AND now the bad news from the Bureau of Internal Revenue: Government is slowly but steadily compiling all data on those tingi[ (retail) load system of telcos for cellphones for a more comprehensive tax measure that would shore up further revenue collection (outside of the 12% RVAT).

The good news: It would take a long time (read: eternity) before they could really tag the individual or sari-sari store retailers of cellphone loads and subject these to tax.

That is why they’re content for the moment to just tag “at source” the two (three?) giant telcos Globe and Smart and their second or third line of big dealers whose combined sales alone already runs to billions. Read more

THE furor over sodium benzoate as a food preservative used in toyo, ketchup and even some skin care products we believe is another one of those black propaganda among competing manufacturers and their products.

Datu Puti products particularly has been the latest “victim” of verbal, written and online canards which claim that the alternative preservative, sodium benzoate, in it is harmful to health.

Come to think of it, if that were an iota true, many would have died by now, considering that the DP vinegar goes well with the “pulutan” and most other food on the table.The fact is no less than the Bureau of Food and Drugs allows use of sodium benzoate as “alternative preservative for food” when used in proper amount.

Datu Puti reps have said all that goes into their product is “katas ng tubo at tubig” and swear they follow the guidelines set by BFAD, which agency itself says the ingredient is safe “so longas it is within standard levels. Read more

SINCE late last year, drug companies have been told to reformulate their drugs containing phenylpropanolamine following an adverse finding on this ingredient in its effect to patients especially women and possibly children.

A study by drug authorities in the United States has linked phenypropanolamine to increased cases of hemorrhagic strokes (bleeding in the brain) among women ages 18-49 within three days after first use of medication that has this active ingredient.

Problems though were not found in men by the Food and Drugs Administration has recommended that everyone, including children “seek alternative medicine” in the wake of the medical findings. 

A patient, Marissa Espiritu, in a multi-forwarded e-mail has sounded the alarm after she herself had called up the number 800-548-3708 written in a box of Triaminic and was told the Read more