Bing – Author Carlo Carrasco

Man Arrested In Parañaque City For Pointing Gun At Someone

January 8, 2026January 3, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, local police officers arrested an armed man who pointed his gun at a person whose cry for help drew the attention of nearby bystanders, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Authorities from the Parañaque City Police arrested a man allegedly under the influence of liquor after he pointed a gun at an online seller for no apparent reason on Christmas Day.

The Southern Police District (SPD) identified the suspect as Christian, 25, a resident of Barangay BF Homes, Parañaque City. He was apprehended at around 12:14 a.m. on Dr. A. Santos Avenue, in front of Hontiveros Compound, Barangay San Antonio, Parañaque City.

Police said the 22-year-old victim, an online seller, was walking in the area when the suspect suddenly approached her and, without provocation, pulled out a handgun and pointed it at her.

The victim cried for help, drawing the attention of nearby bystanders. The suspect attempted to flee but was immediately restrained and arrested.

Recovered from the suspect was a .22-caliber revolver loaded with five live rounds of ammunition, found inside a dark brown sling bag.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, did armed individuals cause trouble on members of your local community? Do you think there are still several loose firearms within Parañaque?

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

+++++

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

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

Philippines Reduces Economic Growth Targets Until 2027

January 8, 2026January 5, 2026carlocarrasco

In what is an acknowledgment of slowing growth, the government of the Philippines officially reduced its economic growth targets until the year 2027, according to a news report by BusinessWorld.

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

The Philippines trimmed its economic growth targets until 2027, after growth likely slowed to about 4.8% to 5% this year, according to Economy Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan.

In a briefing on Monday, Mr. Balisacan said the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) had lowered its gross domestic product (GDP) growth targets to 5%-6% for 2026 and 5.5%-6.5% for 2027. It kept the GDP growth target at 6%-7% for 2028.

The government earlier aimed to achieve 6%-7% GDP growth annually from 2026 until 2028.

This comes after Mr. Balisacan said the economy likely grew by 4.8-5% in 2025. This is much slower than the 5.7% GDP growth in 2024, and below the government’s 5.5-6.5% growth target.

“The emerging number, growth scenario for 2025, is something like 4.8 to 5%,” he said. “But if you achieve 5% for the entire year, because the first three quarters’ average is already 5%, that still puts the economy into one of the fastest growing economies in Asia.”

Economic growth slowed to an over four-year low of 4% in the third quarter, as the flood control scandal affected government spending and hurt business and consumer confidence.

“The developments last year are likely still to be felt this year, although in a diminishing effect, and so we expect growth perhaps in the first quarter or at least in the first half to be still quite not as rosy as we would want it to be,” the Economy chief added.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the government spending this year should be increased somehow so that it will stimulate the national economy to grow more? Do you think investors based overseas are not convince to invest in the country 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.

+++++

Police Officers Arrest Man Who Attacked Nephew Using Samurai Sword In Parañaque City

January 7, 2026January 2, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, local police officers apprehended a man who hit his nephew using a Samurai sword, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The weapon was fifteen inches long.

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

Police arrested a 55-year-old man who attacked his nephew with a samurai sword after being reprimanded for making a loud noise on New Year’s Day in Parañaque City.

The Southern Police District (SPD) identified the suspect as Jerome, who was arrested at around 8:00 a.m. at his residence in Barangay Don Galo.

Police said the suspect and his 25-year-old nephew, who were living in the same house, figured in a heated argument after the victim asked him to keep the noise down as some relatives were resting following the New Year’s Eve celebration.

The suspect allegedly became furious, armed himself with a samurai sword, and attacked the victim. However, family members were able to intervene and prevent further harm.

Responding police officers, with the assistance of barangay watchmen, subdued the suspect and recovered from him a 15-inch-long samurai sword.

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 some people in your local community might be possessing dangerous weapons such as swords, spears, grenades and arrows? Do you think violent crimes in Parañaque will somehow get worse 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.

+++++

Influential Japanese Business Lobby Calls For Greater Government Role In Issues Related With Foreigners

January 6, 2026January 1, 2026carlocarrasco

As Japan struggles with economic challenges, an aging population, immigration and filling up the gaps of its workforce, an influential business lobby called for a stronger role by the government on issues related to foreign residents, according to a Kyodo News article. It should be noted that new rules regarding foreigners will be announced this month.

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

Japan’s most influential business lobby has urged the government to show stronger leadership on issues concerning foreign residents and enact a “basic law” on policies related to non-Japanese as they become a growing part of the labor force and society.

The Japan Business Federation called for the establishment of a permanent headquarters led by the prime minister that will compile policies related to foreigners across agencies and ministries, saying a ministerial meeting launched by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in November was positive but insufficient.

The federation, also known as Keidanren, pointed out in a set of proposals released in mid-December that issues remain under the current framework regarding the effectiveness of medium- to long-term policymaking.

“A framework in which strong political leadership can be exerted is needed,” the group said.

It highlighted the need for a new ministerial post dedicated to foreigner-related policies with the authority to recommend that other agencies and ministries carry out investigations or formulate new rules.

The federation stressed that Japan is at a “turning point,” with steps to promote the smooth integration of foreign workers and their families into society essential, particularly with regard to education and social services.

With Japan’s population shrinking, the number of foreign residents will likely continue to rise beyond 2030, the group said.

It also noted “public anxiety and a sense of unfairness” in Japan, prompted by media reports that some foreigners were engaging in illegal activities and not complying with rules.

The House of (Councilors) election in July saw increased support for a populist party that campaigned on a “Japanese First” platform.

Takaichi, known for her conservative views, set up the ministerial meeting to demonstrate a stricter approach to foreigner-related issues, saying the government is seeking to “build a safe, secure, orderly, and inclusive society for the (Japanese) people and foreigners living in our country.“

As in a previous set of proposals released in 2022, the federation called for a shift in mindset from “passive acceptance of foreigners” to “strategic acquisition of foreign talent.”

It suggested placing more focus on the quality as well as quantity of foreigners accepted, including clearly defining what kind of human resources the country is hoping to attract from overseas.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the central government of Japan will be able to come out with new rules on foreigners that will make sense socially and economically?

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

+++++

Muntinlupa City Government Emphasizes Awards Won In 2025

January 6, 2026January 1, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government emphasized to the public the numerous awards it won in 2025 relating to good governance, fiscal management, digital transformation and more, according to a Daily Tribune news report.

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

The local government of Muntinlupa City solidified its standing as a leader in digital transformation and fiscal management in 2025, earning national recognition for its data-driven governance and business-friendly environment under Mayor Ruffy Biazon.

The city was ranked among the top eight local government units nationwide for the efficient use of public funds in October. This fiscal achievement was bolstered by the city’s continued receipt of the Seal of Good Local Governance and the award for Good Financial Housekeeping, which recognize transparency and accountability in the handling of taxpayer money.

Biazon stressed that the city’s success is rooted in its “7K Agenda,” particularly in the areas of economic development and digital innovation. The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) issued a special citation to the city in October for its BESt and SWiT systems — digital platforms designed to streamline business permits and transition city processes to a paperless environment.

“Our goal has always been to make Muntinlupa a smart city where technology serves the people,” Biazon said. “These awards validate our transition toward a more transparent and efficient government.”

In November, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) presented the city with several Urban Governance Exemplar Awards. Muntinlupa was named a top performer for its Local Council for the Protection of Children and received high marks for its City Council’s legislative performance.

The DILG also declared the city’s anti-trafficking committee “highly functional” and recognized its efforts in peace, order, and anti-drug programs.

Muntinlupa’s reliance on data-driven decisions was also lauded by the Philippine Statistics Authority in September. The city was named the second runner-up nationwide in the Gawad Galing Lokal for its excellence in implementing the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS), a tool used to accurately target social services for the most vulnerable residents.

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 think the city is moving on the right direction considering the many awards it won in 2025? Do you think Muntinlupa City is bound for stronger economic growth in the next few years?

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

+++++

Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi To Meet With Trump In America

January 4, 2026January 3, 2026carlocarrasco

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will meet again with US President Donald Trump specifically in the United States in the spring, according to a Kyodo News article. The upcoming meeting will also by Takaichi’s first official visit to America as Prime Minister.

For the newcomers reading this, the Prime Minister first met with Trump in Japan last October. The said meeting happened not so long after Takaichi was elected to her position. For the upcoming meeting in the United States, the stakes are high for Prime Minister Takaichi as her nation has been dealing with tension from Communist China.

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

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Friday that she and U.S. President Donald Trump have agreed to work toward meeting in the United States in the spring, with the aim of further strengthening the alliance between the two countries.

Takaichi’s plan to make her first visit to the United States since taking office in October, confirmed during their phone call, comes at a time of strained relations between Japan and China, and ahead of Trump’s possible trip to Beijing in April to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

“At the start of the new year, I consider it extremely significant that I was able to exchange words directly with President Trump and confirm the strong partnership of the Japan-U.S. alliance,” Takaichi told reporters following the call.

Takaichi said she and Trump agreed to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific as well as cooperation among like-minded countries, including in the three-way partnership also involving South Korea.

She said their discussion was mainly about the region, without elaborating as to whether it had anything to do with China specifically.

According to Japan’s Foreign Ministry, the conversation lasted about 25 minutes, during which Trump, who met with Takaichi in October in Tokyo, invited her to visit the United States.

In late December, Takaichi said she was exploring a visit to the United States for another meeting with Trump early in the upcoming year, with Japanese officials proposing late March for her trip to Washington.

Late on Friday night, Takaichi said she had conveyed her congratulations to Trump on the United States marking in 2026 the 250th anniversary of its independence.

She said they agreed this year should also be one that opens a “new chapter in the history of the Japan-U.S. alliance” and that they will further deepen the wide-ranging cooperation and friendly relations between the two countries.

If all goes smoothly, Takaichi’s upcoming trip will coincide with the U.S. capital’s well-known annual cherry blossom festival.

The festival commemorates the 1912 gift of cherry trees from Tokyo to Washington and the longtime friendship between Japan and the United States.

When Takaichi hosted Trump in Japan in late October, the two leaders affirmed their intention to jointly celebrate the 250th anniversary, and she confirmed Japan’s promise to give 250 cherry trees to the United States.

Takaichi and Trump last spoke by phone on Nov. 25, with the conversation taking place after his call with Xi and amid escalating tensions between Tokyo and Beijing over Taiwan.

China has been taking a hard-line stance against Japan since Takaichi suggested earlier that month that an attack on Taiwan could constitute an existential threat to Japan and warrant a response from its forces.

Trump, who also met with Xi in late October during his trip to Asia, has not made his position public on the ongoing tensions between Japan and China, which views Taiwan as its own territory and has not ruled out the use of force to bring the self-ruled island under its control.

Trump has repeatedly said he has good relationships with both Takaichi and Xi.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? What kind of developments do you think will manifest after the next meeting of Trump and Takaichi? Do you think the Trump administration will be able to maintain healthy ties with China and Japan even as the tension between the two Asian nations goes on? Do you think there will be more joint military exercises between Japan and America 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.

+++++

Japan Sets Fiscal 2026 Defense Budget At Record 9 Trillion Yen

January 3, 2026December 26, 2025carlocarrasco

In light of the aggression of Communist China in the Pacific and security challenges coming from North Korea, the government of Japan set its draft defense budget for fiscal 2026 at a record figure of 9 trillion yen (estimated at $58 billion), according to a news article published by Kyodo News.

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

Japan’s draft defense budget was set at a record 9.04 trillion yen ($58 billion) for fiscal 2026, the government said Friday, as the country faces increasing security challenges from China and North Korea.

The figure, including outlays linked to hosting U.S. military bases, eclipses the then record 8.7 trillion yen in the initial budget for the current fiscal year to March 2026. Fiscal 2026 marks the fourth year of Japan’s five-year 43-trillion-yen defense buildup plan.

The Cabinet of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi approved the same day a draft initial state budget for the year starting next April worth 122.3 trillion yen, also a record high, including defense and other expenditures.

Under the defense budget, 100.1 billion yen has been earmarked for building the “Shield” layered coastal defense system, which requires numerous aerial, surface and underwater vehicles. The spending on Shield comes at a time when many countries have been rapidly developing drone technology since the Russia-Ukraine war changed the nature of warfare.

With China in mind, 1.1 billion yen has been set aside to assess the use of long-endurance drones as a measure against airspace violations.

Japan plans to rebrand the Air Self-Defense Force as the Air and Space Self-Defense Force to enhance the country’s space capabilities.

Another 1.1 billion yen has been earmarked for acquiring equipment to monitor satellite interference.

The country has secured 30.1 billion yen to procure hypersonic guided missiles, which travel at above five times the speed of sound and are considered hard to intercept, as a means of counterattack.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the record defense budget of 9 trillion yen is sufficient to keep Japan secured from the threats of China and North Korea?

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

+++++

Philippines Behind Many Southeast Asian Neighbors On International Tourism

January 3, 2026December 29, 2025carlocarrasco

With 2025 already behind us, one has to wonder how the Philippines performed when it comes to attracting foreign tourists and as of this writing, the final statistics have yet to be announced by the government. What is clear is that the Philippines really slumped on international tourism last year and the nation is behind many of its Southeast Asian neighbors, according to a recent news article by VnExpress International.

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

Vietnam and Malaysia are rising tourism stars in Southeast Asia thanks to relaxed visa policies and improving infrastructure while Thailand has lost its lead due to border clashes and safety concerns.

Vietnam received its 20th millionth foreign visitor in a year for the first time at the Phu Quoc International Airport on Dec. 15, marking a milestone for its tourism sector. The full-year is expected to exceed 21 million, surpassing the previous record of 18 million achieved in 2019 before Covid.

With its 21% growth rate this year, Vietnam is regarded by the United Nations World Tourism Organization as one of the fastest-growing markets in the world.

Malaysia attracted 28.2 million tourists in the first eight months of this year, a 14.5% increase year-on-year.

The industry will be supported by stronger Chinese tourist arrivals, improving flight connectivity and the government’s ambitious “Visit Malaysia 2026” campaign, according to HSBC Global Research.

“Malaysia is on track to easily exceed its 2025 tourism target of 31.4 million tourists, making it one of the few ASEAN economies to achieve its target.

“We estimate the number of tourists is likely to exceed 40 million.”

This year, both countries have strived to ease visa polices, enhance promotion campaigns and improve airport infrastructure.

Indonesia and Laos have also seen increasing tourist numbers.

Indonesia received over 12.76 million foreign visitors in the first 10 months, a 10% increase, with Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, and India being the leading source markets. Laos received 3.8 million, a 13% increase.

Challenging year for Thailand, Cambodia – Once a tourism powerhouse in Southeast Asia, Thailand has struggled with setback after setback this year.

The crisis began in January as many Chinese tourists canceled their trips to the country following the high-profile abduction of Chinese actor Xing Xing.

Two months later a deadly earthquake in Myanmar that sent tremors across Bangkok caused widespread damage to the tourism industry.

Escalating military clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border also triggered a surge in cancellations across provinces near the fighting. Some countries warned their citizens to postpone traveling to Thailand.

Arrivals as of early December declined by 7% to 30 million. Thailand had received 40 million tourists in 2019 and 35 million last year.

Meanwhile, Cambodia’s reputation took a beating in the eyes of South Koreans due to online scams and the disappearance of hundreds of their fellow citizens who entered that country.

The South Korean government has issued warnings to its citizens to cancel or postpone non-essential travel to the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh and areas like Sihanoukville and Bokor Mountain.

Cambodia attracted only 4.75 million tourists in January-October, a decrease of 11.6%.

The Philippines received 4.7 million foreign visitors in the first 11 months of the year, a 3.02% decline due to significantly lower arrivals from South Korea and China.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines still has a lot of problems to solve regarding infrastructure, tourism promotions and domestic travel costs before it could become competitive with its Southeast Asian neighbors? If ever the Philippines fails to hit its 2025 foreign tourist arrivals target, do you think the Department of Tourism (DOT) will once again point to tourism revenues as a barometer for success? With its current standing on international tourism, do you consider the 2023-2028 National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) of the Philippines a failure already?

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

+++++

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

Prime Minister Takaichi Intends To Strengthen Japan With Reforms

January 2, 2026January 1, 2026carlocarrasco

With countless challenges – both internal and external – affecting Japan every day, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is determined to make the nation stronger and more prosperous by implementing reforms, according to a Kyodo News article. The Prime Minister delivered her New Year’s statement.

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

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Thursday pledged to make Japan “strong and prosperous” by carrying out “necessary reforms” to address various domestic and global challenges.

In her New Year’s statement, Takaichi, who became Japan’s first female prime minister on Oct. 21, said her government is committed to building a nation where younger generations can believe in the future and live in hope.

Takaichi emphasized that Japan faces a shrinking population, rising living costs after decades of deflation, and what she described as “the most severe and complex security environment” since the end of World War II.

Globally, political and economic uncertainties are growing as “the free and open international order is being shaken and hegemonic moves are increasing,” she said, in an apparent reference to China’s escalating military activities and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Takaichi took office after winning the Liberal Democratic Party leadership race in early October, succeeding Shigeru Ishiba, who had announced the previous month that he would resign following the party’s heavy setback in the House of Councillors election in July.

With Takaichi’s Cabinet maintaining high approval ratings — well above those of her immediate predecessors — parliament is set to begin this year’s 150-day regular session on Jan. 23.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Apart from the pending new rules on foreigners, what kind of social and economic reforms do you think Prime Minister Takaichi and her administration will come up with over the next six months? Do you think the government will be able to come up with new policies to encourage married couples to have more children?

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

+++++

Drug Suspect Arrested In Parañaque City Over Illegal Drugs Worth P714,000

January 2, 2026December 26, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, local police officers successfully pulled of a buy-bust operation resulting in the arrest of a drug suspect and the seizure of illegal drugs worth more than P700,000, according to a new report by Manila Bulletin.

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

Authorities from the Parañaque City Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEI) conducted a buy-bust operation that led to the arrest of a drug suspect and in the confiscation of P714,000 worth of shabu on Tuesday, Dec. 23.

The Southern Police District (SPD) identified the suspect as John, 23, a resident of Barangay BF Homes, Parañaque City. He was arrested at around 4:00 p.m. at Hontiveros Compound in Barangay San Antonio.

Police said the suspect was apprehended after selling five grams of shabu worth P34,000 to an undercover police officer during the operation.

Recovered from the suspect were a total of 105 grams of shabu valued at P714,000, the buy-bust money, a black pouch, and a black cellular phone allegedly being used in the drug transaction.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, has your local community been affected negatively by people who are selling illegal substances? Do you think crime in Parañaque will get worse in this new 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.

+++++

	Instapundit »… on Venezuela’s Dictator Maduro Ca…
	Instapundit »… on Japanese Prime Minister Takaic…
	Luke on Japanese Language Proficiency…
	Instapundit »… on Japanese Language Proficiency…
	Instapundit »… on Trump Announces $1,776 Christm…

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: