Motorist charged for cursing and hitting police officers in Muntinlupa City

We sure live in a very divided world. Way over there in America, the hate-driven, terrorist-loving (click here and here), racist Marxist movement Black Lives Matter (BLM) hate the police so much they are actually empowering criminals, endangering the innocent and tearing down their society. No matter what the BLM and its fanatics shout about, the police will always be essential.

On police matters right here in the Philippines, a news report published by the Philippine News Agency (PNA) caught my attention as something happened within the jurisdiction of Muntinlupa City and the chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) issued a statement about it. As of this writing, this news has been publicized by local media outlets.

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

The man who assaulted police officers and traffic enforcers in Muntinlupa will face various charges, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said on Friday.

In a statement, Eleazar said the suspect identified as Franz Luke Orbos will face criminal charges, including alarm and scandal, resistance and disobedience to a person in authority or agents, and direct assault.

In a viral video, Orbos was seen shouting and cursing at law enforcers who apprehended him as his parked vehicle blocked traffic along Susana Heights Road in Barangay Tunasan.

He remained uncooperative and resistant even after he was handcuffed. He was allegedly under the influence of alcohol during the incident.

Meanwhile, Eleazar commended the police officers for calmly dealing with Orbos’ rowdy behavior.

And below is a news video from News5.

This past Saturday, the Manila Bulletin reported that the motorist has been released from detention as ordered by the prosecutor of Muntinlupa City. A preliminary investigation has been set for July 30, 2021.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this news? Are you always respectful towards police officers?

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. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

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: 118 businesses in Las Piñas City awarded with Safety Seals

To ensure that business establishments are safe for customers to visit and do business transactions in during this COVID-19 pandemic, the inspection team of the City Government of Las Piñas found one hundred and eighteen businesses qualified for the Safety Seal as revealed in a recent Manila Bulletin news report. That is a majority of the recent inspection of almost one hundred fifty businesses they visited.

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

The Las Piñas City government inspection and certification team has already inspected 149 business establishments around the city.

Out of the evaluated establishments, 118 have already been awarded with safety seal certification for passing the checklist in the implementation of health and safety protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The Safety Seal Inspection Team formed by Mayor Imelda Aguilar is composed of City Administrator Reynaldo Balagulan, City Public Information Officer-Paul Ahljay San Miguel, and other offices in the city government.

According to the report, 31 business establishments that were inspected and evaluated still need to comply with other requirements before they will be awarded with safety seal certification.

Aguilar called on all business establishments in the city to comply with the checklist requirements.

She said the safety seal certification will allow businesses the opportunity to gradually increase their operating capacity.

For the newcomers reading this, business establishments having Safety Seals posted should restore business confidence at least in the short term. Within Las Piñas, SM Southmall itself got certified safe. Offices at Las Piñas City Hall qualified for Safety Seals. Whether an office or a business establishment has a Safety Seal or not, visitors can still do their parts in meeting health protocols by wearing face masks and face shields.

With regards to local COVID-19 matters, any Las Piñas resident reading this who has yet to get registered for free COVID-19 vaccines can learn the ways (4 methods) by clicking here. Anyone who is ready and willing to register online can click bit.ly/LasPiñasVaccination

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Have you visited any local business there in Las Piñas that does not have a Safety Seal yet? Did you witness the City Government’s inspection team do their work?

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. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

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

Skyway Stage 3 adjustments related to toll collection snags

Were you among the many motorists who got stuck in traffic along the Skyway as a result of snags related to toll collection payments (formally started on July 12, 2021), lack of load for payments and lack of radio frequency identification (RFID) stickers on the vehicles?

Well, you definitely are not alone and the Skyway system operator issued a press statement very recently and they will work harder to make things more convenient for those traveling along Skyway Stage 3. To put things in perspective, posted below is the statement published through the Philippine News Agency (PNA). Some parts in boldface…

Skyway O&M, operator of the Skyway system and a unit under San Miguel Corporation’s (SMC) SMC Infrastructure, expects more seamless movement along the new Skyway Stage 3 with the implementation of new measures to avoid congestion on access and exit points following the first day of toll collection on the elevated expressway.

These measures resulted in faster throughput of vehicles even at high-volume toll plazas just a day later.

“It’s unfortunate that many motorists were caught in traffic last Monday. We apologize for the inconvenience. While this was not totally unexpected on the first day of toll collection, for our part, we know we have to do better. Hopefully, with the measures we put in place, traffic conditions will continue to improve and normalize,” SMC president Ramon S. Ang said in a statement Wednesday.

Ang said that traffic throughput at toll plazas slowed down Monday primarily due to vehicles with insufficient load, as well as those availing of free radio frequency identification (RFID) sticker installation and re-loading onsite.

“Our Skyway teams are always on the ground, and we monitor our expressways via cameras 24/7. If there’s any issue, we can respond and make corrective measures very quickly,” he added.

Among the measures Skyway has since implemented are: deployment of more personnel for traffic management, toll collection, and Autosweep RFID sticker installation; opening of more lanes for Autosweep RFID installation and reloading; and installation of more signs to guide motorists who are unfamiliar with the expressway, its toll plazas, and the start of toll collection.

Motorists with no RFID stickers, who insist on paying in cash, or have insufficient balance are asked to exit the toll booth and park on the side so as not to inconvenience existing ETC users. They are given the option to have RFID tags installed or reloaded, or pay in cash.

Vehicles with no RFID or have insufficient balance are directed to Del Monte Toll Plaza B coming from Balintawak where they can have their RFID tags installed or reloaded.

Skyway O&M reported that traffic throughput at toll plazas was significantly better starting Tuesday, or the second day of toll collection.

For instance, traffic queues at the Buendia southbound exit, which only has two lanes and where there was significant buildup Monday, was considerably shorter at only up to 200 meters. This was observed only during rush hour starting at 8 am.

While the vast majority of motorists utilized electronic toll collection, a small percentage, or 4 percent, consisting of cash-paying motorists and users with insufficient load, slowed down transaction times at toll plazas.

The additional measures implemented have since addressed these issues, bringing about a smoother traffic flow.

Skyway 3 was soft-opened last December and has provided the public free unlimited use for nearly seven months, with SMC’s foregone revenues reaching PHP3 billion.

The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) had just recently issued a notice to start collecting toll to Skyway 3.

“Before, if you were stuck on NLEX or Quezon City and you were headed to Alabang or Makati, or vice-versa, motorists simply had no choice but to endure two to three hours of traffic. Today, with Skyway Stage 3, motorists can opt to use it for convenience and faster travel times. With more vehicles diverted to Skyway 3, there will be less congestion on Edsa, C-5, and other major thoroughfares, resulting in improved travel on our public roads,” Ang said.

SMC and TRB worked together to arrive at toll rates that are much lower than the original toll fee matrix, particularly for vehicles traveling shorter distances.

Apart from foregoing revenues for seven months, SMC had also deferred recovery of a significant portion of the right-of-way costs for the project in consideration of the economic impacts of the pandemic.

With Skyway Stage 3 now operating 24/7, SMC said that Autosweep sites along the elevated expressway are also open 24/7.

“I would like to request our motorists who have not yet availed of their free RFID stickers to please do so, and make sure they are activated with sufficient credit. This measure, which was pushed by (the) government last year, is for everybody’s safety and also for your convenience,” Ang said.

He said using RFID will ensure they have better, safer, and faster trips on the expressways.

“Also, as a reminder, please be conscious of which toll lanes you are using. Do not use ETC- only lanes if you have insufficient balance, as there are penalties that come with this. If you have insufficient balance, please use the assigned lanes for RFID installation or reloading. Most of all, please always show courtesy towards fellow motorists and tollways workers,” he added.

Site locations that offer RFID installation and reloading are from the south, Zobel northbound (After Entry), Quirino northbound exit, Nagtahan northbound exit, Quezon Ave. northbound entry, and Del Monte northbound toll plaza; and from the north, Del Monte southbound toll plaza, Quezon Ave. southbound entry and Plaza Dilao southbound entry.

And here are related news videos from rival networks GMA and ABS-CBN…

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Are you satisfied with what the Skyway operator stated and the adjustments they made? When it comes to traveling from south of Metro Manila to the north, are you willing to endure the heavy traffic along EDSA just to save money now that toll collections are in effect on Skyway Stage 3? What was it like to drive from South Metro Manila all the way to the NLEX via Skyway Stage 3 during toll collection?

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. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

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

P500K in illegal drugs seized and 4 suspects apprehended in Parañaque City

The wave of crime involving illegal drugs continued in Parañaque City yet again (for past reports click herehereherehere, here and here) as the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported that police officers and anti-drug agents successfully pulled off another buy-bust operation that resulted the arrest of four suspects and a little over half a million pesos worth of illegal substances.

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

Four were arrested in a drug bust in Parañaque City on Wednesday that also yielded over P500,000 worth of illegal drugs.

Operatives from the Southern Police District (SPD) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) apprehended suspects Myla Rodolfo, 43; Maria Elena Conche, 60; Gina Magyani, 57; and Annalyn dela Cruz, 33; in an operation at Manggahan St., Brgy. Dionisio at around 6 p.m., said SPD chief Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg Jr.

Seized in the bust were a total of 75 grams of suspected shabu or crystal meth valued at P510,000, two bundles of ‘boodle money,’ and the marked P1000 bill as buy-bust money.

The evidence seized was turned over to the SPD Crime Laboratory for chemical analysis. The arrested suspects will be facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Drugs Act of 2002).

And here is a related news video by PTV…

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What makes you think that Parañaque City is a hot spot in South Metro Manila for crimes involving illegal drugs? Are you thankful to the PDEA and the local police for pulling off another successful buy-bust operation?

When you hear the words Parañaque Renaissance, does crime become the first thing to enter in your mind?

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. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

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

PDEA and partners apprehend suspect and confiscate P3.4 million worth of illegal drugs in Parañaque City

The crime wave involving illegal substances continued in Parañaque City (for past reports click here, here, here, here and here) as the Manila Bulletin recently reported the successful buy-bust operation of the local police, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) which resulted the confiscation of more than P3 million worth of illegal drugs and the arrest of one suspect.

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

A drug suspect was arrested in possession of P3.4 million worth of shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) during a buy-bust operation by combined operatives from the Parañaque police, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Saturday.

Southern Police District (SPD) Director Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg commended the operatives for the arrest of suspect Nabel Sarip, 23, a resident of Parañaque.

Macaraeg said the suspect was arrested at about 3:10 p.m. in front of Raf Mansion Hotel on Service Road, Roxas Boulevard in Baclaran.

Sarip was placed under surveillance by the police after receiving several complaints on the illegal activities of the suspect.

A policeman who acted as a poseur-buyer was able to buy shabu from the suspect leading to his arrest.

Police were able to confiscate from the suspect about 500 grams of shabu placed inside two plastic bags and estimated to be worth P3.4 million.

Macaraeg said the confiscated shabu was brought to the SPD Crime Laboratory for chemical analysis.

Police filed charges of violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002, before the Parañaque Prosecutor’s Office against Sarip, who is now detained at the police custodial facility.

Below is a related news video by ABS-CBN…

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are resident of Parañaque City, are you tired about your city being a hot spot for crimes related to illegal drugs? What do you think makes Parañaque an attractive place for drug pushers/smugglers/mules/traders?

Do you believe it is time for the City Government of Parañaque to become more active in making the city free of illegal drugs?

When you hear the words Parañaque Renaissance, does crime become the first thing to enter in your mind?

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. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

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: Vaccination for minors in Muntinlupa not yet allowed

Very recently, the Manila Bulletin reported that the vaccination of minors (individuals aged 17 and below) is not yet officially allowed by the City Government of Muntinlupa. The City Government had to make a statement as rumors were rife that minors can be vaccinated.

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

Minors, or those 17 years old and below, are not yet allowed to be vaccinated, government officials said.

This was the clarification made by the Muntinlupa City government on rumors spreading that those below 18 years old can now get their vaccine shot.

It said this is based on an advisory issued on July 11 by the National COVID-19 Vaccination Operations Center.

Advisory 65-A, signed by Health Usec. Myrna Cabotaje, stated that “as of July 11, 2021, pediatric/adolescent (17 years old and below) vaccination is not yet allowed.”

“The vaccination rollout will still focus on the eligible population (18 years old and above) under Priority Groups Al, A2. A3, and in some areas, including Priority Groups A4 and A5, as stipulated in the National Vaccine Deployment and Vaccination Plan (NDVP),” the advisory added.

“As of now, they cannot be allowed at vaccination sites as rumored. As per the National Vaccination Deployment Plan, we will still focus on the eligible population of 18 years old and above in the priority groups,” said Muntinlupa City Health Officer Dr. Juancho Bunyi.

As of July 9, 218,064 doses of the vaccines have been administered in Muntinlupa. Of the total, 152,900 individuals received their first dose, or 39.6 percent of the target population of 385,725.

Of the 152,900 first dose recipients, 10,928 are A1 (health workers), 19,319 are A2 (senior citizens), 64,975 are A3 (persons with comorbidities), 49,396 are A4 (essential workers) and 8,282 are A5 (poor population).

In addition, 65,164 individuals received their second dose, or 16.9 percent of the target population.

For Muntinlupa City residents who have not yet registered for the free COVID-19 vaccines, learn the ways to get registered right here. If you are ready to register yourself online, click https://vaccine.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac/

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a parent of a minor living in Muntinlupa City, are you comfortable with the idea of having your child vaccinated? Do you believe it is time for the national authorities to make clear its stand on the issue of having minors vaccinated for COVID-19?

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. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

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

Two suspects arrested and P1.3 million in illegal substances seized in Parañaque City

The Manila Bulletin reported that on July 6, 2021 (Tuesday), local police officers successfully seized P1.3 million worth of illegal substances and apprehended two persons as suspects as a result of buy-bust operation that took place in Barangay San Isidro, Parañaque City. This is the 2nd straight illegal drugs-related crime report about Parañaque following the drugs-in-DVD-cases report.

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

Southern Police District (SPD) operatives arrested two drug suspects on Tuesday in Paranaque City and confiscated from them P1.3 million worth of shabu.

SPD Director Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg, citing a report by city police chief Col. Maximo Sebastian, said the arrests were made during a buy-bust operation along San Juan Miguel St., San Antonio, Valley 6, Barangay San Isidro, Paranaque City on Tuesday.

The arrested suspects were identified as Myrna Sobinsky, 47, and Marjun Estolonio, 30, both residents of Paranaque City.

The police said the suspects were placed under surveillance by members of the Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) after receiving reports on their illegal drug activities.

Members of the SDEU immediately conducted a buy-bust operation and were able to confiscate from the suspects four pieces of medium heat sealed transparent sachet containing about 200 grams of shabu worth P1.3-million.

And now here is the related news video by GMA Network…

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are living in Parañaque City, do you believe that the local police officers and barangay tanods are doing enough to protect your local community from criminals? Who do you think is the mastermind behind the presence of illegal drugs in Parañaque City?

Did someone promise you that Parañaque City would be a drug-free or crime-free city soon? Do you believe in the so-called Parañaque Renaissance?

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. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

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: SM Southmall certified safe in Las Piñas City

SM Southmall, a major shopping and lifestyle destination located along Alabang-Zapote Road in Las Piñas City, recently received its Safety Seal and Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery was present during the inauguration ceremony at the mall.

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

SM Southmall has been awarded with the safety seal. With Las Piñas rolling out the safety seal inspection in the region, SM Southmall is the first mall city to receive the seal.

Present in the inauguration were the Vice Mayor of Las Pinas City, Hon. April T. Aguilar; Chief of the Business Permits and Licensing Office Mr. Willy Gaerlan; Bernice Baculi, AVP of Operations for SM Southmall and Sally Chandumal, Mall Manager of SM Southmall.

“I am very pleased to be here in SM Southmall for the awarding of the safety seal certificate wherein SM Southmall is the first to pass the safety seal inspection conducted by our team,” says BPLIO Head Willy Gaerlan, “we hope we will maintain the standard we’ve already received.”

SM Southmall continues to excel in its safety and sanitation protocols with temperature checks, one-way signs, social distancing rules, alfresco dining, safety protocol officers and constant hygiene maintenance to ensure the safety of its customers.

In my personal observation, SM Southmall and SM shopping malls, literally, went the extra mile in keeping their facilities sanitized, cleaned and orderly. As for what the Safety Seal is, it is the indication that the establishment is compliant in terms of the standard safety protocols and other related requirements. In nearby Muntinlupa City, the Alabang Town Center (ATC) was certified with the Safety Seal and other malls in the city applied for the seal.

Going back to Las Piñas City, the Safety Seal continues to make its presence felt even more. Already offices in Las Piñas City Hall got certified with the Safety Seal making them safe for people to visit. The City Government has a team dedicated on handling Safety Seal certifications.

For South Metro Manila residents reading this, SM Southmall’s safety certification is a big help not just to the mall itself and to its business partners, but also to anyone who needs to be at the mall for their respective needs, dining, and business transactions.

As for local COVID-19 matters, any Las Piñas resident reading this who has yet to get registered for free COVID-19 vaccines can learn the ways (4 methods) by clicking here. Anyone who is ready and willing to register online can click bit.ly/LasPiñasVaccination

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Have you been visiting SM Southmall lately for your essential needs or dining? Are the mall personnel there working to ensure your safety from COVID-19? If you visit SM Southmall more than once a week, how much time do you spend there during each visit?

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. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

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

Skyway Stage 3 toll collection to start July 12, 2021

For those of you who constantly drive going north or south through Skyway Stage 3, better brace yourselves as the collection of tolls from motorists will formally begin on July 12, 2021. That is this coming Monday already. Take note that it has been seven months since the use of Skyway Stage 3 was kept free for motorists.

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

After nearly seven months of providing the public free use of the 18-kilometer Skyway Stage 3, San Miguel Corp. (SMC) on Tuesday announced it will start collecting toll on the elevated expressway starting July.

In a statement, SMC said it will be using a revised toll matrix which is lower than the original proposed toll fees.

To recall, the Toll Regulatory Board approved last March the provisional toll rates for the Skyway 3.

The approved provisional toll rates are the following:

For Class 1 vehicles

Buendia to Sta. Mesa – P105.00

Sta. Mesa to Ramon Magsaysay – P30.00

Ramon Magsaysay to NLEX Balintawak – P129.00

Buendia to NLEX Balintawak – P264.00

For Class 2 vehicles, the toll rates are twice as much as the rates for Class 1 vehicles.

For Class 3, the rates are thrice the price of Class 1.

The approved provisional toll rates are lower than San Miguel’s petition ranging from P110 to P274.

SMC said the TRB issued a Toll Operating Permit and a Notice to Start Collecting Toll on Skyway 3.

The company, through its SMC Infrastructure, said it will post the final approved toll rates at the toll plazas prior to the start of toll collection.

SMC president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang said that the revised toll matrix, as approved by the TRB, takes into consideration the pandemic, its impact on the economy, and on Filipinos.

“We thank the TRB for helping us determine the most equitable toll rates for our motorists.  We know from experience that times are hard for many, and even a little relief for motorists can go a long way. These toll rates reflect our deferral of the collection of a substantial amount of the cost to build Skyway 3. We also further lowered the rates for those traveling shorter distances,” Ang said.

He said the tolls it will collect will provide the company revenues to ensure continued efficient operations, maintenance, and safe driving conditions on the elevated expressway—particularly as daily traffic puts a heavy strain on the road infrastructure, necessitating significant maintenance costs.

Skyway 3 reduced travel time from Alabang to Balintawak and vice versa, to only 30 minutes from the previous three hours, and from Buendia to Balintawak, to only 20 minutes.

With a capacity of 200,000 vehicles per day, the elevated toll road has also significantly decongested traffic on major Metro Manila thoroughfares, including Edsa and C-5.

With the start of toll collection, the government can now also start generating significant income from the expressway, as it imposes a 12 % VAT on all toll fees, according to SMC.

SMC said it fully-funded the construction of the project with no government funds or guarantees and had spent over P80 billion– more than double its original cost – to complete the project over a period that spans two administrations.

And here is a related video news report also by GMA Network…

As seen in the above report, clearly it is high time for motorists to pay San Miguel Corporation (SMC) for using Skyway Stage 3 which itself is a magnificent piece of infrastructure (made possible by capitalists, not socialists) that will benefit generations of Filipinos who need to travel north, south and within key parts of Metro Manila. Skyway Stage 3 is a major factor in the decongestion of traffic along EDSA, C-5 and other major metropolitan roads. By the way, what motorists will pay starting Monday, a portion of that will go to the national government in the form of value-added tax (VAT).  

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Are you prepared to pay the toll rates for Skyway Stage 3 starting July 12? How many times a week do you travel along Skyway Stage 3? Are the toll rates approved fair to you?

If you are a daily traveler on Skyway Stage 3, how was your travel time between destinations?

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. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

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

Illegal drugs contained in DVD storage cases seized in Parañaque City

Very recently, the Manila Bulletin published new Parañaque City crime news related to illegal drugs. There is a catch, however, because this latest crime development involved the use of a DVD storage cases as a means to contain the illegal substance which amounted to hundreds of thousands of Pesos.

Think about that. Plastic DVD cases not used for storing movies on disc format but for storing illegal drugs instead. Fortunately for the city and the people, the person suspected to be responsible for the illegal drugs got arrested by police officers (who deserve thanks).

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

A 30-year-old man was arrested by members of the Southern Police District Drug Enforcement Unit (DDEU) during a buy-bust operation in possession of P340,000 worth of shabu hidden inside DVD cases in Paranaque City on Monday night.

SPD Director Brig. Gen, Jimili Macaraeg identified the suspect as Roy Francis Tolesora. He is now detained at the SPD custodial detention facility and charges for violation of RA 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002, will be filed against him.

Macaraeg said Tolesora was arrested by members of the DDEU along Angelina Canaynay Avenue, Barangay San Dionisio, Paranaque City at about 7:00 p.m.

He said DDEU members conducted a buy-bust operation against the suspect resulting in the confiscation of about 50 grams of shabu amounting to P340,000.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Do you believe that it is possible for local authorities to make Parañaque City a drug-free city? Do you believe that the police are doing enough to get rid of criminals by organizing buy-bust operations? When it comes to crime, what particular form of crime do you think defines criminal activity in Parañaque 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. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

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