governance – Page 18 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Philippines Inflation Rate Rises to 1.4% in June 2025

July 10, 2025July 4, 2025carlocarrasco

After back-to-back months of shrinking, the headline inflation of the Philippines inched up to 1.4% for the month of June 2025, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). By comparison, May 2025 inflation rate was 1.3%.

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

Headline inflation continued to remain below the lower end of the government’s target range in June, despite a slight uptick due to a faster increase in non-food prices.

In a briefing on Friday, National Statistician Dennis Mapa said headline inflation settled at 1.4 percent in June from 1.3 percent in May.

This brings the year-to-date average inflation to 1.8 percent, well within the government’s target range of 2 percent to 4 percent for the year.

Mapa said the slight uptick in headline inflation was driven by higher non-food inflation (1.9 percent from 1.5 percent), with faster price increases observed in electricity (7.4 percent from 2.8 percent) and education (5.4 percent from 4.2 percent). Food inflation, however, eased to 0.1 percent during the month from 0.7 percent in May.

Mapa said the deceleration of food inflation in June was mainly due to the annual decrease in the prices of vegetables, tubers, plantains, cooking bananas, and pulses at 2.8 percent from an annual increase of 3.4 percent in the previous month. Rice deflation also hit a record low of 14.3 percent in June.

Mapa said the rollout of the government’s PHP20 per kg. rice program also contributed to the decline, especially in regular-milled rice prices.

In a separate statement, the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) said government measures to stabilize food supply, boost agriculture, and improve logistics helped ease food inflation during the month.

“The sharp decline in food inflation over the past year underscores the continued progress in our coordinated efforts to boost local production, improve logistics, and implement calibrated trade and biosecurity measures,” DEPDev Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said.

“We will sustain these interventions and complement them with targeted initiatives to ensure a continuous, stable supply and shield consumers from future price pressures.”

To further strengthen food supply chains, DEPDev said the Department of Agriculture (DA) would intensify the implementation of industry recovery and expansion programs, such as the Swine Industry Recovery Project and Livestock Economic Enterprise Development, to accelerate the rehabilitation of the hog industry and restore the pre-African Swine Fever hog population levels.

The DA will also establish the country’s first Onion Research and Extension Center in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija for the development of effective methods to combat pests and diseases, enhance seed quality, and increase farm yields.

The Department of Energy, meanwhile, has partnered with private oil companies to offer fuel discounts to motorists affected by oil price fluctuations amid geopolitical uncertainties.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think inflation rate of the Philippines will be able to settle below 2% per month until the end of the year? If you are managing a local business, how much of an impact did inflation have on your business?

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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Man arrested in Las Piñas City over two counts of rape

July 9, 2025July 3, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, local police officers apprehended a man wanted for two counts of statutory rape, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The law enforcers were armed with a warrant of arrest.

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

Members of the Las Pinas Police Warrant and Subpoena Section arrested a 19-year-old man, tagged as No. 3 most wanted person at the regional level, on Tuesday, July 1, for two counts of statutory rape.

Col. Sandro Tafalla, Las Pinas Police chief, said the suspect was nabbed at his residence on Ruby St., Saint Mary’s Home in Barangay Almanza Uno, Las Pinas City.

The arrest was based on a warrant issued by Judge Kathryn Sabado of the Las Pinas Regional Trial Court Branch 202, with no bail recommended.

Tafalla noted that upon verification through the Investigation Solution Automatic Verification (ISAV) system, the suspect’s name did not appear in the E-warrant and E-Rouge police databases.

Further checks, however, confirmed that the case was listed in the Crime Information, Reporting, and Analysis System (CIRAS) — an electronic system designed to digitize and streamline crime documentation.

Tafalla explained that CIRAS serves as a modernized version of the traditional police blotter, providing a more efficient and standardized crime data management.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you concerned that there might be suspected rapists living in your local community? Do you consider the crime of rape very serious nowadays?

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

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Las Piñas Launches Nutrition Month with Healthy Food Fair

July 8, 2025July 2, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the local celebration of Nutrition Month was launched at City Hall and a food fair was organized in connection with it, the City Government announced via social media. Mayor April Aguilar and city health officials were present during the launch.

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

The City Government of Las Piñas officially launched this year’s Nutrition Month celebration with the opening of the Healthy Food Fair on Tuesday, July 1, at the City Hall Quadrangle.

Mayor April Aguilar led the kickoff ceremony together with Officer-in-Charge and City Nutrition Action Officer Dr. Julio P. Javier II. Organized by the City Nutrition Office, the event showcased a wide variety of affordable, nutritious meals prepared by community groups and barangay representatives, aiming to promote accessible healthy eating among Las Piñeros.

Now in its sixth year, the Healthy Food Fair runs from July 1 to 4, and forms part of the city’s month-long observance of Nutrition Month, aligned with the national campaign “Sa PPAN: Sama-Sama sa Nutrisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat! – Food at Nutrition Security, Maging Priority! Sapat na Pagkain, Karapatan Natin!”

Mayor Aguilar expressed her full support for the initiative and emphasized the city government’s continuing commitment to public health and nutrition.

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? When was the last time a Nutrition Month celebration was held in your local community?

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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Nineteen More Medicines VAT-Exempt in the Philippines

July 5, 2025July 4, 2025carlocarrasco

Following the recent announcement of several medicines declared exempted from the value-added tax (VAT), nineteen more medicines became VAT-exempt as a result of the recommendation of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

Nineteen maintenance and lifesaving medicines have been included in the list of those exempted from value added tax (VAT), benefiting more people.

Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr., during the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing on Thursday, said nine medicines were included under Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) 59-2025 issued on June 11, 2025 while the other 10 are covered by RMC 62-2025.

He said the inclusion of the medications for VAT exemption was based on the recommendation of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Of the total, seven of these medicines are for cancer treatment; three each for diabetes, hypertension and mental illness; one each for high cholesterol, kidney disease, and tuberculosis.

“Ang mga ito ay mga maintenance at lifesaving medicines na ngayon ay hindi na papatawan ng VAT. Isang kongkretong hakbang para mas mapagaan ang gastuhin ng mga pasyente (These are maintenance and lifesaving medicines that will now be exempt from VAT. This move is a concrete step to lower patients’ expenses),” Lumagui said.

The BIR chief said both the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) law and the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law provide VAT exemptions on certain health products.

He said BIR coordinates with the FDA and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) among others to monitor compliance among pharmaceutical companies and drugstores regarding this price changes.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Were you surprised that a lot more medicines were declared VAT-exempt?

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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Muntinlupa Mayor Biazon reminds employees about serving the public

July 3, 2025June 30, 2025carlocarrasco

As his second term of office started this past Monday, Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon reminded the local government employees to serve the people with courtesy, politeness, respect and attention, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon started his second term of office at noon on June 30 and reminded employees of their duty to serve the public.

“We must serve and treat people with utmost courtesy, politeness, respect and attention that will make them feel that they are welcome and attended to,” he said in his inaugural message at the oath-taking ceremony of all newly elected officials of Muntinlupa on June 30.

Biazon took his oath before Muntinlupa Executive Judge Liezel Aquiatan.

“People are telling me that with my election this 2025, two ‘Firsts’ were accomplished. The first Muntinlupa Mayor to run unopposed, and the first to garner over two hundred thousand votes,” he said.

Also taking their oath were reelected Muntinlupa Rep. Jaime Fresnedi and Vice Mayor Stephanie Teves-Wong.

Councilors in Muntinlupa’s two districts also took their oath of office. They were District 1 Councilors Alexson Diaz, Raul Corro, Rachel Arciaga-Molina, Paty Katy Boncayao-Barreto, Jedidiah Presnedi, Walter Arcilla, Valentino Niefes and Amanda Jane Camilon.

The new District 2 councilors are Reggie Ann Landrito, Mamero Sevilla Jr., Kaye Anne Rongavilla, Francis Ian Bagatsing, Arlene Hilapo, Marie Shalimar Baes-Reyes, Rodolfo Moldez Jr. and Cornelio Martinez.

Biazon said in his first term of office, “good governance” meant something not only an Internet buzzword.

“Dito sa atin sa Muntinlupa, good governance means efficient and effective services, it means transparency and accountability in processes, it means we introduce innovation so that our programs continually improve to benefit our constituents especially those in vulnerable sectors,” he said.

He cited the accomplishments of the Muntinlupa City government in the last three years including getting the Seal of Good Local Governance award from 2022 to 2024 from the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

He said one of the major reforms that he implemented during his first term was to improve the services at the Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun) in Alabang. The operation was the hospital was reverted back to the city government.

For 2025, he said, the city government allotted a P830 million budget for OsMun or about 10 percent of the total budget.

In addition, the city government allocated P100 million for the hospital’s infrastructure upgrades including rooms, critical facilities and new medical and laboratory equipment. He also formed the Mayor’s Patient Relations Team at OsMun to help patients and their families about concerns.

The mayor reminded employees of his “FREE (Fast, Responsive, Efficient and Effective) Service with a Smile” policy.

“Dapat ito ang maging tatak ng mga kawani ng lungsod—dapat hindi lang ito memory verse ng mga empleyado (This should be the brand of city employees—it shouldn’t just be a memory verse for employees). This should be a way of life, a standard operating procedure, an official policy,” he said.

Biazon said he will continue his 7K Agenda consisting of Kalusugan (Health), Karunungan (Knowledge), Kabuhayan (Livelihood), Kaunlaran (Progress), Kalikasan (Environment), Katarungan (Justice) and Kaayusan/Kapayapaan (Peace and Order).

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 are you looking forward to from the City Government over the next three years?

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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Philippines Lowers Economic Growth Target Amid Global Uncertainty

July 2, 2025June 27, 2025carlocarrasco

As there are more signs of weakness and uncertainty, the economic managers of the Philippines officially lowered their economic growth target this year, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

Economic managers on Thursday revised the economic growth target for this year amid mounting global uncertainties.

At a briefing after the 191st Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) meeting, Budget Secretary and DBCC Chair Amenah Pangandaman said the economic growth assumption for 2025 was revised downward to 5.5 to 6.5 percent from the previous 6 to 8 percent.

For 2026 to 2028, the Philippine economy is projected to expand by 6 to 7 percent, reflecting a more cautious and resilient economic outlook amid global headwinds.

“The revisions take into account heightened global uncertainties, such as the unforeseen escalation of tensions in the Middle East and the imposition of U.S. tariffs,” Pangandaman said.

She said that despite these challenges, the DBCC remains “vigilant and ready to deploy timely and targeted measures” to mitigate their potential impact on the Philippine economy.

The budget chief said the country continues to be one of the fastest-growing economies in ASEAN driven by robust domestic demand.

To maintain this momentum, she highlighted the administration’s focus on structural reforms, including the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act and the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code, both designed to enhance the country’s trade and investment competitiveness.

Pangandaman said the government will also pursue the approval and implementation of other reforms recently ratified by Congress, such as the Liberalizing the Lease of Private Lands by Foreign Investors Act, Enhanced Fiscal Regime for Large-Scale Metallic Mining Act, Accelerated and Reformed Right-of-Way (ARROW) Act, and Konektadong Pinoy Act.

The DBCC also revisited the medium-term macroeconomic assumptions to take into consideration recent global and domestic developments.

The inflation assumption for this year was cut to 2 to 3 percent from the previous 2 to 4 percent. For 2026 to 2028, the inflation assumption was retained at 2 to 4 percent.

For 2025 to 2028, crude oil price assumptions were reduced to USD60 to USD70 per barrel from USD60 to 80 per barrel, despite escalating geopolitical tensions.

The foreign exchange rate is assumed to remain stable, averaging at PHP56 to PHP58 per US dollar from 2025 through 2028, supported by lower domestic inflation.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the economy of the Philippines is lacking momentum to achieve 6% growth this year? Do you think that inflation and unemployment will eventually rise before the year ends? Are you convinced that foreign investors are staying away from 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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BSP Calls for Anti-Counterfeiting Campaigns in Malls, Supermarkets and Wet Markets

July 1, 2025June 26, 2025carlocarrasco

Counterfeiting of money is a hot issue right now in the Philippines as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) called for targeted anti-counterfeiting campaigns in specific places of trade and commerce, according to a business news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is calling for targeted anti-counterfeiting campaigns in shopping malls, supermarkets, and wet markets after these locations emerged as the main sources of fake banknotes and coins recovered last year.

Data from the 2024 BSP annual report published in June showed that counterfeits were “frequently recovered in areas with high foot traffic, such as shopping malls (27.2 percent), supermarkets (25.9 percent), and wet markets (20.9 percent).”

“This highlights the need for targeted anti-counterfeiting campaigns in these areas,” the report said.

According to the central bank report, the ₱1,000 paper banknote was the most counterfeited bill, accounting for 59.9 percent or the majority of documented counterfeits last year. The ₱500 paper banknote was the second-most counterfeited bill at 19.3 percent.

Notably, there were a very low number of cases of counterfeit ₱1,000 polymer banknotes. Recording only three “low-quality” counterfeits in 2024, the BSP noted that the three-year-old ₱1,000 polymer banknote has shown “resilience” against counterfeiting.

“These counterfeit polymer banknotes were printed on paper, with the transparent portions cut out and substituted with substandard plastic, making them easily detectable by the public,” the BSP said.

Fake coins also dropped significantly by 87.8 percent last year, noting that there were fewer than one fake coin for every one million real coins in circulation. Most counterfeit coins were leftovers from previous years, mostly five-peso coins from the BSP coin series.

The BSP attributed this substantial decline in counterfeited banknotes and coins to the “enhanced security features of the New Generation Currency (NGC), including the micro-printed details and laser-engraved designs.”

These added features made it more challenging for fraudsters to copy and reproduce the currencies, the BSP said.

Most counterfeiting involved inkjet printing, accounting for 79.7 percent of the recorded cases. Laser printing was next at 12.6 percent, while tampered security threads accounted for 7.6 percent.

When it comes to location, most fake currencies were found in Metro Manila, at 52.2 percent, followed by the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon (collectively known as CALABARZON), at 12.2 percent.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think counterfeiting in the Philippines will get worse over the next twelve months? Do you think the local supermarket, wet market or shopping mall are hot spots of fake banknotes and coins? Who do you think is responsible for the rise of counterfeit money? Do you think the BSP’s research about counterfeiting is accurate?

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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Bureau of Immigration Files Deportation Charges Against Three Foreigners Who Pretended to be Filipinos

June 30, 2025June 25, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently the Bureau of Immigration (BI) formally filed deportation charges against three foreigners for misrepresenting themselves as Filipino citizens during their time working in the country, 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 Bureau of Immigration (BI) filed deportation cases against three foreigners who allegedly misrepresented themselves as Filipinos while working in the country.

On Tuesday, BI Deputy Spokesperson Melvin Mabulac said this developed after immigration officials nabbed three foreigners aged 46, 41 and 34, in Zamboanga del Sur on June 16 for allegedly pretending to be Filipinos.

Mabulac said the foreigners were engaged in legitimate businesses in the province. However, they were using alleged fake government-issued documents in identifying themselves.

“Ang Immigration ay nag-file ng deportation case sa mga dayuhang ito para sila ay ma-deport,” he told state-run PTV’s “Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon”.

(The BI has filed deportation cases against the foreigners.)

“Pero sa ating pag-deport, kung may pananagutan sila sa criminal case, they have first be accountable sa ibang kaso,” Mabulac added.

(But before we deport them, they should be held accountable to any criminal cases they are possibly facing.)

According to the BI, one of the foreigners was apprehended in the town of Dumalinao and was discovered to be allegedly operating a coconut charcoal business without a proper permit and visa since 2022.

Another suspect was found working without a permit in the same business. He allegedly managed the aforementioned business, was found to be misrepresenting himself as a Filipino and possessed a Philippine driver’s license indicating his nationality as such.

The BI likewise apprehended a 41-year old foreigner who was found manning a cellphone store. Found in his possession was a Driver’s License indicating his nationality as Filipino.

“Nakakabahala kasi if we go into the previous cases, nakikita natin once nahuli na mayroong silang mga dokumento na government-issued. Nakakabahala ito kaya ang ating national security agencies, tulong-tulong tayo,” Mabulac added.

(These incidents are causes for concern because if we go into the previous cases, we see that they have government-issued documents. We are working with national security agencies to address this.)

Meanwhile, the BI warned of possible charges against Filipinos who will assist foreigners in acquiring fraudulent government documents.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you concerned that there could be more foreigners pretending to be Filipino citizens using fake documents? Do you consider this development a huge national security concern?

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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10 More Medicines Now VAT-Exempt in the Philippines

June 28, 2025June 23, 2025carlocarrasco

Some good news for Filipinos struggling with buy medicine for their respective health-related needs. The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) officially announced that ten more medicines are exempted from the value-added tax (VAT), according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said 10 more medicines for cancer, high cholesterol, hypertension, and mental illness are now exempted from value-added tax (VAT).

In a statement on Monday, the BIR said Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. issued Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 62-2025 on June 20 further expanding the list of VAT-exempt medicines.

The BIR said these changes aim to enhance access to critical medications by reducing treatment costs for patients and their families.

Some medicines on the list are Tegafur + Gimeracil + Oteracil Potassium for cancer, Metformin Hydrochloride + Teneligliptin for diabetes, Atorvastatin (as calcium) + Fenobribrate for high cholesterol, Metoprolol tartrate + Ivabradine (as hydrochloride) for hypertension, and Lamotrigine for mental illness.

The VAT exemption, pursuant to Republic Act No. 10963, or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law, and Republic Act No. 11534, or the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act, is intended to be responsive and adaptive to current public health needs, guided by the latest evaluations from the Food and Drug Administration.

“The BIR has issued an additional VAT-exemption of 10 medicines for cancer, diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, and mental illness,” Lumagui said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are on medication, does this new development from the BIR look helpful to you?

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

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Las Piñas City Mayor-elect Aguilar and incoming Congressman Santos attend ERPAT-Pilar gathering

June 26, 2025June 26, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the Empowerment and Reaffirmation of Paternal Abilities (ERPAT) Pilar Chapter had its gathering of members and Mayor-elect April Aguilar and incoming Congressman Mark Santos joined in as guests, 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…

The Empowerment and Reaffirmation of Paternal Abilities (ERPAT) Pilar Chapter held its General Assembly on Sunday, June 15, in Pilar. The gathering brought together members of ERPAT for a day of fellowship, updates on organizational initiatives, and formal recognition of outstanding contributions to the group’s advocacy.

Mayor-elect April Aguilar and Congressman-elect Mark Anthony Santos joined the assembly and expressed their appreciation for the continued efforts of ERPAT in promoting responsible fatherhood and active community participation. In her message, Mayor-elect Aguilar commended the group for its unity and commitment to family-centered programs, particularly at the grassroots level.

One of the highlights of the event was the awarding of certificates to selected members who have shown exceptional support and service to the organization and active involvement in ERPAT initiatives.

The ERPAT organization continues to serve as a strong partner of the local government in advocating paternal responsibility, community building, and family welfare.

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? Does ERPAT have a lot of members in your local community right now? Is there an ERPAT chapter in your barangay?

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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