Here in the Philippines, the renewable energy sector suffered a tremendous setback at the Department of Energy (DOE) officially terminated eighty-four renewable energy service contracts over the failure of developers to meet their contractual obligations, according to a news release by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of the PNA. Some parts in boldface…
The Department of Energy (DOE) has terminated 84 renewable energy service contracts this 2025 after developers failed to implement their contractual obligations.
These service contracts cover an “estimated 5,372.209 megawatts (MW) of potential capacity that had been factored into the country’s energy planning assumptions,” the DOE said in a press release Wednesday.
These were terminated “due to developers’ non-compliance with work program requirements, failure to satisfy the Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP) Terms of Reference, and non-adherence to established DOE standards.”
These actions, it said, “follow a comprehensive technical and legal evaluation of the affected projects’ compliance with the material terms and conditions of their respective service contracts.”
“The DOE will continue to uphold high standards for the succeeding GEAP rounds and may impose further sanctions, including blacklisting, forfeiture of performance bonds, and the imposition of applicable penalties,” it said.
The DOE said 43 other RE projects are under enforcement review and may be subject to termination.
With a big chunk of potential capacities unmet, the DOE said it is “actively revisiting supply-demand scenarios and undertaking further system planning to determine appropriate next steps toward meeting established generation targets.”
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the developers and stakeholders of the renewable energy sector of the Philippines are mostly incapable of fulfilling the requirements of the national government with regards to energy service contracts?
Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government reminded the public about the danger and risks that come with the use of firecrackers, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.
For the newcomers reading this, the use of firecrackers in celebration of the Christmas season and the welcoming of the New Year is common in the Philippines. Through the decades, a lot of people – including children – got injured when incidents involving firecrackers happened.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
The Muntinlupa City government reminded the public of the dangers of using firecrackers to celebrate the holiday season.
“Bilang paalala sa mga Muntinlupeño, hinihikayat ng Pamahalaang Lungsod sa pangunguna ni Mayor Ruffy Biazon, at ni PNP (Pulis Ng Muntinlupa) Chief of Police Col. Robert Domingo, ang lahat na maging responsable at maingat—makisaya nang ligtas, sumunod sa batas, at piliin ang alternatibong selebrasyon na hindi delikado (As a reminder to Muntinlupa residents, the City Government, led by Mayor Ruffy Biazon, and PNP (Pulis Ng Muntinlupa) Chief of Police Col. Robert Domingo, encourages everyone to be responsible and careful—have fun safely, obey the law, and choose alternative celebrations that are not dangerous),” the Muntinlupa City government posted on Facebook.
Muntinlupa has an ordinance which totally bans the possession, use, manufacture, sale, display and distribution of any firecracker and pyrotechnic device within its jurisdiction.
City Ordinance 14-092, approved in 2014, prohibits “the manufacture, display, sale, distribution, possession or use of firecrackers or pyrotechnic devices and such other similar devices and the exploding of firecrackers or other similar explosives within the territorial jurisdiction of Muntinlupa City.”
“lt shall, likewise be unlawful for any person to discharge or explode, or cause to discharge or to explode, any firecrackers, or any other explosive or to use any pyrotechnic device or any such other similar device, at anytime and anywhere within the territory of Muntinlupa City,” according to the ordinance.
Violators will be fined P1,000 “or imprisonment of not more than one (1) month but not less than (2) days or both fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the Court.”
For the second offense, violators face ”a fine of Three Thousand Pesos (Php3,000.00) or imprisonment of not more than Six (6) months but not less Three (3) months, or both fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the Court.”
For the third offense, violators face “a fine of Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00) or imprisonment of not more than Six (6) months but not less than three (3) months, or both fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of Court.”
“lf the violation is committed by a business establishment, the President or General Manager or the Person acting in behalf of either the President or General Manager shall be held liable in the case of a corporation or partnership, or the owner or proprietor or the person acting in his behalf shall be held responsible in the case of a single proprietorship,” the ordinance added.
The Civil Security Group of the Philippine National Police, meanwhile, issued a list of prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you think the local ordinance is strong enough to protect people from the dangers of firecracker use? Do you think the use of firecrackers should be limited to government units or commercial joints? Do you personally know anyone who got injured because of firecrackers?
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
Local residents of Muntinlupa City who won medals in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in Thailand were congratulated by the City Government, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
The Muntinlupa City government congratulated residents who won medals at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.
They are Daryl John Mercado, Mark Jesus San Jose and Kaila Napolis who won a bronze medal each in different sports in the SEA Games.
Mercado, a resident of Barangay Tunasan, Muntinlupa, won a bronze medal in the Men’s 55kg Judo Shiai.
“Isa na namang Muntinlupeño ang nagbigay karangalan sa ating lungsod matapos makasungkit ng medalya sa 33rd Southeast Asian Games sa Thailand! (Another Muntinlupa man brought honor to our city after winning a medal in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand!” the city government posted on Facebook.
It added that Mercado is a project of the city government’s grassroots sports program. He is the current coach of the Muntinlupa Judo Club.
San Jose, a resident of Barangay Putatan, won a bronze medal in Men’s Bowling while Napolis of Barangay Poblacion won the same medal in the Women’s 57kg Jiu-jitsu Ne-waza.
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 to know that local residents won medals for the Philippines at this year’s SEA Games? Do you think Muntinlupa can produce more athletes who can be really competitive in international events?
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
It has been months since the flood control corruption scandal rocked the entire Philippines and the economic situation has turned for the worse along the way (click here, here and here). In the view of Fitch Ratings, the scandal puts the nation’s credit rating at risk, according to a news report by BusinessWorld.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of BusinessWorld. Some parts in boldface…
THE Philippine economy continues to bear the brunt of the ongoing flood control corruption scandal, Fitch Ratings said, noting that further unrest could spill over to the country’s credit rating.
Fitch Ratings Head of Asia-Pacific Sovereigns Thomas Rookmaaker said the controversy surrounding the anomalous government flood control projects threatens the country’s political stability, fiscal policy implementation, as well as business and consumer confidence.
“We believe that the flood control corruption scandal in the Philippines poses an ongoing risk to political stability, fiscal policy execution, and business and consumer confidence,” Mr. Rookmaaker told BusinessWorld in an e-mail.
Government officials, lawmakers and contractors have been accused of getting billions of pesos in kickbacks from substandard or nonexistent flood control projects. This has triggered widespread protests, slowed government spending, and hurt investor and consumer sentiment.
“The overall impact the scandal will have on the Philippines’ public finances is still uncertain,” Mr. Rookmaaker said.
“Public investment spending is likely to remain weak for quite some time, but continued social unrest could simultaneously lead to spending pressures to head off public discontent.”
In October, government spending fell for a third straight month to P430.6 billion, down 7.76% from P466.8 billion a year ago. Revenues likewise slipped by 6.64% to P441.7 billion from P473.1 billion last year.
Mr. Rookmaaker noted that the immediate impact of the scandal was reflected in the sharp economic slowdown in the third quarter.
Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by an over four-year low of 4% in the third quarter, as household final consumption expenditure and government spending slowed amid the corruption mess.
For the first nine months, GDP growth averaged 5%, well-below the government’s 5.5-6.5% full-year target.Public investments likewise took a hit from the corruption issues, he added.
In the third quarter, foreign investment pledges approved by investment promotion agencies plunged by 48.7% to P73.68 billion, Philippine Statistics Authority data showed.
“Persisting social tensions could become more of a drag on growth if confidence among foreign and domestic investors suffers,” the Fitch analyst said. “Tensions could also serve as a distraction for policymakers, impeding the passage of reforms that have the potential to enhance economic productivity and competitiveness.”
Mr. Rookmaaker said implementing reforms to enhance accountability and governance could bolster private investments and promote growth in the medium term.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Did you think Fitch Ratings is correct with its economic analysis of the Philippines and the flood control corruption scandal? Do you think foreign investors have been turned off by the scandals and social unrest?
Even though there already is a foreign tourism boom in Southeast Asia, the Philippines has literally been left behind by its neighbors as it attracted only 5.235 million international tourist arrivals for the period of January to November 2025, according to a news report by BusinessWorld.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of BusinessWorld. Some parts in boldface…
VISITOR ARRIVALS in the Philippines fell by 2.16% in the first 11 months, amid a decline in tourists from South Korea and China, Tourism department data showed.
Data from the Department of Tourism (DoT) showed international tourist arrivals dropped to 5.235 million in the January-to-November period from 5.35 million in the same period in 2024.
Of the tourist arrivals, the bulk or 4.918 million were foreign tourists, while the rest were overseas Filipinos.
South Korea remained the biggest source of tourists in the first 11 months, accounting for 21.66% of the total. While 1.134 million South Koreans visited the Philippines as of November, this was a 21% decline from the 1.436 million Korean tourists a year ago.
The US was the second-biggest source of tourists, at 894,835 or 17.09% of the total as of end-November. This was 6.57% higher than last year’s 839,635 tourist arrivals from the US.
Japan was the third-biggest source of tourists, accounting for 406,794 or 7.77% of the total, 15.36% up from 352,630 a year ago.
Tourist arrivals from Australia increased by 16.17% to 268,892 in the 11-month period. Meanwhile, tourists from China fell by 16.55% to 248,339 as of end-November.
The other top markets were Canada, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Malaysia, which cumulatively accounted for 793,750 of the total arrivals.
“The weaker South Korean won amid a volatile political and economic situation over the past year and slower economic growth in China, which is the world’s second-biggest economy, on top of territorial disputes partly weighed on foreign tourism numbers,” Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said in a Viber message.
Mr. Ricafort noted that the government should improve infrastructure to make it more convenient for tourists to travel around the country.
“Challenges include the need to further expand and develop tourism-related infrastructure such as airports, seaports, accommodation facilities, and train systems, including the Metro Manila subway and toll roads,” he added.
Despite the decline in the first 11 months, Mr. Ricafort said that it is still possible for the country to surpass the tourist arrivals last year, which reached 5.949 million.
“It is still possible, considering some seasonal increase in foreign tourists during the Christmas holiday season, especially overseas Filipino workers and balikbayans, to spend the most festive time of the year, while others escape winter,” he said.
“A higher US dollar-peso exchange rate would make it cheaper for foreign tourists to come to the Philippines,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mr. Ricafort noted the growth in tourist arrivals from India and other countries, which helped “offset the decline in major traditional sources such as South Korea and China.”
India was the 11th biggest source of tourist arrivals in the January-to-November period, accounting for 85,885 or 1.64% of the total. Tourists from India increased by 17.06% from 73,369 arrivals in the same period in the previous year.
Earlier this year, the Philippines and India signed the Implementation Program on Tourism Cooperation for the years 2025 to 2028.
For his part, Colliers Research Director Joey Roi H. Bondoc said that with only 5.235 million as of end-November, it will be difficult for the country to even surpass last year’s arrivals.
“I think it will be very difficult… We may not be able to beat that or even meet that, but of course we want to end the year stronger,” he said in a phone interview.
“We see a lot of foreign tourists still in December because of the holiday season. Definitely that optimism should spill over to next year,” he added.
As for the drop in arrivals from South Korea, Mr. Bondoc attributed this to the economic downturn and political crisis in the country.
“If you look at some integrated casinos, they were initially targeting Koreans… so they are experiencing the pinch of slower arrivals from South Korea,” he said.
Mr. Bondoc said the Philippines should try to attract tourists from other markets.
For further insight about the tourism industry problem of the Philippines, watch the CNA Insider video below.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Did you think the Philippines can still beat its 2024 record of international visitor arrivals and generate huge revenues for the economy? Do you think the current administration will be able to improve the nation’s infrastructure and make travel more efficient and convenient for all tourists? Do you think the Philippines is too expensive when it comes to air travel?
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, almost one thousand and eight hundred senior citizens five barangays received their social pension payout for the 4th quarter, the City Government confirmed via social media. Mayor April Aguilar personally attended the distribution.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from social media post of the City Government (translated from Tagalog to English). Some parts in boldface…
The first day of Social Pension Payout was happily held, where almost 1,800 senior citizens from the barangays of Almanza Dos, Almanza Uno, Talon Dos, Daniel Fajardo, and Ilaya received their 4th quarter social pension.
Our seniors received 3,000 pesos (1,000 pesos per month) for the last quarter of the year. Payout was held at the air-conditioned Aguilar Sports Complex to ensure a comfortable and smooth flow of the program, especially for our seniors.
Mayor April Aguilar wants this pension to be given immediately to be used for their daily needs, and most of all, so they can have something to use this coming Christmas.
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? Did many senior citizens from your local community receive their social pension payout?
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
Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government issued reminders to the public about the existing ban on the use of midwifed mufflers and pipes in vehicles, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. It is anticipated that noise will intensify in the city as the Christmas season goes on.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
The Muntinlupa City government has reminded the public about the ban on the use of modified mufflers and pipes in vehicles.
The notice came from the Muntinlupa Traffic Management Bureau (MTMB), which said that the ban is based on City Ordinance No. 04-022 or the Muntinlupa City Traffic Code.
This Christmas season, many motorists in Muntinlupa are expected to celebrate it by using modified mufflers and pipes in their vehicles to produce loud noise.
“Paalala mula sa Pamahalaang Lungsod ng Muntinlupa: Mahigpit na ipinagbabawal ang paggamit ng modified muffler/pipe at iba pang illegal modifications sa mga sasakyan alinsunod sa City Ordinance No. 04-022, Article XV Section 85 ng Muntinlupa City Traffic Code (Reminder from the Muntinlupa City Government: The use of modified muffler/pipe and other illegal modifications to vehicles is strictly prohibited pursuant to City Ordinance No. 04-022, Article XV Section 85 of the Muntinlupa City Traffic Code),” the MTMB posted on Facebook.
Section 85 of the ordinance on Mufflers and Noise Controlling Devices states that “no person shall operate a motor vehicle on a street unless such motor vehicle is equipped, at all times, with a muffler or mufflers in constant operation and of sufficient capacity for the motor, and equipped with an exhaust system to prevent the escape of excessive fumes or smoke and unusual noise.”
The MTMB warned that violators will face a fine of P2,000.
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 have a problem with noise pollution intensifying in the city during the Christmas season? Do you think the current laws of city are tough enough towards noise makers?
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
The inflation rate of the Philippines eased further this past November landing at 1.5%, according to a business news report by GMA News.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the business news report of the GMA News. Some parts in boldface…
The country’s inflation rate slowed down in November 2025 on the back of slower increase in food costs during the period, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Friday.
At a press conference, PSA Deputy National Statistician Divina Gracia del Prado said the overall inflation —which measures the rate of increase in the prices of goods and services— clocked in at 1.5%. This was slower than the 1.7% rate seen in October 2025.
November’s inflation rate brought the year-to-date national average to 1.6%, well within the government’s comfortable ceiling of 2% to 4%.
“Ang pangunahing dahilan ng mas mababang antas ng inflation nitong Nobyembre 2025 kaysa noong Oktubre 2025 ay ang mas mabagal na pagtaas ng presyo ng Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages na may 0.1% inflation rate,” del Prado said.
(The main reason for the lower inflation rate in November 2025 versus October 2025 was the slower increase in the prices of Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages with an inflation rate of 0.1%.)
The inflation rate for the heavily weighted index clocked in at 0.5% in October 2025.
The Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages index contributed 85.3% to the country’s overall inflation print.
Meanwhile, food inflation —which tracks the price movements of food items in a “basket” commonly purchased by households— registered a negative rate of 0.3% from 0.2% in the prior month due to slower increase in vegetable prices at 4% from 16.4% month-on-month as well as the slowdown in the growth of meat prices at 4.2% from 5.2%.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Did you think the nation’s inflation could slow down even more to as low as 1% by the end of December?
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the Las Piñas City Lying-In Clinic will be available for check-ups of high-risk expectant mothers two days per week, 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 Las Piñas City Lying-In Clinic designated Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m to 5 p.m. for check-ups of high-risk expectant mothers.
According to the Las Piñas Public Information Office, patients qualified for the schedule include those with a history of cesarean section, or other uterine surgery, gynecological issues such as abnormal bleeding, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), or myoma.
Mothers aged 35 to 39 in their first and fifth-time pregnancies, and those with existing conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, or goiter are also qualified.
Patients are reminded to bring their voter’s registration record, greencard, referral from their respective health center, and previous results of ultrasound or laboratory.
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? Were there many AKAP beneficiaries among the members of your local community?
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
Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon reached out to the local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and encouraged them to take advantage of the soft loans offered by the City Government, 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…
Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are encouraged by Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon to take advantage of the soft loans offered by the local government unit, as well as the national government, to elevate from micro to medium entrepreneurs.
In an interview during the opening of “Tindahan ni Tarsee” in Festival Mall in Alabang on Friday, Biazon said the LGU’s Muntinlupa Entrepreneur Financing Division (MEFD) has been consistently providing financial aid through soft loans to MSMEs.
“We are providing funding for MSME capital, interest-free, starting from P5,000 for as much as P150,000. More business owners became successful because of that project, especially those who lost jobs right after the pandemic. Most of them did not return to their jobs and became full-pledge entrepreneurs already,” he said.
Biazon said most of the business owners that the MEFD has assisted are engaged in food businesses and sari-sari stores.
The number of MSMEs in Muntinlupa City is pegged at more than 30,000, an increase from the 15,708 registered businesses in 2019 or before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country in 2020.
“We can see that our MSMEs are very successful, especially in our city, as they propped up the local economy and provide jobs even at a minimal number of two to three per entrepreneur. Yung mga hindi nakakapasok sa mga malls at ibang companies, sa mga MSMEs they have the chance to have jobs,” he said.
Biazon urged aspiring business owners to take advantage of the MEFD program, which will restart next year on 2 January, as the division’s funds for this year have already been fully utilized.
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 any micro or small entrepreneurs among your local community’s members? What do you think makes Muntinlupa an attractive city for MSMEs to do business in?
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
Author Carlo Carrasco 