ChatGPT – Page 81 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Global scandal of USAID exposed!

February 10, 2025February 10, 2025carlocarrasco

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) – the independent agency of the American government responsible for administering civilian and foreign aid – was exposed big-time by the Trump administration revealing a growing list of overseas projects funded by American taxpayers’ money.

These projects were approved by the failed Biden-Harris administration and a lot of them are related with the toxic DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) and woke principles of the Satanic Left which explains why the Democrats are angry and outraged now.

To put things into perspective, posted below is the Sky News Australia news video plus the related news report (some parts in boldface)…

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has blasted the United States Agency for International Development for having “insane priorities”.

USAID was formed in the early 1960s to administer humanitarian aid programmes on behalf of the United States government around the world.

The United States spent around $US68 billion on international aid in 2023, according to government data. Ms Leavitt publicly took aim at the agency’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion projects.

Some of the projects listed included $1.5 million to advance DEI in Serbia’s workplace, $70,000 for a production of a DEI Musical in Ireland, $47,000 for a transgender opera in Colombia and $32,000 for a transgender comic book in Peru.

For the newcomers reading this, USAID was founded in the 1960s which was the result of US Congress approving the Foreign Assistance Act in 1961 which mandated the agency’s creation and was followed with the executive order of then US President John F. Kennedy.

Going back to the USAID scandal, it is one thing for America to come up with taxpayer-funded overseas projects to help foreigners, it is completely another thing to have projects that emphasized the Satanic Leftist ideologies. Seriously, does the $32,000 for a transgender comic book in Peru and the $70,000 for a DEI musical production in Ireland have anything relevant with USAID’s traditional purposes of disaster relief, poverty relief, bilateral interests and socioeconomic development. USAID was also abused by the Democrats to fund Leftist news media outlets as well. For more insight, watch the videos below.

But there is still a lot more! The list of questionable overseas projects funded by USAID continues to grow and it includes funding for terrorism, contraception, opium growth, sex change and more. Posted below is the excerpt from the CBN News story (some parts in boldface).

Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) published another list of projects and programs she says the agency has funded over the years until DOGE stepped in.

“From funneling tax dollars to risky research in Wuhan to sending Ukrainians to Paris Fashion Week, USAID is one of the worst offenders of waste in Washington… all around the world,” Ernst posted to X this week.

The Iowa senator gave more detail in a thread noting the organization spent millions on wasteful projects including:

* “A whopping $20 million to create a Sesame Street in Iraq

* $2 million for Moroccan pottery classes and promotion

* $2 million promoting tourism to Lebanon

* More than $9 million of USAID’s ‘humanitarian aid’ intended to feed civilians in Syria ended up in the hands of violent terrorists, including an affiliate of Al Qaeda in Iraq.“

Ernst points out that millions of dollars were sent to farmers in Afghanistan to get them to grow food crops instead of opium.

“The results: opium poppy cultivation across the country nearly doubled, according to the U.N.,” Ernst wrote.

“USAID has long been a reckless, out-of-control, unaccountable rogue agency,” she concluded. “USAID has failed to put the American people first and routinely tried to cloak its actions in secrecy. Those days are over.“

A White House fact sheet also contends that American taxpayer dollars were inadvertently used to fund terrorism.

It notes:

* As much as $10 million was used by an al Qaeda-linked group for meals.

* $78,000 to a non-profit linked to designated terrorist organizations including Pakistan’s Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation — even after an inspector general launched an investigation.

* $15 million in taxpayer funds to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan to help distribute ‘oral contraceptives and condoms.’

The fact sheet lists millions of dollars in additional wasteful spending, including:

* $6 million was used to fund tourism in Egypt

* $2.5 million for electric vehicles for Vietnam

* $1.5 million to ‘advance diversity equity and inclusion in Serbia’s workplaces and business communities.’

Here in my native Philippines, there were several projects and recipients of USAID as reported by the Philippine Star. Environmental – check, health – check, assistance for LGBT – check, a mural painting event – check.

Thank the Lord for the return of US President Donald Trump whose administration has been working hard to restore dignity and meritocracy in America. The Trump administration is focused on wiping away the Democrats’ corruption and waste of taxpayers’ funds.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to the USAID scandal? Did your local government participate in any USAID-related projects that were done locally in recent years? Are you tired of seeing wokeness, Leftist and DEI being emphasized in USAID projects that were launched during the years of the failed Biden-Harris administration? Do you think USAID should be abolished and the countries that benefited from it should move on and launch their own projects to help their respective people independently?

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

Warrantless arrest of vote-buyers and sellers included in new COMELEC resolution for 2025 elections

February 8, 2025February 4, 2025carlocarrasco

Anyone who gets caught selling or buying votes in connection with the National and Local elections this year will get into trouble as the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) recently issued a resolution monitoring such activities and warrantless arrests will be allowed, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has issued a resolution allowing law enforcement to arrest vote buyers and sellers without a warrant if they are caught in the act.

According to Sandra Aguinaldo’s report on “24 Oras,” Resolution No. 11104 will expand the authority of the poll body’s Committee on Kontra-Bigay” to monitor vote buying and selling in Eleksyon 2025.

The resolution allows a law enforcer to make a warrantless arrest if he or she witnessed an act or attempt to commit election offenses.

“Any law enforcement officer may, without a warrant, arrest a person when, in his or her presence, the person to be arrested has committed, is actually committing, or is attempting to commit the election offense of vote-buying and vote-selling or act constituting ASR (abuse of state resources),” the resolution read.

The arrested individual will be brought to the nearest police station.

Meanwhile, the materials used in vote buying or selling will be under the custody of the police.

“The money or any other goods of value, sample ballots and any other campaign materials used for vote-buying and vote-selling, and ASR, shall be immediately seized and taken into custody by the apprehending law enforcement officer,” the resolution added.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the newest resolution by the COMELEC will be effective in preserving the integrity of the national and local elections scheduled for May 2025? Do you think the inclusion of warrantless arrests will deter the buyers and sellers of votes?

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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Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is now available on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One

February 7, 2025February 7, 2025carlocarrasco

Welcome back Xbox fans, geeks, retro gaming enthusiasts, fighting game enthusiasts and other gamers!

With the current Xbox-exclusive fantasy role-playing game Avowed coming out on February 18, I’m supposed to be excited about what Team Xbox has prepared this year. Of course, there were disappointments not only with certain Xbox first-party releases but also with the way things have been changing on the part of Team Xbox.

Times like these, retro gaming on Xbox is the answer for fans who want to experience a lot of fun and Capcom just released Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics for Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and even Xbox One users to enjoy. Watch and learn from the official Xbox trailer below.

For the newcomers reading this, the said collection comes with the following video games Capcom released long ago with an emphasis on crossovers with Marvel’s intellectual properties: X-Men: Children of the Atom (1994), Marvel Super Heroes (1995), X-Men vs. Street Fighter (1996), Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter (1997), Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes (1998), Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age Of Heroes (2000) plus The Punisher (1993).

Wow! That’s a collection of very fun and popular games Capcom released from 1993 to 2000. With the exception of The Punisher arcade game (a 2D adventure game), I played them all in the arcades decades ago and I can say that having them in a single collection for the modern Xbox consoles is indeed a blessing for long-time Xbox gamers who love 2D fighting games and retro gaming. The way I feel right now, Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics looks really enticing to purchase.

Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes is not just a lot of fun to play but also will please those who love the characters. With Wolverine, Spider-Man, Venom, Captain America from Marvel’s side included, there is something that will bring both geeks and gamers together.

I have fond memories of Capcom 2D fighting games that carried Marvel’s intellectual properties. X-Me: Children of the Atom was enjoyable to play with and it resonated with me as I was already an X-Men comic book reader back in the 1990s. Marvel Super Heroes was also fun to play and it somewhat reminded me of The Infinity Gauntlet storyline. X-Men vs. Street Fighter was the most intriguing crossover fighting game at the time of its release and it really raised the bar for fast-and-furious style gameplay complete with a quick character swap during the heat of battles. Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter was the follow-up which came with changes that were not well received by the fans.

Then came the two Marvel vs. Capcom crossover fighting games which really built upon the foundation of X-Men vs. Street Fighter for more team battles with speed and impact in mind. I could not forget the inclusion of Resident Evil characters, Mega Man and others.

*X-Men vs. Street Fighter is a classic tag-team, crossover-oriented video game! Fast and furious action ensured!*

*The Punisher arcade game is the only non-fighting game of the collection. Punisher fans should look at this.*

Adding further zest to the collection is online play that allows casual matches, ranked matches, custom matches. Think about how your skills or your scoring will compare with those of other players from around the world.

That being said, Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is a retro gaming package that deserves attention as it carries some of the finest video games Capcom ever made.

To purchase Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics for Xbox, click https://www.xbox.com/en-us/games/store/marvel-vs-capcom-fighting-collection-arcade-classics/9nwfm3hdjc94

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Economy of the Philippines grew by 5.6% in 2024

February 7, 2025January 31, 2025carlocarrasco

The economic growth of the Philippines for the year 2024 has officially been declared by national authorities at 5.6%, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article (which itself emphasized 2024 4^th quarter economic growth of 5.2%). By comparison, the national economy grew by 7.6% in 2022 and 5.6% in 2023.

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

The Philippines was the third highest-growing economy in the region in the fourth quarter of last year despite the impacts of geopolitical tensions and the series of typhoons that hit the country.

Philippine economic growth settled at 5.2 percent in the fourth quarter of 2024, bringing the full-year economic growth to 5.6 percent.

“While this falls short of our target of 6.0 to 6.5 percent, we are positioned as the third fastest-growing economy in the region, trailing Vietnam (7.5 percent) and China (5.4 percent) but outpacing Malaysia (4.8 percent),” National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon said in a briefing Thursday.

Edillon said the country faced numerous setbacks like extreme weather events, geopolitical tensions, and subdued global demand.

“While some challenges affect the entire economy, others exert pressure on specific sectors. Consequently, our economic performance in 2024 hinged on the impact of these factors on various sectors and whether we can mitigate the negative effects or enable a swift recovery,” said Edillon.

Last year, economic growth was mainly driven by the industry and services sectors.

National Statistician Dennis Mapa said that among the major economic sectors, industry and services grew by 5.6 percent and 6.7 percent, respectively, last year.

Growth in the manufacturing sector, however, was hampered by subdued global due to geopolitical tensions and the slow recovery of advanced economies. Agriculture, forestry, and fishing declined by 1.6 percent.

Edillon said the six typhoons that hit the country in the fourth quarter, caused disruptions in crop production, livestock, and fisheries. On the demand side, household final consumption expenditure expanded by 4.8 percent.

“During the fourth quarter, we had a succession of typhoons again in October until mid-November and this dampened the growth momentum and travel plans. Although we did see that there was increased spending on travel, transport, recreation and culture but still it was not enough to counter the slowdown in other expenditure items,” said Edillon.

Government final consumption expenditure, meanwhile, grew by 7.2 percent, while gross capital formation rose by 7.5 percent. Exports of goods and services went up by 3.4 percent, while imports of goods and services increased by 4.3 percent.

Building resilience – Edillon noted that the key to economic growth is to build resilience and ensure adaptability to changing preferences.

“To achieve resilient economic growth, we need to diversify our sources of growth,” she said.

Edillon cited the need to encourage more investments in sectors that require workers with higher-level skills.

To keep food inflation low and stable, Edillon said the government must anticipate potential shocks and continue to employ multi-pronged approaches.

“Looking ahead to 2025, we want to regain our growth momentum driven by strategic investments and initiatives designed to strengthen resilience and lay the foundation for long-term inclusive growth,” she said.

Edillon said the government will also ramp up efforts to further develop the country’s infrastructure and boost economic competitiveness by streamlining business processes.

According to Edillon, the government will also expand new free-trade agreements.

To support the recovery in the agriculture sector, Edillon said the government through the Department of Agriculture, will fast-track the implementation of the National Rice Program, invest in irrigation facilities, and fully utilize the increased provision for the Rice Competitiveess Enhancement Fund to improve farm productivity.

Edillon said tourism will also help boost economic growth.

“The government will explore easing visa requirements and actively participate in initiatives such as the proposed ASEAN common visa policy to enhance visitor inflows,” she said.

Edillon said the government will also strengthen the country’s talent pipeline through reskilling and upskilling programs to boost growth in the information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) sector.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Were you surprised that the 2024 economic growth of the Philippines ended below 6%? What do you think will help the national economy grow by at least 6% 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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San Miguel Corporation’s “Better Rivers PH” initiative removes 93,000 tons of silt and waste from Parañaque rivers

February 6, 2025January 29, 2025carlocarrasco

Parañaque City benefited from the “Better Rivers PH” initiative of San Miguel Corporation (SMC) as ninety-three thousand tons of silt and waste was removed from the rivers of the city and other improvements were also done, according to a Business Mirror news report.

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

San Miguel Corp.’s (SMC) “Better Rivers PH” initiative has removed 93,000 tons of silt and waste from Parañaque rivers as of January 23.

The company said this effort aims to improve water flow and address perennial flooding at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) and surrounding areas.

The cleanup covers 1.9 kilometers of river channels, including the Parañaque River, Don Galo River, and their junctions with the San Dionisio and Villanueva creeks.

In addition to river cleanups, SMC has also de-clogged storm drain lines along Domestic Road and NAIA Terminal 4. This included reopening 54 manholes and constructing 10 new ones for better access and maintenance. These upgrades are seen to sustain flood prevention efforts around the airport complex.

SMC’s efforts, carried out at no cost to the government or taxpayers, are part of a broader mission to restore waterways and reduce flooding in urban areas.

Bathymetric surveys in Parañaque identified bottlenecks in river systems that restricted water flow to Manila Bay, prompting targeted cleanup and desilting operations in critical areas. The project benefits from the active involvement of key government agencies such as the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the local government of Parañaque.

“Flooding has been a long-standing issue for Parañaque and NAIA, particularly during typhoon season,” said SMC Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang. “Through Better Rivers PH and with support from government agencies, we were able to implement sustainable solutions that we hope will deliver lasting benefits to residents, businesses, and travelers.”

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 delighted over SMC’s special assistance that cost you nothing? Do you want to see SMC’s initiative to last long to make Parañaque cleaner, better and safer as a city?

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 55

February 5, 2025November 19, 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 topics and the related videos I found.

#1 VKunia’s Akira reaction video – In recent times, I published blog post that had several videos of reviews, analysis and exploration of the 1988 anime feature film Akira. This time around, I posted for your viewing pleasure the Akira reaction video of VKunia. What I like about it is that VKunia herself is quite reactive to what was shown. Watch her reaction video below…

#2 Royal Space Force: The Wings of Honnêamise reviewed and analyzed by Cinemology 101 – Way back in 1985, the ambitious anime feature film Royal Space Force: The Wings of Honnêamise was released in theaters and eventually made its way into the West with English translation in the cinemas in 1988 and on home video a few years later. While I was not exactly entertained by it on home video, I still was left intrigued by its highly imaginative world, art and animation quality that was comparable in some ways with Akira. YouTuber Cinemology 101 (AKA The Cinemologists) posted its review and explanatory video of the film which is very comprehensive to watch.

#3 Hong Kong Action cinema of the 1980s revisited – If there is anything I miss from the 1980s, it is the dynamic action that came in different styles from the Hong Kong action movies of the time. By comparison, I am disgusted with Hollywood’s so-called modern approach of recording action that involves shaky camera handling and the quick cuts on editing. In Hong Kong action movies, the filmmakers recorded action with stable camera handling and using the right angles to capture the action visibly and clearly. Watch and learn from the video below…

#4 PatmanQC examines Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time arcade – Back in 1991, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time was released in the arcades and it became a big hit for Konami as it earned the approval of the critics and the coins of many gamers who paid for bouts of fun. The game was designed to be very playful and it also had a lot of stuff that resonated with TMNT fans. To find out who were responsible for the game and what inspired their work, watch the in-depth video by PatmanQC.

#5 Lunar games retrospective by Xygor Gaming – In case you missed the news, the first two Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs) of the Lunar series – Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete and Lunar 2: Eternal Blue – will be released for modern consoles in a package on April 18, 2025 called Lunar Remastered Collection. If you are fond of Japanese RPGs of the 1990s or if you want to discover what the Lunar series is about, watch the in-depth retro gaming retrospective video by Xygor Gaming.

#6 Sorority House Massacre explored by GoodBadFlicks – Recently, it was revealed that the 1986 horror movie Sorority House Massacre will be released on 4K Blu-ray this coming April. I never saw the movie but heard that it was criticized for being too familiar with a certain slasher horror movie from 1978. Regardless, you can learn about it by watching GoodBadFlicks’ explanatory video and perhaps it can provide insight as to why the movie is being released on 4K Blu-ray.

#7 US President Trump’s efforts against illegal immigration make waves overseas – Even though I am not an American citizen, I personally oppose illegal immigration. I simply believe that no government should ever let lots of foreigners to trespass into the country, violate the national sovereignty and consume taxpayer-funded resources. It is a great thing that Donald Trump is officially back as US President and this early, his efforts fighting illegal immigration is making a lot of impact even overseas. The Leftist leader of Colombia gave in to Trump in humiliating fashion, and you can learn all about it in the Sky News Australia video below. Lastly, let me remind you all that illegal aliens are criminals by default, and they certainly are NOT refugees.

#8 Palestinian discredited! – By now, many of you should know that I will always stand with Israel and the Jewish state. Let me tell you the truth that Palestine never started as country, never started as people but rather it started as a name imposed by the evil Roman empire on Israel centuries ago. The Palestinian identity only started in the 1920s, and the Palestinians have a history of chaos, violence and disruption. History and the facts are on the side of Israel, not the Palestinians. Watch and learn from the video below…

#9 Assorted videos of The Matrix – If have seen 1999’s The Matrix, do you personally consider it to be the most revolutionary action movie of all time? Was it the most definitive movie of 1999? Or have you forgotten much about it? If you are feeling nostalgic about the movie, watch the videos below.

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Muntinlupa City Government will implement reforms at Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun)

February 5, 2025January 27, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, it was announced that reforms at the Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun) will be implemented by the City Government, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The said hospital is located in Filinvest City.

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

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon said the city government will implement reforms at the Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun) in Alabang.

Biazon held a dialogue with doctors of the hospital about concerns.

The supervision of OsMun was returned to the Muntinlupa City government based on an ordinance passed last year. In 2019, the OsMun was designated as a Local Economic Enterprise (LEE) aimed at generating its own revenue.

“Ngunit sa ilang taon ng operations, lumalabas na hindi niya kaya makamit ang nasabing revenue na nagdulot ng kakulangan sa naihahatid na serbisyo (But after several years of operations, it turned out that it was unable to achieve the said revenue, which caused a shortage in the service delivered),” Biazon posted on Facebook.

During the meeting, Biazon explained to the OsMun doctors the changes that will be implemented and listened to their complaints and suggestions.

He said the return of OsMun under the city government was meant to give the hospital the capability to provide the right service.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you feel confident that reforms at the Ospital ng Muntinlupa will result in improvements?

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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Chinese national arrested at NAIA Terminal 1 for using a fraudulently acquired visa

February 4, 2025January 27, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently at Terminal 1 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), elements of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested a Chinese national who was found using a fraudulently acquired working visa, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

Bureau of Immigration (BI) officers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) arrested a Chinese man for using a fraudulently acquired working visa.

In a statement, Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said 23-year-old Li Xuanjun was intercepted at the immigration departure area of NAIA Terminal 1 in Parañaque City on Jan. 22 before he could board a Philippine Airlines flight for Quanzhou, China. Viado said Li’s name prompted a hit in the bureau’s automated derogatory check system.

The hit indicated that the passenger was wanted by the BI for possessing a working visa which he acquired through fraud and misrepresentation.

Verification made by the BI supervisors confirmed that Li and the person who is the subject of the derogatory hit are one and the same.

“We will be deporting him for being an undesirable alien which stemmed from his acquisition of a visa through dishonest means,” Viado said. “His inclusion in our blacklist effectively banned him from re-entering the Philippines.”

The passenger was turned over to the Order Control and Intelligence Unit which brought him to the warden facility in Taguig City as he undergoes deportation proceedings.

Records showed that Li’s working visa was canceled by the BI in 2023 after an investigation revealed that he acquired his visa upon the petition of a fictitious employer company.

A check with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Department of Trade and Industry reportedly found that the purported firm is non-existent.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there are still a lot of Chinese nationals here in the Philippines using visas that were fraudulently acquired? How many Chinese nationals are living in your local community right now? Are you ready to report the presence of illegal aliens to the local authorities?

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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2025 Subic Bay International Triathlon (SUBIT) – NTT AST Subic Bay Asia Cup set for May 3 and 4, registration ongoing

February 3, 2025January 31, 2025carlocarrasco

The next edition of the long-running Subic Bay International Triathlon (SUBIT) – also referred to as the 2025 NTT AST Subic Bay Asia Cup – will be held at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone on May 3 and 4, 2025, and already online registration is ongoing. This special event is a project of Triathlon Philippines, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and Funtastic Subic presented by NTT and Asia Triathlon

The 2-day event supported by Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Milo, Standard Insurance, LeGarde, Gatorade, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines, Inc. and Fitbar will have the Standard Elite, U15 and Super Tri-Kids races on May 3 (Saturday). On May 4 (Sunday), the races for Sprint Jr. Elite, Sprint Para, Sprint Age Group and Standard Age Group will happen.

Race distances are as follows: Standard Distance 1.5 Km swim – 40 Km bike – 10 Km run, Sprint Distance 750 M swim – 20 Km bike – 5 Km run, and U15 Distance 500 M swim – 10 Km bike – 2 Km run.

Race distance for Super Tri-Kids are as follows: 6 and under 50 M swim – 1 Km bike – 400 M run, 7-8 100 M swim – 2 Km bike – 800 M run, 9-10 200 M swim – 6 Km bike – 1 Km run, and 11-12 400 M swim – 8 Km bike – 2 Km run.

Registration fees are as follows: Standard Distance Php 6,500 + online reg fees, Sprint Distance Php 6,000 + online reg fees, U15 Distance Php 5,000 + online reg fees, and Super TriKids Php 4,000 + online reg fees.

Effective April 1, 2025, the registration fees will be as follows: Standard Distance Php 7,500 + online reg fees, Sprint Distance Php 7,000 + online reg fees, U15 Distance Php 6,000 + online reg fees and Super TriKids Php 5,000 + online reg fees.

To register for the SUBIT/2025 NTT AST Subic Bay Asia Cup or see more event details, click https://register.raceya.fit/event/subit2025 (note: RaceYa account required for registration)

For local triathlon updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/TriPhil.

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Bureau of Immigration (BI) tells public to report foreigners engaged in illegal espionage

February 3, 2025February 2, 2025carlocarrasco

In light of the recent apprehension of Chinese nationals who were suspected to be working as spies, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) urged the public to report foreign nationals engaged in illegal espionage here in the Philippines, 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 Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Sunday, Feb. 2, urged the public to report foreigners engaged in illegal espionage and other suspicious activities.

“We are serious in our efforts to stop these undesirable aliens from abusing our hospitality,” declared BI Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado in a statement.

Viado aired his plea following the arrest of six suspected Chinese spies who were caught during a series of operations conducted recently by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The alleged spies were earlier identified by as Deng Yuangqing, Cai Shaohuang, Cheng Hai Tao, Wu Cheng Ting, Wang Yong Yi, and Wu Chin Ren.

They have been charged with the non-bailable offense of violations of Commonwealth Act No. 616, the Espionage Act, in relation to Republic Act (RA) No. 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Viado disclosed the BI has been investigating the arrested suspected spies and found that they have been embedded in the Philippines for years.

“Some have been here as early as 2002,” he said.

“They have been holding legal statuses, and have lived in the country for a long time before they were found to be doing suspicious activities by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP),” he also said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there could be a lot of spies from Communist China living here in the Philippines doing secretive espionage work? Do you think the government should announce financial rewards for information that would lead to arrest of foreigners who committed illegal espionage in the country?

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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