DENR to build three more solar-powered sewage treatment plants

THREE ADDITIONAL solar-powered sewage treatment plants will be built along major river systems in Metro Manila as part of the government’s efforts to rehabilitate Manila Bay, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said.

Philippines among top-growing trading economies in 2009-2019

THE Philippines was among the top economies for merchandise trade growth in the 2009-2019 period, the World Trade Organization (WTO) said.

Customs fuel-marking collections top P91 billion

THE Bureau of Customs (BoC) said it collected P91.65 billion from duties and taxes on marked oil products so far in the September-July period.

VAT on digital services — what you need to know

By Junaleen M. Magno
It has been almost five months since the implementation of the community quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of us had no choice but to stay indoors. Thus, we were forced to entertain, educate, and make ourselves useful within our homes. With the help of the internet and other electronic platforms, we got to binge-watch our favorite shows, shop, buy groceries, start on our fitness goals, finish online courses, play online games, etc. Netflix, Google, Amazon, and even YouTube have somehow helped us to hold on to our sanity during these challenging times.

Finance dep’t rules out luxury-goods tax, to focus on getting tax relief bill approved

THE Department of Finance (DoF) has ruled out a new tax on luxury goods this year, saying it is focusing its efforts on passing the remaining tax reform legislation, particularly the proposed Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act (CREATE), which has been repositioned as tax relief for businesses hurting from the pandemic.

Nuclear power plants seen unlikely to be operational by end of Duterte’s term

NUCLEAR POWER within the next two years is unlikely because of the need to complete the appropriate preliminary studies and pass laws regulating the sector, the Senator who chairs that chamber’s energy committee said.

DoE studying small nuclear plants for remote areas

THE Department of Energy (DoE) is studying the use of small nuclear generators to power off-grid areas, Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said in a statement.

Work on PNR Clark airport station to start soon

THE construction of the Philippine National Railway (PNR) Clark Phase 2 (Malolos-Clark railway) project’s 6.5-kilometer railway track, an underground station at Clark International Airport, and a depot is set to start within the quarter, Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade said.

Gov’t debt at 34.1% of GDP in 2019 vs year-earlier 34.4%

GENERAL GOVERNMENT (GG) debt as a share of the economy fell to 34.1% in 2019 from 34.4% a year earlier, the Department of Finance (DoF) said, providing a baseline for economic conditions before borrowing swelled due to the pandemic.

Cebu’s Mahiga River to be rehabilitated

REHABILITATION of the 9.1 kilometer Mahiga River in Cebu province will be conducted in partnership with 28 private companies and organizations, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said.

Impairment considerations during COVID-19

By Meynard A. Bonoen
In last week’s article, we discussed how to determine the timing of assessment for any impairment for non-financial assets, as well as the indicators of impairment. This article will cover how to measure and estimate the recoverable amount of an asset, how to determine the recognition and reversal of impairment, and provide detailed disclosure on assumptions used to fully understand an impairment assessment especially in these uncertain times.

P20B budget eyed for free COVID-19 vaccination program

By Gillian M. Cortez, Reporter The government is planning to allocate P20 billion to buy vaccines against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), once it is...