Tag Archives: Rose Fostanes

Business, International, Law Enforcement, Politics

PHILIPPINE TAXWOMAN GOES AFTER THE BIG FISH: MANNY PACQUIAO AND ROSE FOSTANES

1 Comment
L-R: Pacquiao, Fostanes, Henares
L-R: Pacquiao, Fostanes, Henares

Manila, Philippines – Got money? Watch out,  Kim Henares will go after you.

Henares is the commissioner of the Philippines’ Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), the counterpart of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS).  She has gained the reputation of going after the big fish – Filipinos like world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao and newly-crowned X Factor Israel winner Rose Fostanes. Henares wants a chunk of their earnings abroad.

Analysts say that Henares’ actions are a desperate attempt to  save her tax agency from bankruptcy. The BIR, which many Filipinos consider among the most corrupt agencies, continues to face declining revenues due to  widespread tax evasion schemes especially among the country’s richest tycoons.

However, The Adobo Chronicles learned that Pacquiao and Fostanes are joining hands to challenge Henares in court and prevent her from taxing their foreign earnings. In papers to be filed in court  today, Pacquiao and Fostanes claim that the BIR has no authority to collect taxes from their prize money earned in the U.S.  and Israel, respectively.

“That is why the agency is called Bureau of INTERNAL Revenue,” lawyers said, so earnings outside the Philippines should be off limits to  the tax agency.”

Makes perfect sense.

Film and TV, Human Interest, International, Music

FILIPINA CAREGIVER, X FACTOR CHAMPION, WINS IN ISRAELI LOTTERY

4 Comments

imageTel Aviv – Good fortune has just struck twice for Rose Fostanes, the Filipina caregiver who recently won in the inaugural season of X Factor Israel.

Yesterday, Fostanes won one hundred fifty million sheqel (Israeli currency) in the country’s national lottery, Mifal HaPayis.

Most gambling is prohibited in Israel, but Mifal HaPayis is a government-sanctioned national lottery organization. It was established in August 1951 to recruit funding for the construction of a hospital in Tel Aviv. At first, the project’s profits were used only for healthcare applications. Later on, when Mifal HaPayis became a national lottery organization, its support was extended to projects in the fields of education, recreation, and the arts. image

This latest fortune comes as huge relief for Ms. Fostanes who learned last week that she cannot be paid for any recording contracts,  concerts or public appearances within Israel because her work permit allows her to only get paid as a caregiver. Winning the lottery has no such restrictions. Citizens, immigrants and tourists can claim the prize as long as they possess the winning ticket.

Asked by The Adobo Chronicles about her immediate plans, the singer/caregiver/millionaire said she will continue to work as a caregiver and give free concerts in Tel Aviv and other cities in Israel. She added that she is considering establishing a care facility in Tel Aviv so she could help the sick, indigents and the elderly.

Film and TV, Human Interest, International, Law Enforcement, Music, The Media, Travel

WILL THE ‘UNDOCUMENTED’ ROSE FOSTANES PLEASE STEP FORWARD?

3 Comments

imageTel Aviv, Israel – The  story of  a Filipina caregiver who captivated the world for winning the first-ever X Factor Israel this week is one of “rags to riches.” After winning the singing competition, 47-year old Rose Fostanes is on her way to recording contracts and professional gigs that would pay millions of dollars.

But, STOP THE PRESSES!

While Fostanes the caregiver is documented in Israel, Fostanes the singer is not. Like with most immigration laws anywhere in the world, foreign nationals are granted work permits to get paid for the specific jobs that they were recruited for. In Fostanes’ case, she can legally work in Israel only as a caregiver.

This means that Fostanes cannot get paid for recording contracts or professional concerts and appearances within Israel.  This has become a big dilemma for the producers of X Factor Israel.

But no worries. The producers have come up with a brilliant idea to skirt around the country’s immigration laws.

Beginning next week, Fostanes will go on a road tour throughout Israel, visiting hospitals and convalescent homes, singing for the sick and elderly. All her appearances will be televised and she will get paid for it.

“We will be paying her as a caregiver, not as a singer,” the producers said, “so we will not be violating any Israeli law or the conditions of her legal work permit.

All’s well that ends well.