governance – Page 29 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Yamsuan, Bernabe and elected Parañaque teammates sworn in at Supreme Court

June 19, 2025June 18, 2025carlocarrasco

Yesterday at the Supreme Court here in the Philippines, the newly elected members of Parañaque-based Team Pag-Asa were formally sworn in by SC Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan.

Sworn into office by Gaerlan were Brian Yamsuan as Parañaque District 2 Representative, Benjo Bernabe as Parañaque City Vice Mayor, Tess de Asis as Parañaque District 2 City Councilor, Binky Favis as Parañaque District 2 City Councilor and Shannine Olivarez as Parañaque District 1 City Councilor.

*Brian Yamsuan sworn-in as Parañaque City District 2 Representative. (image captured from Brian Yamsuan Facebook page video)*

Each of them was formally sworn in by turn and with the presence of their respective family members. Present during Benjo Bernabe’s taking of the oath of office was former Parañaque City Mayor Florencio “Jun” Bernabe. Bernabe’s turn can be viewed in full by clicking https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1ATYd4yrBC/

For the newcomers reading this, Parañaque City has two districts and each one has eight seats for the City Council. The Vice Mayor is elected throughout the city. The new term of office for those who got elected or re-elected will start on June 30, 2025.

Benjo Bernabe sworn in as Vice Mayor of Parañaque City. Present were members of his family, including former Mayor Florencio “Jun” Bernabe. (image captured from Benjo Bernabe Official Facebook page video)

*The newly sworn-in Team Pag-Asa members showing their certificates in the presence of Supreme Court Associate Justice.Samuel Gaerlan.* From left to right are Parañaque District 2 City Councilor Binky Favis, District 2 City Councilor Tess de Asis, District 1 City Councilor Shannine Olivarez, District 2 Representative Brian Yamsuan and Vice Mayor Benjo Bernabe. (photo source – Benjo Bernabe Facebook account)

To see the final results of the 2025 Parañaque City elections, click https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/eleksyon/2025/results/local/NATIONAL+CAPITAL+REGION/NATIONAL+CAPITAL+REGION+-+FOURTH+DISTRICT/CITY+OF+PARA%25C3%2591AQUE/?tfb_a&smartsearch

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you hopeful that meaningful and positive reforms in the city will begin once the newly sworn-in Team Pag-Asa members take 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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Las Piñas Mayor-elect April Aguilar attends blood donation drive in Barangay Pamplona Tres

June 18, 2025June 14, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the incoming Mayor April Aguilar continued to make her presence felt as she attended a blood donation drive in Barangay Pamplona Tres, 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…

Mayor-elect April Aguilar attended the 1673rd Worldwide Blood Drive organized by the World Mission Society Church of God on Wednesday, June 11, at the Church of God in Pamplona Tres. The activity was held in line with the global celebration of World Blood Donor Day.

With the theme “Give Life Through the Love of the Passover,” the event aimed to promote the spirit of voluntary blood donation and compassion. It was supported by the Philippine Blood Center and the Las Piñas City Health Office, ensuring safe procedures and medical oversight throughout the activity.

Mayor-elect Aguilar expressed her appreciation for the Church of God’s consistent efforts to support public health, especially through community-based initiatives such as this. She also recognized the volunteers and donors who participated in the drive, noting their contribution to saving lives and strengthening the city’s blood supply reserves.

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 that more blood donation drive events should be held locally?

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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Literacy emphasized in Las Pinas City education event

June 17, 2025June 13, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, literacy was emphasized during the launch of Brigada Eskwela in Barangay Elias Aldana which Mayor-elect April Aguilar attended, 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 Schools Division Office (SDO) of Las Piñas City officially started the weeklong Brigada Eskwela 2025 on Tuesday, June 10, at the Las Piñas Elementary School Central in Elias Aldana. Aligned with the national theme “Sama-sama Para sa Bayang Bumabasa,” this year’s kickoff emphasized the collective effort to improve reading proficiency among learners across the country.

The event gathered stakeholders from various sectors, including local government officials, partner organizations, and school personnel, who pledged their commitment to support the public school system through volunteerism, resource mobilization, and active participation in school readiness activities. Highlights of the program included the ceremonial signing of the Pledge of Commitment and the awarding of certificates to institutional partners who have continuously supported Brigada Eskwela through the years.

Mayor-elect April Aguilar attended the event and expressed her full support for the campaign. She acknowledged the importance of collaboration between government, schools, and the community in ensuring that Las Piñas learners are equipped with strong literacy foundations.

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 there is a literacy problem 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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Department of Agriculture backs legal action against those involved in P3.5 million illicit sale of unregistered fertilizer and pesticide in Las Piñas City

June 16, 2025June 11, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently it was discovered in Las Piñas City that the illicit sale of P3.5 million worth of unregistered fertilizer and pesticide took place and already the Department of Agriculture (DA) supports legal action against those who were involved, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. The local authorities successfully pulled off an entrapment operation at a Las Piñas City warehouse.

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

The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday backed the legal action against those involved in the illicit sale of PHP3.5 million worth of unregistered fertilizers and pesticides in Las Piñas City.

The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) and the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) nabbed four individuals for the illegal sale of unlicensed agricultural chemicals in an entrapment operation at a warehouse in Las Piñas City on May 30.

In a news release, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. supported the recommendation of the Las Piñas City prosecutor to file charges for violation of the Fertilizer and Pesticides Act.

“We welcome this decisive action by the Las Piñas City prosecutor to pursue charges against individuals whose illegal activities not only harm our farmers and agricultural productivity but also undermine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision of a food-secure Philippines,” he said.

The four respondents, who posed as representatives of WLEX Co. Philippines Inc., will face charges for violation of Section 8(a) and 9 of Presidential Decree No. 1144, which both prohibits the “production, importation, distribution, storage, and sale” of unlicensed agricultural inputs, fertilizers, and pesticides, according to the inquest resolution.

FPA Executive Director Glenn Estrada warned individuals involved in agricultural smuggling that it will intensify its actions against illicit trade.

“We cannot allow unscrupulous traders to shortchange our farmers by selling substandard products that compromise their ability to increase yields,” he said.

In an earlier report, the DA said the entrapment operation resulted in the seizure of 641 one-liter bottles of Axonic pesticide, 748 one-liter bottles of Sapphire pesticide, 220 one-liter bottles of Chlonil pesticide, four sacks of Welzeb, and bio-stimulant Nutrinaro SC, with multiple variants of 5,590 sachets (10g), 345 sachets (50g), and 90 sachets (5g).

The Axonic, Sapphire, Chlonil, and Welzeb brands are unregistered and illegal, according to the FPA.

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 the incoming Mayor will do for the members of your local community once she takes office? What kind of service do you want to see 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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Muntinlupa City Government releases school supplies to public school students

June 15, 2025June 12, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government officially started distributing free school supplies and shoes to public school students – early education to senior high school – in preparation for the new school year of 2025-2026, 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…

The Muntinlupa City government has started the distribution of free Balik Eskwela packages to public school students.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon visited schools to distribute the free school supplies and shoes, which will benefit nearly 100,000 public school students from early education to senior high school.

Each Balik Eskwela package contains backpacks, notebooks, pad papers, pens and pencils, pencil case and black leather shoes.

This is the third year that the Biazon administration will give free school supplies to public school students in Muntinlupa.

“Ginagawa natin ang lahat para masuportahan ang kinabukasan ng kabataang Muntinlupeño. Kaya yearly din ang distribution natin ng Balik Eskwela packages bilang tulong sa mga gastusin ng mga pamilya at paghahanda ng mga estudyante sa panibagong school year (We are doing everything we can to support the future of Muntinlupeño youth. That is why we also distribute Balik Eskwela packages annually to help families with their expenses and prepare students for the new school year),” Biazon posted on Facebook.

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 find the City Government’s release of school supplies for public school students helpful to local society?

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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Centenarian receives P100,000 birthday gift from Muntinlupa City Government

June 14, 2025June 10, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, a local lady reached her 100^th birthday and received a gift from the City Government in the form of a P100,000 check, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Under Republic Act Number 10868 and City Ordinance 2018-147, all Muntinlupa residents who reach the age of 100 years will receive a cash gift of P100,000.

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

A mother who turned 100 received a P100,000 birthday cash gift from the Muntinlupa City government.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon visited Maxima “Ximang” Entila to celebrate her 100th birthday and give her the P100,000 check.

All Muntinlupa residents who reach 100 years old will receive the P100,000 cash gift incentive under City Ordinance 2018-147 and Republic Act 10868 (Centenarians Act of 2016).

“Nakakabilib si Nanay Maxima “Ximang” Entila—100 years old na, pero ang kwento, energy, at sense of humor niya, parang hindi tumatanda! (Mother Maxima “Ximang” Entila is amazing—she is 100 years old, but her stories, energy, and sense of humor never seem to age!),” the mayor posted on Facebook.

According to Biazon, Entila’s life experience included selling vegetables in Divisoria and establishing her own school.

“Ang dami niyang napagdaanan sa buhay, at bawat isa, may kasamang tawa at aral. Mula sa pagtitinda ng gulay sa Divisoria hanggang sa pagtatayo ng sarili niyang paaralan—hindi siya nagpadaig sa hirap. Pinagtapos niya ang lima niyang anak gamit ang kita mula sa eskwelahang itinayo niya (She has been through so much in her life, and each one has its share of laughter and lessons. From selling vegetables in Divisoria to building her own school—she never gave up on hardship. She sent her five children to college using the income from the school she built).”

When Biazon asked her about her secret to long life, she said it was being happy.

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, would you know if there are elderly members of your local community who might be qualified for the P100,000 cash gift for local centenarians? How many centenarians and incoming centenarians are living in your local community right now?

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

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Las Piñas City Mayor-elect April Aguilar a guest of honor at Barangay Talon Singko event

June 12, 2025June 6, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, incumbent Vice Mayor and Mayor-elect April Aguilar was the guest of honor during the General Membership Assembly of the Senior Citizens Association of Talon Singko Chapter in Barangay Talon Singko, the City Government announced via social media.

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

Over a thousand senior citizens from Cluster 3 of Talon Singko gathered on Thursday, June 5, at the Talon Singko Covered Court for their General Membership Assembly, organized by the Senior Citizens Association of Talon Singko Chapter.

Mayor-elect April Aguilar was warmly welcomed as the guest of honor and delivered a heartfelt message to the attendees. In her speech, she emphasized the importance of caring for the elderly and acknowledged their essential role in shaping the city’s future. She highlighted the city government’s continuing efforts to support the needs of senior citizens through programs such as the Green Card health program, free medical missions, financial assistance, and livelihood training designed to support their well-being.

*Incumbent Las Piñas Vice Mayor and incoming Mayor April Aguilar greeted the members during the general assembly in Barangay Talon Singko. (photo source – Las Piñas City PIO)*

Mayor-elect April Aguilar also assured the attendees that her administration will continue to promote policies that protect and uplift the elderly sector, ensuring that they remain active, supported, and involved in the life of the community.

Among those present at the event were Dr. Esther H. Oliveros, Head of the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) Las Piñas, Ms. Teresita Sanchez, President of the Federation of Senior Citizens Associations of Las Piñas (FSCALP), and Bro. Demetrio F. Ablir, President of the SCA-Talon 5 Chapter.

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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At least 9,000 illegal aliens who used to work in POGOs are still on the loose

June 12, 2025June 10, 2025carlocarrasco

While a lot of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) have closed down as a result of the nationwide ban on them, there still over nine thousand illegal aliens – who used to be POGO employees – on the loose nationwide, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. It was also revealed that some of the illegal aliens are carrying infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV.

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

At least 9,000 undocumented foreign nationals who previously worked for Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs)–including those with infectious diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis–remain on the loose.

This was according to Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) Executive Director Gilbert Cruz, who reported during the House quad-committee (quad-comm) hearing on Monday, June 9, that the agency was facing detention and deportation challenges regarding individuals linked to POGOs.

Cruz said that about 600 foreign nationals were already crammed within the PAOCC detention in Pasay City. What’s worse is that they cannot be deported because they have lost their passports.

“[We have] a monthly expenditure of millions for food and healthcare. Medical needs are [also] rising with detainees diagnosed with illness such as tuberculosis, hepatitis B, respiratory infection, and even cases of HIV,” he said.

“Actually sir dito po kami nanlulumo, three weeks ago nagpa-cremate po tayo ng isang HIV [patient] (Actually, we were saddened by the fact that we had to cremate three weeks ago an HIV patient),” he added.

The agency official said PAOCC’s detention facility was already overcrowded, as such “enforcement actions against an estimated 9,000 illegal foreign workers have been temporarily suspended”.

PAOCC said those on the loose pose risk to the society.

“‘Yung mga POGO workers, noong pumunta dito hindi naman healthy lahat yan. ‘Yung iba dyan may sakit na (Those POGO workers, when they went here, they weren’t really healthy. Some of them were already sick), that’s why we have cases of tuberculosis, HIV,” Cruz told lawmakers.

“Kapag pakalat kalat ‘yan sir, hindi natin alam kung sino pa ang kinontak o nagkaroon pa ng physical contact ‘yan (If they’re on the loose, we don’t know with whom they are having physical contact with),” he added.

Quezon 2nd district Rep. David “Jay-jay” Suarez also raised concern about illegal aliens who remain at large. He said they have become engaged in criminal activities, such as kidnapping and torture.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there could be former POGO employees among the foreigners living in your local community? Are you concerned that the sick illegal aliens on the loose could be spreading disease all over 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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Philippines inflation rate settles at 1.3% in May 2025, the lowest since November 2019

June 10, 2025June 5, 2025carlocarrasco

Once again, inflation in the Philippines went down as the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) recently confirmed that the headline inflation landed at 1.3% for the month of May 2025, according to a news article by Philippine News Agency (PNA). The said inflation result is the lowest since November of 2019.

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

Headline inflation further slowed to 1.3 percent in May this year from 1.4 percent in April, the lowest recorded since the 1.2 percent in November 2019, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said Thursday.

In a briefing, National Statistician Dennis Mapa said this brought the year-to-date average inflation to 1.9 percent which is at the lower end of the government’s 2 to 4 percent target range.

Mapa said the downtrend was primarily brought about by the slower increase in the index of housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels at 2.3 percent from 2.9 percent in April. Restaurant and accommodation services also recorded a slower inflation of 2 percent from 2.3 percent in April.

Mapa said the faster annual decline was likewise recorded in the transport index, at 2.4 percent in May from 2.1 percent in the previous month. Food inflation meanwhile remained at 0.7 percent. Mapa, however, said rice inflation was at -12.8 percent from -10.9 percent in April.

According to Mapa, the rollout of the PHP20 per kilogram rice program in line with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the “Benteng Bigas Meron Na” helped lower rice prices.

In May, the average price of regular milled rice declined to PHP43.19 per kg from PHP51.11 in May 2024. The average price of well-milled rice likewise fell to PHP49.45 per kg from PHP56.06 per kg while special rice also declined to PHP59.80 from last year’s PHP64.41 per kg.

The bottom 30 percent income households experienced zero percent inflation in May 2025, a sharp decline from 5.3 percent in the same month last year.

The National Capital Region also posted a slower inflation rate of 1.7 percent in May, down from 2.4 percent the previous month while other regions maintained a low average inflation rate of 1.2 percent.

More stable cost of living – In a separate statement, the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) said the continued decline in the country’s headline inflation shows progress toward easing price pressures and achieving a more stable cost of living for Filipinos.

“We are encouraged by this development. It reflects the success of our sustained efforts to protect the purchasing power of Filipinos and ensure a more affordable cost of living,” said DEPDev officer in charge and Undersecretary for Policy and Planning Rosemarie Edillon.

To sustain this downward trend, DEPDev said the Marcos administration is committed to implementing targeted policies aimed at mitigating inflationary pressures and safeguarding the purchasing power of Filipino families.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) are strengthening their collaboration to ensure the availability of safe and effective animal vaccines amid ongoing African Swine Fever (ASF) and Avian influenza outbreaks.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think it is possible for Philippines inflation to fall below 1% by the end of the 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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Las Piñas City Mayor-elect April Aguilar oversees release of relief assistance to fire victims

June 9, 2025June 4, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, incumbent Vice Mayor and Mayor-elect April Aguilar led the release of relief assistance to several fire victims in Barangay Almanza Uno, the City Government announced via social media.

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

The City Government of Las Piñas, led by Vice Mayor April Aguilar, continued its relief operations on Tuesday morning, June 3, for families affected by the fire that struck the Samatierra Compound in Almanza Uno.

Vice Mayor Aguilar personally returned to the evacuation center at the covered court of Almanza Uno to oversee the distribution of essential items to the 260 displaced individuals. Sleeping kits, hygiene kits, and food packs were provided to ensure the basic needs of evacuees are met while they remain in temporary shelters.

The City Social Welfare and Development Office, in coordination with the barangay and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, facilitated the orderly delivery of assistance. Modular tents were also set up to provide each family with privacy and comfort during their stay at the evacuation center.

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 huge fire hit your local community and left several families homeless?

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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