A 25-year infrastructure masterplan will be crafted soon by the Department of Economic Planning and Development (DEPDev) to ensure the continuation of critical projects even though government transitions happen, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
The Department of Economic Planning and Development (DEPDev) is set to craft the country’s first 25-year infrastructure masterplan to ensure that critical projects continue despite changes in administration.
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said in a recent press chat that the Economy, Planning and Development Act, which reorganizes NEDA to DEPDev, mandated the agency to formulate the country’s first long-term infrastructure blueprint.
The law was signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on April 10 and would take effect on April 27.
“The law now tasks us to produce the first long-term framework for the period 2025 to 2050. And then it also tasks us to provide and to lead the efforts in coming up with this long-term comprehensive infrastructure development framework,” Balisacan told reporters.
Balisacan said this is the first time that a government agency is mandated by law to oversee and carry these plans forward, especially as administration changes.
“The new law gives that mandate to DEPDev, serving as link between the outgoing administration and the incoming administration,” he added, emphasizing the importance of continuity of key infrastructure projects.
Historically, infrastructure development in the Philippines has suffered from inconsistent implementation, with projects often stalled or abandoned due to shifts in leadership.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that infrastructure development in the Philippines will change for the better once the 25-year masterplan becomes a reality in the near future? Are you sick and tired seeing infrastructure projects getting disrupted whenever a change of government happens?
Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government enacted an ordinance which effectively institutionalized the Government Internship Program (GIP), according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Mayor Ruffy Biazon signed the ordinance into law on April 10.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Muntinlupa City government has enacted an ordinance institutionalizing and localizing the Government Internship Program (GIP), which offers up to six months of paid public service internships to high school graduates.
Ordinance No. 2025-332, or the Muntinlupa City Government Internship Program (MC-GIP), was enacted by the Muntinlupa City government on March 31 and signed by Mayor Ruffy Biazon on April 10.
The ordinance stated that “in recognition of the potentials of young workers in the development of the Muntinlupa City Government, there is a need to institutionalize the Government Internship Program (GIP) that directly supports and contributes to the goal of inclusive growth through employment generation.”
“One of the 7K agendas of our Honorable Mayor Rozzano Rufino B. Biazon is ‘Kaunlaran’ to work towards the further development and progress of Muntinlupa City. Human resource development in government shall be given focus to attain high performance standards in public service,” it added.
Public service, under the ordinance, “refers to the service provided by the government, such as hospitals, schools, or the police, or the work that the government does.”
The duration of the internship agreement will be from three to six months.
Each GIP beneficiary in Muntinlupa will receive “a daily allowance equivalent to the prevailing and applicable daily minimum wage rate in the National Capital Region for the services rendered” and a monthly transportation allowance of P500.”
Each GIP applicant should be a resident and registered voter of Muntinlupa City, between 18 to 30 years old, at least a graduate of high school/senior high school or its equivalent level under the Alternative Learning System or technical-vocational graduate, and has no work experience.
Applicants need to submit their resume, two photocopies of valid ID, two photocopies of updated Muntinlupa Care Card, a 2 x 2 picture, certified true copy of diploma, certified true copy of transcript of records, and certificate of indigency from the barangay.
The Muntinlupa Public Employment Service Office (PESO) will implement the GIP while the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) will be “responsible for the overall management of the Muntinlupa City Government Internship Program (MC-GIP).”
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 agree with the details behind the ordinance of GIP in the city?
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 Philippine National Police (PNP) is tackling both kidnapping and fake news by establishing two specific committees, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. The moves are in response to a rise of fake news reports related to kidnapping.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has formally established two specialized committees — the Joint Anti-Kidnapping Action Committee (JAKAC) and the Joint Anti-Fake News Action Committee (JAFNAC) — to reinforce its commitment to public safety and truth in information.
In a statement on Monday, PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said the JAKAC will focus on identifying, investigating, and neutralizing organized kidnap-for-hire operations in the country, while the JAFNAC will address the growing menace of misinformation and disinformation that threaten public trust, peace, and national stability.
He said the formation of these committees are aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas vision, and reflects the PNP’s commitment to transparent, accountable, and proactive policing.
“These committees are not just organizational measures — they are proactive responses to modern-day threats. From kidnap-for-hire syndicates to digital disinformation campaigns, the PNP is moving decisively to protect our people. This is our commitment to Bagong Pilipinas — ensuring that law and truth prevail,” Marbil said.
“These initiatives are grounded on the principle that a secure and informed citizenry is key to national development.”
The formation of JAKAC, to be led by PNP Deputy Chief for Investigation Lt. Gen. Edgar Alan Okubo, comes in the wake of the successful resolution of the kidnapping and murder case of businessman Anson Que and his driver Armanie Pabillo.
Marbil commended Okubo and the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) for their decisive action on the case, with three suspects arrested and two others still being hunted.
Alongside kidnapping cases, the spread of fake news also poses significant challenges.
In recent weeks, unverified reports of alleged kidnappings of prominent businessmen have circulated online, prompting alarm and misinformation. The PNP has debunked these claims as baseless and is actively pursuing those behind these malicious posts.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines has a serious problem with fake news online as millions of Filipinos log into social media networks daily? Has your local community been affected by fake news over the past two weeks?
Recently in Parañaque City, elements of the Bureau of Immigration’s (BI) fugitive search unit apprehended a China national over drug trafficking charges, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
A Chinese national wanted in his country for drug trafficking charges has been arrested in Parañaque City, Bureau of Immigration (BI) said on Wednesday.
In a news release, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado identified the fugitive as Ouyang Shixing, 40, who was arrested inside his condominium unit by elements from the BI’s Fugitive Search Unit (FSU).
“Ouyang is the subject of a red notice from the Interpol (International Criminal Police Organization) which was issued last year after he was indicted for drug trafficking in violation of China’s criminal laws,” Viado said.
He said the suspect is also the subject of an arrest warrant issued in November 2023 by the public security bureau in Fuzhou City, Jiangxi, China.
Based on the information received by the BI, Ouyang conspired with another suspect on May 12, 2023 in purchasing methamphetamine from a drug supplier, and later sold the substance to a buyer who paid them 70,000 yuan or nearly USD10,000.
Ouyang then took a train to Hong Kong on Aug. 2 of the same year and absconded with the money by fleeing to the Philippines.
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 there could be more foreign fugitives hiding in your local community right now? What do you think makes Parañaque an attractive city for fugitives to hide 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
Recently in Parañaque City, an armed man (native of Leyte) got arrested for taking a 2-year-old girl hostage, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Very notably, GMA Network’s own news coverage of the incident includes the local mob reaction.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
A man was arrested after he held a two-year-old girl hostage for one hour at Bulungan Market in Barangay La Huerta, Parañaque City on Sunday afternoon, April 13.
Lt. Madison Perie of the Parañaque City police said the suspect was identified as alias “Andy,” a native of Samar, Leyte.
Perie said the suspect, who was armed with a bladed weapon, was seen roaming around the area a few minutes before he took the girl who was playing near the street at Bulungan Market. Bystanders immediately called for police assistance.
Responding policeman, Pat. Samuel Melad, suffered a laceration on his right hand when he snatched the knife from the suspect. The girl was rescued unharmed.
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 there could be some individuals out there who could target minors and take them hostage?
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
Along the stretch of Aguirre Avenue inside BF Homes subdivision, Barangay BF Homes, Parañaque City is the 1950s-inspired diner Hackensack. To be clear, it is the BF Homes branch of the business whose other branch is located in Quezon City.
I had my first-ever visit there this past February for a lunch reunion and meeting with a dear friend of mine. We both had rice meals and drinks, and we had a nice chat while seating comfortably.
Daytime shot of a portion of the interior at Hackensack’s BF Homes branch. Comfortable seats and sufficient space for customers.
Through the window, customers can watch their food getting cooked.
I carefully examined Hackensack as it was my first time back then. I noticed they have sufficient parking spaces – spacious enough to allow double-parking – for motorists outside. Upon entering, the 1950s vibe was clearly present through the interior design and the carefully placed decorations. With the nice interiors, cool aircon system and sufficient walking space between the chairs and tables, Hackensack’s BF Homes branch is nice and comfortable to be in.
Recently, I had a 2nd visit at Hackensack in BF Homes and this time it was dinner with my family.
Food
This is the Deluxe “Smashed” Cheeseburger and Fries Combo. The cheeseburger had two Angus beef patties.
During my 2nd visit, I had the Deluxe “Smashed” Cheeseburger (double-patty) and Fries Combo and a Chocolate Milkshake. The cheeseburger itself came with two Angus beef patties, two wide tomato slices, lettuce and cheese, and it tasted really good. I’m glad I had the cheeseburger as I was getting tired of the cheeseburgers from the more popular burger-and-fries fast food restaurants. Meanwhile, the fries were well cooked and satisfying to eat.
As mentioned above, I had the Chocolate Milkshake although I ordered at least 30 minutes after I finished my cheeseburger and fries combo meal. Hackensack’s milkshake tasted mildly sweet (given the chocolate flavor) but more importantly, it also tasted freshly made.
The chocolate milkshake was tasty and satisfying.
Other food that my family enjoyed include the 1950s Onion-steamed Cheeseburger and Fries Combo, the Fried Onion Strings, Fries, the Philly Cheesesteak, Chicken Wings, and the Classic BLT (Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato). I can clearly say that my family enjoyed the food and what was served exceeded expectations.
The Fried Onion Strings was a delicious appetizer and also ideal when eating with a group of companions.
A standalone service of Fries.
The 1950s Onion-steamed Cheeseburger and Fries Combo.
Hackensack’s menu offers lots of food and drink options that customers can choose from such as the Chicken Salad Sandwich with Chips combo meal, Clubhouse Sandwich with Chips combo meal, Waffle Fries, New York Frank and Fries combo meal, Mom’s Baked Spaghetti, Monty Brewster and Fries combo meal, Homemade Apple Pie, Steak and Eggs rice meal, Rootbeer Float and more.
Arcade games plus notable comic book artworks
While Hackensack has a strong 1950s vibe with its food, interiors and atmosphere, the place with the two arcade cabinets (where players can stand in front of and play games) is something else. If you know your entertainment history, you should be aware already that arcade games in America (electronic games played on machines) did not exist during the 1950s.
That being said, the two arcade cabinets allow users to pick games from a wide selection of titles from the 1970s to the 1990s. The beauty about have these arcade cabinets is that you can play games absolutely free! No need to insert coins or tokens at all!
The two arcade cabinets inside Hackensack. Each machine contains lots of classic arcade games and the great thing is that customers can play those games for free. Simply select the game, press the button and start enjoying retro gaming fun.
A few of the many retro games to choose from.
During my two visits at Hackensack in BF Homes, I had retro gaming fun with Galaga, Elevator Action, X-Men vs. Street Fighter, Pac-Man, the X-Men arcade game from Konami, and Donkey Kong to name some. Other arcade classic available for gamers to choose from include Street Fighter II, Battle City, 1942, Contra, Rambo III and RoboCop to name a few.
In addition to the existing retro gaming vibe the arcade cabinets provided, there were these very notable comic book covers and artworks displayed on the walls near them. Having read and collected superhero comic books in the 1990s, I recognized a lot of notable artworks there such as WetWorks by Whilce Portacio, X-Men by Jim Lee, Youngblood by Rob Liefeld, Spider-Man by Todd McFarlane, and Superman by Dan Jurgens.
Are you a 1990s comic book enthusiast? Check out the selected comic book materials displayed as decorations.
With good food, a comfortable retro place and retro gaming fun, Hackensack really stands out nicely among the many food joints inside BF Homes. As of now, it is the one place in the entire South Metro Manila where you can enjoy meals and arcade games together.
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 movement towards a nuclear-powered Philippines progressed some more as Meralco and the French energy firm Électricité de France SA (EDF) formally signed an agreement to explore nuclear energy development in the country, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
Power utility giant Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with France’s state-owned Électricité de France SA (EDF) to explore the deployment of nuclear energy in the Philippines, an initiative aimed at bolstering long-term energy security.
EDF will provide Meralco with technical support and strategic guidance in conducting feasibility studies under the two-year memorandum of cooperation, according to a news release over the weekend.
Meralco revealed in November 2024 that it is in talks with the French government on research collaborations.
The studies will focus on evaluating site readiness, grid integration and the economic viability of nuclear energy in the Philippines.
“One of Philippine government’s key objectives is to achieve greater energy security for our country and nuclear power is one viable path toward that goal,” Meralco chair and chief executive officer Manuel V. Pangilinan said.
“We see this cooperation as a significant first step for Meralco, and we are committed to taking a leadership role in advancing nuclear energy in the Philippines,” he added.
EDF, one of the world’s largest nuclear power operators, will also offer tailored training on nuclear reactor technologies and project management.
It will support Meralco in preparing for potential deployment and in seeking financing options, including those from the French government.
“Through this important first step — and the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions with you — we hope to make real progress at your site as well. This is the beginning of what we envision as a remarkable, long-term journey, one that could span the next hundred years,” EDF senior vice president for International Nuclear Development Vakisasai Ramany told Meralco officials.
The collaboration builds on Meralco’s nuclear energy strategic transition initiative and its ongoing engagements with France’s top research institutions.
Through its Meralco Power Academy, the company has partnered with Université Paris-Saclay under the Filipino Scholars and Interns on Nuclear Engineering program to develop future Filipino experts in the nuclear field.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that a nuclear-powered Philippines will be realized in the years to come?
The Thai-led oil firm PTT Philippines recently announced that it will expand its operations in the country over the next five years with P1.5 billion worth of investments, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The expansion includes putting up new fuel stations.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
In a briefing on Friday, April 11, PTT Philippines officials said the company is eyeing to increase its fuel stations to 280 within the next five years.
Athiwat Rattanakorn, president and chief executive officer of PTT Philippines, stated that the oil firm aims to improve its nationwide presence, particularly focusing on establishing more stations in Luzon and Visayas.
Currently operating 170 stations throughout the Philippines, PTT plans to not only boost its pumping stations but also increase the brand’s presence.
The firm has also introduced a reformulated line of fuel brands, namely Power+ gasoline, Eco+ gasoline, Ultra+ diesel, and Save+ diesel.
“This is going to redefine high-performance fuels as they are intended to improve driving experience not only in terms of mileage but also the cleaning and protection formula for the engine to last longer,” Rattanakorn said.
Apichate Thipphayakosai, supply and logistics director of PTT Philippines, clarified that while they’re only aiming to add around 110 stations in the next five years, they’re focused on the aviation industry.
“We don’t go aggressively on the number of stations… We have to invest effectively in terms of that one,” he told reporters. “But one other thing that can be the mainstream of revenue of PTT Philippines is aviation. We can say that [for] most of the domestic flights.”
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think this new plan by PTT will make the Philippines a more attractive destination for foreign investors? Is there a PTT fuel station near you right now?
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) raided a house resulting in the arrests of three foreigners, two local cohorts and the seizure of equipment and chemicals that could have been used to make illegal drugs, according to a GMA Network news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of GMA. Some parts in boldface…
Five suspects, including 2 Chinese and a Taiwanese, were nabbed in a raid on a shabu lab in Las Piñas.
According to a 24 Oras Weekend report by John Consulta on Saturday, members of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) were able to seize large flasks, weighing scales, and drums of chemicals used to create illegal drugs in an exclusive subdivision in Las Piñas.
“Doon sa nakuha natin kanina, yung isang drum can manufacture around 50 to 100 kilos of shabu. Napakarami hong nakuha. Isipin niyo nalang po, kung sakaling natuloy po ang pagmanufacture niyan, ilang buhay yung masisira po niyan,” said PDEA spokesperson Atty. Joseph Calulut.
(From what we seized earlier, a drum could manufacture around 50 to 100 kilos of shabu. We got a lot. Just imagine if the manufacturing pushed through, how many lives could have been ruined.)
Some of the nabbed suspects denied accusations of illegal drugs. However, one of the foreigners and a Filipino runner tested positive in a drug test.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think that there could be more secret or hidden drug labs established inside houses within the city? Do you think your barangay or your village is really drug-free?
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 City of Las Piñas, eight members of the Eastern Police District (EPD) got charged over a rogue police operation in which P85 million was stolen from a Chinese businessman, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of the PNA. Some parts in boldface…
State prosecutors found probable cause to charge eight members of the Eastern Police District (EPD) who allegedly stole PHP85 million from a Chinese trader in an unauthorized police operation in Las Piñas City.
In a statement on Friday, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director, Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin, said the Office of the City Prosecutor filed before the court on Thursday a complaint of kidnapping and two counts of robbery against the eight suspects, who are members of the EPD’s District Special Operations Unit (DSOU).
These cases stemmed from an operation where the eight officers served a bogus arrest warrant against the victim on April 2.
The victim and the relatives claimed that the cops shut down their closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera, forcibly opened their vaults, and took away the money in pesos, US dollars, and Malaysian ringgit; jewelry; gadgets, and other personal belongings worth PHP85 million.
“Let me be clear – the NCRPO does not shield any wrongdoing. I will not condone any misdeed perpetrated by any member of NCRPO and I will ensure the filing of airtight cases against police scalawags,” Aberin said.
“We will closely monitor the progress of these criminal cases and we shall ensure that the administrative investigation will result in their dismissal from the service, based on evidence and due process of law.”
Philippine National Police spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo earlier said the sacked DSOU commander, Maj. Emerson Coballes, was tagged as AWOL (absent without official leave) after he did not comply with a return to work order from the NCRPO.
Coballes did not report for duty after the NCRPO found out that the raid on the house of the Chinese businessman was intended to rob him, as the foreigner did not fit the description of the man in the arrest warrant.
Aberin said the complaint against Coballes is set for preliminary investigation on April 22 and 29.
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 concerned that there could be other crooked cops out there who might organize a rogue operation against your household soon?
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 