Let us be very clear here. Japan has all the authority to decide how to manage its internal affairs, national security and the presence of foreigners in their country. That being said, tighter control on immigration by Japan could become a reality as an advisory panel called for it, according to a Kyodo News release.
That’s not all. The same panel also called for more opportunities for foreign residents to learn Japan’s language and enhance their understanding of the nation’s culture and norms.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news release of Kyodo News. Some parts in boldface…
Japan must strengthen its immigration control to prevent illegal employment while providing more opportunities for foreign residents to learn the Japanese language and deepen their understanding of its culture, an advisory panel said Monday.
The panel, mostly consisting of academics, submitted its recommendations to Justice Minister Hiroshi Hiraguchi as his ministry plans to update its basic plan on immigration to realize a more inclusive society in which both Japanese and non-Japanese residents coexist amid a recent sharp rise in foreign residents.
In the report, the panel cited cases of foreigners holding the specialist visa for engineers, interpreters and international service professionals being dispatched instead to illegally work as unskilled laborers.
It urges that the country’s immigration authorities get a grip on the situation and make revisions as needed to the current immigration control and residency management system.
The panel also called for more steps to help foreign residents integrate smoothly into society by holding seminars designed to improve their Japanese language skills and learn about Japanese culture and customs.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? If you intend to enter Japan with work and residency in mind, are you willing to go through a tighter immigration process and attend Japanese language training? Do you have high respect for the authorities in Japan?
Recently in the city of Parañaque, local police officers successfully pulled of a buy-bust operation resulting in the apprehension of seven suspects and the seizure of fake merchandise worth more than P5 million, according to a news report by the Daily Tribune.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Daily Tribune report. Some parts in boldface…
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Saturday reported the seizure of P5.2 million worth of counterfeit merchandise and the arrest of seven individuals during a buy-bust operation in Parañaque City.
Operatives from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group–Specialized Mission and Monitoring Division Field Unit (CIDG-SMMDFU), in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), carried out the operation around 12:15 p.m. on December 18 at the third floor of a commercial establishment in Barangay San Dionisio.
Authorities confiscated 386 bales of counterfeit SHEIN products allegedly intended for local distribution. Buy-bust money and other pieces of evidence were also recovered from the premises.
The seven adult Filipino suspects were charged with violations of Republic Act No. 3883, which prohibits counterfeit and pirated goods; Republic Act No. 8293, the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines; and Republic Act No. 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. They are currently in custody of the CIDG-SMMDFU and will face inquest proceedings.
PNP Acting Chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the operation reflects the agency’s ongoing effort to curb illegal trade and intellectual property violations.
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 fake products have penetrated the local market? Do you think the local retailers will be able to figure out which products they have are fake?
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
Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government reminded the public about the danger and risks that come with the use of firecrackers, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.
For the newcomers reading this, the use of firecrackers in celebration of the Christmas season and the welcoming of the New Year is common in the Philippines. Through the decades, a lot of people – including children – got injured when incidents involving firecrackers happened.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
The Muntinlupa City government reminded the public of the dangers of using firecrackers to celebrate the holiday season.
“Bilang paalala sa mga Muntinlupeño, hinihikayat ng Pamahalaang Lungsod sa pangunguna ni Mayor Ruffy Biazon, at ni PNP (Pulis Ng Muntinlupa) Chief of Police Col. Robert Domingo, ang lahat na maging responsable at maingat—makisaya nang ligtas, sumunod sa batas, at piliin ang alternatibong selebrasyon na hindi delikado (As a reminder to Muntinlupa residents, the City Government, led by Mayor Ruffy Biazon, and PNP (Pulis Ng Muntinlupa) Chief of Police Col. Robert Domingo, encourages everyone to be responsible and careful—have fun safely, obey the law, and choose alternative celebrations that are not dangerous),” the Muntinlupa City government posted on Facebook.
Muntinlupa has an ordinance which totally bans the possession, use, manufacture, sale, display and distribution of any firecracker and pyrotechnic device within its jurisdiction.
City Ordinance 14-092, approved in 2014, prohibits “the manufacture, display, sale, distribution, possession or use of firecrackers or pyrotechnic devices and such other similar devices and the exploding of firecrackers or other similar explosives within the territorial jurisdiction of Muntinlupa City.”
“lt shall, likewise be unlawful for any person to discharge or explode, or cause to discharge or to explode, any firecrackers, or any other explosive or to use any pyrotechnic device or any such other similar device, at anytime and anywhere within the territory of Muntinlupa City,” according to the ordinance.
Violators will be fined P1,000 “or imprisonment of not more than one (1) month but not less than (2) days or both fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the Court.”
For the second offense, violators face ”a fine of Three Thousand Pesos (Php3,000.00) or imprisonment of not more than Six (6) months but not less Three (3) months, or both fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the Court.”
For the third offense, violators face “a fine of Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00) or imprisonment of not more than Six (6) months but not less than three (3) months, or both fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of Court.”
“lf the violation is committed by a business establishment, the President or General Manager or the Person acting in behalf of either the President or General Manager shall be held liable in the case of a corporation or partnership, or the owner or proprietor or the person acting in his behalf shall be held responsible in the case of a single proprietorship,” the ordinance added.
The Civil Security Group of the Philippine National Police, meanwhile, issued a list of prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.
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 local ordinance is strong enough to protect people from the dangers of firecracker use? Do you think the use of firecrackers should be limited to government units or commercial joints? Do you personally know anyone who got injured because of firecrackers?
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
Recently in the city of Parañaque, local police officers successfully organized a buy-bust operation which resulted in the arrest of a man who carried P134,000 worth of marijuana kush, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
A 21-year-old man was arrested by operatives of the Parañaque City Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) after yielding P134,000 worth of marijuana kush during a buy-bust operation on Dec. 18.
The Southern Police District (SPD) identified the suspect as Given, who was apprehended along Sta. Lucia Street, Barangay Moonwalk, Parañaque City, for his alleged involvement in the illegal sale of marijuana kush.
Police said the operation was conducted following intensified surveillance and intelligence validation in response to reports of ongoing drug transactions in the area.
During the operation, the suspect was caught selling marijuana to a police poseur-buyer. Authorities confiscated 96 grams of marijuana kush worth P134,000.
Also recovered from the suspect were a red pouch used to conceal the illegal drugs, a sachet containing dried marijuana leaves, and the buy-bust money.
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 the illegal trade of marijuana?
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
If you intend to move into Japan with migration in mind, you better learn their language fast as the proficiency in Japanese language could become a new requirement for permanent residency, according to a news release 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 is considering adding Japanese language proficiency to the requirements for permanent residency, sources close to the matter said Thursday, in anticipation of a rise in future applicants.
The idea is expected to be included in proposals for new requirements to be compiled by a ruling Liberal Democratic Party panel by April 2027, when an amendment to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act comes into effect.
The revised law also allows for permanent residency to be revoked if the holder intentionally neglects public obligations, such as paying taxes.
According to the Immigration Services Agency, the number of foreign residents in Japan stood at a record 3.96 million as of the end of June, with permanent residents comprising the largest group at around 930,000, or 23.6 percent, of the total.
Currently, a foreigner applying for permanent residency must have resided in Japan for at least 10 years and provide evidence of having the means to support themselves, among other requirements.
Given an expected increase in permanent residents in the future, additional requirements such as Japanese language proficiency and mandatory participation in programs that teach community rules, as well as raising the required minimum income have been discussed.
Stricter rules for part-time work by international students are also being reviewed to prevent them from working more hours than permitted. Currently, students may work up to 28 hours per week in jobs outside their designated status if granted permission by immigration authorities.
The government is considering shifting to a screening process that evaluates academic performance and other factors when giving permission to work, rather than granting permission upon arrival in Japan.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you know anyone who intends to migrate to Japan in the near future? How many friends or relatives do you have who are proficient already with the Japanese language?
Local residents of Muntinlupa City who won medals in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in Thailand were congratulated by the City Government, 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…
The Muntinlupa City government congratulated residents who won medals at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.
They are Daryl John Mercado, Mark Jesus San Jose and Kaila Napolis who won a bronze medal each in different sports in the SEA Games.
Mercado, a resident of Barangay Tunasan, Muntinlupa, won a bronze medal in the Men’s 55kg Judo Shiai.
“Isa na namang Muntinlupeño ang nagbigay karangalan sa ating lungsod matapos makasungkit ng medalya sa 33rd Southeast Asian Games sa Thailand! (Another Muntinlupa man brought honor to our city after winning a medal in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand!” the city government posted on Facebook.
It added that Mercado is a project of the city government’s grassroots sports program. He is the current coach of the Muntinlupa Judo Club.
San Jose, a resident of Barangay Putatan, won a bronze medal in Men’s Bowling while Napolis of Barangay Poblacion won the same medal in the Women’s 57kg Jiu-jitsu Ne-waza.
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, are you delighted to know that local residents won medals for the Philippines at this year’s SEA Games? Do you think Muntinlupa can produce more athletes who can be really competitive in international events?
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
Even though there already is a foreign tourism boom in Southeast Asia, the Philippines has literally been left behind by its neighbors as it attracted only 5.235 million international tourist arrivals for the period of January to November 2025, 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…
VISITOR ARRIVALS in the Philippines fell by 2.16% in the first 11 months, amid a decline in tourists from South Korea and China, Tourism department data showed.
Data from the Department of Tourism (DoT) showed international tourist arrivals dropped to 5.235 million in the January-to-November period from 5.35 million in the same period in 2024.
Of the tourist arrivals, the bulk or 4.918 million were foreign tourists, while the rest were overseas Filipinos.
South Korea remained the biggest source of tourists in the first 11 months, accounting for 21.66% of the total. While 1.134 million South Koreans visited the Philippines as of November, this was a 21% decline from the 1.436 million Korean tourists a year ago.
The US was the second-biggest source of tourists, at 894,835 or 17.09% of the total as of end-November. This was 6.57% higher than last year’s 839,635 tourist arrivals from the US.
Japan was the third-biggest source of tourists, accounting for 406,794 or 7.77% of the total, 15.36% up from 352,630 a year ago.
Tourist arrivals from Australia increased by 16.17% to 268,892 in the 11-month period. Meanwhile, tourists from China fell by 16.55% to 248,339 as of end-November.
The other top markets were Canada, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Malaysia, which cumulatively accounted for 793,750 of the total arrivals.
“The weaker South Korean won amid a volatile political and economic situation over the past year and slower economic growth in China, which is the world’s second-biggest economy, on top of territorial disputes partly weighed on foreign tourism numbers,” Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said in a Viber message.
Mr. Ricafort noted that the government should improve infrastructure to make it more convenient for tourists to travel around the country.
“Challenges include the need to further expand and develop tourism-related infrastructure such as airports, seaports, accommodation facilities, and train systems, including the Metro Manila subway and toll roads,” he added.
Despite the decline in the first 11 months, Mr. Ricafort said that it is still possible for the country to surpass the tourist arrivals last year, which reached 5.949 million.
“It is still possible, considering some seasonal increase in foreign tourists during the Christmas holiday season, especially overseas Filipino workers and balikbayans, to spend the most festive time of the year, while others escape winter,” he said.
“A higher US dollar-peso exchange rate would make it cheaper for foreign tourists to come to the Philippines,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mr. Ricafort noted the growth in tourist arrivals from India and other countries, which helped “offset the decline in major traditional sources such as South Korea and China.”
India was the 11th biggest source of tourist arrivals in the January-to-November period, accounting for 85,885 or 1.64% of the total. Tourists from India increased by 17.06% from 73,369 arrivals in the same period in the previous year.
Earlier this year, the Philippines and India signed the Implementation Program on Tourism Cooperation for the years 2025 to 2028.
For his part, Colliers Research Director Joey Roi H. Bondoc said that with only 5.235 million as of end-November, it will be difficult for the country to even surpass last year’s arrivals.
“I think it will be very difficult… We may not be able to beat that or even meet that, but of course we want to end the year stronger,” he said in a phone interview.
“We see a lot of foreign tourists still in December because of the holiday season. Definitely that optimism should spill over to next year,” he added.
As for the drop in arrivals from South Korea, Mr. Bondoc attributed this to the economic downturn and political crisis in the country.
“If you look at some integrated casinos, they were initially targeting Koreans… so they are experiencing the pinch of slower arrivals from South Korea,” he said.
Mr. Bondoc said the Philippines should try to attract tourists from other markets.
For further insight about the tourism industry problem of the Philippines, watch the CNA Insider video below.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Did you think the Philippines can still beat its 2024 record of international visitor arrivals and generate huge revenues for the economy? Do you think the current administration will be able to improve the nation’s infrastructure and make travel more efficient and convenient for all tourists? Do you think the Philippines is too expensive when it comes to air travel?
It has been months since the flood control corruption scandal rocked the entire Philippines and the economic situation has turned for the worse along the way (click here, here and here). In the view of Fitch Ratings, the scandal puts the nation’s credit rating at risk, 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 Philippine economy continues to bear the brunt of the ongoing flood control corruption scandal, Fitch Ratings said, noting that further unrest could spill over to the country’s credit rating.
Fitch Ratings Head of Asia-Pacific Sovereigns Thomas Rookmaaker said the controversy surrounding the anomalous government flood control projects threatens the country’s political stability, fiscal policy implementation, as well as business and consumer confidence.
“We believe that the flood control corruption scandal in the Philippines poses an ongoing risk to political stability, fiscal policy execution, and business and consumer confidence,” Mr. Rookmaaker told BusinessWorld in an e-mail.
Government officials, lawmakers and contractors have been accused of getting billions of pesos in kickbacks from substandard or nonexistent flood control projects. This has triggered widespread protests, slowed government spending, and hurt investor and consumer sentiment.
“The overall impact the scandal will have on the Philippines’ public finances is still uncertain,” Mr. Rookmaaker said.
“Public investment spending is likely to remain weak for quite some time, but continued social unrest could simultaneously lead to spending pressures to head off public discontent.”
In October, government spending fell for a third straight month to P430.6 billion, down 7.76% from P466.8 billion a year ago. Revenues likewise slipped by 6.64% to P441.7 billion from P473.1 billion last year.
Mr. Rookmaaker noted that the immediate impact of the scandal was reflected in the sharp economic slowdown in the third quarter.
Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by an over four-year low of 4% in the third quarter, as household final consumption expenditure and government spending slowed amid the corruption mess.
For the first nine months, GDP growth averaged 5%, well-below the government’s 5.5-6.5% full-year target.Public investments likewise took a hit from the corruption issues, he added.
In the third quarter, foreign investment pledges approved by investment promotion agencies plunged by 48.7% to P73.68 billion, Philippine Statistics Authority data showed.
“Persisting social tensions could become more of a drag on growth if confidence among foreign and domestic investors suffers,” the Fitch analyst said. “Tensions could also serve as a distraction for policymakers, impeding the passage of reforms that have the potential to enhance economic productivity and competitiveness.”
Mr. Rookmaaker said implementing reforms to enhance accountability and governance could bolster private investments and promote growth in the medium term.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Did you think Fitch Ratings is correct with its economic analysis of the Philippines and the flood control corruption scandal? Do you think foreign investors have been turned off by the scandals and social unrest?
Recently in the city of Parañaque, local authorities successfully rescued a kidnapped Chinese national and arrested the suspects who were involved, according to a news report by GMA Network.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA News report. Some parts in boldface…
A 26-year-old Chinese national was rescued in a condominium in Parañaque City after allegedly being kidnapped, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) reported Sunday.
In a statement, the NCRPO said authorities conducted a rescue operation after they received a report through the PNP Hotline Facebook page.
The victim was found in a condominium unit in Barangay Don Galo on Saturday with four male and one female foreign suspects.
Initial investigation showed that the victim had allegedly been detained since December 9, with suspects demanding P1 million for his release.
The victim said P500,000 had already been handed over. The suspects were placed under police custody for proper investigation.
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 consider kidnapping a serious crime? Has anyone in your local community been kidnapped over the past six months?
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
Have you been buying green tea products imported from Japan lately? Japan achieved a major milestone this year as its green tea exports in the first ten months of 2025 (January to October 2025) have reached the highest level in more than seventy years, according to a news release by Kyodo News. There is still more that could be achieved as the year comes to an end.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news release of Kyodo News. Some parts in boldface…
Japan’s green tea exports in the first 10 months of this year reached the highest level in over 70 years on the back of the booming overseas market for matcha powder and the depreciation of the Japanese yen, government and industry data showed Saturday.
Tea exports between January and October grew 44 percent from the same period last year to 10,084 tons. The United States was the top destination, importing 3,497 tons in the 10 months, followed by Taiwan, Thailand and Germany.
Green tea exports have been increasing for nine consecutive years, reflecting the growing overseas popularity of Japanese foods among health-conscious consumers.
Despite rising overseas sales, annual shipments remained below 10,000 tons after peaking at 11,553 tons in 1954, partly as Chinese tea grew in popularity.
Despite sluggish green tea demand within Japan, tea leaf prices have been rising in recent years in line with falling production.
In 2024, Japan produced about 74,000 tons of tea leaves, more than 10 percent less than a decade earlier, amid declining demand for sencha used in brewing and an aging farming population.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Have been consuming green tea products from Japan over the past six months? If you did, what products are those and what were their brands?
Author Carlo Carrasco 