BIR MASBATE BEEFS UP TAX MEASURES TO ADDRESS REVENUE SHORTFALL

MASBATE CITY – The global economy is in a recession, and nobody’s sure exactly when things will get better.

Economists say the success of the government’s development thrusts depends on the availability of resources. This means the government must generate more revenue to finance public goods and social protections programs, such as the conditional cash transfers to the poor.

These days, however, resources are not very easy to come by.

Not when some taxpayers, particularly businesses, are suspected of under-declaring their income.

In the first semester, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in Bicol collected only P1.8 billion. Tax collection in Masbate in the six months to June this year hit only P135,637,452.12.

The BIR is hard-pressed to beef up efforts to shore up collection because the budget surplus in April posted only P7.9 billion against the P25.8 billion registered during the same month last year due largely to a slight drop in revenue.

To address tax collection shortfalls, the BIR has adopted several measures; among them is the Oplan Kandado program.

`Under the Oplan Kandado, the BIR looks into the business operations of taxpayers suspected of understating their income.

In conducting the investigation, BIR personnel are sent personally to the sites of business operation of the subject taxpayer,” said an official of the BIR revenue district office in Masbate who spoke on condition of anonymity because he had no authority to speak on the subject to the media.

Specifically, BIR personnel check whether receipts are properly issued by those engaged in retail, or estimates the volume of inventory of manufacturing firms.

Since Oplan Kandado was launched, several business establishments across the country have already fallen in the investigations. The latest to fall, according to BIR records, was Vida Mart, a popular outlet of a wide array of goods, ranging from clothing and footwear to household items and school and office supplies, in Catbalogan, Samar.

A 10-day surveillance of the store revealed that Vida Mart grossed at least P99,000 in average daily sales. This meant Vida Mart understated its total sales for 2008 and the first quarter of 2009 by at least 90 per cent.

The BIR personnel also discovered that the store’s sales book was not updated, in violation of the requirement that a taxpayer’s records be preserved. These violations, which were not rectified by the erring taxpayer within a grace period given by the BIR, served as basis for BIR regional director Araceli Francisco to padlock the doors of Vida Mart.

In Masbate, it won’t come as a surprise when BIR personnel start looking into the business operations of some taxpayers. (EADelgado, PIA Masbate)


DBP ENHANCES CREDITWORTHINESS OF MSMEs

SORSOGON CITY — The Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) here enhances the creditworthiness of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector in the province and helps mitigate the credit risk of financial institutions by extending credit to them

Eleanor A. Eco, DBP Sorsogon City branch managed, said such measures intend to help small entrepreneurs in developing or expanding their businesses, build better lives for themselves, their families, and their communities as well.

Eco bared with the loan support from the DBP, two entrepreneurs from Sorsogon City borrowed Php1.7 million each for expansion on One Town, One Product (OTOP) business venture focusing on pili candy making and crab meat processing.

“In Casiguran town, another promising businessman was loaned amounting to Php1.5M, also for pili candy making, while another from Barcelona town was granted P250,000 for furniture making,” she added.

“DBP has since been carrying out diverse programs on financing for MSMEs, with One-Town-One-Product or OTOP program as centerpiece,” she said.

Eco averred testimonies from these Sorsoganons, who dared enterprising business as a strong weapon against fiscal/economic crisis and availed of the credit facility which the government offered, demonstrated that they have expanded their business and that all of them are now starting to do well in their enterprising fields.

“We remain optimistic that these initiatives will go a long way towards energizing the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises not only in Sorsogon but in the entire country especially among the poorest towns in 31 priority provinces with the lowest saturation rates,” she concluded. (BARecebido, PIA Sorsogon)


CAMARINES NORTE CRAFTS AND DELICACIES AT 4TH LUZON ISLAND FAIR

DAET, Camarines Norte — Distinctive products by different localities in this province under the “One Town One Product” (OTOP) program were showcased July 8 until yesterday at the 4th Luzon Island Fair in SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.

Ernesto Pardo, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial director, said OTOP program is one of the priority projects of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo promoting entrepreneurship and job generation among locals.

“The program is carried out through public-private partnerships, specifically between the LGUs and national government line agencies with micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs),” he added.

Pardo said the OTOP exhibitors from the province showcased local crafts and food products that attracted both local and foreign consumers during the trade fair.

Labo Progressive Multi-Purpose Cooperative took pride on their pouch, fan and cloth made from pineapple fiber; Jannah Pasalubong of Vinzons showcased its pandecillos, masapod reda and pili tart; Daet Food Producers Association sold bake peanuts, pili nuts and pili roll; and, Mercedes Fish Processor Association was known for its dried fish and other fish products.

This year’s theme of the 4th Luzon Island Fair focused on “Treasures of the Islands”.

Some 247 OTOP MSMEs exhibited their crafts and food products, with a wide range of products ranging from furniture and furnishing, gifts and house wares, processed food, fashion accessories, footwear, novelty products, arts and crafts, to health and beauty products and services. (RBManlangit, PIA CamNorte)


MSMEDC PUSHES PEOPLE EMPOWERMENT, JOB GENERATION

DAET, Camarines Norte – In time for the observance of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (MSMED) Week 2009, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here pursued among the local business sector and prospected entrepreneurs to venture into and strengthen micro, small and medium enterprises as they play a significant role in the growth and development of the local economy.

During the MSMED Week celebration last July 6-12, DTI and MSMED Council here spearheaded several activities aimed at promoting the importance of small businesses in nation-building through people empowerment and jobs generation.

The week-long activity commenced with a radio interview Evelyn Salen de Leon, Camarines Norte Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) president, delving on the continuing awareness of the role and contribution of small business to employment, people empowerment, growth and sustainable development.

De Leon also chairs the Camarines Norte Provincial Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council over DZMD-AM and Radyo ng Bayan.

Ernesto Pardo, DTI provincial director, said a Small and Medium Enterprise Mini-Bookstore was staged from July 6-12, 2009 as well as film showing on livelihood programs in the local television program “Magnegosyo Tayo” over CNTV.

Other activities conducted were product development seminar for young entrepreneurs, launching of Business Plan Competition for Young Entrepreneurs, and Business Counselling on Air over DZMD-AM.

He added the Business Mini-Summit highlighted the awarding of three MSMEs from barangays Bagasbas and 3 as well as the Camarines Norte Food Processors, wherein winners were given livelihood cart.

MSME’s success stories were also highlighted in local radio programs and print publication of local circulations.

Other participating agencies were Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Agrarian Refom (DAR), Department of Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR) and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). (RBManlangit, PIA CamNorte)


NAVY NETS ILLEGAL FISHERS, ILLEGAL LOGS IN QUEZON

LEGAZPI CITY — Elements of the Philippine Navy stationed at Puerto Real, Quezon apprehended illegal fishers and stopped transporters of logs believed to be illegally cut in a successful maritime patrol off the coasts of Polilio and Infanta in Quezon province Thursday (July 9).

Following a tip from a concerned citizen around the, PN unit dispatched patrol boat DF321 to verify reports on two motorized boats towing volume of round logs south east of Polilio Island sighted around 5:00 a.m.

While on its way to the site on or about 11:05 a.m., the navy’s patrol boat chanced upon a fishing boat some 5 nautical miles north east of Little Rock in barangay Pandan of Real town.

Navy crew of DF321 approached and conducted board and search of the said fishing boat which yielded 14 styrofoam boxes containing assorted fishes believed to be caught from fine mesh net, use of which is prohibited under Section 89 Chapter 6 of RA 8550 or “The Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998”.

The apprehending team identified the vessel with F/B God's Will markings, owned and operated by one Arminda Ramos and skippered by Rolando Quintana, both residents of Atimonan, Quezon, with seventeen (17) crews on board.

Apprehended boat was issued with inspection and apprehension report (IAR), boarding certificate, and turned over to IFARMC for proper disposition.

Thereafter, the same navy’s patrol boat pursued maritime operation along the waters off Polilio, and on or about 1:30 p.m. of the same day the navy team spotted the two reported motorized boats with volume of round logs in tow some 8 nautical miles north east off Dinahican Point in Infanta town.

While DF321 patrol ship was on chase the reported vessels, the latter veered away towards northwest direction and abandoned the logs.

The apprehending team retrieved approximately 600 pieces of logs and turned over them to CENRO in Real town for proper disposition. (DFNieva, NavForSol/PIA)


PNR all set for Bicol run, says Palace

MANILA — Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said the inauguration of the Philippine National Railway’s Bicol run will definitely push through.

“Tuloy na tuloy po ang inauguration ng PNR run,” Remonde said in a radio interview this yesterday afternoon.

The Metro Manila portion of the PNR network is part of the Strong Republic Transport System (SRTS) and the overall public transports system of the metropolis. It forms the backbone of all of Metro Manila’s regional rail services, extending to the suburbs and to provinces like Laguna.

The rehabilitation of the PNR aims to spur Philippine economic growth through an efficient railway system.

It was during President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s term that its rehabilitation has been actively pursued through various investments and projects.

The rehabilitation which has met obstacles like the large number of slum dwellers alongside the tracks, entailed reconstruction of rail bridges, replacement of rail tracks, replacement of current 35-kilo track with newer 50-kilo tracks and remodeling of the stations. The first phase, convering the entire Metro Manila portion of Northrail and Southrail, is set for completion this year. (PIA V Release)


PGMA orders DND, DSWD to look after Mayon evacuees

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ordered Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and Social Welfare Secretary Esperanza Cabral to look after the needs of evacuees from Mayon Volcano’s increasing activity.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde, in a radio interview, said the President has directed Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro in his capacity as Chairperson of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) to ensure the safety of the people in the area.

He said the Chief Executive has also directed Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Esperanza Cabral to ensure that the needs of the affected residents will be attended to immediately.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised the alert status around Mayon Volcano from Level 1 to Level 2 Friday morning after it observed intensified restiveness in the volcano, reports said.

This alert condition signifies a state of increasing unrest, which can lead to ash explosions or eventually an eruption, a Phivolcs bulletin said.

Albay Governor Joey Salceda said the province is now readying additional preparations because of the alarming condition of Mayon. (PIA V Release)


PGMA to bring up poverty alleviation program,
economic resiliency plan in meeting with Obama – Remonde

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will have an opportunity to discuss with US President Barack Obama the country’s poverty alleviation program and economic resiliency plan during her planned visit to Washington on July 30.

In a radio interview this morning, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said the President has accepted the invitation to be the first Southeast Asian leader to meet with President Obama at the White House.

Remonde said the Chief Executive and President Obama will likely discuss global issues on terrorism and climate change, as well as her poverty alleviation and economic resiliency programs.

The President has been a strong partner of the international community in the war against terrorism particularly since the 9/11 attacks on US soil.

The Philippines is also at the forefront in urging the world, particularly industrialized economies, to drastically reduce their greenhouse gas emissions under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change UNFCCC and the 1997 Kyoto Protocol which was ratified by 184 countries and took effect in 2005.

Remonde said the President will also likely discuss the Arroyo administration’s anti-poverty programs that are being implemented through the additional funds generated from earlier fiscal and financial reforms.

Another likely topic is the P330-billion Economic Resiliency Plan including accelerated spending for human and physical infrastructure that was put in place to ensure sustainable growth, create and save jobs, mitigate hunger, and protect the most vulnerable sectors against the harsh effects of the present global crisis.

While in Washington, the President will also meet with other key US officials and businessmen. (PIA V Release)


CIA chief cites American affinity with Filipinos

MANILA — “Close to our hearts.”

That’s how visiting US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director Leon Panetta described American affinity with the Philippines during his visit to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo yesterda’s afternoon in Malacanang.

Panetta, who replaced Michael Hayden as the 19th CIA chief last February, was accompanied by US Ambassador Kristie Kenney, Deputy Director Michael Sulick and Deputy Chief of Mission Leslie Basset.

Joining President Arroyo during the meeting were Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, and National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales.

Panetta, who represented California’s 16th (now 17th) Congressional District in Monterey Bay from 1977 to 1993, cited the Filipino community, saying their being hard working and loyal were the traits that endeared them to him.

“The Philippines is very close to our hearts because of the hardworking Filipinos in the district I once represented,” Panetta said.

Panetta, who arrived this morning, earlier met with US embassy personnel and took a side trip to the American Cemetery in Manila where he lay a wreath in honor of US and Filipino World War II servicemen who gave their lives in pursuit of freedom.

Before joining the CIA, he spent 10 years co-directing with his wife, Sylvia, the Leon & Sylvia Panetta Institute for Public Policy, a non-partisan, not-for-profit center that seeks to instill in young men and women the virtues and values of public service, based at California State University, Monterey Bay.

From July 1994 to January 1997, Panetta served as Chief of Staff to President William “Bill” Clinton.

Prior to that, he was Director of the Office of Management and Budget, a position that built on his years of work on the House Budget Committee. (PIA V Release)


Palace happy over Red Cross volunteer Vagni's release

MANILA — Press Secretary Cerge Remonde commended the Local Crisis Management Committee of Sulu for the release of International Committee on the Red Cross (ICRC) volunteer, Italian Eugenio Vagni, who was kidnapped six months ago by the Abu Sayyaf in Jolo, Sulu.

In a radio interview, Remonde said: “We are happy about the safe release of Vagni. We would like to commend the Local Crisis Management Committee of Sulu, the police, military and the Armed Forces and all those who have in one way or another helped in his eventual safe release.”

Remonde said what had been reported to Malacanang was that Vagni was released to Vice Governor Lady Anne Sahidulla and then turned over to ground forces in Mindanao.”

He said Vagni was taken to the hospital for treatment and will be flown to Manila immediately to be turned over to the ICRC thru the Philippine National Red Cross chaired by Senator Richard Gordon. (PIA V Release)


PGMA’s last SONA a scorecard of accomplishments

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s last State of the Nation Address will be a scorecard of her accomplishments from the time she first took office in 2001 to July this year.

Presidential Management Staff Chief Secretary Hermogenes Esperon, who handles the technical reports of the Office of the President, said in a radio interview that the President will also discuss her ongoing projects due for completion before her term ends June 30 next year.

“We do not know the exact content of the SONA since the President herself is the one preparing it. She is still doing it now. We can only guess what will be the final content of her SONA,” Esperon said. “But this is not her final goodbye since she still has nine more months to complete her term.”

As co-chair of the pro-performance team created by the President, Esperon has for members among others Donald Ty and Anton Pascual of Caritas Manila, who have inspected the SONA promises of the President in terms of infrastructure, the economy and concern for the overseas Filipino workers.

Five infrastructure projects of national scope and 149 others which are individual in nature have been completed among them in the area of irrigation, the 13,000-kilometer farm-to-market roads, housing, hospitals, and barangay electrification which is now 98 percent complete.

As of 2007, 39 projects have been completed with 26 more expected to be completed by December this year. Around 67 more will be finished at the end of her term, according to Esperon.

Among the completed projects are the SCTEX (Subic, Clark, Tarlac Expressway) amounting to P28 billion; the upgrading of Poro International Airport, P477 million; Dingalan Port, P96 million; Caticlan Multi Purpose Project, P7.4 billion; EDSA Rehabilitation, P200 million; Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR in Batangas), P2.5 billion; Subic Bay Ports Development Project, P8 billion; Batangas Port, P6.8 billion; New Bacolod Silay Airport, P4 billion and the Iloilo Airport.

Esperon said the economy, In terms of the current global economic crisis will be discussed in the SONA, which like the previous ones, is expected to use symbols or examples like the three Payatas children. (PIA V Release)