Day: February 5, 2025

Manila: The Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday provided clarification regarding the prescriptive periods for filing value-added tax (VAT) refund claims with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). According to Philippines News Agency, the tribunal’s Third Division ruled that for VAT refund claims filed before June 11, 2014, the 120-day period for the BIR to resolve these claims begins when the taxpayer determines that its submission of documents is complete. This decision arose from a case involving Dohle Shipmanagement Philippines Corporation, which sought a refund or credit for unutilized input VAT for the year 2012. Dohle initially filed its administrative claim

Negros Oriental: The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Negros Oriental is urging local government units in the province to spearhead and fund training on marine mammal stranding for a seamless response. BFAR-Negros Oriental provincial chief Florencia Mepa±a emphasized the necessity of collaborative efforts to address the issue effectively. According to Philippines News Agency, Mepa±a stated that while BFAR can facilitate the training, the agency lacks the necessary resources to do so independently. She noted that organizing such training requires inviting experts on marine mammal stranding as resource speakers, alongside other logistical requirements. Dr. Lemuel Aragones, head of

Bago City: The temporary housing for internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon in Bago City, Negros Occidental is taking shape in the form of ‘bahay kubo’ (nipa hut) village. As of Wednesday, 33 out of 50 bahay kubo units have been set up at the Payag Sang Kapag-on Village in the city’s relocation site in Barangay Napoles. According to Philippines News Agency, the Office of Civil Defense-Western Visayas (OCD-6) reported that the units have been equipped with underground electrical cables, LED lights, switches, and outlets. Additionally, septic tanks for portable toilets are being installed to

Cebu: Construction of the New Cebu International Container Port (NCICP) broke ground on Wednesday to address cargo congestion at the Cebu Base Port and improve the turnaround of commercial vessels in the region. Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista stated that the NCICP will address the current bottlenecks in the logistics chain, promote faster and more cost-efficient transport of goods, and enhance the competitiveness of local businesses and industries. According to Philippines News Agency, the benefits of the new cargo port extend beyond its physical structure. Users will save money through reduced vessel waiting costs, decreased transport and congestion-related

Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will continue discussions with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to develop guidelines for the ‘Oplan Katok’ initiative ahead of the May 12 midterm polls. This effort aims to prevent the measure from being used for harassment and intimidation during the election season, as stated by Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco in a recent media interview. According to Philippines News Agency, the ongoing talks between the PNP and Comelec are focused on establishing a common understanding and implementing the PNP’s mandate in a way that supports the election process. Laudiangco emphasized the importance of implementing