Tag: Cavite

LTO Says Local Government Units Have No Legal No Basis To Confiscate Drivers’ Licenses

LTO Says Local Government Units Have No Legal No Basis To Confiscate Drivers’ Licenses

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Did a local government unit (LGU) outside of Metro Manila confiscate your driver’s license because you committed a traffic violation within their jurisdiction? The Land Transportation Office (LTO) clarified publicly that all LGUs have no legal basis to confiscate the licenses of drivers who committed traffic violations, according to a news report by GMA News.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA News report. Some parts in boldface…

The Land Transportation Office on Thursday said local government units have no legal basis to confiscate the drivers’ licenses of traffic violators.

“The LTO wishes to clarify to the public that it is currently implementing Department of Transportation (DOTr) Memorandum Circular No. 001-2026, which sets the policy regarding the non-confiscation of driver’s licenses during apprehension,” the agency said in a statement on its official Facebook page.

“Bilang pagsunod sa kautusan, pansamantalang hindi kinukumpiska ng mga law enforcement officers na may deputasyon mula sa LTO ang driver’s license ng mga motoristang lumalabag sa batas-trapiko,” it added.

(In compliance with the directive, law enforcement officers deputized by the LTO are temporarily not confiscating the driver’s licenses of motorists who violate traffic laws.)

The LTO said it seeks to clarify that existing Supreme Court jurisprudence does not grant traffic enforcement officers the general authority to confiscate motorists’ driver’s licenses.

The agency issued the statement after the City of Bacoor in Cavite on Wednesday issued a, “Clarification on Traffic Enforcement in Bacoor,” on social media.

“The City Government of Bacoor reminds the public that, pursuant to City Ordinance No. 11‑2019, Section 23 of the Revised Traffic Code, our traffic enforcers are duly authorized to confiscate driver’s licenses of motorists who violate traffic laws within the city,” the city announced on Facebook.

The Bacoor LGU said that “the recent Supreme Court ruling applies only to Metro Manila LGUs under the MMDA. Bacoor, being outside Metro Manila, continues to exercise its authority under the Local Government Code and its duly enacted ordinances.”

To which the LTO countered: “Existing administrative issuances from the (Department of Transportation) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government—including Joint Memorandum Circular No. 01, Series of 2008, issued by the former DOTC and DILG—acknowledge that traffic enforcers from local government units (LGUs) may issue citation tickets but lack the legal basis to confiscate motorists’ driver’s licenses.”

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Is the clarification by the LTO clear and transparent enough? When was the last time a local government confiscated your license because you committed a traffic violation?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Great Majority Of Las Piñas City Residents Support Dismantling Of C-5 Quirino Flyover To Make Way For LRT-1 Cavite Extension

Great Majority Of Las Piñas City Residents Support Dismantling Of C-5 Quirino Flyover To Make Way For LRT-1 Cavite Extension

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A survey conducted by the office Las Piñas City Representative Mark Santos revealed more than eighty percent of local residents favor the dismantling of the C-5 Quirino Flyover to make way for the delayed LRT-1 Cavite Extension project, according to a news report by the Manila Standard.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Standard report. Some parts in boldface…

Nearly 82 percent of Las Piñas residents support dismantling the C-5 Quirino Flyover to allow immediate continuation of the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project, a survey conducted by the office of Las Piñas Lone District Rep. Mark Anthony Santos showed.

Santos said the survey, which gathered comments from various social media platforms, found that many residents favor immediate construction of Phase 2 of the 3.2-kilometer LRT-1 Cavite Extension, including the Las Piñas and Zapote stations, over retaining the P300.39-million C-5 Quirino Flyover.

Respondents said the LRT-1 Cavite Extension would provide greater public benefit by reducing travel time, easing traffic congestion and delivering more efficient public transportation for commuters from Las Piñas, Parañaque and Cavite.

Many residents said the temporary inconvenience caused by dismantling part of the flyover would be a small sacrifice if it allowed the railway project to move forward and deliver long-term benefits to the public.

They said completing the LRT-1 Cavite Extension matters more than preserving an infrastructure project they consider a major obstacle to the railway’s completion.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you favor dismantling the C-5 Quirino Flyover to make way for the completion of the LRT-1 Cavite Extension project?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

U.S. Trade And Development Agency To Fund Feasibility Study For Sangley Point International Airport

U.S. Trade And Development Agency To Fund Feasibility Study For Sangley Point International Airport

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Here in the Philippines, the push to develop new international airports to improve air travel connectivity with other destinations gained a major step forward as the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) will fund a crucial feasibility study for the multi-billion Dollar Sangley Point International Airport (SPIA) project, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…

The United States (US) Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) will fund a feasibility study for the proposed Sangley Point International Airport in Cavite, a project aimed at easing congestion in Metro Manila and bolstering security for direct transpacific flights.

The USTDA awarded the grant to Cavitex Holdings Inc., a local developer leading the project consortium, the agency said in a statement on Tuesday, May 12.

Cavitex has selected California-based The S-A-P Group LLC to conduct the technical analysis, which will include air traffic forecasting, financial modeling, and the design of security protocols for a facility intended to serve as a major gateway for US-bound travel.

The investment comes as the Philippines struggles to manage surging aviation demand. Metro Manila’s primary gateway, Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), handled approximately 52 million passengers in 2025, pushing its aging infrastructure to the limit. The Sangley project is a central component of the Luzon Economic Corridor, a strategic initiative designed to strengthen economic resilience and infrastructure connectivity across the country’s most populous island.

“The high volume of direct international travel between the United States and the Philippines reflects the steadfast friendship of our two countries,” said Thomas R. Hardy, USTDA deputy director.

He added that the project aligns with the broader goal of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific by fostering safe and efficient passenger traffic.

For Cavitex, the US backing provides both technical expertise and a gateway to American technology. The study will evaluate the adoption of US solutions for security screening, telecommunications, and airport construction.

Leonides J.M. Virata, Cavitex president and chief executive officer, said the grant will accelerate the development of an airport expected to generate tens of thousands of jobs and unlock billions of pesos in long-term economic activity.

While the project cost remains subject to the study’s findings, the consortium has previously indicated that the multi-phase redevelopment of the former naval base could require an investment exceeding 500 billion pesos. The project is designed to handle both cargo and passenger traffic, providing a necessary relief valve for the capital region’s saturated airspace.

The USTDA functions as a “first mover” for US government involvement in emerging market infrastructure, providing the technical groundwork required to make large-scale projects bankable.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you convinced that the USTDA’s funding of a feasibility study is very crucial for the development of the Sangley Point International Airport? Do you think there really is a high volume of direct international travel between America and the Philippines? Do you think the development of new international airports in the Philippines will progress better as long as the national government does not get involved?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

A Summer PAWradise Awaits in Las Piñas

A Summer PAWradise Awaits in Las Piñas

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A Summer PAWradise Awaits 🐾☀️
Join us on April 25 at Villar Children’s Farm for fun activities, expert talks, and treats for you and your pup.

Las Piñas City, April 13, 2026 – Dog lovers and owners are in for a fun-filled event as fourth-year Multimedia Arts students from Southville International School and Colleges bring PAWradise: A Summer Dog Fair to Villar Children’s Farm on April 25, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. 

For ₱250, guests gain access to a lineup of activities, learning, and entertainment for both pets and their humans.

Pup-Ups will feature a variety of pet treats, supplies, and essentials from participating merchants.

One of the highlights of the program is Pup-Talk, featuring Dr. Geoff Carullo, current president of the Philippine College of Canine Practitioners. He will discuss proper nutrition for dogs during hot weather and how to prevent heat exhaustion. Coach Cheryl Salvador, Certified Family Dog Mediator and Accredited Dog Trainer with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants and founder of The Dog Tango, will also share insights on proper leash behavior and socialization training.

The Pawshion Show is a summer-themed dress-up competition where participants dress up their dogs and walk together in coordinated matching outfits. The competition is limited to the first 15 registrants, with a ₱200 participation fee that already includes access to the whole event. Winners will take home prizes, including vouchers from event sponsors.

The Southville Society of Entrepreneurs (SSE) will also host a dog food donation drive, where guests may drop off kibble, canned food, or bowls. All donations will be turned over to the Brgy. Manuyo Dos Mini Pound.

The venue is pet-friendly with wide open spaces. A Pawrk is available, a dedicated obstacle area for play. Access requires a ₱100 fee, to be paid directly to the venue rather than the event organizers.

Closing the program is Pawformance, featuring a live set by The Saltshakers, performing during the final hours of the event.

Entry to Villar Children’s Farm is limited to four-wheeled vehicles, with ample parking available within the venue.

Updates about the event will also be shared by Southville Artists Anonymous.

PAWradise Registration:https://forms.gle/3HKt9QWFWh9tFH4i8

PAWshion Show Registration:https://forms.gle/a2SZUS76JrqwDsdVA

Note: Attendees are requested to carefully review the event guidelines and protocols provided in the registration link. For inquiries, contact pawradisesummerdogfair@gmail.com.

Don’t miss this chance to enjoy a fun afternoon with your dogs and fellow members of the pet-loving community.

Las Piñas Congressman Points To Construction Firm Of Former City Councilor Over Multiple Public Works Contracts Worth Billions

Las Piñas Congressman Points To Construction Firm Of Former City Councilor Over Multiple Public Works Contracts Worth Billions

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Recently Las Piñas City’s congressman Mark Santos pointed to the construction firm of former city councilor and mayoral candidate Carlo Aguilar having cornered multiple public works contracts worth several billions of Pesos since 2016, according to a Malaya Business Insight news report.

For the newcomers reading this, former councilor Aguilar is the cousin of Senator Mark Villar who himself took office as secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in 2016 during the administration of then Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. During the 2025 National and Local Elections, Aguilar ran for mayor under the banner of the Villar political family but lost to then Vice Mayor April Aguilar.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of Malaya Business Insight. Some parts in boldface…

LAS Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos yesterday said a construction firm of Carlo Aguilar cornered 161 public works contracts worth billions since 2016, the same year that his cousin Sen. Mark Villar was appointed as secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) by then President Rodrigo Duterte.

“The scale, frequency, and consistency of these awarding raise serious red flags that warrant immediate scrutiny,” he said in a statement, adding there is a “deeply alarming pattern” in national infrastructure spending.

The Villar family was linked to the flood control controversy after Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said Aguilar’s I&E Construction was awarded P18.5 billion worth of flood control and infrastructure projects during his tenure as public works secretary under the Duterte administration.

Santos said according to official documents he has obtained, I&E Construction Corp. secured multiple projects in Las Piñas starting in 2016, including the construction and rehabilitation of a flood control structure along the Alabang–Zapote Road, worth P6.9 billion.

In the same year, he said, the DPWH awarded a P64.5-million contract to I&E for the construction of a slope protection structure along Naga Creek, also in Las Piñas.

In total, Santos said, I&E bagged 13 public works contracts that year, the same year that Villar was appointed as DPWH head.

“There are so many projects, it’s one after the other, worth billions. These projects didn’t just fall from the sky. The public deserves full transparency on how and why a single family-linked contractor repeatedly secured massive government contracts,” he said in mixed Filipino and English.

He urged the Office of the Ombudsman, the Commission on Audit (COA) Congress to look into “potential conflicts of interest, preferential treatment or violations of procurement laws.”

He also called on the DPWH to release all documents related to bidding, awards, and implementation of the 161 projects to ensure full transparency.

Santos cited the testimony of former public works undersecretary Roberto Bernardo before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee that commissions from approved DPWH projects were divided among officials: half to Aguilar and the remaining half was split between former undersecretary Maria Cabral and Bernardo, himself.

Santos said that in 2017, I&E secured six government infrastructure projects, including the P62.9-million construction of slope protection and other improvements at Talon Creek (from CAA Bridge to Talon Bridge).

Santos said the following year, I&E “captured” 12 multi-million-peso DPWH projects at a time when Mark’s mother, Cynthia, was an incumbent senator and his sister Camille was the lone representative of Las Piñas.

He said documents would show that the largest project that year was the construction of slope protection, including a box culvert and the removal of informal settlers, amounting to P120.7 million.

Santos said all 12 projects were implemented in Las Piñas “along routes leading to malls, subdivisions, and other business interests of the Villar family.”

In 2019, I&E got 14 additional government projects, including the P96.4 million for a flood control structure along the Las Piñas River and its tributaries and two major projects in Mariveles, Bataan: the P94-million road leading to tourism port facilities at the Freeport Area, and the P114.2-million network development program for the Bagac–Mariveles Road.

Santos, who noted that the Villar family has roots in Bataan, said Aguilar’s firm secured 10 government projects in 2020, including various local infrastructure improvements totaling P144.7 million, and the P96.5-million construction of port facilities in Mariveles.

The following year, he said, I&E was awarded 15 projects. Even after Villar resigned as DPWH secretary in October 2021 to run for senator, I&E “continued to secure contracts, cornering 22 projects in 2022, including the ₱144.7-million Laguna Lake Highway Extension (Phase 3), and the ₱289.301-million General Nakar–Dingalan Road, Package A in Quezon province,” Santos said.

This year, Santos said, the construction firm was awarded 17 government infrastructure projects, even as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered for a thorough investigation into the scam.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think congressman Santos’ quest for truth behind the many projects involving I&E Construction will lead to a full investigation by the national government?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Aliligay and Salazar Triumph In National Duathlon Championships 2025

Aliligay and Salazar Triumph In National Duathlon Championships 2025

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Lowegene Aliligay and Katrina Salazar emerged as the champions of the National Duathlon Championships (NDC) 2025 held yesterday at Villar City, Bacoor, Cavite.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the sports press release of Triathlon Philippines. Some parts in boldface…

Lowegene Aliligay of Isabela ruled the men’s elite division Sunday in the National Duathlon Championships at the Villar City in Bacoor, Cavite.

The 26-year-old registered 58:51 to claim his first National title.

“I trained for two months to prepare for this tournament and I am so happy and proud of my achievement here,” said Aliligay, who hails from Barangay San Fabian in Echague town.

Daniel Cadavos (58:56) placed second followed by Mark Ryan Lago of Trece Martires, Cavite (1:01:57).

Katrina Salazar shared the limelight with Aliligay, dominating the women’s division with a time 1:07:25. Jena Valdez (1:08:30) got the silver medal.

Salazar, a third-year dentistry student from University of the East, secured her second gold medal this year after her victory in the National Aquathlon Championships last month.

Meanwhile, Eric Joachim Hechanova of Go-for-Gold clocked 58:38 to win the gold medal in the men’s junior elite division of the event organized by Triathlon Philippines headed by Tom Carrasco.

His teammate Justhene Navaluna took the silver with a time of 58:59 while Darell Johnson Bada (1:00:53) got the bronze.

“The course was good and I’m happy to win,” said the 17-year-old Hechanova, who hails from Lingayen, Pangasinan. He won the 5,000 meters event at the 2024 Batang Pinoy National Championships in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

Anisha Eunice Caluya clocked 1:13:08 followed by Dhana Victoria Seda-Lomboy (1:13:28) in the women’s junior division of the event supported by the Philippine Sports Commission.

The National Duathlon Championships 2025 is special event by Triathlon Philippines (TriPhil) supported by venue partner Villar City, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Gatorade, Western Guaranty Corporation and RaceYa.

To receive more local triathlon and multisport updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/TriPhil.  

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

The Current State of Flood Control in Las Piñas City

The Current State of Flood Control in Las Piñas City

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If you were in Las Piñas City during the week of July 21 to 25, 2025, were you trapped in the middle of heavy traffic because of immense flooding? Did you witness flood water that entered houses of a local residential community during that week? Today, the topic of flood control is a very hot one for Las Piñas City residents because a lot were negatively affected by flooding and Congressman Mark Santos has been speaking out a lot about it.

For starters, watch the YouTube news video of GMA Network below.

Next, watch the analytical YouTube video of Claire Castro below.

Santos recently pointed out that more than forty construction projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the city lacked permits from the City Government.

The DPWH itself has turned controversial due to several flawed and questionable flood control projects nationwide handled by contractors.  No less than Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., was angered over a Bulacan flood control project that was never completed even though the contractor has been paid. Not only that, one particular business person admitted owning several construction firms that bid for DPWH projects.

Going back to Las Piñas City, there is controversy over certain infrastructure projects involving the influential Villar business and political family and already there was friction with the City Government. Congressman Santos pointed out that the Las Piñas-Zapote River Drive (another project of the Villar family which you can learn about by clicking here and here) made flooding in the city worse. For insight about Las Piñas City developments, watch the YouTube video below.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to the recent developments regarding construction, infrastructure and flooding? Are you following what Congressman Santos has been doing and saying regarding the state of flood control in the city? Do you hope to see the DPWH coordinate closely with the City Government and make sure it secured permits for local projects?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Las Piñas City Congressman Santos Says Zapote River Drive Narrowed Waterway and Made Flooding Worse

Las Piñas City Congressman Santos Says Zapote River Drive Narrowed Waterway and Made Flooding Worse

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Recently in the City of Las Piñas, Congressman Mark Santos visited the Zapote River Drive and pointed out that the construction of the road made the waterway narrower and resulted in worse flooding in recent times, according to a GMA Network news report.

For the newcomers reading this, the Zapote River stretches for several kilometers and it physically separates Las Piñas City from Bacoor City (Cavite province). The Zapote River Drive itself was constructed to decongest traffic in Las Piñas City.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA News report. Some parts in boldface…

The construction of a road along the Zapote River in Las Piñas City has narrowed the waterway and worsened flooding in parts of the city, according to a lawmaker.

In Maki Pulido’s Thursday report on “24 Oras,” a resident of Barangay Zapote 2 said floodwater enters their home during heavy rains.

Due to the rains brought by the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) in July, several areas in Las Piñas City were submerged in the ensuing floods.

According to Las Piñas Rep. Anthony Santos, there is a flood control project for the Zapote River, one of the major waterways in the city. But instead of dredging and cleaning the river, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) constructed a road alongside the river.

As a result, Santos said the river became narrower and prone to faster overflowing, causing more floods in different areas of the city.

“Malaki po ang inoccupy nito doon sa Zapote River kung saan makikita natin ngayon na medyo nabawasan yung puwang o luwang ng river na nagdudulot ngayon ng problema dito sa Las Piñas nung raw na mas malapad ito mas maraming tubig ang dumadaloy,” Santos said.

(The road occupies a larger portion of the Zapote River. The width of the river is now smaller, which is causing problems here in Las Piñas. When it was wider, more water was able to flow.)

The DPWH is currently repairing riprap after a portion of it collapsed.

“Itong river na ito, hindi dapat tinayuan para gawing kalsada. Ito po ay para linisin lang ang river, pero kita niyo ang nag initiate na predecessors ko. Conflict of interest po, very clear po dito, kasi lahat ng kalsadang dinaanan papunta sa mga lupa nila ng mga Villar kasi nagpagawa bridge papunta sa mga property nila. Ang dulo nito ay isang malaking mall na pag aari ng pamilya Villar,” Santos said.

(Roads were not supposed to be constructed alongside the river. It was intended for just cleaning the river, but look at what my predecessors did. It’s very clear that there is a conflict of interest because all the constructed roads lead to the properties of the Villars. At the end of this road is a mall owned by the Villar family.)

According to Santos, the road construction began in 2012 and now stretches to at least 10 kilometers.

Posters along Las Piñas Zapote Road indicate the road is a project by siblings and senators Mark Villar and Camille Villar-Genuino and their mother, former senator Cynthia Villar.

Santos won the congressional seat against the elder Villar during the 2025 Philippine elections.

“Wala naman pong kwestyun kung sino mag be-benefit dito e nag re-reklamo mga kababayan ko sa baha (there is no question who will benefit from this project, but the people are complaining about the floods),” Santos said.

Roads were also built alongside the city’s creeks, including Talong Creek in Barangay Pulang Dos.

According to a resident, in 2024, the retaining wall collapsed due to the volume of water and accumulated garbage in the narrower creek.

“Gumiba siya. Nag breach aming wall pinasok kami tubig. May portion pa na neck-deep. Kinakatakot namin papasok na naman tag-ulan wala na natutulog dito,” resident Elmer Pascual said, adding that their subdivision experienced flooding for the first time.

(The wall collapsed after it was breached by the water. In some areas, the floodwaters rose to neck-deep levels. We’re concerned that it might happen again during the rainy season.)

In a statement, Cynthia Villar said the Las Piñas Zapote River Drive is a flood control and traffic decongestion project to rehabilitate the Las Piñas River.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Have you ever traveled along the Zapote River Drive in Las Piñas City? Are you convinced that the Zapote River Drive made the river narrower and made flooding worse? Do you think the Zapote River Drive succeeded in decongesting traffic within the city? Do you live in a residential community bordering the Zapote River?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Chinese nationals arrested in Cavite, two women rescued

Chinese nationals arrested in Cavite, two women rescued

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Recently in the province of Cavite, elements of the Bureau of Immigration’s (BI) fugitive search unit arrested three Chinese over varied violations and rescued two women who were held against their will, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

A Chinese national, who is allegedly linked to illegal drugs activities and human trafficking, has been arrested in Cavite by agents of the Bureau of Immigration Fugitive Search Unit (BIFSU).

BIFSU Chief Rendel Ryan Sy identified the suspect as Jin Tian, 26, who was arrested in his residence in General Trias City last July 15.

During the operation in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine Navy, two women allegedly held against their will were rescued, Sy said.

At the same time, Sy said that two other male Chinese nationals were arrested during the operation. They were identified as Sun Yong, 36, and Liu Zhiwei, 33. Sun was found by PDEA operatives to be in possession of a substance believed to be shabu and drug paraphernalia.

Sy also said that the three Chinese nationals were found to be overstaying aliens for failure to present any valid immigration documentation. Also, Jin was found to have two derogatory records for overstaying.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you concerned that there could be more Chinese fugitives as well as overstaying fugitives hiding in your local community?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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BSP Calls for Anti-Counterfeiting Campaigns in Malls, Supermarkets and Wet Markets

BSP Calls for Anti-Counterfeiting Campaigns in Malls, Supermarkets and Wet Markets

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Counterfeiting of money is a hot issue right now in the Philippines as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) called for targeted anti-counterfeiting campaigns in specific places of trade and commerce, according to a business news report by the Manila Bulletin.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is calling for targeted anti-counterfeiting campaigns in shopping malls, supermarkets, and wet markets after these locations emerged as the main sources of fake banknotes and coins recovered last year.

Data from the 2024 BSP annual report published in June showed that counterfeits were “frequently recovered in areas with high foot traffic, such as shopping malls (27.2 percent), supermarkets (25.9 percent), and wet markets (20.9 percent).”

“This highlights the need for targeted anti-counterfeiting campaigns in these areas,” the report said.

According to the central bank report, the ₱1,000 paper banknote was the most counterfeited bill, accounting for 59.9 percent or the majority of documented counterfeits last year. The ₱500 paper banknote was the second-most counterfeited bill at 19.3 percent.

Notably, there were a very low number of cases of counterfeit ₱1,000 polymer banknotes. Recording only three “low-quality” counterfeits in 2024, the BSP noted that the three-year-old ₱1,000 polymer banknote has shown “resilience” against counterfeiting.

“These counterfeit polymer banknotes were printed on paper, with the transparent portions cut out and substituted with substandard plastic, making them easily detectable by the public,” the BSP said.

Fake coins also dropped significantly by 87.8 percent last year, noting that there were fewer than one fake coin for every one million real coins in circulation. Most counterfeit coins were leftovers from previous years, mostly five-peso coins from the BSP coin series.

The BSP attributed this substantial decline in counterfeited banknotes and coins to the “enhanced security features of the New Generation Currency (NGC), including the micro-printed details and laser-engraved designs.”

These added features made it more challenging for fraudsters to copy and reproduce the currencies, the BSP said.

Most counterfeiting involved inkjet printing, accounting for 79.7 percent of the recorded cases. Laser printing was next at 12.6 percent, while tampered security threads accounted for 7.6 percent.

When it comes to location, most fake currencies were found in Metro Manila, at 52.2 percent, followed by the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon (collectively known as CALABARZON), at 12.2 percent.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think counterfeiting in the Philippines will get worse over the next twelve months? Do you think the local supermarket, wet market or shopping mall are hot spots of fake banknotes and coins? Who do you think is responsible for the rise of counterfeit money? Do you think the BSP’s research about counterfeiting is accurate?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco