GMA Network – Page 11 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Bureau of Immigration (BI) says tighter visa rules for Chinese tourists to help ensure national security

May 13, 2024May 12, 2024carlocarrasco

The government here in the Philippines are trying to balance the nation’s need of security and the gains from attracting foreign tourists. Specifically speaking, the spotlight is currently on the handling of visa requirements from Chinese tourists as the Bureau of Immigration (BI) made clear the need to help ensure national security, according to a GMA Network news report.

The BI responded to the statement of the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) that tighter visa rules for Chinese nationals could harm the nation’s tourism as well as the businesses connected with tourist activities. Take note that criminal/illegal activities involving Chinese nationals happened many times here in the Philippines (click here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here).

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

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said Sunday that tightening the visa requirements for Chinese tourists would also help the Philippines protect national security, considering the illegal activities involving Chinese nationals.

Interviewed on Super Radyo dzBB, BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval explained that while tourism is very important to the Philippine economy, the government also needs to implement stricter measures to protect public interest.

“We also have to look into the national security issue, the safety of the country. Kung merong mga ilegal na ginagawa [if there are illegal activities], I think it’s also important to have strict measures kung may nakikita na tayo na kakaibang nangyayari [if we see anything different happening] or mga activities that are probably inimical to national security or public interest,” she said.

Sandoval made the remark in reaction to the statement of the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) that tighter visa rules for Chinese nationals visiting the Philippines could “discourage tourism and hurt businesses.”

She said that the BI has always been strict in inspecting arriving foreign nationals, particularly those involved in illegal activities.

Several Chinese nationals have reportedly been involved in organized crimes such as human trafficking, prostitution, kidnapping, and fraud. Some of them were also linked illegally working for a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO).

This prompted the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to tighten the Philippines’ visa requirements for Chinese tourists amid a high number of fraudulent applications received in its embassy and consulates in China.

The DFA, however, ruled out ongoing tensions with China in disputed areas in the South China Sea as the reason for imposing more stringent visa measures for Chinese visitors.

Sandoval welcomed this development, saying it would add a layer of security in the Bureau of Immigration’s assessment of foreign nationals entering the Philippines.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you agree with the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) that tighter visa rules for Chinese visitors could hurt Philippine tourism? Do you think that Chinese tourists could not behave themselves while they are in the country? Do you want visa rules on all Chinese visitors be tightened for the long-term? Did a Chinese national cause trouble in your local community lately?

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

BIR extends deadline for online businesses to transition to new withholding tax system to July 14, 2024

April 29, 2024April 16, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) announced that July 14, 2024, is the new deadline for online businesses to transition to the new withholding tax system, according to a GMA Network news report. Previously the deadline was April 15, 2024 and online businesses with annual earnings of over P500,000 were to be covered by the 1% withholding tax.

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

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) announced Tuesday that it has extended the deadline for online merchants to transition to the new withholding tax system by 90 days.

According to the agency, Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 55-2024 extended the transitory period for compliance with Revenue Regulations (RR) No. 16-2023 until July 14 after considering the private sector’s request on the implementation.

“This 90-day extension of the transitory period under RR No. 16-2023 shows the BIR’s commitment in listening to the voice of the private sector,” BIR Commissioner Jun Lumagui said in a statement.

“This is part of my administration’s thrust on Excellent Taxpayer Service. We hear the thoughts of the private sector, and if the same is reasonable, then we make policy adjustments for the benefit of the Filipino people,” added Lumagui.

Under RR No. 16-2023, one-half of the gross remittances of e-marketplace operations and digital financial services providers to the sellers or merchants for goods or services paid through their platform shall be subject to a 1% creditable withholding tax.

The BIR said that the online transactions industry has experienced growth during and after the coronavirus pandemic but it appeared that many online sellers were not paying their share in taxes.

RR No. 16-2023 was signed by Lumagui and Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno in December 2023.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that the new deadline will give all online businesses here in the Philippines enough time to transition into the new withholding tax 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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What to watch on YouTube right now – Part 17

April 19, 2024April 19, 2024carlocarrasco

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 The Garden of Eden location video – Let me start first by stating that everything in the Holy Bible (the Word of God) is absolutely true. I truly believe in the Bible and the ancient record of the creation of the world, Adam and Eve, and the Garden of Eden existed and there is nothing that science could do to refute them. Recently, YouTube channel HolyLandSite posted a video about the most likely location of the Garden of Eden, explaining in detail how it came to be, where it existed and how to properly understand what is written in the Holy Bible which truly describes it as a genuine place created by God.

#2 Mosab Hassan Yousef (son of a Hamas co-founder) proves the North American pro-Palestine believers to be very wrong, ignorant, foolish and delusional on Dr. Phil show – Mosab Hassan Yousef is the son of a Hamas co-founder, was raised with hateful teachings against Jewish people, was a Hamas member who fought against Israel, stopped being evil, repented and submitted to Lord Jesus, is now a strong supporter of Israel and has been working against the terrorists. Considering his upbringing and background, it is not surprising that he proved the pro-Palestine believers/activists to be wrong, ignorant, brainwashed and foolish! The pro-Palestine believers here are so brainwashed by Islamo-Leftists superiors, they failed to see the evil of their movement, and they do not care about the victims of the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks on Israel committed by Hamas. Watch the videos below…

To all the pro-Palestine believers, Bill and Hillary Clinton idolaters, the woke zealots, the Satanic Democrats, the LGBTQ people, the illegal aliens, the Islamo-Leftists and those who love terrorist Yasser Arafat reading this…you are all on the wrong side of history!

If you want to truly change yourselves for good, stop being evil, repent to Lord Jesus and submit to Him with all your heart. You still have time.

#3 Contra games comparison videos plus an explanatory video – Recently, I took advantage of the Xbox online store sale to purchase the digital copy of Contra Anniversary Collection for roughly $4 and I started playing the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and the Family Computer (Famicom) versions of the classic game Contra on my Xbox Series X console. Indeed, there were notable differences between the two versions with regards to graphics and storytelling presentations. Not only that, Contra Anniversary Collection also contains the original arcade version of Contra (meant to be compared to the NES/Famicom ports) as well as the European version of Contra called Probotector. Even Contra III: The Alien Wars also had a different version in Europe. I also added one explanatory video titled Contra: From Arcade to NES & Beyond. Watch the videos below…

#4 Poltergeist movie reaction videos plus another two other related videos – Let me make it clear to all of you that I am not a fan of the 1982 supernatural horror movie Poltergeist. As a film buff, I do give Steven Spielberg, director Tobe Hooper and their production team for the creative stuff they came up with (including the visual effects) to making it stand out among the many horror movies Hollywood made over the past 40+ years. That being said, it is not surprising that Poltergeist became a popular film featured in multiple movie reaction videos by different YouTubers. Watch their reaction videos plus two related others (from Minty Comedic Arts) below…

#5 A close look at the classic game Paperboy – Way back in 1989, I visited the United States of America for the first time and I could not forget the time I spent playing in a huge video arcade in one of the fancy hotels of Las Vegas. One of the first arcade games I played back then was Paperboy which I quickly found to be a lot of fun. I liked the game so much, I kept playing it in that same arcade and years later, I played versions of it on PC and the Nintendo Entertainment System. That being said, if you have not played or discovered the classic game, you can learn all about it in this video by YouTuber PatmanQC.

#6 Caught on camera: Electric bike (e-bike) hits elderly woman who later died – Recently here in the Philippines, a major TV network reported an accident in which an elderly woman got hit hard by a moving electric bike (e-bike) driven by a man who was distracted (as caught on video and witnessed by bystanders). The elderly woman eventually died while the suspect has since been apprehended facing a charge of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide. For the newcomers reading this, there are already many cases of careless or reckless driving committed by people who drove electric bikes (e-bikes) or electric tricycles (e-trikes) on public roads along with cars, vans, buses and trucks. This latest incident does not help the case of e-bike/e-trike drivers and owners at all. Posted below is the news video about the e-bike that hit the elderly woman.

#7 Wicked Iran’s assault against Israel – I cannot stay silent about this. Iran and its terrorist proxies launched missiles and drones against Israel (which had the support of America, Jordan and others for defense). Almost 100% of the enemy projectiles were shot down. For the newcomers reading this, the conflict between Israel and Iran (the chief sponsor and source of terrorists in the Middle East) goes a long way back. The wicked regime of Iran (in power since 1979) made clear its intentions to not only destroy Israel but also other Western democracies/societies. Iran’s terrorist network also reached South America. In light of all of these, if you want truthful and accurate reports about Israel’s fight against the terrorists, rely on the content and updates of TBN Israel, CBN News, TravelingIsrael and the official Israel Defense Forces (IDF) channel. Watch the videos below and do not forget to pray to the Lord in support of Israel, the fall of their enemies, the rescue of the hostages and the peace of Jerusalem.

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Cop arrested for shooting motorcycle rider in Parañaque City, suspect denies allegations

April 9, 2024April 1, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Parañaque, a police officer was apprehended for shooting dead a motorcycle rider in Barangay San Dionisio, according to a GMA Network news report. The incident happened during Holy Week and the suspect (currently in jail) denied the allegations against him.

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

A police officer who is an active member of the mobile unit of the Philippine National Police-Aviation Security Group was arrested for allegedly shooting a motorcycle rider in Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque.

According to Mariz Umali’s Saturday 24 Oras Weekend report, 27-year-old Neil Wong was shot dead at around 6:40 a.m. He was seen by a witness talking to the suspect before the attack.

“Nakita ko nang bumagsak na po yung biktima. Tapos sinisigawan ko na yung suspect, sabi ko ‘Huy!’” said the witness.

(I saw the victim fall. Then, I shouted at the suspect, I said ‘Huy!’)

According to the Parañaque Police, the suspect attempted to steal the victim’s motorcycle but ran after it failed to start and was arrested by a passing police patrol.

Taken from the suspect were his service firearm, bullets, and two of the victim’s mobile phones.

“Ang motibo na nakikita namin dito yung robbery,” said Parañaque Police Investigation Chief Police Captain Melvin Garcia.

(The motive that we’re seeing is robbery.)

The victim may also have been in the area because his motorcycle broke down.

Meanwhile, the suspect denied the allegations.

“Bigla niya kong binato out of nowhere. Kala ko di niya sinasadya. Tapos maya-maya bigla niya ko minura. Kaya ko yun nagawa sa kanya, yung binaril ko siya. Humihingi ako ng tawad sa lahat ng kaanak, sa mga magulang at saka sa mga mahal niya sa buhay,” the suspect said.

(He suddenly threw something at me out of nowhere. I thought he didn’t mean it, but later he suddenly cursed at me. That’s why I did it, shooting him. I’m asking for forgiveness from all his relatives, parents, and his loved ones)

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that motorcycle robberies could happen near your local community? Do you think the suspect is telling the truth?

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

Electric bike (e-bike) driver hits elderly woman who eventually died

April 9, 2024April 6, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Marikina, an elderly woman died shortly after getting hit by an electric bike (e-bike) while crossing the road which was captured on CCTV, according to a GMA Network news report. The e-bike driver, who is now under the custody of the local police, has been charged for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide. The victim was 73-years-old.

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

A grandmother in Marikina was killed after being hit by an electric bicycle or e-bike.

According to Marisol Abduhraman’s report on “24 Oras,” the victim was not immediately brought to the hospital, her family claimed.

As seen on the CCTV footage, after the woman opened her umbrella, she started crossing the road. But while crossing, an electric bicycle hit her.

The woman fell down and was immediately approached by bystanders and the e-bike rider.

The 73-year-old Luzviminda Bisares was declared dead when she was taken to the hospital.

“Hindi ako makapaniwala bakit niya po binangga at sinagasaan po ang lola ko na nagtamo ng brain injury and putol po ang braso niya,” said the victim’s granddaughter, Samantha Bisarez.

(I can’t believe why he hit my grandmother causing her to suffer from brain injury, her arm was broken.)

She added that it was impossible for the rider not to notice her grandmother, especially since she was carrying an open umbrella.

“Sabi niya may tinitingnan daw siya sa bulsa niya pero nasa CCTV at lahat noong tao doon nakita na nagse-cellphone po siya while driving,” said Samantha.

(He said he was looking at something in his pocket but it was seen on CCTV and everyone there saw that he was using his cell phone while driving.)

“Sabihin na nating aksidente pero bakit mo hinayaang manlamig, lumamig ‘yung lola ko. Bakit hindi ka nag-insist na ipagamot yung lola ko o ipadala sa ospital? Para sana madugtungan pa ‘yung buhay niya?” she added.

(Let’s say it was an accident but why didn’t you insist on bringing my grandmother to the hospital so she could be treated?)

The rider explained that he did not immediately take the grandmother to the hospital because he was panicking.

“Malapit na po ako sa bahay nila tapos nandun po kami papasok sa eskinita nahilo po s’ya kaya pinaupo ko po muna s’ya saglit. Hindi na po kami umabot kasi nahilo po s’ya inupo ko po sya dun,” the suspect said.

(We were nearing their house, we were entering the alley…she felt dizzy so I made her sit for a while. We didn’t get there because she was dizzy, so I let her sir first.)

He said a man arrived from the alley and took the grandmother to the hospital. The suspect said he regretted what happened and said he did not mean to kill her.

“Masakit po sa dibdib, sympre po hindi ko naman po sinasadya yung nangyari. Sobrang naging bangungot. Sana po patawarin ako ng pamilya n’ya,” he said.

(It’s painful. What happened was not intentional. It was a nightmare. I hope her family will forgive me.)

But his apology was not enough for the pain of the grieving family.

Posted below is the related news video of GMA Network.

Indeed, what happened in Marikina City was a tragedy and it took place at a time when the start of the declared ban on electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric tricycles (e-trikes) on major roads of Metro Manila was nearing (April 15, 2024). That being said, e-bikes and e-trikes are very much in people’s minds and already there have been several cases of reckless driving, careless driving, close calls and accidents involving the said electric vehicles captured on video.

This tragedy in Marikina City reported nationwide by GMA News adds further challenges to e-bike and e-trike drivers/owners as it could spark public demand that each e-bike and e-trike should be registered with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and that all the respective drivers should be required to secure licenses to drive (which means participating in seminars about traffic rules and then passing a test).

As for those private or civic groups that blatantly support the rights of e-bike/e-trike drivers, observe how they will react to the Marikina City tragedy. See how they will come up with excuses as they strive to gain the attention of the media to themselves.

A file photo of an electric tricycle (e-trike) traveling along Alabang-Zapote Road in Muntinlupa City. In relation to the tragedy in Marikina City, do you think it is high-time to compel all e-bike/e-trike drivers to be licensed to drive and have their respective vehicles registered under the Land Transportation Office (LTO)?

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think it is time to require all e-bike and e-trike units to be formally registered under the LTO, and the respective drivers should be required to be licensed to drive? Regarding the e-bike driver responsible for the death of the elderly woman in Marikina City, do you think his explanations make any sense at all? Are there many e-bike/e-trike-related accidents that happened in your city recently? Did you see any e-bike/e-trike using driving recklessly recently?

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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Luxury cars, villas, tunnels and more found inside raided POGO in Tarlac

April 1, 2024March 19, 2024carlocarrasco

As I was browsing news of national interest, I came upon a news report by GMA Network related to a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in the municipality of Bamban, Tarlac province that was already raided by local authorities. Beyond the raid, the authorities uncovered luxury cars, villas and even tunnels inside the facility.

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

A swimming pool, several tunnels and luxury cars were among the discoveries inside a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) hub that was allegedly used for illegal activities by scammers in Bamban, Tarlac.

In an exclusive report from Saleema Refran on 24 Oras, the 10-hectare Zun Yuan Technology complex that was raided by a joint team of Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) had more than just offices and dormitories.

There were also villas that were reportedly reserved for high ranking officials and VIPs as well as an (Olympic)-sized swimming pool.

Aside from allegations of scams, human trafficking and illegal detention, the compound was also hiding other secrets.

There is a network of tunnels underneath the villas. Authorities said the tunnels led outside the compound.

PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio said the underground passageways might have been used by other suspects to make good their escape.

“Posible kasi na yung mga nakatakas ay dumaan po sa underground tunnels. Mayroon kasing open na mga gates doon sa ibang tunnels pwedeng doon sila nagtakasan.

(It’s possible those who escaped underground. There were open gates in some of the tunnels.)

Inside the villas were expensive furniture and appliances. There were also safety vaults in several rooms. Outside were parked several SUVs and luxury cars.

The massive compound is located beside the Bamban Municipal Hall.

Casio said Bamban town officials should have been more vigilant when it allowed the establishment of the amusement and gaming hub in 2020.

“Lahat po ng POGO, lahat ng (internet gaming license) operators kinakailangan po magkaroon niyan ng Letter of No Objection galing sa city council. Dapat bago nag release ng LONO yung munisipyo dinouble, di lang double, triple o quadruple check kasi nga nakita natin yung mga ebidensya ng scamming dito sa loob,” he said.

The Department of Justice is also investigating the case.

Prior to the March raid, the compound was also raided last February this year due to allegations of a cryptocurrency scam when it was licensed under the Hongsheng Gaming technology.

Posted below is the related news video of GMA.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you think that the remaining POGOs here in the Philippines could be engaging in illegal activities and added to criminal activities in local communities near their facilities?

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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Ten people hurt as a result of water tank explosion in Parañaque City

March 19, 2024March 11, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Parañaque, ten people got hurt due to a water tank’s sudden explosion, according to a GMA Network news report. The explosion, which happened in Barangay Tambo, also caused some structural damage on a building.

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

Ten people were injured after a water tank on the roof deck of a building exploded in Parañaque City on Saturday night, according to a report on Super Radyo dzBB.

Portions of the building, located along Quirino Avenue in Barangay Tambo, were damaged due to the blast that happened past 9 p.m.

Witnesses said debris fell on the street and hit several vehicles, including a sport utility vehicle (SUV) and an e-trike, according to a report on Super Radyo dzBB. A power line was also affected.

According to Barangay Tambo Peace and Order officer-in-charge Denson Cano, he was in a nearby eatery when he heard an explosion, which he initially mistook as a bomb.

“Kumakain ako dito sa bulaluhan. ‘Yung putok, akala namin, akala ko may sumabog na bomba or something kasi malakas and then mga two to 10 seconds later, may second explosion which was itong, ‘yung ano, transformer,” he said Jhomer Apresto’s report on “24 Oras Weekend”

(I was eating, and we thought there was a bomb that exploded because it was powerful, and then two to 10 seconds later, there was a second explosion, which was the transformer.)

Among those injured was a 13-year-old identified as Sebseb, who was on an e-bike when the explosion happened. The rush of the water swept the e-trike away and caused him to fall into a nearby hole.

“Nakasakay po ako sa e-bike eh. Hindi ko po alam kung anong nangyari eh, basta may bumagsak po samin tapos basang basa po kami ng tubig talaga,” he said in the same report.

(I was riding an e-bike. I don’t know what happened, just that something fell on us, and we were wet.)

Also injured was a nearby shopkeeper who sustained a lump on the head after being hit by the debris that fell. Some streets had to be closed for clearing operations.

GMA Integrated News Bulletin reported that the building management has assured that it would cover the medical expenses of the injured victims.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be more water tanks around the city that could explode somehow and cause damage?

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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COMELEC and Miru Systems sign P17.99 billion contract for 2025 automated poll system

March 19, 2024March 11, 2024carlocarrasco

Once the 2025 National and Local Elections here in the Philippines finally happen, expect to see some differences when voting as the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and new provider Miru Systems Company Limited signed the P17.99 billion contract for the procurement of a new automated election system (AES) related to the said polls, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The Commission on Elections and South Korean company Miru Systems Company Limited on Monday signed the contract for the procurement of a new automated election system (AES) for the 2025 national and local elections.

The P17.99-billion contract will cover around 110,000 machines and peripherals including ballot boxes, laptops, and other printing requirements for the 2025 elections.

Miru is joined by Integrated Computer Systems and St. Timothy Construction Corporation and Centerpoint Solutions Technologies, Inc. in the joint venture for the Comelec procurement.

The signing was led by Comelec Chairman George Garcia, Comelec Commissioner Rey Bulay, and Miru President Chung Jin Bok.

This came more than two weeks after Comelec announced that it awarded the contract to Miru, the lone bidder for the procurement.

Lawmakers, election watchdogs, and other groups earlier expressed concern and called on the Comelec to stay vigilant and review Miru’s track record.

But, Miru Systems said the allegations of election failures due to its technology were false.

For perspective about allegations of Miru Systems, click here. The company itself has stated that allegations against them related to elections in Iraq and Congo were false and you can read about that by clicking here.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you think Miru Systems will live up to the requirements of the contract and prove helpful in the 2025 National and Local Elections?

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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LTO wants electric bikes and electric tricycles registered and their respective drivers must be licensed

March 4, 2024February 29, 2024carlocarrasco

In connection with the Metro Manila Council’s (MMC) approval of a resolution affecting electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric tricycles (e-trikes), the Land Transportation Office (LTO) proposed to have all of the said vehicles to be registered and their respective drivers must be licensed to drive them, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The Land Transportation Office wants light electric vehicles such as electric bikes and electric tricycles to be registered and their drivers to have licenses.

The proposal was presented by LTO chief Vigor Mendoza to stakeholders at a public consultation at the LTO office on Thursday.

In making his proposal, Mendoza cited Republic Act 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code which requires all vehicles that use public roads maintained and funded by the government whether local or national to be registered.

During the consultation, 1-Rider Partylist Bonifacio Bosita asked Mendoza if the fee for light electric vehicles could be charged half the fee of regular motorcycle registration, to which Mendoza replied that the LTO is amenable to.

Aside from registration, Mendoza said drivers who will use light electric vehicles will be required to have a license.

The Electric Vehicles Association of the Philippines (EVAP) did not pose any objection to the proposal.

On Wednesday, the Metro Manila Council and the Metro Manila Development Authority approved a resolution banning light electric vehicles on national roads and imposing a fine of P2,500. For those drivers apprehended without a driver’s license, the vehicle will be impounded.

For my previous blog posts about e-bikes and e-trikes, click here, here, here, here, here, here and here.

For added insight about the violations caused by users of e-trikes and e-bikes, watch the YouTube videos below…

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you agree with the LTO that e-bikes and e-trikes must be registered and their respective drivers should be required to have licenses? Are there many e-bike or e-trike users among your local community’s residents who are feeling uneasy about the new regulations and rules that will take effect soon? Did you see any e-bike or e-trike being driven by minors within your locality?

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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Philippine economy grew by 5.6% in 2023

February 3, 2024January 31, 2024carlocarrasco

The results are finally in. The economy of the Philippines grew by 5.6% for the year 2023 and this was short of the government’s own declared target of 6% to 7%, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The Philippine economy grew slower at 5.6% in year 2023, falling short of the government’s target as elevated interest rates resulting from high inflation environment dampened consumption, according to data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on Wednesday.

The economy, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP) or the total value of goods and services produced in a period, grew by 5.6% from October to December 2023, PSA chief and National Statistician Claire Dennis Mapa said at a press conference.

This is slower than the 7.1% growth rate seen in the fourth quarter of 2022. It is also a deceleration from the upwardly revised third quarter 2023 GDP growth rate of 6%.

The fourth quarter economic performance brought the full-year 2023 economic growth rate to 5.6%, slower than the 7.6% full-year 2022 GDP growth.

This is below the government’s target range of 6% to 7% for 2023’s full-year GDP growth.

“While this growth is below our target of 6 to 7% for this year, this keeps us in the position of being one of the best-performing economies in Asia,” National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said during the press briefing.

Comparing the growth rates of neighbors in the region, the Marcos administration’s chief economist said the Philippines’ fourth quarter growth surpassed that of China (5.2%) and Malaysia (3.4%) while falling behind Vietnam (6.7%).

“More importantly, our full-year GDP for 2023 is now 8.6% higher than pre-pandemic levels,” Balisacan said.

High inflation, interest rates – The NEDA chief said the slowdown seen in 2023 could be attributed “possibly to effects of past interest rate increases.”

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ policy-setting Monetary Board has raised the benchmark interest rate by 450 basis points since May 2022 to temper inflation, which resulted from global supply disruptions and economic uncertainty following Russia’s full-scale attack and invasion of Ukraine since February 2022.

Notably, the Philippines’ full-year inflation — which measures the rate of increase in the prices of goods and services — accelerated to 6% from 5.8% in 2022.

“The impact of inflation is on Household final consumption expenditure. We saw the impact on food expenditure… directly affected by inflation,” Mapa said.

Spending on food for the whole year grew at 8.1%, slower than 12.4% in 2022.

“We are concerned about the low growth in real spending on food due to high food prices, though it has moderated in recent months,” Balisacan said.

Meanwhile, household final consumption expenditure decelerated to 5.3% from 7% in the previous quarter in 2022.

For the whole year, household spending slowed down to 5.6% from 8.3% in 2022.

“The government will be relentless in managing inflation, especially for basic commodities such as food. Our efforts include improving the efficiency and building resiliency of the agriculture value chain, utilizing strategic trade policy when domestic production is inadequate, and establishing mechanisms to empower consumers to exercise their market power to combat inflation,” Balisacan said.

Likewise, government final consumption expenditure contracted by 1.8% in the fourth quarter, from 3.3% growth in the same period in 2022.

Full year, government spending grew 0.4%, slower than the 4.9% growth in 2022.

Balisacan said the decline in state spending last year was “largely due to the fiscal consolidation program.”

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think 2024 will be a better year of growth for the Philippine economy? Do you think more government spending will boost economic growth without adding much to inflation?

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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