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Late last year, I read a post on social media about a bride-to-be’s woes on the costs of “taking things to the next level” -- i.e., having a wedding. The woman took to social media to express her surprise (read: frustration) at the cost of reserving a church for a wedding (P35,000), having wedding announcements (P1,000 at most and this varies among different parishes), and behold, the opening of the church doors for the bride to enter and attend her wedding ceremony (another P1,000!). The last one struck a nerve. One thousand pesos. For opening the church doors.

But the poor will not always be forgotten. (Psalm 9:18)” This Bible quote gives a fine touch to the “should-be” reality that even those in the marginalized sectors of the society, such as the poor, are still an integral part of the nation and should never be forgotten.

One political analyst has said that President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s rise to power stems from voter frustration with the prevailing system of the government. His victory was a protest against the failure of previous administrations to solve corruption and criminality. But many critics of the President view his promise of change and reform to be a pitfall if he does not deliver.

According to news reports, the House of Representatives approved on third and final reading two tax bills: House Bill (HB) No. 4814 proposing an estate tax amnesty, and HB 4815 which calls for a single lower estate tax rate. Our congressmen unanimously passed the bills. HB 4814 garnered a vote of 216-0-0, while HB 4815 received a vote of 219-0-0.

Twenty years after the 1997 comprehensive tax reform program and we are embarking on the next big one.

Does the current Bank Secrecy law serve as a citadel for investors or depositors against possible abuse of power by the government, or does it provide a shield for tax evaders? Balancing of interests is a continuing challenge for the State, and with the advent of the tax reforms of the Duterte administration and with the introduction of House Bill 4774, the need to balance these interests once again arises.

February 14, Valentine’s Day. To some of us, it’s the most romantic day of the year. Others dread it. But to Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)-registered entities, it’s a mere 14 days before the submission of its latest requirement.

It is axiomatic in a democratic society that no one should be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law, i.e., to be given a chance to heard and present a case according to the rules set forth by the authorities before any action can be taken. Failing this, any action of the government to take one’s life, liberty or property is void and of no effect. In a recent decision promulgated by the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) in Mannasoft Technology Corp. vs. Commissioner of Internal Revenue, CTA Case no. 8745 dated Jan. 13, 2017, the CTA Third Division reiterated the importance of strictly adhering to the rules set by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in conducting tax assessments.