governance – Page 7 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Keep Call Centers In America Act Of 2025 Sparks Resolution Proposal In Philippine Congress

October 24, 2025October 23, 2025carlocarrasco

A few months ago in the United States, the Keep Call Centers in America Act of 2025 was filed and it really caused a disturbance on the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here in the Philippines. Recently a member of Congress here in the Philippines filed a resolution to initiate talks with the US to discuss call center reshoring and seek exemptions, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

Coincidentally, the proposed resolution was filed by a Congressman from the province of Cebu where I once worked as a call center agent a very long time ago. I never returned to the call center industry.

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

A CEBU legislator filed a resolution on Monday urging the government to initiate talks with the US over plans to bring the call-center industry back from overseas.

The Trade and Foreign Affairs departments should “immediately initiate dialogue” with their US counterparts to seek exemptions for US business process outsourcing (BPO) firms operating in the Philippines, according to Cebu Rep. Vincent Franco D. Frasco, who filed House Resolution No. 386.

“The urgency of the situation demands proactive and high-level diplomatic action and trade engagement to ensure that the interests of Filipino workers and US-affiliated firms operating in the Philippines are protected from the US bill’s unintended economic consequences,” he said, referring to US legislation known as the proposed Keep Call Centers in America Act

The US bill could penalize US companies for outsourcing call center operations by ruling them out for federal grants and loan guarantees. The Philippines call center industry employs about 1.7 million, according to the House resolution.

Mr. Frasco described the US measure as posing a “direct threat” to the stability of the BPO industry and may discourage American firms from setting up shop in the country, leading to job losses and loss of investor confidence.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think Congressman Frasco’s proposed resolution will be approved soon? Do you think the DTI will be able to meet with their American counterparts and be able to secure exemptions? Do you think the Keep Call Centers in America Act of 2025 is very dangerous to the BPO industry of the Philippines? How many people in your local community are working in call centers right now? When do you think the Keep Call Centers in America Act of 2025 will be passed by US Congress and be sent to President Donald Trump for final approval?

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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S&P Credit Rating Upgrade For Philippines Derailed By Flood Control Scandals

October 23, 2025October 15, 2025carlocarrasco

Here in the Philippines, the flood control corruption scandals are not only keeping many Filipinos very angry but they are also affecting the economy negatively as the nation was prevented from achieving a credit rating upgrade from S&P Global Ratings, according to a news report by BusinessWorld.

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

THE FINANCE CHIEF on Tuesday said the multibillion-peso flood control scandal prevented the Philippines from getting a credit rating upgrade from S&P Global Ratings.

“If [only] we did not have the flood control issue,” Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto told reporters on the sidelines of a Senate budget hearing. “We met with S&P, and they were ready to give us a credit rating upgrade this year.”

The controversy, which involves “ghost” projects and fund misuse in government flood control programs, has triggered investigations by Congress, the Commission on Audit, the Ombudsman, and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure.

The Marcos administration is facing increasing scrutiny over flood control projects, where billions of pesos in public funds were diverted through padded contracts and shell companies.

The scandal highlighted spending inefficiencies and governance lapses that credit agencies closely monitor when evaluating institutional credibility and fiscal management.

Asked whether the Philippines can achieve an “A” credit rating in the next two years, Mr. Recto said: “I hope so.”

He said the government wants to maintain its current credit rating, despite the multibillion-peso corruption scandal.

“There is a big chance they will maintain it, but there was a bigger chance for a credit rating upgrade,” he added.

In November 2024, S&P affirmed its “BBB+” long-term credit rating for the Philippines, which is a notch below the “A” level grade targeted by the government.

S&P had also raised its rating outlook to “positive” from “stable.” A positive outlook means the Philippines’ credit rating could be raised over the next two years if improvements are sustained.

Mr. Recto said the government needs to improve its governance and resolve the flood control mess.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? What do you think the national government should do to resolve the flood control mess? Are you convinced that the ongoing flood control corruption scandals are already turning away potential foreign investors?

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 Receives Special Citation For Sustained Efforts On Advancing Ease Of Doing Business

October 22, 2025October 21, 2025carlocarrasco

The City Government of Muntinlupa added another huge honor to its growing list of achievements as it received a special citation for advancing the ease of doing business during the 51st Philippine Business Conference & Expo, according to a Daily Tribune news report.

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

The City Government of Muntinlupa received a Special Citation at the 2025 Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit (LGU) Awards during the 51st Philippine Business Conference & Expo held on 20 October, recognizing the city’s continued commitment to innovation and digital transformation.

The award, presented by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), acknowledges Muntinlupa’s sustained efforts to advance the ease of doing business through its tech-driven programs that streamline government processes and empower the local business community.

Among Muntinlupa’s flagship initiatives are the Business e-Payment System (BESt) — a fully automated platform that enables businesses to pay taxes and fees online — and the Single-Window Transaction (SWiT), which consolidates multiple business registration steps into a faster, more convenient one-stop process.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon thanked the PCCI for the recognition, saying the citation reinforces the city’s pursuit of business-friendly governance anchored on efficiency, transparency, and inclusivity.

“Our goal is not only to simplify processes for businesses but also to create an environment where enterprises can thrive and generate quality, life-sustaining jobs for Muntinlupeños,” Biazon said.

“Through our strong partnership with the private sector, particularly the Muntinlupa Business Advisory Council (MBAC), we continue to push for innovations that make Muntinlupa a model city for smart, strong, and sustainable growth,” he added.

The Most Business-Friendly LGU Awards, an annual program of the PCCI, honors local governments that demonstrate exceptional performance in creating a conducive business climate and promoting local economic development.

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 the special citation the City Government received? Do you think Muntinlupa City is the most business-friendly city in Metro Manila today?

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

Las Piñas City Government Releases Go Bags To First Batch Of Local Communities

October 21, 2025October 19, 2025carlocarrasco

In an attempt to prepare local residents and their communities to prepare themselves better for future disasters, the City Government of Las Piñas released several Go Bags (each with useful items for emergency use) to an initial batch of local communities, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The city government of Las Piñas distributed community go bags to different homeowners’ associations as part of the city government’s ongoing disaster preparedness and resilience campaign.

Barangays Manuyo Dos, Pulanglupa Uno, Zapote, and CAA were the first batch of communities to receive the go bags to equip households with essential emergency items that can be used during earthquakes.

Las Piñas City Mayor April Aguilar said the go-bags contained a first-aid kit, flashlight, lightsticks, and other essentials that can help in any calamities that may occur.

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 your local community received any Go Bags from the City Government already? Is your local community ready for potential disasters?

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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DPWH Says No Projects In Muntinlupa City Are Currently Under Investigation For Substandard Work

October 20, 2025October 11, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) replied to the official letter of inquiry by the SK Federation of Muntinlupa and the agency confirmed that no projects in Muntinlupa City are currently under investigation for substandard work, according to a news report by BusinessMirror. The DPWH also revealed details about two specific projects in Barangay Poblacion.

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

Sparked by Councilor Jonas Abadilla’s post on the SK Federation’s inquiry to DPWH, the story reflects a growing movement of young leaders seeking clarity and accountability, reminding the public that scrutiny, not suspicion, is the real measure of good governance.

The DPWH replied in full, and took responsibility.

The Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation of Muntinlupa City has written to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Las Piñas–Muntinlupa District Engineering Office to seek clarity on the selection and implementation of flood control projects in the city, including two in Barangay Poblacion worth a combined ₱143.5 million.

In its letter dated September 25, 2025, the SK Federation, joined by youth councils and alliances from Barangay Poblacion and Southville 3 raised concerns about how infrastructure priorities are identified and approved, particularly amid public speculation over several projects.

Among the questions raised: who decides which flood control projects get implemented, what criteria are used to select locations, and who approved the ₱49 million project near Caltex and the ₱94.5 million project in Southville 3. The youth groups also asked whether any Muntinlupa projects were part of ongoing investigations into substandard DPWH works.

“We believe that transparency must be achieved in order to foster inclusivity, ethical governance, and genuine service to our constituents,” the SK letter read. “We seek clarity to ensure that information shared with our fellow citizens is accurate and not subject to abuse.”

In its reply, the DPWH District Engineering Office thanked the SK for its vigilance and clarified that project identification and implementation are handled by the DPWH in coordination with local governments and district representatives, but that final approval rests with the DPWH Central Office, under the General Appropriations Act passed by Congress.

DPWH also explained that flood control projects are identified based on community vulnerability, technical studies, and protection of existing infrastructure.

The ₱49 million Caltex-area project, it said, is part of a broader series of flood mitigation works along the Magdaong River, completed in 2022 to prevent bank erosion threatening the national road.

The ₱94.5 million Southville 3 project, meanwhile, is preventive in nature: meant to avert erosion and landslides near a proposed national link road. It remains suspended pending DENR permits, with no payments yet made to the contractor.

The agency stressed that no projects in Muntinlupa are currently under investigation for substandard work, and that all undergo “strict quality control” monitored by DPWH and independent auditors.

For the SK Federation, the inquiry was an exercise in responsible citizenship — a way of using its mandate to promote transparency beyond youth programming.

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, what do you think about DPWH projects in the city? Are many members in your local community feeling angry over the corruption scandals related to flood control projects and DPWH projects around the country?

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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Pet Microchipping Program Launched In Las Piñas City

October 19, 2025October 11, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, a microchipping program for local pets was launched and handled by the City Veterinary Services Office and witnessed by Mayor April Aguilar, 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…

Las Piñas City, through the City Veterinary Services Office led by Dr. August Michael Basangan, has officially launched its Pet Microchipping Program to promote responsible pet ownership and work toward a rabies-free city.

During the launching, 60 fur parents registered for the microchipping of their dogs and cats, with the first to be implanted are the beloved fur babies of Mayor April Aguilar—a symbolic gesture underscoring her trust for the program and support for animal welfare and public health.

Microchips, which are as small as a grain of rice, are safely inserted between the neck and shoulder blades of pets. Each chip is permanent and tamper-proof, serving as a reliable means of registration and identification in the Animal Identification Database Registry System. This system allows authorities and owners to quickly identify lost pets, prevent cases of mis-identity, and strengthen monitoring for rabies control.

Mayor April emphasized that the program highlights the city’s continuing commitment to both public safety and animal welfare, ensuring that every pet in Las Piñas is protected, accounted for, and part of a healthier 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? If you have pets, are you willing to have them inserted with microchips?

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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DTI Defers Mandatory Trustmark Due To Backlash From Online Merchants

October 18, 2025October 17, 2025carlocarrasco

In response to backlash from online merchants, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) officially deferred the mandatory Trademark, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Trustmark will be voluntary until December 31, 2025.

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

After facing backlash from online merchants, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will no longer mandate the E-Commerce Philippine Trustmark, instead making the requirement voluntary until the end of the year.

In a statement, the DTI said the move was announced by Trade Secretary Cristina Roque during a town hall meeting about the trustmark’s implementation on Wednesday, Oct. 15.

Roque said that hearing directly from stakeholders made the agency want to improve the trustmark to make it more “useful, fair, and helpful for both businesses and consumers.”

“After all, our shared goal is to make e-commerce in the Philippines safer and more trustworthy for everyone,” she said.

The secretary—and the DTI as a whole—has been on the receiving end of outrage among online merchants, who have been labeling the trustmark as an additional burden.

The DTI even disabled the comment feature on its Facebook page after being bombarded with criticism on every post, even those unrelated to the trustmark.

The trustmark, aligned with the Internet Transactions Act, serves as a digital badge to ensure that online platforms and merchants are compliant with fair e-commerce practices. It is designed to help consumers identify legitimate businesses, protecting them against unfair trade practices, scams, and other fraudulent activities.

Under the new policy, the DTI said that the trustmark will be voluntary until Dec. 31. So far, the DTI is still finalizing supplemental guidelines for this policy, including fees that depend on the size or type of business, among other details.

By early 2026, the department is expected to evaluate whether the trustmark registration will remain voluntary.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? What do you think the Trustmark of DTI is more of a hassle than a benefit for online sellers? Do you think the Trustmark should be scrapped entirely? What do you think should be done to help consumers find legitimate online merchants?

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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Free Birth Registration In Muntinlupa City Ongoing

October 17, 2025October 10, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, a free birth registration program was launched and it is being done to endure that every local child has a legal identity, according to a news report by the Daily Tribune.

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

The local government of Muntinlupa City has launched a free birth registration program aimed at ensuring every child has a proper legal identity and full access to basic services.

The program offers free late registration of birth certificates for children enrolled in the Early Childhood Education and Development (ECED) Program. Parents of ECED students are advised to coordinate with their children’s teachers for details and requirements.

The service is also available to indigent residents aged 0 to 17 who can coordinate directly with the Local Civil Registry Office at the South Park Center.

Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon said the initiative is designed to protect children’s rights by ensuring they are legally recognized by the government.

“If you don’t have a birth certificate, it is as if you don’t exist. That’s the proof that you are here in the world — that you are a Filipino,” Biazon said. “If a child does not have a birth certificate, his future will be put at risk. That’s why we launched this project, to give every child a secure future.”

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 there lots of children in your local community who lack birth certificates?

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 Is The Grand Winner In The 2025 Metro Manila SubayBAYANI Awards

October 16, 2025October 9, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently the City Government of Las Piñas achieved another tremendous honor as it emerged as the grand winner in the 2025 Metro Manila SubayBAYANI awards ceremony, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The city government of Las Piñas was named as grand winner in the 2025 Metro Manila SubayBAYANI award which honors local government units that exemplify excellence, innovations, and accountability in local infrastructure governance.

Las Piñas City Mayor April Aguilar said the cities of Parañaque and Pasig also received an award during the ceremony held at the Manila Hotel on Oct. 7, organized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-National Capital Region (NCR).

Aguilar said the recognition affirms the city government’s commitment to transparent, efficient, and community-centered implementation of infrastructure projects that continue to uplift the lives of its residents and promote sustainable urban development.

She said the SubayBAYANI grand award underscores the city’s consistent excellence in infrastructure management and progressive governance.

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 happy that the City Government emerged as the grand winner in the 2025 SubayBAYANI awards?? Does the latest award make you trust Mayor April Aguilar even more?

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 September 2025 Inflation Reaches 1.7%

October 14, 2025October 7, 2025carlocarrasco

The annual inflation rate of the Philippines reached 1.7% this past September led by higher food prices, according to a BusinessWorld news report. Take note that August inflation was at 1.5% and business sentiment in the Philippines has weakened.

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

Philippine annual inflation quickened for a second month, but it was still below the central bank’s 2% to 4% comfort range for the year, reinforcing expectations that a policy decision this week will be a close call between cutting rates and pausing.

The consumer price index rose 1.7% in September led by higher food prices, up from August’s 1.5%, the statistics agency said on Tuesday. It was below the 2.0% median forecast in a Reuters poll, and brought year-to-date average inflation to 1.7%.

The September rate, the fastest since March, comes just days before the central bank’s penultimate policy meeting of the year on Thursday.

“For the upcoming policy meeting, the Monetary Board will review newly available information and reassess the impact of prior monetary actions in light of evolving economic conditions and their implications for inflation and growth,” the Philippine central bank said in a statement.

At its August policy meeting, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) signalled another reduction was still possible this year before it concludes its easing cycle.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the inflation rate of the Philippines will reach as high as 3% by the end of 2025? Do you consider inflation as a major factor behind the modest economic growth of the country 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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