governance – Page 23 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Mark Santos proclaimed as Las Piñas City Representative

May 15, 2025May 13, 2025carlocarrasco

In the City of Las Piñas, City Councilor Mark Anthony Santos was officially proclaimed as the newly elected Representative of the city as a result of his decisive election victory of outgoing Senator Cynthia Villar, according to a GMA Network news report. Santos’ margin of victory was more than thirty thousand votes as of this writing.

For the newcomers reading this, Santos – who has served Las Piñas for several terms as City Councilor – is an election teammate of Mayor Imelda Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar.

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

Independent candidate Mark Anthony Santos on Tuesday was proclaimed as the representative for Las Piñas City’s lone district, according to Rod Vega’s report on Super Radyo dzBB.

With 100% election returns in the city processed on Monday evening, Santos garnered 115,757 votes, defeating Senator Cynthia Villar who received 83,975 votes.

Meanwhile, former Vice Mayor April Aguilar was proclaimed as mayor of the city, replacing her mother and the former mayor Imelda Aguilar. Imelda, meanwhile, was proclaimed as vice mayor.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Did a majority of your local community’s voters select Santos as the sole Congressional Representative of the city? What do you hope to see from Congressman-elect Mark Santos?

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

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April Aguilar proclaimed as Las Piñas City’s next Mayor

May 15, 2025May 14, 2025carlocarrasco

In the City of Las Piñas, Vice Mayor April Aguilar was proclaimed as the next Mayor following her landslide victory over her main opponent Carlo Aguilar, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Meanwhile the incumbent Mayor Imelda Aguilar (mother of April Aguilar) was proclaimed as the incoming Vice Mayor.

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

Las Piñas City’s Vice Mayor April Aguilar was proclaimed the new mayor of the city replacing her mother, Mayor Imelda Aguilar who was elected as vice mayor.

Aguilar garnered a total number of 117,800 votes against her closest opponent, Carlo Aguilar, who had 80,880 votes.

In the race for vice mayor, incumbent Mayor Aguilar received a total of 123,622 votes while her main opponent, Louie Bustamante, got 68,058.

The city’s lone district representative, Mark Anthony Santos, also from the “Tatak Nene Aguilar” team, was also proclaimed by the Las Piñas Board of Canvasser as the winner in the congressional race against Sen. Cynthia Villar.

The newly elected mayor and the whole “Tatak Nene Aguilar” team thanked the Las Piñeros for the trust given to them and vowed that they will be working better in the implementation of the 5K (Kalusugan, Kaalaman, Kaayusan, Kabuhayan, and Kinabukasan) program.

Mayor-elect April Aguilar thanked her supporters through social media.

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? What do you hope to see Mayor-elect April Aguilar do in terms of public service when she takes office?

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 re-elected, teammates dominate 2025 local contests

May 14, 2025May 13, 2025carlocarrasco

With the results of the 2025 Local Elections counted, Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon easily got re-elected and his teammates under the One Muntinlupa banner collectively won most of the other positions, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The winners have been proclaimed locally by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).

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

Reelectionist Mayor Ruffy Biazon and his party mates under One Muntinlupa achieved a landslide victory in the May 12 local elections.

One Muntinlupa candidates won all but one of the positions, achieving the seats for mayor, congressman and councilor in the two districts of the city.

At past 2 a.m. on May 13, the City Board of Canvassers (CBOC) proclaimed the winners in the elections in Muntinlupa after canvassing all the election returns from 360 clustered precincts.

Biazon, who ran unopposed for his second term, was proclaimed by the CBOC with total votes of 209,498.

Reelectionist Muntinlupa Rep. Jaime Fresnedi, who also ran under One Muntinlupa, won his second term with 177,504 votes, defeating rival Silverio Garing who got 56,710 votes.

*Muntinlupa City Mayor Biazon (middle) and Congressman Jaime Fresnedi (2nd from right) proclaimed winners by the COMELEC. (photo source – City Government of Muntinlupa)*

In the vice mayoral race, independent candidate and former councilor Stephanie Teves-Wong won with 127,709 votes. One Muntinlupa’s Allen Ampaya placed second with 88,435 votes while incumbent Vice Mayor Artemio Simundac placed third with 25,003 votes.

For councilor, One Muntinlupa won all the seats in Muntinlupa’s two districts.

In District 1, proclaimed winners are One Muntinlupa’s Alexon Diaz, Raul Corro, Rachel Arciaga, Paty Katy Boncayao, Jedi Presnedi, Walter Arcilla, Ting Niefes and Amanda Camilon.

In District 2, the winners are Reggie Landrito, June Metong Sevilla, Kaye Anne Rongavilla, Ryan Bagatsing, Arlene Hilapo, Sha Sha Baes, Dado Moldez and Cornelio Martinez.

*District 1 City Council winners proclaimed. (photo source – City Government of Muntinlupa)*

*District 2 City Council winners proclaimed. (photo source – City Government of Muntinlupa)*

According to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Muntinlupa, of the 314,934 registered voters in the city, 250,672 voted on May 12 or a turnout of 79.6 percent.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you satisfied with the way the local elections and vote canvassing were organized? What do you look forward to from the City Government during the 2^nd term of Mayor Biazon?

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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Male helper apprehended in Muntinlupa over rape charge

May 13, 2025May 9, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, police officers arrested a male helper who has been wanted for rape, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The arrest happened in Barangay Bayanan and the suspect was the #1 most wanted person for the crime of rape..

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

A 19-year-old male helper, tagged by the police as the No. 1 most wanted person for rape, was arrested in Muntinlupa on May 7.

The police identified the suspect as alias Dela Cruz, a resident of Barangay Cupang, Muntinlupa, who was nabbed along F. Navarro Street in Barangay Bayanan at about 5:10 p.m.

He was apprehended based on a warrant of arrest for a rape case issued by Judge Wehrly Gutierrez-Mendez of the Muntinlupa Family Court Branch 8. No bail was recommended.

The arrest was conducted by the Southern Police District’s District Special Operations Unit (DSOU) in collaboration with the District Intelligence Division (DID), Intelligence Section of the District Mobile Force Battalion (DMFB), and the Warrant and Subpoena Section of the Muntinlupa police.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you concerned that there could be wanted persons living or working within 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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Philippine economy grew by 5.4% in 1st quarter of 2025

May 12, 2025May 8, 2025carlocarrasco

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) announced that the economy of the Philippines grew by 5.4% in the first quarter of this year, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The Philippine economy expanded faster in the first three months of 2025 amid the growth seen in services, industry, and agriculture sectors, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

The country’s gross domestic product (GDP) —the value of goods and services produced in a period— grew faster by 5.4% in the first quarter of 2025, higher than the upwardly revised growth rate of 5.3% in the last quarter of 2024, PSA chief and National Statistician Claire Dennis Mapa reported at a press conference in Quezon City on Thursday.

This was also the fastest GDP growth rate seen since the third quarter of 2024, albeit slower than the 5.9% growth recorded in the first quarter of 2024.

At constant prices, the economy reached a value of P5.477 trillion during the period, up 5.4% from P5.196-trillion GDP seen in the same quarter last year.

Department of Economy, Planning and Development Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon said the country’s GDP needs to increase by 6.2% in the remaining quarters of 2025 to hit at least the lower-end of the. government’s growth target of 6% to 7% for the year.

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 can still grow by 6% by the end of the year? Do you think election spending will add a lot to economic growth?

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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All LGUs must fully automate business registration processes by 2028

May 10, 2025May 7, 2025carlocarrasco

The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) recently emphasized that all local government units (LGUs) around the country are required to have their respective business registration processes fully automated by the year 2028, according to a Business Mirror news report.

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

ALL 1,642 local government units (LGUs) are required to fully automate their business registration processes by 2028 or before the end of the term of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., according to the Anti-Red Tape Authority (Arta).

At a briefing in Malacañang on Tuesday, Arta Secretary Ernesto V. Perez divulged that out of 1,642 LGUs in the country, only 115 LGUs have fully automated their business registration processes as of March 31, 2025 while 1,203 LGUs are “partially automated.”

With only three years left in the Marcos administration, Perez said Arta is intensifying its efforts to make sure that all LGUs across the country will comply with the automation of business registration processes.

Having a fully operational eBOSS or electronic Business One-Stop Shop means being able to streamline the procedures for the filing of applications and issuance of local business licenses, permits, clearances, and authorizations through the LGU’s provision and usage of an “on-demand” single, digital portal, according to ARTA.

“Ang target po before the term of this administration ends in 2028, all LGUs must be compliant. That is why our partners for this are the DICT, DILG and DTI,” said Perez.

With this, the Arta chief revealed that it issued 431 Notices to Explain. “We will file charges against the 134 LGUs that did not respond. Because based on our experience, if they know the government agency is serious and will file charges, they will act on it. I hope they don’t wait for us to file a case against them before they act,” Perez said.

He explained that the Office of the Ombudsman will determine the proper violation and penalty to be imposed on these non-compliant LGUs.

“Our President has a strict directive for all government processes to be streamlined and digitalized,” Perez said, partly in Filipino.

Perez said these LGUs cannot use lack of budget or financial resources as an excuse for non-compliance with eBOSS, “Because there is a free system that DICT developed. This began with the Integrated Business Permitting and Licensing System (IBPLS).”

“The DICT has improved the e-gov.ph and it’s free. The LGU just needs to apply. Meanwhile, those LGUs with budget, they hired third-party service providers,” Perez explained.

Moreover, the Arta chief said LGUs cannot use poor internet connection as an excuse for non-compliance.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Has your local government unit made its business registration processes fully automated 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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Uninterrupted power supply on Election Day promised

May 9, 2025May 6, 2025carlocarrasco

With the 2025 National and Local Elections all set for May 12, the Energy Task Force on Election (ETFE) gave its assurance to the public that uninterrupted power will be done, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

The Energy Task Force on Election (ETFE), led by the Department of Energy (DOE), has assured the public of uninterrupted power supply nationwide during the May 12 midterm polls.

In a virtual briefing Monday, DOE Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella said the energy sector is “fully prepared” to provide stable electricity and fuel throughout the voting, transmission, and canvassing periods.

“We assure the public that the energy sector is fully prepared to ensure an unimpeded power supply before, during, and after the elections,” Fuentebella said.

“Contingency plans are in place, and we are in constant coordination with security agencies to help ensure a smooth and secure election process,” he added.

The ETFE, a multi-agency body led by the DOE, works closely with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and security forces, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and Bureau of Fire Protection to ensure a smooth and credible elections.

Since January, the task force has held regular coordination meetings and inspections to assess readiness and implement contingency plans, while field personnel have conducted maintenance on transmission lines, polling stations, and backup systems, especially in remote and off-grid areas.

The DOE official said the energy sector has mapped out priority areas and is monitoring potential vulnerabilities, particularly in Visayas and Mindanao.

“We have taken all necessary steps to support the smooth and credible conduct of the 2025 elections. The Department of Energy, through the ETFE, stands ready to respond and coordinate with our partners to maintain uninterrupted energy access across the country,” Fuentebella added.

He said the task force will closely monitor potential worst-case scenarios, including the simultaneous occurrence of natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and low-pressure weather systems that could trigger power disruptions.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think stable and sufficient electricity will be provided during and after the elections? Do you think power outages could still happen during the canvassing period?

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 charges of rape and child abuse

May 8, 2025May 5, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, police officers arrested a man over multiple charges of rape and child abuse, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The suspect worked as an office clerk and he turned out to be a highly wanted man in San Fernando City.

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

An office clerk accused of six counts of rape and three counts of child abuse was arrested by members of the Southern Police District Special Operations Unit (SPD-DSOU) in Las Piñas City on Friday, May 2.

Authorities identified the suspect as “Aris,” 44, listed as the No. 2 most wanted person at the municipal level of San Fernando City Police and No. 5 at the provincial level of the Pampanga Police Provincial Office.

He was arrested at Phase 3 in Barangay CAA by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Robert Alexander Razon Malig of the San Fernando Pampanga RTC Branch 45 for six counts of rape under Article 266-A of the Revised Penal Code and three counts of child abuse under Republic Act 7610.

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 could still be a lot of wanted criminals from outside of Metro Manila who could be hiding in the city?

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

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Philippines inflation rate lands at 1.4% in April 2025, the lowest since November 2019

May 8, 2025May 6, 2025carlocarrasco

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) confirmed that the inflation rate of the Philippines fell down more to 1.4% in April 2025 which is the lowest since November 2019, according to a news report by GMA Network.

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

The Philippines’ inflation rate continued its deceleration streak for the third straight month, remaining below 2% in April, on the back of slower movements of food and transport costs, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Tuesday.

At a press briefing, PSA chief and National Statistician Claire Dennis Mapa reported that last month’s inflation print —which measures the rate of increase in the prices of consumer goods and services— cooled down further to 1.4% from 1.8% in March.

This was the slowest since November 2019, when inflation clocked in at 1.2%.

April’s inflation rate brought the year-to-date rate to 2%, well within the government’s ceiling of 2% to 4% for the entire 2025.

“Ang pangunahing dahilan ng mas mababang antas ng inflation nitong Abril 2025 kaysa noong Marso 2025 ay ang mas mabagal na pagtaas ng presyo ng Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages sa antas na 0.9% [from 2.2% in March],” Mapa said.

(The main contributor to the lower inflation rate in April 2025 versus March 2025 was the slower increase in the prices of Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages with a rate of 0.9%.)

“Ito ay may 82.3% share sa pagbaba ng pangkalahatang inflation sa bansa,” he added.

(This accounted for 82.3% of the decrease in the country’s overall inflation rate.)

The decline in Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages index was brought by the stronger contraction in cereals, such as rice, to -7.4% from -5.2%.

Also contributing to the overall inflation downtrend was the faster contraction in Transport index at -2.1% from -1.1% month-on-month, accounting for 15.2% to the decline.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the inflation rate of the Philippines could go down even further to as low as 1% soon?

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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Malacañang declares May 12 (Election Day) a holiday

May 7, 2025May 6, 2025carlocarrasco

To allow voters nationwide to be participate in the 2025 National and Local Elections, Malacañang declared May 12 a holiday, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

Malacañang declared Monday, May 12, as a special non-working holiday throughout the country for the 2025 national and local elections.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, on the authority of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., signed Proclamation 878 on Tuesday declaring a nationwide holiday to “enable the people to properly exercise their right to vote.”

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) recently urged Marcos to declare May 12 as a holiday to allow registered voters to cast their ballots.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Is there a great majority of your local community members who will actually go out and vote on May 12?

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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