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The Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) recent mandate requiring online sellers to pay withholding tax is a significant step toward modernizing the Philippines’ tax system.  As e-commerce grows exponentially, the tax framework must evolve to ensure fairness and compliance for all businesses. For years, traditional brick-and-mortar establishments have shouldered their share of tax responsibilities, while online sellers have often enjoyed …

The Philippine Postal Corporation (The Post Office) collaborates with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) in the issuance of Commemorative Stamps to celebrate the PPA’s 50th anniversary of dedicated service and significant contributions to the nation’s port infrastructure and economic growth held at the historic Metropolitan Theater in Manila on July 11, 2024. This milestone event highlights PPA’s journey from its …

By Rose de la Cruz The continuing rise of preference by Filipino commuters to motorcycle taxis (habal habal) now at 60 percent is because of the government’s dismal performance in improving the public transport system on account of bureaucratic hitches, budgetary constraints and its obvious bias for privately-owned cars. A survey done by WR Numero Opinion Monitor, a research company, …

By Rose de la Cruz The Philippines would miss its export goal of $143 billion unless it grows exports by double-digit, said Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (PhilExport) President Sergio Luis-Ortiz. He estimated the possibility of reaching the 2024 target coming into fruition by three years or by 2027.  But, he stressed, the Philippines must first resolve its problems with electricity, …

By Rose de la Cruz Bohol has become a favorite of investors in the country’s tourism sector, according to a report of business blog site, Bilyonaryo. While investors remain cautious about short-term prospects in the country, many are optimistic about the medium and long term, with Bohol emerging as the most attractive location, according to Alfred Lay, director for Hotels, …

First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Chairman/Postmaster General Mike Planas of the Philippine Postal Corporation (The Post Office) awarded the Centenarian Personalized Stamps to Mrs. Basilia Tabudlong Ortiz and Mr. Ceasario Gubaton Lamela, Jr.  of Mandaluyong and Bacolod City respectively during the LAB FOR ALL Service Caravan held in various cities in Mandaluyong, Bacolod and Tacloban. “Living to 100 years old …

By Rose de la Cruz Local property brokers, Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC) traced the 24 percent growth in the Philippine office market to the expansion of government and BPO (business process outsourcing) demand. A report in business blog site, Bilyonaryo said government demand spurred a 24 percent increase in the office property market to 685,000 square meters in the first six …

By Rose de la Cruz After wasting six years on the infrastructure momentum of previous presidents since Ramos, the Philippines under President Marcos Jr. is catching up for lost time in terms of public private partnerships (PPs) that were suppressed by the Duterte administration, who favored only official development assistance (ODAs) for mega projects. Right now, the momentum is again …

The upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is drawing national attention and controversy.  House Secretary General Reginald Velasco recently announced a ban on guests wearing outfits with protest or derogatory statements, sparking debate.  Velasco argues this is necessary to maintain the event’s formality and decorum, though it raises questions about balancing respect for …

By Rose de la Cruz Regarded as the Cabinet’s weak link because of his department’s lackluster performance, his tardiness in meetings (here and abroad) and his laziness, Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual is said to be on his way out and would soon be replaced by economic czar– the President’s first choice for the post– Frederick Go, Palace …