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Philippines Lowers Economic Growth Target Amid Global Uncertainty

July 2, 2025June 27, 2025carlocarrasco

As there are more signs of weakness and uncertainty, the economic managers of the Philippines officially lowered their economic growth target this year, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

Economic managers on Thursday revised the economic growth target for this year amid mounting global uncertainties.

At a briefing after the 191st Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) meeting, Budget Secretary and DBCC Chair Amenah Pangandaman said the economic growth assumption for 2025 was revised downward to 5.5 to 6.5 percent from the previous 6 to 8 percent.

For 2026 to 2028, the Philippine economy is projected to expand by 6 to 7 percent, reflecting a more cautious and resilient economic outlook amid global headwinds.

“The revisions take into account heightened global uncertainties, such as the unforeseen escalation of tensions in the Middle East and the imposition of U.S. tariffs,” Pangandaman said.

She said that despite these challenges, the DBCC remains “vigilant and ready to deploy timely and targeted measures” to mitigate their potential impact on the Philippine economy.

The budget chief said the country continues to be one of the fastest-growing economies in ASEAN driven by robust domestic demand.

To maintain this momentum, she highlighted the administration’s focus on structural reforms, including the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act and the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code, both designed to enhance the country’s trade and investment competitiveness.

Pangandaman said the government will also pursue the approval and implementation of other reforms recently ratified by Congress, such as the Liberalizing the Lease of Private Lands by Foreign Investors Act, Enhanced Fiscal Regime for Large-Scale Metallic Mining Act, Accelerated and Reformed Right-of-Way (ARROW) Act, and Konektadong Pinoy Act.

The DBCC also revisited the medium-term macroeconomic assumptions to take into consideration recent global and domestic developments.

The inflation assumption for this year was cut to 2 to 3 percent from the previous 2 to 4 percent. For 2026 to 2028, the inflation assumption was retained at 2 to 4 percent.

For 2025 to 2028, crude oil price assumptions were reduced to USD60 to USD70 per barrel from USD60 to 80 per barrel, despite escalating geopolitical tensions.

The foreign exchange rate is assumed to remain stable, averaging at PHP56 to PHP58 per US dollar from 2025 through 2028, supported by lower domestic inflation.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the economy of the Philippines is lacking momentum to achieve 6% growth this year? Do you think that inflation and unemployment will eventually rise before the year ends? Are you convinced that foreign investors are staying away from the Philippines?

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

BSP Calls for Anti-Counterfeiting Campaigns in Malls, Supermarkets and Wet Markets

July 1, 2025June 26, 2025carlocarrasco

Counterfeiting of money is a hot issue right now in the Philippines as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) called for targeted anti-counterfeiting campaigns in specific places of trade and commerce, according to a business news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is calling for targeted anti-counterfeiting campaigns in shopping malls, supermarkets, and wet markets after these locations emerged as the main sources of fake banknotes and coins recovered last year.

Data from the 2024 BSP annual report published in June showed that counterfeits were “frequently recovered in areas with high foot traffic, such as shopping malls (27.2 percent), supermarkets (25.9 percent), and wet markets (20.9 percent).”

“This highlights the need for targeted anti-counterfeiting campaigns in these areas,” the report said.

According to the central bank report, the ₱1,000 paper banknote was the most counterfeited bill, accounting for 59.9 percent or the majority of documented counterfeits last year. The ₱500 paper banknote was the second-most counterfeited bill at 19.3 percent.

Notably, there were a very low number of cases of counterfeit ₱1,000 polymer banknotes. Recording only three “low-quality” counterfeits in 2024, the BSP noted that the three-year-old ₱1,000 polymer banknote has shown “resilience” against counterfeiting.

“These counterfeit polymer banknotes were printed on paper, with the transparent portions cut out and substituted with substandard plastic, making them easily detectable by the public,” the BSP said.

Fake coins also dropped significantly by 87.8 percent last year, noting that there were fewer than one fake coin for every one million real coins in circulation. Most counterfeit coins were leftovers from previous years, mostly five-peso coins from the BSP coin series.

The BSP attributed this substantial decline in counterfeited banknotes and coins to the “enhanced security features of the New Generation Currency (NGC), including the micro-printed details and laser-engraved designs.”

These added features made it more challenging for fraudsters to copy and reproduce the currencies, the BSP said.

Most counterfeiting involved inkjet printing, accounting for 79.7 percent of the recorded cases. Laser printing was next at 12.6 percent, while tampered security threads accounted for 7.6 percent.

When it comes to location, most fake currencies were found in Metro Manila, at 52.2 percent, followed by the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon (collectively known as CALABARZON), at 12.2 percent.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think counterfeiting in the Philippines will get worse over the next twelve months? Do you think the local supermarket, wet market or shopping mall are hot spots of fake banknotes and coins? Who do you think is responsible for the rise of counterfeit money? Do you think the BSP’s research about counterfeiting is accurate?

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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Construction worker arrested in Parañaque City for stabbing a waiter

July 1, 2025June 26, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, local law enforcers arrested a construction worker for stabbing and wounding a waiter of a restaurant bar, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

A construction worker was arrested by the combined team from the Paranaque City Police and the Southern Police District Mobile Force Battalion for stabbing and seriously wounding a restaurant bar waiter.

The suspect, identified as Eric, 41, was arrested by the authorities a few meters away from a restaurant bar in Barangay Baclaran at around 10:40 p.m.

The victim was identified as Alex, 42. He suffered a stab wound in the body and was immediately brought to the Ospital ng Maynila for treatment.

The police who immediately responded after receiving the report spotted the suspect walking with blood stains on his shirt and holding a 12-inch kitchen knife.

The suspect was positively identified by a witness, Joemer, 44, as the one who stabbed and seriously wounded Alex after a heated argument.

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 have the feeling that violent crime will become more rampant over the next six months?

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

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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

Bureau of Immigration Files Deportation Charges Against Three Foreigners Who Pretended to be Filipinos

June 30, 2025June 25, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently the Bureau of Immigration (BI) formally filed deportation charges against three foreigners for misrepresenting themselves as Filipino citizens during their time working in the country, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) filed deportation cases against three foreigners who allegedly misrepresented themselves as Filipinos while working in the country.

On Tuesday, BI Deputy Spokesperson Melvin Mabulac said this developed after immigration officials nabbed three foreigners aged 46, 41 and 34, in Zamboanga del Sur on June 16 for allegedly pretending to be Filipinos.

Mabulac said the foreigners were engaged in legitimate businesses in the province. However, they were using alleged fake government-issued documents in identifying themselves.

“Ang Immigration ay nag-file ng deportation case sa mga dayuhang ito para sila ay ma-deport,” he told state-run PTV’s “Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon”.

(The BI has filed deportation cases against the foreigners.)

“Pero sa ating pag-deport, kung may pananagutan sila sa criminal case, they have first be accountable sa ibang kaso,” Mabulac added.

(But before we deport them, they should be held accountable to any criminal cases they are possibly facing.)

According to the BI, one of the foreigners was apprehended in the town of Dumalinao and was discovered to be allegedly operating a coconut charcoal business without a proper permit and visa since 2022.

Another suspect was found working without a permit in the same business. He allegedly managed the aforementioned business, was found to be misrepresenting himself as a Filipino and possessed a Philippine driver’s license indicating his nationality as such.

The BI likewise apprehended a 41-year old foreigner who was found manning a cellphone store. Found in his possession was a Driver’s License indicating his nationality as Filipino.

“Nakakabahala kasi if we go into the previous cases, nakikita natin once nahuli na mayroong silang mga dokumento na government-issued. Nakakabahala ito kaya ang ating national security agencies, tulong-tulong tayo,” Mabulac added.

(These incidents are causes for concern because if we go into the previous cases, we see that they have government-issued documents. We are working with national security agencies to address this.)

Meanwhile, the BI warned of possible charges against Filipinos who will assist foreigners in acquiring fraudulent government documents.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you concerned that there could be more foreigners pretending to be Filipino citizens using fake documents? Do you consider this development a huge national security concern?

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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10 More Medicines Now VAT-Exempt in the Philippines

June 28, 2025June 23, 2025carlocarrasco

Some good news for Filipinos struggling with buy medicine for their respective health-related needs. The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) officially announced that ten more medicines are exempted from the value-added tax (VAT), according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said 10 more medicines for cancer, high cholesterol, hypertension, and mental illness are now exempted from value-added tax (VAT).

In a statement on Monday, the BIR said Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. issued Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 62-2025 on June 20 further expanding the list of VAT-exempt medicines.

The BIR said these changes aim to enhance access to critical medications by reducing treatment costs for patients and their families.

Some medicines on the list are Tegafur + Gimeracil + Oteracil Potassium for cancer, Metformin Hydrochloride + Teneligliptin for diabetes, Atorvastatin (as calcium) + Fenobribrate for high cholesterol, Metoprolol tartrate + Ivabradine (as hydrochloride) for hypertension, and Lamotrigine for mental illness.

The VAT exemption, pursuant to Republic Act No. 10963, or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law, and Republic Act No. 11534, or the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act, is intended to be responsive and adaptive to current public health needs, guided by the latest evaluations from the Food and Drug Administration.

“The BIR has issued an additional VAT-exemption of 10 medicines for cancer, diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, and mental illness,” Lumagui said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are on medication, does this new development from the BIR look helpful to you?

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 Action Comics #481 (1978)

June 27, 2025June 24, 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, 1970s arts and culture enthusiasts, DC Comics fans and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1978 to take a close look at a part of the DC Comics universe through a tale of the Action Comics monthly series.

Believe it or not, there were times when Superman used advanced technology and machinery to achieve his goals, to win a battle or at least survive. This is something we people today can relate with since a lot us have smartphones and computers being used daily. As for the Man of Steel, there was a time when I saw an episode of Super Friends on TV in which a very vulnerable Superman had no choice but to use his personal flying vehicle called the Supermobile to travel and do something. It turns out, the Supermobile itself started in comic books.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at Action Comics #481, published in 1978 by DC Comics with a story written by Cary Bates and drawn by Curt Swan.

Early story

The story begins on a city street as Amazo (who recently gained the powers of Justice League members in a previous encounter) is about to strike a weakened Superman and Professor Ivo (who is responsible for Amazo) in front of many people. Amazo strikes but ends up smashing the part of the road as his targets vanished.

It turns out Superman and the professor were teleported safely all the way into the Fortress of Solitude. With his powers gone due to red radiation, Superman revealed that he made some preparations in relation to Amazo’s eventual rampage….

Quality

*Exposition about the Supermobile in this page showing the trapped Justice League members.*

This early, I want to point out that this comic book is not merely a shallow tale designed to introduce the Supermobile in lazy fashion. In fact, there is a lot of work done by the Bates-Swan duo here and this includes plot build-up backed with payoffs, lots of details that were revealed and, most notably, the story has a solid structure complete with smooth execution.

This story was preceded by an unfortunate series of events in which Amazo gained the powers of the Justice League members and had them trapped in space, while Superman got hit by red radiation and managed to get out for a new fighting chance. Here, Superman is powerless and vulnerable, and the fact that Amazo is so powerful, the unveiling and use of the Supermobile is clearly justified. Amazo himself is a fine example of a scientific creation gone wrong and seem inspired by the monster of Frankenstein in literature.

By looking close at the details, the dialogue and the execution of event, this is clearly not a rushed job to introduce the Supermobile. It is a sufficient story on its own and it even delivers a good amount of superhero spectacle to satisfy readers.

Conclusion

*Superman and the professor inside the Fortress of Solitude.*

Action Comics #481 (1978) is indeed a satisfying and fun read. The build-up leading to the Supermobile’s debut is sufficient and the creators went on to keep building up the plot with Amazo getting bigger as a threat to not only against Superman but also against the Justice League. The Supermobile’s debut is justified and definitely it is not a cheap addition to the plot. The idea of Superman using a personal transport looked silly on face value but this comic book proved it is believable and sensible.

Overall, Action Comics #481 (1978) is recommended.

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High-value suspect arrested in Parañaque City

June 27, 2025June 22, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, a buy-bust operation successfully organized by the local police resulted in the arrest of a high-value suspect and the seizure of illegal drugs worth more than half a million Pesos, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Police arrested a suspected high-value drug personality and seized P544,000 worth of shabu during a buy-bust operation in Parañaque City on Wednesday, June 19.

The Southern Police District (SPD) said the suspect, identified only as Jose, 21, was arrested at around 9:00 p.m. in Barangay San Isidro by operatives of the Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU).

Police said the operation stemmed from reports by concerned residents about the suspect’s alleged involvement in illegal drug activities.

Confiscated from the suspect were 80 grams of shabu valued at P544,000, a black backpack, a cellphone used in illegal drug transactions, and P1,000 in marked buy-bust money. The seized drugs were turned over to the SPD Forensic Unit for laboratory examination.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you think that the smuggling and selling of illegal drugs in the city will get worse over the next six months?

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

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Las Piñas City Mayor-elect Aguilar and incoming Congressman Santos attend ERPAT-Pilar gathering

June 26, 2025June 26, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the Empowerment and Reaffirmation of Paternal Abilities (ERPAT) Pilar Chapter had its gathering of members and Mayor-elect April Aguilar and incoming Congressman Mark Santos joined in as guests, the City Government announced via social media.

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

The Empowerment and Reaffirmation of Paternal Abilities (ERPAT) Pilar Chapter held its General Assembly on Sunday, June 15, in Pilar. The gathering brought together members of ERPAT for a day of fellowship, updates on organizational initiatives, and formal recognition of outstanding contributions to the group’s advocacy.

Mayor-elect April Aguilar and Congressman-elect Mark Anthony Santos joined the assembly and expressed their appreciation for the continued efforts of ERPAT in promoting responsible fatherhood and active community participation. In her message, Mayor-elect Aguilar commended the group for its unity and commitment to family-centered programs, particularly at the grassroots level.

One of the highlights of the event was the awarding of certificates to selected members who have shown exceptional support and service to the organization and active involvement in ERPAT initiatives.

The ERPAT organization continues to serve as a strong partner of the local government in advocating paternal responsibility, community building, and family welfare.

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? Does ERPAT have a lot of members in your local community right now? Is there an ERPAT chapter in your barangay?

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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Gunrunning suspects arrested by PNP-CIDG in Parañaque City

June 26, 2025June 22, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, elements of the Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) successfully pulled of an entrapment operation resulting in the apprehension of three gunrunning suspects and the seizure of loose firearms, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Three gunrunning suspects were arrested and five loose firearms were seized by the Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) during an entrapment operation in Parañaque City, a ranking official bared Friday, June 20.

Police Brig. Gen. Rolindo M. Suguilon, CIDG officer-in-charge, identified the suspects as alias “Johnel”, an electrical engineer; “James”, a businessman; and “Rolyn”, a dentist.

The suspects were allegedly caught in the act of delivering and trading five unlicensed firearms at an open parking lot of a mall in Barangay Tambo last June 18.

Authorities recovered from the suspects three caliber 5.56 Bushmaster rifles, a caliber 9mm pistol, and a caliber 22 pistol.

“The suspects are allegedly involved in gunrunning and the illegal firearms trade operating within the National Capital Region,” Suguilon said.

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 considering that there are a lot of loose firearms within the city? Do you think violent crime will get much worse in Parañaque over the next six months?

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

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Over 1,500 residents served by Las Piñas City’s Lab for All caravan in Barangay Pilar Village

June 25, 2025June 19, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the Lab for All caravan was held in Barangay Pilar Village serving more than one thousand five hundred residents, the City Government announced via social media. First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Department of Health (DOH) secretary Teodoro Herbosa, Mayor Imelda Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar were present during the event.

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

The City of Las Piñas, led by Mayor Imelda Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar, welcomed the national government’s “Lab For All: Laboratoryo, Konsulta, at Gamot para sa Lahat” caravan on Tuesday, June 17, at the Aguilar Sports Complex in Pilar. The medical and social outreach provided free health services to more than 1,500 residents in coordination with the Department of Health, partner agencies, and the private sector.

Mayor Mel Aguilar expressed her deep appreciation to the Office of the First Lady and the Department of Health for bringing the Lab For All program to the city, citing its strong alignment with Las Piñas’ continuing thrust to deliver health services closer to the community. Vice Mayor April Aguilar likewise delivered a message of unity and compassion, thanking all volunteers and partner organizations who worked to serve Las Piñeros throughout the day.

Leading the national delegation was First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, who emphasized the administration’s support for maternal and child care, particularly through the First 1,000 Days Program. Also present at the event were Department of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa and Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, who both expressed support for the caravan’s goal of providing accessible and people-centered health programs.

Among the services offered were free medical consultations, blood sugar and cholesterol tests, reproductive health services, eye checkups, free eyeglasses, family planning assistance, and the distribution of free medicines. Residents also received legal consultations from the Public Attorney’s Office, assistance from Pag-IBIG and the National Housing Authority, and support from the Senate’s outreach team.

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? Is your local community up next to host the Lab for All caravan?

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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