Muntinlupa City Council declares German vlogger persona non grata

The City Council of Muntinlupa formally declared the arrested German vlogger “Mr. Pogi German” persona non grata over what they referred to as illegal and immoral acts pertaining to a viral video he uploaded in which he got himself involved with a lady (who claimed to be a minor and eventually filed a complaint against him) in Alabang, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin. It should be noted that Mayor Ruffy Biazon made the call to have the foreign vlogger declared person non grata.

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

The Muntinlupa City Council has declared Marcel Messall, more popularly known as vlogger “Mr Pogi German,” persona non grata, or unwelcome, in the city for “illegal and immoral acts” after he uploaded a video picking up a woman who turned out to be minor in Alabang, bringing her to a motel, paying her, and kissing her.

Mr Pogi German uploaded the video titled “I’ve Met a 18 Years old Filipina Pick Up Girl from alabang Muntinlupa” (sic) on Jan. 7 on his Facebook account.

The video has gone viral, garnering 14 million views, more than 23,000 shares, 31,000 comments, and 360,000 reactions from netizens.

The girl, who turned out to be 17 years old, a minor, has filed a complaint for rape against Messall (also listed as Messal by the Muntinlupa police).

The Muntinlupa police arrested Messall, 29, on Jan. 9 in Barangay San Isidro, Rodriguez, Rizal based on the complaint of the victim.

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon urged the City Council to declare Messall persona non grata in the city for his acts.

In a resolution approved on Jan. 16, the Muntinlupa City Council declared Messall unwelcome in the city.

According to the resolution, Muntinlupa police chief Supt. Angel Garcillano “submitted its fact-finding report to the City Council on the vlog of a certain ‘Mr. Pogi German’ which went viral in social media.”

The said foreigner produced a video showing him talking with a minor Filipina resident of Muntinlupa City in front of Sogo Motel along the National Road in Barangay Alabang and solicited sexual intercourse from her in the amount of Five Hundred Pesos (P500) and proceeded to check in in the said motel,” the resolution added.

It said a complaint for violation of Republic Act 8353 (Anti-Rape Law of 1997) in relation to Republic Act 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act of 1992) “will be filed before the Prosecutor’s Office of Muntinlupa City for preliminary investigation and for filing of cases in court if the evidence so warrants.”

Based on the police report and also the content of the vlog produced and circulated in social media by Mr. Marcel Messal, the action and behavior of this German national deserve to be condemned as he insults and degrades not only his minor victim but also all the women and the entire residents of Muntinlupa City,” the resolution stated.

It said, “Whereas, the City Mayor himself has recommended to the City Council to declare Mr. Marcel Messal persona non grata for his illegal and immoral acts.”

The City Council is one with the City Mayor in condemning this German national and declaring him persona non grata will send a strong signal to others that we do not tolerate such illegal and immoral activities in the City of Muntinlupa,” the approval resolution added.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development. As a local resident, did you find the German vlogger’s video of his time with the girl in Alabang very embarrassing to the city? Do you want to see the arrested German vlogger deported and banned permanently from visiting 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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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 at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Marcos reiterates vow to upgrade Philippine transport system

Recently, Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., reiterated his vow to improve the transport system of the entire nation which can benefit many people who need to travel, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. This is similar to what his predecessor declared before.

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

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday reiterated his vow to continue upgrading the country’s transport system to relieve commuters of their daily ordeal due to traffic congestion.

We will continue to invest and improve our transportation system as well as pursue more projects in the years to come so that Filipinos can gain greater access to places of work, commerce, recreation, and other vital areas,” Marcos said in his speech during the launch of the Metro Manila Subway Project’s (MMSP) tunnel boring machine (TBM) at its depot in Barangay Ugong, Valenzuela City.

Having an effective and efficient transportation system will have multiplier effects on employment, the economy, our society, it will bring comfort, convenience, an easier life for all,” he added.

Marcos said developments on the country’s first subway system in the country allow Filipinos to look forward to “better days” as it would also spur economic development and job creation.

He thanked both the public and private sectors for working to ensure the realization of what he described as an “ambitious” endeavor.

In particular, he expressed gratitude to the Japanese government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for being active partners in the fulfillment of the Philippine infrastructure program.

According to Marcos, the Philippines would not have fulfilled its many infrastructure projects without the assistance of JICA.

This tunnel boring machine highlights Japan’s expertise and technology and trailblazing contributions in the modern world and thus I am confident that they will help us shape our railway infrastructure and keep them at par with the highest international standards,” he said.

He acknowledged the joint venture of Filipino and Japanese companies for working with the Philippine government on the Metro Manila Subway Projects Contract Package 101 and expressed hope it would be completed on time.

“I hope that both of you and the DOTR will not waiver on your commitment to finish the contract package by the end of 2027 to ensure that Filipinos will get to enjoy the project at the soonest possible time,” he said.

Marcos likewise sought their continued patience, trust, and support, especially as big-ticket projects take years to complete.

“…Let the launching of this tunnel boring machine become a testament to this administration’s commitment to continue to projects of the previous administration and more importantly build better more,” he added.

He also described the launch of the TBM as “a very apt beginning” for a year with renewed vigor and commitment to his administration’s mission to improve the lives of Filipinos.

“We also gain inspiration from the selfless individuals who constantly strive to turn our vision for the transportation sector into a grand reality,” he said.

The PHP488.48 billion Metro Manila subway will stretch for about 33 kilometers across seven cities, from Valenzuela City to Pasay City, and will be able to serve over 519,000 passengers daily once completed.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you believe that the Metro Manila subway will make local travel more efficient? What new infrastructure projects do you think the country needs 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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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

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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Cash incentives for Muntinlupa City Government employees announced

Employees of the City Government of Muntinlupa should be very happy right now as Mayor Ruffy Biazon officially announced the release of cash incentives, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin. They will receive the said incentives very soon.

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

Good news for employees of the Muntinlupa City government.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon announced the release of the Service Recognition Incentive (SRI) amounting to P5,000 and P10,000 to regular, casual, job order and contractual employees of the city government before the year ends.

“Katulad ng inanunsyo ko sa Employees’ Night, bago matapos ang taon ay matatanggap po ninyo ang Service Recognition Incentive (SRI) na nagkakahalaga ng maximum P10,000 for regular at casual employees, at maximum na P5,000 naman para sa job order at contractual employees (Like what was announced during the Employees’ Night, before the year ends, you will receive the Service Recognition Incentive (SRI) amounting to a maximum of P10,000 for regular and casual employees, and maximum of P5,000 for job order and contractual employees),” said Biazon on Dec. 27.

The SRI is in accordance with Administrative Order No. 1 approved by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that authorized local government units (LGUs) to give incentives to employees as long as there are funds available.

Biazon said upon the release of the memo, he ordered the city budget department, personnel, accounting and treasury to study the proposal and find funds for the incentive.

“Thankfully, mayroong savings ang Lokal na Pamahalaan na sapat para magamit sa nabanggit na incentives for employees. Maraming salamat sa ating Local Finance Committee for the swift action. (Thankfully, the local government has enough savings to be used for the said incentives for employees. Thank you to our Local Finance Committee for the swift action),” he added.

The mayor also thanked the Muntinlupa City Council for immediately approving the measure through a special session held on Dec. 27.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Do you believe the City Government workers deserve the cash incentives? Do you personally know anyone who works for the City Government?

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 at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Philippines aiming to attract 4.8 million foreign visitors and generate $5.8 billion tourism revenue in 2023

With the economic recovery from COVID-19 still continuing and the year coming to an end, the Department of Tourism (DOT) revealed its targets for foreign visitors and tourism revenue in 2023, according to a report by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). For the newcomers reading this, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., declared already that it is time for the to return to pre-pandemic life and having a strong tourism sector is a crucial part of the post-pandemic strategy. It has also been several months since the Philippines opened its borders to

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

The Philippines eyes to double its tourism revenues and reach at least 4.8 million in foreign visitor arrivals in 2023.

Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco Friday revealed the projections as she presented the efforts of the agency to expedite tourism’s recovery.

Frasco said DOT seeks to attract 4.8 million visitors and generate at least USD5.8 billion in revenue.

Latest data showed that the Philippines has already breached its 1.7 million arrivals target for 2022, hitting over 2.46 million tourists and PHP149 billion in receipts.

With the administration’s focus on tourism and the various measures implemented to ease travel, Frasco is optimistic Manila could even surpass the pre-pandemic tourism figures before 2025.

DOT’s initial forecast indicated that Manila will not reach more than 8 million tourists until after 2025, a projection Frasco described as “alarming”.

[T]o me, that was an alarming projection in a sense that 2025 is so far off for us to obtain our pre-pandemic levels until after 2025 and that really forced us to take an inward look as to how we can expedite the recovery,” she told reporters.

“Having set out policies under the Marcos administration, precisely to serve the more aggressive approach towards tourism recovery, we’re seeing now that we have been able to breach the previous projection as well as the high projection (for this year),” she added.

Aside from constructing rest areas and improving connectivity for inbound tourists, Frasco presented more initiatives DOT sets to undertake in the next few months.

These include showcasing the country as a top cruise destination by 2023, coordinating with the relevant office to ease visa processing, and strengthening the promotion of Mindanao — especially for halal tourism.

Frasco also said DOT and the Department of National Defense are soon to sign a Memorandum of Agreement to obtain necessary data to determine the “most ideal areas to begin the process of reopening Mindanao.”

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development about the Philippines and its tourism plans for 2023? Do you think it is doable for the Philippines to attract 4.8 million foreign visitors by the end of 2023? What do you think the DOT should do when it comes to emphasizing tourism through conventions and special events? Do you think the DOT is doing enough with getting involved with sports tourism, medical tourism, food tourism, and the like?

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

DILG calls on local government units to take part in SIM card registration information campaign

Anyone based here in the Philippines using mobile devices that each carry SIM cards are required to have the said cards registered starting December 27, 2022 in accordance to Republic Act 11934 or the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration Act. To ensure that as many people get informed about this, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) called on local government units (LGUs) nationwide to participate in the information drive, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) report.

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

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) called on local government units (LGUs) to help the national government in its information campaign on the implementation of Republic Act 11934 or the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration Act, which takes effect on Dec. 27.

RA 11934, the first law signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., aims to regulate the registration and use of SIMs by mandating all end-users to register their SIMs with their respective telecommunications networks before their activation.

In a statement on Monday, DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said an intensive information drive must be carried out at the grassroots level and LGUs should step up in educating the public on the requirements and importance of the law.

“As we seek to ensure public safety even in the online space, I encourage LGUs to exert all efforts to promote responsible use of SIM cards, educate their stakeholders on the benefits of mandatory SIM card registration and guide them through the whole registration process,” Abalos said.

He said the SIM Registration Act will aid the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement authorities in curbing rising electronic communication-aided criminal activities in the Philippines such as mobile phishing, spam text messages, online scams, bank frauds and identity theft,” Abalos said.

Abalos said the implementation of the law will not only prompt accountability from all sides — the mobile users, the telcos, the government and authorities — but will also help the PNP to quickly locate offenders of crimes committed in anonymity through the use of electronic devices.

Section 4 of the law’s implementing rules and regulations (IRR) released by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) provides that DILG, along with other government agencies such as DICT, NTC, DepEd, and telecom companies, shall “facilitate all SIM registrations in remote areas with limited telecommunication or internet access.”

“Together with the LGUs, DILG will cooperate with DICT and the NCT to fast-track the establishment of registration facilities in geographically-isolated areas, which should be done within 60 days after December 27,” Abalos said.

The DILG chief sought the assistance of local chief executives (LCEs) and barangay captains in remote areas in processing needed documents and other requirements to set up the registration centers.

“We know not everyone has access to the internet and other means of communication so let us reach out to them and inform them of this new law,” he said.

To register, all existing SIM subscribers must submit an accomplished form through a database platform or website provided by the telco company within 180 days. The DICT can extend the registration period for another 120 days. If a subscriber fails to register, SIM cards will be deactivated.

Subscribers must provide the following: full name, birthday, sex, address, mobile SIM number and serial number and valid identification cards (for individuals); business name, business address and full name of authorized signatory (for businesses and other juridical entities); full name, nationality, birthday, passport, proof of Philippine address, return ticket to own country (for foreigners and tourists).

Abalos also urged parents and guardians to be responsible and register the SIM used by their minor children or relatives under their name to protect them from ill-intentioned individuals. They will be asked to present an ID and consent form.

“To our parents and guardians, let us help each other in this endeavor to safeguard minors. Magtulungan po tayo upang masiguro na hindi sila mabibiktima ng mga panloloko (Let’s work together to protect them from fraud) online,” he said.

Likewise, Abalos asked the public to support the mandatory SIM card registration as this will be beneficial in the long run.

“I encourage every Filipino to register their SIM cards and be one with the government in fighting text and online scams which are becoming more prevalent in recent years,” he added.

Abalos warned people who will attempt to provide false or fictitious information and documents to register a SIM and those who will try to spoof a registered SIM to defraud or cause harm.

The above report ended stating that registering with false or fictitious information or the use of fake identities constitute a penalty of six months to two years imprisonment, and a fan of P100,000 to P300,000.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this latest development from the national government? Are you worried that SIM card registration will be tough and inconvenient to do given the nationwide scope of the processing?

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

Las Piñas receives 2022 SubayBayani special award, the only NCR city to receive it

Last week, the City of Las Piñas got awarded and it turns out to be the only city in the entire National Capital Region (NCR) to receive it, according to news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

The Department of Interior and Local Government-National Capital Region (DILG-NCR) awarded the city government of Las Piñas with the 2022 SubayBayani special award for its notable performance in the result –based monitoring and evaluation of local government unit (LGU) infrastructure project.

The city government is the only city in the NCR that received the award on Monday, Dec. 12, during the awarding rites held at the Cocoon Boutique Hotel in Quezon City.

Mayor Imelda Aguilar said the special award for SubayBayani is given to recognize the excellent and consistent performance of the LGUs’ focal persons in the conduct of overall implementation and monitoring of LGU infrastructure projects enrolled in the SubayBayan platforms.

Aguilar and Vice-Mayor April Aguilar received the award for the city from the DILG for citing the notable accomplishments of the city government’s programs through the SubayBayan.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Las Piñas City resident, what is your reaction to this new development? How familiar are you with the SubayBayani award?

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 and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. 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/.

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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Muntinlupa City’s water refilling station fees adjusted through legislation

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Council approved an ordinance to adjust certain water fees locally, 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…

The Muntinlupa City Council passed an ordinance increasing fees imposed on water refilling stations and other water providers operating in the city.

Majority Floor Leader Raul Corro said the Muntinlupa City Council enacted on Dec. 12 a new ordinance adjusting certain water fees.

This amended Ordinance 18-175, passed in 2018, establishing the monitoring, evaluating and regulating the operation of all water refilling and stations, water sellers, bulk of water delivery tankers and other establishments, corporation or association providing drinking water for public consumption, whether for free or for a fee in Muntinlupa.

Under the new ordinance, with Councilor Luvi Constantino as principal author, water laboratory fee for physical and chemical analysis covering 14 test parameters will increase from P2,500 to P3,000.

The above news report ended emphasizing the following adjustments: Fluoride test fee increased to P350 from P290; chloride to P300 from P240; nitrate to P350 from P330; sulfate to P350 from P260; and total hardness (titrimetric) at P300.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this recent development? If you are running a water-related business in Muntinlupa, how do you think the latest adjustments will affect your business?

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 and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. 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 at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/.

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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

COVID-19 Crisis: Las Piñas City government commended by DOH for achieving high vaccination rate

By achieving a high rate of COVID-19 vaccination of its residents, the City Government of Las Piñas received a commendation from the Department of Health (DOH), according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Department of Health (DOH) officer-in-charge Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire commended the Las Piñas city government for recording a high number of fully vaccinated residents against Covid-19.

Vergeire witnessed the special holiday season vaccination drive as part of the DOH’s “Bakunahang Bayan: Biyayang Proteksyon sa Paskong Pamilya” that was held at the Almanza Uno covered court in Barangay Almanza Uno, Las Piñas City on Wednesday, Dec. 7.

Vergeire praised Mayor Imelda Aguilar for administering vaccines to around 58.92 percent of its population which is more than the average set by the national government.

Aguilar said the city government has vaccinated over 464,000 individuals from the 18-59 age group, with 70 percent getting their first booster.

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 satisfied with what the City Government achieved with regards to the local COVID-19 vaccination efforts done so far? Did you encounter any anti-vaccine fanatics lately? Did any anti-vaccine activist harass you?

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 at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Metro Manila Council (MMC) to release official guidelines on firecracker use

The Metro Manila Council (MMC) – a special governing body composed of incumbent mayors of cities of Metropolitan Manila – now has a new leader and as the Christmas holidays are nearing, they will soon release official guidelines regarding the use of firecrackers, the Manila Bulletin reported.

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

San Juan City Mayor and Metro Manila Council (MMC) President Francis Zamora said the MMC is set to release guidelines on the firecracker ban to be implemented in the National Capital Region (NCR) as part of its efforts to minimize the number of injuries caused by the misuse of firecrackers during the new year revelry.

During the joint session of the MMC and the Regional Development Council (RDC) which he co-chairs, Zamora said that the Metro Manila mayors will convene to discuss the guidelines they will implement regarding the firecracker ban which was first imposed by former President Rodrigo Duterte in 2017.

Executive Order no. 28, “Providing For The Regulation and Control of the Use of Firecrackers And Other Pyrotechnic Devices,” bans individuals from using firecrackers or setting up their own fireworks displays, a cultural tradition Filipinos are accustomed to during “events of personal, religious, cultural and national importance,” especially during New Year’s Eve or even the Chinese New Year.

“Magkakaroon ng designated firecracker areas. Ngunit depende din yan sa pagkakasunduan ng mayors kasi each city will have its own designated fireworks area para iwas syempre sa aksidente ngayong bagong taon (There will be designated firecracker areas, but these will depend on what the mayors of each city will agree upon because each city will have its own designated fireworks area to avoid accidents this new year),” Zamora said.

The EO sets forth the criteria that must be complied with before a display of fireworks can qualify such as: it must be conducted on the occasion or as part of a celebration, competition, or similar event held in a venue other than the residence; it is conducted under the supervision of Philippine National Police (PNP) – licensed and trained personnel; and, it has a municipal/city permit that states the date, time and area where the display will be conducted.

In December last year, the PNP released the names and brands of allowed and prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnics.

In my experience, I often see sellers of firecrackers during the days leading to the New Year whenever I passed by BF Homes in Parañaque and along Tropical Avenue in BF International, Las Piñas. I wonder if they will make a comeback this year as the entire nation continues to recover socially and economically from COVID-19.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Are you in favor of the use of firecrackers? Do you think the authorities are doing the right thing when it comes regulating or banning firecracker use? Do you think that the use of firecrackers pollutes the air too much during New Year’s Eve celebrations? If your household often buys firecrackers during the late stage of the year, how much money is spent each time?

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 and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. 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 at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/.

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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Muntinlupa Mayor Biazon calls for end to violence against women and children

In the progressive City of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon recently emphasized the end to violence against women and children which was part of a new campaign related to the subject matter, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The said campaign is ongoing and will last until December 12, 2022.

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

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon called for a concerted effort to end violence against women and children (VAWC).

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) have issued guidelines in observance of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women slated from Nov. 25 to Dec. 12.

Citing 2017 data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Biazon said one in four women aged 15 to 49 suffered physical, emotional, or sexual violence from their husbands or partners.

“Kaisa ang Pamahalaang Lungsod sa kampanya para wakasan ang karahasan sa mga kababaihan at kabataan (Violence Against Women and Children o VAWC) (The city government is one in the campaign to end violence against women and children),” he said.

In Muntinlupa, he said, there is the SAGIP ng Muntinlupa center that helps women and children who have experienced abuse.

There are also VAWC help desks in barangays to assist victims in the community. The city government has the Muntinlupa Gender And Development Office which implements programs to stop VAWC, said Biazon.

Data from SAGIP ng Muntinlupa showed that from January to October this year, it assisted 440 women and children who became victims of violence in Muntinlupa.

Of the 440 VAWC cases in the city, 314 or 71.4 percent were children while 126 or 28.6 percent were women.

Out of the 314 cases of violence against children, 71 were sexual abuse, including rape and incest. Among the 126 cases of violence against women, 38 or 30 percent were battery.

In 2021, SAGIP ng Muntinlupa recorded 416 cases of violence against women and children.

Biazon said the city government established the Local Committee on Anti-Trafficking and VAWC (LCAT-VAWC) to coordinate and implement Republic Act 9208 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003) and Republic Act 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004).

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this recent development? Do you consider violence towards women and children a serious problem in the city?

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

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. 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 at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/.

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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673