governance – Page 46 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Iloilo City Council starts move to investigate illegal aliens and their links with crime and illegal activities

July 12, 2024July 4, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in Iloilo City, the City Council of Iloilo formally started their moves to probe the presence of several illegal aliens and their involvement with illegal activities, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news report.

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

The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) will convene as a committee of the whole to investigate the reported presence of several illegal immigrants here.

This developed as Councilor Romel Duron pushed for a resolution calling for an investigation of undocumented immigrants involved in illegal activities in the city.

In his resolution, Duron asked the committee to invite all agencies involved and even homeowners associations of subdivisions where the presence of foreigners leasing houses is reported.

“It’s not only illegal immigrants but illegal activities are also happening in our city, more so with the ongoing Senate investigation on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO),” he said.

“In the past months here in Iloilo, there were illegal immigrants engaging in illegal activities; some were even apprehended. There are reports that in some subdivisions, there are many foreigners occupying or leasing, who could not speak English or Hiligaynon.”

In a follow-up interview, Duron said the Bureau of Immigration (BI) should explain why many tourists are working in the city when their visas are only good for 30 days.

The council will also invite the Department of Labor and Employment to validate reports that these foreigners were able to secure certification from the agency.

The councilor expressed alarm over crimes and illegal activities linked to illegal immigrants, like human trafficking, crime against women and their children, and drugs, among others.

“Maybe, as of now, it is not rampant, but when ignored, it might happen to us,” he added.

Last year, the City Drugs Enforcement Unit of the Iloilo City Police Office with the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center of the Department of Information and Communications Technology arrested 17 Chinese nationals for operating a suspected cybersex den in Barangay Lawa-an in Jaro District.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the City Council of Iloilo made the right move to investigate illegal aliens?

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

PAGCOR declares POGO operations in compounds officially prohibited, guidelines coming

July 12, 2024July 11, 2024carlocarrasco

With all the controversies about Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) and their connections with criminal activities going on, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) announced that POGOs are no longer allowed to operate within large spaces and compounds, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) on Wednesday said that it will no longer allow the operations of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) within large spaces and compounds.

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco made the announcement at a Senate hearing after he was asked by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian to make an assurance that there will be no POGO-linked crimes in the country.

“We’re coming out with certain guidelines. We’re already banning hubs. In the meantime that wala pa namang (there is no) order ng closure, this early I can inform everybody that we will not allow any hub existing or going to be applied for, we will not approve it anymore,” Tengco said.

According to the PAGCOR chief, POGO operations will now be “site specific” and “building specific” unlike in the POGO compounds in Bamban, Tarlac and Porac, Pampanga that were raided by authorities for alleged illegal activities within these establishments.

Tengco said he cannot assure that POGO will no longer commit crimes, but they will ensure that the 43 remaining licensed POGO firms will follow PAGCOR’s new guidelines and “enhancements.”

Further, Tengco said they will create teams that will monitor the POGO firms 24/7 in a bid to “deter” these criminal activities.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the PAGCOR still has a lot of explaining to do about the POGOs that remain operating in the country? Do you think PAGCOR should have prohibited POGOs from operating inside large places before? Are there several POGO operations – both big and small – present in your locality 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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Men involved in basketball game chaos apologize to Muntinlupa City Mayor Biazon

July 11, 2024July 10, 2024carlocarrasco

Over the past days in Muntinlupa City, men who were involved in the chaos of the La Liga De Muntinlupa Tournament 2024 championship game on July 5 (the first championship game actually) came forward to Mayor Ruffy Biazon and apologized to him, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The first two of the men apologized to the mayor on July 8.

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

Two more men who were captured on CCTV attacking referees during a Muntinlupa inter-barangay basketball championship game met and apologized to Mayor Ruffy Biazon.

The violence happened during the championship game between Barangays Bayanan and Cupang under the La Liga de Muntinlupa Basketball Tournament 2024 held on July 5 at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex.

The scores were 97 for Cupang and 96 for Bayanan when a player and a referee had a confrontation. The crowd and players joined the melee and attacked the referees. Several people hurled monoblock chairs while others threw water bottles.

De La Salle Green Archers’ Kean Baclaan, a player for the Barangay Bayanan team, was banned from the 2024 tournament “for physically attacking and disrespecting game officials.”

Three other players and a coach from Barangay Bayanan were also banned from the tournament for the same offense.

After the game, an investigation was launched to pinpoint those who attacked the referees. Videos from spectators and CCTV footage at the sports complex showed those who were responsible.

Two additional men who were involved in the violence heeded the call of Biazon and went to his office on July 9.

“Maging responsableng mga indibidwal. Kung hindi sa ibang tao, sa ating mga pamilya. Dapat makatulong sa katahimikan at hindi dumagdag sa kaguluhan (Be responsible individuals. If not for other people, for our family. You should help for peace and not add to the chaos),” Biazon told the two men.

He added, “Humarap sila sa akin matapos ang panawagan ko sa social media. Nag-sorry sila sa mga akto nila noong araw na yun (They went to see me after my call on social media. They said sorry for their actions on that day).”

The mayor previously called on the two men who hurled a chair and punched a referee in the back of the head to see him.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you satisfied that the four men who caused trouble during the chaos of the July 5 local basketball game came to the mayor and apologized in his presence?

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

New building of DFCAM-CLP formally inaugurated by Las Piñas City officials

July 5, 2024June 27, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the brand-new 4-storey building of the Dr. Filemon C. Aguilar Memorial College of Las Piñas – Main Campus in Barangay Talon Tres was formally inaugurated by Mayor Imelda Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar, the City Government revealed 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…

City Mayor Imelda Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar led the inauguration and blessing of a new four-storey building at the Dr. Filemon C. Aguilar Memorial College of Las Piñas – Main Campus in Barangay Talon Tres on Thursday.

The ceremony saw attendance from local government officials, college administrators, and faculty members. The new building addresses the increasing need for additional facilities due to the growing number of students enrolled at the college.

*The new 4-storey building of the DFCAM-CLP in Barangay Talon Tres. (photo source – Las Piñas PIO)*

During the event, Mayor Imelda Aguilar emphasized the city’s commitment to enhancing educational facilities and ensuring quality education for all students. She noted that the new building symbolizes the city’s dedication to the future of its youth and community, reflecting ongoing efforts to create a supportive learning environment.

Vice Mayor April Aguilar also stressed the significance of continuous investment in education, highlighting that education is fundamental to the city’s development, and the new facility aims to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills for success.

The event concluded with the blessing of the building, followed by a tour of the new facilities.

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 the DFCAM-CLP still needs more buildings or expansion projects in the years to come?

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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New hotel in Parañaque City inaugurated

July 3, 2024June 23, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, the newly opened Grand Westside Hotel located in Entertainment City was inaugurated with the presence of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., who expressed confidence about its tourism and economic prospects, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday said the newly opened Grand Westside Hotel in Paranaque City, tagged the biggest hotel development in the country yet, would be a major economic and tourism boost.

During the inauguration of Megaworld’s Grand Westside Hotel, Marcos said the 19-story establishment with over 1,500 rooms would not only strengthen the government’s tourism campaign but would also generate more jobs and business opportunities for Filipinos.

Marcos said the hotel’s addition to Philippine tourism is particularly noteworthy in light of the sector’s “remarkable” growth, which contributed 8.6 percent to the country’s gross domestic product in 2023.

“Thanks to this hotel, we can do more. Not only can we accommodate the resurging number of local and international tourists coming to this side of Metro Manila, but we can also expect our Entertainment City to become better known and even more distinguished, elevating its status to more potential visitors in the coming years,” the President said in his speech.

Marcos disclosed that other developments from the real property giant are underway, including the 1,500-seater Grand Opera House also in Paranaque, more theaters and a gaming complex, among other things.

“With all these, we foresee not only the entry of more tourists but also the generation of more jobs, of new businesses and greater opportunity. In fact, [while] many have benefitted from the actual construction of these [properties], around 20,000 direct and indirect jobs will still be created throughout the operation of this hotel in the years to come,” he said.

The President said he is looking forward to Megaworld’s triumphs that will “undoubtedly contribute to the new Philippines, ang Bagong Pilipinas.”

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 delighted with the Grand Westside Hotel operating 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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Muntinlupa City tops NCR rating for Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance award of 2022

July 2, 2024June 21, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently, the City Government of Muntinlupa got the highest ranking in the National Capital Region (NCR) with regards to the Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance for the year 2022 and they received the award, 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…

Mayor Ruffy Biazon announced that the Muntinlupa City government got the highest rating in the National Capital Region for the 2022 Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance.

He said he received the 2022 Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance award from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

The award is given to local government units that have shown excellence in implementing programs for the youth and have passed the 2022 Child-Friendly Local Governance Audit (CFLGA).

Biazon said the Muntinlupa City government received a rating of 97 percent, the highest among LGUs in NCR.

“Mula pa noong 2015, recipient na ang Muntinlupa ng Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance award. Patunay ito sa commitment natin sa pagsulong ng kapakanan at mga karapatan ng kabataang Muntinlupeño (Since 2015, Muntinlupa has been a recipient of the Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance award. This is a testament to our commitment to advance the welfare and rights of Muntinlupeño youth),” said Biazon.

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 delighted with what the City Government has been achieving with regards to child-friendly local governance?

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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Batangas City Council approves resolution to ban POGOs

June 28, 2024June 27, 2024carlocarrasco

Over in the province of Batangas, the City Council of Batangas recently approved a resolution for the banning of the application and operation of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) within their jurisdiction, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The Batangas City Council has approved a resolution banning the application and operation of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the city.

The decision was made during a regular session on Monday, June 24, 2024.

The move came in light of issues and an ongoing Senate investigation into POGOs in Bamban, Tarlac, which allegedly involved the local government unit (LGU) there.

“Saying it is with regard to the issue at Bamban, Tarlac na investigation ng Senate sa POGO involving the LGU. It would give assurance din sa mga Batangueno na hindi dapat matakot sa mga POGO activities dito sa Batangas City,” Nestor Dimacuha, chairman of the Committee on Laws and Rules, said.

For Mary Jane Ante, a 39-year-old helper at a small eatery in Batangas City, the ban brings great relief. Despite knowing that POGOs could provide many jobs, she prefers not to have foreign operators in the country due to safety concerns.

“Baka sumakop sila sa Pilipinas. Dito na lang, ayos din para Pilipino na lang ang magtatrabaho sa atin at wala na ‘yung mga taga-ibang bansa,” Ante said.

“Hindi naman talaga maganda ang sugal talaga sa pang araw-araw, kasi nakakaperwisyo yan ng pamilya. Hindi ako pabor sa ganoon. Huwag na lang pumasok dito ang POGO para walang ma-perwisyo,” Arnel Montalbo, a printing shop owner, added.

The resolution cites that POGOs tarnish the dignity of the LGU, leaving no room for such operations in the city. It also serves as a warning to businesses operating secretly as POGOs, despite having business permits.

The council will request the mayor to revoke permits of establishments found to be operating illegally as POGOs.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the City Council of Batangas did the right move? Do you think more local government units (LGUs) around the country should approve legislation banning POGOs?

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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Metro Manila Council (MMC) approves resolution, Metro Manila LGUs urged to remove dangling wires in all streets

June 27, 2024June 19, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently the Metro Manila Council (MMC) approved a resolution emphasizing the regulation of utility lines and urging local governments units (LGUs) in the National Capital Region (NCR) to remove the dangling wires in all streets, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

The Metro Manila Council (MMC) on Tuesday approved in principle a resolution calling for the regulation and monitoring of utility lines as well as the removal of dangling and “spaghetti” cables in all streets in the National Capital Region (NCR).

During the MMC meeting at the MMDA head office in Pasig City, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) acting chair Romando Artes said MMDA Resolution 24-16 Series of 2024 urges local government units (LGUs) in NCR to pass an ordinance for the control and maintenance of these utility lines.

“Noong isang araw ay may bumagsak na poste dahil sa salasalabat na wire at nagdulot ng mabigat na trapiko. Walang nakadaan dahil nakaharang sa daan. Kailangan nang maiwasan ang ganito para hindi na umabot sa pagkawala ng buhay (The other day, a utility post fell down due to these spaghetti wires that caused heavy traffic. Nobody was able to pass. We need to avoid such occurrences and not wait for it to take a life),” Artes said.

During the meeting, executives from power distributor Manila Electric Company (Meralco) said these wires cannot easily be removed due to the difficulty of identifying which wires are non-operational.

“Temporary disruption of services which results in complaints from affected residents are also among their challenges,” he said.

To alleviate these issues, Artes said an information drive will be launched to warn residents of any service disruptions that may happen before the removal of these unnecessary wires.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you agree with the approved resolution of the MMC? Are there lots of dangling wires in your local community right now? Does your local government have existing laws that regulate utility lines?

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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Ombudsman rejects Bamban mayor Alice Guo’s bid versus suspension order

June 26, 2024June 25, 2024carlocarrasco

The bid of the controversial and suspended Bamban mayor Alice Guo to lift the preventive suspension has officially been rejected by the Office of the Ombudsman, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The Office of the Ombudsman has junked Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo’s bid to lift the six-month preventive suspension slapped against her over her alleged links to a raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in her jurisdiction.

The Ombudsman resolution dated June 21 said it is standing by its preliminary findings that there are sufficient grounds to hold that the evidence against Guo and the other respondents are strong.

Aside from Guo, also suspended by the Ombudsman were Bamban Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) officer Edwin Campo and Municipal Legal Officer Adden Sigua.

The Ombudsman suspended the three in May to keep them from interfering in the investigation following the complaint filed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), which is accusing them of committing grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, gross neglect of duty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

In its resolution signed by Ombudsman Samuel R. Martires, there is evidence that Guo has business interest in Baofu Land Development Inc., owner of the land where the raided POGO was located. It said this was shown by a Tarlac Electric Cooperative Inc Statement of Account dated March 8, 2024 under Guo’s name that was seized during the March 13, 2024 raid in the Baofu compound for alleged human trafficking and serious illegal detention.

The Ombudsman also cited documents showing that Baofu and the POGO, Zun Yuan, operated their respective businesses with permits processed by the BPLO and issued by Guo, as well as documents showing that Sigua knew and had prior acquaintances with Guo since he was the one who notarized each of the Deed of Absolute Sale covering the eight parcels of land that Guo bought that later on became the compound.

“This Office only deems it prudent to preventively suspend respondents Guo, Campo and Sigua given their undeniable hand in the operation of Baofu and Zun Yuan,” the Ombudsman said.

“After due consideration of the factual circumstances of the instant case, this Office finds no compelling reason to reconsider and lift the Order of preventive suspension of respondents Guo, Campo and Sigua while the case against them is pending adjudication,” it added.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you convinced that mayor Guo is involved with the POGO crime activities mentioned? Do you think that the raided Bamban POGO could be linked with the scam hub in Parañaque?

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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Suspended Bamban mayor Alice Guo expelled by political party

June 24, 2024carlocarrasco

The controversial and suspended Bamban mayor Alice Guo has officially been expelled by the political party she joined in 2023 – the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

The Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) has expelled Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, adding to the woes of the controversial local chief executive.

Guo is currently serving an Ombudsman-ordered six-month suspension, which started May 31, and faces human trafficking charges filed by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG).

In a letter signed by NPC chair Vicente Sotto III on June 22 and addressed to Tarlac Governor Susan Yap who petitioned the removal, Guo is ordered removed from the roster of members.

Party secretary general Secretary Mark Llandro Mendoza, Presidential Adviser on Legislative Affairs and head of the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office, will implement the order and inform Guo of her removal from NPC.

“The NPC will not tolerate any unlawful acts or any appearance of impropriety by its members that will undermine the principle of our party,” read the NPC letter, released to the media on Sunday.

On Friday, the PAOCC and PNP-CIDG filed a qualified human trafficking complaint against Guo, former Technology and Livelihood Resource Center deputy director general Dennis Cunanan, 12 officers and incorporators of three companies, and Guo’s alleged business partners Huang Zhiyang, Zhang Ruijin and Baoying Li before the Department of Justice.

The case against Guo and the others stemmed from the raid at the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator hub Zun Yuan Technology Inc. in Bamban in March.

Huang is a fugitive in China, while Zhang and Baoying are allegedly involved in a major money laundering case in Singapore.

An Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order against Guo and the other respondents may be out next week.

Previously, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said it would look into Guo and the names and entities connected with her.

“Due process will be followed. If the income declared with the BIR does not match the value of the properties amassed during the same taxable years, criminal cases for tax evasion will be filed. The same charges can be filed against conspirators and the corporate officers of the companies used to amass such wealth,” BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said.

Guo, Municipal Business Permits and Licensing Office’s Edwin Ocampo and municipal legal office Adenn Sigua are suspended due to “strong evidence showing their guilt” on the charges of grave misconduct, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service and gross neglect of duty.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the NPC did the right move by expelling mayor Guo? Do you think this development will spark a wave of member integrity checking by all existing political parties here in 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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