Official says Ria Atayde eyed as next spokesperson for MMDA

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is in need of a new spokesperson and is eyeing actress Ria Atayde as the right person for the position.

MMDA chairman Romando Artes personally submitted the recommendation and endorsement to Malacanang to recruit Atayde, saying the qualification of the young actress include her college degree (Communication Arts and work experience.

Artes said Atayde’s celebrity status could also help with the agency’s information dissemination. If she accepted the offer, Atayde will replace lawyer Mel Carunungan who was designated as MMDA spokesman in an acting capacity.

Atayde’s publicist Chuck Gomez confirmed the offer made by the agency for the actress.

“Right now, Ria is in Cannes to showcase the action-the action-thriller Topakk, starring Arjo Atayde and directed by Richard V. Somes, which she produced as CEO of Nathan Studios. The screening in Cannes is in the hopes of securing a global distribution partnership for Topakk,” said Gomez.

“Regarding Ria Atayde being the MMDA spokesperson, yes there was an offer. This is all we can say for now about this matter,” he added.

Estrada bats for VAT refund for PH tourists

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

JINGGOY Ejercito Estrada is calling for the legislation of a value-added tax (VAT) refund mechanism for foreign tourists to further boost visitor arrivals in the country.

He said this will allow foreign tourists to get a rebate of the 12% VAT on goods they bought from the Philippines, similar to the practice of other countries.

The increase in the sale of locally made products will benefit not only micro, small and medium enterprises, but bigger companies as well.

“This will also generate employment for our people,” Estrada said.

Estrada, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development, has filed Senate Bill No. 2148, titled “An Act Creating a VAT Refund Mechanism for NonResident Tourists, adding for the purpose a new Section 112-A to the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended.”

Under the bill, tourists shall be eligible for a VAT refund on goods costing at least P3,000 purchased from authorized retailers in the country, within 60 days from the date of purchase.

The value of goods per transaction should amount to at least P3,000 and the secretary of the Department of Finance, upon the recommendation of the secretary of the Department of Tourism and the commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue, is authorized to adjust the threshold based on administrative costs of processing refunds, inflation, and other market conditions.