governance – Page 37 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Residents of Las Piñas City urged to avail of discounts by paying real property taxes (RPT) early

December 8, 2024December 4, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, residents who own properties were advised to take advantage of discounts offered to them when paying their respective real property taxes (RPT) early enough starting this month, according to a Manila Times news report.

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

Real property owners in Las Piñas City are reminded to settle their real property taxes early and take advantage of discounts offered for prompt payment in 2025.

Las Piñas Councilor Mark Anthony Santos announced that the advance tax payment period runs until Dec. 15, 2024. Taxpayers who settle their dues by this date will receive a 20 percent discount. Payments made from December 16 to 31 will qualify for a 16 percent discount, while payments completed between Jan. 1 and 31, 2025, will be granted a 10 percent discount.

To be eligible for these discounts, taxpayers must pay their taxes for the entire year and ensure there are no outstanding delinquencies, Santos emphasized.

He said failure to pay on time would result in penalties. A 10 percent surcharge will be applied to delinquent payments, along with a one-time administrative fee for late second installment payments. As stipulated in Sections 260 and 263 of Republic Act 7160, the Local Government Code of 1991, unpaid taxes could lead to further actions, including the auctioning of delinquent properties.

“If the real property tax is not paid, the city government will avail of remedies through administrative action or judicial proceedings,” Santos warned.

The city treasurer’s office also reminded new property owners to update their records at the city assessor’s office to ensure they receive official notices and avoid tax issues.

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? If you are a local property owner, are you ready to settle your real property tax with the City Government this month? Are the discounts for early payments enticing enough to you? How many property owners in your local community are aware of the discounts offered?

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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Over 1,200 senior citizens of three Las Piñas City barangays receive pension from CSWDO

December 7, 2024December 2, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, more than one thousand two hundred senior citizens of Barangay Almanza Uno, Barangay Talon Tres and Barangay Pilar Village received their pension from the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), the City Government announced via social media.

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

The City of Las Piñas, through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), held a social pension pay-out on Wednesday, November 20, at the Almanza Uno Covered Court. The event catered to 1,240 senior citizens from Barangays Talon Tres, Almanza Uno, and Pilar, providing vital financial aid to support their daily needs.

Beneficiaries from Almanza Uno totaled 433, while 424 came from Talon Tres and 383 from Pilar. Each recipient received ₱6,000, representing their social pension for the second half of the year, July to December. The funds were allocated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as part of the national government’s efforts to assist indigent senior citizens.

City representatives ensured the smooth delivery of financial assistance, engaging with the beneficiaries to address any concerns and streamline the process. This initiative underscores the city’s commitment to recognizing the contributions of senior citizens and providing meaningful support to improve their quality of life.

Through its collaboration with the DSWD, the city government continues to implement programs focused on addressing the needs of vulnerable groups.

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? Has the CSWDO released pension funds to senior citizens of your local community 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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Man suspected of robbery arrested in Las Piñas City

December 4, 2024November 27, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, a 24-year-old man suspected of robbery was arrested by law enforcers, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The arrest happened in Barangay BF International-CAA.

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

A robbery suspect was arrested during a manhunt operation conducted by members of the Las Piñas City Police Warrant and Subpoena Section and Station Intelligence Section against wanted persons on Monday, Nov. 18.

Las Piñas City Police chief Col. Sandro Tafalla said the suspect, identified as alias “Rodney,” 24, was arrested at around 10:40 a.m. in Barangay CAA, Las Piñas City.

Tafalla said the suspect who was placed as Top 2 wanted person under station level was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Victor Ramirez Aguba of the Las Piñas City Regional Trial Court, Branch 197 on October 16, 2024. He said Aguba recommended a bail of P100,000.

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 someone in your local community could have been involved in robbery? When was the last time a member of your local community got arrested by law enforcers who were armed with a warrant of arrest?

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 Councilors Santos and Medina push for 2nd legislative district

December 3, 2024November 24, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, City Councilors Mark Santos and Henry Medina pushed for the establishment of a 2^nd legislative district pointing to the growing population, the voice of the constituents, development of the city and other factors, according to a Manila Times news report.

For the newcomers reading this, Las Piñas City currently has one seat in the House of Representatives and its population has exceeded 600,000 since 2020.

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

LAS PIÑAS City leaders are pressing for the creation of a second legislative district, citing the local government’s growing population and the need for broader representation in the House of Representatives.

City Councilors Mark Anthony Santos and Henry Medina filed a resolution urging Congress to establish an additional congressional district for Las Piñas, a city that has seen significant population growth since it became a city in 1997.

According to the 2020 census conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority, Las Piñas had a population of 606,293, way above the constitutional requirement of 250,000 residents to qualify for another legislative district.

Section 5, Article VI of the Philippine Constitution provides that each legislative district “shall comprise, as far as practicable, contiguous, compact, and adjacent territory. Each city with a population of at least two hundred fifty thousand, or each province, shall have at least one representative.“

Currently, Las Piñas is represented by a single congressional seat despite its population and administrative structure. The city has two councilor districts that are used for electing six city councilors from its 20 barangay (villages), but this bifurcation has yet to translate into additional representation in Congress.

Las Piñas’ journey to cityhood began in 1997 under then-president Fidel V. Ramos, with residents overwhelmingly supporting the change in a plebiscite.

Since then, the city has undergone rapid urbanization and population growth, further strengthening the case for additional representation.

Despite these developments, proposals for a second congressional district have not gained traction until now.

“With the creation of another congressional district representation in the House of Representatives, the voice of Las Pinyeros will be heard in a broader arena,” Santos said as he highlighted the benefits of increased representation.

Medina echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that an additional district could lead to improved public services, increased budget allocations and accelerated development for the city.

He pointed out that the establishment of a second district would allow the city’s growing population to have more direct representation in national governance.

This, in turn, could translate into better legislative focus on local issues, from infrastructure and education to health care and economic development.

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 it is high-time for Las Piñas City to have a 2^nd congressional seat? What do you think is the problem preventing Las Piñas City from having another seat in the House of Representatives?

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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2024 Christmas party of Century Club of Tahanan, Inc. (CCTI) attended by hundreds of guests

November 30, 2024November 29, 2024carlocarrasco

On the evening of November 24 at the covered basketball court inside Tahanan Village, Barangay BF Homes, Parañaque City, the Century Club of Tahanan, Inc. (CCTI) had its annual Christmas party which was attended by lots of guests.

According to CCTI president Flor Umali, around eight hundred guests – including CCTI members and officials – attended. 600 were from Tahanan Village while roughly 200 others were from the adopted villages of Teoville, Maywood and partly from BF NorthWest.

*A view of the CCTI Christmas party set-up and the stage.*

*A few of the many gifts and raffle prizes on display by the stage.*

The guests had a nice night of celebrating Christmas with a dinner buffet, musical performances and social interactions. Sponsored raffles and gifts given added excitement to the celebration as the party went on.

As with past Christmas parties of CCTI (click here and here), the local public servants and candidates (for the 2025 local elections) were in attendance and spent some time greeting the guests and sparing time to chat with them. Present were congressman Brian Yamsuan (running for Parañaque’s 2^nd district congressional seat), former City Councilor Benjo Bernabe (candidate for Parañaque Vice Mayor), former City Councilor Tess de Asis (running for the City Council), former City Councilor Binky Favis (also running for the City Council), City Councilor Tin Esplana, Barangay BF Homes captain Jeremy Marquez and Mayor Eric Olivarez.

In the foreground are (L to R) former City Councilor Benjo Bernabe, City Councilor Tin Esplana (facing the background) and former City Councilor Binky Favis (standing). In the background is Parañaque City Mayor Eric Olivarez delivering his remarks.

*CCTI president Flor Umali with Bicol Saro party-list Representative Brian Yamsuan. Yamsuan is running for the 2nd district congressional seat of Parañaque in the 2025 election.*

Olivarez gave the guests an update about what has been happening in the city. Like in his previous attendance of CCTI Christmas parties, he performed a dance to delight the audience. Olivarez will be running for Parañaque’s 1^st district congressional seat which he previously occupied from 2013 to 2022.

With regards to what people can expect next from the Century Club of Tahanan, Inc. in the near future, their president said that the next health check activity might happen in February 2025. Watch out for future updates from the CCTI.

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COMELEC to launch massive voter education campaign for 2025 elections this December

November 28, 2024November 27, 2024carlocarrasco

Starting December 2, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) will launch a massive voter education campaign related to the 2025 National and Local Elections and the use of automated counting machines (ACMs), according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is set to launch next month a massive voter education campaign to demonstrate the use of automated counting machines (ACMs) to stakeholders ahead of the 2025 midterm elections.

Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia on Wednesday said at least 2,000 ACMs were distributed to all barangays in the country in preparation for a roadshow caravan slated from December 2, 2024 to January 30, 2025.

“Mula December 2 to January 30, pupunta ang local Comelec sa mga kababayan natin upang mai-demo, maipagamit sa kanila at sila mismo ma-experience ang mga makina at malaman nila paano ito magamit,” Garcia told reporters during the delivery of the last batch of ACMs at the Comelec warehouse in Biñan, Laguna.

(Local Comelec officers will go to communities to demonstrate how the machines work.)

South Korean firm Miru Systems delivered a total of 9,860 ACMs to Comelec on November 27, completing the 110,620 ACMs required for the 2025 midterm elections.

All ACMs and election peripherals are undergoing hardware acceptance tests (HAT) at the Comelec warehouse, where the machines’ hardware components — including its battery mode operation, screen, printer, camera, scanner, audio, USB ports, LED sensors, external keypad, network, and HDMI — are being tested. A random 5% of each batch of deliveries will also undergo stress tests.

“We are proud to have finished delivery of our new and more sophisticated machines, and will continue to work diligently with the Comelec as these machines undergo strict quality control and security tests,” Miru Systems VP Ken Cho said.

In September, the Comelec said it was expecting Miru to finish the delivery of all ACMs by November, a month ahead of schedule as the firm earlier promised to complete the delivery of the machines in December.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the 2025 National and Local Elections will be organized cleanly and efficiently under the COMELEC and the new provider of voting machines?

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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Raid in Las Piñas City nets illegal drugs worth P34 million, one high-value suspect arrested

November 26, 2024November 19, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, a raid that took place at a condominium building resulted in the seizure of P34 million worth of illegal drugs and the arrest of one high-value individual, according to a Philippine Star news report.

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

Five kilos of shabu with an estimated value of P34 million were recovered when anti-narcotics agents raided the house of a suspected drug dealer in Las Piñas City on Saturday.

Armed with a search warrant issued by a Las Piñas court, agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) raided a condominium building along Alabang-Zapote Road in Barangay Almanza Uno.

The anti-narcotics operation targeted two high-value suspects. One of them, identified as Kenneth Bandong, 30, was arrested. Bandong’s cohort, a woman, was not around during the raid.

PDEA agents said they found five kilos of shabu in the condominium unit. Bandong is facing cases for illegal drug possession under Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

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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Lower-than-expected economic growth for the Philippines until 2025

November 26, 2024November 19, 2024carlocarrasco

Based on the recent findings of Citigroup, Inc., the growth domestic product (GDP) of the Philippines will grow at a lower-than-expected rate until 2025, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

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

THE Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP) is likely to expand slower than the government’s target until 2025, Citigroup, Inc. (Citi) said.

Citi cut its GDP growth forecast for the Philippines to 5.8% this year but kept its 6% growth forecast for 2025. This is below the government’s 6-7% target this year and 6.5-7.5% goal next year.

“We lowered 2024 GDP growth slightly from 6% to 5.8%, mainly due to a weak third-quarter outturn that had been a result of several temporary, weather-related factors,” Citi economist for Thailand and the Philippines Nalin Chutchotitham said in a report.

The Philippine economy slowed to 5.2% in the July-to-September period from 6.4% in the second quarter and 6% a year ago. This was also the weakest growth since the 4.3% expansion in the second quarter of last year.

“Nonetheless, we think it would be misleading to view the weaker third-quarter expansion as the start of a slowdown as several negative factors in the third quarter are one-off events,” Ms. Chutchotitham said.

She said the weakness in third-quarter economic growth mainly stemmed from the drop in agriculture production, construction activity and net exports.

Despite the weak third quarter, Citi expects growth to accelerate in the fourth quarter as domestic demand is seen to pick up due to easing inflation and lower rates.

“We expect fourth-quarter 2024 GDP growth to accelerate to 6% year on year. Household consumption is expected to continue improving, supported by lower interest rates and improved consumer sentiment as inflation continues to stabilize.”

In the first nine months, GDP grew by 5.8%. The economy would need to grow by at least 6.5% in the fourth quarter to meet the lower end of the government’s 6-7% target.

“With the storm season passing soon, we also expect infrastructure projects’ progress to proceed at a faster clip in the fourth quarter and first quarter of 2025,” Ms. Chutchotitham said.

Domestic demand will also likely be sustained by improving employment conditions, remittance growth and bank lending.

“The RRR (reserve requirement ratio) cut of 250 basis points (bps), effective on Oct. 25, would also release more liquidity into the banking system and likely continue to support strong credit expansion,” Ms. Chutchotitham added.

The central bank last month reduced the RRR for universal and commercial banks and nonbank financial institutions with quasi-banking functions by 250 bps to 7%.

“We also maintain our expectation of 6% growth in 2025 but see some upside risks due to tailwinds from more rate cuts,” Citi said.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) will likely cut by 25 bps in December and by a total of 75 bps next year, according to Citi.

This year so far, the central bank has reduced interest rates by 50 bps since August. The Monetary Board is set to hold its last rate-setting meeting of the year on Dec. 19.

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 still has enough momentum to exceed the 4^th quarter growth targets of economists?

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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Over 600 Barangay Daniel Fajardo residents served by Las Piñas Health and Wellness Caravan

November 24, 2024November 17, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, more than six hundred residents of Barangay Daniel Fajardo were served with varied health services provided by the Las Piñas Health and Wellness Caravan, 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 Las Piñas Health and Wellness Caravan, organized by the City Health Office, delivered essential health services to residents of Daniel Fajardo at the Casimiro Townhomes Covered Court on Wednesday, November 6. Over 600 residents took advantage of the free services, showcasing the city’s commitment to delivering accessible healthcare.

The event provided a comprehensive range of medical services, including consultations, blood sugar and cholesterol tests, dental services, ECGs, chest X-rays, and lifestyle-related illness risk screening. Residents also availed of pneumonia vaccinations for senior citizens, free medicines at the pharmacy, and support for PhilHealth registration and the Green Card program. Mobile birth registration and a station offering massages were also available to further support community well-being.

City Vice Mayor April Aguilar was on hand to oversee the health caravan, emphasizing the local government’s dedication to health and wellness. She was joined by City Councilor Mark Anthony Santos and City Council District 1 candidates Alelee Aguilar, Atty. Zardi Abellera, Mac Mac Santos, Robert Cristobal, and Marlon Rosales. Their presence underlined the unified efforts of city leaders to prioritize public health initiatives. City Health Office head Dr. Juliana Gonzalez was also present, ensuring the smooth facilitation of services.

Dr. Juliana Gonzalez highlighted the continuous positive impact of the caravan in reaching numerous residents and addressing health concerns. She noted the program’s role in providing early detection and preventive care to the community.

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 the City Government’s Health and Wellness Caravan was held in your local community?

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

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US President-elect Trump and Philippine President Marcos discuss alliance over the phone

November 23, 2024November 20, 2024carlocarrasco

In recent times, the returning US President Donald Trump and President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., talked with each other on the phone and discussed the US-Philippines alliance, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

For the newcomers reading this, Trump pulled off the greatest American political comeback ever after crushing Kamala Harris in the 2024 US Presidential Election.

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

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. spoke to United States (US) President-elect Donald Trump over the phone on Tuesday morning, where they discussed the longstanding alliance between their two countries.

In a media interview during his visit to typhoon-hit communities in the province of Catanduanes, Marcos said he expressed to Trump the Philippines’ openness to further deepen relations with its oldest and strongest military ally.

“I expressed to him our continuing desire to strengthen that relationship between our two countries, which is a relationship that is as deep as can possibly be because it has been for a very long time,” he said.

The President said he also expressed his intention to meet with Trump as soon as possible. He added that he told Trump that Filipinos in the US voted “overwhelmingly” in his favor.

Trump is set for his second term as US president after winning the recently held elections.

According to Marcos, it is his mother, Imelda Marcos, who is a close friend of Trump.

“Ang kaibigan niya talaga mother ko. Kilalang-kilala niya ang mother ko. Kinukumusta niya, ‘How’s Imelda?’ Sabi ko binabati ka nga (It is really my mother who is his friend. He knows my mother very well. He asked how she is, ‘How’s Imelda?’ I said she is extending her congratulations),” he said.

Although he said they did not talk about the fears of a mass deportation of undocumented immigrants in the US after Trump’s win, Marcos assured that the government is already working on it to assist affected Filipinos.

“We didn’t talk about that. It was just a congratulatory call. But, of course, our ambassador is already working on that,” he said.

Nonetheless, Marcos said his conversation with Trump was “very productive.”

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you concerned that once Trump takes office again as US President on January 20, 2025, a lot of Filipinos illegally staying in America will get deported along with millions of other illegal aliens? Are you concerned that the dynamics of trade between the United States and the Philippines will be changed drastically? Do you think America under Trump will increase military support for the Philippines facing the bullying presence of China?

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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