BIR urged to rethink plan on 1% tax on online service providers

THE United Filipino Consumers and Commuters (UFCC) is calling on the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to reconsider its plan of imposing a creditable withholding tax of one percent on onehalf of the gross remittances of online platform providers to their partner sellers or merchants.

UFCC president Rodolfo Javellana, Jr. said the proposed policy by the BIR “is a heavy blow to the ordinary Filipino people who will suffer the effects of the new tax.”.

“Our economy has not yet recovered fully from the pandemic that brought us low. Our countrymen continue to suffer with the successive increases in prices of commodities, gasoline, electricity, and others,” Javellana said.

“At a time when the country has yet to fully recover from the crippling effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, introducing new taxes that will ultimately hurt the poor is the last thing the country needs right now,” he stressed.

Group seeks probe on German contractor blamed for LTO woes

A PUBLIC transport group on Sunday urged Congress and the Senate to investigate German contractor Dermalog allegedly involved in controversies that repeatedly disrupted operations of the Land Transportation Office (LTO), notably delays in the issuance of driver’s licenses and renewals of vehicle registration.

Meanwhile, a highly placed source at the LTO said their chief, Jose Art Tugade was already looking into the issue, adding that “definitely there would be sanctions against Dermalog, including the possible scrapping of the Dermalog contract.”

The National Public Transport Coalition (NPTC) charged that after 14 extensions and two-and-half years delay, Dermalog has yet to deliver in full the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) despite substantial payments al- ready made by the LTO, amounting to 80 percent of the P3.4-billion contract.

NPTC president Ariel Lim claimed that Dermalog’s non-compliance with its contract has resulted in delays in the processing of driver’s licenses and motor vehicle registrations, as well as LTO other services.

Lim asserted that the irregularities “breed more corruption and opens the door for the seamless registration of colorum public transport and even carnapped vehicles.”

“Actually, we have already requested the Senate and the House of Representatives to look into the failure of Dermalog to deliver the complete system because it is the cause of the recurring glitches in the LTO system. The Dermalog’s LTMS is a complete failure, and was so disadvantageous to the government,” Lim said. Rio N. Araja

HPG cited as ‘guardians of the highways’

By Charles Dantes

THE Highway Patrol Group (HPG), which turned 68 last Friday, has been cited as “guardians of the highways” for maintaining peace and order on the roads across the country.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. made the citation in remarks highlight the HPG’s celebration of its 68th founding anniversary on May 5 in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Acorda, together with HPG chief Brig. Gen. Raul Bargamento commended the officials and personnel of the unit for their “hard work and commitment to keeping the roads safe and ensuring security of the motorists nationwide.

“The people are still suffering, the government should not add to their burdens,” he added.

UFCC was concerned that the plan to have the new one percent withholding tax will be the beginning of more taxes to be imposed upon the already suffering public.

It has already been reported that the Department of Finance (DOF) plans to introduce new and higher taxes in 2024.

“We appeal to President Marcos to be on the side of the ordinary Filipinos in our crusade against new anti-poor tax measures,” Javellana said.

“We believe you will fulfill your promise that you are not in favor of imposing new taxes that will make the people suffer, and your promise your administration will focus on fighting graft and corruption alongside efficient revenue collection,” he said.

“The public is counting on you on this, Mr. President. Hopefully the DOF and the BIR listen to you,” Javellana noted.