Author Carlo Carrasco

NCAP for Metro Manila traffic violations cannot be implemented yet

January 26, 2023January 25, 2023carlocarrasco

As the Supreme Court here in the Philippines has yet to make a final decision about the legality of the No-Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP), the local government units (LGUs) of Metro Manila cannot implement the said policy yet when it comes to traffic violations, the Manila Bulletin reported. Take note that the SC issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against NCAP in August 2022.

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

Local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila cannot implement the no-contact apprehension policy (NCA) for traffic violations while the two petitions challenging the policy’s alleged unconstitutionality are still pending with the Supreme Court (SC).

The SC issued on Aug. 30, 2022 a temporary restraining order (TRO) against NCAP and the order is enforceable until further orders from the High Court.

The SC wrapped up early tonight, Jan. 24, the legal debates on the two petitions. The first oral arguments were held last Dec. 6.

After the oral arguments, the parties to the cases were given a non-extendible period of 30 days from Jan. 24 to file their respective memorandum in amplification the issues tackled during the debates.

Given the complexities of the issues involved in the NCAP – modes of implementation like systems and mechanics, alleged exorbitant penalties for traffic violations, alleged violations of due process like pay first before complaining, and issues on privacy rights, among other things – the SC – legal quarters said – is not expected to resolve the petitions immediately after the 30-day period to file memoranda.

There were two petitions against the alleged unconstitutionality of NCAP which utilizes closed-circuit television and digital cameras to identify and apprehend traffic violators through videos and images of their violations.

Once a violation is detected and the plate number of the vehicle is recorded, the local government unit issues traffic citation tickets and mail them directly to the vehicle’s registered owner. Data on ownership of the vehicle is obtained from the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

Non-payment of fines within seven days would mean the subject vehicle cannot be re-registered by the owner.

NCAP in Metro Manila is operated by a private firm, QPAX Traffic Systems, Inc., which gets a share ranging from 60 to 70 percent of the total amount of fines collected by the LGUs for traffic violations.

In one LGU in Metro Manila alone, the SC was told that the city government had collected close to P200 million in traffic violation penalties before the enforcement of NCAP was stopped. Of the amount 65 percent had been remitted to QPAX which was reported to have invested only about P50 million for NCAP devices and equipment in that city.

The first petition was filed by the Kilusan sa Pagbabago ng Industriya ng Transportasyon, Inc. (KAPIT), Pangkalahatang Saggunian Manila and Suburbs Drivers Association Nationwide (Pasang-Masda), Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (ALTODAP), and Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization (ACTO).

They told the SC the implementation of NCAP is unconstitutional and thus invalid.

At the time the first petition was filed, the NCAP was being implemented in Metro Manila by the local governments of Quezon City, Manila, Valenzuela City, Muntinlupa City, and Parañaque City through their ordinances based on the 2016 resolution of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) which ordered the re-implementation of NCAP.

The second petition was filed by lawyer Juman B. Paa who also pleaded for the issuance of a TRO against the NCAP being implemented in the City of Manila.

In his petition, Paa asked the SC to declare unconstitutional Manila City Ordinance No. 8676, series of 2020, on NCAP.

He said the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) has access to the database of the LTO relative to the details of the vehicle, including the name of the owner and address.

Paa said that “if a private company is performing the function of the MTPB, their access to the close circuit television (CCTV) footage might be used for other purposes like surveillance of a particular person thus exposing citizens to risks against safety and privacy.”

Solicitor General Menardo I. Guevarra said that “while NCAP cameras capture vehicle images that violate traffic rules and regulations, they are neither designed to capture, nor are these cameras capable of obtaining, facial recognition images of the drivers.”

“This fact attenuates and weakens petitioners’ claim of violation of their right to privacy,” Guevarra said.

“More importantly, the sharing by the Land Transportation Office of vehicle registration data with the local governments involves information necessary to carry out functions of public authorities,” he said.

“It is therefore a sharing of personal information which is expressly excluded from the coverage of the Data Privacy Act under Republic Act No. 10173,” he stressed.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this new development? Do you believe that the NCAP is very prone to abuse by the LGUs? Do you believe that the LGUs want to use NCAP to easily raise funds? Do you believe that NCAP actually helps solve traffic problems and helps discipline motorists? Do you think Parañaque City is a good example of a city that implemented the NCAP? Do you believe that NCAP violates a motorist’s privacy in relation to the collection of personal and vehicular data? Did you pay close attention on how your city mayor reacted whenever the NCAP gets challenged?

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 and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. 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

A Look Back at Venom: Lethal Protector #4 (1993)

January 26, 2023February 4, 2023carlocarrasco

Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from reading the comic book and doing personal research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.

Welcome back superhero enthusiasts, 1990s arts and culture enthusiasts, Marvel Comics fans and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1993 and explore a part of Marvel Comics’ universe through the first-ever limited comic book series featuring one of Marvel’s most iconic supervillains – Venom.

In my previous retro review, the core concept of the Lethal Protector limited series started to really take shape as issue #3’s plot got more intriguing and interesting to read while emphasizing other powerful forces Venom himself simply could not easily overwhelm. It is also the issue in which Venom’s past act of a certain murder comes to haunt him. The problem I had with that comic book was the creative team’s dramatization of Eddie Brock’s personal history which essentially ruined whatever mystery Venom had. Eventually, the comic book ended with Venom getting into trouble again.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at Venom: Lethal Protector #4 published in 1993 by Marvel Comics with a story written by David Michelinie and drawn by Ron Lim.

Early story

The story begins inside a high-tech facility in the Mojave Desert. Inside, Venom is in captivity floating off the floor with high-tech machines keeping him prisoner. He is a captive of the Life Foundation and they have successfully extracted another spawn from Venom’s symbiote which causes tremendous pain on the part of Eddie Brock. It turns out, a total of five “seeds” have been extracted and the organization has big plans with them.

Over at Sta. Cruz in California, Spider-Man spends some of his precious time to stop some local criminals from causing anymore danger to the people. During his telephone talk with Mary Jane, he admits that has not been able to track Venom down but he has a new lead about weird creatures that have been spotted locally. A short time later, Spider-Man arrives at a shopping mall where tremendous damage of property have happened. As soon as he catches a lady and prevents her from hitting the pavement, he is shocked to see a long-haired woman wearing a living alien costume with features that are so similar to that of Venom. The symbiote-wearing woman (Scream) tells Spider-Man directly that breaking him in half will make the “little exercise” a complete success…

Quality

*Spider-Man takes on the “female Venom”*

To start with what is very obvious and clear, this story has Spider-Man overshadowing Venom in terms of literary presence as the plot has the titular character limited to captivity under the tight grasp of the Life Foundation. Given Spider-Man’s previous appearances in this limited series serving as a convenient tool for exposition, you will easily feel the Amazing Spider-Man monthly series’ vibes taking over this comic book’s narrative as Marvel’s icon became the protagonist of the story complete with spectacle and problem solving that drive the plot forward. This is not surprising as David Michelinie was already the lead writer of the Amazing Spider-Man monthly series and it only makes sense to shift the focus on the famous webslinger since his deadliest enemy (who has this very distorted belief about protecting the innocent and keep on murdering people he finds antagonistic) could not contribute much to the story while in captivity.

As reflected in the nice cover of this comic book, it is also Spider-Man who faces off with the “female Venom” herself Scream which leads to yet another Spidey-versus-symbiote villain battle but with a catch – Scream is simply inexperienced in battle and does not have any real strategy to deal with New York’s webslinger. That battle noticeably does not last very long and the short amount of superhero spectacle here paved the way for the creative team to make Spider-Man sneak into enemy territory and closer to Venom.

In terms of visual quality, I can say that things went way down as Ron Lim replaced Mark Bagley here. Lim’s art style of drawing people has this generic aesthetic on the characters’ faces – Mary Jane and Eddie Brock are barely recognizable. While Lim’s artistic take on Venom is clearly a big letdown compared to Bagley’s Venom (note: always looking menacing and unique), he ironically did a decent job visualizing Scream. Lim’s most dynamic shots of superhero action lacked impact. Regardless, Lim’s art is not so appealing compared to Bagley’s. Also it is quite noticeable that Lim drew Venom to be much bulkier with exaggerated muscles.

Conclusion

*The most notable concept in this comic book.*

Considering all the details I mentioned above, Venom: Lethal Protector #4 (1993) is technically an Amazing Spider-Man comic book that just so happens to have Venom much less significant in this particular part of his own limited series. There really was not much room for the creative team use as far as Venom is concerned. Of course, this is all part of a build-up heading into the final two parts of this limited series and it is obvious that Venom would become prominent again. This comic book’s most notable feature was its concept about the Life Foundation extracting seeds from Venom’s living costume but considering what happened, there was not much room to really build-up on the idea that more symbiote-wearing people will emerge. Scream was essentially a warm-up. Ultimately, Spider-Man fans will have a lot to enjoy here while Venom fans will not have much to enjoy.

Overall, Venom: Lethal Protector #4 (1993) is serviceable.

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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

Las Piñas City chosen by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), dredging technology test on local river to follow

January 26, 2023January 22, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently it was announced that the City of Las Piñas has been selected by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) as the site where they will test the floating amphibious excavator of Kochi Marutaka which means dredging on Las Piñas river, according to a Manila Standard news report.

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

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has chosen Las Piñas city for its pilot test of Kochi Marutaka’s floating amphibious excavator.

Sen. Cynthia A. Villar noted that this technology to be used in cleaning the Las Piñas-Zapote River and waterways in Las Piñas is new. The technology, Villar said, can do extensive dredging while floating in shallow waters of the river due to its remarkable buoyancy.

“There is no doubt that you have chosen well. In Las Piñas, under my guidance, we are serious and very persistent in our river clean-up and rehabilitation,” Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, said.

The senator, along with her daughter, Deputy Speaker Camille Villar, joined JICA Rep. Takuya Hashizume, DPWH- NCR Director Loreta Malaluan and DPWH-Bureau of Equipment Dir. Toribio Noel Ilao and Las Piñas- Muntinlupa District Engr. Isabelo Baleros, in the launching of JICA’s Verification Survey for the “Utilization of Floating Amphibious Excavator for the Construction Works On Disaster Management and Disaster Restoration in the Philippines.”

The project brief was given by Toru Asakura of CTI Engineering International Co., Ltd. and Hiroshige Takano , chairman of Kochi Marutaka Corporation, while Mikako Shimizu from JICA Philippine office and Tomohiro Matsubara from the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines gave their keynote speeches during the launch.

“I welcome events like this that cultivate solutions to the challenges we face to tackle disasters and mitigate its effects. As you know, the Philippines is one of the most vulnerable countries to disasters, it is frequented by around 20 typhoons per year,” Villar said.

She also pointed out the use of a floating amphibious excavator is also very much in consonance with her lifelong advocacies of cleaning our city’s rivers and waterways and of efficient waste management.

Prior to the project, the Japanese group approached the Las Pinas city government, seeing the efforts of Sen. Villar in cleaning the Las Piñas- Zapote River which bagged an international environment award given by the United Nations.

The initiative to clean the said river and rid it of waterlilies that triggered floodings was under the so-called “Sagip Ilog Para Sa Kinabukasan.”

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? Are you delighted over the news that the JICA chose Las Piñas City for testing the mentioned dredging technology? Do you think the dredging along the Las Piñas-Zapote river will reduce potential flooding?

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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Las Piñas City government adjusts business permit renewal deadline to January 31, 2023

January 25, 2023January 21, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government announced that the deadline for the renewal of business permits has been moved from January 20 to January 31, 2023, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Their City Council approved a resolution which was subsequently signed by the Mayor.

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

The Las Piñas city government announced on Saturday, Jan. 21, that the deadline for the renewal of business permits has been extended from Jan. 20 to Jan. 31.

Mayor Imelda Aguilar signed the resolution extending the period for payment of business permits, licenses, taxes, and other similar commercial fees and charges without surcharges and penalties.

The resolution was passed and approved by the City Council on Jan. 16.

Aguilar said they made the move since the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) has been receiving numerous business permit registration and renewal applications.

She said the resolution states that an extension of deadline for payment of business permits and licenses will not only encourage the settlement of fees and charges but also accelerate the collections. It likewise enables delinquent individuals and firms to legalize their business operations.

The resolution also says the extension will ultimately redound to the benefit of the city because the taxpayers will be able to comply with the mandatory obligation of providing revenues to the city government.

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? If you are running a business within the city, will the extension be helpful to you?

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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NTT ASTC Subic Bay International Triathlon (SuBIT) 2023 set for April 22 and 23, online registration is ongoing

January 25, 2023January 19, 2023carlocarrasco

Calling all who love the multisport dynamics of triathlon as well as those who love the Subic Bay Freeport Zone as the premier sports tourism destination of the country – the online registration for the NTT ASTC Subic Bay International Triathlon (SuBIT) 2023 is ongoing right now and you can start registering yourselves (note: RaceYa.fit account needed). This year’s edition of the SuBIT is set to happen on April 22 and 23, 2023 to be organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) in partnership with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and I Love Fun-tastic Subic Bay, and presented by NTT and Asia Triathlon.

The NTT ASTC Subic Bay International Triathlon (SuBIT) 2023 is supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Standard Insurance and Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines, Inc.

To put things in perspective, posted below are some important race details as published by RaceYa.fit’s page of the event.

REGISTRATION FEES

Early Bird: (January 16 – 31,2023)

Standard Distance: Php 6,000/US$130.00 + online reg fees

Sprint Distance: Php 5,500/US$130.00 + online reg fees

Super Sprint Distance: Php 4,500/US$130.00 + online reg fees

Regular Rate: (February 1- 28,2023)

Standard Distance: Php 6,500/US$150.00 + online reg fees

Sprint Distance: Php 6,000/US$150.00 + online reg fees

Super Sprint Distance: Php 5,000/US$150.00 + online reg fees

Late Registration: (March 1 -31,2023)

Standard Distance: Php 7,000/US$175.00 + online reg fees

Sprint Distance: Php 6,500/US$170.00 + online reg fees

Super Sprint Distance: Php 5,500/US$170.00 + online reg fees

Race Date & Time:

22 April 2023 (Saturday) Super Sprint and Sprint AG
23 April 2023 (Sunday) Junior Sprint Elite, Sprint Elite and Standard AG

Race Distances: Swim Bike Run (Swim, Bike, Run)

Standard Distance 1.5k | 40k | 10k
Sprint Distance 750m | 20k | 5k
Super Sprint Distance 500m | 13k | 2.5k

Participants’ Categories (Top 3):

Sprint Elite Open (Men and Women)
Sprint Junior Elite (Men and Women)
Age Group Sprint (Men and Women)
- 16-19
- 20-24
- 25-29
- 30-34
- 35-39
- 40-44
- 45-49
- 50-54
- 55-59
- 60 and over
Age Group Standard Distance (Men and Women)
- 18-24
- 25-29
- 30-34
- 35-39
- 40-44
- 45-49
- 50-54
- 55-59
- 60 and over
Age Group Super Sprint Distance (Boys and Girls)
- 13-15

For the detailed schedules of NTT ASTC Subic Bay International Triathlon (SuBIT) 2023 and the related activities, click https://register.raceya.fit/event/subit2023

To follow or contact the TRAP, visit http://www.triathlon.org.ph/ and follow their official Facebook page.

To those who will really be traveling to Subic Bay soon, there are notable places where you can have good meals and beverages at: Gourmet Garage Subic and Xtreme Xpresso Café. Read my feature articles of them.

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Last tranche of salary increase for Muntinlupa City government employees announced

January 24, 2023January 23, 2023carlocarrasco

In the progressive City of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon announced the last tranche of salary increases for City Government employees, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The raise of the salaries is in accordance to law and it will take effect very soon.

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

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon announced on Jan. 23 that city government employees will get their salary increases by the end of the month.

This is based on Republic Act 11466 or the Salary Standardization Law of 2019.

The fourth and last tranche of the salary increases for qualified government employees took effect on Jan. 1, according to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). The first tranche of the salary increase took effect on Jan. 1, 2020.

“Good news para po sa kawani ng pamahalaan. Pagdating po ng katapusan ng buwang ito ay pai-implement na ang fourth tranche ng Salary Standardization Law (Good newas for employees of the government. By the end of this month, the fourth tranche of the Salary Standardization Law will be implemented),” said Biazon during the flag raising ceremony at the Muntinlupa City hall on Jan. 23.

Under RA 11466, the monthly salary of a government employee under Salary Grade 1 will increase to P13,000 (under Step 1 level) in the fourth tranche compared to P11,551 in the first tranche.

“The government recognizes the indispensable role of its dedicated personnel in serving our beloved country. We are firmly committed to help them amidst rising prices of goods and services. We hope this latest salary increase will cushion the impact of inflation,” said Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.

According to DBM, RA 11466 covers all positions for civilian personnel, whether regular, casual, or contractual in nature, appointive or elective, full-time or part-time, now existing or created in the executive, legislative, and judicial branches; constitutional commissions and other constitutional offices; state universities and colleges (SUCs); and government-owned or controlled corporations (GOCCs) not covered by RA 10149.

The law also applies to all positions for salaried LGU personnel, whether regular, contractual or casual in nature, elective or appointive; on full-time or part-time basis, now existing or thereafter created in LGUs, and all positions for barangay personnel which are paid monthly honoraria, the DBM added.

Excluded under the law are those engaged without employer-employee relationship and funded from non-Personnel Services (PS) appropriations/budgets.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? As a local resident, do you think the salary hike for City Government employees is justified?

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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Three fugitives from China arrested in Parañaque City

January 24, 2023January 19, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in Parañaque City, three fugitives from China were arrested by agents of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for involvement in economic crimes, the Manila Bulletin reported. Two of the suspects were arrested apart from the other suspect. They have since been detained in Taguig City for deportation procedures.

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

Agents of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) have arrested three foreigners wanted by authorities in their country for alleged involvement in economic crimes.

BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said 56-year old Cheung was was caught in BarangayTambo in Paranaque City.

Cheung is allegedly wanted by the Public Security Bureau of Fuding City for involvement in economic crimes.

He allegedly put up dummy real estate companies and defrauded investors of some 40 million RMB, roughly P326 million, on the pretext of high interest rates.

Also arrested were Chau Mut Hing, 63; and Zhang Yi, 50, in a business establishment in New Seaside Drive, Parañaque City.

Tansingco said that the two are facing criminal charges in Shanghai for oil smuggling and production of counterfeit commodities.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? Do you consider Parañaque a hot spot for wanted criminals from overseas? Are you concerned that more foreign fugitives could be hiding within your local community right now?

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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President Marcos mentions economic growth of 7% for the Philippines this year

January 24, 2023January 18, 2023carlocarrasco

Not so long after Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno stated that the Philippine economy is expected to grow by around 6.5% this year, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos stated a figure of 7% economic growth for 2023, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). GMA Network and the Philippine Daily Inquirer each had similar news stories.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the PNA article. Some parts in boldface…

During the Country Strategy Dialogue at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, Marcos presented the current state of the Philippine economy and the opportunities that are expected to be unlocked.

Marcos, in his opening remarks, cited that while the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) forecast for the 2023 global economic growth is only 2.7 percent, the Philippines projects that its economy would grow by at least 7 percent this year.

The IMF’s latest projection is slower than the 3.2 percent posted last year and shows a significant decrease from the 6 percent recorded in 2021.

“Our strong macroeconomic fundamentals, fiscal discipline, and structural reforms instituted over the years have enabled us to withstand the negative shocks caused by the pandemic and succeeding economic downturns and map a route toward a strong recovery,” he said.

Marcos said the Philippines remains focused on sustaining the country’s economic recovery, as well as promoting a local environment that would help businesses maximize their competitiveness and facilitate their entry into the global market.

He added that the Philippines’ development plan puts together coherent strategic measures to address the current energy and food crises, allowing the country to hasten its economic and social recovery toward inclusive and resilient development.

Addressing challenges – In his speech, Marcos also emphasized the need for the world economies to implement sufficient welfare measures to cushion the impact of elevated inflationary pressures, especially on the most affected and vulnerable sectors.

“We have seen inflation accelerating globally in recent months. While protectionist policies may be appealing in the short term, there will ultimately be no winners,” he said.

“We support the call for all governments to unwind any trade restrictions and reinforce our commitment to the World Trade Organization (WTO) reform.”

Marcos also renewed the Philippines’ support for the timely and effective delivery of pragmatic outcomes to address the current geopolitical risks, adding that economies should try to find a common ground to settle critical global issues.

He likewise emphasized the importance of economic and technical cooperation to assist the development of smaller economies and enable their participation, including the small businesses and economic segments with untapped potential, in the global economy.

Marcos said it is also vital to address the current social vulnerabilities, noting that education, skills development, and lifelong learning would help enhance the employability of workers.

Government interventions and public-private partnerships (PPPs), he said, must be strengthened to improve access to employment opportunities, adding that health systems and social protection must also be enhanced to abate and mitigate present and future risks.

Digitalization – Marcos also acknowledged the need to pursue heightened collaboration to realize economic and social transformation.

He believed that his bid for digital transformation is a “key driver for long-term economic growth.”

“The government also recognizes the importance of digitalization as a key driver for long-term economic growth and as a tool for economic recovery,” Marcos said, adding that he would put a premium on the participation of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the digital economy.

More details are available for reading in the PNA’s news article.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you believe that the Philippines can achieve 7% economic growth this year?

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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A Look Back at What If #61 (1994)

January 23, 2023November 13, 2025carlocarrasco

Welcome back superhero enthusiasts, 1990s arts and culture enthusiasts, Marvel Comics fans and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the wild 1990s and examine an alternate universe portrayal of one of Spider-Man’s many events told through the What If monthly series!

If you are looking for a portrayal of Spider-Man going over the edge and into the extremes emotionally, you are about to experience something in this retro review of mine. Some time ago, I reviewed a What If comic book about Spider-Man becoming a murderer which was compelling but ended on a whimper.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at What If #61 published in 1994 by Marvel Comics with a story written by Kurt Busiek and drawn by Kirk Jarvinen, Andrew Wildman, Derek Yaniger and Jim Amash.

Early story

The story begins with Richard and Mary Parker (Peter Parker’s parents) arriving in the presence of Aunt May who happens to be visited by their son Peter (Spider-Man). Having learned something from a while back, Aunt May tells Richard and Mary that they are not genuine persons. Suddenly, Peter Parker’s spider sense intensifies and in an attempt to defuse the situation, he leads his aunt to walk out of the house with him. Richard and Mary watch them walk away.

It turns out, Richard and Mary are impostors and they have been working all the time for a secretive boss. Richard calls his employer under an emergency and reports that they have completed phase one of their assignment, that Aunt May knows the truth about them and is about to inform Spider-Man. Richard is then told that under no circumstances is the plan to be jeopardized and anyone who suspects must die. He is also told to flush Mary’s programming and reset her as she showed signs of acting odd to the situation.

A short time later, Richard and Mary – now in morphed forms with vastly different bodies and half their heads resembling their human selves – suddenly break into an apartment surprising Peter, his wife Mary Jane and Aunt May. Violent action by one of them accidentally ripped open Peter’s shirt, revealing his Spider-Man suit to Aunt May. Just as Peter’s aunt figures out the secret, he tells Mary Jane to grab her and get out.

However, the sight of the morphed Mary Parker shocked Aunt May and Mary Jane so much, they failed to move. Mary Parker then morphs her two hands into large, makeshift hammers, and swiftly killed Aunt May and Mary Jane. Peter is instantly shocked by their sudden deaths but deep inside, rage begins to burn…

Quality

*Spider-Man already over the edge and reacting violently to the abusive Daily Bugle.*

I can start by confirming that Kurt Busiek’s writing is very strong and his alternate take on the events of Amazing Spider-Man #388 (1994) is indeed very solid. In one way, I find the emotional stakes for Spider-Man has been raised a lot higher than what was portrayed in the canon story. The concept of losing his beloved family members to enemies who were impostors that looked like his long lost parents is indeed disturbing as well as emotionally charged. In relation to this, Busiek and the illustrators brought to life a Spider-Man who really went over the edge by taking matters into his own hands as the loss of beloved ones led to the blurring of the boundary between good and evil. Even the boundary between innocence and guilt gets blurred which adds more depth to the emotions of the story. As I read the story, there were moments when I felt that Spider-Man became as bad as the evil ones even though he is clearly the victim and his family was targeted.

Apart from showing Spider-Man getting outraged and pushed to the limits, Busiek inserted elements about how people perceive incidents without knowing all the facts and how easily they get manipulated by a news outlet – the Daily Bugle where Peter Parker worked as a freelance photographer – whose leader does not care about ethical journalism nor the pursuit of the truth. In this age of widespread fake news and liberal news media outlets in America doing propaganda for American Communists (read: Democrats, abortionists, LGBTQ, Black Lives Matter, Antifa, the terrorists, the climate change extremists and the socialist hordes), this particular aspect of the story makes this comic book strongly relevant to read today.

The story also sheds light on Spider-Man’s connections with other Marvel superheroes who happen to be in New York City. You will see Captain America and Johnny Storm express their concern about Spider-Man’s state of mind as they themselves still tried to figure out what really happened. In short, the superheroes here showed restraint even as Spider-Man goes to the extreme being a victim as well as a fugitive.

If there are any weak points in this comic book, it would be the art which has this cartoon-like aesthetic for much of the story. Considering the serious subject matter, the visuals are quite contradicting as they make this look like it was made for much younger readers. In fairness, the quality of the art improved during the 2nd half of the story.

Conclusion

*Spider-Man takes on the impostors who looked like his parents.*

As far as storytelling and characterization goes, What If #61 (1994) succeeded a lot on portraying the iconic Spider-Man as the superhero who went over the limits of his emotions and his reasoning which is the result of the tragic deaths of two beloved family members caused by individuals who pretended to be his parents. This is a very solid story which also has a powerful ending. Where What If #72 failed, this comic book succeeded and even exceeded it with Spider-Man truly becoming unheroic. I should state that this comic book should convince readers to go to the Amazing Spider-Man series and follow the Lifetheft storyline in issues #386 to #388 (which were released months before this comic book). Kurt Busiek’s script is indeed great and it is easily the driving force of the comic book.

Overall, What If #61 (1994) is highly recommended.

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Metro Manila Council head Francis Zamora: Metro Manila traffic code for single ticketing system approved by technical work group

January 23, 2023January 20, 2023carlocarrasco

The proposal for a single ticketing system related to traffic matters within Metro Manila was approved by a technical work group (TWG), Metro Manila Council (MMC) chairperson San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora announced recently, according to a GMA Network news report. This means that the proposal will be formally discussed with the MMC members and they will determine the final form of the system.

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

The technical working group (TWG) has approved the Metro Manila traffic code that will be used for the single ticketing system, Metro Manila Council (MMC) chairperson San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora said Friday.

Interviewed on GMA News’ Unang Balita, Zamora said the final TWG meeting in connection with the single ticketing system was conducted in San Juan City on Thursday.

“Kaya ang gagawin ko po ngayon ay mag-schedule ng meeting ng MMC upang pag-usapan na ang pinal na porma nga ng ating magiging Metro Manila traffic code na prinisenta na rin kahapon at inaprubahan ng mga representatives na nandoon at kasama na po ako doon,” he said.

(So, I will schedule a meeting in MMC to discuss the final form of the Metro Manila traffic code, which was already presented yesterday and approved by the representatives including me.)

“I just want to clarify na ang aprubado dito ay sa level pa lang ng TWG. So ito ay ii-elevate na natin sa mismong MMC at kung wala naman pong pagtutol ng mga mayors dito, dyan po magsisimula ang aktwal na proseso ng pag-implementa,” he added.

(I just want to clarify that it is approved only at the level of the TWG. So it will be elevated to the MMC and if there is no objection from the mayors, the process of implementation will start.)

According to Zamora, 20 common traffic violations with corresponding fines have been identified.

In San Juan, he said the fine for disobedience of traffic signs will be lower with the implementation of the single ticketing system. From 2,000 up to 4,000, the fine will be 1,000 only.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will shoulder the expenses for the equipment needed for the new system, according to Zamora.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What can you say about this new development? Do you think a single ticketing system is needed?

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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