Tax credit rules for donations to PNP/ Prisoner exchange/Digitalization of customer relations management

Senseneres

Ike Seneres

 

His Excellency Ferdinand E. Marcos, Jr. President of the Republic of the Philippines Malacañang Palace Manila:

Your Excellency, I am writing to seek clarification and guidance on the tax credit policies applicable to individuals and entities donating to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

This inquiry aims to encourage greater public participation in supporting the PNP’s essential programs by understanding the legal and tax framework surrounding such contributions. Specifically, I would like to request clarification on the following points: 1. Tax Credit Provisions for Donors Could you kindly identify the specific laws or executive issuances governing the granting of tax credits to donors of money, equipment, or other resources to the PNP? Understanding the legal basis will enable potential donors to comply with all requirements and maximize their contributions. 2. Type of Equipment Allowed Are there specific guidelines or limitations on the types of equipment that can be donated to the PNP? For example, does this include communication devices, surveillance tools, vehicles, or other operational necessities? 3. Inclusion of Services Can donations in the form of services (e.g., maintenance, training, or consultancy) qualify for tax credits? If so, what documentation is required to support this type of contribution? 4. Minimum and Maximum Amounts Are there minimum or maximum thresholds for donations eligible for tax credits? 

Clear parameters will help donors plan and align their contributions accordingly. 5. Inclusion of Rentals Can the provision of rented buildings, facilities, or real estate be considered a donation if the rental fees are waived? Such an arrangement could significantly benefit the PNP in terms of operational efficiency. 6. Computer Hardware and Software Can donations of computer hardware and software, including cybersecurity tools and database management systems, be eligible for tax credits? These are critical resources for modern policing and would address the PNP’s need for advanced technological tools. 7. Vehicles Are vehicles included in the list of allowable donations? If so, are there any specifications or restrictions (e.g., type, condition, or purpose) regarding the vehicles eligible for tax credit incentives? By addressing these questions, the government can help foster transparency and incentivize more public and private entities to support the PNP. In turn, this will enhance the PNP’s capability to serve and protect our communities.

Thank you for considering this request. I trust in your commitment to making innovative and collaborative solutions possible for the benefit of our nation.

Cc: Secretary of Interior and Local Government Secretary of Finance Secretary of Information & Communications Technology Commissioner of Internal Revenue Director General, Philippine

National Police 01-14-2025

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I am also writing to recommend that the Philippine government adopt a national policy on prisoner exchange, with the primary objective of bringing home Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are incarcerated abroad. This initiative could greatly enhance the welfare of our fellow Filipinos and strengthen our diplomatic relationships with other nations. Key Points Supporting the Proposal: 

1. Case of Mary Jane Veloso: o Considering the recent developments in Mary Jane Veloso’s case, we should consider offering Indonesia the return of one Indonesian prisoner currently in Philippine custody as a gesture of goodwill. This act could pave the way more future exchanges. 

2. Continuing Program: o Establishing prisoner exchange as a national policy would enable us to systematically bring home Filipino prisoners from abroad. This program can be institutionalized as an ongoing effort by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and/or the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). 

3. International Precedents: o The recent prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, even amidst ongoing conflict, demonstrates the feasibility and value of such programs. This underscores the potential for similar arrangements in peacetime to benefit our citizens.

 4. Domestic Resources for Exchange: o There are currently many foreign prisoners under the custody of the Bureau of Immigration (BI), Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP). These individuals could potentially be exchanged for Filipino prisoners abroad.

 5. Building a Database: o As part of the preparatory steps for this program, the Philippines should establish a comprehensive database of Filipinos incarcerated abroad. This database would facilitate negotiations and ensure that we prioritize cases effectively based on humanitarian and legal considerations.

 6. Humanitarian and Diplomatic Benefits: o Such a policy would not only provide a lifeline for incarcerated OFWs but also strengthen our diplomatic ties with host countries by fostering mutual respect and collaboration. Recommended Actions: 1. Instruct the DFA and DMW to draft a comprehensive framework for a prisoner exchange program, including protocols for identifying eligible individuals and negotiating terms with other nations. 2. Direct the relevant agencies, such as BI, BuCor, and BJMP, to compile a list of foreign nationals in Philippine custody who could be considered for exchange. 3. Establish an inter-agency task force to oversee the implementation of the program and ensure its alignment with international laws and treaties. This initiative aligns with our commitment to protecting the welfare of Filipinos overseas and reinforcing the government’s dedication to inclusive and humane policies. I trust in your visionary leadership to consider this proposal and make a significant impact on the lives of our countrymen.

cc: Hon. Secretary of Foreign Affairs Hon. Secretary of Migrant Workers Hon. Chairman of Commission of Filipinos Overseas 01-10-2025

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I am also writing to propose the adoption and implementation of Customer Relations Management (CRM) systems across government agencies, including Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) and Local Government Units (LGUs), as part of your initiative to digitalize public service delivery. CRM systems, which have long been utilized by the private sector, can greatly enhance citizen engagement and service efficiency.

Key Points for Consideration: 1. CRM in the Private and Public Sectors: o CRM software has proven invaluable in the private sector. Unfortunately, very few government entities are currently leveraging its potential.

By adopting CRM, the government can streamline communication, improve citizen satisfaction, and demonstrate your administration’s commitment to modernizing public service delivery. 2. Cost-Effectiveness and Accessibility: o CRM implementation does not require significant expenditure, especially with the availability of Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS) versions. o For those seeking advanced functionalities, high-end paid versions are also available. 3. Reframing "Customer" as "Citizen": In the public sector, the term “customer” can easily be redefined as “citizen,” encompassing taxpayers and voters. o CRM systems can thus serve as powerful tools to enhance government-citizen interactions. 4. Challenges in Current Communication Practices: o Many government websites list only landline numbers, making it difficult for citizens—most of whom rely on mobile phones—to contact them.

The absence of email addresses and mobile numbers exacerbates this issue, and calling landlines from mobile phones remains prohibitively expensive for many. o Agencies with mobile numbers should also sign up for free messaging platforms like Viber, WhatsApp, and Telegram. 5. Call Centers and Responsiveness: o Many agencies with Facebook Messenger accounts rely on autoreplies and fail to respond to citizen queries in a timely manner. o Ideally, government agencies should establish call centers capable of handling voice calls, emails, and text messages, including those from platforms like Viber, WhatsApp, Telegram, and Messenger. 6. Upgrading Project 8888: o I conceptualized Project 8888 to enable citizens to contact the President at any time, from anywhere, using any available device. However, the system’s implementation has deviated from my original design. o Project 8888 should go beyond citizen complaints to include suggestions, questions, and online transactions. o I am volunteering my expertise to help upgrade Project 8888 and align it with your vision of digitalization. 7. Digital Transformation Roadmap: o If digitalization is to eliminate the need for physical appearances in government transactions, the priority should be building robust backend data systems. o Interoperability requires massive data buildup, and the new systems should incorporate artificial intelligence and machine learning for enhanced efficiency and predictive capabilities. In summary, a national rollout of CRM systems, combined with an upgraded Project 8888, will revolutionize government services. Citizens will enjoy seamless access to government services, thereby strengthening public trust and engagement. Thank you for considering this proposal. I would be honored to discuss these recommendations further and provide any assistance necessary to implement these transformative initiatives.

Respectfully yours, Ramon Ike V. Seneres iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com

Cc: Hon. Secretary, Department of Information Technology and Communications Hon. Chairman, Civil Service Commission