governance – Page 26 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Thai-led oil firm announces P1.5 billion, 5-year expansion in the country

April 17, 2025April 11, 2025carlocarrasco

The Thai-led oil firm PTT Philippines recently announced that it will expand its operations in the country over the next five years with P1.5 billion worth of investments, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The expansion includes putting up new fuel stations.

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

In a briefing on Friday, April 11, PTT Philippines officials said the company is eyeing to increase its fuel stations to 280 within the next five years.

Athiwat Rattanakorn, president and chief executive officer of PTT Philippines, stated that the oil firm aims to improve its nationwide presence, particularly focusing on establishing more stations in Luzon and Visayas.

Currently operating 170 stations throughout the Philippines, PTT plans to not only boost its pumping stations but also increase the brand’s presence.

The firm has also introduced a reformulated line of fuel brands, namely Power+ gasoline, Eco+ gasoline, Ultra+ diesel, and Save+ diesel.

“This is going to redefine high-performance fuels as they are intended to improve driving experience not only in terms of mileage but also the cleaning and protection formula for the engine to last longer,” Rattanakorn said.

Apichate Thipphayakosai, supply and logistics director of PTT Philippines, clarified that while they’re only aiming to add around 110 stations in the next five years, they’re focused on the aviation industry.

“We don’t go aggressively on the number of stations… We have to invest effectively in terms of that one,” he told reporters. “But one other thing that can be the mainstream of revenue of PTT Philippines is aviation. We can say that [for] most of the domestic flights.”

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think this new plan by PTT will make the Philippines a more attractive destination for foreign investors? Is there a PTT fuel station near you 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, 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

Eight EPD cops charged over illegal operation in Las Piñas City

April 16, 2025April 11, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, eight members of the Eastern Police District (EPD) got charged over a rogue police operation in which P85 million was stolen from a Chinese businessman, 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…

State prosecutors found probable cause to charge eight members of the Eastern Police District (EPD) who allegedly stole PHP85 million from a Chinese trader in an unauthorized police operation in Las Piñas City.

In a statement on Friday, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director, Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin, said the Office of the City Prosecutor filed before the court on Thursday a complaint of kidnapping and two counts of robbery against the eight suspects, who are members of the EPD’s District Special Operations Unit (DSOU).

These cases stemmed from an operation where the eight officers served a bogus arrest warrant against the victim on April 2.

The victim and the relatives claimed that the cops shut down their closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera, forcibly opened their vaults, and took away the money in pesos, US dollars, and Malaysian ringgit; jewelry; gadgets, and other personal belongings worth PHP85 million.

“Let me be clear – the NCRPO does not shield any wrongdoing. I will not condone any misdeed perpetrated by any member of NCRPO and I will ensure the filing of airtight cases against police scalawags,” Aberin said.

“We will closely monitor the progress of these criminal cases and we shall ensure that the administrative investigation will result in their dismissal from the service, based on evidence and due process of law.”

Philippine National Police spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo earlier said the sacked DSOU commander, Maj. Emerson Coballes, was tagged as AWOL (absent without official leave) after he did not comply with a return to work order from the NCRPO.

Coballes did not report for duty after the NCRPO found out that the raid on the house of the Chinese businessman was intended to rob him, as the foreigner did not fit the description of the man in the arrest warrant.

Aberin said the complaint against Coballes is set for preliminary investigation on April 22 and 29.

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 other crooked cops out there who might organize a rogue operation against your household 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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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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Use of licensed software mandated in Muntinlupa City

April 15, 2025April 10, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon signed into law an ordinance mandating the use of licensed software specifically in government offices and contracted private entities, 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 Muntinlupa City government has enacted an ordinance mandating the use of legal and ethical software in its offices and private entities where it has contracts and agreements.

Ordinance No. 2025-328, or the “Legal and Ethical Software Use Ordinance of Muntinlupa,” passed by the Muntinlupa City Council, was signed by Mayor Ruffy Biazon.

The local law cited Republic Act No. 10175, or the Anti Cybercrime Law, which “explicitly recognizes in Section 4 the act of copyright infringement as a punishable offense when committed using electronic or digital means, thereby underscoring the importance of adhering to software licensing agreements in all technological applications.”

The ordinance emphasized that “the unauthorized use of unlicensed software applications poses significant risks, including compromised cybersecurity, exposure to malware, operational inefficiencies, and violations of intellectual property laws, which collectively endanger individuals, businesses, and government institutions, undermining public trust and efficiency in digital operations.”

It added that “the proliferation of unlicensed software deprives software developers, both local and international, of fair compensation for their intellectual property, stifling innovation, discouraging investment in technological advancement, and weakening the overall digital economy by promoting unethical business practices.”

The ordinance covers all departments, offices, agencies, and personnel of the Muntinlupa City government; all hardware and electronic devices, whether owned, leased, or under the custody of the city government, that use software applications for official functions; and private entities engaged in contracts, projects, or partnerships with the city government, insofar as their transactions involve the use of software.

A licensed software is defined in the ordinance as “any software application that is legally acquired and used in accordance with its licensing agreement, including commercial, freeware, and open-source software.”

The city government will “strictly enforce the use of legally acquired and licensed software in all its offices, transactions, and operations.”

“This mandate aims to safeguard government systems from cybersecurity threats, enhance operational efficiency, and uphold transparency in technology use,” it added.

The ordinance states that “all software applications used by the City Government of Muntinlupa, including operating systems, office productivity suites, specialized applications, cybersecurity tools, and other digital solutions, shall be duly licensed or legally acquired in accordance with applicable copyright laws and licensing agreements. City departments and offices shall ensure that all software installed on government-owned devices and systems has a valid license and complies with legal agreements.”

It mandates that “the acquisition, installation, or use of unlicensed, counterfeit, or pirated software within the City Government of Muntinlupa is strictly prohibited.”

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 think the mandated use of licensed software by the government and contracted private entities make a lot of sense?

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 unemployment rate down in February 2025

April 14, 2025April 9, 2025carlocarrasco

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) revealed recently that the unemployment rate of the Philippines fell down to 3.8% this past February from 4.3% the previous month, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

The country’s unemployment rate fell to its lowest level in three months, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed.

In a briefing on Tuesday, National Statistician Dennis Mapa said preliminary results of the latest Labor Force Survey showed that the unemployment rate further declined to 3.8 percent in February this year from 4.3 percent the previous month. It was the lowest rate since the 3.1 percent recorded in December last year.

Mapa said the number of unemployed Filipinos declined to 1.94 million from 2.16 million in January this year.

Employment rate on the other hand, rose to 96.2 percent in February this year from 95.7 percent the previous month.

Mapa said the number of employed Filipinos went up to 49.15 million, higher than the 48.49 million and 48.95 million recorded in January this year and in February 2024, respectively.

Industries which recorded the largest increase in employment include accommodation and food service (+377,000), fishing and aquaculture (+365,000), public administration and defense (+330,000), construction (+258,000), and other service activities (+232,000).

Mapa said preparations for the midterm elections and summer holidays helped increase employment in accommodation and food service and other service activities.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there will be more than enough job opportunities for the unemployed throughout the year? Do you think the Philippine economy will grow strongly to sustain new job creation until the end of 2025?

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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DOT points to VAT refund for foreign tourists as factor for growth this year

April 13, 2025April 8, 2025carlocarrasco

By pointing to the VAT refund for foreign tourists (click here and here), the Department of Tourism (DOT) is looking forward to growth in tourism revenue this year, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

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

THE Department of Tourism (DoT) said tourism revenue is expected to rise this year, aided by the new tax refund for tourists.

“2024 was a banner year for Philippine tourism, with international spending reaching around P760 billion, a 126% recovery rate (from pre-pandemic levels). Our goal was always to exceed that, which we achieved the previous year,” Tourism Secretary Ma. Esperanza Christina G. Frasco said on Monday.

She said that the value-added tax (VAT) refund for foreign tourists and DoT’s collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will encourage more visitor spending.

She added such measures will allow the country “to exceed its international visitor receipts as well as domestic tourism receipts from the year before.”

On Monday, the DTI and DoT signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) to strengthen coordination in promoting tourism-related industries, participate in joint trade and tourism missions, develop sustainable tourism-related enterprises, and encourage the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

“Through this MoA, we will give our tourism MSMEs the platform to avail of the programs of the DTI, especially in supporting the expansion of their livelihood and businesses,” Ms. Frasco said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the VAT refund for tourists will actually result in an increase of tourism revenue in the Philippines 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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Use and play of audio materials in Muntinlupa quiet zones restricted

April 11, 2025April 8, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon formally signed into law an ordinance that restricts the playing of audio materials in residential areas and other quiet zones within city jurisdiction, 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…

Amid the election campaign, the Muntinlupa City government has passed an ordinance restricting the playing of audio materials through loudspeakers in residential areas and other quiet zones in the city.

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon signed Ordinance No. 2025-330 (Quiet Zones Ordinance) passed by the Muntinlupa City Council which regulates “the use or playing of marketing or information campaign audio materials through loudspeakers, mixers, amplifiers, microphones, and other similar sound-producing systems and audio devices mounted on any roving manual, motor, or electric vehicle within designated quiet zones in the City of Muntinlupa, prescribing allowable hours for use, imposing penalties for violations, and for other purposes.“

One of the bases for the ordinance is a memorandum from the Department of the Interior and Local Government issued in January, with the subject “Highly Encouraging Local Government Units (LGUS) to Address Public Nuisance and Noise Pollution.”

“The City Government of Muntinlupa recognizes the need to regulate excessive, unnecessary, or unusually loud sound from mobile sound systems and audio devices that exceed acceptable levels and extend beyond the allowable time period, particularly within residential areas and designated quiet zones,” according to the ordinance.

It added that “there has been a clamor from the public against excessive, unnecessary, or unusually loud sound from mobile sound systems and audio devices that exceed acceptable levels, contribute to noise pollution and disrupt the peace in communities.”

The ordinance covers “all individuals, groups, and organizations within Muntinlupa City who use or play marketing or information campaign audio materials through loudspeakers, amplifiers, microphones, or similar audio devices mounted on roving manual, motor, or electric vehicles (EV).”

“Violators include, but are not limited to, vehicle operators, information campaign promoters, and initiators. If marketing or information campaign audio materials are played through sponsorship, the sponsor, benefactor, donor, vehicle operator, and driver shall also be liable for the penalties herein,” according to the local law.

Under the ordinance, the quiet zones in Muntinlupa are residential areas, places of worship, schools, hospitals and health centers, secondary roads, and inner roads.

The playing of marketing or information campaign audio materials with roving or mobile vehicles in residential areas is allowed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Friday to Saturday.

The use of campaign audio materials is prohibited within 100 meters of places of worship, schools, hospitals and health centers at all times.

In Muntinlupa’s secondary and inner roads, the playing of the marketing or information campaign materials is allowed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday, and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Friday to Saturday.

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 newest ordinance related to noise in quiet zones?

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 1.8% in March 2025

April 10, 2025April 4, 2025carlocarrasco

The inflation rate of the Philippines settled at 1.8% for the month of March this year based on the latest details released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), according to the news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). The confirmed inflation rate was the lowest since June 2020.

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

Inflation rate in March 2025 settled at 1.8 percent, marking a nearly five-year low, mainly due to slower price increase in food and non-alcoholic beverages, particularly lower prices of rice.

Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Undersecretary Claire Dennis Mapa said in a press briefing Friday that last month’s inflation was lower than the rate in February 2025 at 2.1 percent and the 3.7 percent in March 2024. PSA data showed that the inflation last month was the lowest since June 2020.

The PSA attributed the slower pace of price increases in March 2025 to the easing of food and non-alcoholic beverages inflation at 2.2 percent from 2.6 percent a month ago. Mapa said this commodity group shared 50.2 percent to the downtrend in inflation.

In particular, cereals and cereal products recorded a deflation, or decrease in prices, of 5.2 percent last month from a deflation of 3 percent in February 2025.

This commodity group includes rice, which recorded negative inflation for the past three months: -2.3 percent in January, -8.4 percent in February, and -7.7 percent in March.

Mapa said that since the Executive Order 62 took effect in July 2024, which reduced the tariff on imported rice, prices of the staple have substantially declined.

“Kung i-compare natin noong—say, base natin noong July 2024, kung saan nagsimula ‘yong reduction sa tariff, bumaba na rin substantially ‘yong presyo ng bigas per kilo [If we compare it to—(let’s) say, based on July 2024, when the tariff reduction started, the price of rice per kilogram has substantially decreased],” he said.

Citing PSA data, Mapa said comparing the prices from July 2024 to March 2025, average price reduction for regular milled rice was at PHP4.90, or from PHP51.11 per kilo to PHP46.09 per kilo.

Well milled rice also declined in the same period by PHP4.19 per kg., or from PHP56.44 per kg. to PHP52.25 per kg., and by PHP2.60 per kg. for special rice, or from PHP64.75 per kg. to PHP62.15 per kg., the national statistician added.

Aside from food and non-food beverages, inflation in transport group recorded -1.1 percent in March 2025 from -0.2 percent in February 2025.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Were you surprised that the inflation rate of the country settled at less than 2% for the month of March 2025? Do you think inflation will remain stable for the next six months?

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 new ordinance versus fake PWD IDs

April 10, 2025April 5, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government passed a new ordinance against the use of fake person with disabilities (PWD) identification cards, according to a GMA Network news report. The move was done in response to the rise of fraud related to the proliferation of fake PWD IDs.

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

The city government of Muntinlupa has approved an ordinance penalizing the use of fake person with disabilities (PWD) identification cards.

City Ordinance No. 2025-325 imposes a fine ranging from P2,000 to P5,000 to persons who use or owns fake PWD IDs; tamper, alter, or produce fake IDs; declare false information in the application, renewal, and update of PWD ID; and issue fake certificate of disability and other medical documents.

The local law also imposes penalties to those who give or receive money or any exchange for a PWD ID; phishing and scamming through text, email, or other online methods; and the use of PWD ID by other persons.

Business establishments that do not post the ordinance in their establishments, as well as those that do not verify the PWD IDs of the customers will likewise face penalties under the local law.

Individuals who violate the ordinance would be fined P2,000 for the first offense, P4,000 for the second offense, and P5,000 for third offense.

If applicable, violators will face one-year ineligibility on all the benefits, services, and programs of the city government of Muntinlupa.

Stiffer penalties will be imposed to those who sell, produce, and proliferate fake PWD ID. They will face P5,000 fine, imprisonment of up to six months, and one-year ineligibility on all the benefits, services, and programs of the Muntinlupa City government.

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 newest ordinance against fake PWD IDs? Did you notice a local surge of fraud related to the use of fake PWD IDs?

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 (BI) reminds foreigners to behave and respect laws of the Philippines

April 9, 2025April 3, 2025carlocarrasco

In relation to a recent viral video of a foreign national who caused some trouble locally, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reminded foreigners present in the Philippine to behave and respect the nation’s laws and locals, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Wednesday reminded anew foreigners visiting the country to respect Filipinos and the country’s laws.

This came following a viral video of a Russian vlogger allegedly harassing people at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City.

“Foreign visitors are expected to be in good behavior during their stay in the Philippines. We are a very hospitable country, and have the nicest, kindest people,” BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said in a message to the Philippine News Agency.

“Hence, visitors are expected to reciprocate this and follow laws during their stay here,” she added.

In a post on X, content creator Vitaly Zdorovetskiy was seen threatening to rob a woman passing by the area who refused his offer of money in exchange for appearing in his vlog.

The foreigner went on berating the woman who was wearing a face mask, saying she might have Covid-19 and that she should get vaccinated.

In another incident, a mall security guard flagged Zdorovetskiy and told him to stop recording inside the establishment. He then grabbed the guard’s hat and refused to return it. He was also seen mocking the security guard.

For more insight about the Russian content creator, posted below are YouTube videos about his past and what he did here in the Philippines. He has been arrested.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Did you witness any foreigners misbehaving or harassing locals recently? Are you concerned that more troublesome content creators or IRL streamers from overseas will come into the country and become problematic?

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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Troublesome Russian streamer to stay in country to be formally charged

April 9, 2025April 8, 2025carlocarrasco

The troublesome Russian streamer Vitaly Zdorovetskiy won’t be leaving the Philippines any time soon as he will be formally charged for what he committed in public recently, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). He was presented to the media in the presence of Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla.

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

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Monday said Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy will have to stay longer in the country to face criminal charges for harassing and insulting Filipinos for content.

Remulla said Zdorovetskiy will not be deported until such time that a final verdict is handed down by a Philippine court.

“Babala na rin ito (This is also a warning). People have to take responsibility for the content they create. It is not a license to shame or to hurt or to besmirch anyone,” Remulla said in a press conference in Quezon City.

Remulla said the Russian, arrested April 2 in Pasay, is under the custody of the Bureau of Immigration “as an undesirable alien and a flight risk.”

At least five criminal charges were filed against Zdorevetskiy, including a case in Boracay Island where he allegedly insulted a windsurfing instructor.

“He has been making vlogs and making money out of disrespecting people. But not in our own land. We will not allow him to insult and disrespect any Filipino,” Remulla said.

During the press briefing, the moderator had to remind the Russian to behave after he was seen murmuring and making gestures apparently aimed at the DILG chief. Remulla said he heard Zdorevetskiy cursing at him.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the way the local authorities are handling Vitaly Zdorovetskiy will send a strong message to troublesome foreign streamers that they will be held accountable if they harass locals while staying in the Philippines? Do you think Congress should pass new laws to deal with problematic vloggers and live streamers? Should the national government be more active in dealing with streaming platforms whose account holders include troublesome streamers and vloggers? Do you think the government Russia will do something about the arrested Vitaly Zdorovetskiy?

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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