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SEC extends amnesty program deadline til end of 2023
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced an extension of the amnesty program deadline for non-compliant and suspended or revoked corporations. The deadline to file amnesty applications and settle amnesty fees has been extended until the end of 2023. The amnesty program offers reduced penalties for corporations that have incurred fines for late or non-filing of their General Information Sheet (GIS), Annual Financial Statements (AFS), and official contact details. Corporations can avail of the amnesty by submitting an Expression of Interest form on their SEC Electronic Filing and Submission Tool (eFAST) accounts. Additional requirements must be submitted by January 31, 2024. Failure to submit the complete set of requirements will result in forfeiture of the amnesty fee and petition fee. The SEC has also released a list of corporations at risk of having their certificates of incorporation revoked for failure to submit their GIS. The updated scale of fines and penalties for reportorial requirements will be implemented on January 1, 2024. The SEC will strictly enforce the submission of reportorial requirements and impose penalties, including monetary fines, delinquency status, and suspension or revocation of a corporation's certificate of incorporation. Corporations can visit the SEC Amnesty Microsite for guidance on how to avail of the program......»»
Firms urged to avail of SEC amnesty
The Securities and Exchange Commission is urging over 22,400 corporations to avail of its amnesty program to keep their certificates of incorporation from being revoked......»»
Lapid seeks 20% discount for indigent jobseekers
Senator Manuel “Lito” Lapid on Tuesday filed a proposed measure seeking to provide a 20-percent discount to indigent jobseekers when they acquire government documents and clearances required during their applications. Once passed into law, Senate Bill 2382 or "Indigent Job Applicants Discount Act” would grant “20 percent discounts for indigent job applicants in the payment of fees and charges for certain certificates and clearances issued by government agencies for employment application.” “He who has less in life should have more in law,” Lapid said, referencing former President Ramon Magsaysay Sr.’s credo which he said inspired him to craft the bill. Lapid underscored the need to provide equal opportunities to indigent Filipinos seeking to be employed. “It is the humble intention of this proposed measure to encourage and assist indigent job seekers in securing gainful employment,” he said. He said the labor opportunities “are seen to be one of the prospective windows that can help improve the well-being of indigent citizens and their family's quality of life.” “Therefore, availment of productive employment opportunities is essential for achieving poverty reduction and sustainable economic and social development,” he added. SB 2382 will cover clearances issued by the National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine National Police, marriage and live birth certificates from the Philippine Statistics Authority, and transcript of records and authenticated copy of diploma from state universities and colleges. It also includes medical certificate for local employment from any government hospital licensed by the Department of Health, and medical certificate for foreign employment from any DoH-accredited medical facility for Filipino overseas workers; Tax Identification Number and other documentary requirements issued by the government that may be required by employers from indigent job applicants. Qualified beneficiaries include those whose income falls below the official poverty threshold, and as identified and certified by the PSA based on the criteria set under the Community-Based Monitoring System, as established under Republic Act No. 11315. The city or municipality shall issue the “certificates of indigence” based on the latest CBMS data. Under the bill, any public officer or employee who refuses or fails to provide the benefit granted to the indigent job applicant shall, upon conviction, be subject to a fine of not less P5,000 but not more than P20,000. Prosecution for an offense shall be without prejudice to any liability for violation of any other existing laws, including civil service law, rules and regulations. Meanwhile, a job applicant who misrepresents or falsifies any document to avail of benefits or abuses the privilege granted them shall be prosecuted and punished in accordance with the Revised Penal Code, and shall suffer perpetual disqualification from availing of the privileges under this Act. Lapid noted that a counterpart measure from the House of Representatives has been passed on third and final reading last 22 May. The post Lapid seeks 20% discount for indigent jobseekers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Red tape cut with NTC plan
Consumers may anticipate better services from telecommunications providers following the initial launch of an automated platform for licensing and permitting processes. The National Telecommunications Commission or NTC, on Tuesday, confirmed that the Online Processing System with Digital Payment System or the OPS-DPS Project it developed is now partially up and running. The OPS-DPS Project effectively streamlines and expedites the processing and issuance of licenses, permits, certificates, authorizations and clearances for telecommunications and Internet infrastructure; thereby improving industry services to benefit end-users. Licensing as project’s pilot The pilot implementation of the system will be initially limited to the Licensing Management of the Networks and Facilities Division or NFD and the Services and Interconnection Division or SID of NTC’s Regulation Branch. Notably, the services that the public may avail of through the system are most of the external services of the NFD and SID as provided in the NTC Citizen’s Charter and posted on its website. The DPS component of the project, on the other hand, will be launched in September in preparation for a grand launch of the entire OPS-DPS system in October. According to NTC, the project also supports President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ramp up measures to digitize government processes to ensure efficient delivery of services. The post Red tape cut with NTC plan appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
No more telco red tape as NTC launches new system
Filipino consumers may anticipate better services from their telecommunications providers following the initial launch of an automated platform for licensing and permitting processes. The National Telecommunications Commission or NTC, on Tuesday, confirmed that the Online Processing System with Digital Payment System or the OPS-DPS Project it developed is now partially up and running. The OPS-DPS Project effectively streamlines and expedites the processing and issuance of licenses, permits, certificates, authorizations, and clearances for telecommunications and internet infrastructure; thereby improving industry services to benefit all end-users. The pilot implementation of the system will be initially limited to the Licensing Management of the Networks & Facilities Division or NFD and the Services & Interconnection Division or SID of NTC’s Regulation Branch. Notably, the services that the public may avail of through the system are most of the external services of the NFD and SID as provided in the NTC Citizen’s Charter and posted on its website. The DPS component of the project, on the other hand, will be launched in September in preparation for a grand launch of the entire OPS-DPS system in October. According to NTC, the project also supports President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr.s’ directive to ramp up measures to digitize government processes to ensure efficient delivery of services. The post No more telco red tape as NTC launches new system appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
The DMW and DICT expect to launch the app this week
The Department of Migrant Workers is poised to fulfill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to make Overseas Employment Certificates for overseas Filipino workers free. DMW Secretary Maria Susana Ople said the agency and the Department of Information and Communications Technology are expected to soon launch the DMW Mobile App which contains the OFW Pass, a digital version of the OEC, which serves as the digital identity of OFWs. “We are just waiting for the green light from the DICT to ensure the cybersecurity features of the app. After that, hopefully, it will be launched within the week,” Ople said. “We know that the OEC is a significant matter. So, we are doing everything to address this issue with the use of technology. So, just wait for it. A little more patience, but our launch is near,” she added. According to Ople, Marcos instructed the DMW to make sure that migrant workers will not pay in using the app and downloading the OFW Pass. The OEC requires onsite processing with a P100 charge shouldered by the OFW. In contrast, the OFW Pass is QR code-generated and can be obtained only through the DMW App. Two to three months after activation of the DMW App, the OFW Pass will completely replace the OEC. The OFW Pass is valid until the OFW’s employment contract expires, while the OEC is valid only for 60 days. Those who can avail of OFW Pass are first-time OFWs; Balik Manggagawa OFWs or OFWs going to the Philippines temporarily but will be returning to the same employer; and OFWs who have transferred to a different employer or whose contracts need to be registered and verified by the Office of the Labor Attache. To disseminate the App, the DMW established the OFW Pass Teacher. In this volunteer system, registered OFWs will be given relevant materials to teach other OFWs how to utilize the app. The DICT will test the cybersecurity features of the app and report its findings to the DMW before its public release. The agency is also expected to integrate the app with the Bureau of Immigration’s eTravel and e-Gate systems and eventually link it to DICT’s eGov PH Super App. The post The DMW and DICT expect to launch the app this week appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
ERC inks renewable energy adoption pact
The Energy Regulatory Commission recently signed a tripartite agreement with the local government of Pasig City and Manila Electric Company to expedite the adoption of renewable energy in one of the most progressive cities in Metro Manila. The agreement allows the parties to encourage renewable energy use in Pasig City by prioritizing projects such as the Net-Metering Program and Distributed Energy Resources or DER. The move will help manage electricity costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and generate economic development. “We share in the vision of the LGU of making it easier for Pasigueños to avail of government programs and enjoy the benefits. We can empower our consumers by making these programs more accessible,” ERC chairperson and CEO Monalisa C. Dimalanta said. The parties agreed to work together to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy technologies, empower consumers and promote cost-efficient demand management. The collaboration will also involve the development of information, education, and communication materials relevant to the implementation of renewable energy programs such as net metering and DER. To facilitate the process, the ERC will deploy resource personnel at the City Hall to closely assist Pasigueños with their concerns. The personnel will handle Certificates of Compliance or CoC applications for net-metering, DERs, and self-generating facilities. As of end-June, the ERC has issued CoCs to 146 qualified end-users under the Net-Metering Program in Pasig City, with a total capacity of 1,284.87 kilowatt-peak. The post ERC inks renewable energy adoption pact appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marina marred by conflict
Maritime industry stakeholders are calling the attention of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to review the installation of Atty. Hernani Fabia as head of the Maritime Industry Authority or Marina despite a clear conflict of interest for owning a maritime school and training center. United Filipino Seafarers president, Engr. Nelson Ramirez, and Cargo Safeway Inc. president, Capt. Reynaldo Casareo, among others, have called on Malacañang to scrutinize Fabia’s posting since July 2022 and the implementation of some ridiculous mandates that are detrimental to the industry, particularly to seafarers. Fabia allegedly implemented the Management Level Course or MLC under Marina Advisory 2022-06, making it mandatory, and explaining that it is a crucial finding of independent evaluators hired by Marina to help the country pass the European Maritime Safety Agency audit. Casareo and Ramirez joined calls to reinstate Marina Advisory 2021-23 dated 7 May 2021, Marina Advisory 2021-45 dated 3 August 2021, and Marina Advisory 2021-49 by then Marina administrator, retired Navy Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad was rescinded by Fabia but made as the basis of an extension by the EU recognizing the Filipino crew’s certificates. “With the above, we can rectify all the malicious words thrown at his good person when he (Empedrad) was replaced as Marina’s administrator. Better, if he can be reinstated to his former position as administrator of Marina so he can continue a steady improvement in the areas indicated in the annexed documents stated in the letter of Mr. Henrik Hololei of the European Commission,” Casareo and Ramirez, both members of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Association Inc., said in a statement. Conditional okay The EU decision released on 31 March provides that Filipino seafarer certifications will be honored but the Philippines has to address six deficiencies which are monitoring, supervision and evaluation of training, examination, and assessment of competence, program and course design, availability, and use of training facilities and simulators, on-board training, and issue, revalidation, and registration of certificates, but it did not mention the MLC. The MLC has been hit as an added burden to seafarer officers by seamen and manning agencies because aside from its skyrocketing price that starts from P45,000 and 40 days of completion, it is marred with controversies. After all, some seamen can even avail of the said training course even if they will not attend it, “if the price is right.” Casareo, for his part, revealed that MLC with “no show” is being priced at a whopping P80,000 to P120,000. Fabia, back then, insisted that implementing the MLC is a solution for the country to produce competent seafarers and finally pass the EMSA Audit, which was also backed by Transportation Secretary Jimmy Bautista saying that seafarers should avail such training to be at par with the regulations of the European shipowners and regulators. Casareo said the MLC was supported by various training centers “because they are the ones who will benefit from it, as well as Fabia who owns PNTC Training Center.” The MLC, according to Casareo, is in the curriculum already and there is no need to make it mandatory but attestation of the actual shipboard experience as Chief Mates/2nd Engineers must be recognized by Marina as a prerequisite so they can take the Management Level exam. “During the time of Vice Admiral Empedrad, attestations were accepted, so many were able to take exams, and many passed. Only training centers that are offering MLC, are the ones benefiting from the circular issued by Fabia making it mandatory before they can take the exam. Many opted to board again rather than taking MLC as a waste of time and money, so manning agents’ deployment is affected because they cannot be promoted without Management licenses to be Master or Chief Engr,” he said. The website of the PNTC Colleges and Maritime Training Center showed that Fabia founded the institution on 18 April 1994. But the Marina administrator maintained he had relinquished his posts at PNTC when he took the helm at Marina in July 2022. The post Marina marred by conflict appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Digital TIN IDs issued reaches 100,000
he Bureau of Internal Revenue has issued 100,000 tax identification number IDs in digital form as more Filipinos opt out from lining up at district offices......»»
Negros Occidental health office urges masking amid pertussis threat
The Negros Occidental provincial health office is campaigning for the use of face masks amid the threat of pertussis or ”whooping cough.”.....»»
Fisherfolk group urges gov’t to regulate fish prices amid Lent
Fisherfolk group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas on Wednesday urged the government to address the surge in retail prices of fish during the Holy Week......»»
UP Diliman warns of unofficial ads about online courses
The University of the Philippines Diliman on Wednesday warned the public against the spread of advertisements claiming to offer online courses in the university's name......»»
TikTok Shop Launches TikTok Shop Business School to Help Digitize Filipino Entrepreneurs
TikTok Shop launched TikTok Shop Business School, a comprehensive one-day program for Filipino entrepreneurs that aims to equip them with the skills to grow their businesses in the digital sphere. The full-day program, which 50 TikTok Shop entrepreneurs attended, was comprised of master classes on Corporate Strategy and Business Model with Kim Lato, Founder and […].....»»
8ID deploys troops to secure Negros Oriental’s BSKE 2023
The 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division, Philippine Army rendered a send-off ceremony for the Company size troops who will be augmented to the troops of JTF-Spear in province of Negros Oriental for the conduct of Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Election (BSKE) 2023......»»
Women s Month: Deniece Cornejo urges Filipinas to fight sexual harassment, challenges
Model Deniece Cornejo had a message for her fellow Filipinas this International Women’s Month. .....»»
Police beef up security in Davao region for Holy Week
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 25 March) – Around 3,000 police personnel have been deployed to secure various areas in the Davao region for the Holy Week observance, an official of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-Davao said on Monday. Police Major Catherine Dela Rey, PRO-Davao spokesperson, said the deployment of more security personnel was intended to ensure that […].....»»
Decline in exploitation cases; advocacy efforts strengthened
AN OFFICIAL from the Police Regional Office-Davao Region (PRO-Davao) reported two cases of online exploitation of women and children in the region in 2022......»»
Golden Haven launches international campaign for OFWs
Golden Haven, the country’s leading memorial park developer, has launched its GO! International campaign, a groundbreaking initiative that aims to help overseas Filipino workers secure their financial future......»»
UnionDigital Bank revenue grows to over P5 billion
UnionDigital Bank, the digital banking arm of Aboitiz-led Union Bank of the Philippines, saw its revenue grow to over P5 billion in 2023 mainly driven by higher deposits and loans......»»
ICT spending in AsPac reaches $1.3 trillion in 2023
Information and communications technology spending in Asia and the Pacific reached the $1.3 trillion mark in 2023, as companies increased their investments on automation and cloud to survive and thrive in the digital era......»»