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Ticket scalping prohibited in Muntinlupa City

July 13, 2025July 8, 2025carlocarrasco

Are you a victim of ticket scalping? Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, a new ordinance was signed into law by Mayor Ruffy Biazon effectively prohibiting ticket scalping locally, 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…

The Muntinlupa city government approved an ordinance prohibiting ticket scalping.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon signed Ordinance No. 2025-358, which was approved by the Muntinlupa City Council, “prohibiting the scalping of tickets in Muntinlupa City imposing penalties therefor.”

The ordinance defines scalping as “the resale of a ticket at a price greater than the original price printed or listed by the authorized ticket seller.”

Tickets covered by the ordinance are “any physical, digital, or electronic means of entry to a public event, including but not limited to concerts, sports events, theater performances, or exhibitions.”

“Scalping of Tickets is detrimental to Consumer Welfare and to the Development of Local Recreation and Sports Industries in the City Of Muntinlupa,” the ordinance states.

Under the ordinance, it is “unlawful for any person or entity to resell, offer to resell, or purchase with the intent to resell any ticket to an event for an amount greater than the original ticket price. It is likewise prohibited to sell or attempt to sell complimentary tickets regardless of any amount or form of payment, in kind or in cash.”

Exempted from the ordinance is the reselling of tickets at face value or less or when it is permitted by the venue’s official resale policy.

Any person found guilty of violating the ordinance will be fined P5,000 or imprisoned for a year or both depending on the decision of the court.

Official ticket booths are mandated to put up signs warning buyers of the prohibition against scalping and the penalties.

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 consider ticket scalping a serious problem?

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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NBI apprehends two individuals in Parañaque City and seizes illegal vape products worth millions

July 12, 2025July 5, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, NBI agents arrested two people and seized illegal vape products that have been estimated to be worth almost P4 million, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). This development is the result of a successful entrapment operation by the NBI.

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

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has arrested two individuals and seized PHP3.9 million worth of illegal vape products in an operation in Parañaque City.

In a press briefing, NBI Director Jaime Santiago identified the suspects as Ace Garcia and Reginald Llanto, who were arrested by operatives of the NBI’s Cavite North District Office (NBI-CAVIDO-North) on Wednesday.

According to the NBI, the CAVIDO-North received information on the sale and distribution of illegal vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products.

After presenting a sample, the NBI received a certification from the Department of Trade and Industry – Office for the Special Mandate on Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products (DTI-OSMV) that the vape products submitted were considered “unregulated and substandard.”

Operatives conducted an entrapment against the two suspects, resulting in the seizure of 49 master cases which contain 8,200 pieces of vape pods and 1,600 pieces of vape devices, among others, with an estimated value of PHP3.92 million.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you think the sale and distribution of illegal vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products in the city will only get worse over the next six months?

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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Nationwide voter registration for BSKE set for August 1 to 10, 2025

July 11, 2025July 10, 2025carlocarrasco

In preparation for the next edition of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) announced that the nationwide voter registration process will be held from August 1 to 10, 2025, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has set the resumption of the nationwide voter registration next month for the conduct of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) later this year.

Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said the Commission’s seven-member panel has approved the holding of the 10-day voter registration activities from Aug. 1 to 10.

“The Commission en banc has approved the resumption of voter registration for the BSKE,” he said in an interview.

He noted that the resumption of the voter registration has been decided to ensure that those looking to vote in the village and youth polls will be able to vote, particularly those aged 15 to 17 years old.

“We are still waiting if the BSKE will push through or not. The problem is, if it pushes through on Dec. 1 and we have not conducted voter registration, we won’t have voters, especially in the 15 to 17 years old age group,” he explained.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has yet to sign the proposed bill setting the terms of village and youth officials.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you feel confident that the BSKE will push through this year? Are many voters aged 15 to 17-years-old in your local community eager to vote in the Sangguniang Kabataan polls?

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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America sets 20% tariff on Philippine goods and will take effect on August 1, 2025

July 11, 2025July 10, 2025carlocarrasco

Starting August 1, 2025, the United States of America (USA) will impose a 20% tariff on all and any Philippine-made products coming into their shores as stated in US President Donald Trump’s official letter to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. In response, the Philippines wants to renegotiate with America while there is still time.

For the newcomers reading this, America previously set a 17% tariff on the Philippines when Trump unveiled last April the many tariff rates on many nations. The Philippines was confident about the negotiations they had with their American counterparts.

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

The Philippine government is looking to renegotiate the 20 percent tariff imposed by the Trump administration on Philippine goods, according to Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez.

In a letter dated July 9 addressed to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., US President Donald Trump announced that beginning Aug. 1, 2025, the US will raise tariffs on Philippine goods to 20 percent—up from the previously announced 17 percent rate.

In a text message to the Philippine News Agency on Thursday morning, Romualdez said Manila would formally request a review of the tariff hike from Washington D.C.

Trump, in his letter, recognized the Philippine-US trade relations and said the latter has “agreed to continue working with the Philippines, despite having a significant trade deficit.”

“Starting on August 1, 2025, we will charge the Philippines a Tariff of only 20 percent on any and all Philippine products sent into the United States, separate from all Sectoral Tariffs,” it read.

Trump said there would be “no tariff if the Philippines, or companies within” the country decide to build or manufacture products within the US.

The US, he added, is also open to “reconsider an adjustment” if the country opens its “closed trading markets to the United States,” and eliminates its “tariff, and non-tariff policies and trade barriers.”

“These tariffs may be modified, upward or downward, depending on our relationship with your country,” he said.

Trump, meanwhile, warned Manila against reciprocating the move with a tariff increase.

“If for any reason you decide to raise your Tariffs, then, whatever the number you choose to raise them by, will be added onto the 20 percent that we charge,” he said.

For transparency, posted below is the 2-page letter of Trump to Marcos regarding tariffs.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines fell short in its recent negotiations with the United States which resulted in a higher tariff at 20%? Do you think the economic managers of the Philippines can convince America to delay, if not lower, the declared tariff? Do you think a 20% tariff rate by America will hurt the economy of the Philippines this year?

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

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Philippines tourism industry failing to attract many foreign visitors this year

July 10, 2025July 14, 2025carlocarrasco

Based on the latest international tourism statistics and analysis for 2025, the Philippines is clearly failing to attract foreign tourists when compared to its Southeast Asian neighbors, according to a news article by VnExpress.

For the newcomers reading this, the Philippines attracted 5.95 million foreign tourists in 2024 and generated more than P760 billion in tourism revenue. The entire Philippine tourism industry registered an 8.9% share of the Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) for 2024. The nation’s tourism industry had a strong start of over P65 billion in revenue for January 2025.

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

An online debate has erupted on social media as users wonder why the Philippines, with its rich nature, culture, and cuisine, is being overlooked by foreign tourists in favor of destinations like Vietnam and Thailand.

Thea Tan, a Filipino, posted on her X account in May expressing frustration over the Philippines’ underwhelming tourism numbers despite offering what other countries dream of: breathtaking beaches, vibrant culture, incredible food, and the warmest locals.

“So, why are tourists still choosing Thailand, Vietnam, and Bali over us?” she asked.

The post quickly went viral, accumulating over 9,000 likes and hundreds of comments.

In the first quarter of the year, Malaysia topped the list of most-visited Southeast Asian countries, with 10.1 million arrivals, followed by Thailand (9.55 million), Vietnam (6 million), and Singapore (4.3 million). By April, the Philippines had only welcomed 2.1 million visitors.

In 2024, the country saw 5.9 million foreign tourists, falling short of the government’s target of 7.7 million and far behind its regional neighbors including Cambodia, which had 6.7 million visitors.

Many online users, like Tan, argue that the Philippines is not considered a top priority destination in ASEAN.

“We are tiring out tourists with poor infrastructure and complicated transportation,” Tan noted.

Even locals find domestic travel expensive and difficult, let alone for foreign visitors, according to comments on the post.

“The Philippines has beautiful beaches, delicious food, and friendly people, but it lacks roads, reliable airports, and public transportation. Most importantly, the prices here are too high,” one local shared.

Another netizen pointed out, “In all the countries you’ve mentioned, their capitals are also tourist destinations. Manila, on the other hand, is boring for tourists. We don’t have decent museums or historical tours, and moving around in Manila is not easy either.”

A netizen added, “The government isn’t investing in quality tourist facilities and infrastructure like our neighboring countries. That’s where we’re lagging behind.“

Recently, the Philippines was ranked as the most dangerous destination by U.K. financial comparison site HelloSafe in a survey dismissed by the Philippines’ tourism experts as biased and misleading.

Victor Lim, president of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, emphasized that the Philippines must improve its infrastructure and enhance safety measures to establish itself as a leading tourist destination in Southeast Asia, Philstar reported.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Department of Tourism and its strategic partners should get together and come up with hard adjustments to make the Philippines more attractive to foreigners? What do you think are the five biggest problems of the tourism industry of the country? Do you consider tourism-related awards crucial to the Philippines’ ability to attract visitors from around the world?

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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Philippines Inflation Rate Rises to 1.4% in June 2025

July 10, 2025July 4, 2025carlocarrasco

After back-to-back months of shrinking, the headline inflation of the Philippines inched up to 1.4% for the month of June 2025, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). By comparison, May 2025 inflation rate was 1.3%.

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

Headline inflation continued to remain below the lower end of the government’s target range in June, despite a slight uptick due to a faster increase in non-food prices.

In a briefing on Friday, National Statistician Dennis Mapa said headline inflation settled at 1.4 percent in June from 1.3 percent in May.

This brings the year-to-date average inflation to 1.8 percent, well within the government’s target range of 2 percent to 4 percent for the year.

Mapa said the slight uptick in headline inflation was driven by higher non-food inflation (1.9 percent from 1.5 percent), with faster price increases observed in electricity (7.4 percent from 2.8 percent) and education (5.4 percent from 4.2 percent). Food inflation, however, eased to 0.1 percent during the month from 0.7 percent in May.

Mapa said the deceleration of food inflation in June was mainly due to the annual decrease in the prices of vegetables, tubers, plantains, cooking bananas, and pulses at 2.8 percent from an annual increase of 3.4 percent in the previous month. Rice deflation also hit a record low of 14.3 percent in June.

Mapa said the rollout of the government’s PHP20 per kg. rice program also contributed to the decline, especially in regular-milled rice prices.

In a separate statement, the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) said government measures to stabilize food supply, boost agriculture, and improve logistics helped ease food inflation during the month.

“The sharp decline in food inflation over the past year underscores the continued progress in our coordinated efforts to boost local production, improve logistics, and implement calibrated trade and biosecurity measures,” DEPDev Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said.

“We will sustain these interventions and complement them with targeted initiatives to ensure a continuous, stable supply and shield consumers from future price pressures.”

To further strengthen food supply chains, DEPDev said the Department of Agriculture (DA) would intensify the implementation of industry recovery and expansion programs, such as the Swine Industry Recovery Project and Livestock Economic Enterprise Development, to accelerate the rehabilitation of the hog industry and restore the pre-African Swine Fever hog population levels.

The DA will also establish the country’s first Onion Research and Extension Center in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija for the development of effective methods to combat pests and diseases, enhance seed quality, and increase farm yields.

The Department of Energy, meanwhile, has partnered with private oil companies to offer fuel discounts to motorists affected by oil price fluctuations amid geopolitical uncertainties.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think inflation rate of the Philippines will be able to settle below 2% per month until the end of the year? If you are managing a local business, how much of an impact did inflation have on your business?

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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Man arrested in Las Piñas City over two counts of rape

July 9, 2025July 3, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, local police officers apprehended a man wanted for two counts of statutory rape, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The law enforcers were armed with a warrant of arrest.

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

Members of the Las Pinas Police Warrant and Subpoena Section arrested a 19-year-old man, tagged as No. 3 most wanted person at the regional level, on Tuesday, July 1, for two counts of statutory rape.

Col. Sandro Tafalla, Las Pinas Police chief, said the suspect was nabbed at his residence on Ruby St., Saint Mary’s Home in Barangay Almanza Uno, Las Pinas City.

The arrest was based on a warrant issued by Judge Kathryn Sabado of the Las Pinas Regional Trial Court Branch 202, with no bail recommended.

Tafalla noted that upon verification through the Investigation Solution Automatic Verification (ISAV) system, the suspect’s name did not appear in the E-warrant and E-Rouge police databases.

Further checks, however, confirmed that the case was listed in the Crime Information, Reporting, and Analysis System (CIRAS) — an electronic system designed to digitize and streamline crime documentation.

Tafalla explained that CIRAS serves as a modernized version of the traditional police blotter, providing a more efficient and standardized crime data management.

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 concerned that there might be suspected rapists living in your local community? Do you consider the crime of rape very serious nowadays?

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

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Las Piñas Launches Nutrition Month with Healthy Food Fair

July 8, 2025July 2, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the local celebration of Nutrition Month was launched at City Hall and a food fair was organized in connection with it, the City Government announced via social media. Mayor April Aguilar and city health officials were present during the launch.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the social media post of the City Government. Some parts in boldface…

The City Government of Las Piñas officially launched this year’s Nutrition Month celebration with the opening of the Healthy Food Fair on Tuesday, July 1, at the City Hall Quadrangle.

Mayor April Aguilar led the kickoff ceremony together with Officer-in-Charge and City Nutrition Action Officer Dr. Julio P. Javier II. Organized by the City Nutrition Office, the event showcased a wide variety of affordable, nutritious meals prepared by community groups and barangay representatives, aiming to promote accessible healthy eating among Las Piñeros.

Now in its sixth year, the Healthy Food Fair runs from July 1 to 4, and forms part of the city’s month-long observance of Nutrition Month, aligned with the national campaign “Sa PPAN: Sama-Sama sa Nutrisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat! – Food at Nutrition Security, Maging Priority! Sapat na Pagkain, Karapatan Natin!”

Mayor Aguilar expressed her full support for the initiative and emphasized the city government’s continuing commitment to public health and nutrition.

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? When was the last time a Nutrition Month celebration was held 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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12 Arrested in Parañaque City for Illegal Online Gambling

July 8, 2025July 4, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, local police officers apprehended twelve people – taxi and transport drivers – over their engagement in illegal online gambling, 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…

Operatives from the Southern Police District (SPD) arrested taxi and transport drivers engaged in illegal online gambling inside a transportation hub in Paranaque City on July 3.

SPD Director Brig. Gen. Randy Arceo identified the suspects as taxi drivers Mark, 35; Reynante, 43; Gilleard, 52; Jimmy, 54; Ely, 38; Rodel, 48; Ronaldo, 63; Sunny, 51; and Joeuie, 50; Conrado, 41, a ride-hailing driver; John Robert, 50, a modern jeep conductor; and Domingo, 43.

Arceo said members of the SPD- Special Operation Unit (DSOU), with support from the District Intelligence Division (DID) and the Paranaque City Police Substation 3, arrested the suspects at the PITX Taxi Lane in Barangay Tambo, Paranaque City, at around 10:30 p.m.

He said police operatives acted on complaint from a concerned citizen that a group of taxi drivers were engaged in online cockfighting or “E-sabong” while waiting for passengers.

The SPD chief said the arrested taxi drivers engaged in guerrilla-style gambling, causing them to overcharge their passengers for their fares to recover from their losses.

Police recovered two mobile phones used in placing bets and betting money amounting to ₱3,545.

The suspects were brought to the DSOU-SPD Office and were charged for violation of Presidential Decree 1602 on illegal gambling.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you think that illegal online gambling will get worse over the next six months? Is online gambling happening in your local community right now?

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

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A Look Back at Superman #412 (1985)

July 7, 2025July 1, 2025carlocarrasco

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

Welcome back superhero enthusiasts, 20^th century pop culture enthusiasts and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the mid-1980s to take a close look at one of the many tales published through the original Superman monthly series (first launched in 1939).

For the newcomers reading this, the original multiverse of DC Comics formally ended with Crisis on Infinite Earths (1985-1986). That being said, a lot of DC’s monthly comic book series had respective tales the reflect the closing period of the old multiverse (which lasted for decades) and the Superman monthly series of the era was part of the trend.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at Superman #412, published in 1985 by DC Comics with a story written by Cary Bates and drawn by Curt Swan.

Early story

The story begins at the unemployment bureau in Metropolis. Clark Kent, who recently lost his jobs with WGBS and the Daily Planet, stands in line and waits for his turn. Being unemployed, Clark feels troubled and other people nearby recognize him.

As his turn at the counter starts, Clark senses something and decides to get out quickly. He enters the emergency exit, changes into Superman and flies out of the building. It turns out a high-rise building accident has occurred and already several pieces of sharp glass have been falling down. To prevent further harm, Superman uses his heat vision to convert the falling glass and collectively turn them into a growing molten ball. He brings the giant molten ball to the top of the building (still in construction/expansion) and meets the hard-hat workers before flying away.

Elsewhere, Lana Lang announces news to TV viewers regarding the dismissal her of close friend Clark Kent which was the result of the fake headline news story about Superman and the NASA satellite. In another location, Lex Luthor is very pleased watching the same broadcast knowing his plan of ruining Superman succeeded and got Clark Kent as a fake news casualty. Luthor is not done with Superman yet…

Quality

*Lex Luthor here is ruthless, strategic and obsessed with defeating Superman.*

I really like this Superman tale. This is a story about Superman who is still dedicated to doing acts of good by helping people with problems even though he is socially in deep trouble being unemployed as Clark Kent. Not only is the unemployment aspect relevant, the consequences of fake news and their negative effect on people made this tale more socially relevant with today’s world of fake news and unethical journalism.

Going back to Superman, it is clear that the embarrassment and unemployment of his civilian identity impacted him as a superhero. This is evident when Lana Lang accused him of betraying Clark Kent resulting in a fake news story that led to the firing by WGBS and the Daily Planet. Lana, who does not realize Superman and Clark are the same person, blamed the Man of Steel that the firing of Clark is so devastating to her as she cares for him so much (note: Clark and Lana were romantically involved during their teenage years at Smallville).

The powerful writing by Cary Bates does not end there. In this comic book, you will see Lex Luthor execute his other plans to ruin Superman whom he personally accused over the loss of his family and his own world Lexor (click here and here for references). This is a Luthor who is not simply being evil but also someone who is well organized, strategic and even fearless. By this stage, the criminal mad scientist Luthor has accumulated a lot of resources to have his own headquarters, technologies and a dedicated staff. In some ways, Luthor in this comic book eerily resembled his financial tycoon version in the post-Crisis era (click here and here for relevance).

I should also state that the personal encounter between Superman and Luthor here is a great pay-off to the build-up that preceded it. You readers should see it for yourselves because to reveal more in this review will ruin it.

Conclusion

*As Lana Lang delivers the news to TV viewers regarding Clark Kent and Superman, tension is brewing over at the Daily Planet.*

Superman #412 (1985) is undeniably a great Superman story published during the very late stage of the original multiverse (note: Superman #423 was one of the final tales of Superman of this particular era. Superman #424 was part of the post-Crisis era). The portrayal of Superman being disturbed by the huge setback he suffered as a civilian is really compelling to see and his encounter with Lex Luthor really brought the tension and suspense to high levels. At the same time, the consequences of Superman’s actions (including those of his civilian form as Clark Kent) are very evident and nicely dramatized by the Bates-Swan team. You really feel that the creators were wrapping up their Superman stories and decided to move this series to a new direction knowing that the original multiverse will end. This is a must-read tale!

Overall, Superman #412 (1985) is highly recommended.

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