Good news for those who own properties in Las Piñas City! The City Government announced that property owners will be granted a 10% discount on their 2025 annual real property tax (RPT) once they pay their taxes specifically from December 1, 2024 up to March 21, 2025, according to a Manila Standard news report. Be aware that the City Government launched its official app to make payments easier to do.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Standard. Some parts in boldface…
Las Piñas City real property tax payers will get a 10-percent discount on their 2025 annual real property tax (RPT) when they pay their taxes from Dec. 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025.
Property owners can opt to pay for their real property taxes in full or through quarterly installments, the city government said.
It encourages taxpayers to take advantage of the discount by paying via Las Piñas Smart City mobile app where they can input the tax declaration number and property identification number or PIN and select the quarters that they want to pay.
The city government launched the web app to reduce the movement of taxpayers, ensuring their safety, and allowing payments to be made in the comfort of their homes.
Las Piñas Mayor Imelda Aguilar also appealed to the new real property owners in the city to put their records with city hall in order, “so that they will be able to receive official notices and pay the correct taxes on time.”
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 happy with the discount being offered for your upcoming real property tax payment?
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Recently, Las Piñas City Councilor Mark Santos formally requested the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) to start the housing project (under the “Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pamilyang Pilipino” program) before the 2025 election campaign begins, according to a news report by the Manila Standard.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from news report of the Manila Standard. Some parts in boldface…
Las Piñas City councilor Mark Anthony Santos asked the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) to start the “Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pamilyang Pilipino” (4PH) project in the city before the campaign period starts for the national elections in May 2025.
Santos said the city government identified at least four suitable lands in city’s different barangays that can be used for the government’s housing program including in-city relocation for informal settlers.
Santos, chairman of the informal settlers, housing and land use committee of the city council, said the memorandum of understanding with Las Piñas Mayor Imelda Aguilar and the DHSUD to begin the housing project remain unsigned by the two concerned parties.
“Up to this date, the request from the city mayor’s office, seeking authority from the city council to approve the resolution for the MOU has not been discussed nor deliberated by my colleagues from the majority group,” the councilor said.
He said housing affordability remains a significant issue for the majority of Filipinos, particularly for low- and middle-income households. Powerful politicians opposed the project
Santos earned a wealth of experience as an elected minority leader and main author of a resolution allocating the P85-million budget for land acquisition for informal settlers. From 27, 000 informal settler families (ISFs)10 years ago in the city, there are still about 20, 000 ISFs until today.
He said the 4PH program is the government’s flagship program designed to address the need for decent housing while the city project aims to provide affordable housing to the residents.
The country faced a housing backlog of about 6.5 million units from 2017 to 2022, according to DHSUD. The backlog is most pronounced in urban centers like Metro Manila, where over 13 million people reside, leading to a high concentration of informal settlements and inadequate living conditions.
Santos said one of the pending housing projects of the city government is the proposed 12-story building under 4PH program located along DBP Subdivision in Barangay Pulanglupa Dos, Las Piñas.
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 wish to see the DHSUD start the housing project before the 2025 election campaign period starts? What do you think should be done to solve the housing problem of Las Piñas?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, Councilor Mark Santos announced that the local Green Card program will have an additional P40 million in funding in order to serve the residents who need health-related help, according to a Manila Standard news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from new report the Manila Standard. Some parts in boldface…
Las Piñas City’s green card program, which provides free hospitalization and other healthcare benefits to city residents, will receive an additional P40 million in funding, according to Councilor Mark Anthony Santos.
The program, managed by the Mayor’s Office and the City Social Welfare and Development Office, is available to all bona fide Las Piñas residents. Currently, 200,000 people use the green card.
The Mayor’s Office subsidizes up to P30,000 of a patient’s hospital bill, covering minor operations and confinement at accredited hospitals. Green card holders also have free access to medical and dental services at 30 health centers in the city.
Santos, a candidate for the city’s lone congressional seat, pledged to allocate an additional P20,000 to each green card holder, increasing the total hospital bill subsidy to P50,000 per confined patient. He said every family member is eligible for the subsidy when hospitalized.
He said his office, in coordination with the Department of Health, would continue to improve healthcare services for all Las Piñas residents.
Santos also plans to expand the green card program’s benefits to include financial aid, free vitamins, medical consultations, and recreational perks for seniors, solo parents, and people with disabilities.
He said to increase healthcare accessibility, his office will prioritize medical and dental outreach programs for underserved population.
The green card program was initiated in 2000 by the late Las Piñas Mayor Vergel Aguilar. It has contributed to democratizing healthcare in the city and improving residents’ quality of life.
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 many people in your local community holders of the Green Card?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the local police arrested a foreign national for illegally possessing a firearm and committing a grave threat, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Recovered from the suspect was an air gun revolver, 25 air gun pellets and some live ammunition.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from new report the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
A Japanese national was arrested for grave threat and violation of RA 10501 or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunitions on Sunday, Dec. 1.
Las Piñas City Police Chief Col. Sandro Tafalla said the suspect, identified as alias “Yasuhiko,” 62, was arrested at around 4:30 p.m. in Barangay Pulanglupa Dos, Las Piñas City.
Tafalla said Yasuhiko was arrested after a 20 year-old motorcycle rider filed a complaint against him for poking a gun at him during a heated argument for refusing to bring him home in Parañaque City.
He said the victim sought police assistance from patrolling policemen along Naga Road, Las Piñas City which led to the arrest of the suspect.
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? Were there any gun-related incidents that happened within your local community over the past thirty days?
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
On the afternoon of December 8, 2024 along Concha Cruz Drive in BF Homes subdivision, the Concha Cruz Drive Homeowners Association, Inc. (CCDHAI) had its Christmas fellowship that brought its legitimate members, guests and the heroes of the community together.
The CCDHAI Christmas fellowship was more than just a social gathering as it symbolized the truth that the homeowners’ association (HOA) and its residents need each other so that cooperation, unity and progress could be achieved. At the same time, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and security guards of Praise Security and Investigation Agency, Inc. were called the community heroes for their essential contributions to the peace and security of the local community.
There were also several officials from the City Government of Parañaque who attended and interacted with the community members.
Indeed, under the current board of directors (BOD) of the CCDHAI led by its president Luis Isidro Bersamin, the Concha Cruz Drive community progressed over the past two years as it has turned more peaceful, more stable and the value of properties have soared along the way.
“You have seen our community has turned active and we are connecting with each other. Hopefully, we could do more next year,” CCDHAI president Bersamin said. “You may have noticed that our community has turned peaceful. I am happy to see the positive changes in our local community as we worked hard for these to happen.”
CCDHAI president Luis Isidro Bersamin delivering his remarks to the members and guests.
Bersamin also noted the increase in the number of legitimate members who responded to the invitations to be more involved in the association’s activities. His remarks drew cheers from the directors, the members and the guests (including Barangay BF Homes chairman Jeremy Marquez, Parañaque Chief of Police PCOL Melvin R. Montante, Parañaque City Councilor Bong Benzon with wife Sheila Benzon, and Parañaque City Mayor Eric Olivarez’s legal counsel Atty. Rommel Frias).
Barangay BF Homes captain Jeremy Marquez speaking during the fellowship.
“I admire your community’s activeness. I saw how your association is involved not only with the federation but also with our barangay. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank your president for helping the barangay when we have programs from the national government to take part in,” Barangay BF Chairman Jeremy Marquez stated in his short speech.
Parañaque City Councilor Bong Benzon addressed the CCDHAI community as his wife Sheila looked on. (photo source – CCDHAI)
The Parañaque Chief of Police PCOL Melvin R. Montante. (photo source – CCDHAI)
Other important figures who made it to the Christmas fellowship include Parañaque City Mayor Olivarez’s HOA consultant Marilu Glorioso, City Councilors Rico Golez, Beng Amurao, Jet Frias, Raffy Apiong Dela Peña and former City Councilors Wahoo Sotto and Jean Yllana. They each admired the CCDHAI for the progress and reforms achieved over the past two years.
The group of CCDHAI people and guests. Seated (Left to Right) were director Grace Morales, President Luis Isidro Bersamin, Parañaque City Councilor Rico Golez, this writer, City Councilor Beng Amurao and homeowner/member Nisa Moletti. Standing (L to R) were director Seth Bersamin, Seanma Bersamin, Sidong Bersamin, director Carlos Jamora and director Ryan Samia. (photo source – CCDHAI)
An indoor group selfie shot taken by director Carlos Jamora (foreground). Standing (L to R) were HOA consultant to Parañaque Mayor Olivarez Marilu Glorioso, director Grace Morales, this writer/blogger, Merle de Asis, Atty. Rommel Frias with his wife, Nikki Bersamin, Samito Bersamin, President Luis Isidro Bersamin, City Councilor Jet Frias, Atty. Jon Jamora and Ann Lopez. (photo source – CCDHAI)
The CCDHAI and the guests – including elements of the Philippine National Police and local security guards who are the community heroes – went to enjoy delicious meals, and socialize with one another. Adding zest to the fellowship was the release of Christmas prizes and all of the guests were able to pick something they desired before heading home.
“The CCDHAI Christmas fellowship proves that community participation in the HOA’s events benefits the homeowners, especially when the local government unit (LGU) steps in to help them with their needs. The best benefit of all, homeowners and the LGU officers get to know each other in a spirit of camaraderie,” director Grace Morales stated.
CCDHAI director and host Grace Morales gave the attendees an update about their association’s activities.
About CCDHAI
The Concha Cruz Drive community and the guests together. (photo credit – CCDHAI)
The Concha Cruz Homeowners Association, Inc. (CCDHAI) was founded in 2014. Its local community (composed of 67 households) includes specific parts of both Parañaque City and Las Piñas City.
The current BOD of CCDHAI include Luis Isidro Bersamin as President, and Alexis Sanchez as Vice President. Other members of the board include directors Seth Bersamin, Jaime Calaqui, Carlos Miguel Jamora, Grace Morales and Ryan Samia.
To contact the CCDHAI, call 85425277 or send email to ccdhainc@gmail.com
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Recently, the City Government of Las Piñas officially received from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) the prestigious 2024 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) award during the awarding ceremony held at the Manila Hotel, according to the social media video post of the local government. In the news report of the Manila Bulletin, it was stated that this marks the first-time ever that Las Piñas City won an SGLG award.
Mayor Imelda Aguilar received the award on-stage during the ceremony. With her was her daughter Vice Mayor April Aguilar. To watch the Facebook video post, click https://www.facebook.com/share/v/14uVkywyRA/
Previously the DILG announced the official list of city governments nationwide which qualified for the 2024 SGLG award and Las Piñas City was one of them. It should be noted that the DILG set the criteria that local government units (LGUs) should meet in order to qualify for the prestigious award.
For insight, the SGLG award is “a recognition given to local government units that meet the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) stringent criteria for excellent governance in 10 key governance areas: financial administration, disaster preparedness, social protection, health, education, business-friendliness, safety and order, environmental management, tourism and culture, and youth development.”
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 delighted to see your local government receive the 2025 SGLG award from the DILG? Do you think this newest achievement makes the future of the city look bright? Does the SGLG award make you trust your city government officials some more?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government participated in the nationwide gift-giving program of “Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya Year 3” which resulted in the release of Christmas gifts to one thousand five hundred children at a local venue, according to the local government’s social media announcement. The local gift-giving was facilitated by Vice Mayor April Aguilar.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the social media announcement of the City Government. Some parts in boldface…
A total of 1,500 children in Las Piñas took part in the nationwide “Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya Year 3” gift-giving initiative on Sunday, December 8, at the Verdant Covered Court. The event, spearheaded by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, was held simultaneously across various local government units in the Philippines to spread holiday cheer to children.
In Las Piñas, City Vice Mayor April Aguilar facilitated the distribution of kiddie gift sets that included a trolley bag, pillow, raincoat, socks, face and hand towel, tumbler, watch, hygiene kit, coloring book, crayons, and a small toy. The event also featured interactive games, activities, and entertainment, making it a memorable celebration for children and their families.
Vice Mayor Aguilar thanked the President and First Lady for their efforts in spreading joy to children in Las Piñas. “President Bongbong Marcos and First Lady Liza Marcos, maraming maraming salamat. Marami tayong pinasayang bata ngayong umagang ito. Maraming maraming salamat sa tulong mo sa Las Piñas. Mahal na mahal ka ng mga Las Piñero,” she said.
The “Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya” program is an annual initiative led by the Office of the President and the First Lady, in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and local government units.
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? Were there any children from your local community who received gifts from the gift-giving?
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
In light of the May 2025 local elections and the recent local controversy that happened, Las Piñas City Councilor Mark Santos asked the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to consider the city an election hotspot, according to a Remate On-Line news report.
For the newcomers reading this, Councilor Santos is running for the lone congressional seat of Las Piñas. This puts him against outgoing Senator Cynthia Villar who happens to be running for the same post.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from new report of the Remate On-Line. Some parts in boldface…
AFTER being ‘bullied’ by his opponent, veteran Las Piñas Councilor Mark Anthony Santos, a congressional candidate, has asked the Commission on Elections to include the city in the list of potential areas of concern in the May 2025 midterm elections.
He also requested the city police to investigate the death threats he received after he filed his certificate of candidacy last October 7, 2024 against graduating lawmaker Sen. Cynthia Villar.
”Comelec should now consider Las Piñas as among the election hotspots in Metro Manila due to the recent ’life-threatening’ developments,” he told Good Riddance.
Santos reiterated that the poll body must consider Las Piñas under election hotspot after Villar allegedly acted repeatedly in an unparliamentary manner and used offensive, derogatory and improper language against her political leaders, neighbors as well as homeowner’s association officers and security personnel.
“The Villars are being considered as the most powerful politicians not only in Las Piñas but in the entire country aside from being the richest family in the Philippines.”
Santos said he’d rather die fighting than withdraw from the congressional race.
A former chief of staff of late mayor Vergel Aguilar, he’s an advocate of socialized housing and in-city relocation, supporting the Marcos administration housing projects nationwide.
During a council privilege speech, he exposed the P213 million in accumulated taxes and penalties the Villar Group of Companies has only paid P151-million in real property taxes.
He believed that the death threats against his life were also connected to his exposes involving irregularities allegedly committed by a politician.
In recent viral video clips uploaded in Tiktok, Villar ‘attacked’ her congressional opponent, Santos, while sitting in an opposite pew minutes before the start of the mass at the city’s Our Lady of Fatima Church.
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? In light of the controversy, would you consider voting for Mark Santos to represent Las Piñas in the House of Representatives?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government engaged with children and local stakeholders in relation with child participation in governance and the local celebration of National Children’s Month, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from new report the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
The Las Piñas City government recently brought together children, stakeholders, and local leaders to promote the principles of child participation in governance.
Vice Mayor April Aguilar said the State of the Children’s Address (SOCA) and a Children’s Congress were conducted at the Excelsior Hotel.
Aguilar said the city government held the activities in celebration of National Children’s Month every November.
She said the children representatives actively participated in discussions and activities aimed at amplifying their voices.
The Vice Mayor also said stakeholders also signed a Declaration of Commitment against online and offline abuse and exploitation of children.
The event also served as a platform for young participants to share their views, ensuring their inclusion in local policies and programs concerning their welfare and rights.
Members of the Local Council for the Protection of Children emphasized the city’s commitment to child rights.
Aguilar, during her interaction with the youth participants, underscored the importance of empowering children as active agents of societal change.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? How many people in your local community are aware of the celebration of National Children’s Month.
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, residents who own properties were advised to take advantage of discounts offered to them when paying their respective real property taxes (RPT) early enough starting this month, according to a Manila Times news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from new report the Manila Times. Some parts in boldface…
Real property owners in Las Piñas City are reminded to settle their real property taxes early and take advantage of discounts offered for prompt payment in 2025.
Las Piñas Councilor Mark Anthony Santos announced that the advance tax payment period runs until Dec. 15, 2024. Taxpayers who settle their dues by this date will receive a 20 percent discount. Payments made from December 16 to 31 will qualify for a 16 percent discount, while payments completed between Jan. 1 and 31, 2025, will be granted a 10 percent discount.
To be eligible for these discounts, taxpayers must pay their taxes for the entire year and ensure there are no outstanding delinquencies, Santos emphasized.
He said failure to pay on time would result in penalties. A 10 percent surcharge will be applied to delinquent payments, along with a one-time administrative fee for late second installment payments. As stipulated in Sections 260 and 263 of Republic Act 7160, the Local Government Code of 1991, unpaid taxes could lead to further actions, including the auctioning of delinquent properties.
“If the real property tax is not paid, the city government will avail of remedies through administrative action or judicial proceedings,” Santos warned.
The city treasurer’s office also reminded new property owners to update their records at the city assessor’s office to ensure they receive official notices and avoid tax issues.
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? If you are a local property owner, are you ready to settle your real property tax with the City Government this month? Are the discounts for early payments enticing enough to you? How many property owners in your local community are aware of the discounts offered?
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
Author Carlo Carrasco 