Day: November 6, 2024

Manila: Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. announced that the BIR has apprehended a total of 506 illicit vape retailers and resellers as of the end of October this year. According to Philippines News Agency, Lumagui stated that based on BIR data, the tax liability, inclusive of penalties, has reached PHP181.69 million. Common violations among these illicit vape retailers and resellers include non-payment of excise taxes, absence of internal revenue stamps, and lack of BIR registration for the vape products. “As of the end of October 2024, the BIR has caught 506 illicit vape retailers/resellers during our

Manila: The Philippines is set to build new dockyards and shipyards to accommodate and service its newly-acquired naval vessels, which are expected to be delivered within the next three years. This development was announced by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. during his address at the Philippine Strategic Outlook 2024 Onwards: National Security and Economic Resilience forum held at the Ateneo de Manila University. According to Philippines News Agency, Secretary Teodoro emphasized the strategic importance of these new facilities, particularly in the West Philippine Sea. He stated, “We are investing in creating new dockyards and shipyards that

PILI: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to collaborate on an integrated and future-proof approach for the Bicol River Basin project. During a visit to Pili, Camarines Sur, where he distributed government assistance to typhoon-affected farmers, fisherfolk, and families, Marcos emphasized that such a directive is essential to prevent severe flooding amid climate change. According to Philippines News Agency, the President instructed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to work with local governments to

Manila: The Senate Committee on Finance has decided to adopt the House of Representatives’ version of the proposed 2025 budget for the Office of the Vice President (OVP), following the OVP’s failure to provide requested documentation. Under the General Appropriations Bill (GAB) forwarded by the House, the OVP’s budget for next year is set at PHP733 million, significantly less than the PHP2.03 billion initially proposed. According to Philippines News Agency, Senator Grace Poe, chair of the finance panel, confirmed the decision in a message to reporters. Despite multiple requests for clarification documents from the OVP, none were received, prompting the

TACLOBAN CITY: The Philippine Army 802nd Infantry Brigade is set to engage with families, relatives, and loved ones of active New People’s Army (NPA) members to learn their Christmas wishes as part of its local peace initiative. According to Philippines News Agency, Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, commander of the Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade, operating in Leyte Island and parts of the Samar provinces, expressed confidence that many families wish for their loved ones involved in armed struggle to return home. The ‘Wish Upon a Star’ project will capture the Christmas wishes from families of active NPA combatants. These recorded messages