Bing – Page 9 – Author Carlo Carrasco

GCash Blocks Over 3,200 Merchants Linked To Gambling And Scamming

March 19, 2026March 15, 2026carlocarrasco

In a serious attempt to protect its users and restore confidence, digital wallet GCash blocked more than three thousand and two hundred merchants that were linked to illegal online gambling and scamming, 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…

Digital wallet giant GCash has blocked more than 3,200 merchants found to be linked to illicit activities, including illegal online gambling platforms, as part of its effort to bolster consumer protection.

In a statement, GCash said it has been coordinating with the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) since last year to shut down these merchants’ access to the digital wallet.

By prohibiting their access to the digital wallet, this move prevents illegal operators from misusing the QRPh payment rail, which has been used to lure users to fake GCash payment pages.

Many of these illegal merchants employ deceptive tactics to mislead customers into sending payments to unauthorized accounts. Among the most common schemes is QR masking, where seemingly legitimate QR codes redirect payments to a different account.

Scammers also create fake payment pages that imitate legitimate businesses, as well as pages designed to mimic the official GCash interface to deceive customers and collect unauthorized payments.

GCash said it does not partner with these illegal merchants and operators, noting that they are typically independent entities attempting to route transactions through legitimate digital services.

To enhance consumer protection, GCash deploys proactive monitoring to identify and disable these schemes, which are then reported to authorities and the CICC to support government enforcement efforts.

“Entities attempting to misuse the GCash payment app and QRPh without authorization or are masking QRPh leading to unauthorized transactions are flagged, suspended, and reported to the relevant authorities,” it said.

Currently, GCash has measures in place to detect unauthorized merchant activity before users are scammed, helping maintain service integrity.

Furthermore, it immediately disables links to fraudulent operations and reports suspicious transactions to the CICC and the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC).

“By proactively blocking unauthorized actors and reporting them to our regulators and authorities, we are helping protect Filipinos and maintain trust in the country’s digital financial ecosystem,” Miguel Geronilla, chief information and security officer of GCash.

As another layer of security, GCash said users should never share their mobile personal identification number (MPIN) or one-time password (OTP), as these details are not required.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think GCash has done a huge effort to protect its users and other customers? What do you think the scammers and purged merchants will do now that they have been blocked by GCash?

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

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

21-Year-Old Man Apprehended In Muntinlupa City For Illegal Sale Of Firearms

March 19, 2026March 15, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, local police officers successfully arrested a 21-year-old man for committing the illegal sale of firearms, according to a Manila Bulletin 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 Southern Police District (SPD) arrested a 21-year-old man for illegally selling firearms in Muntinlupa on March 15.

The suspect, identified by his aliases Roniel and Yanyan, was arrested along the PNR Site in Barangay Poblacion, Muntinlupa at about 1:30 a.m. during a gun buy-bust operation led by the SPD’s District Special Operations Unit (DSOU).

The operation was launched after authorities received information from an informant about the suspect’s alleged involvement in the illegal sale of firearms in Muntinlupa and nearby areas.

Based on the report, DSOU operatives conducted the coordinated sting operation together with personnel from the District Intelligence Division, Intelligence Section of the District Mobile Force Battalion, and Muntinlupa police.

Seized during the operation were two .38-caliber revolvers, two pieces of .38-caliber live ammunition, a marked P500 bill used in the transaction along with boodle money, and bags used by the suspect to carry the firearms.

The arrested individual, a resident of the barangay, failed to present any legal documents authorizing him to possess or sell firearms.

He was brought to the DSOU office for documentation and to the Pasay City General Hospital for physical and medical examination.

The police will request firearms records verification from the Firearms and Explosives Office to determine whether the suspect is a licensed firearm holder.

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 thankful to the local police for the successful arrest of the suspect?

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

Philippines Unemployment Rate Jumps To 5.8% In January 2026

March 18, 2026March 14, 2026carlocarrasco

With weaker economic growth and other problems already affecting the Philippines, the unemployment rate of the nation jumped to 5.8% this past January, according to a news report by BusinessWorld.

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

The Philippines’ unemployment rate climbed to 5.8% in January 2026, marking its highest level in more than three years, as the labor market cooled after the holidays, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said on Friday.

Preliminary results from the January 2026 Labor Force Survey (LFS) showed the number of unemployed Filipinos rose to 2.96 million, from 2.17 million in the same month last year, and 2.26 million in December 2025.

PSA Assistant Secretary Divina Gracia L. Del Prado said that the January unemployment rate was the highest recorded since June 2022, when unemployment stood at 6.0%.

The January jobless rate was higher than the 4.3% in January 2025, and the 4.4% in December 2025.

“Usually in our time series, after the Christmas season, our employment rate really goes down… because there are no longer available jobs,” Ms. Del Prado told a livestreamed news briefing.

“Because in December, of course, there are lots of jobs available for our labor force. But month on month, the number of unemployed increased by 695,000. And most of the reasons for this are that people got tired — maybe they were exhausted from working in December, or believing that there are no jobs available,” she added.

The quality of employment also saw a shift, as the underemployment rate — the proportion of those with jobs but seeking more hours — stood at 13.2% in January 2026. This was a tad lower than the 13.3% underemployment rate in January 2025, but higher than the 8% in December 2025.

About 6.35 million Filipinos were considered underemployed persons in January, slightly decreased from the 6.47 million underemployed in January 2025, and 2.42 million seen in December 2025.

The country’s employment rate fell to 94.2% in January 2026, down from 95.7% in January 2025 and 95.6% in December 2025. This was also the lowest employment rate recorded since June 2022 when it stood at 94%.

The number of employed persons in January 2026 fell to 47.94 million, a decline from 48.49 million employed in the same month last year, and 49.43 million in December 2025.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you personally know anyone who has been unemployed for the past three months? Do you consider the higher unemployment rate a sign that the economy of the Philippines could fall into a recession 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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Malacañang Declares March 27 A Special Non-Working Day In Las Piñas City In Celebration Of Cityhood And Founding Anniversaries

March 17, 2026March 12, 2026carlocarrasco

The City Government of Las Piñas recently announced via social media that Malacañang formally declared March 27, 2026, a special non-working day in the city in celebration of the cityhood anniversary as well as the founding anniversary.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the entire announcement by the City Government. Some parts in boldface…

Malacañang declared Las Piñas Day on March 27, 2026 as a Special Non-Working Holiday. This is in conjunction with the celebration of the 119th Founding Anniversary, and 29th Cityhood Anniversary of Las Piñas. Let’s celebrate our beloved City together!

The City Government’s social media post includes an image of the official signed document from Malacañang.

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? How do you plan to spend the special non-working day of March 27? Are many people in your local community aware of the history of the city’s founding and cityhood?

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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Japan Releases Oil Reserves

March 17, 2026March 16, 2026carlocarrasco

As expected, Japan officially started releasing yesterday its oil reserves to stabilize the distribution of petroleum products and to ensure a good supply as the war against the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran continues, according to a Kyodo News report.

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

Japan began to release oil from its reserves Monday to alleviate supply concerns that have grown amid the U.S.-Israel war with Iran and stabilize the distribution of petroleum products, taking the step ahead of a planned International Energy Agency-led move.

In its first oil release since 2022, when it joined an IEA coordinated effort following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Japan is initially freeing up 15 days’ worth of reserves held by the private sector, with a month’s worth of state-held oil to follow.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said the release was decided as Japan’s crude oil imports are expected to decrease significantly from late March onwards due to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which many tankers traverse.

“We plan to make efforts so that (the released oil) will circulate in the market smoothly,” he said, adding the government will “continue to take every possible step to ensure the stable supply of energy, through international coordination and without ruling out any options.”

The IEA said Sunday the planned coordinated release of oil by its 32 member countries, including Japan, will “soon start.”

It said last week that the countries will make 400 million barrels of oil available to the market in response to the disruptions resulting from the Middle East conflict.

Crude oil futures have been surging amid growing prospects of a prolonged conflict, with the benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures contract briefly topping $100 per barrel again in New York on Sunday, after a similar spike a week earlier.

The Japanese government will reduce the mandatory 70-day reserve requirement for oil refiners and trading companies under Japan’s oil stockpiling law to 55 days’ worth, allowing them to draw down their existing stocks for use.

Last Wednesday, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced the government’s plans to release about 80 million barrels of oil, the largest ever, equivalent to 45 days’ worth of domestic consumption and 1.8 times the amount released after the massive earthquake and tsunami in 2011 that devastated Japan’s northeast.

Preparations are under way to sell oil in government-held reserves to wholesalers.

As of the end of 2025, Japan held reserves of approximately 470 million barrels of oil, equivalent to 254 days of domestic consumption, of which 146 days’ worth were government-owned, 101 days held by the private sector, and the remainder jointly stored by oil-producing countries.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think newly released oil reserves will stabilize the Japanese market for petroleum products? Do you think the joint Israel-US campaign against the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran will ultimately cause the enemy to surrender this month?

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 Attracted Only $7.79 Billion In Foreign Direct Investment In 2025

March 16, 2026March 12, 2026carlocarrasco

It can be said that 2025 is indeed a very disappointing year for the Philippines as it attracted only $7.79 billion in terms of net inflows of foreign direct investments (FDI), according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin. The said figure is a drop of more than 17% compared with 2024 and it is recalled that the flood control corruption scandal of 2025 negatively affected the nation.

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

Net inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI) into the Philippines plunged to their lowest level in a decade—excluding the pandemic slump—as investors stepped on the brakes on injecting funds into the country.

The latest data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) released on Tuesday night, March 10, showed net inflows of FDI stood at $7.79 billion for the full year of 2025, dropping 17.1 percent from the $9.4 billion recorded in 2024.

It bears noting that the 2025 performance marks a significant downturn, as full-year FDI was the lowest since the 2020 pandemic level of $6.82 billion.

Excluding the pandemic period, 2025 net FDI represents the lowest level in a decade since the $5.64 billion recorded in 2015. This contraction was a consistent trend throughout 2025, with cumulative annual growth remaining negative every month since January.

On a positive note, the final figure exceeded the country’s $7-billion full-year target.

According to the BSP, the overall decline in investments was largely driven by net debt instruments, or intercompany borrowings, which shrank by 27 percent to $5.27 billion from $7.22 billion in 2024.

Meanwhile, net equity capital, other than reinvestment of earnings, grew by 31.4 percent to $1.32 billion from $1.01 billion the previous year. Reinvestment of earnings also saw a modest expansion of 2.5 percent, reaching $1.2 billion.

For the full year, equity capital placements were primarily sourced from Japan, the United States (US), Singapore, and South Korea.

Investments were largely channeled into financial and insurance activities, manufacturing, and wholesale and retail trade.

In December 2025 alone, net inflows were recorded at $560 million, marking the lowest in three months since September 2025 at $316 million.

Robert Dan Roces, group economist at SM Investments Corp. (SMIC), said investors delayed their investments, particularly in December. He added that softer inflows likely reflect seasonality.

Looking ahead, Roces believes the ongoing military conflict in the Middle East could add a layer of uncertainty, triggering market volatility. Still, he sees a gradual rebound in 2026 on the back of improving global financial conditions.

“While the Iran conflict adds uncertainty through higher oil prices and market volatility, we still expect FDI to gradually recover in 2026, particularly in manufacturing, renewable energy (RE), and logistics, as global financial conditions ease and supply-chain diversification continues,” Roces said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines will be able to rebound strongly this year with foreign investors?

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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Muntinlupa City Government To Provide Assistance To Family Of Motorcycle Rider Killed By A Fallen Tree

March 15, 2026March 13, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, a motorcycle rider died when a tree fell down on him along National Road. As such, the City Government will provide assistance to the family of the victim and no less than Mayor Ruffy Biazon confirmed it, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Mayor Ruffy Biazon said the city government will provide assistance to the family of a motorcycle rider who was killed when a falling tree hit him on March 11.

“Lubos akong nakikiramay sa pamilya ng motorcycle rider na nasawi matapos mabagsakan ng puno sa National Rd. kagabi. Ang Pamahalaang Lungsod ng Muntinlupa ay nakikipag-ugnayan na sa kanyang pamilya para magbigay ng assistance at iba pang kinakailangang tulong sa abot ng ating makakaya (I extend my deepest condolences to the family of the motorcycle rider who died after being hit by a tree on National Rd. last night. The Muntinlupa City Government is already coordinating with his family to provide assistance and other necessary help to the best of our ability),” Biazon said.

“Kasabay nito, ongoing na rin ang masusing imbestigasyon tungkol sa insidente. Ipinag-utos ko rin ang inspection at agarang cutting o trimming ng mga puno sa mga lugar na maaaring magdulot ng panganib, para maiwasan ang kaparehong trahedya sa hinaharap. Maraming salamat din sa responders na agad tumulong para maalis ang natumbang puno (At the same time, a thorough investigation into the incident is also ongoing. I have also ordered the inspection and immediate cutting or trimming of trees in areas that may pose a danger, to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Many thanks also to the responders who immediately helped to remove the fallen tree).”

The Muntinlupa police reported that an acacia tree suddenly fell, directly hitting the northbound motorcycle rider and damaging two southbound vehicles.

The police identified the victim as Ronnie Cruz, 36, stockman, a resident of BF Homes International Village, Las Piñas. He suffered injuries and was brought to the Medical Center Muntinlupa (MCM) where he was declared dead on arrival by an attending doctor, the police said in a report.

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 satisfied with the City Government providing assistance to the family of the victim? Do you think it is time for local authorities to closely examine large trees along the major roads to determine if they will fall down soon? When was the last time a significant trimming of trees in your local community happened?

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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Muntinlupa City Mayor Writes To Maynilad Executives About Daily Water Service Interruptions

March 15, 2026March 14, 2026carlocarrasco

With Maynilad’s daily water service interruptions still going on in Muntinlupa City, Mayor Ruffy Biazon formally wrote to the executives of the water concessionaire about the problem, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Mayor Ruffy Biazon took the problem of the daily water service interruptions in Muntinlupa to the top executives of Maynilad Water Services.

Muntinlupa customers of Maynilad have been experiencing daily water service interruptions since February.

In its latest advisory, Maynilad told Muntinlupa customers, “Some areas of Brgys. Alabang, Bayanan, Poblacion, Putatan and Tunasan, Muntinlupa City may experience low to no water supply starting March 14, 2026 at 4:00 pm until March 15, 2026 at 7:00 am. This is due to sudden changes in raw water quality caused by strong winds over Laguna Lake during the Amihan season, which required operational adjustments in our treatment facilities. We are currently managing the limited supply and will restore normal service as soon as conditions improve. Mobile water tankers are being deployed in affected areas to assist customers. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.”

Biazon sent letters to Ramoncito Fernandez, Maynilad president and chief executive officer; and Christopher Jaime Lichauco, chief operating officer, telling them that “once again, Maynilad has failed its customers.”

He said that the water service interruptions have been happening despite the fact that Maynilad has two water treatment plants in Muntinlupa, located in Barangays Putatan and Poblacion.

The mayor is asking Maynilad for a meeting to explain the situation, present steps to prevent it from happening again, and give consideration to affected Muntinlupa customers.

Due to the water service interruptions, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Regulatory Office (MWSS-RO) imposed a penalty against Maynilad amounting to P42,569,790.85.

“Meanwhile, following the prolonged water service interruptions that occurred in the southern portion of the West Concession Area in February 2026, the MWSS RO conducted an investigation into the prevailing water supply conditions in the affected areas. Based on the evidence gathered, the MWSS RO found that Maynilad failed to meet its service obligation of providing an uninterrupted twenty-four (24)-hour supply of water at a minimum pressure of seven (7) pounds per square inch (psi) to 98,331 customers within the Putatan Water Treatment Plant and Poblacion Water Treatment Plant Supply Zones,” Maynilad said in a press statemetn.

It said the penalty will be implemented in the form of bill rebates equivalent to P432.92 per affected water service connection, to be reflected in customers’ water bills by April this year.

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, were you affected by the ongoing water service interruptions? If you were affected, how were you able to solve water-related problems in your household? Where do you get water 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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South Korea To Adjust Visa Incentives To Attract Foreign Talent

March 15, 2026March 10, 2026carlocarrasco

South Korea is aiming high to attract more highly skilled professionals from around the world and it will soon introduce new visa programs for technicians and sector-specific workers, according to a news report by VnExpress. For insight, South Korea has a low birth rate and a rapid aging population.

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

South Korea plans to expand eligibility for its “top-tier visa” for highly skilled foreign professionals and introduce new visa programs for technicians and sector-specific workers, part of broader efforts to address the country’s low birth rate and rapidly aging population.

Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho announced the measures at a press briefing on Tuesday, describing them as part of the government’s long-term immigration strategy looking toward the 2030s, according to Yonhap News Agency.

The top-tier visa is currently granted mainly to professionals working in eight advanced sectors, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence and robotics. Under the revised policy, eligibility will be expanded to include professors and researchers in science and technology fields.

The Justice Ministry said it developed the “2030 Immigration Policy Future Strategy” in response to declining birth rates and an aging population, as well as rapid changes in industrial and technological environments.

Authorities also plan to introduce a new visa program called the K-Core Visa (E-7-M), allowing international students graduating from Korean junior colleges to remain in the country for longer periods, The Korea Herald reported.

To address labor shortages in the care sector, the government will designate selected colleges in each region to specialize in training foreign caregivers.

The ministry also intends to launch a regional immigration package program aimed at encouraging foreign residents to live and work in areas experiencing population decline. The initiative will offer support such as employment and business information, social integration programs and childcare assistance to help foreign workers and their families settle in local communities.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the authorities in South Korea are carefully with the plans they came up with to attract more skilled foreign workers? Do you think the plan will result in a huge impact on the country’s population and demographics? Do you think South Korea has enough measures to prevent illegal immigration from happening?

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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SBMA And Leechiu Property Consultants To Advance Freeport Investments And Tourism

March 14, 2026March 9, 2026carlocarrasco

Having been to the Subic Bay Freeport Zone many times already, the former US Naval base has been a strong engine for tourism, commerce and investments for the Philippines over the decades. Each time I visited, there was also something new to discover and the economic modernization happened gradually.

In a serious bid to enhance investments and accelerate the growth of tourism, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) announced that it has teamed up with the Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC) and their officials had important talks recently.

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

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) officials met with executives of Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC) to explore collaborative initiatives to accelerate tourism growth and investment promotion here.

Led by SBMA Business and Investment Group’s Senior Deputy Administrator (SDA) Renato Lee III, discussions focused on expanding high-impact tourism segments including cruise ship tourism, wreck diving, forest trails, and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) activities.

David Lee-Chiu, CEO of Leechiu Property Consultants highlighted Subic Bay’s deep-water port and strategic location as key advantages in positioning the Freeport as a competitive cruise ship destination in Luzon.

Lee-Chiu also noted that increased cruise calls would drive growth across hospitality, retail, transport, and local enterprises.

Meanwhile, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Alino also mentioned “wreck diving” as a strong niche market, with Subic Bay’s historic shipwrecks that continue to attract both domestic and international divers.

Also discussed was the development and promotion of forest trails and eco-tourism experiences, recognizing Subic Bay Freeport’s protected forest areas as prime assets for sustainable tourism, nature-based recreation, and eco-adventure activities.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you have visited the Subic Bay Freeport Zone over the past three months, how was your stay and did you find the place worth revisiting? Do you think the SBMA can still achieve so much more in terms of tourism growth and 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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