Asia – Page 14 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Higher Departure Tax And Visa Fees In Japan Implemented

July 3, 2026July 2, 2026carlocarrasco

Since July 1, the departure tax in Japan has been raised significantly covering both Japanese and foreign travelers in what is clearly a move to fund measures against the rising number of issues related with the surge of inbound tourism, according to a news report by Kyodo News. At the same time, visa fees were also raised dramatically.

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

The Japanese government on Wednesday tripled the departure tax to 3,000 yen ($18) per person to fund measures against issues arising from the surge in inbound tourism.

Fees for foreigner visitors who need visas to enter Japan were also hiked on Wednesday, rising fivefold to 15,000 yen for single-entry and 30,000 yen for multiple entries. Meanwhile, on the same day, the government reduced passport application fees for Japanese nationals to make up for the added burden from the departure tax.

The tax is collected through travel ticket purchases, regardless of the passenger’s nationality. The government will use the tax income primarily to finance measures aimed at easing congestion, such as setting up designated areas at popular photo spots that are often crowded with foreign tourists.

It will also support regional tourism initiatives, such as turning local railways into tourist attractions and renovating station buildings, in an effort to attract visitors away from heavily congested areas.

Travelers transiting through Japan and staying less than 24 hours in the country, as well as children under the age of 2, are exempt from the tax. Passengers who purchased their travel tickets by Tuesday were charged the original departure tax of 1,000 yen.

Known officially as the international tourist tax, it raised about 49 billion yen in fiscal 2025 ended March and is expected to generate around 130 billion yen in fiscal 2026.

The tax is collected by airlines, cruise lines and travel agencies upon purchase of air and sea tickets departing Japan and remitted to the government, according to the Japan Tourism Agency.

The hike in entry visa fees was the first increase since 1978.

Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said earlier the fees were raised to reflect inflation and the yen’s depreciation, and that the move is not expected to have an immediate impact on inbound tourism.

Japan’s visa fees had been considered low compared with those charged by other Group of Seven countries.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? What can you say about the hiked fees regarding Japanese visa and the departure tax? Do you plan to visit Japan very soon?

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

Better than Streaming: Free Movie Admission For Senior Citizens In Muntinlupa City Restored

July 3, 2026July 2, 2026carlocarrasco

Welcome back fellow geeks and film buffs!

In the progressive city of Muntinlupa in the Philippines, the City Government led by Mayor Ruffy Biazon formally signed the memorandum of agreement (MOA) with three cinema operators – Alabang Town Center, Festival Mall and SM Center Muntinlupa – granting free admission for senior citizens with limits starting July 6, 2026, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

This move effectively restored the movie benefit of senior citizens in the city. Regarding the limitations of the benefit, free movie admissions will happen once-a-week, either on Monday or Tuesday.

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

Senior citizens in Muntinlupa will once again be able to watch movies for free starting July 6, following the signing of an agreement between the city government and cinema operators.

On July 1, Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon signed a memorandum of agreement with SM Center Muntinlupa, Festival Mall, and Alabang Town Center granting senior citizens free movie admission.

Biazon said bona fide residents of Muntinlupa can avail themselves of the free movie admission once a week, either on Monday or Tuesday.

In May, Biazon signed City Council Resolution No. 2026-333, which authorized him to enter into the agreement with cinema operators in the city.

The resolution stated: “Senior Citizens of Muntinlupa City are given preferential attention and priority to enjoy additional grants of incentives as an expression of gratitude for their invaluable contribution to the progress and prosperity of Muntinlupa City.”

This latest development will eventually attract more senior citizens to enter the specific commercial places that have cinemas. Festival Mall’s modern cinemas are located at the 4^th floor (AKA 3^rd level) while those at Alabang Town Center are on the ground floor. Watching movies on the big screen inside the cinema is more immersive and clearly better than streaming.

Streaming extremists who oppose cinema viewing cannot argue with the fact that almost all movies released from long ago were made for the big screen inside the theaters, not for smartphones, not for laptops and not for TV sets. I should state that senior citizens can enjoy spending time inside commercial joints socializing with friends after watching movies, and it definitely is not ideal for them to spend all their free time inside their homes. There is the human need for the temporary change of place and it is only the cinema that can provide them the immersive, big screen entertainment experience.

If you wish to join a group of movie enthusiasts and talk about cinema, cinematic trends, Blu-ray releases and more relevant stuff, visit the Movie Fans Worldwide Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/322857711779576

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Muntinlupa City Police Rescues 28 Individuals In Street Situations

July 2, 2026June 28, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Muntinlupa, local authorities rescued almost thirty individuals – including minors – who were spotted on local streets to ensure their safety, 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…

The Muntinlupa police rescued 28 Children, Individuals, and Families in Street Situations (CIFISS) during a reach‑out operation aimed at providing assistance and intervention.

A total of 61 police personnel, 20 barangay personnel, and three personnel from the Muntinlupa City Public Information Office participated in the one-time big-time reach-out operation in Barangays Alabang and Ayala Alabang.

Col. Olivia Ancheta, Muntinlupa police chief, led the pre-deployment briefing together with barangay offices that emphasized the importance of a coordinated, humane, and community-centered approach in assisting CIFISS.

CIFISS includes minors who live and spend time on the streets, adults who live in public spaces, and families living on the streets due to economic hardship. The composite teams were deployed to target areas, including a terminal and the Alabang viaduct.

The rescued individuals were turned over to the Barangay Social Services Department of Barangay Alabang for documentation, assessment, and the provision of interventions and social welfare services.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you approve the way the local authorities rescued the individuals spotted on city streets?

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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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

ANZ Research Slashes Philippines Economic Growth Forecasts

July 1, 2026June 24, 2026carlocarrasco

It seems that economic disappointment lack of breakthroughs will keep hounding the Philippines in the short term as ANZ Research slashed its economic growth forecasts for 2026 and 2027, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

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

THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMY could see its weakest post-pandemic growth this year as last year’s corruption controversies continue to weigh on confidence, compounded by accelerating inflation and rising interest rates amid the Middle East conflict, ANZ Research said.

In its latest outlook for the third quarter, the New Zealand-based think tank slashed its 2026 gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for the Philippines to 3.9% from 4.7%.

It likewise cut its growth outlook for 2027 to 5% from 5.6% previously.

“The Philippines’ outlook is more constrained by weak household and business confidence, elevated inflation, and higher interest rates,” ANZ Research Chief Economist for Southeast Asia and India Sanjay Mathur said on Tuesday.

Economy, Planning, and Development Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said on Monday that the economy may grow by 3.5-4.5% this year, due to underspending and the fallout from the US-Iran war.

ANZ’s projections are below the government’s original targets of 5-6% for this year and 5.5%-6.5% next year. The Development Budget Coordination Committee has yet to release revised macroeconomic assumptions.

For 2028, ANZ sees the Philippine economy expanding by 5.5%, still below the government’s 6%-7% goal for the year.

Mr. Mathur noted that the weaker outlook also reflects expectations that lingering governance issues from last year’s flood control mess will prevent any significant rebound in public spending.

“Public spending likely bottomed in (the first quarter of) 2026, but a material recovery is unlikely until governance issues surrounding infrastructure projects are fully resolved,” he said.

In the first quarter, government spending grew by 3.22% year on year to P1.491 trillion from P1.444 trillion. It slightly improved at end-April after rising by 5.12% to P1.996.2 trillion from P1.899 trillion a year ago.

In late 2025, a flood control corruption scandal involving Public Works officials, private contractors and lawmakers took a major toll on public and business sentiment and dampened investments and government spending. This dragged the economy to its weakest growth since the COVID-19 pandemic at 4.4% last year from 5.7% in 2024.

“The Philippines stands out with negligible fiscal support, reflecting tight fiscal constraints and legal rigidities in fuel and utility pricing,” Mr. Mathur said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you convinced that the national economy will not achieve 6% growth rate during the final years of the Marcos administration? Do you think the administration’s hosting of the ASEAN Summit and participation in a big meeting with Vladimir Putin in Russia will not result in economic breakthroughs for the Philippines?

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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Australian And Three Locals Arrested In Las Piñas City After Illegally Occupying Private Residence And Defying Authorities

June 30, 2026June 26, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in Las Piñas City, local police officers arrested an Australian national and three locals for disobedience following their act of illegally occupying a private residential property, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin. One of their companions, however, escaped and remains at large.

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

An Australian and three Filipino men were arrested after allegedly occupying a private residential property and threatening its caretaker in Las Piñas City on June 23.

Las Piñas City Police chief Col. Ricky Neron identified the arrested suspects as Israel, 49, an Australian; Alberto, 58; Lowie, 56; and Jeffrey, 38. Another suspect, identified only as Art, escaped arrest and is now the subject of a police manhunt.

According to Neron, the incident occurred at around 8:30 a.m. on Veraville Drive, where the suspects allegedly entered and occupied the residential property owned by a 91-year-old man. Police said the group threatened the property’s stay-in caretaker and ordered him to leave.

The suspects reportedly gave the caretaker P10,000, allegedly as transportation fare, while forcing him to vacate the premises.

The caretaker immediately informed the elderly property owner, whose authorized representative subsequently sought police assistance and filed a complaint.

Responding officers from the Pamplona Substation proceeded to the property to verify the report and found the suspects occupying the residence without authority.

Police said the suspects were ordered to vacate the property but refused to comply, prompting officers to arrest them for direct disobedience.

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 thankful to the police for resolving the problem and apprehending the suspects?

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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First Pig Kidney Transplant Trial In Japan Could Happen As Early As 2028

June 30, 2026June 29, 2026carlocarrasco

Clinical trials of pig kidney transplants to humans could start as early as 2028 in two specific hospitals in Japan, according to a news report by Kyodo News. This one-of-a-kind development, if successful, could help Japan address the shortage of organ donors.

It should be recalled that a recipient of a pig kidney in the United States survived a record-breaking 271 days before the organ had to be removed. Over a hundred thousand people in America are currently waiting for organ transplants and most of them in need of kidneys.

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

A Japanese startup said Monday it will conduct clinical trials of pig kidney transplants to humans at two hospitals as early as 2028, which if successful would likely make them the first of their kind in the country.

It is hoped that organ transplants from pigs to humans will address the shortage of organ donors in Japan. Pig kidney transplants have previously been carried out on a trial basis in the United States and China.

According to the Meiji University venture, PorMedTec, the kidneys, which have been genetically modified to prevent organ rejection, will be transplanted at Hokkaido University Hospital in Sapporo and Shonan Kamakura General Hospital in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture.

“We want to lay the foundation of xenotransplantation in Japan,” Hiroshi Nagashima, a Meiji University professor and representative director of the company, said in a press release, referring to the surgical transfer of non-human animals’ organs to human recipients.

The startup imports genetically modified pig cells developed by U.S. biotechnology company eGenesis Inc. and produces pigs with the same features in Japan. The genes of the animal have been modified in 69 areas to prevent organs from being rejected by recipients’ bodies.

The Japanese firm said it will finalize plans for the clinical trial and hopes to promote the widespread use of the treatment for patients with severe kidney failure once manufacturing and marketing approval is granted.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? What is the first thing you think of when it comes to transplanting animal organs into human bodies? Are you concerned that kidneys from pigs are not 100% compatible with humans? How many members of your local community suffer from kidney-related problems?

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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Five Foreigners Arrested In Parañaque City Over Online Scam

June 30, 2026June 24, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Parañaque, five foreigners were arrested by elements of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) over a suspected online scam hub located inside a condominium complex, 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…

Operatives of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested five foreigners during an operation targeting a suspected online scam hub in Parañaque City.

The operation was conducted in the early hours of 17 June at a condominium complex in Sapphire Seaview Park, Parañaque City following intelligence reports linking the location to an alleged “love scam” operation that reportedly victimized individuals through online deception and cryptocurrency-related schemes.

Nabbed in the operation were Chinese national Tang Shun, Malaysian man Chia Kong Loon, as well as Burmese nationals Kum Htoi, Myo Oo, and Kyaw Tint Lwin. They were apprehended after immigration verification allegedly revealed violations of Philippine immigration laws.

According to intelligence information received by the BI, the location was allegedly being used for fraudulent online activities.

Authorities also received reports that some workers connected to the operation were being restricted from freely leaving the premises, prompting further investigation.

During the operation, one of the foreign nationals reportedly disclosed information indicating that multiple condominium units were being utilized for unlawful work-related activities. This led to the apprehension of the five foreign nationals.

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 suspicious that there could be Chinese nationals living in your local community who could be secretly scamming people online? Do you believe that the concept of the Parañaque Renaissance includes criminal activities in the city committed by illegal aliens? Do you consider the city as a hot spot of illegal aliens today?

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

S&P Global Slashes Philippines GDP Growth Forecast

June 29, 2026June 24, 2026carlocarrasco

In its latest analysis and assessment, S&P Global predicts weaker gross domestic product (GDP) growth for the Philippines at 4.1% this year, according to a news report by BusinessWorld.

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

The economic drag from the Middle East-war driven oil shocks and last year’s flood control mess fallout could slow the Philippines’ growth to 4.1% this year, S&P Global said.

In its latest economic outlook for Asia-Pacific, the debt watcher cut its gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for the Philippines to 4.1% for this year, from 5.8% previously.

S&P Global Asia-Pacific Chief Economist Louis Kuijs and Senior Economist Vishrut Rana noted that the Philippines emerged as a laggard in the region, which was largely resilient at the start of the year.

“Asia-Pacific economic growth largely held up in early 2026. In the first quarter, GDP growth met or exceeded expectations in most economies, with generally solid contributions from both exports and domestic demand,” Mr. Kujis and Mr. Rana said.

“However, growth significantly lagged expectations in the Philippines, where the energy shock combines with a sharp reduction in public infrastructure spending related to misutilization of funds,” they added.

In the first quarter, the economy unexpectedly grew by 2.8%, its weakest growth since the COVID-19 pandemic, due to spiraling oil prices and the lingering effects of last year’s corruption scandal.

The S&P economists noted that countries in the Asia-Pacific, including the Philippines, are heavily reliant on oil imports from the Middle East, which made them vulnerable to disruptions in the region’s key energy facilities and the Strait of Hormuz.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the government has any plans to stimulate economic growth? Do you see the GDP of the Philippines growing at a slower rate over the next several quarters? Do you think the economic managers of the current administration should be replaced?

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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Japanese Embassy Confirms Temporary Visitor Visas Remain Free For Filipinos

June 28, 2026June 25, 2026carlocarrasco

Following the recent announcement of significant increases of foreigner entry visa fees that will take effect on July 1, the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines confirmed that the temporary visitor visas (good up to 90 days maximum) are still free of charge for Filipinos, according to a GMA News report.

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

Temporary visitor visas for Filipinos remain “gratis” or free of charge, the Japanese embassy in Manila announced on Thursday.

The embassy’s announcement came in the wake of the Japanese government’s announcement that single-entry visa fees for foreign nationals will increase fivefold, from 3,000 yen (about P1,170) to 15,000 yen (around P5,850), for applications filed starting July 1.

“Please note that a temporary visitor visa (for a stay of a maximum of 90 days) for a Philippine national remains gratis,” the embassy announced on its website and on Facebook.

The Japanese embassy in Manila also announced the “Cabinet Order on Fees Collected by Consular Officers,” which sets forth visa fees, has been amended and comes into effect on July 1, 2026.

“For visa applications accepted at overseas diplomatic missions on or after that date, the fee, converted into Japanese yen, will be approximately 15,000 yen for a single-entry visa and approximately 30,000 yen for a multiple-entry visa,” the embassy said.

“As a general rule, payment shall be made in the local currency of the country (region) where the Embassy or Consulate-General of Japan issuing the visa is located,” it added.

The embassy said fees may not be required or the amount may differ, “depending on the purpose of your visit and your nationality.”

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think this good news will encourage more Filipinos to visit Japan using the temporary visitor visa? Do you know anyone who applied for a Japanese visa lately?

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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Gang Leader Apprehended In Parañaque City

June 27, 2026June 23, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Parañaque, a gang leader who evaded local authority for two years was finally arrested by police officers successfully found him, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

A suspected criminal gang leader who had allegedly been evading authorities for two years was finally arrested in Parañaque City on Saturday, June 20.

The suspect, identified only as Ranille, 42, and tagged by police as the No. 6 Most Wanted Person at the station level, was apprehended at around 5:00 p.m. in Barangay San Isidro, Parañaque City.

According to police, Ranille is believed to be the leader of a criminal group and had been in hiding since a warrant was issued against him for illegal possession of a firearm.

Operatives from the Station Intelligence Section conducted surveillance and tracking operations that led to his arrest.

Police said a warrant of arrest had been issued against Ranille for violation of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

The warrant was issued by Judge Regina Paz A. Ramos-Chavez of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 274 in Parañaque City on March 14, 2024, with a recommended bail of ₱120,000.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, does the arrest of the suspected gang leader make you feel safer 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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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

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