diversity – Page 3 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Japan Moves With Establishing Pre-Entry Immigration Checks And Higher Residency Fees

March 12, 2026March 10, 2026carlocarrasco

The establishment of online pre-entry immigration checks and much higher residency fees could become a reality as the Japanese government approved a bill to amend the immigration control law, according to a Kyodo News report.

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

The Japanese government on Tuesday approved a bill to amend the immigration control law to establish an online pre-entry screening system for overseas arrivals and significantly increase residence status application fees for foreigners.

The Cabinet-endorsed bill will be submitted to the current Diet session, and if enacted, the government aims to implement the entry eligibility screening system called the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization, or JESTA, in fiscal 2028.

The amendment includes raising the upper limit for visa application and renewal fees from 10,000 yen ($63) to 300,000 yen, marking the first increase since 1982.

The introduction of JESTA aims to prevent terrorism and illegal employment, according to the Immigration Services Agency. It would target the current 74 countries and regions whose citizens are exempt from obtaining short-stay visas.

Several days before traveling to Japan, applicants would be required to provide information online, including their name, the purpose of their stay, and the locations they intend to visit. Those suspected of traveling for illegal employment or other violations would be denied boarding on aircraft and ships.

Fees are currently set at 10,000 yen for application for permanent residency and 6,000 yen for residence period renewals.

It has been pointed out that these fees, which cover only actual costs and are also allocated to coexistence measures, are significantly lower than those in Western countries.

The number of foreign residents in Japan at the end of 2025 stood at approximately 4.13 million, a record high.

The government would aim to use the increased cap to cover system costs for efficient visa screening and the establishment of consultation services.

The amendment sets the cap at 300,000 yen for permanent residency applications and 100,000 yen for visa extensions and similar procedures.

The limits have been set in anticipation of future inflation. Going forward, the specific amounts for each fee would be determined by government ordinance with the aim of applying them within fiscal 2026.

According to sources, the permanent residency application fee is being considered at around 200,000 yen, while other fees would range from 10,000 yen to 70,000 yen depending on the intended period of stay.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the proposed changes will make a tremendous impact on immigration in Japan? Do you expect the bill to be approved this year? How far do you think Japan should go with reforming their immigration system?

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

Las Piñas City Government Shifts To Compressed Work Week

March 11, 2026March 10, 2026carlocarrasco

With the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and much higher prices of fuel already in effect, the City Government of Las Piñas announced that it has started implementing the compressed work week schedule to specifically cut down on energy consumption in government offices. Workers of certain departments, however, will resume their regular operations to ensure uninterrupted services.

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

The Office of the Mayor released Memo No. 2026-001 implementing the Compressed Workweek Schedule in the City Government of Las Piñas, in accordance with Memorandum Circular No. 114 of the national government that aims to reduce energy consumption in government offices.

Under the new schedule, city employees will go to work Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

The move aims to support energy conservation, make government operations more efficient, and ensure service delivery to citizens continues.

Offices that provide essential services such as the City Health Office, Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, Engineering Office, City Environmental and Natural Resources Office, and Traffic and Parking Management Office will resume their regular operations to ensure public service is not interrupted.

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 have a lot of transactions to complete at City Hall? Do you know anyone who works as a City Government employee?

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

Trump Says War With Iran To End “Very Soon”

March 11, 2026March 10, 2026carlocarrasco

Since the first strikes happened on February 28, the joint military operations of the United States and Israel have heavily damaged the military, energy and government sites of the Islamic terrorist state of Iran. As the war with Iran has impacted the global economy and a new so-called supreme leader of Iran was selected, US President Donald Trump stated that the war is expected to end “very soon” but not at the end of this week, according to a news report by Kyodo News.

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

U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday the ongoing war with Iran is expected to be over “very soon” but ruled out the possibility of it coming to an end this week.

“We’re winning very decisively. We’re way ahead of schedule,” Trump, who had initially predicted the conflict could last four to five weeks, claimed during a press conference in Florida.

Trump’s remarks came after Iran selected Mojtaba Khamenei as its new supreme leader after his father was killed in the first wave of U.S.-Israeli strikes.

Khamenei, the late leader’s second son, is known for his close ties with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. His rise to power has raised concern among many countries that the war, entering its second week, could further destabilize the Middle East and quickly ripple through the global economy.

While insisting that the United States has achieved an “unprecedented” military success, Trump said he was “disappointed” with Iran’s choice of supreme leader.

“We think it’s going to lead to just more of the same problem for the country,” he said.

Sending conflicting messages, Trump also warned that the United States will aggressively attack Iran if it attempts to block the world’s energy supply.

“We will hit them so hard that it will not be possible for them or anybody else helping them to ever recover that section of the world,” he said.

But he struck an optimistic note on oil prices, saying they would be much lower after the war ends. On disruption to oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said the United States was less affected than China.

It seems that the joint Israel-America operations have achieved more than what was previously expected. The Islamic regime’s navy has been demolished, the air force crushed, and the oil refineries destroyed. It has also been reported that more military personnel of the regime have left their posts and moved out of the country using fake passports. The oppressed Iranians, meanwhile, should get more motivated to go out and protest as the regime’s military and police forces weaken.

Looking at the bigger picture, the massive devastation on the Islamic terrorist state made the leaders of Russia and Communist China worried. China needs oil from Iran while Russia needs Iranian-made weapons. Geopolitically, it’s like Trump’s America stuck two birds with one stone. In the case of Israel, Islamic terrorist groups are weakening now that the Islamic regime of Iran cannot support them. Going back to Iran, there are opportunities for the affected Iranians to move out of the country and enter Armenia as refugees. Already there are groups at the Armenian side of the border who intend to help Iranian refugees.

For more updates about what happened lately, watch the videos below.

Let me ending this post by asking you readers to pray to the Lord for victory, for the protection of the American and Israeli forces, for the safety of civilians everywhere, for the end of the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran to happen soon, and for the liberation of the oppressed Iranian people. Pray to Him to also bless US President Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as their respective administrations. Pray to God for more peace and stability in the Middle East and for the stability of the global economy.

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Las Piñas City Government Receives New Training Equipment From TESDA

March 9, 2026March 3, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government (specifically the Las Piñas City Manpower Training Center) received from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) new training tools, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Mayor April Aguilar led the ceremonial signing of the deed with TESDA officials.

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

The Las Piñas City Manpower Training Center (LPCMTC) received new tools and equipment following the signing of a Deed of Donation from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)–NCR and the TESDA Muntinlupa District.

Las Piñas City Mayor April Aguilar led the ceremonial signing with TESDA-NCR Regional Director Angelina Carreon, TESDA MuntiParLas Tapat District Director, TESDA-NCR Assistant Regional Director Gerardo Mercado, and LPCMTC head Engineer Noel Cuevas.

Aguilar said the event marked another milestone in strengthening the city’s technical and vocational training programs.

She said that various tool kits and equipment were awarded for use in LPCMTC’s training courses. These include equipment for assembling electronic products, solar night and post lamps, automotive servicing, cookery, bread making, and servicing consumer and industrial electronics modules and systems.

The mayor added that additional tools for preparing hot and cold meals were also provided.

Aguilar said that with improved training facilities and complete equipment, Las Piñeros are now better equipped to gain employment or start their own livelihoods.

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 that TESDA released new training tools to the City Government? Do you know anyone who took training courses with TESDA in the 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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Parañaque Shooting Incident Suspect Apprehended

March 8, 2026March 7, 2026carlocarrasco

After doing a 48-hour manhunt, the local police officers finally apprehended the suspect behind the shooting incident that happened inside a local community which resulted in two fatalities and four people injured, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

Police arrested the alleged gunman in a fatal shooting at a condominium basketball court in Parañaque City, which killed two men and critically wounded four others, after a 48-hour manhunt.

The suspect, identified as William, 59, a resident of Barangay Marcelo Green, Parañaque City, was nabbed at around 8:30 p.m. in a condominium unit in Barangay Moonwalk.

According to Southern Police District (SPD) director Brig. Gen. Randy Arceo, the suspect shot dead Edwin, 57, and Arjay, 29, and wounded four others who were then playing basketball. Recovered from the suspect were two 9mm pistols, multiple magazines, and ammunition.

Police discovered during investigation that the suspect had a homicide case in Taguig City in 2012, and a warrant of arrest had been issued against him by a Regional Trial Court in June 2023.

Probers learned that the suspect had argued with one of the fatalities and the wounded victims three months ago.

According to a report from Parañaque City Police chief Col. Nicolas Pinon, the suspect reportedly went down from his unit, entered through the main gate of the basketball court, and started firing shots at a group of men playing basketball.

Pinon said that based on CCTV footage obtained by the police, the group of men scampered in different directions while two victims were critically wounded and later died from bullet wounds.

The city police chief said the suspect exited through the main gate of the basketball court and fled on foot toward a mall after the shooting.

The four injured victims were rushed to a hospital after the incident and were reportedly in unstable condition.

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 thankful to the local police for finding and arresting the suspect? Does this development make you feel safer? What do you think could be the motive behind the shooting?

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 City Shooting Incident Causes Two Deaths And Injures Four

March 7, 2026March 5, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, a shooting incident that happened in a local community’s basketball court resulted in the deaths of two people and four people getting injured, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The armed suspect remains at large.

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

Two people were killed while four others were injured in a shooting incident inside a basketball court at a condominium complex in Parañaque on Wednesday night, March 4.

Police said the victims were reportedly playing basketball when a 59-year-old suspect, allegedly armed with a 9mm pistol, opened fire in the area.

The incident occurred at around 7:59 p.m. at the basketball court of Azure Residences, located in Barangay Marcelo Green.

According to Parañaque City Police Chief Col. Nicolas Pinon, the suspect, who is a resident of one of the condominium units, reportedly went down from his unit for no apparent reason, entered through the main gate of the basketball court, and started shooting at the group of men playing basketball.

Pinon said that based on the CCTV footage obtained by the police, the group of men scampered in different directions while two victims were critically wounded and later died due to the shooting.

He added that the four injured victims were rushed to a hospital after the incident and were reportedly in unstable condition.

The city police chief said the suspect exited through the main gate of the basketball court and fled on foot toward SM Bicutan after the shooting.

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 violent crime like what was reported will continue to happen? What do you think is the motive of the suspect? Do you know anyone who lives in Azure Urban Resort Residences?

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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Japanese Prime Minister Condemns Iran

March 7, 2026March 10, 2026carlocarrasco

Even though it has been severely damaged by the joint forces of the United States and Israel, the Islamic terrorist state of Iran continued to retaliate by launching missiles and drones not only at American and Israeli forces, but also on sovereign nations in the Middle East such as Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Islamist Qatar and more. As such, Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae condemned Iran for the destruction it committed, according to a news article by Nippon TV.

For insight, the Prime Minister previously urged Iran to solve its conflict with America and Israel diplomatically. Economically, Japan is vulnerable as it imports most of its oil from the Middle East and the violence happening in the said region has already caused serious economic disruptions. Japan also opposes any nuclear weapons development program by Iran.

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

Amid continued tensions surrounding the situation in Iran, Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae spoke on the phone with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on March 5 and told him she condemns Iran’s actions.

Officials said that at the start of the roughly 20-minute conversation, Merz provided an overview of the international situation, taking into account events including his summit meeting with US President Donald Trump.

In response, Takaichi told Merz that she condemns Iran’s actions, including attacks that have extended to civilian and diplomatic facilities and resulted in civilian casualties. The two leaders agreed to work together to de-escalate the situation as quickly as possible.

Ahead of the phone call, Takaichi met with visiting UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology Sultan Al Jaber at her office.

In the talks, Takaichi asked for cooperation from the United Arab Emirates in safeguarding Japanese nationals and maintaining a stable supply of oil to Japan.

Officials said Jaber expressed his intention to cooperate in areas such as ensuring the safety of Japanese citizens.

Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, there have been disruptions in logistics, with tankers becoming stalled near the Strait of Hormuz.

Japanese automaker Toyota Motor is said to be considering reducing its production of vehicles bound for the Middle East.

According to sources, Toyota has notified parts manufacturers and other relevant entities about the possibility that it may reduce the number of vehicles produced. Toyota has not disclosed details of its production plans or whether it uses the Strait of Hormuz.

But last year, the company exported about 320,000 vehicles, including Land Cruisers, to Middle Eastern countries.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran is just days away from totally collapsing as the United States and Israel keep on pounding them with military weapons? Do you think the wicked government of Iran is paying any attention to the Prime Minister of Japan? Why do you think the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran deliberately targets civilians with missiles and drones? Did you notice a lot of people in your local community who openly support the Islamic terrorist state of Iran?

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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Only 705,809 Babies Born In Japan In 2025

March 7, 2026March 3, 2026carlocarrasco

Japan’s long-time population problems continued as the number of new children born in 2025 reached only 705,809, according to a news report by Kyodo News. The figure, which includes foreign residents, is the lowest since the counting of newborn children started in 1899.

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

The number of children born in Japan in 2025 fell from a year earlier to 705,809, the fewest since data became available in 1899 and hitting a new low for the 10th consecutive year, health ministry data showed Thursday.

The figure, which includes foreign residents, was down from 2024 by 2.1 percent, or 15,179 births, as the country faces a rapidly graying population and increased anxiety over child-rearing due to the higher cost of living amid inflation. The pace of decline, however, slowed from a year earlier.

In addition to economic anxiety, more people appear to be choosing to marry and have children later in life, or not to marry at all, due to a shift in priorities, experts say.

Population decline showed no signs of abating, with the natural decrease — subtracting the number of births from deaths — hitting the highest ever at 899,845, according to preliminary data released by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.

The National Institute of Population and Social Security Research had projected that the number of births, including those of foreign residents in the country, would not drop below 710,000 until 2042.

In separate data released by the ministry in June last year, the number of babies born to Japanese nationals in 2024 fell to 680,000, dropping below 700,000 for the first time.

The 2.1 percent decrease shown in the latest data — compared with 5.0 percent in 2024 — likely partially reflects a second straight year of increasing marriages in 2025, up 1.1 percent to 505,656.

The number is still far below the more than 600,000 marriages Japan had seen annually until 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic disrupted normal patterns of social interaction.

“We haven’t been able to turn the trend, unfortunately,” a senior government official said at a news conference on Thursday.

Among the few bright spots for the country’s 47 prefectures, Tokyo and Ishikawa, in central Japan, saw an increase in birth numbers.

The change in Tokyo, where the figure rose by 1.3 percent in the first increase in nine years, could be the result of an influx of people into the capital along with the child-rearing support orchestrated by the metropolitan government, experts say.

Ishikawa’s case is seen as a rebound from a decrease in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake that struck the Noto Peninsula in January 2024.

The remaining 45 prefectures continued to see births decline, with the steepest drop of 8.7 percent in Shimane followed by decreases in Yamagata, Aomori and Nagano.

Rural regions have seen their populations decrease as people opt to leave for schools and jobs. Few municipalities have found a winning formula to reverse the trend.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? What do you think the government led by Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae should do to stop the population decline? Do you think allowing more foreigners to legally migrate into Japan is the answer?

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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Two Suspects Arrested In Parañaque City For Selling Fake Luxury Bags

March 6, 2026February 28, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, two individuals were arrested by the local police for selling fake luxury bags, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin. The law enforcers responded to a complaint filed by a victim.

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

Police arrested two suspects in an entrapment operation for allegedly selling fake luxury bags on Thursday afternoon, Feb. 26.

The suspects were identified as Glen, 25, and Imel, 29, both residents of Barangay San Isidro, Parañaque City.

They were arrested at a dining establishment along Aseana Avenue in Barangay Tambo during an entrapment operation conducted by members of the Station Intelligence Section and the Investigation and Detective Management Section, in coordination with the AFP Army Intelligence Regiment.

Police said the arrest stemmed from a complaint filed by a 29-year-old call center agent, who reported that the suspects sold her a fake “Birkin” bag from Hermès worth P700,000 last Feb. 7.

The victim told police that the bag was confirmed to be counterfeit after it underwent validation and authentication.

Authorities conducted the entrapment operation after the victim reported that the suspects contacted her again, offering to sell a “Kelly 25” bag from Hermès worth P950,000.

During the arrest, police recovered from the suspects a white Kelly 25 bag and a black Kelly 25 bag, both branded as Hermès, as well as items bearing brands such as Chanel and Coach. A magnifying loupe glass was also seized.

Authorities likewise confiscated several mobile devices, including an iPhone 13, a Samsung Galaxy 11, a Tecno Go Spark 2, and an iPhone 6, along with P2,000 in cash and 98 pieces of boodle money.

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 thankful that the local police officers were successful in arresting the suspects? Do you know anyone who was fooled into spending a high amount of money on fake products?

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 Government To Pursue Legal Action Versus Online Shopping Platforms Over The Selling Of Fake Friendship Route Stickers

March 5, 2026March 3, 2026carlocarrasco

In a serious move against the selling of fake friendship route stickers online, the City Government of Las Piñas that it will pursue legal action against three online shopping platforms that constantly made such items available to customers, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin. The City Government reiterated that using fake friendship route stickers constitutes penalties.

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

The Las Piñas city government has intensified its crackdown on the illegal sale and use of counterfeit Friendship Route stickers and is preparing to pursue legal action against three online platforms.

Las Piñas City Mayor April Aguilar said the three online platforms were reportedly openly selling counterfeit Friendship Route stickers.

Aguilar stressed that legitimate Friendship Route stickers are distributed free of charge to residents of Las Piñas City.

She warned that selling or using fake stickers is a violation of City Ordinance No. 715-06 and may result in fines and possible imprisonment.

Under the ordinance, violators will be fined P500 for the first offense, P1,000 for the second offense, and P3,000 for succeeding offenses.

Those found violating other provisions of the ordinance may face a fine of up to P5,000 or imprisonment of up to six months, or both.

While the Manila Bulletin report did not mention the names of the online shopping platforms, the City Government’s official announcement explicitly mentioned Shopee, Lazada and Facebook Marketplace.

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? Did you notice that fake Las Piñas friendship route stickers have long been offered for sale in online shopping platforms with prices in the hundreds of Pesos each? Do you personally know anyone using a fake friendship route sticker while driving within the city? Do you hope that City Government’s move will compel the online shopping platforms to crack down on the sellers of the fake friendship route stickers?

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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