public service – Page 76 – Author Carlo Carrasco

BIR targeting online sellers

March 20, 2023March 13, 2023carlocarrasco

If you have been engaging on selling items or services online, you should be aware that the Philippines’ authority on taxation the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is constantly watching you and it is seeking ways to tax you, according to a BusinessWorld news report. Already the BIR has been communicating with the e-commerce platforms.

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

THE BUREAU of Internal Revenue (BIR) is looking to collect taxes from online sellers on e-commerce platforms more efficiently.

BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui said it is difficult to monitor taxes on individual online sellers on e-commerce platforms.

“We’re in constant communication with the platforms, because it’s a challenge to monitor. We’re thinking of ways to approach it because if we look at individual online sellers, it’s a bit difficult. It’s a challenge,” he told reporters on Thursday evening.

Mr. Lumagui said the BIR is prioritizing ways to better collect taxes from online sellers and other new platforms this year.

The pandemic forced many entrepreneurs to shift to online selling using e-commerce platforms like Shopee and Lazada, as well as social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok.

As of 2022, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) estimated there are around two million entities doing business as online sellers.

In 2021, the digital economy contributed 9.6% to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), or about P1.87 trillion. DigiPinas, the multi-sectoral initiative led by UBX Philippines Corp., earlier said the Philippine digital economy can grow to as much as $150 billion or about P8.3 trillion in the next decade.

Meanwhile, Mr. Lumagui said the BIR will tap social media influencers to help educate the public on the importance of paying taxes.

“They have reach and I think that one way of making people comply with tax obligations is to educate the people since tax is a very complicated topic not easy to understand,” he said, adding the BIR will schedule a dialogue with them.

Mr. Lumagui said the BIR will continue its efforts to collect taxes from social media influencers, since they’re earning income. He noted there are already some who are undergoing tax audits.

“What we want is to dialogue with them that these are your obligations as social media influencers, you’re earning from whatever you’re doing, so this is your responsibility as income earners,” he said.

The BIR said it collected around P44.6 billion worth of tax from online content creators and retail sales at the end of 2021.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you have been selling products or services online for the last twelve months, do you think the BIR’s move with taxing your business will negatively affect Philippine e-commerce as a whole? Have you set aside enough money for potential taxation by the BIR? What is the one thing about online selling that made you stay away from selling through physical establishments like a store?

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

President Marcos approves flagship infrastructure projects of Build Better More (BBM) program worth P9 trillion

March 17, 2023March 11, 2023carlocarrasco

Philippine infrastructure will continue to develop and improve over time as almost two hundred projects worth P9 trillion have been approved recently by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. This is the latest about the Build Better More (BBM) program.

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

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has approved 194 high-impact infrastructure flagship projects (IFPs) worth PHP9 trillion, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) announced Thursday.

Marcos, who chairs the NEDA Board, greenlit these projects in a meeting with NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan and other members of the board at Malacañan Palace.

“The approved new list of infrastructure flagship projects includes a total of 194 projects amounting to about PHP9 trillion,” Balisacan announced in a Palace press briefing.

Of the 194 projects, Baliscan said 123 projects were initiated during the Marcos administration while the remaining 71 projects were from the administration of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

“…The basis for their inclusion there is, this has been approved and this has been before and they have been already implemented. In other words, they have started and so, we cannot discontinue any of those projects,” he said.

Balisacan said these projects will showcase the administration’s “Build Better More” infrastructure program, which is among the priorities under the 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda.

He noted that majority of these infrastructure flagship projects are in physical connectivity and water resources which include projects in irrigation, water supply and flood management.

The list also includes projects in digital connectivity, health, power and energy, agriculture and other infrastructure.

“Some of the new projects included in the new list are the Panay Railway Project; Mindanao Railway Project III; North Long Haul Railway; San Mateo Railway; UP-PGH Diliman Project; Ninoy Aquino International Airport Rehabilitation Project; Ilocos Sur Transbasin Project; and the Metro Cebu Expressway,” Balisacan said.

Balisacan said the IFPs are seen to address the binding constraints to business investment and expansion that will create more high quality and resilient jobs.

“IFPs shall be prioritized under the government’s annual budget preparation and enjoy the benefits of expedited issuance of applicable permits and licenses consistent with current legal frameworks,” he added.

He said the projects will adopt an optimal mix of financing from various development partners or official development assistance (ODA), the national government and general appropriations, and the private sector, particularly public-private partnerships.

Balisacan said 45 out of the 194 projects are seen to be financed through partnerships with the private sector.

“The government shall harness the financial and technical resources of the private sector which allows the public sector to allocate its funds for greater investment in human capital development, especially to address the scarring in health and education due to the pandemic, and provide targeted assistance that protects vulnerable sectors from economic shocks,” he said.

Joint Venture guidelines – Meanwhile, Baliscan also announced that the NEDA Board also approved the proposed amendments to the 2013 NEDA Joint Venture Guidelines.

“The amendments aim to enhance competition for projects under joint ventures, ensure better performance of private sector participants, and improve check and balances to ensure that the project is technically and financially sound,” he said.

He said the amendments will also help ensure that the guidelines are aligned with the provisions of the recently amended Build Operate Transfer (BOT) Law Implementing Rules and Regulations, and the proposed amendments to the BOT Law or PPP Act pending in Congress but expected to be passed by this year.

“What we are addressing there is: Number one is to simplify the joint ventures. Again, to make sure that the joint ventures can move efficiently and quickly and will address the public interest, concerns. And so, the amendments will involve putting in place features that improve the competitive processes in the selection of joint venture partners. So, in other words hindi “lutong Macau” iyong mga JVs kundi (the JVs were not rigged) you know, properly completed by or offered in competition,” he added.

Economic transformation – Baliscan described the approval of the new IFP list and the amendments to the NEDA JV Guidelines as a ”giant step” towards the administration’s goal of elevating the country’s competitiveness in promoting the Philippines as a prime investment destination in the region.

Although the country has “much work to do” to catch up with its neighbors in the region, Baliscan said pursuing high-impact initiatives will encourage greater local and foreign investment and private sector participation in infrastructure development.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this new development? Do you think that the nation’s infrastructure improvement will lead to better transportation accessibility as well as reinvigorating the economy?

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/.

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

House of Representatives approve Marcos-backed VAT refund for outbound foreign tourists bill on 3rd and final reading

March 13, 2023March 7, 2023carlocarrasco

It looks like the Philippines will make a major step forward in the highly competitive field of tourism as the House of Representatives recently approved on 3^rd and final reading the proposal on granting Value Added Tax (VAT) refund for outbound tourists, according to a GMA Network news report. The newly approved bill is a measure backed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.

Having been to Israel recently, I noticed that the VAT refunds for foreign tourists who are about to leave the country is the norm.

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

The House of Representatives on Monday approved on third and final reading a bill granting Value Added Tax (VAT) refund for outbound tourists, a bill backed by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.

House Bill 7292 earned 304 “yes” votes, four “no” votes, and zero abstention.

Under the proposed measure, tourists will be eligible for a VAT refund on goods purchased from accredited retailers in the Philippines as long as such goods are taken out of the country within 60 days from the date of purchase and the value of goods purchased per transaction amounts to at least P3,000.

The bill also authorizes the Secretary of Finance to adjust the P3,000 threshold, taking into account the following indicators: administration costs in processing refunds; consumer price index; and other market conditions, upon the recommendation of the Secretary of Tourism and the Commissioner of Internal Revenue.

“This measure [is being passed] to adopt best practices in VAT refund schemes among Asia Pacific tourism destinations and expand the country’s competitiveness among its peers and neighboring countries,” the committee report on the measure read.

The bill defines a “tourist” as a foreign passport holder who is a non-resident individual not engaged in trade or business in the Philippines.

House ways and means panel chairperson Representative Joey Salceda earlier said the measure will generate P10 billion to P40 billion worth of increased sales for local suppliers.

Salceda was one of the principal authors of the measure, alongside House ways and means panel vice chairperson Mikaela Suansing of Nueva Ecija who chaired the technical working group drafting amendments to the original proposed bill.

“Generally, for every P1 refunded, the tourist spends an additional 1.5 pesos. That will create an additional twenty to eighty thousand jobs, and will also improve our gross international reserves,” Salceda said.

The above report ended stating that the newly approved measure was recommended to the Marcos administration by the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), a group composed of business leaders and industry experts providing technical advice to the President. Take note that last year, the Philippines attracted over 2.6 million foreign tourists and generated P200 billion worth of tourism revenue.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the newly approved measure will pass in the Philippine Senate soon? Do you think the measure will make the Philippines more competitive in international tourism?

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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Muntinlupa City’s Raul Corro elected as Philippine Councilors League (PCL) national chairman

March 8, 2023March 8, 2023carlocarrasco

The highly progressive city of Muntinlupa is in the spotlight once more as incumbent City Councilor Raul Corro got elected as the national chairman of the Philippine Councilors League (PCL), according to a Manila Bulletin news report. It should be noted that Corro, who has an established record of public service in Muntinlupa, was endorsed for the leadership post.

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

Muntinlupa Councilor Raul Corro was elected national chairman of the Philippine Councilors League (PCL), the association of municipal and city councilors.

Corro was endorsed to the position by leaders such as outgoing president Jose Nelson Tata Sala, former national chairman Alan Zulueta, former president Luis Chavit Singson, and various other groups and regional leagues.

“We join the Sangguniang Panlungsod and the rest of the City in offering our warmest congratulations to Atty. Corro, a true-blue Muntinlupeño who is a model of public service. We are truly proud of you,” said Mayor Ruffy Biazon.

Corro is credited by the PCL National Board for the approval of the law granting professional eligibility to Sanggunian members who are college students and who have completed three elected terms in office but have not yet taken the Civil Service examinations.

He is also recognized as responsible for the granting of salary step increments to elected officials. This benefit was previously limited to appointed officials in government service.

Prior to his unopposed election as national chairman, Corro served the 17,000-member PCL as chairman of the Advocacy Committee and regional chairman for the National Capital Region (NCR).

In the last five local elections, Corro has consistently been ranked the top councilor in Muntinlupa, where he is currently the majority floor leader.

The above report ended stating that the City Council of Muntinlupa approved unanimously a resolution recognizing Corro.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Are you delighted to learn about Corro’s election as national chairman of the PCL? What do you hope to see from the PCL under Corro’s leadership?

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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President Marcos says special powers not needed to curb inflation

March 7, 2023March 1, 2023carlocarrasco

In recent times, inflation has been strong in the Philippines and no less than the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) confirmed this as it made its February 2023 inflation forecast. In relation to the high inflation, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos stressed that special powers are not needed to combat inflation, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

There is no need to ask for special powers to ease inflation, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Wednesday, noting that several interventions are already in place to manage the prices of basic commodities.

Marcos made the remark a day after the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported that the country’s headline inflation could surpass the 9 percent level in February because of high prices of cooking gas and key food items.

“I do not think that it is necessary to ask for special powers,” he said in a chance interview on the sidelines of an event at the Rizal Park, when asked if he is considering asking Congress to grant him special powers to curb inflation.

“I already have the power to declare an emergency and to control the prices of commodities. So, I don’t think there’s any need for more than that. That is efficient,” he added.

On Tuesday, the BSP said the inflation rate in February may fall within the range of 8.5 to 9.3 percent, citing the upside risks from higher prices of cooking gas and food items such as pork, fish, egg, and sugar.

Despite the BSP’s latest forecast, Marcos remained bullish that consumer prices would go down, saying his administration is exhausting all efforts to boost the supply of agricultural products.

“The other elements of inflation hindi natin masyado ma-control, kaya meron tayong ginagawang ganito para makabawi naman doon sa pagtaas ng presyo (We could not control the other elements of inflation, that’s why we are making a way to address the rise in prices of basic commodities),” he said.

Several lawmakers, including House Speaker Martin Romualdez, have expressed openness to granting Marcos special powers to curtail inflation.

In January, inflation accelerated further to 8.7 percent from 8.1 percent posted in December 2022.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you confident that the national authorities have what it takes to ease inflation without granting the President special powers? Do you see the current inflation as a temporary problem or as a longer lasting problem?

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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Muntinlupa City Government commended by Anti-Red Tape agency for simplifying business permit and licensing procedures

March 2, 2023February 24, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive city of Muntinlupa, the City Government of Muntinlupa was commended by Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) over the simplifying of business permits and licensing procedures, 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 received a commendation from a national government agency for simplifying business permit and license procedures.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon received the commendation for the city government’s Electronic Business One-Stop Shop (eBOSS) initiative from the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) under the Office of the President.

In a letter addressed to Biazon, ARTA Director General Ernesto Perez said “we would like to convey our appreciation and commendation to the City Government of Muntinlupa as one of the LGUs that simplified business permit application, addressed systemic issues in the local permits and licenses, and introduced reforms and technology-enabled applications and systems that paved way to a seamless and efficient process.”

The eBOSS is one of the centerpiece initiatives of the City Government, bringing together all the necessary permits and licensing offices in one location, and since the pandemic, now can be done online. Aspiring and existing entrepreneurs can now apply for a business license without having to visit the city hall.

The BOSS program has been considered one of Muntinlupa’s best practices, with local government units visiting the City to learn first-hand about it. The pandemic, with physical-distancing a necessity, eventually paved the way for the original BOSS program to go digital.

“We applaud the City Government for setting the standards among the cities and municipalities. It is our hope that the City Government will continue what it has started and even exceed what was previously accomplished for the continuous realization of the ease of doing business in the Philippines. Again, congratulations on your significant contribution in the country!” Perez told Biazon.

After monitoring eBOSS, Perez said the Muntinlupa City government “has successfully implemented all functionalities in setting-up the Electronic Business One-Stop Shop (eBOSS) required by the law and as further stated in ARTA-DTI-DILG-DICT Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 1, series of 2021 or the ‘Guidelines for Processing Business Permits, Related Clearances and Licenses in All Cities and Municipalities.’”

“The said implementation of all functionalities initiated by the [Muntinlupa] City Government, backed up with significant results set the LGU as a model city where various cities and municipalities have been using as benchmark in their own business permit system,” he added.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? If you are a local business owner or manager, how would you describe your experience of getting your business license in the city? Does ARTA’s commendation to Muntinlupa make you feel more confident about the local business permit and licensing procedures?

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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Oxford Economics says Philippine economic growth will slow down to 4.1% this year

February 28, 2023February 23, 2023carlocarrasco

For Oxford Economics, the economy of the Philippines will achieve continued growth in 2023 but with a notable slow down to 4.1%, according to a BusinessWorld news report. Oxford Economics mentioned in its statement factors like the global economy entering recession, inflation and the lack of impact from China’s reopening.

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

PHILIPPINE ECONOMIC GROWTH is expected to slow to 4.1% this year, as external headwinds and elevated inflation are seen to dampen domestic demand, Oxford Economics said.

“After registering respectable growth of 7.6% in 2022, we expect the Philippines’ economy to slow to 4.1% amid global headwinds, elevated inflation, and a fading reopening boost. With monetary tightening set to continue, the economy could use a hand from the fiscal side, but chances are slim,” Makoto Tsuchiya, assistant economist at Oxford Economics, said in a research note released on Wednesday.

Oxford Economics’ gross domestic product (GDP) projection is well below the government’s 6-7% target.

It expects GDP to expand by 4.5% next year, still outside the 6.5-8% target set by the government.

“We expect GDP growth to slow materially amid softer external demand as the global economy enters a recession, led by weakness in major advanced economies. We don’t think China’s reopening will be enough to offset this weakness, with the recovery in private consumption there likely to be lackluster,” Mr. Tsuchiya said.

There is a widely anticipated global recession this year, with the World Bank projecting global growth to slow to 1.7%.

Rising inflation is also seen to “substantially” slow the Philippine economy, Mr. Tsuchiya said.

In January, inflation soared to a 14-year high of 8.7%, marking the 10th consecutive month inflation was above the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) 2-4% target range.

The central bank also raised its average inflation forecast to 6.1% this year from 4.5% previously.

Oxford Economics said that the BSP will continue to hike rates to tame inflation and keep in step with the US Federal Reserve.

“Elevated inflation means policy makers will not be able to react by lowering interest rates. Indeed, we expect tightening to continue for at least the next two meetings, albeit at a slower pace — in contrast to other Asian central banks who can afford to pause,” Mr. Tsuchiya said.

Oxford Economics also cited the lack of policy support as a factor contributing to slower growth this year.

“We think significant support is unlikely given limited policy space on both the monetary and fiscal front. Ideally, fiscal policy would take over the burden of supporting growth. But debt accumulated during the pandemic era means the focus is instead on fiscal consolidation,” Mr. Tsuchiya said, noting that the Philippine government may adopt a more restrained approach in spending.

Oxford Economics expects the budget deficit will reach 2.7% of GDP by 2028, better than the 3% projection given by the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC).

The government projects the fiscal deficit to hit 6.9% of GDP or around P1.5 trillion this year. In the 11 months to November, the budget deficit shrank by 7.2% to P1.24 trillion.

However, Oxford Economics said the debt-to-GDP ratio may remain elevated at 61.1% by 2025. This is higher than the 60% target set by the government in the same period.

The country ended last year with a debt stock at 60.9%, better than the 63.7% seen in end-September but still above the 60% threshold considered manageable by multilateral lenders for developing economies.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think Oxford Economics’ prediction about 4.1% economic growth for the Philippines this year will turn out to be true? Do you think Oxford Economics made a strong case explaining why economic growth in 2023 will be smaller for the Philippines?

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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Las Piñas City lauded by DOH for anti-tuberculosis program

February 2, 2023January 30, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently the City of Las Piñas got praised by the Department of Health (DOH) over their anti-tuberculosis program which made an a positive impact, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. A certification of appreciation was officially received by the City Government.

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

The Department of Health (DOH) lauded the Las Piñas City government for developing and implementing anti-tuberculosis initiatives which contributed to the attainment of National Tuberculosis Control Program (NTP) targets.

According to Mayor Imelda Aguilar, the DOH conferred the city government with a certificate of appreciation, signed by DOH Metro Manila Center for Health Development Director Gloria Balboa, on Jan. 19 at the Lafayette Luxury Suites, Baguio City.

She said the city government launched in July last year a project called Chest X-Ray on Wheels, which roams around the city’s 20 barangays to conduct tuberculosis screening.

The program enables the City Health Office (CHO) determine the health condition of the residents.

The mayor said patients who test positive for tuberculosis based on the X-ray results immediately undergo sputum examination.

Aguilar said those found positive with tuberculosis are referred to barangay health centers for treatment and observation.

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 tuberculosis a major health problem within your local community right now?

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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Alleged ghost employees within the Parañaque City Government an issue

February 1, 2023January 29, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Parañaque, the issue of so-called ghost employees was raised as the City Government moved to review personnel records to find them and determine where exactly the funds from the city budget went, 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 Parañaque city government will conduct a thorough review of personnel records to weed out “ghost employees” who have been eating a huge portion of the city’s budget.

Mayor Eric Olivarez ordered on Sunday, Jan 29, the review after noticing discrepancies in the number of personnel being reported by the Human Resource Management Office and different departments, as well as in the records of the City Budget Office.

Olivarez said the personnel review will be conducted by a committee to be headed by the city administrator, Atty. Voltaire dela Cruz.

“We suspect that this racket has probably been going on for a long time, perhaps decades,” said Olivarez.

The mayor said he became suspicious because when he assumed office, he was told that there are more than 8,000 city hall employees.

The number was later reduced to around 7,600, but no final number has been submitted to him up to now.

Olivarez said he became curious after all the department heads were ordered to submit the list of their employees who are physically working.

The city government then observed a noticeable increase in the number of supposed employees who have voluntary dropped from the rolls.

The mayor added that when he assumed the post only last July, after serving as congressman for nine years and, before that, as city councilor, he ordered all workers to remain in their posts, and that no rank-and-file employees were terminated as a show of goodwill and to establish a healthy working relationship.

This year, however, he decided to order all offices and departments to submit their personnel list to reduce redundancies and trim bureaucratic fat so that more resources can be allocated to other programs and services that will directly benefit the constituents.

“It turns out that we found a lot of discrepancies, so we decided to find out the truth because this is our responsibility to our people,” he said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? Do you think that the City Government really has a lot of so-called ghost employees? How much money from the City Government’s budget do you think went to those ghost employees? What do you think caused ghost employees in the first place? Do you think this could become a major crisis for Parañaque?

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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NCAP for Metro Manila traffic violations cannot be implemented yet

January 26, 2023January 25, 2023carlocarrasco

As the Supreme Court here in the Philippines has yet to make a final decision about the legality of the No-Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP), the local government units (LGUs) of Metro Manila cannot implement the said policy yet when it comes to traffic violations, the Manila Bulletin reported. Take note that the SC issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against NCAP in August 2022.

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

Local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila cannot implement the no-contact apprehension policy (NCA) for traffic violations while the two petitions challenging the policy’s alleged unconstitutionality are still pending with the Supreme Court (SC).

The SC issued on Aug. 30, 2022 a temporary restraining order (TRO) against NCAP and the order is enforceable until further orders from the High Court.

The SC wrapped up early tonight, Jan. 24, the legal debates on the two petitions. The first oral arguments were held last Dec. 6.

After the oral arguments, the parties to the cases were given a non-extendible period of 30 days from Jan. 24 to file their respective memorandum in amplification the issues tackled during the debates.

Given the complexities of the issues involved in the NCAP – modes of implementation like systems and mechanics, alleged exorbitant penalties for traffic violations, alleged violations of due process like pay first before complaining, and issues on privacy rights, among other things – the SC – legal quarters said – is not expected to resolve the petitions immediately after the 30-day period to file memoranda.

There were two petitions against the alleged unconstitutionality of NCAP which utilizes closed-circuit television and digital cameras to identify and apprehend traffic violators through videos and images of their violations.

Once a violation is detected and the plate number of the vehicle is recorded, the local government unit issues traffic citation tickets and mail them directly to the vehicle’s registered owner. Data on ownership of the vehicle is obtained from the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

Non-payment of fines within seven days would mean the subject vehicle cannot be re-registered by the owner.

NCAP in Metro Manila is operated by a private firm, QPAX Traffic Systems, Inc., which gets a share ranging from 60 to 70 percent of the total amount of fines collected by the LGUs for traffic violations.

In one LGU in Metro Manila alone, the SC was told that the city government had collected close to P200 million in traffic violation penalties before the enforcement of NCAP was stopped. Of the amount 65 percent had been remitted to QPAX which was reported to have invested only about P50 million for NCAP devices and equipment in that city.

The first petition was filed by the Kilusan sa Pagbabago ng Industriya ng Transportasyon, Inc. (KAPIT), Pangkalahatang Saggunian Manila and Suburbs Drivers Association Nationwide (Pasang-Masda), Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (ALTODAP), and Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization (ACTO).

They told the SC the implementation of NCAP is unconstitutional and thus invalid.

At the time the first petition was filed, the NCAP was being implemented in Metro Manila by the local governments of Quezon City, Manila, Valenzuela City, Muntinlupa City, and Parañaque City through their ordinances based on the 2016 resolution of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) which ordered the re-implementation of NCAP.

The second petition was filed by lawyer Juman B. Paa who also pleaded for the issuance of a TRO against the NCAP being implemented in the City of Manila.

In his petition, Paa asked the SC to declare unconstitutional Manila City Ordinance No. 8676, series of 2020, on NCAP.

He said the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) has access to the database of the LTO relative to the details of the vehicle, including the name of the owner and address.

Paa said that “if a private company is performing the function of the MTPB, their access to the close circuit television (CCTV) footage might be used for other purposes like surveillance of a particular person thus exposing citizens to risks against safety and privacy.”

Solicitor General Menardo I. Guevarra said that “while NCAP cameras capture vehicle images that violate traffic rules and regulations, they are neither designed to capture, nor are these cameras capable of obtaining, facial recognition images of the drivers.”

“This fact attenuates and weakens petitioners’ claim of violation of their right to privacy,” Guevarra said.

“More importantly, the sharing by the Land Transportation Office of vehicle registration data with the local governments involves information necessary to carry out functions of public authorities,” he said.

“It is therefore a sharing of personal information which is expressly excluded from the coverage of the Data Privacy Act under Republic Act No. 10173,” he stressed.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this new development? Do you believe that the NCAP is very prone to abuse by the LGUs? Do you believe that the LGUs want to use NCAP to easily raise funds? Do you believe that NCAP actually helps solve traffic problems and helps discipline motorists? Do you think Parañaque City is a good example of a city that implemented the NCAP? Do you believe that NCAP violates a motorist’s privacy in relation to the collection of personal and vehicular data? Did you pay close attention on how your city mayor reacted whenever the NCAP gets challenged?

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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