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Philippines Seeking US Tariff Exemptions For Agricultural Commodities, Electronics and More

August 31, 2025August 30, 2025carlocarrasco

Remember the big meeting between United States President Donald Trump and Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., over a month ago? A 19% tariff by America on Philippine goods was set and now the government of the Philippines is seeking exemptions specifically for exports of agricultural commodities, electronics, vehicle tires, bags and aircraft parts, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

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

THE PHILIPPINES is asking the US to exempt exports of agricultural products and other goods from the 19% tariff imposed by US President Donald J. Trump, a Trade official said on Thursday.

Trade Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty said the government is seeking US tariff exemptions for exports of agricultural commodities, electronics, vehicle tires, bags and aircraft parts.

“We submitted a list of products we asked the US to exempt from the imposed tariff rates, because these are key and complementary items. And some of them, in fact, are not even produced or manufactured there (in the US),” he told senators at a Senate briefing on the tariff set by Washington on Philippine exports.

“The immediate need right now is we want to negotiate for an exemption, because we want to protect our industries whose main export market is the US,” he added.

The US began imposing a 19% tariff on Philippine goods starting Aug. 7.

“We already submitted to the US the products that should be exempted from the reciprocal tariffs,” he said.

Mr. Gepty said about 23% of the country’s total exports to the US are exempted from the 19% tariff.

In June, the United States was the top destination for Philippine-made goods amounting to $1.22 billion, 35.2% higher from the same month a year ago. Around 53% of the Philippines’ total exports to the US were semiconductors and electronics, Mr. Gepty said.

The US has yet to set new global tariffs for semiconductors and pharmaceuticals. Mr. Trump had earlier said he plans to announce higher tariffs on imports of semiconductors, but companies that plan to build manufacturing facilities in the US would be exempted.

“Ninety-nine percent of our semiconductors as of now are still exempted, there’s still no problem” he said. “If the 100% continues, that’s a big problem,” he added.

Mr. Gepty said most of the semiconductors are made by US companies in the Philippines and exported to the US. He noted the higher tariffs would pose problems for the US supply chain, particularly for its defense industry.

Meanwhile, the Philippines has not formally granted zero tariffs on US products, as negotiations over a reciprocal trade agreement remain ongoing, he said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to the recent developments? Do you think the Philippines will succeed in getting an exemption from the Trump tariff on key exports?

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

Muntinlupa City Government Prohibits Names and Images of Local Officials on Projects and Programs

August 30, 2025August 21, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government approved a key ordinance that specifically prohibits putting the names and photos of local officials on local programs and projects of the government, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Muntinlupa City government has passed an ordinance that prohibits putting names and photos of local officials on government-funded infrastructures, programs, and projects.

Ordinance No. 2025-004, also known as the “Anti-Epal Ordinance of Muntinlupa City,” will prohibit the “marking or installation of identifiers such as names, initials, aliases, insignias, logos, images of incumbent government officials on infrastructure, programs, or projects funded by government appropriations.”

It was signed by Mayor Ruffy Biazon after the measure was passed by the Muntinlupa City Council.

One basis of the ordinance is a 2010 memorandum of the Department of the Interior and Local Government that banned the names, initials or photos of government officials on billboards and signages of government programs and properties.

“Elected and appointed government officials have engaged in the practice of displaying their names, logos, insignias, and even photographs on government-funded projects and programs facilitated by their office and administration during their term. In reality, such projects are fully funded by taxes collected from the Filipino people, making this act clearly contrary to the law,” the ordinance noted.

It added, “the City Government of Muntinlupa firmly upholds the principle that all government programs and projects are funded by public money and must not be used as platforms for self-promotion or political propaganda by any public official, and asserts that such acts undermine the integrity of public service and mislead the people.”

Under the ordinance, government officials refer to “any person, appointed or elected to government service at the city or barangay level, whose office is given the authority, privilege or right to identify, administer, implement, coordinate or propose a government program or projects.”

Government project, as used in the ordinance, refers “to all current and future government infrastructure, engineering works and service contracts, and other related and necessary activities such as site acquisition, supply and/or installation of equipment and materials, implementation, construction, completion, operation, maintenance, improvement, repair and rehabilitation, funded from local sources.”

Government program refers to “all current and future government projects providing the delivery of any basic or special services, falling under all programs of social outreach and services, anti-poverty measures, educational, infrastructure, livelihood, and all Other programs that utilize government funding and resources for the provision of giving any tangible or intangible support to the citizenry, and other related and necessary activities or all Muntinlupenos.”

Public works include “the construction, improvement, rehabilitation, repair, restoration, or maintenance of sidewalks, walkways, roads and bridges, irrigation, flood control and drainage, water supply, sanitation, sewerage and solid waste management systems, shore protection, school buildings, hospital buildings, public buildings, public parks, sports facilities, waiting sheds, and lamp posts, which are funded, wholly or partly, through public funds expended by the local government.”

Prohibited acts under the ordinance include “naming after or marking with the initials, alias, insignia, logo, or image of an incumbent elected local government official on government projects or programs funded by public funds; affixing, or causing to be affixed, the name, initials, alias, insignia, logo, or image of any incumbent local government official to a signage announcing a proposed, on-going, or existing public works project funded through government appropriations;” and “installing, or causing to be installed, signage/s announcing the maintenance, rehabilitation, and/or construction of public works crediting any incumbent local elected government official, or bearing his or her name, initials, alias, insignia, logo, or image for the maintenance, rehabilitation, and construction of such public works funded by public funds.”

Also prohibited are “attaching any stickers that contains the name, initials, alias, insignia, logo, or image to property owned or items given away by the city government and barangays that were bought using public funds including but not limited to vehicles, relief goods, supplies, equipment and the like; and putting the image or picture of local officials in business license plates and permits.”

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 glad that the City Government approved the anti epal ordinance? Do you think the approved new ordinance will make Muntinlupa a shining example for other cities dealing with pride and vanity of local officials on projects, programs and infrastructure?

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

What to watch on YouTube right now – Part 97

August 29, 2025August 23, 2025carlocarrasco

Welcome back my readers, YouTube viewers and all others who followed this series of articles focused on YouTube videos worth watching. Have you been searching for something fun or interesting to watch on YouTube? Do you feel bored right now and you crave for something to see on the world’s most popular online video destination?

I recommend you check out the following videos I found.

#1 Very In-Depth Retrospective about Saints Row (2006) – Back in 2006, I bought my Xbox 360 console and one of the very first games I bought for it was the original Saints Row. The game exceeded my expectations for a fun-filled open-world experience and in some creative ways, it was more entertaining than the Grand Theft Auto (GTA) games available at the time. Recently, I found what is very clearly the most in-depth and most analytical retrospective video about the game which you must watch now.

#2 The Night Donald Trump Destroyed Hillary Clinton With His Al Smith Dinner Speech – Remember the Al Smith Dinner event of 2016? Al Smith Dinner is the annual white tie dinner held in New York City to raise funds for Catholic charities and it has the notable tradition of having US Presidential candidates as guests every four years. The 2016 edition of the dinner was very memorable because of what Donald Trump said about the wicked Hillary Clinton. Trump’s line of Clinton “pretending not to hate Catholics” drew a lot of reactions and was magnified by the mainstream news media. There is a lot more to be discovered in the video from MAGAMark below.

#3 The Sixth Sense Revisited – When it was first released in cinemas in 1999, The Sixth Sense generated a tremendous amount of word-of-mouth reactions and discussions among local moviegoers. This was because of the twist ending, M. Night Shyamalan’s directing, the intense combination of suspense and fright, and the memorable acting between Bruce Willis and Haley Joel Osment. It’s not surprising that The Sixth Sense became a popular choice of film for YouTubers to make videos of and you can enjoy watching the selected videos below.

#4 Gradius III Revisited – While I played a lot of video games released by Konami, I never ever got to play Gradius III in the arcade nor on game console. Back in the early 1990s, I remember seeing boxes of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) version of Gradius III displayed in local game stores but I did not have the money to purchase it. None of my neighbors (with SNES consoles in their respective homes) had it. Eventually, I saw some YouTube videos focused on the old game and you can enjoy watching them below.

#5 Okonomiyaki in Japan – I enjoy eating Okonomiyaki which is a Japanese teppanyaki savory pancake dish consisting of wheat flour batter and other ingredients. In my experience, I have not toured Japan for a very long time and there are lots of places there that cook and serve Okonomiyaki to customers. If you want to see what Okonomiyaki looks like and hot it is cooked, watch the selected videos below.

#6 Entitled Illegal Immigrants – Is your local community still literally flooded with illegal immigrants? There is no doubt that crime is connected with illegal immigration and there are even illegal immigrants who believe they are entitled and cannot be held accountable for wrongdoing. You can see why and learn more by watching the video below.

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Five Suspects Arrested and Illegal Drugs Worth Over P3 Million Seized in Parañaque City

August 29, 2025August 20, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Parañaque, local police officers arrested five people and seized more than P3 million worth of illegal drugs as a result of a successful buy-bust operation, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

Five suspects, including two high-value individuals (HVIs), were arrested in anti-drug operations in Parañaque City early Tuesday, with authorities confiscating PHP3.2 million worth of suspected illegal drugs.

In a statement, Southern Police District (SPD) acting director Brig. Gen. Randy Arceo said alias Christian, 28, and Symon, 29, both HVIs; along with Renmer, 26, Jackylyn, 21, and Christine, 26, all classified as street-level individuals (SLI), were arrested during a buy-bust operation inside a condominium unit at Pacific Coast Plaza in Barangay Tambo around 5:10 a.m.

Arceo said SPD operatives seized from the suspects 200 grams of suspected ketamine valued at PHP1.1 million; 1,000 grams of suspected marijuana kush worth PHP700,000; 500 grams of suspected dried marijuana leaves valued at PHP60,000; and 791 pieces of suspected ecstasy tablets with an estimated worth of PHP1.34 million, for a total street value of PHP3.20 million.

Also recovered were the PHP2,000 buy-bust money, a weighing scale, a storage box, and a cellular phone believed to have been used in the drug trade.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin Aberin underscored the determination of the police force to combat the proliferation of illegal drugs.

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 illegal drugs could be flowing into your local community? Do you think crime involving illegal drugs have been worsening in 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.

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Street Sweepers Get Free Medical Checkup in Las Piñas City

August 28, 2025August 21, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government conducted the screening and health checkup for street sweepers in order to keep them capable of doing their jobs, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Mayor April Aguilar was present during the activity.

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

The city government of Las Piñas conducted screening and an annual checkup for members of Kaagapay street sweepers to keep them healthy while maintaining cleanliness and order around the city.

Las Piñas City Mayor April Aguilar said the annual checkup for the street sweepers is part of the city government’s commitment to give them better health care, especially the elderly and those with limited access to medical services.

Aguilar was present during the medical checkup and was joined by City Environment and Natural Resource Office (CENRO) head Engr. Cesar Perillo and City Health Office (CHO) head Dr. Julie Gonzalez.

She said Kaagapay members were given free medical consultations, laboratory tests, and dental check-ups to help them save on health expenses and provide them with timely medical advice.

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 glad the City Government is helping the local street sweepers with health-related assistance?

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 Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Sector and Government React To Keep Call Centers in America Act of 2025

August 28, 2025August 27, 2025carlocarrasco

It is not surprising that both the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector of the Philippines and the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) reacted to the filing of the Keep Call Centers in America Act of 2025 which was filed in the United States Senate, as reported separately by BusinessWorld, BusinessMirror and the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

For the newcomers reading this, the Philippines BPO sector (sometimes referred to simply as the call center industry even though many local firms have gone beyond taking calls) is now a major part of the national economy with more than 1.7 million Filipinos employed, $35 billion in annual export revenues and the United States of America (USA) alone is the single largest market with 2024 export revenues reported at $25 billion (reported by BusinessMirror).

In the Filipino perspective, call centers are very important because they offer a lot of high-paying jobs for Filipinos who badly need employment. The so-called call center effect on local society and economics includes new stores and food vendors opening up nearby, the opening of new convenience stores operating 24/7, the established restaurants nearby serving customers around-the-clock, and the opening of new branches of banks. Of course, the income Filipinos earned from their BPO jobs enabled them to acquire new things, pay their bills, subscribed to digital services, and move into better residences while helping their families make ends meet.

Having been a call center agent myself a very long time ago, I have witnessed such socio-economic developments happen whenever a call center is present and I was in Cebu province.

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

Diversification will help cushion the possible impact of the proposed “Keep Call Centers in America Act,” aimed to protect local jobs by removing federal grants to companies that have call centers outside the United States.

The business process outsourcing (BPO) industry contributes a big part to the Philippine economy, with employment of around 1.4 million in 2024 and revenues of about USD38 billion. Around 70 percent of clients are based in the US.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque said there are no discussions yet with officials of the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) but expressed openness to talk about possible measures to help the sector.

“But for us, (the) DTI, of course, we’ll continue to help the IT-BPO (and) IBPAP businesses in whatever they need from us. Of course, we’ll assist the same way we’ve assisted in the past,” she said.

“We can’t just look at the US as the only market. The world is the market. If you look at their population as compared to the world, it will show you that we should really find other avenues to explore.”

Next, the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) confirmed it is still evaluating the potential impact of the Keep Call Centers in America Act of 2025. For insight, posted below is an excerpt from the BusinessWorld report. Some parts in boldface…

THE IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) said it is still evaluating the potential impact of the proposed Keep Call Centers in America act.

“It talks about US call centers so I really do not know who that will affect with the way that it is worded,” IBPAP President and Chief Executive Officer Jonathan R. Madrid said on the sidelines of an ECCP AI Forum.

“We need to understand it a little bit more. I think I know what their intention is. But I don’t know the likelihood of this passing. Obviously it is something we are monitoring, and with the way that it is worded, we need to study it more,” he added.

Introduced in the US Senate last month, the bill aims to impose restrictions on US firms outsourcing their call center operations.

In particular, the bill, if signed into law, will render employers outsource call center work overseas ineligible for new federal grants or guaranteed loans.

“I am speaking to the American Chamber of Commerce; we are discussing it and we will see. But we are all aligned on how we will manage this,” he said.

“While the bill is still in the early stages of the legislative process, we remain committed to keeping our stakeholders informed, providing timely guidance, and ensuring that the Philippine IT-BPM industry is well-positioned to adapt and thrive in a changing regulatory environment,” he said.

Philippine Institute for Development Studies Senior Research Fellow John Paolo R. Rivera said that the proposed bill poses a “clear risk to the Philippine IT-BPM industry, especially in the call center segment.”

“By restricting access to US federal grants, contracts, and loans for companies that offshore customer service jobs or do not properly disclose them, the bill raises the regulatory and reputational costs for offshore operations,” he said via Viber .

He said the Philippine industry has been evolving beyond voice-based call centers, which are less exposed to call center-specific legislation.

“We now see strong growth in high-value services such as finance, healthcare information management, legal process outsourcing, software development, and data analytics,” he said.

With the US Senate’s proposal to bring back call centers to the US, he said that the Philippines must continue to move up the value chain to reduce exposure to such policies.

“While the bill underscores vulnerabilities in our call center export model, it also reinforces the importance of accelerating investment in high-value, tech-enabled services where the Philippines can maintain global competitiveness,” he added.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said the bill could be “a potential drag on future growth of the industry.”

For this year, the IT-BPM industry is expected to generate $40 billion in export revenue and increase its workforce to 1.9 million.

To examine the details of the Keep Call Centers in America Act of 2025, click here and here.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to the recent developments? Do you think the IT-BPM sector of the Philippines has what it takes to protect itself from whatever effects the Keep Call Centers in America Act of 2025 could create if ever it gets signed into law? Do you personally know anyone who is working in a BPO firm or a call center here in the Philippines? What kind of assistance do you think the national government will offer to the IT-BPM sector? Do you think the existing call centers should search for English-speaking clients in England, Ireland, Scotland, Israel and the like?

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 Department of Tourism Condemns Fatal Shooting of Two Japanese Nationals

August 27, 2025August 19, 2025carlocarrasco

As the Philippines continues to experience difficulty attracting foreign tourists, a tragedy struck two Japanese nationals in the City of Manila which led to the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) condemnation of the fatal shooting committed by motorcycle-riding assailants, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

For the newcomers reading this, Japan accounted for 444,528 visitors in the Philippines for the year 2024 which was a huge growth over the 2023 numbers.

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

The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Tuesday strongly condemned the fatal shooting of two Japanese nationals in Manila.

In a statement, the agency extended its sympathies to the families and called on law enforcement agencies to conduct a “swift and thorough” investigation into the incident.

“Tourism, a vital pillar of livelihood for millions of Filipinos, heavily depends on creating and maintaining conditions of peace, safety, and security,” the statement read.

“We note with deep concern that recent events have already prompted advisories from foreign embassies in the country’s top visitor source markets, which could adversely affect tourist confidence and the Philippines’ image as a safe and welcoming destination,” it added.

The DOT is working with relevant agencies, including local governments and stakeholders, to reinforce security measures for visiting foreigners.

“[T]he Department also continues to coordinate with its Regional Offices, local government units, and tourism stakeholders to reinforce protective measures, reassure foreign and domestic visitors, and safeguard the tourism industry that sustains so many Filipino families,” it said.

The two Japanese were shot by motorcycle-riding assailants while exiting a taxi along Malvar Street in Manila on Aug. 15.

The Manila Police District on Monday said one suspect has been taken into custody while another person of interest has been identified in connection with the robbery with homicide.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the fatal shooting of the two Japanese nationals in Manila is already heavily damaging the Philippines’ standing as a tourist destination? Do you think that people in Japan are already turned off by the tragedy of August 15?

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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Handheld Radio Units Turned Over to Las Piñas City Barangays

August 26, 2025August 16, 2025carlocarrasco

In preparation for emergency situations, the City Government of Las Piñas – specifically their Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) – released handheld one hundred radio units to all twenty barangays, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The turnover of the units was done at City Hall in the presence of Mayor April Aguilar and Vice Mayor Imelda Aguilar.

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

The Las Piñas Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) has distributed a total of 100 handheld radios to the city’s 20 barangays to enable faster communication during emergencies.

Las Piñas City Mayor April Aguilar led the turnover ceremony, during which each barangay received five units of the communication equipment.

Aguilar said the distribution of handheld radios is part of the DRRMO’s initiative to enhance communication and ensure swift response during emergency situations.

She added that the equipment will help each barangay strengthen its preparedness and improve rapid response to disasters, accidents, and other incidents requiring immediate action.

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? Do you think the City Government is doing enough to prepare local child development centers for emergency situations?

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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Parañaque Online Scam Hub Raided By CIDG, 14 Suspects Apprehended

August 26, 2025August 17, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Parañaque, operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) successfully raided an online scam hub, seized several pieces of equipment and arrested fourteen suspects, 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…

Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested 14 people, including a female foreigner, following a raid in an online scam hub in Parañaque City.

CIDG director Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano said the operation also resulted in the rescue of a minor who was hired as one of the scammers in what he called ” online task job scam”.

“This underscores our unyielding fight against trafficking in persons, child abuse, and cybercrimes. With this, we significantly prevented future ‘online task job scam’ from happening,” he said.

Abrahano explained that the modus of the syndicate is to operate through the online messaging application “Telegram” where the suspects/scammers send links to their intended victims. Each suspect, he said, is assigned to 600 Telegram accounts to contact potential victims.

The CIDG chief said that once the link is accessed, the victims are directed to a so-called “task job,” which assigns simple online tasks such as liking the pages of hotel packages. After the completion of these tasks, the victims are instructed to open a Binance account – cryptocurrency account.

After creating the account, Abrahano said the scammers would require the victims to deposit funds into it. The victims are subsequently directed to transfer the deposited funds into a Binance account allegedly managed by the arrested Chinese manager.

“The scammers/suspects will lure victims that the transferred money will generate profit or accrue interest, promising continuous growth of the investment,” said Abrahano.

This misrepresentation forms the basis of the fraudulent scheme, ultimately leading to financial loss on the part of the victims,” he added.

During the raid in Barangay Tambo, CIDG operatives seized 70 desktop computers, cellular phones, computer peripherals, vault, dormitory pass IDs, and passports. They also discovered cryptocurrency account numbers.

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 there could still be a lot more online scam hubs operating secretly within the city? Do you think scamming in Parañaque will only get worse in 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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A Look Back at What If #33 (1982)

August 25, 2025August 19, 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, 1980s arts and culture enthusiasts, Marvel Comics fans and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1982 to examine alternate stories of the Marvel Comics shared universe chronicled through the original What If monthly series.

Back in the early 1980s, Dazzler quickly became popular among comic book readers and a standalone monthly series was launched no so long after her debut in Uncanny X-Men #130. Earl on in her monthly series, Dazzler eventually encountered Galactus (the classic nemesis of the Fantastic Four) in a wild tale involving the galaxy. On the other hand, Marvel Comics published a wild tale of the conflict of Iron Man and Dr. Doom (also the nemesis of the Fantastic Four) involving time travel and the presence of King Arthur in Iron Man #150. Eventually, Marvel decided to make alternate tales of the mentioned stories of Dazzler and Iron Man and publish them through an issue of What If.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at What If #33, published in 1982 by Marvel Comics with a Dazzler story written by Dan Fingeroth and drawn by Mike Vosburg, and the Iron Man story written by Steven Grant and drawn by Don Perlin.

Early story

What if Dazzler had become the herald of Galactus? – The story begins with Dazzler standing in the presence of Galactus, Terrax and Drone R-II. After Galactus renders his judgment on Terrax by banishing him to the depths of a black hole, he tells Dazzler she has proven herself worthy to become his new herald. As Drone R-II reminded his superior of the fact that previous heralds were forced to leave service due to their own moral codes and added that Dazzler will do the same, she questions them and stated that she does not belong in deep space and wants to go home. Galactus tells her that Earth is a planet he has sworn to devour and by becoming his herald, he will perhaps spare her home world. Dazzler finds herself cornered and reluctantly joins Galactus as his new herald. Immediately, Galactus sends her out to deep space for her first task…

What if Iron Man had been trapped in King Arthur’s time? – The story begins in the past wherein Doctor Doom and Iron Man found themselves during the time of King Arthur. After separating themselves by taking different sides – Iron Man with King Arthur and Doom with Morgana LeFay – they decide to set their differences aside for the common goal of creating a crude time machine to return to the future. Instead, Doom takes advantage of the time machine by shocking Iron Man and leaving him behind in the past. With Doom back in the future, Iron Man struggles moving on the ground only to encounter Morgana LeFay. Believing that there is no pleasure in breaking a helpless man, Morgana spares Iron Man and tells him to return to King Arthur with her pledge…

Quality

*After doing advanced work, Dazzler can only watch and witness the loss of life as her master Galactus consumes the planet.*

I can start with the good news for you all…the two featured stories in this What If comic book are great to read from start to finish!

With the Dazzler tale, I enjoyed how Danny Fingeroth told the alternate reality story of the dazzling heroine becoming Galactus’ herald and working immediately to serve him. Not only does Dazzler carried tremendous powers she did not have before, she was able to quickly travel through deep space and visit planets that are suitable for her master’s consumption. Even as she wielded tremendous power, Dazzler still retains her conscience and does some analyzing of situations.

Of course, she still retained her human nature throughout and there are moments when she felt defeated or shocked which alone made her a questionable herald. Galactus himself is pretty much in character in this tale and it is very engaging to see how his actions impact not only the beings of the cosmic realm of the Marvel universe but also on Dazzler herself. Without spoiling the plot, I can say the ending is captivating and truly is worth the build-up.

*The stranded Iron Man makes an impact on a battle favoring King Arthur.*

Regarding the Iron Man tale, the creative team came up with the concept of having the armored superhero actually stranded in time (left behind by Doctor Doom) and getting burdened by many factors. With Doom gone early in the plot, this effectively made Iron Man the main focus and his involvement in the conflict between King Arthur and Morgana really raised the stakes.

Not only does Iron Man have to deal with conflicts, he also became vulnerable as the era of King Arthur had very low forms of technology which made the superhero’s desire to return to the future an effort against the impossible. As the story went on, Iron Man makes impact on the conflicts between the forces of King Arthur and Morgana and the good news here is that the creative duo of Steve Grant and Don Perlin made it all believable and serious to follow.

Conclusion

*Tony Stark struggles initially with being stranded in the past.*

I can say that What If #33 (1982) is a great read! The respective tales of Dazzler and Iron Man are captivating, intriguing and enjoyable to read. The creative teams of each story succeeded in building up their respective concepts, moved the established superhero to daring creative directions, and delivered powerful conclusions. This issue of the old What If series has to read as it is a true escape from reality!

Overall, What If #33 (1982) is highly recommended!

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