Tag: GMA Network

COMELEC confirms over 1.5 million voters registered for 2023 Barangay and SK polls as of January 21

COMELEC confirms over 1.5 million voters registered for 2023 Barangay and SK polls as of January 21

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Recently the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) announced that over 1.5 million voters nationwide have registered for the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections as of January 21, according to a GMA Network news report. Take note that the registration process will officially end today.

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

Over 1.5 million voters have registered for the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) as of January 21, data from the Commission on Elections showed.

Based on the latest figures released by Comelec spokesperson Rex Laudiangco, there are 1,530,317 who have processed their registration through the regular process, while there are 8,651 who registered through the Registration Anywhere Project.

The latest figures bring the total number of registrants to 1,538,968 for the 2023 BSKE. Of this, 931,256 are new registrants.

Most of the new registrants are 15 to 17 years old with 442,330; 18 to 30 years old with 397,323; and 31 and above with 86,818. The voter registration will end on January 31.

In an interview with reporters, Comelec Chairman George Garcia reiterated that there will be no extension of registration period for the 2023 BSKE.

However, they will accommodate those who will be lining up to the Comelec registration sites until 5 p.m. on January 31.

“Kung pagdating ng alas singko sa bawat registration sites ay may nakapila pa, kukunin po lahat ng pangalan ng nakapila, at sila ay patuloy pa ring irerehistro,” he said.

(Those who are in queue by 5 p.m. will still be accommodated in all registration sites.)

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this new development? Are there lots of people in your local community who wanted to get registered for this year’s Barangay-SK elections but still have not yet registered for some reason?

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 and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. 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 at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/.

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

President Marcos mentions economic growth of 7% for the Philippines this year

President Marcos mentions economic growth of 7% for the Philippines this year

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Not so long after Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno stated that the Philippine economy is expected to grow by around 6.5% this year, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos stated a figure of 7% economic growth for 2023, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). GMA Network and the Philippine Daily Inquirer each had similar news stories.

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

During the Country Strategy Dialogue at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, Marcos presented the current state of the Philippine economy and the opportunities that are expected to be unlocked.

Marcos, in his opening remarks, cited that while the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) forecast for the 2023 global economic growth is only 2.7 percent, the Philippines projects that its economy would grow by at least 7 percent this year.

The IMF’s latest projection is slower than the 3.2 percent posted last year and shows a significant decrease from the 6 percent recorded in 2021.

“Our strong macroeconomic fundamentals, fiscal discipline, and structural reforms instituted over the years have enabled us to withstand the negative shocks caused by the pandemic and succeeding economic downturns and map a route toward a strong recovery,” he said.

Marcos said the Philippines remains focused on sustaining the country’s economic recovery, as well as promoting a local environment that would help businesses maximize their competitiveness and facilitate their entry into the global market.

He added that the Philippines’ development plan puts together coherent strategic measures to address the current energy and food crises, allowing the country to hasten its economic and social recovery toward inclusive and resilient development.

Addressing challenges – In his speech, Marcos also emphasized the need for the world economies to implement sufficient welfare measures to cushion the impact of elevated inflationary pressures, especially on the most affected and vulnerable sectors.

“We have seen inflation accelerating globally in recent months. While protectionist policies may be appealing in the short term, there will ultimately be no winners,” he said.

“We support the call for all governments to unwind any trade restrictions and reinforce our commitment to the World Trade Organization (WTO) reform.”

Marcos also renewed the Philippines’ support for the timely and effective delivery of pragmatic outcomes to address the current geopolitical risks, adding that economies should try to find a common ground to settle critical global issues.

He likewise emphasized the importance of economic and technical cooperation to assist the development of smaller economies and enable their participation, including the small businesses and economic segments with untapped potential, in the global economy.

Marcos said it is also vital to address the current social vulnerabilities, noting that education, skills development, and lifelong learning would help enhance the employability of workers.

Government interventions and public-private partnerships (PPPs), he said, must be strengthened to improve access to employment opportunities, adding that health systems and social protection must also be enhanced to abate and mitigate present and future risks.

Digitalization – Marcos also acknowledged the need to pursue heightened collaboration to realize economic and social transformation.

He believed that his bid for digital transformation is a “key driver for long-term economic growth.”

“The government also recognizes the importance of digitalization as a key driver for long-term economic growth and as a tool for economic recovery,” Marcos said, adding that he would put a premium on the participation of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the digital economy.

More details are available for reading in the PNA’s news article.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you believe that the Philippines can achieve 7% economic growth this year?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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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

Metro Manila Council head Francis Zamora: Metro Manila traffic code for single ticketing system approved by technical work group

Metro Manila Council head Francis Zamora: Metro Manila traffic code for single ticketing system approved by technical work group

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The proposal for a single ticketing system related to traffic matters within Metro Manila was approved by a technical work group (TWG), Metro Manila Council (MMC) chairperson San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora announced recently, according to a GMA Network news report. This means that the proposal will be formally discussed with the MMC members and they will determine the final form of the system.

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

The technical working group (TWG) has approved the Metro Manila traffic code that will be used for the single ticketing system, Metro Manila Council (MMC) chairperson San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora said Friday.

Interviewed on GMA News’ Unang Balita, Zamora said the final TWG meeting in connection with the single ticketing system was conducted in San Juan City on Thursday.

“Kaya ang gagawin ko po ngayon ay mag-schedule ng meeting ng MMC upang pag-usapan na ang pinal na porma nga ng ating magiging Metro Manila traffic code na prinisenta na rin kahapon at inaprubahan ng mga representatives na nandoon at kasama na po ako doon,” he said.

(So, I will schedule a meeting in MMC to discuss the final form of the Metro Manila traffic code, which was already presented yesterday and approved by the representatives including me.)

“I just want to clarify na ang aprubado dito ay sa level pa lang ng TWG. So ito ay ii-elevate na natin sa mismong MMC at kung wala naman pong pagtutol ng mga mayors dito, dyan  po magsisimula ang aktwal na proseso ng pag-implementa,” he added.

(I just want to clarify that it is approved only at the level of the TWG. So it will be elevated to the MMC and if there is no objection from the mayors, the process of implementation will start.)

According to Zamora, 20 common traffic violations with corresponding fines have been identified.

In San Juan, he said the fine for disobedience of traffic signs will be lower with the implementation of the single ticketing system. From 2,000 up to 4,000, the fine will be 1,000 only.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will shoulder the expenses for the equipment needed for the new system, according to Zamora.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What can you say about this new development? Do you think a single ticketing system is needed?

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

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

Middle income earners in the Philippines will have lower income taxes this year

Middle income earners in the Philippines will have lower income taxes this year

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Recently, it was emphasized that middle income earners here in the Philippines will have lower income taxes to pay in accordance to the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law (Republic Act Number 10963) which will result in better take-home pay this year, according to a news article published by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). This is related to what was reported weeks ago by GMA Network news.

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

Middle-income earners will have lower income taxes this year and thus, higher take-home pay, under Republic Act No 10963 or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law.

Taxpayers earning more than PHP250,000 a year but not over PHP8 million will be subject to lower income tax rates ranging from 15 percent to 30 percent, from the previous 20 percent to 32 percent.

Those with annual taxable income of PHP250,000 or below will continue to be exempt from paying income taxes.

“Inaasahan natin na lalo pang lalakas ang domestic consumption na may malaking kontribusyon sa paglago ng ating ekonomiya. Dahil sa pinababang buwis, mas mataas ang take-home pay ng mga empleyado na magiging malaking tulong sa gitna ng mataas na presyo ng mga bilihin (We expect a stronger domestic consumption which will be big contribution to our economy. With lower tax and higher take-home pay, this will be a good help amid the rising prices of commodities),” Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said in a statement on Monday.

Gatchalian cited the Teacher 1 post, with a monthly salary of PHP25,439 or Salary Grade (SG) 11, will now have monthly tax savings of PHP420.83 or PHP5,050 for the year.

A Nurse III with SG 17 or an entry level monthly income of PHP43,030 will save PHP1,289.13 monthly or PHP15,469 yearly.

“Dahil sa mas mataas ang kanilang kita, inaasahan din natin na magiging maganda itong insentibo para sa mga empleyado na lalo pa nilang paghusayan ang kanilang trabaho at magtulak sa kanila para mag impok o kaya ay mamuhunan (Because of a higher take-home pay, workers will be inspired to work better, save and invest), Gatchalian said.

Also included in the TRAIN law are provisions for small and micro self-employed professionals, who now have the option to pay a simpler, flat tax of eight percent on gross sales in lieu of the income and percentage tax.

Taxpayers can save time falling in line and filing and paying from eight times a year will be reduced to just four.

Estate tax will also be lowered from 20 percent to a single rate of six percent for net estate with standard deduction of PHP5 million as well as exemption for the first PHP10 million for the family home.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this new development? Are you qualified for a reduction of income taxes under the TRAIN Law? Have you consulted with a certified tax expert already?

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 and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. 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 at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/.

German vlogger arrested by Muntinlupa police officers for allegedly raping minor in motel

German vlogger arrested by Muntinlupa police officers for allegedly raping minor in motel

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Recently a German national who published online a video of his own acts of picking up a local girl in the Alabang area and paying her got apprehended by Muntinlupa City’s police officers for allegedly committing rape, according to news report by the Manila Bulletin. The video, which was posted on Facebook and YouTube, caught the attention of Mayor Ruffy Biazon who wanted the vlogger declared persona non grata. The German national goes by the online identity as “Mr. Pogi German”. In the news report of GMA Network, it was stated that the suspect has been overstaying here in the Philippines according to the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

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

A German vlogger who posted a video on Facebook and YouTube that showed him picking up a girl in Alabang, Muntinlupa, paying her P1,000 as “help” and kissing her was arrested by the police for alleged rape.

Marcel Messall, more popularly known as “Mr. Pogi German” on his social media accounts, was nabbed by the Muntinlupa police on Jan. 10.

Based on the report by Muntinlupa police chief Col. Angel Garcillano, the girl that Messall picked in Alabang turned out to be 17 years old, a minor, and not 18 as he claimed in the video.

Messall, 29, a resident of Barangay San Isidro, Rodriguez, Rizal, was nabbed by combined elements of the Muntinlupa police’s Alabang Substation and Intelligence Section.

Based on the investigation by the police, the victim had a chat with Massell on the Messenger app. They met in front of a mall in Alabang and he invited her to go to a motel.

The police said, however, Messall “insisted to have a sexual Intercourse with the victim but the latter refused to it. The suspect forced to undress the victim” and had sex with her.

The victim told her mother what Massell did to her and they went to the Women and Children Protection Unity of the Muntinlupa police to report the incident.

Messall will be charged with violation Republic Act 8353 (The Anti-Rape Law of 1997) in relation to Republic Act 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act).

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon on Jan. 9 condemned Massell’s video showing him picking up the woman in Alabang, bringing her to a motel and kissing her–all caught on video, which he uploaded on Facebook and YouTube.

Biazon asked the Muntinlupa City Council to declare “MR Pogi German” persona non grata in the city after the mayor was tagged by a netizen in the latter’s video, which was uploaded on Jan. 7 on Facebook.

Messall’s video, titled “I’ve Met a 18 Years old Filipina Pick Up Girl from alabang Muntinlupa,” has garnered 10 million views, more than 13,000 comments and more than 256,000 reactions as of this writing.

“Sa una, akala ko papakita pa niyang nagmamagandang loob siya na tinutulungan yung 18-year-old single mother na mabigyan ng kaunting panggastos. Akala ko ang ending ay kunwari dinala niya ito sa kwarto tapos bibigyan nya ng pera tapos hahayaan na niya. Pauuwiin na niya, binigyan ng aral. Obviously hindi iyon ang nangyari. Meron pang scene na pinost sa kanyang vlog na nagtalukbong sila dun sa kumot (Initially, I thought he was doing a good deed of helping the 18-year-old single mother by giving her money to spend. I thought the ending was him bringing the woman to the [motel] room and then he would give money and let her go. He would send her home after lecturing her. Obviously, this did not happen. There is a scene that he posted on his vlog that they hid under the sheets),” said Biazon.

The mayor said, “Ang parang lumalabas sa akin, parang napopromote na dito sa Muntinlupa, with P1,000 may makukuha ka (For me, it seems that it is being promoted that in Muntinlupa, with P1,000 you can get [a woman]). That is something we should not tolerate.”

“Mr. Pogi German” even encouraged other women to participate.

“Who wants to be the next girl for my content?! Tara na pm me!!!” he wrote.

“Obviously, pinagkakakitaan niya rin ito. Ang masama dito, he is actually promoting prostitution (Obviously, he is making money out of this. The bad thing is he is actually promoting prostitution),” said Biazon.

For added insight, watch the Tagalog news video of GMA Network below.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Have you seen the controversial video online already? If you did, are you convinced that prostitution and rape really happened? Do you think that Muntinlupa could be a hot spot for prostitution and rape now?

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 at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

Philippines counted 2.6 million tourist arrivals in 2022

Philippines counted 2.6 million tourist arrivals in 2022

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Since it opened its borders for travelers from abroad in early 2022, the Philippines registered a total of 2.6 million tourist arrivals for the year, according to a GMA Network news report quoting the Department of Tourism (DOT). Take note that the DOT has higher targets for attracting foreign tourists this new year.

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

A total of 2.6 million tourists arrived in the Philippines in 2022, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said.

This is due to the opening of borders to all international travelers in February, the DOT added, according to a report on GMA Integrated News’ Unang Balita on Monday.

Some P173 billion tourism revenue was recorded in 2022, the department said.

The DOT said more than 628,000 arrivals are returning Filipinos.

The top arriving international tourists were from the US, South Korea, Australia, and United Kingdom.

Very clearly, the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic continues to happen in different ways around the world. For the Philippines itself, the arrivals and presence of foreign tourists as well as Filipinos based overseas are crucial for the socio-economic development of the whole nation. As such, we Filipinos can be more supportive towards the DOT and other national stakeholders to make tourism – both foreign and local – thrive again with the nation in mind.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this new development? Do you believe the DOT can achieve its targets for 2023? Do you think the local government units (LGUs) should become more pro-active on emphasizing local tourism? What is the most notable local tourist site in your city right now? Did you notice your favorite local coffee shop or restaurant having more foreigners as customers 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 and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. 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 at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/.

BIR confirms lower income tax rates for individual taxpayers effective on January 1, 2023

BIR confirms lower income tax rates for individual taxpayers effective on January 1, 2023

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For those of you living and working here in the Philippines, be aware that starting January 1, 2023, lower tax rates will charged on individual taxpayers as confirmed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), according to a recent GMA Network news report. Now is a good time to approach a certified expert on taxation if you want to see how this upcoming development will affect you.

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

Individual taxpayers will be charged lower tax rates starting next year, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said Friday.

Individuals earning purely compensation income, including non-business/non-profession related income and sole proprietors, “can look forward to a higher take-home pay in 2023,” according to the BIR.

The taxman said the lower income tax rate is pursuant to Republic Act 10963, or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law, which took effect on January 1, 2018.

Starting January 1, 2023, those with annual taxable income below P250,000.00 are still exempt from paying personal income tax, while the rest of taxpayers, except those with taxable income of more than P8 million, will have lower tax rates ranging from 15% to 30% by 2023.

To maintain progressivity, the BIR imposed a 35% tax rate on top individual taxpayers with annual taxable incomes exceeding P8 million, up from 32% previously.

The income tax on the individual’s taxable income shall be computed based on the following schedules, effective January 1, 2023, and onwards:

The taxation reference from GMA’s news report.

Compared to the income tax rates imposed during the initial implementation of the TRAIN Law in 2018, the new annual income tax rates for individuals significantly decreased by 5% for those with taxable income of more than P250,000.00 up to P2,000,000.00, while a 2% decrease in tax rate was noted for those with taxable income of more than P2,000,000.00 up to P8,000,000.00.

The above article ended stating that employers must use the revised withholding tax table to calculate the withholding taxes on their employees’ compensation income taking effect on January 1, 2023.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this new development? When was the last time you consulted with a tax expert for insight about your income tax returns? Do you think this new development will boost the national economy as a whole somehow in 2023?

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 and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. 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 at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/.

Drug-related raids inside Ayala Alabang Village

Drug-related raids inside Ayala Alabang Village

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Recently, over P100 million worth of illegal drugs were found by elements of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) and a few suspects were arrested in Muntinlupa City, specifically inside Ayala Alabang Village according to a news report by GMA Network. The law enforcers were armed with search warrants.

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

Authorities on Friday seized around P149.6 million worth of illegal drugs during a raid in an alleged shabu laboratory in Muntinlupa, according to a report of Bam Alegre on GMA News’ Unang Balita,

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) at 12:30 a.m. served search warrants in two houses in Ayala-Alabang Village which were allegedly used as improvised shabu laboratory, PDEA said in a report.

At the first house, authorities arrested French national Aurelien Cythere, supposedly the “chemist,” and Filipino Mark Anthony Sarayot.

Trays filled with suspected shabu and equipment for its production were found inside the house, according to PDEA.

Authorities seized 20 kilograms of suspected shabu with a street value of around P136 million.

At a nearby house, another suspect identified as Canadian-Iranian Ariana Golisorkhi was also arrested.

Two packs of suspected shabu were found inside the house, according to authorities. There was no foul smell of chemicals in the area because the suspects used machines with new technology in cooking illegal drugs.

The two houses are being rented for around P300,000 and P70,000 per month, PDEA said.

PDEA officer-in-charge Assistant Secretary Gregorio Pimentel said the laboratory is linked to international drug syndicates.

The above article ended stating that the arrested suspects will be charged for violating Republic Act Number 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002). For added insight, watch below the related news video.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? Are you convinced that international drug syndicates could still be running makeshift laboratories of illegal drugs here in the Philippines?

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 and also please consider sharing this article to others as well as 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

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

Philippine economy grew 7.6% in the 3rd quarter

Philippine economy grew 7.6% in the 3rd quarter

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You may not feel it but the economy of the Philippines grew by 7.6% in the 3rd quarter this year according to the recent announcement published by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). This is very encouraging news following the recent report of the falling unemployment in the country. Indeed, the nation continues to rise after suffering from the COVID-19 crisis’ downturn.

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

The Philippine economy grew at a faster rate in the third quarter of the year at 7.6 percent, higher than the revised gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the second quarter at 7.5 percent, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported Thursday.

In a press conference, PSA Undersecretary Dennis Mapa said this is the sixth consecutive quarter that the economy recorded expansion.

The country’s GDP growth from July to September 2022 is also higher than the 7-percent increase in the same period in 2021.

“The third quarter’s GDP exceeded the median analyst forecast of 6.3 percent,” National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said.

Balisacan said the average GDP growth for the first nine months of the year stood at 7.7 percent.

“With this, we are on track to achieving the government’s growth target of 6.5 to 7.5 percent for 2022. Given the latest GDP outturn, our economy needs to grow by 3.3 to 6.9 percent in the fourth quarter,” he said.

The PSA reported that all major industries improved their performance in the third quarter of 2022 compared to the same period last year, with agriculture, forestry and fishing growing by 2.2 percent; industry, rose to 5.8 percent; and services, up by 9.1 percent.

Services contributed 5.8 percentage points to the 7.6 percent GDP growth in the third quarter, followed by industry which shared 1.6 percentage points, and agriculture, forestry and fishing at 0.2 percentage points.

By industry, wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles contributed 1.9 percentage points to the GDP growth in July to September period, followed by financial and insurance services at 0.77 percentage points and construction at 0.76 percentage points.

Compared to last year, the sector of accommodation and food service activities expanded by 40.6 percent, which is the largest across industries. Transportation and storage also improved by 24.3 percent and construction increased by 12.2 percent.

“This economic performance largely benefitted from the further easing of mobility, including the resumption of face-to-face classes, which boosted consumption among Filipinos,” Balisacan said.

The NEDA chief added that the relaxation of borders and simplifying travel protocols supported the recovery and growth of local tourism and other sectors.

In terms of spending, household final consumption expenditure is the largest contributor to GDP in the previous quarter at 5.9 percentage points, exceeding the share of construction at 1.5 percent percentage points, durable equipment at 0.7 percentage points, and government final consumption expenditure at 0.1 percentage points.

In relation to the above news, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. recently visited Cambodia and there he invited the nation’s business leaders to invest in the Philippines. Posted below is an excerpt from the report of GMA Network news. Some parts in boldface…

“We would like to invite at the very least, for you, to have a look at the opportunities that are available. And finally I suppose at some point, since we are not so far away, to come and we will explain to you exactly what we have done and why we have done it and where we have arrived in that process of transforming the economy,” Marcos told business leaders during a roundtable meeting.

“I do not talk about recovery of the economy, I talk about transformation of the economy because the new economy is going to be different from everything that we did in 2019. And so this is what we are looking forward to and I hope to see you all in the Philippines soon,” he added.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent announcement about the state of the Philippine economy? Do you look forward to a more prosperous year in 2023? Are you planning to open a new business soon? If you are an investor, are you confident about investing in the stock market and in companies?

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 at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

Badly beaten Vietnamese woman rescued and two Chinese nationals arrested in Parañaque City

Badly beaten Vietnamese woman rescued and two Chinese nationals arrested in Parañaque City

carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Parañaque, local authorities rescued a badly beaten Vietnamese woman and arrested two Chinese nationals who were linked to her, according to a GMA Network news report published in Tagalog. What makes this case disturbing is that the intense physical abuse committed on the victim inside the apartment was captured on video.

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

A Vietnamese woman was allegedly assaulted by her Chinese national (superior) in Parañaque City with bruises, cuts and wounds on her body and face.

According to John Consulta’s report on GMA News “24 Oras” this Thursday, Southern Police District-District Special Operations Unit (SPD-DSOU) personnel rescued the 26-year-old victim inside his employer’s condo unit.

The Chinese man was also seen in the video hurting the victim. The victim was rescued, and two Chinese (nationals) were arrested.

“When we sent (her) for medical treatment, (her) situation was really tragic because almost every part of (her) body was hurt,” said SPD District Director Pcol. Kirby Kraft.

Kraft added, the Chinese started hurting the Vietnamese when (she) said goodbye that (she) wanted to go back to Dubai where (she) used to work.

Kraft further said that the victim also revealed that the boss attempted to “sexually take advantage” of her.

Complaints of illegal detention, serious physical injury and acts of lasciviousness have been filed against the suspects.

For added insight, posted below is the related GMA News video in Tagalog. The captured footage of physical abuse is disturbing to watch.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? Do you believe that Parañaque City has lots of Chinese nationals who secretly enslaved and/or abused people (foreign or local) behind closed doors? Does this recent news report make you feel uneasy with having Chinese nationals residing in your local community right now?

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 and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. 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/.

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