BIR adds cancer, hypertension drugs exempt from VAT

BY XANDER DAVE CEBALLOS

Mar 7, 2024 01:29 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) approved the inclusion of 20 medicines to the value-added tax (VAT) exemption list.

• Included in the 12% VAT-exempt list are 12 medicines for cancer, four for hypertension, and four for mental illness.

• Cancer and hypertensive diseases were some of the leading causes of deaths in the country last year, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed.

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An additional list of 20 medicines, including those that treat cancer and hypertension, has been granted exemption from the 12 percent value-added tax (VAT).

Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. has issued a memorandum that will exempt 12 medicines for cancer, four for hypertension, and four for mental illness from VAT. 

 

The expanded list of VAT-exempt medicines was endorsed by the Food and Drug Administration of the Department of Health under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law and the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act.

This new list will be added to the 21 medicines that were exempted from VAT earlier this year, with most of them being medicines for treating diabetes and hypertension.

READ MORE: https://mb.com.ph/2024/1/30/21-medicines-granted-vat-exemption-by-bir

Vena Energy supports efforts for renewable energy, upholds climate action through comprehensive approach

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Mar 6, 2024 04:52 PM 

With its continuous commitment to uphold climate action and the mission to expedite the transition of energy across the Asia Pacific region, Vena Energy expresses support for the country’s effort and active promotion of renewables in the energy mix, lowers prices, employment increases, and contributes to the nation’s growth. 

The Philippine government has set its priority on expanding and developing the country's energy supply to achieve a 35 percent power mix by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040. The government is continuously promoting renewables through extensive efforts such as the Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS), the Green Energy Option Program (GEOP), and the Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP), which highly encourage companies to invest in renewable energy. 

Vena Energy is a Singapore-based independent power producer of renewable energy that supports the country's goals by developing sustainable and affordable renewable energy solutions that bring lasting economic, social, and environmental benefits to its stakeholders. Vena Energy has been able to develop, construct, operate, and commercialize renewable energy projects across the Asia Pacific region and has established a strong regional presence with 900 employees and 79 corporate sites. 

For over 10 years now, the company has established a presence in the Philippines by managing five solar power plants along with the 54 MW Pililla Wind Farm. The farm has gained a reputation as a popular tourist attraction in Rizal and has been highlighted in numerous local and international campaigns. 

More than that, the Rizal Wind Power Project upholds Vena Energy’s mission to accelerate energy transition while also being aware of its corporate responsibilities and environmental impact. It also looks after the communities it serves through job creation, economic development or revenue generation for the local government unit, and corporate social responsibility. 

The Philippine government has been effortful in promoting renewables to achieve its goal of a 35 percent power mix by 2030. Renewable energy companies like Vena Energy based in Singapore are optimistic in its support of these objectives. One project that upholds Vena Energy and concerned parties' commitment to providing and promoting renewable energy in the country is the 54 MW Pililla Wind Farm.

The Rizal Wind Power Project prioritizes local hiring from the development stage to the day of its operation. The coordination with the LGU for local job hiring has resulted in 95 percent of employees in various Vena Energy operating plants being composed of residents from the community. 

Additionally, the economic benefit from the project comes from the payment of various local taxes such as real property taxes, local business taxes, government share and royalty tax, tourism, and farm-to-market roads; providing revenue for the local community. 

Vena Energy also conducts and implements long-term CSR initiatives, which are defined according to community needs. These project arrangements include initiatives such as scholarship opportunities, with a special focus on female learners pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), steps towards minimizing hunger struggles and promoting the preservation of vulnerable species of pawikan. 

The company also made sure that in every project, it adhered to government regulations and mandatory testing and compliance by obtaining all required permits, compliance with the Indigenous People’s Rights Act of 1997, and consultations. 

Vena Energy has acquired several permits and certificates from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), has been issued a Certificate of Registration by the Board of Investments (BOI), and clearances from Protected Area Management Boards of UMRBPL (Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape). 

The Rizal Wind Farm has secured Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) from the Dumagat/Remontado indigenous people of Antipolo and Tanay. This was achieved through communication and consultation with the IP communities' elders and chieftains. 

The DENR Administrative Order (DENR DAO 2017-15) sets guidelines on public participation under the Philippine EIS System (PEISS), and consultations were held accordingly. Dialogue and discussions were also conducted with barangay and communities in Tanay and Antipolo, along with various stakeholders and representatives from DENR. 

Vena Energy is not only committed to providing sustainable and affordable renewable energy in the country but also strongly adheres to environmental laws. The actions taken by Vena Energy ensure the protection and preservation of our biodiversity, maintain ecosystem services and sustainably manage natural resources, which are prerequisites for sustainable development.

4th Impact takes down fundraiser for dogs after backlash from PAWS, netizens

 

By: Hannah Mallorca

INQUIRER.net / 02:45 PM March 06, 2024

The fundraising campaign put up by 4th Impact for their 200 dogs was taken down from GoFundMe’s official website after the girl group received criticism from the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and netizens.

On Feb. 28, the female P-pop girl sought to raise funds to put up a “farm lot for our 200 Shih Tzu dogs” on the online fundraising platform. “Our journey with our beloved dogs began with a gift from our fans: five precious Shih Tzus,” Elvira said in the now-deleted post. 

“Over time, our passion for these furry companions led to unexpected blessings, but also unexpected challenges,” she continued. “But as our family of dogs multiplied, so did the need for space and resources.”

The online fundraising campaign, however, drew flak from netizens and the animal welfare group on social media, with PAWS appearing to point to them as “irresponsible pet owners” in one of their posts.

One of the negative comments comes from Instagram user @docgab_veterinarian, who creates veterinary content on social media.

“Ang pagpaparami ng mga alagang hayop through ‘mating’ sa sariling bahay na walang kaukulang permit ay tinatawag na ‘backyard breeding’ at ito po ay illegal. Lalo na kung ang mga ito ay ibinebenta o pinagkakakitaan,” he wrote. “Ang ‘inbreeding’ naman ay ang pagtatalik ng magkapatid o anak at magulang na hayop. Ito ay nagreresulta sa mas mahinang mga anak na kadalasan ay maraming sakit at komplikasyon.”

(Having many pet animals through “mating” in their home without a permit is called “backyard breeding” and it’s illegal. Especially if it’s done to sell and earn money. “Inbreeding,” on the other hand, is the mating between siblings or parent. This results in weak animals who go through sicknesses and other complications.)

“Unlike the irresponsible pet owners in the latest celebrity news, pls never ever let your own pets reproduce as there are already so many dogs and cats in need of homes in shelters, in pounds, and on the streets. Spay and neuter is the way to go,” PAWS wrote on Facebook.

However, as of this writing, 4th Impact’s campaign appears to have been taken down from the online fundraising platform as its contents are “not found.”

Members of the girl group, however, have yet to address the online fundraiser as well.

Typical Filipino (XLV) - Typisch Philippinisch (XLV): Whitewashing and indirect criticism - Beschönigung und indirekte Kritik

 

Auch Beschönigung und indirekte Kritik dienen der Aufrechterhaltung glatter, harmonischer zwischenmenschlicher Beziehung. "Necken" ist eine Art der indirekten Kritik - ein weg, heikle Punkte auf fröhliche-unbeschwerte Weise anzusprechen. ein Weg, der spätestens dann erfolgreich ist, wenn andere sich am Spiel beteiligen. Ihr Vertrauen auf solche Beschönigungen läßt die Filipinos bereitwillig ja sagen; sie wollen nicht öffentlich widersprechen oder enttäuschen. Daher sieht man sie zulächeln, zustimmen, selbst wenn sie keineswegs der Person, der sie zulächeln, zustimmen.

Ausländer haben oft darauf hingewiesen, daß Zweideutigkeiten, Notlügen oder beschönigende Ausflüchte, um unangenehme Wahrheiten zu umgehen, charakteristisch sind.

Folgende und ähnliche Formeln werden Sie häufig hören können: "Vielleicht" (siguro nga), "wenn Sie meinen" (kung sinabi mo ba e); "ich werde es versuchen" (sisikapin ko po), "ich werde mich darum bemühen" (pipilitin ko po) oder "sehen wir, was passiert" (bahala na).

Auch ein Anheben der Augenbrauen ohne Kommentar bedeutet eine negative Reaktion.

Ein Filipino wird sagen:"Darf ich es recht verstehen, daß Sie meinen ...", um seine Kritik auszudrücken. Er kann, um eine negative Antwort zu verkleiden, vorgeben, etwas klären zu wollen: "Bitte verbessern Sie mich, wenn ich falsch liege, aber meinen Sie nicht auch, daß ..."

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Whitewashing and indirect criticism also serve to maintain smooth, harmonious interpersonal relationships. "Teasing" is a type of indirect criticism - a way to address sensitive points in a cheerful, light-hearted way. a path that is successful at the latest when others take part in the game. Their reliance on such euphemisms makes Filipinos readily say yes; they don't want to publicly contradict or disappoint. That's why you see them smiling at, agreeing, even if they don't agree at all with the person they're smiling at.

Foreigners have often pointed out that ambiguity, white lies, or euphemistic subterfuges to avoid unpleasant truths are characteristic.

You will often hear the following and similar formulas: "Maybe" (siguro nga), "if you think so" (kung sinabi mo ba e); "I will try" (sisikapin ko po), "I will try" (pipilitin ko po) or "let's see what happens" (bahala na).

Raising your eyebrows without comment also means a negative reaction.

A Filipino will say, "May I understand that you mean..." to express his criticism. To disguise a negative answer, he may pretend to want to clarify something: "Please correct me if I'm wrong, but don't you also think that ..."

The 34 Very Best German Sayings…EVER! (II)

 Marcel Iseli

2. dumm wie Bohnenstroh

“Dumm wie Bohnenstroh” literally translates to “dumb as bean straw.” So if somebody calls you just that, you should probably not be all too happy about it. But why is bean straw dumb?

I guess this is the main question we need to figure out, right? The German saying “as dumb as bean straw” originates from the time when people equipped their beds with straw sacks or mattresses filled with straw.

Very poor people could not afford crop straw and therefore resorted to the cheaper bean straw. 

Okay, great. But why does this make these people dumb?

It is believed that poor people were sometimes automatically considered to be dumb(er) because they had lesser education and therefore, also a lack of intelligence.

Example:

A: Ich glaube die Prüfung von morgen wird ziemlich einfach. Ich mache mir darüber absolut keine Gedanken.

B: Ja, ich glaube auch. Das sollte für uns kein Problem sein. Aber für Stefan wirds wohl schwierig. Der Typ ist echt dumm wie Bohnenstroh! 

 

Translation: A: I think tomorrow’s exam will be pretty easy. I don’t worry about it at all. B: Yes, I think so too. That shouldn’t be a problem for us. But for Stefan, it will probably be difficult. The guy is really dumb as a post!  

Let’s learn to listen to God’s voice

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

THIS is definitely a necessity for us. We have to learn to listen to the voice of God who actually intervenes in our life all the time, prompting us about what to think, desire, speak and do. And that’s simply because our life is supposed to be a life with God. We, as God’s image and likeness, are meant to share God’s life and nature, without erasing the distinction between God as Creator and us as creatures.

We need to realize that failing to listen to God’s voice in an abiding way undermines our humanity, and there’s no other way for us to go than to fall into some anomaly. About this truth we are reminded in the readings of the Mass for Thursday of the 3rd Week of Lent. (cfr. Jer 7,28-28 / Ps 95,1-2.6-7.8-9 / Lk 11,14-23)

In the first reading, we are told of how God begged the people to listen to him. “This thing I commanded them, saying: Hearken to my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people: and walk ye in all the way that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you.”

But they refused, and so the inevitable happened. “They hearkened not, nor inclined their ear: but walked in their own will, and in the perversity of their wicked heart: and went backward and not forward…”

The responsorial psalm presents to us God’s appeal to all of us, to which we should try our best to correspond the best way we can. “If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.”

The gospel spells to us in no uncertain terms what would happen to us if we are not with the Lord. “He that is not with me, is against me; and he that gathers not with me, scatters.” That’s simply the way the cookie crumbles.

We really need to learn how to listen to God’s voice, discerning his will and ways in an abiding way. In this we should not be sparing in our effort to pursue it. Definitely, it will require a lot of discipline, given the way we are, dominated as we are most of the time merely by what we can get through our senses, emotions and our very limited capacity to know and understand things.

We have to feel more and more at home with the truth that we are meant to be real contemplatives even as we immerse ourselves in our earthly and temporal affairs. It should be encouraged to pursue this effort when we realize more deeply that we are meant to share not only the knowledge of God but also, and more importantly, the very power of God as shown to us by Christ who was willing to bear everything just to save us.

We have to learn to be both active and contemplative in our life. Active in the sense that we immerse ourselves as deeply as possible in the dynamic of earthly and temporal affairs, while also contemplative in the sense that in all these affairs, we see God, we are driven by love for God and everybody else, we get to know, love and serve him and everybody else.

It’s an ideal that definitely is not easy to achieve. But we have our whole life to develop it, and we actually are also given all the means to attain it. It just depends on us as to whether we want to have that ideal or not. We are actually wired and equipped for that ideal, since that’s how God created us.

WAS HEUTE NOCH WICHTIG WIRD

Quelle: Bodo Marks/dpa

Ab Abend gegen 18 Uhr beginnt der nächste Bahnstreik – genauer gesagt: der Streik der Lokführer. Sie fangen im Güterverkehr an und erweitern dann auf den Personenverkehr. Von heute Nacht bis zum Wochenende geht zugtechnisch dann nichts mehr. Anschließend soll es „Wellenstreiks“ geben – also mal hier, mal da und das größtenteils unangekündigt. Einen Kommentar zum „Schlaraffenland des Claus Weselskys“, dem Chef der Lokführer, lesen Sie auf welt.de. Aber noch ein Hinweis, wo wir gerade beim Thema Streiks sind: Ab Donnerstag streikt das Bodenpersonal der Lufthansa, an den Flughäfen Frankfurt am Main und Hamburg außerdem noch das Sicherheitspersonal. Frankfurt ist daher für abfliegende Passagiere dicht. 

Schneewalze rollt auf Deutschlands Süden zu

Foto: IMAGO/Action Pictures

Von: KEVIN HILDEBRAND

06.03.2024 - 06:00 Uhr

Berlin – In Teilen Deutschlands fühlte es sich am Wochenende mit bis zu 18 Grad schon nach Frühling an. Jetzt meldet sich der Winter zurück – mit jeder Menge Schnee!

Laut Meteorologe Karsten Brandt von „donnerwetter.de“ wird es am Mittwoch im Süden des Landes richtig winterlich. Bis zu 30 Zentimeter Neuschnee inklusive!

Die Wetterkarte zeigt: Am Mittwoch fällt im Süden Deutschlands jede Menge Schnee

Die Wetterkarte zeigt: Am Mittwoch fällt im Süden Deutschlands jede Menge Schnee

Foto: Donnerwetter/Metmaps

„Besonders stark betroffen ist der Alpenrand und vor allem das Allgäu. Hier zeigen unsere Wetterkarten gegen 15 Uhr nachmittags extrem starken Schneefall“, erläutert Brandt.

Ein Blick auf die Wetterprognosen zeigt: Ausläufer sind sogar bis knapp vor München zu spüren, auch im Südosten Baden-Württembergs und im Osten von Freiburg fallen die weißen Flocken vom Himmel.

Die nächsten Wochen werden trocken

Muss jetzt das ganze Land vor einem erneuten Wintereinbruch zittern? „Aufgrund der Basis unserer Modelle lässt sich dieser Trend nicht vermuten“, sagt Brandt.

Stattdessen bleibt das Wetter in der aktuellen und kommenden Woche in den meisten Teilen Deutschlands trocken – bei durchschnittlichen Tagestemperaturen zwischen vier und acht Grad.

Aktuell anhaltende Ostwinde sorgen für mildes und trockenes Wetter in Deutschland

Aktuell anhaltende Ostwinde sorgen für mildes und trockenes Wetter in Deutschland

Foto: Donnerwetter/Metmaps

Das liege laut Brandt an aktuellen Ostwinden, die auch noch anhalten werden. Dazu seien die Nordsee und der Atlantik aktuell verhältnismäßig warm, weswegen nicht mit einer plötzlichen Kältefront zu rechnen sei.

Heißt: Der März bleibt laut aktuellen Prognosen weitestgehend mild und trocken, lediglich mit Bodenfrost müsse man auch in den kommenden Wochen in weiten Teilen Deutschlands noch rechnen.

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Berlin – In parts of Germany it already felt like spring at the weekend with temperatures of up to 18 degrees. Now winter is back – with lots of snow!

According to meteorologist Karsten Brandt from “donnerwetter.de”, it will be really wintry in the south of the country on Wednesday. Up to 30 centimeters of fresh snow included!

The weather map shows: A lot of snow will fall in southern Germany on Wednesday

“The edge of the Alps and especially the Allgäu are particularly badly affected. Here, our weather maps show extremely heavy snowfall around 3 p.m.,” explains Brandt.

A look at the weather forecasts shows: foothills can even be felt just outside Munich, and white flakes are also falling from the sky in the southeast of Baden-Württemberg and in the east of Freiburg.

The next few weeks will be dry

Does the whole country now have to tremble before another onset of winter? “Based on our models, this trend cannot be assumed,” says Brandt.

Instead, the weather will remain dry in most parts of Germany this week and next week - with average daily temperatures between four and eight degrees.

Currently persistent easterly winds are ensuring mild and dry weather in Germany

According to Brandt, this is due to the current easterly winds, which will continue. The North Sea and the Atlantic are currently relatively warm, which is why a sudden cold front is not to be expected.

This means: According to current forecasts, March will remain largely mild and dry, with only ground frost to be expected in large parts of Germany in the coming weeks

FOREIGN NATIONALS & FORMER FILIPINOS COMING TO THE PHILIPPINES E-TRAVEL ...

2,235 views Premiered 3 hours ago

The e-travel website has been updated! Let's take a dive into this new registration process! All passengers bound for the Philippines must register to E-TRAVEL: https://etravel.gov.ph/ Tutorial Guide on how to register to e-Travel (ENGLISH):    • FOREIGN NATIONALS & FORMER FILIPINOS ...   📍Philippine Exit Requirements for Foreign Tourists, Balikbayans, Duals, and Filipino Residents Abroad:    • THINGS THAT IMMIGRATION MAY ASK ONCE ...   Recommended Travel & Medical Insurance: https://www.safetywing.com/a/24818256 📍Foreign Tourists, except those covered by Balikbayan Privilege, may be required by airlines and immigration to show an onward/exit ticket within 30 days of arrival. You may rent a ticket here to satisfy this requirement for just $16: https://onwardticket.com/jennifer 📍Everything You Need to Know about Customs (What Items You Can Bring to the Philippines):    • PH CUSTOMS: ITEMS YOU CAN & CAN'T BRI...   📍Want to stay longer than 30 days? It’s easy!: Online Extension Step-by-step Process:    • GOOD NEWS! NEW SYSTEM LAUNCHED BY IMM...   🤑 SENDING MONEY TO THE PHILIPPINES? This is what I personally use for quick transfers: https://www.worldremit.com/en/r/JENNI... The first transfer is FREE plus you get a $20 voucher! 💸 ( FYI - The links above are affiliate codes/links. This means I may get a reward at no additional cost to you when you use them. Thanks in advance because it helps support the channel :) Hey there! I'm Jennifer Terri, a 27-year-old from Tagum City, Philippines. Since June 2020, I've been your go-to gal for all things Philippine Travel News & Updates on YouTube.

FASHION AND BEAUTY Miss Supranational 2024 announces finals date, venue

From left: Reigning Miss Supranational Andrea Aguilera of Ecuador; Alethea Ambrosio, who was crowned The Miss Philippines 2023, was proclaimed Miss Philippines Supranational

Earl D.C. Bracamonte - Philstar.com

The Miss Supranational Organization (MSO) has announced the dates and venue of the Miss and Mister Supranational 2024 competitions.

The male pageant will unfold on July 4th, while the distaff competition unravels on July 6th. Both pageants will take place in Malopolska.

In a statement, published on social media, MSO president Gerhard Parzuthka von Lipinsky wrote, "We are excited to share this special year for us with the candidates - who will represent their countries at the Miss/Mister Supranational 2024 experience - and to our license holders, friends, viewers, and supporters from all over the world. The beautiful region of Malopolska will once again welcome all our candidates with true Polish hospitality."

Alethea Ambrosio, who was crowned The Miss Philippines 2023, was proclaimed Miss Philippines Supranational, while Mister Pilipinas Worldwide 2023 winner Brandon Espiritu was also proclaimed Mister Pilipinas Supranational by the Miss/Mister Philippines national organization. Both titleholders will fly to Poland's Festival of Beauty in early July.

Reigning Miss Supranational Andrea Aguilera of Ecuador will crown the 15th titleholder at the culmination of the crowning ceremonies, while reigning Mister Supranational Ivan Alvarez of Spain will crown the pageant's eighth winner.