governance – Page 24 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Mayoral candidate Carlo Aguilar unveils flood control plan for Las Piñas City

May 6, 2025May 3, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, mayoral candidate Carlo Aguilar unveiled a plan to deal with the problem of flooding and it involves repairs, expansion and the modernizing of the drainage system, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Las Piñas mayoral candidate Carlo Aguilar presented a comprehensive plan to address the perennial problem of flooding in the city, a concern identified as the most urgent issue by residents.

Aguilar said that flooding is closely linked to waste management practices and pointed to improper waste disposal as a key factor contributing to the frequent inundation of streets and neighborhoods in the city.

He laid out a multi-pronged strategy that includes repairing, expanding, and modernizing Las Piñas’ existing drainage system to mitigate flooding across the city.

The mayoral candidate added that the dry summer months should be the perfect time to implement regular cleanup operations of rivers, creeks, and waterways to ensure unimpeded water flow.

“Unclogging our drainage is one part of the solution. But we also need to improve how we manage waste and ensure that our communities are involved in keeping our city clean and flood-free,” Aguilar pointed out.

A major feature of his proposal is the establishment of a more efficient and organized garbage collection system.

Aguilar said that under his watch, the city would strengthen its fleet of garbage trucks which are owned and operated by the local government, rather than relying on costly private contractors. He added that this will help reduce expenses and improve service delivery.

Public education is also integral to Aguilar’s waste management strategy. He plans to launch a sustained campaign to promote proper waste disposal among residents.

“Behavioral change is a vital aspect of waste disposal,” Aguilar emphasized. “Without changing how people handle their trash, we cannot create an effective waste management system.”

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? Do you think Carlo Aguilar’s plan on solving the problem of local flooding makes sense? How much taxpayers’ money do you think Carlo Aguilar’s flood control plan will cost?

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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Chinese national caught with high-tech eavesdropping equipment charged by NBI

May 6, 2025May 1, 2025carlocarrasco

The Chinese national who was arrested near the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) building in Manila with high-tech equipment with him has been formally charged by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), according to a news story by the Philippine New Agency (PNA). GMA Network had its own reporter on location when the arrest happened.

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

The National Bureau of Investigation on Wednesday filed criminal charges against a Chinese national arrested for possession of electronic eavesdropping equipment near the Commission on Elections (Comelec) building in Intramuros, Manila on Tuesday.

Tak Hail Lao, 47, was charged by the NBI before the Department of Justice (DOJ) with misuse of device and illegal interception and system interference under Republic Act No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, and espionage under Commonwealth Act No. 616 or the Espionage Act of 1941.

Speaking to reporters, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said while the charges are bailable, “it will be up to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to decide whether temporary liberty should be granted while the case is pending since the suspect is a foreign national.”

Records from the BI showed that Tak Hail Lao, who uses a passport issued by the Chinese special administrative region of Macau, arrived last April 2 and had no derogatory record.

He was caught in possession of an international mobile subscriber identity device, or IMSI catcher, which can be used to intercept mobile communications, including text messages.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there could be a lot more Chinese nationals using high-tech equipment in the Philippines doing secret acts of espionage? Do you consider Chinese spies a threat to national security?

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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Proposed measure to increase tax on capital gains withdrawn by DOF

May 5, 2025April 30, 2025carlocarrasco

In recent times, the Department of Finance (DOF) has withdrawn the proposed measure on increasing taxes on capital gains pointing to certain economic factors according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The proposed measure increasing taxes on capital gains, donor’s, and estate to 10% from 6% has been withdrawn as the Department of Finance (DOF) determined that there would be “no need” for additional revenue measures, citing the government’s robust fiscal position.

In a statement, Albay 2nd District Representative and House Ways and Means chairman Joey Sarte Salceda disclosed that the DOF pulled out the Government Revenues Optimization through the Wealth Tax Harmonization (GROWTH) Bill, which proposed a hike in tax rate for capital gains, donor taxes, and estate taxes.

The bill is the Marcos administration’s tweaked version of the Passive Income and Financial Intermediary Taxation Act (PIFITA), proposed by the Duterte administration as Package 4 of its Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (CTRP).

Citing a letter from the DOF, dated April 29, Salceda said the Finance Department is withdrawing the proposed measure, citing “stronger-than-expected revenue collections, a double-digit growth rate in tax collections, and steady progress toward the government’s fiscal consolidation goals.”

In a separate statement, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said that “given our current strong fiscal performance, these are not needed at this time.”

“The government is properly managing its finances, ensuring that public needs are met without burdening the citizenry with new taxes,” he added.

‘More than sufficient’ – In particular, the Finance chief cited the 13.55% growth in total tax collections to P931.5 billion in the first quarter of 2025.

Broken down, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) posted P690.4 billion in collections, up 16.67% year-on-year; while the Bureau of Customs saw a 5.72% growth in collection to P231.4 billion during the same period.

“At this point, current revenues are more than sufficient to support our expenditure requirements. We are meeting our obligations, funding key programs, and growing the economy without having to impose new taxes on our kababayan,” Recto said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think it was just right for the DOF to withdraw the measure? Do you thinking hiking capital gains tax, donor taxes and estate taxes are needed to ensure economic growth for 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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DICT tackling election troll armies and fake news online

May 3, 2025April 27, 2025carlocarrasco

In relation with the 2025 National and Local Elections scheduled for May 12, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) recently launched a campaign versus troll armies and fake news online with protecting election integrity in mind, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has started a crackdown against fake news and organized ‘troll armies’ on social media to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.

In a news release on Wednesday, DICT Secretary Henry Aguda announced the agency’s collaboration with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on several key initiatives to enhance the technological infrastructure of the elections.

“These initiatives include the establishment of Configuration Hubs, where DICT personnel will assist in managing the hubs during the election process, as well as the development of online services such as the Precinct Results Finder, Registration Status Verifier, and Election Results Website, all aimed at ensuring transparency and providing real-time access to election data,” Aguda said.

The DICT’s Cybersecurity Bureau is also rolling out critical initiatives such as vulnerability assessment and penetration testing (VAPT) to identify and mitigate security risks, and ensure the security for digital infrastructures throughout the election process.

“A key technological advancement in securing the election is the deployment of (Philippine National) Public Key Infrastructure (PNPKI) digital certificates, which will be used by teachers serving as electoral board members. These certificates will ensure the integrity, confidentiality, and authentication of election data,” he said.

Aguda also recognized the growing the influence of social media platforms in the elections and welcomed the stance of technology giants — Tiktok, Google, and Meta — who pledged to ban paid political ads on their platforms.

“We must be proactive, not reactive. The threats are evolving. From fake news to deepfakes and organized troll armies –our election system must be ready to face them head-on,” he said.

Google, in particular, has implemented the ban on election advertisements since the start of the official campaign period.

“[It is] a move that supports the shared goal of a clean, fair, and credible election,” he said.

On Tuesday, Aguda convened the Comelec Advisory Council (CAC) in Taguig City as part of its mission to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process ahead of the 2025 polls.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the DICT will succeed in its campaign versus fake news and online trolls?

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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ANZ Research says Philippine economic growth for 2025 could slow down to 5%

May 2, 2025April 28, 2025carlocarrasco

By pointing to the trade policies of the United States and weak private spending, ANZ Research says that the economic growth of the Philippines for 2025 could slow down to 5%, according to a BusinessWorld news report. ANZ also downgraded its growth forecasts for many other Asian economies.

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

PHILIPPINE economic growth is expected to slow to 5% this year due to the fallout from the Trump administration’s trade policy and weak private spending, ANZ Research said.

In its latest Asia Insight report, ANZ cut its gross domestic product (GDP) forecast for the Philippines to 5% this year from 5.7% previously. It also lowered its 2026 GDP projection to 5.5% from 6% previously.

Both forecasts would fall short of the 6-8% growth target set by the Development Budget Coordination Committee from this year to the next.

“Our new forecasts incorporate our expectations of direct and indirect impact of tariffs, bilateral trade agreements between the US and individual economies, revised growth estimates for mainland China and the US and potential policy response,” ANZ Chief Economist for Southeast Asia and India Sanjay Mathur said.

The downward revisions constitute a “durable shock to regional growth as US tariffs imply a long-term reduction in global trade,” he added.

President Donald J. Trump slapped reciprocal tariffs on most of its trading partners earlier this month but suspended these higher tariffs for 90 days. Only the baseline 10% tariff remains in effect.

The Philippines was hit with a 17% reciprocal tariff, though this was the second lowest in Southeast Asia, just after Singapore.

“It is likely that some Asian economies will negotiate down or even do away with the April 2 reciprocal tariffs owing to the potential damage to US growth,” Mr. Mathur said. “Even so, the uncertainty around US trade policies will constrain business activity, including hiring and investment.”

ANZ slashed its growth projection for Asia, excluding China and India, to 2.9% this year from 3.4% previously. It also trimmed its 2026 forecast to 3.3% from 3.5% previously.

ANZ also downgraded its GDP projections for all countries it covers, namely India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, South Korea and Vietnam.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines will be able to negotiate with the United States on tariff and trade matters 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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Muntinlupa City Government approves foster care ordinance for children who were abused, neglected, surrendered or abandoned

May 1, 2025April 25, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon signed into law a foster care ordinance to help children who were abused, neglected, abandoned and surrendered, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Abused, neglected, abandoned and surrendered children will be given alternative child care under a foster care ordinance of the Muntinlupa City government.

Ordinance No. 2025-333, or the Muntinlupa City Foster Care Ordinance, was signed by Mayor Ruffy Biazon on April 15 after it was enacted by the Muntinlupa City Council.

“Children, especially those who are abused, neglected, abandoned and surrendered, must be provided with alternative child care to afford them the love, care and utmost protection from all forms of social opportunism and violence against children, thus the need to enact this Ordinance,” the ordinance stated.

The Muntinlupa City government “recognizes that a child will benefit more from foster care than institutional care. As such, it shall strengthen, develop and expand its foster care program and ensure that its alternative child care program shall provide a wholesome atmosphere to the foster child as a step towards the child’s return and reintegration to his biological parents or placement with an adoptive family.”

Foster care is defined in the ordinance as the “provision of planned temporary substitute parental care to a child by a foster parent.”

The ordinance established the “Aruga at Kupkop ng Pamilya para sa mga Bata sa Muntinlupa Program.”

Under the ordinance, the city government will submit to the chairperson of the Local Council for the Protection Of Children (I-CPC) a list of 20 prospective foster parents “who are willing and able to provide foster family care to abused, abandoned, neglected and surrendered children.”

They will be recommended for Foster Family Care License with the Regional Alternative Child Care Office-National Capital Region based on the Home Study Report prepared by the social workers of the Social Services Department (SSD).

The local law mandates the city government to “exhaust the possibility of placing the child in kinship care before considering placing the child to non-blood related family.”

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, do you approve of the foster care ordinance? Do you think the City Government can sustain the local foster care program in the long run?

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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Wanted man apprehended in Muntinlupa over two counts of rape

May 1, 2025April 26, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, police officers arrested a man who has been wanted for rape, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The police arrested a 41-year-old man tagged as most wanted person for rape in Muntinlupa on April 23.

Personnel from the District Mobile Force Battalion of the Southern Police District (SPD) arrested the accused, identified as alias Goryo, at about 6:40 p.m. in Carzo Compound, San Roque in Barangay Alabang.

Goryo, a driver, was nabbed based on a non-bailable warrant of arrest for two counts of rape issued by Presiding Judge Wehrly Gutierrez-Mendez of the Muntinlupa City Family Court Branch 8 on April 22.

He is detained at the Muntinlupa police’s custodial facility pending the return of the warrant to the court.

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 criminals living within your local community? Do you consider rape a serious problem within 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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Mayoral candidate Carlo Aguilar proposes local pension fund for senior citizens of Las Piñas City

April 30, 2025April 24, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, mayoral candidate Carlo Aguilar highlighted his proposal of creating a local pension fund to support the senior citizens of the city, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. For the newcomers reading this, Carlo Aguilar previously served as a City Councilor and is running for the city’s top opposition against incumbent Vice Mayor April Aguilar along with some other candidates.

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 mayoral candidate Carlo Aguilar is proposing the creation of a local pension fund that will provide monthly financial support to the city’s senior citizens.

Aguilar said the creation of a local pension fund will help ease the everyday burden being faced by thousands of elderly residents who rely on limited government assistance.

He said currently, only around 11,000 seniors in Las Piñas receive the ₱1,000 monthly social pension from the national government.

Aguilar said the proposed local pension fund seeks to expand the assistance coverage to the city’s estimated 60,000 senior residents. It will begin with the most vulnerable sectors or those without access to a pension from the SSS or GSIS.

“No lolo or lola should be left behind. Our elderly should not have to choose between buying medicine and buying food because a thousand pesos is simply not enough in today’s economy,” Aguilar said.

Aguilar said the monthly amount will be determined through reviews and consultations with senior groups and other stakeholders. He explained that the fund will be made possible through budget realignment, partnership with the private sector, and elimination of wasteful spending.

“There needs to be a full review of the city’s existing expenditure program to identify non-essential items that can be redirected toward the pension fund. Tapping the corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs of big companies is also part of the proposed financing strategy for the fund,” Aguilar said.

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? Do you believe that a high number of Las Piñas senior citizens don’t have access to financial support from the local and national governments? Do you think the establishment of a local pension fund for senior citizens makes a lot of sense? Are many voters in your local community planning to vote for Carlo Aguilar for Mayor 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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Wanted foreigner arrested in Las Piñas City

April 29, 2025April 24, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, local law enforcers apprehended a 23-year-old Japanese national who has been wanted for a series of criminal acts that happened in Japan, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. The suspect was described to be a member of a notorious gang and has overstayed in the Philippines for some time now.

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

Another member of the infamous “Luffy” gang, which is being linked to theft, fraud, extortion, and violent crimes in Japan, has been arrested in the Philippines.

Takuya Hoshino, 23, was arrested inside his residence in a subdivision in Las Piñas City on Tuesday, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said in a news release on Wednesday.

Hoshino was the latest member of the notorious criminal gang arrested by the BI since last year, after their presence in the country was reported by the Japanese government.

“Like his colleagues in the syndicate whom we have earlier arrested, he, too, will be deported, blacklisted, and banned from re-entering the Philippines,” Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said.

Hoshino was detained at the BI warden facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, pending implementation of the deportation order that the bureau’s Board of Commissioners issued against him for being an undesirable alien.

According to BI Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) chief Rendel Ryan Sy, Hoshino is subject of an outstanding arrest warrant issued by the Tokyo Summary Court on Sept. 15, 2022 after he was charged with theft in violation of the Japanese penal code.

The suspect and his cohorts allegedly stole ATM cards from unsuspecting elderly victims by impersonating law enforcement officers.

They were also accused of staging fake police investigations to dupe their victims into surrendering their bank cards.

Over 20 million yen, or more than USD141,000, in cash were reportedly siphoned off by the suspects through unauthorized withdrawals from the stolen cards.

A check on his travel record showed that Hoshino overstayed in the country for more than five years, as his last arrival was recorded on Oct. 30, 2019.

Viado said the arrest forms part of the government’s broader effort to protect national security and public safety, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen border control and crack down on transnational crimes.

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 be a lot more foreign gang members or fugitives who could be living 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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PDEA seizes P147.25 million worth of illegal drugs during April 11-18 period

April 27, 2025April 23, 2025carlocarrasco

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) announced that it has seized more than P147 million worth of illegal drugs during operations held from April 11 to 18, 2025, resulting in the arrest of almost eighty drug personalities, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Around P147.25 million worth of illegal drugs was seized following the arrest of 79 alleged drug personalities during the nationwide anti-narcotics operations from April 11 to 18, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) stated.

In a statement, the PDEA highlighted the agency’s sustained and resolute campaign against illegal drugs across the country with the “remarkable 69 anti-drug operations conducted in just one week.’’

The PDEA noted that the week-long illegal drug haul includes 19,281.62 grams of shabu; 11,000 grams of dried marijuana leaves; 49,460 marijuana plants; 984 grams of ketamine; 8,760 milliliters of ephedrine and 1.37 grams of marijuana kush.

The PDEA assured that it will continue to strike in the whole country with its operatives working in close coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other law enforcement agencies.

Among the most significant operations were the 1,000 grams of shabu in Barangay Minuyan, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan during a buy-bust operation by PDEA Region III and PNP DEG; the staggering 16,000 grams of shabu seized by the Highway Patrol Group Samar, Samar Police Provincial Office- Police Drug Enforcement Unit and PDEA Samar Provincial Office in Barangay New Mahayag, City of Catbalogan, Western Samar, which marked the largest single-week seizure in the region.

The other confiscations are the 300 grams of shabu in Guizo, Mandaue City by PDEA Regional Office VII during a series of well-coordinated drug stings; 984 grams of ketamine intercepted at Port Area, Manila by PDEA-National Capital Region-Seaport Interdiction Unit, PDEA K9 Unit, Bureau of Customs and PDEA RO NCR Manila District Office, successful eradication of 13,200 marijuana plants in Benguet, followed by the similar operations in Kalinga and Ifugao, “collectively uprooting over 49,000 marijuana plants.’’

“These results are the product of relentless intelligence work, surveillance, and inter-agency coordination,” PDEA Director General Isagani R. Nerez pointed out.

“Every arrest made and every gram seized represents a community made safer. But more importantly, these numbers are a clear reminder that we must remain vigilant and unwavering in our efforts,” he added.

The PDEA also commended the efforts of its regional offices, “including PDEA-CAR for its massive marijuana eradication campaigns in the Cordillera region, PDEA 4B – MIMAROPA for intercepting illegal drugs in Puerto Princesa and Calapan, and PDEA Region IV-A for dismantling syndicates operating in Cavite and Rizal.’’

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you satisfied with PDEA’s constant efforts against illegal drugs?

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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