JUST for everyone's perusal, here's the order from the Department of Finance suspending the tax on books. It's by no means permanent, as the DOF is still finalizing the guidelines on book importation. But for the moment, I think everyone can rest easy and go buy their books at their usual prices. (Of course, if the peso devaluates, it will raise the prices of our books, which is another matter completely.)
Here's a shout out to the bloggers and journalists who made a ruckus about the issue, and especially to my former boss and a book lover himself, Makati Rep. Teddyboy Locsin, who bent the ear of the presidentita on this one.
Shouldn't we applaud GMA as well? Hmmm...let's see the final guidelines first.
DOF Order 27-09 Suspending Book Tax
Thanks to Finance Secretary Gary Teves' PR crew at Great Wall Advertising for emailing us a copy of the DO.
Manolo Quezon's take on the issue. Many think that the fight isn't over yet.
Showing posts with label book blockade. Show all posts
Showing posts with label book blockade. Show all posts
May 29, 2009
May 25, 2009
Good news citizens!
Taxes on book imports lifted
By Paolo Romero
Philippine Star
May 25, 2009 12:00 AM
MANILA, Philippines - President Arroyo ordered yesterday the Department of Finance to scrap the taxes imposed on imported books and reading material.
Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said the directive was prompted by a torrent of criticism on the move of the Bureau of Customs (BOC), which is under the supervision of the finance department, to impose the duties.
“President Arroyo ordered the immediate lifting of the customs duty on book importation,” Remonde said in a text message to The STAR. (Click here for the rest.)
Philippines' Brillante Mendoza scoops Best Director at Cannes(The very fierce film director Brillante Mendoza, photo from AFP)
CANNES, France (AFP) — Brillante Mendoza of the Philippines on Sunday picked up the best director prize at the Cannes film festival for his dark movie "Kinatay".
"Kinatay" (meaning "massacre") notably features corrupt cops hacking a prostitute to pieces with blunt kitchen knives.
Mendoza, at Cannes for the second year running, again split the critics, drawing both hisses and applause for "Kinatay". (Click here for more.)
What a great way to start a new week, dontcha think?
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