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Philippine court dismisses tax case against Pacquiao

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Philippine court dismisses tax case against Pacquiao

Philippine boxing legend Manny Pacquiao on Friday won a years-long court battle to avoid paying tens of millions of dollars in extra taxes after an appeals court dismissed the case against him.

Pacquiao and his wife Jinkee had been accused by the Bureau of Internal Revenue in 2012 of owing more than 2.2 billion pesos ($37 million) in unpaid taxes for 2008 and 2009.

The 43-year-old previously insisted he had paid the taxes in the United States, so did not need to do so in the Philippines because the two countries have an agreement allowing their citizens to avoid double taxation.

Then-president Benigno Aquino was waging a bruising campaign against tax evasion as part of a general crackdown on corruption.

Pacquiao, a former world champion and politician, became one of the highest-profile targets of the tax office’s sweep.

But the Court of Tax Appeals found the tax office had relied on “unverified news articles” to make its assessment.

In a 49-page judgement, the court said the “assessment for deficiency income tax is void for violation of petitioners’ right to due process and for lack of sufficient factual basis”.

The ruling was handed down on September 29 but apparently only released on Friday.

Pacquiao, who reportedly ranked among the country’s top individual taxpayers in 2008 and 2009, welcomed the decision.

“Since the start of my career, I have made sure to pay all my taxes because this helps our government,” he said in a statement.

“I thank the Lord that the truth has come out.”

AFP could not reach the tax office for comment. It is not known if it plans to appeal the decision.

Pacquiao, who retired from boxing last year for a tilt at the Philippines presidency, is deeply admired for hauling himself out of poverty to become one of the world’s greatest and wealthiest fighters.

But he has also earned plenty of detractors with his support for former president Rodrigo Duterte’s deadly drug war, homophobic comments and lack of education.

Pacquiao has been preparing for a charity match against martial arts YouTuber DK Yoo scheduled for December 10 in Seoul.

He ended his 26-year boxing career with a points defeat to Cuban Yordenis Ugas in August 2021 and, as well as being a former senator, made a failed bid earlier this year to be president of his country.

Pacquiao’s net worth was almost $54 million in 2020, according to Senate data.

Philippine court dismisses tax case against Pacquiao
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NCDC urges IPC measures to prevent Mpox

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The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has urged healthcare workers to strictly adhere to Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures when handling Mpox cases to prevent further spread.

Dr Jide Idris, Director-General of NCDC, emphasised the importance of frontline workers prioritising their own safety while providing care for patients in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

“Protect yourself while caring for Mpox patients. Your safety is just as important as your patients’,” he stated.

Mpox, a viral disease caused by the Monkeypox virus, spreads primarily through close contact with infected individuals, contaminated materials, and respiratory droplets.

Symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, body aches, and a rash that progresses to painful lesions.

Idris also urged hospitals and clinics to reinforce IPC measures to protect both healthcare workers and patients.

He outlined several key safety precautions for healthcare workers, including: wearing gloves, masks, face shields, and gowns while handling patients.

“Regularly wash hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based sanitisers.

“Avoid direct contact with bodily fluids and use barrier nursing techniques.

“Properly disinfect hospital surfaces and equipment to prevent contamination.

“Identify suspected cases early and ensure proper isolation to curb further transmission,” he said.

Idris assured Nigerians that the NCDC was monitoring the Mpox situation and remained committed to providing regular updates and technical support to health facilities.

He urged healthcare workers to stay vigilant, report suspected cases promptly, and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms of Mpox.

He also called on the general public to stay informed, avoid close contact with infected individuals, and practice good hygiene to reduce the risk of infection.

As part of its ongoing response, he said that the NCDC had been working with state health authorities, training healthcare workers, and strengthening laboratory capacity for Mpox diagnosis.

Idris reiterated that preventing the spread of Mpox required collective effort from both healthcare workers and the public, encouraging Nigerians to remain cautious, follow public health guidelines, and support efforts to contain the virus.

He advised healthcare workers and the public to visit the NCDC’s official website or follow its verified social media handles for more information and updates.

 

 

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NAWOJ FCT partners traditional leaders to empower rural women

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The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), FCT Chapter, has launched a strategic partnership with traditional leaders to amplify the voices, protect the rights, and promote empowerment initiatives for rural women in FCT communities.

Ms. Queen Kunde, Chairperson of the NAWOJ FCT Media Team, made the announcement in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, following a courtesy visit led by Mrs Bassey Ita-Ikpang, Chairperson of NAWOJ FCT.

The visit was made to the wife of the Abaji/President of the Wives of FCT Traditional Rulers Association.

Bassey stated that the partnership was part of the preparations for the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration.

The event, globally observed on March 8, honours the achievements and challenges faced by women and calls for action.

She explained that the initiative aimed to promote the rights and interests of rural women, who often face unique challenges such as limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

Speaking on the theme for the 2025 celebration, “Accelerating Action for Gender Equality: The Voice of Rural Women,” the chairperson emphasised the need for deliberate and strategic actions.

She called for the inclusion of rural women in the fight for gender equality, economic empowerment, and social justice.

“We recognise your unwavering commitment to women’s development and the welfare of our communities.

“As mothers, leaders, and role models, you have continuously inspired women, especially in rural areas, to embrace self-reliance and strive for a better future,” Bassey said.”

Through the collaboration, Bassey stated, both parties would create platforms for rural women to share their stories, concerns, and aspirations.

“This will help raise awareness about the issues affecting rural women and mobilise support for their empowerment.”

Responding, Hajiya Hauwa Ibrahim, Wife of the Ona of Abaji and President of the Wives of FCT Traditional Rulers Association, pledged support for the initiative.

She expressed recognition for the crucial role of empowering rural women in promoting sustainable community development.

Ibrahim also expressed concern over the rising cases of gender-based violence in palace jurisdictions, stating: “At the palace, we handle numerous cases of gender-based violence.”

She assured their full support, saying, “We are delighted to collaborate with NAWOJ FCT because our vision aligns with ensuring a better life for women and children.

“The 17 chiefs of the FCT are fully on board and ready to support this initiative—do not hesitate to call on us whenever needed.”

Ibrahim further recalled that the Wives of FCT Traditional Rulers Association was established in 2019.

She said the establishment was in response to the advice of former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, who recognised the need for a unified platform to enhance the impact of the wives of traditional rulers.

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NSCC partners Correctional Service to support welfare of aged inmates

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The National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), says it will partnership with the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) in supporting the welfare of aged inmates.

Dr Emem Omokaro, the Director General of the Centre, said this on Tuesday in Abuja, during a meeting with the acting Comptroller General of the NCoS, Mr Sylvester Nwakuche.

Omokaro said that the partnership became imperative; in order to address the welfare issues affecting older persons in correctional centres across the country.

She explained that the welfare packages for the older inmates would include training them in their specific areas of need, as well as bringing them medical outreaches and other social welfare to improve their wellbeing.

The NSCC director general who expressed concern over the pathetic conditions of aged inmates in correctional facilities, also called for urgent action to support them.

She said a technical working team would be set up with a view to undertaking a need assessment and articulating the priority areas for the training.

Omokaro added that the mandate of the NSCC was to cater for the welfare of older persons including those in the correctional facilities, hence the need to initiate programmes that would promote their wellbeing.

”The Technical Working Group is expected to structure and initiate impactful programmes that will address the specific needs of inmates at the Nigeria correctional facilities who are 60 years and above,” she said.

In his response, Nwakuche thanked the director general for identifying with the NCoS and expressed readiness to support all efforts towards improving the quality of life and wellbeing of inmates.

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