Ibaraki Prefecture’s Plan On Giving Rewards For Reporting Illegal Foreign Workers To Take Effect On May 11

Ibaraki Prefecture’s Plan On Giving Rewards For Reporting Illegal Foreign Workers To Take Effect On May 11

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Even though controversy hounded it, the approved plan of Ibaraki Prefecture in Japan on rewarding those who report businesses hiring illegal foreign works will take effect on May 11, according to a news report by Kyodo News. Ibaraki Prefecture (population of around 2.9 million) is located northeast of Tokyo and it already has a high number of illegal foreign workers.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of Kyodo News Some parts in boldface…

A controversial plan to reward people who report businesses hiring illegal foreign workers will take effect May 11 in a prefecture northeast of Tokyo, the local government said Wednesday.

Ibaraki Prefecture, which, as of 2024, had the highest number of illegal foreign workers among the country’s 47 prefectures, will report such employers to police after verifying the information. It will offer 10,000 yen ($63) if a tip leads to a case being opened.

Reports will be limited to businesses hiring foreign workers unlawfully, and the prefecture plans to issue guidelines, including not basing reports solely on individuals’ appearance or nationality.

Reports can be filed through the prefectural website by providing personal information such as name, address and phone number, and must include a copy of identification, such as a driver’s license, the prefecture said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think more local government units and prefectures in Japan should follow Ibaraki Prefecture’s policy on dealing with illegal foreign workers found being hired by businesses? Do you think such a policy will improve Japan’s way of removing illegal foreign workers and cleaning up the private sector from such people? Is Ibaraki Prefecture’s 10,000 Yen reward good enough? Do you think Ibaraki Prefecture should come up a new policy to punish foreigners who cause public disturbances?

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

Vietnam’s New International Airport To Handle Most International Flights By 2027

Vietnam’s New International Airport To Handle Most International Flights By 2027

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In Vietnam, it is anticipated that most international flights currently handled by the old Tan Son Nhat International Airport (serving Ho Chi Minh City) will be moved to the new Long Thanh International Airport by next year, according to a news report by VnExpress. The said move will be gradual and it will start this year.

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

The Airports Corporation of Vietnam has proposed that international flights should move gradually from Ho Chi Minh City to Long Thanh International Airport in neighboring Dong Nai Province starting this year.

According to the state-owned joint-stock company that manages 22 airports across Vietnam, including 10 international, the transition will make the under-construction Long Thanh a global aviation hub.

In the initial phase — from the start of Long Thanh’s commercial operations later this year to around March 2027 — all long-haul international flights will be moved from Tan Son Nhat airport in HCMC.

During this period Long Thanh will handle 19% of all international passengers in the Ho Chi Minh City market while Tan Son Nhat will continue to handle the rest.

In the next phase, from March 2027 through 2030, all international flights will steadily be shifted to Long Thanh, except for short-haul routes under 1,000 km operated by Vietnamese airlines.

By 2027 Long Thanh is expected to handle more than 90% of international passenger traffic.

After 2030 all international flights will operate from Long Thanh, laying the foundation for a major international transit hub.

Tan Son Nhat will then focus on domestic routes and non-scheduled international services, including charter flights.

Tan Son Nhat, until now the largest airport in Vietnam, handled 109,652 international flights last year, or 43% of the country’s total number.

The ACV has established Long Thanh International Airport as a first-tier subsidiary along with other units for cargo and fuel services.

It is also implementing workforce training programs, including on-site experience at Tan Son Nhat, to develop operational expertise ahead of the new airport’s launch.

It has signed a consultancy agreement with South Korea’s Incheon Airport Consortium, to support trial operations, the transition and traffic forecasting.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the move of international flights from the old international airport to the new one will proceed as scheduled? If you have been to Vietnam lately, how would you describe the quality of Tan Son Nhat International Airport?

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

Parañaque City Scam Hub Busted, 48 Arrested

Parañaque City Scam Hub Busted, 48 Arrested

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Recently in the City of Parañaque, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) busted an online scam hub, arrested forty-eight individuals and recovered pieces of evidence, according to a news report by GMA News.

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

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Monday announced the arrest of 48 individuals allegedly involved in an online scam hub in Parañaque City.

In a statement, the bureau said it received information about a group engaged in illegal schemes such as “love scams,” “pig butchering,” and cryptocurrency investment fraud.

“Love scams” involve fraudsters building fake online relationships to gain victims’ trust before requesting urgent money for fabricated emergencies.

“Pig butchering” scams involve long-term grooming of victims who are then lured into fake cryptocurrency investments that show false profits before funds are stolen.

Cryptocurrency investment scams involve the use of fake trading platforms that promise high returns, display fabricated gains, and later block withdrawals or demand additional fees.

After validating the information, the NBI secured a Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD) and carried out an operation.

Agents recovered pre-written scripts containing step-by-step guides used to engage and deceive victims.

The NBI said the suspects used “deceptive representations and emotional manipulation” to gain victims’ trust and induce them to send money.

Of those arrested, 41 were Filipino women and seven were foreign nationals.

The suspects were presented for inquest proceedings for alleged computer-related fraud under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 and the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA).

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be a lot more scam hubs still operating secretly in the city? Which part of Parañaque do you think could be hot spots of scam hubs? Who do you think founded and managed the scam hub?

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

South Korean Fugitive Arrested In Las Piñas City

South Korean Fugitive Arrested In Las Piñas City

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The Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced that it apprehended a South Korean fugitive  in Las Piñas City for illegal online gambling operations

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the BI’s official announcement. Some parts in boldface…

In line with the directive of President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. to intensify the crackdown on foreign fugitives and transnational crimes, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported the arrest of a South Korean national wanted by international authorities for operating illegal online gambling operations.

BI Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) agents, in coordination with the Korean National Police Agency and the Philippine National Police–Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group, arrested Lee Jonghak, 37, on Tuesday morning , April 14, at a residence in a subdivision in Pamplona Dos, Las Piñas City.

Lee is the subject of an Interpol Red Notice issued in 2025, stemming from an arrest warrant released by the Incheon District Court on the same year for violations of South Korea’s National Sports Promotion Act related to illegal online gambling operations.

Investigations by Korean law enforcement revealed that from August 2021 until recently, Lee and his accomplices operated at least 23 illegal online gambling websites from different locations.

The group reportedly managed sports betting and casino-style games, recruited members, and facilitated financial transactions, generating over KRW 5.33 billion in profits. Authorities estimate the syndicate’s total earnings to have exceeded KRW 350 billion.

Lee reportedly served as an assistant manager overseeing multiple operational teams composed of around 300 employees. The exact amount he personally received remains under investigation.

Records from the BI showed that Lee last arrived in the Philippines in 2024 and was admitted under a probationary permanent resident visa. He was later included in the Bureau’s blacklist and watchlist as an undesirable alien and fugitive from justice.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you thankful to the Bureau of Immigration for arresting the fugitive?  

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

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

What To Watch On YouTube Right Now – Part 134

What To Watch On YouTube Right Now – Part 134

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Welcome back my readers, YouTube viewers and all others who followed this series of articles focused on YouTube videos worth watching.

Have you been searching for something fun or interesting to watch on YouTube? Do you feel bored right now and you crave for something to see on the world’s most popular online video destination?

I recommend you check out the following videos I found.

#1 Resident Evil: Apocalypse Reviews, Retrospective And Reaction Videos – After watching the 2002 live-action Resident Evil movie, I left the cinema feeling unsatisfied as it did not have much related to the popular video game series. That film succeeded enough to justify the production of the sequel Resident Evil: Apocalypse, and the first reveal of Sienna Guillory as Jill Valentine (based on her appearance in Resident Evil 3: Nemesis) caught my attention. The reveal of Raccoon City getting hit by the zombie apocalypse and the casting of Oded Fehr as Carlos Oliviera (another RE3 character) interested me. In September 2004, I saw Resident Evil: Apocalypse on opening day in the local cinema and I was entertained for the most part. The Milla Jovovich-led film was indeed flawed, but it was an enjoyable improvement over its 2002 predecessor. How Resident Evil: Apocalypse fares with the YouTubers is something you must see.

#2 The Planned California City That Failed – Have you ever heard of Salton City? It was a planned city in the state of California located along the Salton Sea. It was designed as a resort community capable of supporting forty thousand residents, and it was to have the complete systems of water, roads, sewer and energy. Salton City is a ghost town and the in-depth YouTube video I found will help you realize its history and why development failed.

#3 Star Wars: Shadows Of The Empire Game Revisited – Back in the mid-1990s, George Lucas’ entertainment group launched the Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire multi-media project which told what happened between the movies The Empire Strike Back and Return of the Jedi. The said project was huge even though there was no live action Star Wars movie involved. A Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire novel was released which became the foundation of a comic book adaptation (read my retro reviews here and here), a video game, toys, action figures and merchandise. The video game of Shadows of the Empire was a joint project between LucasArts and Nintendo and its release on Nintendo 64 drew a lot of attention back then. The game itself made gamers – both Star Wars fans and casual gamers – want to get an N64 to play the game. I recently found two in-depth retrospective videos about Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire on N64 and I encourage you all to watch them.

#4 The Embarrassing Woke NDP Of Canada – Have you ever heard about the New Democratic Party? Referred to as NDP for short, New Democratic Party is a very leftist and woke political party in Canada and it had a really bad result in the 2025 federal election. Recently, the NDP had its leadership election and what happened in late March saw a series of awkward and embarrassing moments during their big event. In the videos below, you will see why political correctness, identity politics and wokeness are bad to have, and they made the internal processes of the NDP hard to pull off. In fact, diversity and inclusion zealotry have caused divisions within the NDP’s convention. What happened was funny to watch and it was not a comedy at all.

#5 Elderly Japanese Women And Their Beloved Restaurants – In Japan, many Japanese people live really long lives. Among them are elderly people who are active and managed to make an impact on others. That said, there are two elderly Japanese women who excelled in cooking meals and managing restaurants, and what they offer will impress you. I urge you all to watch the Nippon TV feature below.

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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

Japan Revises Arms Export Limits To Enable Weapons Sales

Japan Revises Arms Export Limits To Enable Weapons Sales

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In a serious bid to strengthen its defense industry and boost security cooperation with partner nations, the government of Japan officially revised the limits on defense equipment exports, according to a news report by Kyodo News. This means enabling the sales of weapons overseas.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of Kyodo News Some parts in boldface…

The Japanese government revised limits on defense equipment exports Tuesday to enable the sale of weapons overseas, as it seeks to boost security cooperation with partner countries.

The changes, approved by the Cabinet and the National Security Council, come as the government of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, a national security hawk, aims to strengthen the country’s defense industry amid what the administration has called Japan’s most severe security environment since the end of World War II.

The revisions to the “three principles on transfer of defense equipment and technology” and their implementation guidelines scrap rules that limit exports to five noncombat categories — rescue, transport, warning, surveillance and minesweeping.

While the revisions in principle prohibit the export of arms to countries where conflict is taking place, they do allow for exceptions “in special circumstances” that take into consideration Japan’s security needs and U.S. military operations in the Indo-Pacific region.

Defense equipment would be divided into “weapons” and “non-weapons” categories, based on whether they have lethal capability.

Exports of non-weapons such as warning and control radar systems face no restrictions, while those of weapons including destroyers and missiles are limited to countries that have signed agreements with Japan on protecting classified information related to defense equipment and technology.

The changes, which state that parliament will only be notified of weapon exports after government approval, are likely to draw criticism from opposition parties. They have argued parliament should give prior approval to avoid Japan becoming involved in exacerbating conflicts or fueling arms races.

The National Security Council will examine and decide whether to approve weapon exports. The next-generation fighter jet being developed with Britain and Italy will be an exception requiring Cabinet approval.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the government of Japan made the right move in line with the intention to strengthen its defense industry while boosting security cooperation with its partner nations? Do you think this development will enhance security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region? How do you think Communist China and North Korea will react to Japan’s move? Do you think member nations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will be among the first to buy weapons from Japan?

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

Woman Arrested In Parañaque City For Abusing Child

Woman Arrested In Parañaque City For Abusing Child

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Recently in the City of Parañaque, local police officers armed with a warrant arrested a 42-year-old woman over child abuse charges, according to a news report by The Daily Tribune.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of The Daily Tribune. Some parts in boldface…

A female suspect facing child abuse charges was arrested by police authorities during a warrant operation in Barangay San Isidro in Parañaque City on Wednesday evening.

The accused, identified as alias Ferdilyn, 42, was apprehended at around 8:30 p.m. at her residence in Manggahan II, Lower Matatdo.

The arrest was the result of an intensified effort to track down individuals with outstanding warrants for crimes against children.

The accused was taken into custody by virtue of a warrant of arrest for violation of Section 10(A) of Republic Act 7610, also known as the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

The warrant, docketed under Criminal Case No. 2026-0071, carried a recommended bail of P80,000 and was issued on 15 April 2026 by Judge Ma. Christina De Pio Lim of the Parañaque City Regional Trial Court Branch 260.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be more child abusers who have yet to be apprehended? Is child abuse a serious problem 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 @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

US And Philippines Open Annual Joint Military Exercise, Several Allies Expected To Join In

US And Philippines Open Annual Joint Military Exercise, Several Allies Expected To Join In

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The United States and the Philippines formally opened this year’s edition of Balikatan (Exercise Balikatan 41-2026) which is their annual joint military exercise focused on readiness, unity and defense, according to a news report by GMA News. Several allied nations and seventeen thousand troops are expected to participate in the exercise which will have military drills across various parts of the Philippines.

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

The Philippines and the United States on Monday formally opened their annual joint Balikatan Exercise for this year, with 17,000 troops and several other countries expected to join.

“I hereby declare Exercise Balikatan 41-2026 officially open starting today,” AFP chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. said during the opening ceremony.

“Let this exercise not only demonstrate our readiness but affirm our commitment to stand together, to act together, and when necessary, defend together,” he added.

More than 17,000 troops from the Philippines, the United States, and partner nations including Australia, Canada, France, Japan, and New Zealand. At least 18 more countries are expected to serve as observers in the exercise.

The drills will be conducted across various parts of the Philippines from Luzon to Mindanao.

Balikatan 2026 will cover multiple domains such as air and missile defense, maritime security, live-fire exercises, and joint readiness operations.

The exercises will also include humanitarian and civic assistance programs such as building schools, supporting healthcare initiatives, and enhancing disaster preparedness in local communities.

Brawner said the expanded scope of the exercise reflects the evolving security environment.

Balikatan 2026 will be transformed from a bilateral activity between the Philippines and US into a multilateral effort aimed at improving interoperability and collective defense capabilities.

Brawner pointed out that the drills are anchored on respect for international law, national sovereignty, and the goal of promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think transforming this year’s Balilkatan from a bilateral US-Philippines activity into a multilateral effort makes sense? Considering the number of allies and soldiers expected to participate in the 2026 Balikatan, do you think Communist China will feel intimidated?

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

New Visas For Foreign Restaurant Workers Suspended By Japanese Government

New Visas For Foreign Restaurant Workers Suspended By Japanese Government

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Foreigners who planned to work in Japan’s restaurant sector will have to wait further or search for other new opportunities as the government of Japan officially suspended visas for foreign restaurant workers, according to a news report by Kyodo News.

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

The Japanese government is no longer issuing visas for foreign specified skilled workers in the restaurant sector as the quota of 50,000 has nearly been reached — the first restriction of its kind since the current limit was set.

The Immigration Services Agency of Japan suspended issuing certificates of eligibility for Type I Specified Skilled Worker visa applications received from Monday. The agency said that, according to preliminary data, the number of foreigners with Type I status working in the food service industry reached roughly 46,000 by the end of February.

It said that for applications received before Monday, certificates will be issued in order up to the quota limit.

In January 2026, the government decided to accept up to 805,700 individuals, expanded to 19 sectors, under the specified skilled worker program through March 2029, with the caps decided based on the degree of labor shortage in the respective fields.

“The food service industry was quicker to employ foreign skilled workers than in other sectors,” said an official at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

“However, there is room for debate as to whether efforts to secure domestic talent, a prerequisite of the system, are being carried out to the fullest extent,” said the official.

The Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act stipulates that the issuance of certificates of eligibility will be suspended if the number of foreign specified skilled workers is expected to exceed the quota.

The agency also said that, from Monday, requests from foreign skilled workers to switch to jobs in the food service industry are not being accepted in principle.

But technical interns who are already working in Japan and transitioning to a specified skilled worker visa in the sector will be given priority in the screening process, it said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the suspension of visas for foreign restaurant workers will not be harmful to the Japanese restaurant owners/operators? Do you think labor shortage in Japan’s restaurant sector is bound to happen sooner than later?

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

Temporary Reduced Fees And Support For Port Clients Confirmed By SBMA

Temporary Reduced Fees And Support For Port Clients Confirmed By SBMA

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In response to the spiked fuel prices and other economic uncertainties, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) announced that it will temporarily offer reduced fees and provide financial support to its port clients.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from official announcement by the SBMA. Some parts in boldface…

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has temporarily taken measures to provide port clients with the much-needed financial support, amid the ongoing rise in fuel costs in the global market.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño explained that this is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Executive Order No. 110, which immediately placed the entire country in a state of national energy emergency due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Aliño added that such temporary measures aim to provide aid to industries affected by the Middle East crisis by ensuring that cost-stabilizing strategies for the transport and food sectors are implemented without delay. 

“These initiatives, including reduced fees and extended free storage, provide a fiscal cushion to reinforce investor confidence and prevent supply chain bottlenecks,” said Aliño.

He also cited that key industry participants namely, importers, suppliers, consignees, vessel owners, and consumers, will experience the impact of these measures through their respective counterparts – terminal operators, cargo handlers, brokers, consolidators, processors, ship agents, and shipping lines, resulting in a cascading effect throughout the supply chain.

As part of this initiative, the SBMA will implement a five percent tariff reduction on all commercial vessels, including harbor fees, berthing fees/ anchorage fees, and harbor cleaning fees, as well as a five percent tariff reduction on cargo charges including wharfage fees, and storage fees.

“We will also implement a five percent tariff reduction on SBMA shares such as pilotage fee, hauling services, tugboat services, heavy equipment rental, line handling services, chandling services, water tendering, cargo handling for containerized cargo, and bunkering services,” he added.
 
Additionally, the SBMA is also offering free storage for non-containerized cargo, and free storage period for an additional 2-day extension. 

To further aid port clients, the SBMA will temporarily suspend the collection of shares from terminal operators/cargo handlers for liquid bulk cargo handling and related activities; the implementation of the one percent admission fee for liquid bulk; and the implementation of the ten percent increase on cargo handling and miscellaneous charges of non-containerized/ general cargoes.

Chairman Aliño assured port stakeholders that these measures shall take effect immediately upon its approval and ratification by the SBMA Board of Directors, adding that these will remain in force until geopolitical tensions subside, at which point they shall be lifted via a formal issuance following Board approval.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think this new move by the SBMA will be sufficient enough for the port clients and keep economic activity in the freeport growing? Do you think the SBMA will have to further intensify its tourism activities to attract more high-spending tourists to bounce back from a potential economic downturn?

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