No More Wasted Time; DGI: Deadline Extended for Individual Income Tax Return Filing; Teachers Do Not Rule Out ‘Indefinite Strike’ in Protest Against CSS Reforms; Panama City Hall Announces Electronic Waste Recycling Campaign.

Friday, March 14, 2025. No More Wasted Time: A Philosophy for Living Time is the one currency you can’t earn back. Every second spent on things that drain your energy, that steal you away from what truly matters—family, faith, and self—is a second lost forever. Too often, we surrender our time to obligations that don’t serve us, to meetings that mean nothing, to routines that dull rather than enrich us. But why? Out of habit? Obligation? Fear of saying no? Today, Sayira and I took a helicopter ride just for the hell of it. No agenda, no purpose beyond the sheer joy of living. Apart from seeing Panama City from a whole new angle, she got to experience something completely new—something she might never have done if we were stuck in the cycle of saying yes to the wrong things. Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about my grandfather. He was the pillar of our family, the man who held everything together. He wasn’t just respected—he was loved. One of the most popular of people in our small town, known mostly because of his big heart. Losing him was a travesty, a loss that rippled through our lives in ways we never fully recovered from. Roughly 44 years ago now, he passed away at 55—just one day before his 56th birthday. This year, I turn 55. And that fact has hit me harder than I expected. It’s made me reevaluate everything—how I spend my time, what I say yes to, what I let steal my energy. My new philosophy? No more wasting time on things that pull me away from what’s truly important. If it doesn’t serve my faith, my family, or my own sense of purpose, it’s not worth my time. Life is too short. Too unpredictable. Too precious. Say no to what drains you. Say yes to what fills your soul. Say yes to life. Brett Mikkelson CEO, BM Investigations TOP NEWS and TIDBITS: DGI: Deadline Extended for Individual Income Tax Return Filing The General Directorate of Revenue (DGI) of the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) announced an extension for the filing deadline of the Individual Income Tax Return. The new deadline will be Monday, March 17, 2025, instead of March 15, as this date falls on a Saturday, a non-business day. With this measure, the DGI aims to facilitate tax compliance and help taxpayers avoid penalties. The institution urges citizens to stay informed and fulfill their tax responsibilities within the new deadline. Avoid Penalties for Non-Compliance The DGI reminded taxpayers that failing to submit their tax return within the established timeframe may result in penalties. According to Article 753 of the Tax Code of Panama, individuals who do not file their Income Tax Return on time will face fines ranging from $100 to $1,000, depending on the delay period and the taxpayer’s compliance history. Additionally, non-compliance may lead to surcharges and interest on the amount owed, affecting the taxpayer’s financial situation. For more information and details on the filing process, taxpayers can visit the official website dgi.mef.gob.pa or follow the institution’s social media accounts at @dgipma. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE Teachers Do Not Rule Out ‘Indefinite Strike’ in Protest Against CSS Reforms The Association of Professors of the Republic of Panama (Asoprof) has not ruled out launching an indefinite strike if Bill No. 163 is enacted by the Executive Branch. Fernando Ábrego, Asoprof’s Secretary-General, stated that they are waiting for the third debate on the bill before announcing the date for a 24-hour work stoppage in protest against the modifications approved by lawmakers. Teachers are waiting for the reforms to the Organic Law of the Social Security Fund (CSS) to be sent to the president before announcing further actions, as they argue that the bill’s enactment would put Panamanians’ pensions and retirements at risk. “Once the President of the Republic signs the bill into law, we will take additional actions, which we will announce to the country. However, we do not rule out an indefinite strike with street protests,” Ábrego emphasized. The teachers acknowledged that, like business leaders, they are concerned about how a work stoppage could impact students’ learning. However, they argue that the modifications approved in the second debate by the National Assembly’s plenary session will ultimately harm young people, so they will maintain their stance. According to the teachers, the current bill worsens working conditions for the labor class and their families. Therefore, they urge authorities to assess the repercussions of what has been passed by the Legislative Branch. On Wednesday, construction workers also protested against the bill, staging roadblocks in several parts of the country and announcing further actions in defense of the CSS. In response to claims from social organizations about an increase in the retirement age, several lawmakers have clarified that this measure was not included in the bill. Independent lawmaker Manuel Samaniego urged teachers not to harm students over an issue that “does not exist.” “Apologies, teachers, but no increase in the retirement age was approved,” he reiterated on his social media. Samaniego also called on Suntracs (the construction workers’ union), saying, “Stop lying to the people. Protect the little credibility you have left.” Meanwhile, the business sector has called for dialogue and reconciliation, emphasizing that the country’s economic future depends on this bill. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE Panama City Hall Announces Electronic Waste Recycling Campaign The Panama City Hall invites citizens to participate in the “Electronic Waste Recycling Campaign,” which will take place this Saturday, March 15, at Helidoro Patiño Park in Juan Díaz. The campaign, organized by the Environmental Management Directorate, will run from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will accept a variety of electronic devices, including cell phones, laptops, computers, cables, headphones, televisions, chargers, speakers, tablets, remote controls, video game consoles, and cameras. Details of Panama City Hall’s Recycling Campaign This event is part of the “One Cell Phone, One Tree” program, which aims to plant trees in Panama’s watershed areas. Recycling these electronic