Authorities assert Philippines is safer with anti-drug campaign
By Minde Nyl R. dela Cruz, Reporter
THE DEPARTMENT of National Defense (DND) shrugged off the Philippines’ one-rank drop in the Global Peace Index, saying that the Duterte administration’s campaign against illegal drugs has made the country safer.
“I cannot believe that [because] a lot of people can go around naman very peacefully. I think they are using some parameters that are not present in the Philippines. Just because there is war on drugs is least peaceful. In fact, a lot of people are saying that their lives are more peaceful now because of the war on drugs,” DND Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana said.
For his part, Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Oscar D. Albayalde said that the low ranking is just “all perception,” adding that comments on human rights violations and news about killings may have contributed to the country’s low score in the index.
“We want these people perhaps to go to our country and see for themselves how the peace and order goes in our country. Then, probably, they will see how peaceful it is here,” he added.
NO MARTIAL LAW
Meanwhile, Mr. Albayalde said there are no indications that there will be a declaration of nationwide martial law or national emergency following President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s statements that there will be “radical” changes “in the coming days” because “there are simply too many crimes.”
“We do not want to second guess the President on that, in his statement, but as of this time, there is no indication whatsoever on our President’s statements that we are headed to a [martial law or national emergency],” Mr. Albayalde said.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry L. Roque Jr. likewise clarified that Mr. Duterte’s statements were only “hyperbole” or exaggerations and that he only meant a more intensified crusade against corruption and criminality.
“So ang state of national emergency lang po, kung meron pong (only if there is a) threat of lawless violence,” Mr. Roque said, adding that the President is simply trying to highlight that the government will do everything in its power to go against criminals.
Freight company, three others slapped with tax evasion raps
THE BUREAU of Internal Revenue (BIR) filed on Thursday five separate tax evasion complaints against a freight company, construction firm, a consultancy, and a retailer, along with their respective officers, according to BIR spokesperson Marissa O. Cabreros.
The complaints, filed before the Department of Justice (DoJ), accused the respondents of willful failure to pay taxes under the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997.
Largest in terms of tax liability was that against Valenzuela City-based Arrow Freight Corporation and its president, Ike A. Eslao, and treasurer, Lina G. Fernandez, with an aggregate deficiency of more than P27.69 million for taxable years 2016-2017, according to a statement from the BIR.
“Initial investigation showed that respondent Arrow Freight filed its Expanded Withholding Tax Returns, and Value-Added Tax Returns online but failed to remit taxes withheld and/or pay on time, at the times required by law, the corresponding withholding taxes and VAT due thereon, whether electronically or manually,” the statement read.
Also charged was retailer Makati-based Salritsu International Trading Corp. and its officers Salvador M. Cabrera (president), Josephine D. Cabrera (vice president), and Michelle D. Cabrera (chief financial officer) for a total deficiency for taxable year 2006 amounting to over P20.11 million.
Brightways Labor Contractor Services, based in Taguig City, and its sole proprietor Stephen Ignacio Panadero is charged for a liability of over P6.85 million.
Charged as well was consultancy HSI Philippines, Inc. and its officers Daniel Kendrick Tumangan (chairman and president), Fernando C. (treasurer), and country manager Tan Ch’eng Seong for a total tax deficiency of P4.84 million.
The respondents were sought for comment but some did not have publicly listed numbers while others did not respond to calls. — Dane Angelo M. Enerio
