MANILA: Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos has lauded the Metro Manila Council (MMC) for granting a three-year moratorium on amusement taxes, saying it is big step to revive the Filipino film industry. 'I am glad that the MMC responded affirmatively to our call. Malaking bagay po na kami po ay inyong pinakinggan dahil ito ay isang malaking hakbang para makatulong sa ating pelikulang Pilipino (It is a welcome development that you listened to us because this is a big step to help our Filipino film industry),' Abalos said in a statement on Saturday. According to Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Acting Chairperson Don Artes, the National Capital Region (NCR) local government units (LGUs) will ratify their ordinances in support of the resolution passed by the MMC to waive amusement tax for Filipino movies screened in Metro Manila from Jan. 8 to Dec. 24 in the next three years. The move was in accordance with Section 140 of the Local Government Code of 1991 st ating, among others, that the province may levy an amusement tax to be collected from the proprietors, lessees, or operators of theaters, cinemas and concert halls. They also include circuses, boxing stadia, and other places of amusement at a rate of not more than 10 percent of the gross receipts from the admission fees. Abalos described the resolution as a timely response to the appeal of local filmmakers, and a critical step to boost the film industry and ensure the production of quality films in the country. He likewise urged other LGUs around the country to follow suit. 'Sana hindi sa Metro Manila lamang. Sana pati sa ibang bahagi ng Pilipinas ay ma-lift ang amusement tax (Hopefully not only in Metro Manila. I hope the amusement tax will be lifted in other parts of the country as well),' Abalos said. Last January, Abalos gathered some of the biggest movie producers in the local movie industry together with Film Development Council of the Philippines Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Tirso Cruz III to discuss the lingering issues of local film producers. During the said meeting, Abalos urged LGUs to grant a tax holiday for the next three years waiving the amusement tax of local movies in aid of struggling Filipino movie producers. Source: Philippines News Agency Bangkok, Sanam Luang is packed with Buddhists flocking to pay homage to the Buddha's relics. and the last day of the Arahant's relics, tomorrow (4 March) will be brought to be enshrined in Chiang Mai Province. The atmosphere of the Sanam Luang Ceremony today (March 3) was crowded with Buddhists throughout the day. Because it is the last day that people in Bangkok are open to pay homage to the royal relics. and the Arahant's relics before 9:00 p.m., when Mr. Settha Thavisin, the Prime Minister, will come to preside over the ceremony to bring them down from the pavilion at Sanam Luang Ceremony. To the National Museum Bangkok to prepare to move it to be enshrined in Chiang Mai Province tomorrow (4 March) at 8:00 a.m. with Mr. Sermsak Phongpanich, Minister of Culture. Travel together and invite yourself. Mr. Sermsak said the importance of bringing the relics of the Buddha to be temporarily enshrined in Thailand. To honor His Majesty the King On the occasion of the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King's 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary or 72nd Anniversary, 28 July 2024, which His Majesty the King His Majesty graciously graciously The royal kitchen should be set up for people traveling to the Sanam Luang Ceremony area as well. In addition, the Ministry of Culture has prepared flowers for offerings to monks. Including various amenities provided at no cost. The same is true of the places enshrined in the other three provinces so that people can pay homage to make a great merit in their lives. Because it is not easy to worship all at once. From February 24 until today, it is estimated that at least 100,000 Buddhists will flock to Sanam Luang each day. It also helps stimulate tourism and the economy in those areas. Whether it is a tourist attraction, food, accommodation, it is expected that at least 100,000 people will pay homage just like at Sanam Luang. As for the process of summoning the relics of the Lord Buddha this time, it is quite complicated. Due to its limitations, it is a very valuable ancient artifact . It has to be coordinated through the Government of India. It must be presented to Parliament first and in one year it can only be taken out of the country for installation in one country per year. In addition, the Arahant's relics of the Apostles themselves It was not taken out of the stupa at Sanchi. For a period of 72 years, this summoning was considered a big deal. So it takes a lot of extra effort. To allow Thai people to have access to things that are evidence of the existence of the Buddha. and propagate the principles To bring peace to the world The summoning was successful. It is considered the greatest pride of life. For the place where the Buddha's relics are enshrined and the Arahant's relics The northern region can pay homage between 5-8 March 2024 at Hor Kham Luang, Royal Park Rajapruek, Chiang Mai Province from 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Between 10-13 March 2024 at Wat Mahawanaram (Wat Pa Yai), Ubon Ratchathani Province from 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. and finally, in the southern region, between 15-18 March 2024 at Wat Mahathat Wachiramongkol (Wat Bang Thong). Krabi Province from 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. After that, on March 19, it will be brought back to be enshrined in India as usual. Source: Thai News Agency
