Day: November 25, 2024

Manila: Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has initiated a resolution calling for an investigation into tax leakages resulting from the widespread use of counterfeit person with disability (PWD) identification cards. These fraudulent IDs are being used to unlawfully obtain a 20-percent discount and value-added tax (VAT) exemption. According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian, through Senate Resolution No. (SRN) 1239, highlighted reports of fake PWD IDs being sold in various locations, including Bacolod City, where authorities discovered 100 counterfeit IDs. These IDs were found to be printed on non-standard paper, with mismatched PWD numbers and fake disability types encoded. In Cebu City, the

TACLOBAN CITY: The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will build a Forest Product Innovation and Training Center (FPITC) in Baybay City, Leyte to advance sustainable forestry in Eastern Visayas. DOST Regional Director John Glenn Ocaña said in a phone interview Monday the PHP3.6-million center will rise inside the Visayas State University (VSU) campus in Baybay City. According to Philippines News Agency, the center will focus on research, training, and innovation, to address the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions, including in industries such as coconut and bamboo. Establishing FPITCs is part of a nationwide initiative, with similar centers established at

Manila: Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Monday underscored the importance and urgency of the fight to end Violence Against Women (VAW). Gatchalian made this remark as the agency joined the government’s 18-day campaign to end VAW on the 20th anniversary of the signing of Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004 with the theme ‘VAW Bigyang Wakas, Ngayon na ang Oras (End VAW, Now is the Time!)’. According to Philippines News Agency, the DSWD, as the lead of the Inter-Agency Council on Violence Against Women and their

Manila: The Philippines is actively pursuing enhanced air connectivity with Bahrain, focusing on establishing direct flights to Cebu, as announced by the Department of Tourism (DOT) on Monday. This strategic move aims to strengthen tourism ties and promote mutual growth between the two nations. According to Philippines News Agency, DOT Secretary Christina Frasco recently visited Bahrain, where she met with Bahraini Minister of Tourism Fatima bint Jaffar Al Sairafi. The discussions centered on potentially broadening the current Bahrain-Manila flight route to include Cebu, alongside other collaborative efforts in the tourism sector. The talks included joint island promotions, the exchange of

BAGUIO CITY: The Social Security System (SSS) in Northern Luzon assured on Monday that it will continue its Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) campaign in 2025, citing its effectiveness in protecting private-sector workers’ rights. ‘Tinuluy-tuloy ng central office ang RACE kasi nakita nila na napaka-effective in 2024 kaya we are again using this sa 2025 (The central office continued RACE because they saw its effectiveness in 2024. We will continue doing it in 2025),’ said Atty. Blesselda Acosta, chief legal officer of SSS North Luzon 1, during a press conference here. According to Philippines News Agency, the RACE campaign, which