journalism – Page 14 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Small groups from POGOs moving into residential areas

October 25, 2024October 16, 2024carlocarrasco

The nationwide ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) is arguably working. That being said, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) stated that the POGOs have been forming smaller groups which have moved into residential areas to secretly operate, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) appear to be trying to evade the authorities by forming smaller groups and setting up in residential areas, the National Bureau of Investigation said amid a raid on a group of alleged scammers.

In a report by John Consulta on 24 Oras on Tuesday, 17 foreigners were arrested in the raid on a residential unit in Makati City. They were caught at their workstations for alleged scamming activities, including love scams and crypto scams.

“Pag nakakuha sila ng pool of information, magko-conduct sila ng background investigation kung sino ang target nila. Pag nakita nila yung pattern, yung character, yung hobby, yung daily activities at the same time yung longings ng kanilang victims, ie-engage nila through social engineering,” said National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Cybercrime Division Chief Jeremy Lotoc.

(When they get a pool of information, they will conduct a background investigation on their target. When they see the pattern, the character, the hobby, the daily activities, and at the same time the longings of their victims, they will engage through social engineering.)

“Merong hacker, merong buyer ng data. May nakita kaming program-coded script na pwede magamit to access other systems without the authority nor consent of the system owner we assume meron silang activity in terms of hacking,” Lotoc added.

(There is a hacker, and there is a buyer of data. We found a program-coded script that can be used to access other systems without the authority or consent of the system owner. We assume they have activity in terms of hacking.)

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said they are from big Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) companies.

“Yung malalaking POGO, nag-group sila into smaller group, nag-o-occupy ng residential units, apartments, para hindi mahalata na POGO, yun pa rin. To continue their scamming activities,” said NBI Director Jimmy Santiago.

(These big POGOs form smaller groups and occupy residential units so that they can’t be detected. Then they continue their scamming activities.)

The NBI is already examining the computers to obtain the details of their victims, while an inquest has already been conducted on those arrested and they are facing online fraud complaints and the violation of the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you concerned that there could be these small POGO-related units secretly operating within the residential communities near you? Has there been a raid in your local community in connection with POGOs, scamming and hacking?

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

Office market shrinks in connection with nationwide POGO ban

October 24, 2024October 14, 2024carlocarrasco

It has been months since the nationwide ban on POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) was declared and this resulted in the shrinking of the office market as demand for office spaces weakened, according to a Manila Bulletin business news report.

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

The total ban on the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) contributed to a significant decrease in the demand for office spaces in the third quarter of the year, property brokerage firm Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC) said.

In a statement, LPC said office take-up from July to September dropped by 21 percent to only 215,000 square meters (sqm), with the POGO industry’s downsize and other tenants’ transfer to newer spaces contributing to an increase in vacancies.

The POGO industry was one of the main drivers of the residential and office markets at the time of the Duterte administration, until getting totally banned by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. this year amid their venture into illicit areas.

“The grave abuse and disrespect to our system and laws must stop. We need to stop them and their abuse to our country,” Marcos Jr. said.

Despite the decline in office take-ups this quarter, LPC said that the country is on track to surpass the one million sqm office demand registered last year.

“The year-to-date demand for office space has reached 900,000 sqm, marking an 11 percent increase over the first three quarters of 2023,” it said.

In terms of leasing pattern, LPC said tenants are now shifting from higher-quality buildings to offices that can offer better and larger spaces.

In terms of location, the bay area continues to be the top choice, with office take-up driven primarily by government agencies occupying 80,000 sqm in the first nine months of the year. Outside Metro Manila, Cebu remains the top provincial market with the higher take-up coming from the IT-BPM industry.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the shrinking of the office market is temporary at best and a recovery could begin before the end of the year? Do you favor the ban on POGOs?

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

Philippines achieved double-digit tax collection growth in first 9 months of 2024

October 23, 2024October 11, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently the Department of Finance (DOF) announced that the Philippines achieved double-digit growth in the January-September stretch of 2024, according to a Manila Bulletin business news report.

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

The Department of Finance (DOF) reported that collections from the government’s two main tax agencies showed strong double-digit growth in the first nine months of the year.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Bureau of Customs collectively gathered P2.771 trillion from January to September 2024, a 10 percent increase from P2.518 trillion in the same period last year.

Of this total, the BIR, which is responsible for nearly 70 percent of the government’s annual revenue, collected P2.08 trillion by the end of September—a 12 percent increase compared to P1.858 trillion the previous year.

This nine-month collection accounted for 73 percent of the BIR’s full-year target of P2.842 trillion.

In contrast, the Customs bureau raised P690.8 billion as of September, a modest 4.6 percent increase from P660.39 billion in the previous year. This amount represents 73.5 percent of its annual target of P939.7 billion.

In May, the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) revised its tax collection projections for the BIR and Customs downward, citing expectations of slower economic growth this year.

According to the DBCC’s 2024 Quarterly Fiscal Program, approved on May 23, the BIR and Customs are now expected to collect P3.788 trillion this year, a reduction of 5.6 percent from the original target of P4.014 trillion.

The BIR’s full-year collection target was adjusted down by 6.7 percent from the previous goal of P3.055 trillion, while the Customs bureau’s target was lowered by 2 percent from the earlier estimate of P959 billion.

Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman, who chairs the DBCC, explained to the Manila Bulletin that these adjustments were primarily driven by a lower-than-expected economic growth outlook, among other factors.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the BIR will be able to collect P3 trillion by the end of the year? Do you think the recent tax collection reports suggest that the national economy will grow stronger in the next two 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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World Bank (WB) sees strong Philippine economic growth in 2024 and 2025

October 22, 2024October 11, 2024carlocarrasco

By citing positive factors in its latest report, the World Bank (WB) raised its Philippine economic growth forecasts for 2024 and 2025, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

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

THE World Bank (WB) has raised its economic growth forecasts for the Philippines for this year and in 2025, driven by improved service exports and public investments.

But weak consumption and investment will keep the country’s growth below pre-pandemic levels, it said.

In its East Asia and Pacific Economic Update, the Washington-based multilateral lender now expects the Philippine economy to grow by 6% this year from 5.8%.

The Philippines could become the second-fastest growing economy in Southeast Asia, behind Vietnam (6.1%) and ahead of Cambodia (5.3%), Indonesia (5%), Malaysia (4.9%), Laos (4.1%), Timor-Leste (3%), Thailand (2.4%) and Myanmar (1%).

“Among the larger countries, only Indonesia is expected to grow in 2024 and 2025 above pre-pandemic levels, while growth in Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam is expected to be below those levels,” the World Bank said.

For 2025, it forecasts Philippine economic output to expand by 6.1% from 5.9% in its April forecast.

The lender’s growth forecasts for the Philippines are at the low end of the government’s target of 6-7% for 2024 and below the 6.5-7.5% goal for next year.

The Philippine economy grew by 6.3% in the second quarter, faster than 5.8% in the previous quarter and 4.3% a year ago. In the first half, growth averaged 6%.

The World Bank said service exports and public investment have supported Philippine economic growth, but consumption and private investment remain weak.

From 2024 to 2026, the lender expects the Philippine economy to grow by an average of 6%, it said in a separate report.

This will be supported by remittances, jobs, slower inflation and external demand. However, weaker growth in China, global economic slowdown and weather disruptions are risks to the outlook.

It also projects the government’s budget deficit to fall to 4.6% of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2026 due to improved state spending. This is slightly below the 4.73% target for the year.

Better revenue collection will be supported by key tax measures, improved tax administration and higher dividends from state-owned corporations, the World Bank said.

The lender also raised this year’s growth forecast for the East Asia-Pacific region to 4.8% from 4.5% in April.

“Most East Asia-Pacific economies are expected to experience robust growth in 2024, supported by private consumption and a positive external environment,” according to the report. In 2025, the region is expected to grow by 4.4% from its previous forecast of 4.3%.

However, domestic demand is expected to moderate in the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand, while private investment growth remains weak across the region.

“Investment growth has been declining across most countries in the region over the past two decades, with particularly sharp drops in China, Indonesia, Malaysia, and more recently, the Philippines.”

It also noted that the Philippines and Malaysia have kept a conservative fiscal stance due to their higher structural deficit this year.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines has enough momentum to exceed the WB’s economic growth forecasts for 2024 and 2025?

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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377 families graduate from Muntinlupa City’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps)

October 22, 2024October 14, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, three hundred and seventy-seven families (377) graduated from the local Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), 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 total of 377 families graduated from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Muntinlupa.

4Ps is the Philippine government’s “national poverty reduction strategy and human capital investment program that provides conditional cash transfer to poor households for a maximum period of seven (7) years, to improve health, nutrition and education,” according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The beneficiaries of 4Ps “are households that: are classified as poor and near-poor based on the Standardized Targeting System and the poverty threshold issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) at the time of selection.”

The DSWD led the Pugay Tagumpay Graduation Day attended by Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon where the families were recognized.

“Sabi nga nila, walang forever, at mas maganda talaga na walang forever pagdating sa pagtanggap ng tulong mula sa gobyerno (As they say, there is no forever, and it’s better that there is no forever when it comes to receiving assistance from the government),” said Biazon.

He said 4Ps can be seen not only as a chance to get financial assistance from the government but to learn life lessons including saving, budgeting and prioritizing needs.

“Ayaw natin na umaasa lang ang mga tao sa gobyerno (We don’t want people to rely solely on the government); we want every family to be self-sustaining,” the mayor added.

“The City Government will continue to support Muntinlupeño families, especially in the education of your children. Congratulations to all the graduates! Patuloy tayong magsikap para sa mas maliwanag na kinabukasan! (Let’s continue to strive for a brighter future),” he added.

According to the Muntinlupa City government, the graduation from 4Ps meant that a family is now out of poverty and has the capability to become self-sufficient.

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 know any family in your local community that needs to get enrolled in the local 4Ps program? How many families in your local community were among the 377 graduates?

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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Karate instructor arrested in Manila for robbing a house in Parañaque, illegal possession of firearms and other violations

October 20, 2024October 13, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently a man who taught karate lessons as a profession was arrested by the police in the City of Manila for breaking into a house in Parañaque City and robbing it, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The police responded to the complaint of the Parañaque resident who was robbed.

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

Members of the Parañaque City Police arrested a karate instructor after breaking into and robbing a house in Barangay Tambo on Saturday, October 12.

The Southern Police District (SPD) immediately conducted an operation against the armed suspect identified as “Davy” following a robbery complaint filed against him by his victim.

According to the police investigation, the suspect suddenly entered the victim’s house at gunpoint and stole a gadget, an iPhone, and cash amounting to P5,000.

SPD Director Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang said police officers were able to track and arrest the suspect using a global positioning system (GPS) from the victim’s stolen mobile phone in Sta. Cruz, Manila.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, did you notice a rise of house break-ins and robbery in your local community over the past sixty days?

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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Hamas leader and mass murderer Yahya Sinwar eliminated in Gaza

October 19, 2024October 18, 2024carlocarrasco

As some of you are already aware, I fully stand with Israel which is very connected with my uncompromising faith in the Lord. I keep on praying to Him for Israel to overwhelm its enemies, rescue the hostages and recover from the effects of the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks committed by the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas which is sponsored by terrorist state Iran. I can assure all of you that nobody from the evil Islamo-Leftist mob, nobody from the pro-Palestine radicals and nobody from any evil society would stop me from supporting and loving Israel.

Now, on with the news…

Very recently inside the Gaza strip, soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) eliminated the Hamas leader and mass murderer Yahya Sinwar who happens to be the mastermind behind the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks on Israel. It has also been verified by DNA testing and physical examination that Sinwar’s dead body is genuine and already Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a speech about this major breakthrough.

Sinwar was not just a Palestinian terrorist sponsored by terrorist state Iran. He was a demon who lived with pure hatred towards Israel and always called for violence against the Jewish state. Sinwar has a history of murder and genocide. As such, the elimination of the Hamas leader (which happened unexpectedly) is a tremendous achievement not only for Israel but also in the war against terrorists. To see more precise details about what happened, click https://looking4theblessedhope.com/2024/10/17/they-got-him-yahya-sinwar-mastermind-of-the-october-7-massacre-is-dead/

Very clearly, George W. Bush’s war on terror has long been over and Israel is now the leading the fight against terrorists while also defending Western democracy and freedom in the region. Sinwar’s death is the latest following the elimination of Hezbollah’s top leader Nasrallah and that of Hamas’ other leader Ismail Haniyeh (who was eliminated inside Iran) made 2024 the year of the fall of terrorist leaders.

For added insight, watch the YouTube videos below…

There is no doubt about it. God is on Israel’s side and already the tide is turning against terrorist state Iran (whose wicked government continues to brutalize Iranians who don’t agree with them) and the terrorist groups who are doing their dirt works. Iran already launched two barrages of missiles at Israel and God defended the nation. The war with the terrorists will still go on but Israel has God to keep on striving, winning and achieving justice for the victims of terrorists.

Before ending this post, I want to reach out to all the people out there who hate Israel, the people who were brainwashed by Islamo-Leftist forces and others who are living with evil, violence and hatred.

My message to the evildoers, the lost, the violent and unsaved is this: Stop being evil. Stop your terrorist activities. Stop being the terrorists’ pawns and useful idiots. Stop being a pawn of Satan and start purifying yourselves with the Word of God so that you can come to Lord Jesus to repent and submit willingly. It is your decision to make the right moves and head towards the light of Lord Jesus (Savior and Hope of all nations) while you still have time.

Thank you for your attention.

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Two men arrested during Parañaque City buy-bust operation, P680K worth of illegal substances confiscated

October 19, 2024October 11, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Parañaque, two men got arrested as a result of a successful buy-bust operation in Barangay San Dionisio, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Seized from them was almost P700,000 worth of illegal drugs.

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

Around P680,000 worth of shabu was confiscated from two drug suspects during a buy-bust operation in Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque City on Thursday, October 10.

Members of the Parañaque City Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) identified the suspects as “Hadji” and “Ben.”

Authorities conducted the operation following the complaints against the suspects for their illegal drug activities around their community.

The confiscated drug evidence, which was around 100 grams, was turned over to the Southern Police District Forensic Unit.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you consider the smuggling and trading of illegal drugs serious problems of the city? Do you think the secretive trading of illegal drugs has been happening in your local community?

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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Chinese national arrested in Parañaque City for illegal possession of firearm, grave threat and gun ban violation

October 19, 2024October 18, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, an armed Chinese national was arrested by the local police for illegally possessing a firearm, committing grave threat and violating the gun ban, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The suspect had an intense argument with a fellow Chinese national.

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

A Chinese national was arrested for allegedly pointing a gun at his friend during a heated arguement in Parañaque City on Wednesday night, October 16.

The Southern Police District (SPD) identified the suspect as “Liu,”32. Liu was arrested at around 8:10 p.m. near a hotel in Barangay Don Galo, Parañaque City.

Based on the police investigation, the suspect had a heated argument with his compatriot identified as “Fang” while inside a vehicle driven by “Mark.”

Mark reportedly stopped the vehicle and sought assistance to some bystanders. Luckily, officers from the Parañaque Police Station Investigation and Detective Management Unit (SIDMU) who were conducting an operation near the area heard the commotion and responded to it.

Upon arrival, the officers witnessed Fang and Mark who had already subdued the suspect and were able to get hold of a pistol which Liu allegedly pointed to Fang.

Police recovered the .9mm pistol with five live ammunition from the suspect who failed to show any documents on the firearm.

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 still a lot more Chinese nationals living in the city who could cause trouble? Have you been wondering how Chinese nationals are able to get hold of guns?

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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Further rate cuts by BSP could boost demand for condominium units and new residential projects in Metro Manila

October 18, 2024October 10, 2024carlocarrasco

Here in Metro Manila, there is currently an oversupply of condominium units. Further rate cuts by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) could boost demand for existing condominium units and also new residential projects within the metropolis, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

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

FURTHER RATE CUTS by the Philippine central bank could help spur new residential project launches and drive take-up of existing condominiums in Metro Manila, a property consultant said.

In its third-quarter property market report, Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC) said the inventory level of condominium units in Metro Manila has reached 67,600 units across 510 buildings — “the highest since the pandemic.”

“It’s an oversupply of the buildings in the market at 29 months’ supply. (Developers) have been slowly launching new projects,” LPC Research Director Roy Amado Golez said at a briefing on Oct. 8.

Quezon City and Ortigas (plus fringe areas) have the most number of unsold condominium units at 18,000 and 13,500, respectively.

High interest rates may have dampened demand for residential condominiums in Metro Manila. LPC said 6,885 units were sold in the July-to-September period, “close to the 7,000 level for the third straight quarter.”

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) had kept its policy rate at an over 17-year high of 6.5% from October 2023 to mid-August 2024. It reduced the benchmark rate to 6.25% at its Aug. 15 meeting.

“The interest rate levels today are still at elevated levels, at 6.25%. However, we’ll be likely seeing rate cuts in October as well as December. Hopefully, those rate cuts will boost… the residential market,” Mr. Golez said.

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. earlier signaled the Monetary Board could deliver two 25-basis-point (bp) rate cuts at each of its two remaining meetings this year.

LPC said rate cuts would help ease lending conditions for both developers and homebuyers, as well as encourage developers to launch new projects.

Muted demand may have prompted developers to defer new residential projects. New project launches plunged by 39% to 2,145 units in the quarter ending September, which LPC said was the lowest since the pandemic.

“What developers are most likely doing now is reselling or re-launching or reintroducing marketing programs for their current inventory,” Mr. Golez said, adding that lower interest rates may provide a lift to sales in the next few quarters.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the BSP should reduce the rates soon so that the residential market of Metro Manila will be reinvigorated? Are there any families in your local community who intend to buy a condominium unit and live in it?

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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