Overcharging, Cheaper Flights, Visa-Free News (June 2025 Philippines Updates

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Steuererklärung nötig durch Rentenerhöhung?

 Stand:

24.06.2025, 06:31 Uhr

Rentnerinnen und Rentner sollten wissen, dass schon allein die Nichtabgabe der Steuererklärung eine Straftat darstellen kann. © Marijan Murat/dpa/dpa-tmn

Anfang Juli steigen die Renten. Das heißt für einige Menschen im Ruhestand, dass sie nun womöglich eine Steuererklärung abgeben müssen. Sind damit automatisch auch Steuern zu zahlen?

Neustadt - Auf einmal wird eine Steuerklärung fällig - und damit doch bestimmt auch Steuern? Diese Sorgen von Rentnerinnen und Rentnern ist in vielen Fällen unbegründet, heißt es von der Vereinigten Lohnsteuerhilfe (VLH). Und selbst wenn durch eine Rentenerhöhung Abgaben gezahlt werden müssten, seien diese zunächst eher gering.  

Ab wann Steuererklärung?

Wer muss in Rente überhaupt eine Steuererklärung abgeben? Das sind diejenigen, deren gesamte Einkünfte den Grundfreibetrag überschreiten. Dieser liegt für das Jahr 2025 bei 12.096 Euro. Zwar ist ein Teil der Altersrente steuerfrei, allerdings zählen zu dem Gesamtbetrag auch noch Einkünfte wie Mieteinnahmen, Witwenrente oder betriebliche Altersversorgung.  

Wer mit allem zusammen also auf zum Beispiel 13.000 Euro kommt, liegt über dem Grundfreibetrag und muss eine Steuererklärung abgeben. Wer sich nicht sicher ist, kann sich das online mit dem Rentenbesteuerungsrechner der VLH ausrechnen lassen.

Wann werden Steuern fällig?

Das heißt laut VLH aber nicht automatisch, dass er oder sie dann auch Steuern zahlen muss. Denn auch Rentnerinnen und Rentner können in ihrer Steuererklärung Ausgaben geltend machen, die die Steuerlast drücken. Liegt das steuerpflichtige Einkommen nach diesen Abzügen dann wieder unter dem Grundfreibetrag, fallen trotz Steuererklärung keine Steuern an.  

Absetzen können Menschen in Rente Beiträge zur gesetzlichen Kranken- und Pflegeversicherung, ebenso haushaltsnahe Dienstleistungen oder Handwerkerkosten bis zur entsprechenden Höchstgrenze. Auch Werbungskosten können sie ansetzen - wer keine benennt, für den zieht das Finanzamt 102 Euro pauschal ab. Anführen können Rentnerinnen und Rentner zudem außergewöhnliche Belastungen, hier wird eine individuelle zumutbare Eigenbelastung errechnet.

Steuererklärung einfach gemacht

Das Online-Portal Elster bietet mit „einfachELSTER“ einen Service speziell für Rentnerinnen und Rentner sowie für Pensionärinnen und Pensionäre an. Diese können darüber ihre Einkommensteuererklärung vereinfacht und schneller abgeben.  

Allerdings: Die vereinfachte Steuerklärung kann nicht nutzen, wer Kapitaleinkünfte oberhalb des Sparerpauschbetrags oder mehr Einkünfte als aus einem Minijob hat. Auch bei zusätzlichen Einkünften zum Beispiel aus Vermietung oder einem Gewerbe ist die einfache Variante nicht möglich. dpa

A view of Switerzland's Aletsch Glacier, the Alps' largest glacier

 

Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com

June 21, 2025 | 4:53pm

MANILA, Philippines — Between the Bern and Valais cantons in Switzerland, one can find the largest glacier in western Eurasia and among the biggest in the world.

The Aletsch Glacier (Aletschgletscher in German) is about 23 kilometers long and covers over 81 square kilometers of the Bernese Alps, making it also the largest glacier in the famous mountain range.

The entire glacier and other portions of the Jungfrau-Aletsch Protected Area were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site over twenty years ago, but it continues to lose some of its ice due to global warming.

The upper part of the Aletsch Glacier can be directly accessed through the Jungfrauoch railway station, the highest station in all of Europe at 3,454 meters earning it the title "Top of Europe."

Better views however can be seen in the lower part of the glacier near the mountain village of Bettmeralp.

From there, individuals can also have a glimpse of other peaks like the Dom, the iconic Matterhorn, and Europe's highest mountain the Mont Blanc.

The Mont Blanc however is not in Switzerland but situated along the Franco-Italian border.

There are 48 mountains in Switzerland higher than 4,000 meters — and 40 of them can be seen from the Bettmerhorn viewing point of the Aletsch Glacier.

Advanced hikers are able treak on and around the glacier, even spend the night in one of the huts found along it, but must be wary of the crevasses which can go as deep as 900 meters.

Editor's note: The trip to Switzerland was hosted by Switzerland Tourism. At no stage does the host organization has a say on the stories generated from the coverage, interviews conducted, publication date, and story treatment. Content is produced solely by Philstar.com following editorial guidelines.

Fyang Smith releases debut EP, caps off album launch with PBB batchmates

 

Jan Milo Severo - Philstar.com

June 24, 2025 | 9:34am

MANILA, Philippines — "Pinoy Big Brother: Gen 11" winner Sofia "Fyang" Smith opens a new chapter in her career after launching her five-track debut extended play "Forever Fyang." 

The EP include the singles "Mishu (Nasaan Si Fyang?)" and "Tayo Hanggang Dulo" which recently claimed the top two spots of iTunes Philippines' songs chart.

The lyric videos for both songs featuring her fellow "PBB Gen 11" housemate JM Ibarra have each accumulated over 100,000 views. 

"Mishu" was composed by Trisha Denise and Dennis Campaner, while "Tayo Hanggang Dulo" was written by ABS-CBN Music creatives, content, and operations head Jonathan Manalo and Perry Lansigan.

"Forever Fyang" produced by StarPop label head Roque "Rox" Santos brings feel-good vibes as it celebrates different forms of love from playful flirtation to long-lasting connections. 

Completing the extended play are the tracks "Clingy AF" composed by Gabriel Tagadtad, "Kaya Mo Ba" by Jeremy G and Jarea, and "Para Shoot" by award-winning songwriter Jungee Marcelo.

Last Sunday Fyang delivered exciting performances during the extended play's launch held in the New Frontier Theater.

Joining her onstage were Ibarra, other "PBB Gen 11" housemates Kai Montinola, Kolette Madelo, Rain Celmar, and "Asia's Songbird" Regine Velasquez-Alcasid.

Rizal as timeless role model for Filipinos

 

By Former Senator Atty. Joey D. Lina

Published Jun 24, 2025 12:05 am

FINDING ANSWERS

As I contemplated on Dr. Jose Rizal on the 164th birth anniversary of our national hero last June 19, the more I was convinced that enlightenment is crucial in attaining prosperity for our country.

In today’s world where misinformation spreads rapidly and where apathy often drowns out civic engagement, Filipino sought to emulate Rizal whose life shined with three key elements: power of education, love of country with action, and courage to stand for what is right.

He believed that acquiring knowledge is the cornerstone of empowerment. Rizal was a polymath who did not merely acquire educational degrees. He sought wisdom. In this present age of quick answers and short attention spans, we can learn from Rizal who valued extensive learning and cultivated a lifelong search for more knowledge and truth.

Whether by formal education or self-study, we can be inspired by Rizal in mustering the discipline to think critically and independently, especially in confronting the complex issues at present — prevalent corruption, widespread poverty, glaring inequality, even climate change.

Rizal’s love of country was phenomenal, yet his nationalism was not blind loyalty. It was informed devotion. He loved our country enough to criticize its flaws and to challenge both abuse and complacency of Filipinos.

His critique of Filipinos was profoundly expressed in his four-part essay, The Philippines a Century Hence, first published in La Solidaridad on Sept. 30, 1889 to Feb. 1, 1890, in which he portrayed Filipinos as “broken” during the centuries of Spain’s domination of the Philippines.

“They gradually lost their ancient traditions, their recollections – they forgot their writings, their songs, their poetry, their laws, in order to learn by heart other doctrines, which they did not understand, other ethics, other tastes, different from those inspired in their race by their climate and their way of thinking,” Rizal wrote. “Then there was a falling-off, they were lowered in their own eyes, they became ashamed of what was distinctively their own, in order to admire and praise what was foreign and incomprehensible: their spirit was broken and they acquiesced.”

But although broken, the people’s spirit was not shattered altogether. In fact, the “lethargic spirit woke to life” when the people realized their misfortune amid all the abuses and mistakes of the colonizers, Rizal said.

“The spirit of the people was not thereby cowed, and even though it had been awakened in only a few hearts, its flame nevertheless was surely and consumingly propagated, thanks to abuses and the stupid endeavors of certain classes to stifle noble and generous sentiments. Thus, when a flame catches a garment, fear and confusion propagate it more and more, and each shake, each blow, is a blast from the bellows to fan it into life.”

The awakening of Filipinos can, therefore, be sparked by just a few. These enlightened few must be agents of change to influence and lead others to transform and uplift the nation to a higher level in moving forward.

Thus, an enlightened citizenry is crucial to nation-building and in attaining prosperity for all Filipinos. Such enlightenment is best when matched with courage, the courage to do the right thing. Rizal faced martyrdom at age 35 when he dared to speak out against oppression.

Rizal’s courage was not reckless; it was rooted in deep conviction. Today’s generation of Filipinos ought to also muster courage to confront what is wrong in Philippine society, to reject disinformation and call out fake news, to resist a prevailing culture of fear and silence in many communities.

The lessons that can be gleaned from the life of Rizal can inspire Filipinos to complement our love of country with decisive action. Our patriotism ought to go beyond flag-waving and social media posts. Patriotism should mean voting wisely, engaging in community work, speaking out against injustices, rejecting fraud and corruption when faced in our daily lives, even obeying traffic rules.

We can honor the legacy of our national hero through our civic responsibility, moral courage, and never-ending pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. In honoring Rizal who certainly is a timeless model for Filipinos, let us not only contemplate on what he did for us — but what we must do for our country in pursuit of prosperity for all Filipinos. (finding.lina@yahoo.com)

QC gov't to launch RainbowQC Pride film festival

 

By Allysa Nievera

Published Jun 23, 2025 02:39 pm

The Quezon City government will launch the first-ever RainbowQC Pride Film Festival featuring nine powerful films that center on LGBTQ+ stories and voices on Wednesday, June 25.

The festival is a special edition of the acclaimed QCinema International Film Festival.

“QCinema is one of our city’s most anticipated cultural events—bringing together film lovers and creatives alike. This year, we proudly introduce RainbowQC, a special edition that celebrates not just the art of cinema, but the spirit of Pride and inclusion,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said.

Curated by QCinema Artistic Director Ed Lejano, the festival features a blend of local and international titles.

Highlights include The Wedding Banquet (USA), Some Nights I Feel Like Walking (Italy, Philippines, Singapore), Cocoon (Germany), and Consequences (Slovenia).

The festival concludes on Friday, June 27 with a free screening of short films under the Rainbow QCShorts section, curated by Jason Tan Liwag.

Other featured works are the following:

- Abutan Man Tayo ng House Lights by Apa Agbayani

- A Catholic Schoolgirl by Myra Angeline Soriaso

- The river that never ends by JT Trinidad

- Microplastics by Lino Balmes

- Water Sports by Whammy Alcazaren

“Film is a powerful tool for empathy and understanding,” Mayor Belmonte said.

“By amplifying the stories of the LGBTQ+ community, we promote visibility, break barriers, and advance our shared goals of equality and inclusion,” she added.

AUDIOJUNKIE: The glittering ladies of Pinoy pop

 Clockwise (from top): Aubrey Caraan, Ena Mori, Janine Berdin, and Dana Paulene (Images courtesy of Facebook)

By Punch Liwanag

Published Jun 23, 2025 11:10 am

The ladies are in the spotlight this week. Starting with Janine Berdin, who returns with an upbeat new single in “tayo lang (may alam).” Smooth synth chord dabs butted against a Latin-tinged groove with hints of trap beats is what’s under the hood of this dance-driven track from the “Sitwasyonship” singer.

Along for the ride are Illest Morena and R&B singer Fana to provide vocal harmonies (Fana) and the rap break (Illest). Berdin has proven to be an effective singer-interpreter of whatever she’s dipping into, and apparently, this fit-for-the-club jam is also one of the styles she’s good at. Berdin’s trajectory reminds me of Yeng Constantino’s, who had a good run during her time a decade or so ago.

Speaking of, the “Hawak Kamay” singer likewise makes her return with a new song, “Lumulutang Nahuhulog.” Anthemic choruses are the order of the day for this one-sided love affair-themed cut. Easily belting out the chorus “Kinikilig sa malabo, tumataya kahit matatalo / bakit ka ginusto, lumulutang-nahuhulog / Pinipigilan pero di makahinto” pretty much sums up the ‘pulot-ka-ng-batong-ipupukpok-mo-sa-ulo’ sentiments which is at the heart of this song.

Time flies. Yeng Constantino was once the Janine Berdin of her time, being open to various music styles and excelling in everything she did. Or maybe it’s the other way around, Janine Berdin is today’s Yeng Constantino, a one-size-fits-all figure that you can throw into any music situation and always comes out golden.

Former Pop Girl Aubrey Caraan has got a full plate. The singer recently released the R&B-inflected ballad “How You Feel,” wherein she sings a tuneful Earl Agustin-written song and does well by it. Also an actress, multi-talented Aubrey is the female lead opposite Lance Carr in the new Viva One series, “Avenues of the Diamond,” which features “How You Feel” as part of its official soundtrack. Always the pop-girl, Aubrey also recorded and released the catchy pop-rock themed single “Salo” that also ended up being part of her new series soundtrack. Also check out Aubrey’s “Hindi Hihiwalay,” released early this year.    

Who else is infatuated with Ena Mori’s music? If you are, then you have another reason to fawn over this quirky solo music act on her new single “Sink.” I can hear some Kate Bush in the arrangements, and the heavily processed vocal effects also recall Imogen Heap. And I won’t be surprised if EM weaned herself on a steady diet of music from these artists, because it just fits her sonic profile. “Sink” is not at all pop and is the exact opposite of what everybody else is doing. Which is to say that Ena Mori is the art-y side of ‘Pinoy pop’, and it's there where she shines.      

Newcomer Dana Paulene, who released her late 2024 single debut “uod love story” follows it up with her new excellent-sounding original “akong ako.” Dana Paulene, who was “discovered” while doing her ‘busking set’ just outside the food places of Uptown Mall in Taguig, is sounding like a proper alt-rock chick with a cool swagger to boot on this glittery, rising, yearning mid-tempo rocker.

Also staking a claim on the fields of alt-pop is dwta (read as Diwata, real name Jhasmine Villanueva), whose new single “Kung Ikaw Ay Masaya” is a play on the old nursery ditty but updated for Gen Z. This acoustic-guitar driven bop is all feels and is perfect for those of a certain mood and vibe.

Check out all this music compiled on the Pinoy Pop Playlist 2025.

G-Force celebrates 20 years of purposeful and creative dancing

 

By Robert Requintina

Published Jun 16, 2025 08:32 pm

G-Force, the dance group founded by celebrity choreographer Georcelle “Teacher Georcelle” Dapat-Sy, celebrated its 20th anniversary this month. The highlight of their celebration was the “G-Force Project 2025” concert, recently held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Hundreds of performers danced on stage in a spectacular show that close to 2,000 attendees witnessed. The performers included celebrities Maja Salvador and Cassy Legaspi (mentees of Teacher Georcelle), international choreographers/dancers Ben Tovale and Laurence Kaiwai, and G-Force teachers, Teacher Georcelle herself, and over 700 students of the G-Force Dance Center in their schools in Shangri-La Plaza, Quezon City, Alabang, and BGC-Blanco. There were over 30 dance production numbers spanning various genres, ranging from hip-hop, K-pop, OPM, and sexy.

The youngest student-dancers were four years old, and the oldest was 71. The concert culminated with all the performers dancing to the song “I’m G,” while the members of the audience followed the choreography in their places.

Spotted in the audience were news anchor Iya Villania and her husband, TV host Drew Arellano, and social media sensation Niana Guerrero.

Maja, who was a teenager when Teacher Georcelle first taught her dance moves, was thrilled to be part of the exhilarating show. “I am happy na kapag may ganitong G-Force Project ay naiimbitahan tayo. I can’t say ‘no’ to them,” said Maja.

Georcelle was extremely happy with the show and the people’s response. The support is a testament to the creative movement she has been advocating these past two decades.

“It’s a humbling and deeply fulfilling experience,” she said. “What started as a movement has become a national force—not just in dance, but also in culture. I’ve realized that consistency in passion and purpose creates a legacy. G-Force has become a platform for the transformation of lives, careers, and mindsets.”

G-Force will continue to promote expression, discipline, and confidence through their dance workshops. Additionally, they are planning several special initiatives, including a dance retreat, a workshop series in Canada, and another dance concert at The Theatre at Solaire on July 20.

Visionary Teacher Georcelle assured, “G-Force will continue to be a cultural movement—integrating more technology, wellness, and global collaborations. But at its core, we will always be about people—helping the next generation move not just with rhythm, but with purpose.”

For more information about G-Force, visit their website gforcedancecenter.com and their official social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Natural Pest Control with Baking Soda: A Step-by-Step Guide

 Natural Pest Control with Baking Soda: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Kill Cockroaches

What you need:

Baking soda

Sugar

Shallow dish

How to use:

Mix equal parts baking soda and sugar. Place in dishes near cockroach hiding spots. Sugar attracts them, baking soda kills them.

2. Repel Ants

What you need:

Baking soda

Powdered sugar

How to use:

Mix 1:1 ratio and sprinkle along trails or entry points.

3. Prevent Garden Fungus

What you need:

1 tbsp baking soda

1 gallon water

A few drops dish soap

Spray bottle

How to use:

Spray on plants weekly to stop mildew. Avoid hot sunny days.

4. Deter Mice

What you need:

Baking soda

Sugar

Flour

How to use:

Mix equal parts. Place small amounts in corners and behind appliances.

5. Freshen Carpets & Repel Bugs

What you need:

Baking soda

(Optional) Peppermint or lavender oil

How to use:

Sprinkle on carpet, let sit 15–20 mins, then vacuum.

Safety Tips

Keep away from kids & pets

Don’t use in large amounts

Test plant sprays on a small area first

Eco-Friendly Bonus

Baking soda is cheap, safe, and reduces toxic chemical use. A win for your home and the planet.

All reactions:

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New album 'bomb' showcases K-pop girl group ILLIT's growth as singers

By Jonathan Hicap

Published Jun 16, 2025 10:10 pm

Composed of Yunah, Minju, Moka, Wonhee and Iroha, ILLIT debuted in the music scene in March last year with the album “Super Real Me.”

“Bomb” marked an evolution from the introspective themes of their earlier albums to a focus on interactive emotions, capturing the excitement and uncertainty of a blossoming relationship.

Yunah said, I'm proud that we've already released three albums. I'm most looking forward to the reactions of our fans who have been waiting for a long time.

On the other hand, Wonhee said, I'm very excited to show you a new side of us. The third mini-album ‘bomb’ is an album where you can see ILLIT’s confident charm and further growth.”

For every song in the album, ILLIT conveyed the message “be bold in ambiguity, follow your heart in doubt.”

They said the biggest appeal of their music is the relatable messages.

I think many people relate to our story, which makes them feel closer and more comfortable. Our music is a story about people our age, but at the same time, it evokes relatability because it's a story that everyone has experienced at least once,” said Yunah.

The main track, “Billyeoon Goyangi (Do the Dance),” a French house-inspired track, captures the giddy tension of a first date.

Highlighted by its romantic and whimsical string arrangement—sampling “優雅なる脱走(Yuga Naru Dasso),” the original soundtrack from Japanese anime “The Five Star Stories”—the song delivers ILLIT’s unique flair with an addictive hook, catchy phrases like “Wiggle Meow” and a sprinkle of French lyrics—reminiscent of a magic spell.

*Billyeoon Goyangi,” meaning “a borrowed cat in English, is a Korean proverb commonly used to describe the feeling of being lost or out of place.

ILLIT also released a music video for the song in which they embark on a magical journey, diving headfirst into a blossoming love.

In the music video, after a chance encounter with a mysterious boy, the girls set off across small towns and bustling cities to find him, culminating in a heart-fluttering reunion at an amusement park. The video’s vibrant animation-like visuals and growth-themed symbolism reinforce the song’s magical vibe.

ILLIT showed their signature “cat stretch dance”—a purr-fectly cheeky combo of nimble paws and bold charm.

“Bomb” contains five songs: “Billyeoon Goyangi (Do the Dance),” “little monster,” “jellyous,” “oops!,” and “bamsopoong.”

Their decision to unveil snippets and highlight medleys prior to release reflects their strong artistic confidence.

Overseas remittances surge to $2.7 billion amid stable global employment

 

By Derco Rosal

Published Jun 16, 2025 04:05 pm

Cash sent home by Filipinos working and living overseas continued to increase in April, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) data showed, reflecting stable global employment abroad.

Money sent in by overseas Filipinos (OFs) increased by four percent to $2.7 billion in April from $2.6 billion in the same month last year, the BSP reported.

Cash remittances for the first four months also rose by three percent to $11.1 billion from $ 10.78 billion posted in the same period last year.

Cash remittances coursed through banks in the first four months were predominantly from the United States (US), followed by Singapore, Saudi Arabia, and Japan, according to BSP’s statement released on Monday, June 26.

As such, remittances for these countries were the drivers of the overall increase during the period.

By source, the US remained the top source of cash remittances during the period at 40.4 percent, followed by Singapore (7.3 percent) and Saudi Arabia (6.3 percent).

Several money transfer centers in countries abroad send money through partner banks, known as correspondent banks, most of which are based in the US, the central bank noted.

It added that remittances sent through money couriers are recorded under the country where their main offices are based—often the US—rather than the actual country of origin.

“Therefore, the US would appear to be the main source of OF [overseas Filipino] remittances because banks attribute the origin of funds to the most immediate source,” the BSP said.

Personal remittances, or the sum of transfers sent in cash or in-kind via informal channels, also increased by 4.1 percent to $3 billion in April from $2.9 billion in the previous year.

Year-to-date personal remittances also climbed by three percent to $12.4 billion from the $12 billion registered in January-to-April period last year.

The BSP attributed the increase in personal remittances to the rise in both land-based and sea-based OFs

John Paolo Rivera, senior research fellow at state-run policy think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), said that the increase in cash remittances “shows underlying strength in remittance flows, driven by stable overseas employment, particularly in the US, Middle East, and parts of Asia.”

“Moving forward, remittance growth is likely to remain steady, supported by demand for OFWs abroad, especially in healthcare, logistics, and domestic services,” Rivera said.

Rivera noted that weaker peso may encourage more US dollar remittances, but risks such as inflation in host countries, geopolitical tensions, and potential policy changes like remittance taxes in key markets like the US could weigh on future inflows.

Puregold's OPM Con 2025 is this year's destination music event

 

by Robert Requintina

Published Jun 13, 2025 01:54 pm

Puregold’s OPM Con 2025 is set to light up the Philippine Arena on July 5, generating global excitement as fans worldwide plan to witness this historic music festival live.

Concert enthusiasts are reportedly flying in from Singapore and the United Arab Emirates, while overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are also eager to come home.

The much-anticipated OPM Con is shaping up to be a lavish celebration and homecoming event all in one.Across the archipelago, there is a growing excitement related to the ongoing global attraction. Puregold stores in Butuan, Bacolod, and Leyte have reported early ticket sell-outs, with shoppers booking flights and long-distance bus rides to participate in this musical milestone. 

The Philippine Arena is anticipated to welcome not only fans but also a surge of local tourists eager for a large-scale concert experience.

“More than anything, we organized the Puregold OPM Con 2025 as a service for all our shoppers and music fans,” says Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, Puregold’s Senior Marketing Manager. “Expect a powerful lineup and heart-pounding performances. Whether you’re a stan for today’s hottest artists or grew up on classic OPM, join us as we make music history together.”

Regardless of how it unfolds, the extraordinary interest in Puregold’s retailtainment highlights its significant impact. The event embodies a blend of passion, tradition, and performance. 

With a lineup featuring some of the most iconic OPM artists today, OPM Con 2025 aims to make world-class entertainment accessible to all Filipinos. It’s not just a major music event of the year; it’s a celebration of our identity. As we count down to July, one thing is sure: the world is watching.

Lady Blazers complete rare four-peat

 

At A Glance

College of Saint Benilde completed a rare four-peat after sweeping Colegio de San Juan de Letrán, 25-19, 25-22, 25-19, in Game 2 Finals of the NCAA Season 100 women's volleyball tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City Wednesday, June 11.

(NCAA/GMA Images)

By Mark Rey Montejo

the Lady Blazers were a dominant force and won their fourth straight title and fifth overall at the expense of the Lady Knights.

The Arnold Laniog-guided Benilde essayed a 26-28, 26-24, 25-16, 25-19 Game 1 win against Letran with Zamantha Nolasco showing the way with 21 points.

Despite Nolasco being limited to a nine-point output in the title-clinching game, Cristy Ondangan and Clydel Catarig stepped up with 13 and 11 points, respectively. Shahanna Lleses added eight.

Mycah Go, for her part, added nine points in her final game as a Lady Blazer before her stint with the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, who picked her as 17th overall in this year’s Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft.

Letran’s super rookie Vanessa Sarie had 12 points, while Marie Nitura, sister of Adamson’s Shai, registered 11 in a losing cause.

It was a double whammy for Letran as its men’s team absorbed a 24-26, 25-21, 25-15, 25-17 loss to Arellano earlier.

The Chiefs put up a masterclass on both ends after a first-set stumble en route to their first crown since their debut 16 years ago.

Carl Berdal took the spotlight as he was named the Finals MVP after listing 16 points while Arman Guinto (17), Jiwen Sinuto (14), Anfernee Curamen (12), and Jake Pangilinan (10) provided the scoring support.

I Love Filipino

 

“I Love Filipino” is produced, co-written and hosted by husband and wife team Jiggy and Marnie Manicad

'I Love Filipino': A timely tribute to Filipino identity premiers on June 12

A documentary series called “I Love Filipino” will launch on Netflix on June 12, coinciding with the celebration of Independence Day. It is produced by Marnie Manicad through her production company, Team MMPI Production. It is also co-written and hosted by her husband Jiggy, an internationally-recognized and award-winning broadcast.

Rente und Steuern: Ab diesem Betrag müssen Rentner zahlen – Merz plant Änderung

Stand:11.06.2025, 17:59 Uhr

Von: Amy Walker

In Deutschland beziehen 22 Millionen Menschen eine Rente. Diese Gruppe muss auch Steuern zahlen. Es gibt aber eine Freigrenze.

Berlin – In den kommenden Wochen erhalten die 22 Millionen Rentner und Rentnerinnen im Land mal wieder Post von der Deutschen Rentenversicherung: Diesmal geht es um die Rentenerhöhung 2025, die wie jedes Jahr ab 1. Juli greifen soll. Dieses Mal steigt die Rente um 3,74 Prozent und damit erneut mehr als die Inflationsrate. 

Rentner müssen Steuern zahlen: So berechnet sich der Freibetrag auf die Rente

Mit der Rentenerhöhung wechseln jedes Jahr auch einige Rentenbeziehende in die steuerpflichtige Zone. Wer 2025 mehr als 12.096 Euro im Jahr verdient, muss eine Steuererklärung abgeben und gilt grundsätzlich als steuerpflichtig. Allerdings ist das nicht bei Rentnern und Rentnerinnen so. Sie haben auch oberhalb des Grundfreibetrags noch eine Freigrenze. Bei Rentnern und Rentnerinnen kommt es auf das Jahr des Renteneintritts an, wie viel man tatsächlich versteuern muss. 

Wer also 2020 in Rente gegangen ist, muss auf 80 Prozent der Rente Steuern zahlen; für 20 Prozent gilt einen Freibetrag. Erst für Rentenbeziehende ab 2058 wird 100 Prozent der Rente versteuert. Der Rentenfreibetrag wird nach Angaben der Deutschen Rentenversicherung für jeden Rentnerjahrgang berechnet und verändert sich nicht – also auch nicht durch die Rentenerhöhung.

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Der Rentenfreibetrag wird zum Grundfreibetrag hinzugerechnet, also: Wer beispielsweise einen Rentenfreibetrag von 6000 Euro hat, rechnet dies zusätzlich zum Grundfreibetrag hinzu, also 12.096 + 6000 Euro = 18.096 Euro. 

Tabelle: Ab diesen Betrag müssen Rentner Steuern zahlen

Das Portal Finanztip hat für jede Rentnergeneration seit 2005 errechnet, ab welchem Betrag Rentner und Rentnerinnen Steuern zahlen müssen. Daraus ergibt sich folgende Tabelle: 

Rentenbeginn	Freibetrag Westen	Freibetrag Osten
2005	22.034 Euro	20.573 Euro
2006	21.560 Euro	20.208 Euro
2007	21.164 Euro	19.899 Euro
2008	20.872 Euro	19.710 Euro
2009	20.520 Euro	19.468 Euro
2010	20.107 Euro	19.138 Euro
2011	19.797 Euro	18.891 Euro
2012	19.455 Euro	18.713 Euro
2013	19.099 Euro	18.532 Euro
2014	18.808 Euro	18.316 Euro
2015	18.593 Euro	18.184 Euro
2016	18.355 Euro	18.058 Euro
2017	18.077 Euro	17.848 Euro
2018	17.822 Euro	17.630 Euro
2019	17.558 Euro	17.413 Euro
2020	17.213 Euro	17.113 Euro
2021	17.112 Euro	17.043 Euro
2022	17.086 Euro	17.059 Euro
2023	17.149 Euro	17.149 Euro
2024	17.196 Euro	17.196 Euro
2025	17.148 Euro	17.148 Euro

Wer mehr als diesen ausgewiesenen Betrag im Jahr als Einkommen hat, muss potenziell Steuern zahlen. Beim Ausfüllen der Steuererklärung werden wie bei jeder Person dann andere steuermindernde Ausgaben hinzugefügt, zum Beispiel Werbungskosten. Für einen persönlich kann es also sehr gut sein, dass man mehr als diesen Betrag im Jahr einnimmt, aber trotzdem keine Steuern zahlen muss.

Die Steuererklärung muss in jedem Fall abgegeben werden. Allerdings könnte sich das in Zukunft ändern: Die neue Bundesregierung unter Friedrich Merz (CDU) hat sich vorgenommen, eine Quellensteuer auf Renten einzuführen. Dadurch sollen Rentner und Rentnerinnen von der Abgabe einer Steuererklärung befreit werden. Im Gegenzug würde die Deutsche Rentenversicherung automatisch eine Steuer von der Rente abziehen, genauso wie bei Arbeitnehmern und Arbeitnehmerinnen. Um das Geld zurückzubekommen, müsste eine Steuererklärung trotzdem abgegeben werden.