Investagrams – Page 13 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Tokyo High Court Rules Japan’s Same-Sex Marriage Ban Constitutional

December 6, 2025November 29, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in Japan, the Tokyo High Court ruled that the nation’s ban on same-sex marriage is constitutional, according to a news release published by Kyodo News. Already the woke mob, the liberals, the social justice warriors (SJWs) and the LGBTQ extremists – including those who are not even Japanese and are based outside of Japan – condemned the decision through social media and a fight at the Supreme Court of Japan is anticipated.

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

A Japanese court on Friday ruled that the country’s ban on same-sex marriage is constitutional, becoming the only high court to uphold the state’s position among six rulings on similar lawsuits filed nationwide.

The Tokyo High Court concluded the current civil law provisions that do not allow same-sex marriage are still reasonable under the current circumstances, in contrast with five earlier high court rulings in Sapporo, Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka and Fukuoka that said the lack of legal recognition of same sex marriage violated the Constitution. Those other rulings, however, all rejected compensation claims.

In handing down the latest ruling, Presiding Judge Ayumi Higashi said that the current marriage system is useful in preparing an environment for raising children, and that it is reasonable to interpret “husband and wife” as a man and a woman.

The ruling also said that the freedom of marriage guaranteed under Article 24 of the Constitution does not apply to same-sex couples, noting that “part of the effects of marriage can be substituted by contracts,” and that people can marry if they change their legal sex.

The court expressed concern, though, over stalled discussions in parliament, warning that if this situation continues, it could lead to violations of the constitutional guarantee of equality under the law. It also urged that being treated based on gender identity is an important legal interest.

As the plaintiffs plan to appeal, the Supreme Court is expected to issue a unified decision next year at the earliest.

In the latest lawsuit, eight plaintiffs in their 40s to 60s had sought 1 million yen ($6,400) in damages each, arguing civil law provisions that do not allow same-sex marriage violate the right to equality ensured under the Constitution and its guarantee of freedom of marriage.

The government denied that the provisions are unconstitutional, arguing that the Constitution defines marriage as between a man and a woman.

The plaintiffs had appealed a Tokyo District Court ruling in March 2024 that found the situation to be “in a state of unconstitutionality” but rejected their damages claims.

Among 12 high and lower court rulings so far, the Osaka District Court was the only other court that ruled that the lack of legal recognition is constitutional.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you seriously believe that having same-sex marriage (AKA gay marriage) will be beneficial to Japan socially and economically? Do you think that the LGBTQ and Leftist forces from around the world are secretly funding the same-sex marriage movement in Japan? Do you think it is inevitable for the Supreme Court of Japan to declare the same-sex marriage ban constitutional? Are you convinced that same-sex marriage in Japan will ruin not only Japanese families but also the nation’s society?

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

Chinese National Arrested In Parañaque City Over Scam Hub

December 5, 2025November 28, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, elements of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) found a new scam hub inside a condominium unit and arrested a Chinese nation, 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…

A Chinese national has been arrested in a reported scam hub in Parañaque City, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said.

In a statement, the NBI identified the foreigner as Li Zhenjie who was arrested last Nov. 21 during the service of a Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD) by operatives of the bureau’s Cybercrime Division (NBI-CCD). It also said that seized were “devices containing critical social engineering scripts.”

Li has been charged before the Parañaque City Prosecutor’s Office for social engineering schemes in violations of Section 4(b)(1) of Republic Act (RA) No. 12010, the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act, in relation to RA 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, it added.

The NBI said its application for the issuance of a search warrant was based on confidential information on “a sophisticated scam operating from a condominium unit in Parañaque City.”

It said the information stated that “the perpetrators were using spoofed contact numbers, impersonating agents of the New Haven Police Department in Connecticut, USA, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Washington.”

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be a lot more secretive scam operations handled by Chinese nationals within the city? Do you think the suspect could be a spy working for Communist China? What do you think makes Parañaque such an attractive destination for scam operations?

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

Muntinlupa City Government Recognized As Child-Friendly

December 4, 2025November 28, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently the City Government of Muntinlupa was recognized as a child-friendly unit by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), 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 Department of the Interior and Local Government-National Capital Region (DILG-NCR) has recognized Muntinlupa as a child-friendly local government unit (LGU).

The agency announced that 12 LGUs in the National Capital Region passed the 2025 Child‑Friendly Local Governance Audit (CFLGA).

These are Muntinlupa, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Las Pinas, Paranaque, Malabon, Makati, Navotas, Pasay, Valenzuela, Quezon City and San Juan.

“Twelve local government units (LGUs) within the National Capital Region (NCR) have successfully passed the 2025 Child‑Friendly Local Governance Audit (CFLGA), demonstrating strong commitment to upholding children’s rights to survival, development, protection, and participation,” DILG-NCR posted on Facebook.

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon said, “Salamat sa mga kasamahan natin na nagtrabaho ng mahusay para makamit ito! (Thank you to our colleagues who worked so hard to achieve this!).”

In a memorandum circular, the DILG stated that the CFLGA, established in 2014, “is a results-based assessment tool and an annual mandatory audit designed to gauge the performance of City and Municipal local government units (LGUs) towards implementing programs and instituting measures to ensure the well-being of children.”

“It aims to inform and influence the planning and programming of LGUs towards achieving the envisioned goal where ‘children are accessing inclusive social services and lives free of poverty in all dimensions’ by putting primacy on child-rights responsive governance and accountability,” it added.

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 see the City Government formally declared as child-friendly?

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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IAEA Director General Says Philippines Is At The Right Moment For Push To Nuclear Energy

December 3, 2025November 26, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) visited the Philippines, met with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., and revealed to the press that the nation is at the right moment to start the push for nuclear energy, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Philippines is at the “right moment” to begin pushing for nuclear energy use amid its aim to achieve energy security and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels like coal, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said.

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi made this remark during the International High Level Forum on Nuclear Technology (NUTEC) Plastics in Pasay City on Tuesday, Nov. 25.

He underscored that the Philippines is not new to nuclear power.

“Let’s go a little bit back in history. Your country was a pioneer long, long, long before any other countries in this region and in the world were looking at nuclear energy. But the reality is that I like to say that the Philippines is not a newcomer, it’s a revisiting country,” he said in a press conference.

“It’s a country that is reviewing, taking into account its technological capacities, what was being done here in the late 70s, early 80s, and considering that it is perhaps the right moment, as many other countries in the world, to avail itself of a notion of a clean energy that is providing solutions in many parts of the world. Why not here?,” he added.

The Philippines, during the time of former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr., once attempted to build a nuclear power plant in Bataan. While it was completed, it was never operated because of safety concerns, political issues, and corruption allegations.

Grossi said that what the Philippines is doing today with its nuclear energy push is “extremely important,” adding that small- or big-sized nuclear projects are significant and require initial capital investment.

He also noted that banks and international financial institutions in the past have turned their backs on nuclear power plants because of their “bad image.”

“But with passage of time and the safety record of nuclear and the ability to demonstrate by the industry that banks are a conservative, of course, in what they finance, there has been an important change which was initiated earlier this year when I signed with the president of the World Bank a similar agreement,” he shared.

“So, when the World Bank sent this, you know how it happens in the economy in general, when they sign from the leading institutions, the leading financing institutions in the world that there is no problem, basically, there is really no problem, no technical problem, no fundamental problem in financing nuclear,” he added.

The IAEA director pointed out that with China, India, and Pakistan, Asia “and in particular this region, is the most dynamic in terms of nuclear growth in the world.”

Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, and Indonesia, he cited, are also starting their own nuclear programs, as well as African countries that need grants and loans for their own nuclear push.

“People talk about the exponential growth of renewable energy, which is a very good thing, I must say. I am very positive about renewable energies,” Grossi asserted, lamenting the lack of subsidies and access to finance in the past.

“So, I believe that we are entering now a new phase. We will see how far it goes, we will see how fast it goes, but it is clearly, in my opinion, a watershed that has happened. Very important. So, it’s a very good day in that sense,” he added.

The IAEA official also met with President Marcos on Tuesday during a courtesy call at Malacañan Palace.

Grossi, who assumed office in 2019, is on his first official visit to the Philippines for the International High-Level Forum on Nuclear Technology for Controlling Plastic Pollution (NUTEC Plastics): Scaling Solutions and Partnerships for Global Impact.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you convinced that the Philippines is ready to move forward by using nuclear power for the nation’s energy requirements?

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

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US Mounts Offensive To Smash China’s Fruit Market Dominance In The Philippines

December 2, 2025December 1, 2025carlocarrasco

Were you able to spot and buy fruits imported from America at the local markets here in the Philippines over the past month? The United States will soon introduce new varieties of fruit to the Philippines in what is seen as a serious effort to break China’s dominance, 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 United States (US) aims to introduce new fruit varieties to the Philippines to boost its share of the import market, which has long been dominated by China.

In a market brief published last week by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), American exporters were urged to introduce innovative fruit varieties to the country to sustain the momentum in apple exports.

The USDA expects exports of fresh fruits to fall by at least seven percent to around $13 million this year from $14 million in 2024.

Despite this, the foreign agency said shipments of apples to the country will grow this year, driven by the popularity of the Ambrosia, Cosmic Crisp, and SugarBee varieties. These varieties were introduced to the Philippine market last year and have since gained traction among consumers.

“Consumers are eager to try new-to-market fruit varieties and share their experiences on social media,” the report read.

The USDA noted that only bananas and papayas are harvested year-round in the country, creating an opportunity for American exporters to fill market gaps year-round.

“The United States is widely recognized for consistently supplying premium-quality fruit, and US exporters are encouraged to leverage this reputation,” it said.

The USDA, citing Philippine government data, expects fresh fruit imports this year to grow by 25 percent to around $400 million, up from $321 million in 2024.

Last year, the US only accounted for a three percent share in the import market. Its main shipments were apples, cherries, grapes, oranges, strawberries, cranberries, blueberries, and peaches.

In contrast, China seized 72 percent of the market last year, with its main exports being apples, grapes, mandarins, oranges, and other citrus hybrids.

Also outperforming the US were South Africa and Australia with market shares of nine percent and eight percent, respectively.

With the exception of South Africa, the USDA noted that the dominance of regional suppliers is a result of better prices, largely driven by lower shipping costs and zero-tariff advantages under free trade agreements with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

“The Philippines does not have a preferential trade agreement with the United States or South Africa. As a result, MFN (most-favored-nation) tariff rates apply to fresh fruit imports from both countries,” the report read.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Did you buy any fruits in the local market that were imported from the United States of America? Does the name or image of US President Donald Trump influence your decisions on buying American fruits locally? Apart from prices, how would you compare American fruits with the ones from China in terms of taste, texture and satisfaction?

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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Maynilad’s Tunasan Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) Inaugurated

December 2, 2025November 24, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently the water concessionaire Maynilad formally inaugurated the Tunasan Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) which will help expand its sewerage coverage in the south, the company announced online.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the company’s announcement. Some parts in boldface…

West Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) has inaugurated the new Tunasan Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) in Muntinlupa City—its 25th wastewater treatment facility—expanding sewerage coverage in the south and supporting long-term efforts to protect Laguna de Bay.

Located along Buendia Street in Barangay Tunasan, the new WRF can treat up to 20 million liters of used water per day (MLD). Wastewater from Magdaong, Bubogan, and Tunasan Creeks is conveyed through 1.4 kilometers of sewer pipes into the facility, serving around 83,000 customers within the Tunasan catchment area.

The Tunasan WRF uses the Modified Ludzack–Ettinger (MLE) process—a modern biological treatment technology—to reduce pollutants before discharge. The facility complies with stricter effluent quality requirements under Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) DAO 2016-08, as amended by DAO 2021-19, helping protect Laguna de Bay and the surrounding environment.

“Every wastewater facility we build is more than infrastructure—it is a commitment to public health, a step toward cleaner waterways, and an investment in a future where communities can thrive alongside a healthy environment,” said Maynilad President and CEO Ramoncito S. Fernandez. “By expanding sewerage coverage here in Muntinlupa and investing in modern treatment technologies, we help safeguard Laguna de Bay and strengthen responsible wastewater management in the West Zone.”

The project was implemented in coordination with the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), the DENR, the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), and the Muntinlupa City Government. Treated wastewater from the Tunasan WRF is discharged into Bubogan Creek.

With the addition of Tunasan WRF, Maynilad now has a total wastewater treatment capacity of 790 MLD, supporting the company’s broader program to accelerate sewerage and sanitation services in Metro Manila and contribute to the rehabilitation of Laguna de Bay.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a Maynilad customer, do you think the inaugurated facility in Barangay Tunasan will creative positive results for the customers and the environment?

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

Retro Gaming Ads Blast – Part 37

December 1, 2025December 29, 2025carlocarrasco

Welcome back readers, fellow geeks and electronic gaming fans!

In this edition of the Retro Gaming Ads Blast (RGAB) series, we will take a look at another batch of retro gaming print ads – including arcade flyers – from the 1970s to the 1990s.

For the newcomers reading this, Retro Gaming Ads Blast (RGAB) looks back at the many print ads of games (console, arcade, computer and handheld) that were published in comic books, magazines, flyers, posters and newspapers long before smartphones, social media, the worldwide web and streaming became popular. To put things in perspective, people back in the 1970s and 1990s were more trusting of print media for information and images about electronic games and related products.

With those details laid down, here is the newest batch of retro gaming print ads for you to see and enjoy…

1. Cabal Japanese arcade flyer/poster

*Can you feel the action and intensity here?*

When it was first released in video arcades in Japan in late 1988, Cabal was another game inspired by military action movies of Hollywood which explains the art work done for the arcade flyer and poster shown above. The Vietnam War was still fresh in people’s minds and the concept of having one or two players firing their weapons against enemy soldiers resonated with gamers who saw Hollywood’s military action flicks. That said, it is not surprising that Cabal became a huge hit in Japan before getting released in arcades around the world.

2. Willows Japanese arcade flyer

Remember the 1988 high fantasy adventure film Willow? That film was produced by George Lucas and was a bold new production of Lucasfilm shifting away from Star Wars. Believe it or not, an official arcade game adaptation of Willow was made by Capcom and they promoted it by having images of Val Kilmer and Warwick Davis on the front of the arcade flyer (opposite the illustrated versions of their characters). The game, which was a side-scrolling platform game with run-and-gun elements, went on to be an arcade hit in Japan and eventually pleased gamers worldwide.

3. Super Punch-Out!! North American print ad

Historically, Nintendo’s Punch-Out!! series started in the arcade in 1984 and the first game was the result of the company’s effort to make a new game using arcade cabinets with two screens. The 2^nd game – Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!! – became a huge critical and commercial hit (over 2 million copies sold in 1988) on console and it made great business sense for Nintendo for release another Punch-Out!! for its console gamers to enjoy in the comfort of home. In 1994, Super Punch-Out!! was released on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in America and to promote it, the company came up with a hilarious 2-page ad that showed fictional high school graduates with boxing-related injuries. The imagery creatively connected with the words “biggest Punch-Out ever” and “Graduating Class of ‘94”.

4. EA Sports 3-in-1 SNES games print ad

In 1994, Electronic Arts (EA) released their sports games NBA Live 95, NHL 95 and Madden NFL 95 for consoles at the time. Even though the Sega Genesis sold better than Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in America at the time, EA went on to aggressively market their 3 sports video games on Nintendo’s console using a 3-in-1 games print ad. In retrospect, the SNES for the most part had better graphics and sounds than the Genesis which is reflected clearly on EA Sports games of the time. This print ad still looks fun and exciting.

5. Atari Jaguar CD print ad

*Were you able to play any game on the Atari Jaguar with the CD add-on included?*

Apart from the obvious advances of technology that impacted video games, the 1990s is also known for the rise of CD-ROM as a medium for gaming. In an effort to boost sales of the Atari Jaguar console (launched in America in 1993 for around $250) and capitalize on the trust of the fans and console owners, Atari launched a CD-ROM add-on device for about $150 in 1995. To promote it, the company went aggressive with the 2-page ad showing the add-on fully connected on top of the main console, showing off some games and posting a text description emphasizing hardware power and the advantages that come with the CD technology. Even in the captured image, the Atari Jaguar CD still resembled a toilet. This is an aggressive ad campaign that failed as less than 20,000 Atari Jaguar CD units were sold by the time it was discontinued in 1996.

6. 3DO print ad

*While it lacks intensity, this 3DO ad emphasized the games.*

Without showing any hardware, the 3DO Company came up with this 2-page print ad that had a slightly adulterated tone (look at the left page) and aggressively marketed the 3DO console games available at the time. Games like Demolition Man, Shock Wave, Road Rash and Super Street Fighter II Turbo were the standout titles which clearly showed the company made the effort to emphasize gaming more than multimedia features. This 1990s ad tackled the generations with a touch of humor.

7. Lethal Enforcers II: Gun Fighters Sega Genesis print ad

When Lethal Enforcers II: Gun Fighters was released in the arcades in 1994, it became a commercial success for Konami which went on to announce it would port the game to consoles of Nintendo and Sega at the time. While the port for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) was never released, Lethal Enforcers II: Gun Fighters made its way to the Sega Genesis and Sega CD. The print ad of the Sega Genesis version (Sega CD mentioned in small text) had an inspired design emphasizing the Old West, shooting and the conflict between cowboys and Indians. The screenshots gave people the clear idea that Old West was the setting (versus modern day in the previous game). This is still fun to look at.

8. Syphon Filter

*Syphon Filter went on to become a surprise hit game in 1999.*

In 1999, Sony’s 989 Studios released Syphon Filter exclusively on the PlayStation console. This single-page print ad showed a few screenshots on the bottom and several action snippets with a night vision touch ultimately emphasizing the stealth aspect within the gameplay. The marketing proved to be effective as the game sold a lot at retail and went on to establish a new game franchise exclusive to PlayStation consoles.

9. Parasite Eve II Japanese print ad

*Were you a big fan of Aya Brea and the Parasite Eve franchise in the late 1990s?*

Following the critical and commercial success of Parasite Eve in 1998, SquareSoft proceeded with Parasite Eve II and the production (note: initially for a spin-off game before becoming a sequel) did not even involve the main creators of the first game. Instead the company had a different team of developers – including those who previously worked on Resident Evil games for Capcom – in Osaka to make the sequel. This explains why Parasite Eve II had stronger survival horror gameplay resembling a Resident Evil game. As major changes were made during the production, it was decided that Aya Brea would become the main protagonist and already the character was already popular with gamers. That being said, the marketing of Parasite Eve II for the Japanese market heavily featured Aya Brea with subtle sexiness, beauty and action in mind. The marketing intensified leading to its eventual December 16, 1999 release in Japan.

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Preventive Maintenance And Other Improvements On SCTEX

December 1, 2025November 24, 2025carlocarrasco

The Subic–Clark–Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) undergoing improvements by means of maintenance works and asset enhancements by the NLEX Corporation, according to a Malaya Business Insight news report. This means better travel and improved safety for the many motorists who use the SCTEX.

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

NLEX Corp., the concessionaire of the 94-kilometer Subic–Clark–Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), recently rolled out a series of asset enhancement and preventive maintenance works to reinforce road safety, and help in providing an improved driving experience for motorists.

“We’re focused on delivering improvements that our motorists can truly feel on the road,” NLEX president and general manager Luis Reñon declared in a statement on November 20.

Approximately 3,700 square meters were reportedly completed from Dinalupihan to Tarlac, focusing on uneven surfaces and minimizing potential driving hazards.

The company also installed 22 additional sets of rumble strips at key locations along SCTEX. These strips produce mild vibrations and audible cuesfor drivers, promoting more attentive and safer driving behavior. A total of 26 rumble strips are now laid out across the expressway.

Median, or center guardrails, from Dolores to Luisita have been being raised by 30cm for the asphalt overlay. This adjustment maintains safety standards, and helps preserve roadway integrity.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? When was the last time you drove along the SCTEX?

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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Investors’ Interest In Nuclear Energy In The Philippines Remains Strong

November 30, 2025November 24, 2025carlocarrasco

The future of a nuclear-powered Philippines remains achievable as the Department of Energy (DOE) confirmed that investors are strongly interested in nuclear energy in the country, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

For the newcomers reading this, more Filipinos expressed through a survey their preference for nuclear power for electricity, PhilATOM was signed into law by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, and Meralco is preparing its bid for a nuclear power license.

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

INVESTORS are still keen on developing nuclear energy projects in the Philippines, the Department of Energy (DoE) said, as the government prepares to start accepting applications next year.

Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said there is significant investor interest in nuclear energy projects in the Philippines, as some companies have already presented their ideas.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Ms. Garin said companies want to go into nuclear energy as they see it as a possible solution to serve baseload capacity and to cater to the increasing demand from data centers.

“They’re very interested and are waiting for us to finalize the site selection and site evaluation,” she said in mixed Filipino and English.

The DoE plans to begin accepting applications for nuclear energy projects by 2026 as part of efforts to integrate nuclear power into the country’s energy mix by 2032.

Under the Philippine Energy Plan, the country aims to integrate nuclear energy into the power mix with at least 1,200 megawatts (MW) of capacity by 2032, increasing it to 2,400 MW by 2045 and to 4,800 MW by 2050.

“I understand, the companies are waiting for us to guide them on which are the areas that are more feasible. But some companies have already approached DoE to enter into a memorandum of agreement, non-exclusive, to explore the possible nuclear power plant development,” Ms. Garin said.

She said some energy firms have expressed interest in nuclear energy development such as power distributor Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) and power generation firm Aboitiz Power Corp.

In a separate interview, Meralco Executive Vice-President Chief Operating Officer Ronnie L. Aperocho said that the company waiting to see the ongoing development of Romania’s first small modular reactor before proceeding on its own.

“There is a requirement from PhilATOM (Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority) that the first-of-its-kind technology must run of at least about two years without any incidents before we can adopt it here in the Philippines. So, we have to go through that two-year requirement,” he said in mixed Filipino and English.

In September, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. signed Republic Act No. 12305, the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act, which created PhilATOM.

PhilATOM is an independent quasi-judicial body tasked with overseeing all nuclear and radiation activities in the country. Under the law, PhilATOM will hold sole and exclusive jurisdiction over the regulation of nuclear energy and radiation sources in the Philippines, ensuring their peaceful, safe and secure use.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think nuclear power in the Philippines will become a reality over the next several years?

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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Eight Vietnamese Nationals Arrested In Parañaque City Over Visa Violations And Online Scam Involvement

November 29, 2025November 23, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, elements of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) apprehended eight Vietnamese nationals in a hotel for allegedly overstaying, illegal employment and suspected involvement in online scam operations, according to a news report by DZRH.

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

Eight Vietnamese nationals in Parañaque City were arrested by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for allegedly overstaying, unauthorized employment, and suspected involvement in online scam operations.

The BI operatives conducted an enforcement operation on November 11 at a hotel unit along Roxas Boulevard, where they apprehended 29-year-old Nguyen Phan Gia Khuong, along with seven other Vietnamese nationals, which 6 more men and one woman.

Initial reports indicate that Khuong reportedly overstayed in the country and allegedly engaged in work and activities not authorized under his immigration status. Authorities further said he is connected to suspected online scams targeting foreign victims.

While conducting the inspection, officers found drug-related items and several bullets in a separate room within the same building. The evidence was promptly recorded and handed over to the proper law enforcement authorities for further investigation.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado stressed that the agency is resolute in its crackdown on foreign nationals who exploit the country’s hospitality.

Viado also stated that the Philippines will not tolerate individuals who violate its laws or engage in illegal activities. He added that their agency is intensifying operations to ensure that those who pose a threat to public safety are apprehended and deported.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be more illegal aliens secretly living and doing online scam operations 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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