existing Local Government Code, “The province may levy an amusement tax to be collected from the proprietors, lessees, or operators of theaters, cinemas, concert halls, circuses, boxing stadia, and other places of amusement at a rate of not more than ten percent (10%) of the gross receipts from the admissions fees.”
In February, the Metro Manila Council adopted the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Resolution No. 24-11 “Declaring a Moratorium on the Collection of Amusement Tax for Filipino Films in Metro Manila from January 08 to December 24 of Every Year for the Next Three Years.”
In the Muntinlupa ordinance, it was stated that the MMDA resolution “was adopted to recognize the importance of the local film industry in promoting cultural and economic development and in response to the appeal of the local filmmakers to boost the film industry after the impact of the COVID-i9 Pandemic on the production and exhibition of Filipino Films, and the dominance of foreign films.”
Under the ordinance, all cinemas in Muntinlupa can avail of the moratorium on the collection of amusement taxes for Filipino films from Jan. 8 to Dec. 24 of every year for the next three years.
When it comes to the state of cinemas within Muntinlupa City, Commercenter has four screens and I noticed over the past two months that only 2 or 3 were operating during my visits there. Over at Festival Mall, their 4-screen modern cinemas are fully operating but their original cinemas (located several feet away by foot on the same floor) are still dark and depressing as only 2 or 3 screens (out of ten screens) were operating almost all the time.
As for the cinemas in Alabang Town Center, they seem to be operating normally and continue to attract a steady amount of moviegoers.
Going back to the approved moratorium, it remains to be seen if it could lead to a potential reduction of ticket prices in relation to Filipino movies within Muntinlupa. Even if ticket prices get reduced, would it be enough to convince people to come to the Muntinlupa cinemas and buy tickets for the cinematic experience. There is also the factor of the quality of Filipino movies showing in Muntinlupa movie theaters plus the factor of foreign movies.
As a resident of Alabang who saw lots of movies in the local cinemas, I noticed that Muntinlupa City is lacking when it comes to hosting film festivals (note: the annual MMFF does NOT count). Special events about movies focusing on variety, quality and artistry being held in Muntinlupa can help cinema operators attract moviegoers as well as the enthusiastic film buffs.
Perhaps the City Government or barangays could someday organize a special event of short films made by Muntinlupa-based filmmakers and have such films screened in local cinemas. Organizing another film festival showcasing films by independent filmmakers from around the country and having them screened in theaters within the city could help too.
Still on the topic of Filipino movies, when will the time come when the major local movie producers will have premieres of their new movies held in cinemas here in Muntinlupa and give locals the chance to see their favorite movie stars in person?
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about the 3-year moratorium approved by the City Government of Muntinlupa? Do you think that cinemas in Muntinlupa are losing money? Do you think the newly approved moratorium could be disadvantageous to the City Government in terms of revenue?
Recently in the city of Parañaque, operatives of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested a Chinese national who turned out to be wanted by authorities in China for alleged acts of human trafficking related to online gaming hubs located in the Philippines, according to a GMA Network news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the GMA news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said it has arrested a Chinese national wanted in Beijing for allegedly trafficking fellow Chinese to work for online gaming hubs in the Philippines.
The Chinese national was identified by BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco as Wang Chuancong, 35.
Wang was arrested last July 30 at a condominium along Roxas Boulevard in Parañaque City by BI’s Fugitive Search Unit operatives. Tansingco said the Chinese government informed the BI of the suspect’s presence in the country.
A detention warrant was issued against him in April 2024 by the municipal public security bureau in Jinjiang, China for human trafficking.
“We were told that he heads a syndicate that facilitates the illegal departure of Chinese nationals by forging documents to facilitate their outbound travel in China,” Tansingco said.
“This allows them to travel to different countries including the Philippines to work in online gaming hubs,” the BI commissioner added.
Wang was found to be an undocumented alien after his passport was canceled by the Chinese government.
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 Chinese criminals hiding in the city?
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
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the celebration of the 50th Nutrition Month was held at SM Center which Vice Mayor April Aguilar attended, the City Government announced via social media. The event emphasized the City Government’s attention towards the wellbeing of its constituents.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the City Government’s social media post. Some parts in boldface…
The City of Las Piñas marked its 50th Nutrition Month celebration with a culminating activity at the SM Center in Pamplona Dos on Tuesday, July 30. The event featured a Grand Zumba Dancercise and an awarding ceremony, drawing participation from various community members and officials.
Vice Mayor April Aguilar, a key supporter of the city’s nutrition initiatives, attended the event, expressing her commitment to promoting health and wellness among residents. The event was also graced by City Nutrition Office Officer-in-Charge Dr. Julio Javier II and City Health Office Officer-in-Charge Dr. Juliana Gonzalez.
The celebration included a video presentation of the 2024 Nutrition Month activities, followed by a Zumba session that saw participation from attendees of all ages. Awards and recognitions were presented to participants who actively engaged in the month’s various nutrition activities.
The activity underscored the city’s dedication to (promoting) a healthy community, aligning with the theme “Sa PPAN Sama-Sama sa Nutrisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat,” which encourages adequate nutrition for all.
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 consider the celebration of Nutrition Month important in your city? How many members of your local community participated in the 50th Nutrition Month activities at SM Center?
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
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
A senator is expecting that a warrant of arrest will soon be issued against suspended Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo after her human trafficking case was submitted for resolution by the Department of Justice (DOJ) following her non-appearance in the preliminary investigations.
Being submitted for resolution, the case will now be decided by prosecutors on whether to lodge it before the courts on the basis solely of the complainant’s allegations, according to the DOJ.
“Since she did not personally show up nor file her counter affidavit, she will mostly like be liable for human trafficking which is a non-bailable offense,” Senator Sherwin Gatchalian told reporters in a Viber message.
“A warrant of arrest will ensue on this particular case,” he added.
Gatchalian earlier advised Guo to appear and address the various cases against her, including human trafficking, birth certificate cancellation, and disobedience to summons.
The Senate issued an arrest order against Guo last July 11 after failing to attend two hearings related to the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) hub raided in her municipality before the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality.
She also failed to attend the three hearings on the human trafficking cases filed before the DOJ.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the anticipated issuance of the warrant of arrest will compel suspended mayor Guo to come out from hiding and turn herself in? Do you wish that the warrant of arrest will be issued within the next two weeks?
The economy of the Philippines grew at a fast 6.3% in the 2nd quarter (April to June 2024) according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. The declared quarterly growth rate placed the Philippines ahead of Malaysia, Indonesia and China.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
Philippine economic growth accelerated to 6.3 percent in the second quarter of the year from 4.3 percent in the same period last year, National Statistician Dennis Mapa said in a briefing on Thursday.
Mapa said economic growth during the period was also higher than the 5.8 percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth recorded in the first quarter of the year.
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the latest economic growth makes the Philippines one of the fastest-growing economies in the region.
“This performance keeps our position as one of Asia’s best-performing major emerging economies. For East Asia’s economies that have released their second quarter 2024 GDP growth, we follow behind Vietnam at 6.9 percent while leading Malaysia at 5.8 percent, Indonesia at 5.0 percent, and China at 4.7 percent,” said Balisacan.
Among major economic sectors, industry and services grew by 7.7 percent and 6.8 percent, respectively. Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, however, contracted by 2.3 percent due to the effects of the El Niño phenomenon.
Household final consumption expenditure grew by 4.6 percent while government final consumption expenditure expanded by 10.7 percent.
Balisacan said the increase in government final consumption expenditure was driven by the timely implementation and expanded coverage programs of various social protection, health, and education programs, and preparatory activities for the 2025 national and local elections. Gross capital formation went up by 11.5 percent.
Public construction sustained double-digit growth of 21.8 percent as the government’s infrastructure agencies expedited the rollout of the Marcos Jr. administration’s construction and rehabilitation projects.
Exports of goods and services rose by 4.2 percent while imports of goods and services went up by 5.2 percent.
On track to meet target – “This significant development brings our real GDP growth to 6.0 percent for the first half of the year, keeping us on track to achieve our target growth rate of 6 to 7 percent for 2024,” said Balisacan.
He said the economy would need to grow by at least 6 percent in the second half to attain the lower end of the target for 2024.
Balisacan assured that the government would ensure the benefits of economic growth would be shared equitably.
“President Marcos began his 2024 State of the Nation Address with one of our most urgent priorities: the government will continue its push for food security by managing food inflation with appropriate supply-side measures,” he said.
He said the government was committed to utilizing strategic trade policy to augment insufficient domestic food supplies to meet rising demand.
The government will also expedite the rollout of social protection programs for the poor and vulnerable sectors, including enhancements to the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Food Stamp Program and the 4Ps Program.
Aside from these, the government will also focus on raising agricultural productivity and improving farmers’ incomes and competitiveness.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the economy of the Philippines has enough momentum to achieve a growth rate of at least 6.5% for the entire year?
With the 1% withholding tax on online sellers already in effect, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) expects to collect billions of Pesos from the said sellers although they could not give an estimate on how much could be collected, 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 Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is expecting to collect billions of pesos in taxes from the growing e-marketplace industry after it subjected online sellers under the withholding tax system.
“Itong withholding tax on online transactions, dahil effective na ‘yan, inaasahan natin na malaki rin ang maitutulong nito,” BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. told reporters at the sidelines of the agency’s 120th anniversary celebration in Pasay City on Thursday.
(The withholding tax on online transactions, since this has been effective, we expect it could help immensely.)
Lumagui said the BIR cannot yet give an estimate how much it can collect from imposing withholding tax on online sellers.
“But, we’re expecting that ‘yung revenues natin diyan would be in the billions,” he said.
The BIR’s plan to impose withholding tax to merchants in e-marketplaces took effect on July 15, 2024.
Under its Revenue Regulation (RR) No. 16-2023, one-half of the gross remittances of e-marketplace operations and digital financial services providers to the sellers or merchants for goods or services paid through their platform shall be subject to a 1% creditable withholding tax.
The BIR, however, said the 1% withholding tax shall not be collected “if the annual total gross remittances to an online seller for the past taxable year has not exceeded P500,000” and “if the cumulative gross remittances to an online seller in a taxable year has not yet exceeded P500,000.”
The withholding tax is the amount withheld by a business in payments of goods or services directly remitted to the government on behalf of suppliers or employees.
The BIR defines “gross remittances” as the total amount received by an e-marketplace operator or digital financial services provider from a buyer or consumer for the goods and services sold by or paid to the seller or merchant through the platform of the e-marketplace operator.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the 1% withholding tax on online sellers will help the BIR collect tens of billions of Pesos more by the end of this year?
Author Carlo Carrasco 