PNA.gov.ph – Page 5 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Philippines inflation rate settles at 1.3% in May 2025, the lowest since November 2019

June 10, 2025June 5, 2025carlocarrasco

Once again, inflation in the Philippines went down as the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) recently confirmed that the headline inflation landed at 1.3% for the month of May 2025, according to a news article by Philippine News Agency (PNA). The said inflation result is the lowest since November of 2019.

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

Headline inflation further slowed to 1.3 percent in May this year from 1.4 percent in April, the lowest recorded since the 1.2 percent in November 2019, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said Thursday.

In a briefing, National Statistician Dennis Mapa said this brought the year-to-date average inflation to 1.9 percent which is at the lower end of the government’s 2 to 4 percent target range.

Mapa said the downtrend was primarily brought about by the slower increase in the index of housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels at 2.3 percent from 2.9 percent in April. Restaurant and accommodation services also recorded a slower inflation of 2 percent from 2.3 percent in April.

Mapa said the faster annual decline was likewise recorded in the transport index, at 2.4 percent in May from 2.1 percent in the previous month. Food inflation meanwhile remained at 0.7 percent. Mapa, however, said rice inflation was at -12.8 percent from -10.9 percent in April.

According to Mapa, the rollout of the PHP20 per kilogram rice program in line with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the “Benteng Bigas Meron Na” helped lower rice prices.

In May, the average price of regular milled rice declined to PHP43.19 per kg from PHP51.11 in May 2024. The average price of well-milled rice likewise fell to PHP49.45 per kg from PHP56.06 per kg while special rice also declined to PHP59.80 from last year’s PHP64.41 per kg.

The bottom 30 percent income households experienced zero percent inflation in May 2025, a sharp decline from 5.3 percent in the same month last year.

The National Capital Region also posted a slower inflation rate of 1.7 percent in May, down from 2.4 percent the previous month while other regions maintained a low average inflation rate of 1.2 percent.

More stable cost of living – In a separate statement, the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) said the continued decline in the country’s headline inflation shows progress toward easing price pressures and achieving a more stable cost of living for Filipinos.

“We are encouraged by this development. It reflects the success of our sustained efforts to protect the purchasing power of Filipinos and ensure a more affordable cost of living,” said DEPDev officer in charge and Undersecretary for Policy and Planning Rosemarie Edillon.

To sustain this downward trend, DEPDev said the Marcos administration is committed to implementing targeted policies aimed at mitigating inflationary pressures and safeguarding the purchasing power of Filipino families.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) are strengthening their collaboration to ensure the availability of safe and effective animal vaccines amid ongoing African Swine Fever (ASF) and Avian influenza outbreaks.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think it is possible for Philippines inflation to fall below 1% by the end of the 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.

+++++

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

New rules streamlining VAT refund processes will make Philippines more attractive to foreign investors

June 6, 2025June 3, 2025carlocarrasco

In the view of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), the Philippines will become a more attractive destination for foreign investors due to the new rules streamlining the value-added tax (VAT) refund process, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) expects the new rules streamlining the value-added tax (VAT) refund process — a key reform under the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act – will make the Philippines a more attractive destination for foreign investors.

In a televised interview, BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said the new regulations are consistent with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s broader goal of making the country more business-friendly.

“Ang expectation natin, makikita ng mga dayuhang investors na seryoso ang pamahalaan na pagbutihin ang pagnenegosyo at papadaliin ang pagnenegosyo dito sa ating bayan (Our expectation is that foreign investors will see that the government is serious on business and in easing the doing of business in our country),” Lumagui was quoted as saying in a news release on Saturday.

“So, we’re hoping that it will encourage foreign investors to do business here in the Philippines,” he added.

According to the BIR chief, the main objective of CREATE MORE, as well as other BIR efforts, is to ease the doing of business and payment of taxes.

Republic Act No. 12066 or the CREATE MORE Act amended the National Internal Revenue Code to provide greater tax relief and incentives for businesses, particularly exporters.

To implement this, the BIR issued Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 37-2025 on April 10, which reduces the documentary requirements for VAT refund claims.

Under the new guidelines, certified true copies of invoices or receipts may now be submitted in place of original documents.

There was also a reduction of three documentary requirements, particularly the proofs of registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission or Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), whichever is applicable, and the copies of Import Entry and Internal Revenue Declarations/Informal Import Declaration and Entry or Single Administrative Document.

For claims involving amortized input VAT on capital goods, prior certifications from the Bureau of Customs may be reused if already submitted in past filings.

Furthermore, for VAT refund claims starting April 1, exporters are no longer required to submit actual proof of shipment, such as bills of lading.

Instead, the BIR will rely on a certification from the Export Marketing Bureau of the DTI, following a newly signed agreement between the two agencies.

“Ngayon pinadali natin ang proseso sa pakikipag-coordinate sa DTI. So, may kanya-kanyang role ang bawat isa para hindi na rin magdoble-doble ang mga requirements at pag-iimbestiga kung talagang merong mga inexport ang isang entity (We made the process easier through our coordination with the DTI. Each agency now has specific roles to prevent duplication in the submission of requirements and in investigating the goods exported by a business entity,” Lumagui explained.

“Patuloy din ang pag-e-examine natin kung ano ang pwede nating i-streamline na mga proseso para mas mapadali pa ang pagnenegosyo sa ating bayan (We also continue to examine what other processes we can streamline to make doing of business in our country easier),” he added.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you convinced that the changes made will help the Philippines attract more foreign investors?

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

+++++

Courageous Parañaque City cop commended

May 30, 2025May 26, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently a local police officer was commended by the Philippine National Police (PNP) for courageously doing his duty in Parañaque City and getting injured doing so, according a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

The Philippine National Police (PNP) commended a Parañaque City cop who sustained injuries while fulfilling his duties.

Staff Sgt. Carlo Sotelo Navarro, 45, of the BF Homes Police Substation 5, showed the kind of courage expected of a cop when he attempted to pacify an aggressive suspect in Creek Drive 1, San Antonio Valley 8 on Friday morning, PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil said in a news release Saturday.

According to reports, Navarro, together with other police officers and members of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT), responded to a public disturbance alert.

When Navarro confronted the suspect identified as “Arnold,” the latter suddenly drew a kitchen knife and struck the police officer in the head and chest.

Navarro’s colleagues and BPAT members were able to restrain the suspect, who is now under police custody. The injured police officer was taken to a hospital and is already in stable condition.

“The courage of PSSg Navarro is a powerful reminder of the kind of sacrifice our police officers make every day. He answered the call of duty without hesitation, knowing the risks. That is true service. We pray for his recovery and salute his heroism,” Marbil said in a statement.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you find the injured cop’s courageous service inspiring? Do you hope that this recent development will inspire local cops to perform their service better and push back strongly against local crime?

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

+++++

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

I Love Israel: Philippines reaffirms commitment to strengthen multifaceted partnership with Israel

May 27, 2025May 23, 2025carlocarrasco

During the Israel Independence Day reception in Makati City, the government of the Philippines reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen its multifaceted partnership with Israel, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

The Philippine government reaffirmed its commitment to further strengthen its partnership with Israel, spanning key areas, such as agriculture and security.

Speaking at the Israel Independence Day reception in Makati on Thursday night, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Jesus Domingo said Manila is eager to “further strengthen” this multifaceted partnership with the Jewish state.

Domingo said the two states share a deep and unique friendship rooted in history when the Philippines opened its door to Jewish people fleeing the Holocaust and voted in favor of a United Nations resolution to establish the State of Israel.

“These historical cornerstones form the bedrock of our strong bilateral ties over the decades, our relationship continues to expand,” he said, citing the dynamic Philippine-Israel cooperation on agriculture, technology and innovation, and security.

People-to-people connections, he added, have grown through tourism, culture exchanges, and the two nations’ shared democratic values.

“We are confident that by continuing to work together, we can achieve greater prosperity and security for both our nations and contribute positively to the global community,” he said.

Outgoing Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss, meanwhile, conveyed similar hopes for stronger Philippine-Israel relations as he noted the new depth in the two states’ partnership over the past years.

This newest development shows the continuing growth of Israel-Philippines ties through the high level officials during the event in Makati. Even as anti-Semitism intensifies and Islamo-Leftists forces (including their mainstream news media partners-in-crime) around the world keep on condemning Israel, the government of the Philippines still recognizes the Jewish state and values Israel-Philippines ties. Pray to the Lord that President Bongbong Marcos will make moves for better engagement with Israel.

Overseas, Israel is making notable progress against the remaining forces of the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas in Gaza, while keeping a close watch on the terrorist state Iran which itself is negotiating with Trump-led America. Watch closely what will happen next and never lose sight on the deceptive moves of the sinister leaders of Qatar who openly support Palestinian terrorists, hate Israel and shamelessly propagate Islamic terrorism through Al Jazeera.

To my fellow Filipinos reading this, I encourage you to accept the truth that Israel is the land God designated specifically for the Jewish people (read Genesis 35:10-12) and His command must be followed without hesitation. If you want to be blessed further by the Lord, do so by loving and blessing the Jewish people (Genesis 12:1-3). I did my part when I was in Israel. Also, let me remind you all that the ties between the Jews and Christians are truly biblical!

I encourage you all to pray to the Lord God in support of Israel, to love and bless the Jewish people, and pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Pray to Him so that Israel-Philippines ties and cooperation will keep growing stronger and more resilient no matter what happens around the world.

If you truly believe in Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit and God the Heavenly Father wholeheartedly and you continue to be faithful, you should be aware that Christians are meant to stand united with Israel and love the Jewish people no matter what. You can do your part supporting Israel by donating to Christians United for Israel (CUFI). Do not forget to read the Holy Bible, then pray in tongues to the Lord in the privacy of your room with the door shut.

Always be the fearless and aggressive church of Lord Jesus! Always stand in support of Israel and its ties with the Philippines!

+++++

2025 election candidates reminded by BIR of tax obligations

May 20, 2025May 16, 2025carlocarrasco

With the 2025 National and Local Elections over, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) reminded all candidates that they are subject to tax regulations and must prepare themselves to meet with the requirements, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). Failure to do so could mean tax evasion charges.

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

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is reminding all candidates and political parties who ran in the 2025 elections that they are subject to tax regulations and must comply with key requirements as part of their duties as candidates for public office.

In a television interview, BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. emphasized that all candidates and political organizations, including party-list groups must issue BIR-registered invoices for contributions they receive, whether in cash or in kind.

“At pag nagbabayad sila sa kanilang mga suppliers ay kinakailangan nilang mag-withhold ng 5 percent dun sa kanilang suppliers (They also need to withhold 5 percent when they pay to their suppliers),” he said, as quoted in a news release on Thursday.

He added that candidates must keep track of their expenses and submit detailed reports, or Statement of Contribution and Expenditure (SOCE), not just to the Commission on Elections but also to the BIR.

“Para makita natin na lahat kung compliant ang kanilang obligasyon dito (This is for us to determine if everybody is compliant with their obligations),” he said.

Lumagui further reminded that while candidates and parties are allowed to keep excess campaign contributions, they need to pay taxes on these.

“Pagka sobra naman ang natanggap nila na mga contributions sa mga ginastos nila, kinakailangan nilang bayaran ang income tax patungkol dito sa sobrang natanggap nila (If the contributions they received are more than what they spent, they need to pay income tax on the excess funds).”

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think all the candidates will be able to comply with both the COMELEC and the BIR? Do you know any local candidate who received funds from your local community during the election campaign season?

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

+++++

BSP to temporarily suspend coin deposit machines project starting June 17, 2025

May 20, 2025May 20, 2025carlocarrasco

By citing their intention to review how to re-circulate idle coins, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) announced that its coin deposit machines project will be temporarily suspended in certain shopping malls starting June 17, 2025, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) will temporarily suspend the operation of coin deposit machines (CoDMs) to review how to re-circulate idle coins.

In an advisory Friday, the BSP said the CoDMs currently installed in select malls in Greater Manila area would be suspended starting June 17.

“The BSP is implementing the temporary suspension to conduct a thorough review of how to re-circulate idle coins and serve Filipinos’ coin exchange needs even better,” the BSP said.

Following the review, the BSP will relaunch the coin deposit machines as part of its commitment to enhancing its coin recirculation program.

Since June 2013, CoDMs processed almost PHP1.5 billion worth of coins. The BSP said the public may deposit fit coins in banks where they have an account.

Persons with no bank accounts may exchange fit, unfit, and mutilated coins in banks and other financial institutions that have agreed to serve as currency exchange centers under the BSP Piso Caravan program.

The BSP said unfit coins may be presented for exchange at any bank as part of their duties to promptly remove unfit currency from circulation.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Were you able to deposit your loose change at any BSP coin deposit machine over the past six months? Do you hope that the coin deposit machine project suspension will not last more than 30 days?

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

+++++

Uninterrupted power supply on Election Day promised

May 9, 2025May 6, 2025carlocarrasco

With the 2025 National and Local Elections all set for May 12, the Energy Task Force on Election (ETFE) gave its assurance to the public that uninterrupted power will be done, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

The Energy Task Force on Election (ETFE), led by the Department of Energy (DOE), has assured the public of uninterrupted power supply nationwide during the May 12 midterm polls.

In a virtual briefing Monday, DOE Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella said the energy sector is “fully prepared” to provide stable electricity and fuel throughout the voting, transmission, and canvassing periods.

“We assure the public that the energy sector is fully prepared to ensure an unimpeded power supply before, during, and after the elections,” Fuentebella said.

“Contingency plans are in place, and we are in constant coordination with security agencies to help ensure a smooth and secure election process,” he added.

The ETFE, a multi-agency body led by the DOE, works closely with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and security forces, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and Bureau of Fire Protection to ensure a smooth and credible elections.

Since January, the task force has held regular coordination meetings and inspections to assess readiness and implement contingency plans, while field personnel have conducted maintenance on transmission lines, polling stations, and backup systems, especially in remote and off-grid areas.

The DOE official said the energy sector has mapped out priority areas and is monitoring potential vulnerabilities, particularly in Visayas and Mindanao.

“We have taken all necessary steps to support the smooth and credible conduct of the 2025 elections. The Department of Energy, through the ETFE, stands ready to respond and coordinate with our partners to maintain uninterrupted energy access across the country,” Fuentebella added.

He said the task force will closely monitor potential worst-case scenarios, including the simultaneous occurrence of natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and low-pressure weather systems that could trigger power disruptions.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think stable and sufficient electricity will be provided during and after the elections? Do you think power outages could still happen during the canvassing period?

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

+++++

Malacañang declares May 12 (Election Day) a holiday

May 7, 2025May 6, 2025carlocarrasco

To allow voters nationwide to be participate in the 2025 National and Local Elections, Malacañang declared May 12 a holiday, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

Malacañang declared Monday, May 12, as a special non-working holiday throughout the country for the 2025 national and local elections.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, on the authority of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., signed Proclamation 878 on Tuesday declaring a nationwide holiday to “enable the people to properly exercise their right to vote.”

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) recently urged Marcos to declare May 12 as a holiday to allow registered voters to cast their ballots.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Is there a great majority of your local community members who will actually go out and vote on May 12?

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

+++++

Chinese national caught with high-tech eavesdropping equipment charged by NBI

May 6, 2025May 1, 2025carlocarrasco

The Chinese national who was arrested near the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) building in Manila with high-tech equipment with him has been formally charged by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), according to a news story by the Philippine New Agency (PNA). GMA Network had its own reporter on location when the arrest happened.

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

The National Bureau of Investigation on Wednesday filed criminal charges against a Chinese national arrested for possession of electronic eavesdropping equipment near the Commission on Elections (Comelec) building in Intramuros, Manila on Tuesday.

Tak Hail Lao, 47, was charged by the NBI before the Department of Justice (DOJ) with misuse of device and illegal interception and system interference under Republic Act No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, and espionage under Commonwealth Act No. 616 or the Espionage Act of 1941.

Speaking to reporters, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said while the charges are bailable, “it will be up to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to decide whether temporary liberty should be granted while the case is pending since the suspect is a foreign national.”

Records from the BI showed that Tak Hail Lao, who uses a passport issued by the Chinese special administrative region of Macau, arrived last April 2 and had no derogatory record.

He was caught in possession of an international mobile subscriber identity device, or IMSI catcher, which can be used to intercept mobile communications, including text messages.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there could be a lot more Chinese nationals using high-tech equipment in the Philippines doing secret acts of espionage? Do you consider Chinese spies a threat to national security?

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

+++++

DICT tackling election troll armies and fake news online

May 3, 2025April 27, 2025carlocarrasco

In relation with the 2025 National and Local Elections scheduled for May 12, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) recently launched a campaign versus troll armies and fake news online with protecting election integrity in mind, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has started a crackdown against fake news and organized ‘troll armies’ on social media to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.

In a news release on Wednesday, DICT Secretary Henry Aguda announced the agency’s collaboration with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on several key initiatives to enhance the technological infrastructure of the elections.

“These initiatives include the establishment of Configuration Hubs, where DICT personnel will assist in managing the hubs during the election process, as well as the development of online services such as the Precinct Results Finder, Registration Status Verifier, and Election Results Website, all aimed at ensuring transparency and providing real-time access to election data,” Aguda said.

The DICT’s Cybersecurity Bureau is also rolling out critical initiatives such as vulnerability assessment and penetration testing (VAPT) to identify and mitigate security risks, and ensure the security for digital infrastructures throughout the election process.

“A key technological advancement in securing the election is the deployment of (Philippine National) Public Key Infrastructure (PNPKI) digital certificates, which will be used by teachers serving as electoral board members. These certificates will ensure the integrity, confidentiality, and authentication of election data,” he said.

Aguda also recognized the growing the influence of social media platforms in the elections and welcomed the stance of technology giants — Tiktok, Google, and Meta — who pledged to ban paid political ads on their platforms.

“We must be proactive, not reactive. The threats are evolving. From fake news to deepfakes and organized troll armies –our election system must be ready to face them head-on,” he said.

Google, in particular, has implemented the ban on election advertisements since the start of the official campaign period.

“[It is] a move that supports the shared goal of a clean, fair, and credible election,” he said.

On Tuesday, Aguda convened the Comelec Advisory Council (CAC) in Taguig City as part of its mission to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process ahead of the 2025 polls.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the DICT will succeed in its campaign versus fake news and online trolls?

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

+++++

	Instapundit »… on Trump Announces $1,776 Christm…
	Shaman Tiers on A Look Back at Fatale #1 …
	Luke on Trump Administration Weighs Hi…
	Instapundit »… on Trump Administration Weighs Hi…
	Roaming Rhonda on Christian Music Appreciation:…

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: