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S&P Credit Rating Upgrade For Philippines Derailed By Flood Control Scandals

October 23, 2025October 15, 2025carlocarrasco

Here in the Philippines, the flood control corruption scandals are not only keeping many Filipinos very angry but they are also affecting the economy negatively as the nation was prevented from achieving a credit rating upgrade from S&P Global Ratings, according to a news report by BusinessWorld.

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

THE FINANCE CHIEF on Tuesday said the multibillion-peso flood control scandal prevented the Philippines from getting a credit rating upgrade from S&P Global Ratings.

“If [only] we did not have the flood control issue,” Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto told reporters on the sidelines of a Senate budget hearing. “We met with S&P, and they were ready to give us a credit rating upgrade this year.”

The controversy, which involves “ghost” projects and fund misuse in government flood control programs, has triggered investigations by Congress, the Commission on Audit, the Ombudsman, and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure.

The Marcos administration is facing increasing scrutiny over flood control projects, where billions of pesos in public funds were diverted through padded contracts and shell companies.

The scandal highlighted spending inefficiencies and governance lapses that credit agencies closely monitor when evaluating institutional credibility and fiscal management.

Asked whether the Philippines can achieve an “A” credit rating in the next two years, Mr. Recto said: “I hope so.”

He said the government wants to maintain its current credit rating, despite the multibillion-peso corruption scandal.

“There is a big chance they will maintain it, but there was a bigger chance for a credit rating upgrade,” he added.

In November 2024, S&P affirmed its “BBB+” long-term credit rating for the Philippines, which is a notch below the “A” level grade targeted by the government.

S&P had also raised its rating outlook to “positive” from “stable.” A positive outlook means the Philippines’ credit rating could be raised over the next two years if improvements are sustained.

Mr. Recto said the government needs to improve its governance and resolve the flood control mess.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? What do you think the national government should do to resolve the flood control mess? Are you convinced that the ongoing flood control corruption scandals are already turning away potential foreign investors?

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

Japan’s New Prime Minister Takaichi

October 22, 2025October 22, 2025carlocarrasco

Japan now has a new Prime Minister and her name is Sanae Takaichi (Takaichi Sanae for those who communicate in Japanese) and already her administration has been formed. Prime Minister Takaichi is a strongly conservative woman who not only has friendship with US President Donald Trump, but also met the late Margaret Thatcher who is her main inspiration for conservative governance and leadership. Being conservative, her loyalty to her people and nation is uncompromising and she intends to preserve the Japanese culture and ways while other nations of the world gave in to illegal immigration, Islamic terrorists and woke ideology.

To get yourselves oriented with the new Prime Minister of Japan, watch the selected videos below.

Shortly after taking office, an official statement was released by the Prime Minister which you can read in English below.

Today, I was designated as the nation’s Prime Minister, and a new Cabinet has been inaugurated. Bolstered by a strong and unwavering belief in the latent power and vitality of Japan and the Japanese people, I will dedicate myself completely to discharging my duty of forging a path for Japan’s future.

I will work resolutely for the sake of our nation and the Japanese people, filled with the determination to press ahead tenaciously under any circumstances. I will strive to build a strong economy, turning people’s unease and apprehension over their current lives and the future into hope, and I will deal with the challenges facing the international community as I embark on restoring Japanese diplomacy that flourishes on the world’s center stage.

I ask the Japanese people for their understanding and cooperation as I take these responsibilities upon myself.

Prime Minister Takaichi has already formed her cabinet and the stock market jumped sharply in response to her election. Takaichi was first elected to the Diet (Japan’s Parliament) in 1993 and she went on to serve for decades notably under the administration of the late Shinzo Abe. Clearly she is very experienced as a public servant.

*A younger Takaichi with former British Prime Minister and conservative icon Margaret Thatcher many years ago. (photo source – Nikkei Asia)*

The new Prime Minister also declared that Japan will NOT take in Islamists and illegal immigrants. This is a strong stance that I admire in Takaichi. Illegal immigration is a global disease that leads to worsening crime, failed multiculturalism and a series of problems for citizens. Islamists meanwhile are focused on migrating in great numbers to new countries believing they can overwhelm the locals, spread violence and hatred, and then destroy the local societies and cultures with the intention to replace them with their own.

In my experience, I visited Japan as a tourist. I admired Japan for its rich culture, its conservative ways, long lasting traditions and how their people lived with discipline and harmony. I certainly do not want illegal immigration and Islamization to ruin Japan. In fact, wokeness and political correctness are diseases and they will never make Japan better. That said, it is only right that Takaichi took office as Prime Minister.

The woke, the Satanic Leftists, the unhinged rabid feminists, the diversity extremists, the illegal immigration extremists and the LGBTQ mob can always keep on condemning PM Takaichi all they want (note: they have been doing it since Takaichi was elected president of her party weeks ago) but Japan does not really have to bow to them nor does it need to follow their evil ideologies. Takaichi has a nation to rebuild, an economy to revive and a lot of fellow Japanese people to take care of.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? What do you hope to see in Japan under the leadership of Prime Minister Takaichi? Did you see archive photos of Takaichi personally meeting former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher?

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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What to watch on YouTube right now – Part 106

October 22, 2025October 16, 2025carlocarrasco

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

I recommend you check out the following videos I found.

#1 You, Me and the Movies React To G.I. Joe: The Movie – When I was very young, me and my friends were fortunate enough to watch the 1987 animated movie G.I. Joe: The Movie on home video which was in high demand for rental in our entire village. We were all very entertained and astounded by the feature film and, unsurprisingly, a lot of G.I. Joe fans in the community started talking about it. Considering its pop culture significance and the involvement of Don Johnson as Lt. Falcon, it is surprising that there are actually few reaction videos of G.I. Joe: The Movie on YouTube as of this writing. Recently, You, Me and The Movies posted its reaction video which I found entertaining. If you have not seen G.I. Joe: The Movie yet, watch it entirely first. Otherwise, enjoy the reaction video below.

#2 Panzer Dragoon Saga Revisited – I never played any of the Panzer Dragoon games released by Sega. What caught my attention was the critical acclaim Panzer Dragoon Saga received in 1998 and it was not only a Sega Saturn-exclusive game but also a role-playing game (RPG). I found this retrospective YouTube video of Panzer Dragoon Saga and it has a fascinating look at the game’s production, history and the fact that two members of game developer Team Andromeda died. Watch it now.

#3 Explore a 7-Eleven Convenience Store In Japan – Months ago, Nippon TV (NTV) posted an exploratory feature news video about the many interesting stuff foreign visitors will find inside a 7-Eleven convenience store in Japan. Apart from the usual food and beverage stuff people expect to see inside convenience stores, 7-Eleven stores in Japan has its own features ranging from unique products to the consumer-friendly services available. The good thing about Nippon TV’s feature video is that the information is presented in English. Watch the video below.

#4 The Fifth Element Revisited – What can be said about the 1997 sci-fi film The Fifth Element? For me, it was a zany action movie that had a strong European touch on comedy and expressions, and it so happens that it had the famous Bruce Willis as the action hero. Of course, the film managed to arouse certain emotions or reactions from moviegoers, and the same can be said about YouTubers who did reaction videos about it. Watch and enjoy the selected reaction videos of The Fifth Element below.

#5 Steven Spielberg’s Animation Legacy – If you have extensively researched the work and creative history of Steven Spielberg, then you should be aware of his involvement in the production of animated movies…both hand-drawn and computer-generated. Since the 1980s, Spielberg produced animated feature films that happened to be directed by others, and I saw An American Tale as a young boy. Much later in life, I saw The Adventures of Tintin which Spielberg himself directed. Spielberg’s history with animation is extensive and you can discover a lot by watching the video below.

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Muntinlupa City Receives Special Citation For Sustained Efforts On Advancing Ease Of Doing Business

October 22, 2025October 21, 2025carlocarrasco

The City Government of Muntinlupa added another huge honor to its growing list of achievements as it received a special citation for advancing the ease of doing business during the 51st Philippine Business Conference & Expo, according to a Daily Tribune news report.

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

The City Government of Muntinlupa received a Special Citation at the 2025 Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit (LGU) Awards during the 51st Philippine Business Conference & Expo held on 20 October, recognizing the city’s continued commitment to innovation and digital transformation.

The award, presented by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), acknowledges Muntinlupa’s sustained efforts to advance the ease of doing business through its tech-driven programs that streamline government processes and empower the local business community.

Among Muntinlupa’s flagship initiatives are the Business e-Payment System (BESt) — a fully automated platform that enables businesses to pay taxes and fees online — and the Single-Window Transaction (SWiT), which consolidates multiple business registration steps into a faster, more convenient one-stop process.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon thanked the PCCI for the recognition, saying the citation reinforces the city’s pursuit of business-friendly governance anchored on efficiency, transparency, and inclusivity.

“Our goal is not only to simplify processes for businesses but also to create an environment where enterprises can thrive and generate quality, life-sustaining jobs for Muntinlupeños,” Biazon said.

“Through our strong partnership with the private sector, particularly the Muntinlupa Business Advisory Council (MBAC), we continue to push for innovations that make Muntinlupa a model city for smart, strong, and sustainable growth,” he added.

The Most Business-Friendly LGU Awards, an annual program of the PCCI, honors local governments that demonstrate exceptional performance in creating a conducive business climate and promoting local economic development.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you delighted with the special citation the City Government received? Do you think Muntinlupa City is the most business-friendly city in Metro Manila today?

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

Las Piñas City Government Releases Go Bags To First Batch Of Local Communities

October 21, 2025October 19, 2025carlocarrasco

In an attempt to prepare local residents and their communities to prepare themselves better for future disasters, the City Government of Las Piñas released several Go Bags (each with useful items for emergency use) to an initial batch of local communities, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The city government of Las Piñas distributed community go bags to different homeowners’ associations as part of the city government’s ongoing disaster preparedness and resilience campaign.

Barangays Manuyo Dos, Pulanglupa Uno, Zapote, and CAA were the first batch of communities to receive the go bags to equip households with essential emergency items that can be used during earthquakes.

Las Piñas City Mayor April Aguilar said the go-bags contained a first-aid kit, flashlight, lightsticks, and other essentials that can help in any calamities that may occur.

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? Has your local community received any Go Bags from the City Government already? Is your local community ready for potential disasters?

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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DPWH Says No Projects In Muntinlupa City Are Currently Under Investigation For Substandard Work

October 20, 2025October 11, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) replied to the official letter of inquiry by the SK Federation of Muntinlupa and the agency confirmed that no projects in Muntinlupa City are currently under investigation for substandard work, according to a news report by BusinessMirror. The DPWH also revealed details about two specific projects in Barangay Poblacion.

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

Sparked by Councilor Jonas Abadilla’s post on the SK Federation’s inquiry to DPWH, the story reflects a growing movement of young leaders seeking clarity and accountability, reminding the public that scrutiny, not suspicion, is the real measure of good governance.

The DPWH replied in full, and took responsibility.

The Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation of Muntinlupa City has written to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Las Piñas–Muntinlupa District Engineering Office to seek clarity on the selection and implementation of flood control projects in the city, including two in Barangay Poblacion worth a combined ₱143.5 million.

In its letter dated September 25, 2025, the SK Federation, joined by youth councils and alliances from Barangay Poblacion and Southville 3 raised concerns about how infrastructure priorities are identified and approved, particularly amid public speculation over several projects.

Among the questions raised: who decides which flood control projects get implemented, what criteria are used to select locations, and who approved the ₱49 million project near Caltex and the ₱94.5 million project in Southville 3. The youth groups also asked whether any Muntinlupa projects were part of ongoing investigations into substandard DPWH works.

“We believe that transparency must be achieved in order to foster inclusivity, ethical governance, and genuine service to our constituents,” the SK letter read. “We seek clarity to ensure that information shared with our fellow citizens is accurate and not subject to abuse.”

In its reply, the DPWH District Engineering Office thanked the SK for its vigilance and clarified that project identification and implementation are handled by the DPWH in coordination with local governments and district representatives, but that final approval rests with the DPWH Central Office, under the General Appropriations Act passed by Congress.

DPWH also explained that flood control projects are identified based on community vulnerability, technical studies, and protection of existing infrastructure.

The ₱49 million Caltex-area project, it said, is part of a broader series of flood mitigation works along the Magdaong River, completed in 2022 to prevent bank erosion threatening the national road.

The ₱94.5 million Southville 3 project, meanwhile, is preventive in nature: meant to avert erosion and landslides near a proposed national link road. It remains suspended pending DENR permits, with no payments yet made to the contractor.

The agency stressed that no projects in Muntinlupa are currently under investigation for substandard work, and that all undergo “strict quality control” monitored by DPWH and independent auditors.

For the SK Federation, the inquiry was an exercise in responsible citizenship — a way of using its mandate to promote transparency beyond youth programming.

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, what do you think about DPWH projects in the city? Are many members in your local community feeling angry over the corruption scandals related to flood control projects and DPWH projects around 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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Aliligay and Salazar Triumph In National Duathlon Championships 2025

October 20, 2025October 21, 2025carlocarrasco

Lowegene Aliligay and Katrina Salazar emerged as the champions of the National Duathlon Championships (NDC) 2025 held yesterday at Villar City, Bacoor, Cavite.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the sports press release of Triathlon Philippines. Some parts in boldface…

Lowegene Aliligay of Isabela ruled the men’s elite division Sunday in the National Duathlon Championships at the Villar City in Bacoor, Cavite.

The 26-year-old registered 58:51 to claim his first National title.

“I trained for two months to prepare for this tournament and I am so happy and proud of my achievement here,” said Aliligay, who hails from Barangay San Fabian in Echague town.

Daniel Cadavos (58:56) placed second followed by Mark Ryan Lago of Trece Martires, Cavite (1:01:57).

Katrina Salazar shared the limelight with Aliligay, dominating the women’s division with a time 1:07:25. Jena Valdez (1:08:30) got the silver medal.

Salazar, a third-year dentistry student from University of the East, secured her second gold medal this year after her victory in the National Aquathlon Championships last month.

Meanwhile, Eric Joachim Hechanova of Go-for-Gold clocked 58:38 to win the gold medal in the men’s junior elite division of the event organized by Triathlon Philippines headed by Tom Carrasco.

His teammate Justhene Navaluna took the silver with a time of 58:59 while Darell Johnson Bada (1:00:53) got the bronze.

“The course was good and I’m happy to win,” said the 17-year-old Hechanova, who hails from Lingayen, Pangasinan. He won the 5,000 meters event at the 2024 Batang Pinoy National Championships in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

Anisha Eunice Caluya clocked 1:13:08 followed by Dhana Victoria Seda-Lomboy (1:13:28) in the women’s junior division of the event supported by the Philippine Sports Commission.

The National Duathlon Championships 2025 is special event by Triathlon Philippines (TriPhil) supported by venue partner Villar City, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Gatorade, Western Guaranty Corporation and RaceYa.

To receive more local triathlon and multisport updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/TriPhil.

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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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Pet Microchipping Program Launched In Las Piñas City

October 19, 2025October 11, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, a microchipping program for local pets was launched and handled by the City Veterinary Services Office and witnessed by Mayor April Aguilar, the City Government announced via social media.

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

Las Piñas City, through the City Veterinary Services Office led by Dr. August Michael Basangan, has officially launched its Pet Microchipping Program to promote responsible pet ownership and work toward a rabies-free city.

During the launching, 60 fur parents registered for the microchipping of their dogs and cats, with the first to be implanted are the beloved fur babies of Mayor April Aguilar—a symbolic gesture underscoring her trust for the program and support for animal welfare and public health.

Microchips, which are as small as a grain of rice, are safely inserted between the neck and shoulder blades of pets. Each chip is permanent and tamper-proof, serving as a reliable means of registration and identification in the Animal Identification Database Registry System. This system allows authorities and owners to quickly identify lost pets, prevent cases of mis-identity, and strengthen monitoring for rabies control.

Mayor April emphasized that the program highlights the city’s continuing commitment to both public safety and animal welfare, ensuring that every pet in Las Piñas is protected, accounted for, and part of a healthier community.

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 have pets, are you willing to have them inserted with microchips?

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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Tapa King Now Serving Customers Inside Festival Mall

October 18, 2025October 10, 2025carlocarrasco

Tapa King, a popular food joint chain that specializes on beef tapa and rice meals, has been serving customers at its new branch located at the ground floor (or Lower Ground Floor) inside Festival Mall in Alabang.

For those who often visit Festival Mall, Tapa King is located at the commercial space that was previously occupied for years by Fukuya Japanese Restaurant (officially closed on April 30, 2025). The said space is a short walking distance from the mall’s old food court.

Out of curiosity, I visited Tapa King’s Festival Mall branch to try out their signature meal – the Classic (AKA Tapa King) which costs me P265. It had rice, beef tapa in small pieces, one fried egg and some pickled vegetables Check out the images below.

*This is the Classic meal from Tapa King. It was a satisfying meal for P265.*

*A close look at a piece of tapa from the Classic meal. Really small.*

Apart from their Classic meal, Tapa King also offers a lot of meals to meet the different cravings of customers. They also have the Tapa Adobo Classic, Sizzling Tapa King, Bistek, Beef Nilaga, Smoked Bangus Sinigang, Fried Chicken, Chicken Tocino and Boneless Bangus to name some.

While I was eating, I noticed the interior of Tapa King’s Festival Mall branch has enough space for passing through and the number of seats can easily exceed forty customers. Again, this is the same space previously occupied by Fukuya Japanese Restaurant whose interiors were rectangular (roughly 50/50 in terms of percentage of space) and the number of seats were clearly smaller compared to Tapa King. During the time I had my meal there, most of the seats were occupied and people were clearly enjoying their meals.

*This Tapa King branch is located on the ground floor and is just a short walk away from the old food court of Festival Mall.*

If you are craving for Filipino meals and beef tapa specifically while visiting Festival Mall, click https://maps.app.goo.gl/NUrBRrc3UVJrSYPJ8

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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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

DTI Defers Mandatory Trustmark Due To Backlash From Online Merchants

October 18, 2025October 17, 2025carlocarrasco

In response to backlash from online merchants, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) officially deferred the mandatory Trademark, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Trustmark will be voluntary until December 31, 2025.

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

After facing backlash from online merchants, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will no longer mandate the E-Commerce Philippine Trustmark, instead making the requirement voluntary until the end of the year.

In a statement, the DTI said the move was announced by Trade Secretary Cristina Roque during a town hall meeting about the trustmark’s implementation on Wednesday, Oct. 15.

Roque said that hearing directly from stakeholders made the agency want to improve the trustmark to make it more “useful, fair, and helpful for both businesses and consumers.”

“After all, our shared goal is to make e-commerce in the Philippines safer and more trustworthy for everyone,” she said.

The secretary—and the DTI as a whole—has been on the receiving end of outrage among online merchants, who have been labeling the trustmark as an additional burden.

The DTI even disabled the comment feature on its Facebook page after being bombarded with criticism on every post, even those unrelated to the trustmark.

The trustmark, aligned with the Internet Transactions Act, serves as a digital badge to ensure that online platforms and merchants are compliant with fair e-commerce practices. It is designed to help consumers identify legitimate businesses, protecting them against unfair trade practices, scams, and other fraudulent activities.

Under the new policy, the DTI said that the trustmark will be voluntary until Dec. 31. So far, the DTI is still finalizing supplemental guidelines for this policy, including fees that depend on the size or type of business, among other details.

By early 2026, the department is expected to evaluate whether the trustmark registration will remain voluntary.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? What do you think the Trustmark of DTI is more of a hassle than a benefit for online sellers? Do you think the Trustmark should be scrapped entirely? What do you think should be done to help consumers find legitimate online merchants?

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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