journalism – Page 17 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Las Piñas City Government releases cash aid to over 2,000 “Tara, Basa” beneficiaries

September 19, 2024September 13, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, more than two thousand beneficiaries of the “Tara, Basa” program received cash aid from the City Government (in tandem with the Department of Social Welfare and Development), according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The distribution was led by Vice Mayor April Aguilar.

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

The Las Piñas city government, in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), distributed cash aid to 2,119 beneficiaries of its “Tara,Basa” tutoring program on Thursday, September 12.

Las Piñas city Vice-Mayor April Aguilar led the distribution held at the Verdant covered court in Barangay Pamplona Tres.

Aguilar said the beneficiaries who finished the 20-day tutorial session received P4,700 cash for their service as tutors or youth development workers.

The tutoring program is a new initiative by the DSWD aimed at employing college students from low-income families as tutors for elementary school children struggling with reading.

Through the 20-day tutorial sessions, the tutors not only help improve literacy among young learners but also provide training for parents or guardians, enabling them to continue the tutorial support at home.

Meanwhile, parents who attended the 20-day “Nanay-Tatay” sessions covering topics such as communication and child behavior, were also given cash aid for their active participation.

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 convinced that the “Tara, Basa” program is improving education as well as supporting low-income families?

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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Rehabilitation of airport begins as government formally turns over NAIA operations to San Miguel-led group

September 19, 2024September 18, 2024carlocarrasco

The rehabilitation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has officially started as a result of the government’s recent turnover of airport operations to the New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) which is a San Miguel-led group, according to a news report by GMA Network. To be clear, the government still owns NAIA and the operations will be handed back by the private group many years from now. Over P140 billion will be invested on managing and improving the NAIA.

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

The government turned over Saturday the operation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to the San Miguel-led New NAIA Infra Corp., setting in motion the rehabilitation of the Philippines’ main gateway.

In a news release, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said key officials of the agency and Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) handed over the airport to its new private operator during a ceremony at NAIA’s Terminal 3.

“The baton has been passed and now it is our turn in NNIC to carry it forward to the finish line,” said NNIC general manager Lito Alvarez.

Transportation Undersecretary for Aviation Roberto Lim expressed support to NNIC, saying the takeover would be a precursor to a world-class and modernized NAIA.

“Today, we celebrate the competitive spirit of the winning consortium, which brings financial muscle, management expertise, and the technical operations strength and experience of Incheon Airport,” said Lim.

The turnover of NAIA’s rehabilitation, operations, and further development to NNIC, formerly SMC SAP & Co. Consortium, is seen to boost the airport capacity to meet growing demand by handling more flights and passengers, while improving service quality and compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.

San Miguel-led NNIC is investing approximately P144 billion to manage and improve NAIA under a 15-year concession, extendable by 10 years, which would be contingent on meeting key performance targets.

The DOTr clarified that ownership of the airport will remain with the government. The agency said that at the end of the concession period, NNIC will return to the government the operations of NAIA.

The government signed the landmark concession agreement for the NAIA Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project on March 18.

Among the expected improvements in NAIA that the traveling public and other stakeholders can expect include expansion of the Passenger Terminal Buildings (PTBs), additional aircraft parking bays, increase in vehicular parking slots, installation of world-class systems and technology, more food and beverage (F&B) and retail options, more convenient land transport connectivity, among others.

Furthermore, flight delays and cancellations due issues with airport facilities are expected to be significantly reduced.

NNIC Chairman Ramon Ang said, “A world-class airport means more jobs, more tourists and a much more stronger and prosperous Philippines.“

The consortium is committing to modernize NAIA, increasing its capacity from 35 million passengers to 62 million passengers. Air traffic movement is also expected to be increased from 40 movements per hour to 48.

The rehabilitation is expected to generate at least 58,000 jobs for Filipinos.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that the NAIA operations will improve under the San Miguel-led group? Do you think this will lead to improved travel efficiency, convenience and comfort for millions of air travelers in the Philippines?

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

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NEDA sees faster Philippines GDP growth in the 2nd half of 2024

September 17, 2024September 12, 2024carlocarrasco

Citing some factors, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) sees faster gross domestic product (GDP) growth for the Philippine economy in the 2^nd half of this year which should result in a full 2024 growth rate of 6% to 7%, according to a BusinessWorld new report.

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

PHILIPPINE gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the second semester could be faster than the 6% average in the first half amid easing inflation and lower policy rates, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said.

“Now, with inflation lower, with policy rates lower, with the labor market continuing to be robust, I think we would see an even better second half than in the first half,” NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan told BusinessWorld on the sidelines of a Senate hearing on Wednesday.

In the second quarter, GDP expanded by 6.3%, bringing the first-half growth to 6%.

“We are expecting 6-7% (GDP growth) for the full year, and I think that the likelihood that we’ll achieve that is now very high,” Mr. Balisacan said.

However, even as inflation eased to a seven-month low of 3.3% in August, Mr. Balisacan noted that the economy remains sensitive to inflationary pressures.

Year to date, inflation averaged 3.6%, settling within the 2-4% target range of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

The inflation downtrend has allowed the BSP to begin its easing cycle with its first rate cut in nearly four years last August. The Monetary Board lowered the policy rate by 25 basis points (bps) to 6.25% from the over 17-year high of 6.25% previously.

Mr. Balisacan noted the impact of lower policy rates “is not almost instantaneous.”

Despite this, the Philippine and US central banks’ expected easing path should help boost investment activity and support growth, he said.

“Especially now that the expectations everywhere with the Fed expected to decrease (interest rates)… then, there is now greater stimulus for us to continue lowering the policy rates,” he said. “With the business community hearing that, they are likely to rethink their investment plans.”

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. earlier signaled another 25-bp cut in the fourth quarter. The last two Monetary Board meetings for the year are scheduled on Oct. 17 and Dec. 19.

Meanwhile, GDP growth is expected to settle within the government’s target range this year, but may fall short of the growth goals in the next two years, according to the latest forecasts from the BSP’s Policy Analysis Model for the Philippines.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the economy of the Philippines has enough momentum to achieve GDP growth of 7% for 2024?

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 who was caught illegally practicing medicine in Parañaque City formally charged

September 13, 2024September 8, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, a certain Chinese national who was arrested in Parañque City for illegally practicing medicine was formally charged for violating Republic Act 2382 and estafa, according to a Philippine Star news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Philippine Star news story. Some parts in boldface…

Criminal cases were filed against a Chinese national who was arrested in Parañaque for medical malpractice, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) reported on Friday.

Xu Yisheng, also known as Xu Xingzhe, underwent inquest proceedings before the office of the city prosecutor of Parañaque for violation of Republic Act 2382, or the Medical Act and estafa, NBI director Jaime Santiago said.

Santiago said they received information that Xu was maintaining a clinic in Parañaque and offering medical services to his compatriots for a fee.

The NBI, together with the Professional Regulation Commission, found out that the suspect is neither a licensed physician, nurse nor medical technologist and is not authorized to practice medicine in the country.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be more Chinese nationals illegally practicing medicine in the city? Do you consider Parañaque a hot spot of crime involving Chinese nationals?

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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Improving foreign investment outlook for Philippines seen

September 12, 2024September 4, 2024carlocarrasco

As far as analysts are concerned, the foreign investment outlook for the Philippines is improving and should result in more investments, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

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

LOWER INTEREST RATES will help drive the entry of more foreign direct and portfolio investments into the Philippines, analysts said.

“The outlook for foreign direct investment (FDI) and foreign portfolio investment (FPI) in the Philippines appears promising, with current trends suggesting the country could meet or potentially exceed the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) targets,” Security Bank Corp. Chief Economist Robert Dan J. Roces said in a Viber message.

The BSP expects to record FDI net inflows of $9.5 billion this year. For foreign portfolio investments, it forecasts $3.1 billion in net inflows by yearend.

“The BSP’s forecast for the year sounds reasonable, as it wouldn’t be too far a stretch, with that sort of level of annual FDI coming into the Philippines almost consistently over this period, barring the coronavirus-hit year in 2020,” Pantheon Macroeconomics Chief Emerging Asia Economist Miguel Chanco said in an e-mail.

In the January-to-May period, FDI net inflows jumped by 15.8% year on year to $4.024 billion, data from the BSP showed.

Meanwhile, short-term foreign investments yielded a net inflow of $1.46 billion in the January-July period, surging from the $157.3-million net inflows in the same period a year ago.

FDIs are considered long-term investments, while portfolio investments or “hot money” are seen as more fickle due to the ease by which these funds enter and leave the economy.

Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion, chief economist at Union Bank of the Philippines, Inc., said the BSP’s investment targets are doable amid easing interest rates.

“Offering attractive rates will be the key. All around will be declining key rates, thus, offering sensible investments now will lock in gains for prospective investors. I would like to believe that there is time,” he added.

Mr. Roces said the further reduction in policy rates this year and next year “should stimulate investment activity, particularly for FDI, by making borrowing more attractive.”

At its August meeting, the Monetary Board cut rates for the first time in nearly four years or since November 2020. It reduced borrowing costs by 25 basis points (bps), bringing the benchmark rate to 6.25% from the previous over 17-year high of 6.5%.

The central bank could also deliver another 25-bp rate hike in the fourth quarter, BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. said earlier.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you agree with the findings of the economic analysts pointing to improving foreign investment outlook for the nation?

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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POGO operations inside Parañaque village continuing despite nationwide ban

September 12, 2024September 5, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, it was revealed that there still some Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) hubs inside a certain village operating even though the nationwide ban came into effect, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

A homeowners association (HOA) in Parañaque City on Wednesday said operations of some Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) hubs in the gated community allegedly continued despite the ban.

Julio Templonuevo, president of the Multinational Village HOA, said POGO operations in their village were reduced following the pronouncement of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“We think partially may effect pero hindi pa 100% kasi may existence pa,” Templonuevo told Kapihan sa Manila Bay.

(We think it may have a partial effect, but not 100% yet, because some POGOs are still there.)

“Generally, malaki ang improvement ng pronouncement…Since may government directive, medyo okay na. Malakas na ang loob ng homeowners na magsumbong,” he said.

(Generally, there’s been a significant improvement after the pronouncement…Since the government issued a directive, it’s gotten better. Homeowners are now more confident to complain.)

According to Templonuevo, some Chinese previously rented residential units at the Multinational Village to use as POGO structures. Lease payments reached P500,000 per month before but dipped to P200,000 to P300,000 monthly.

“Ito educated guess, una ‘yung location napakalapit dito. Napaka-convenient. 5 minutes nasa airport ka na,” said Templonuevo.

(This is an educated guess but they might have chosen our village because of our location. It’s very convenient, you can be in the airport in five minutes.)

“Napili ‘yung sa’min na malaki ang area dahil they can accommodate more people kasi ‘yung surrounding namin basically low-cost housing ‘yan eh,” he added.

(Our area can also accommodate more people because the surrounding areas have low-cost housing.)

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be POGO hubs secretly operating within your local community? Are there lots of Chinese nationals living and working in your local community? Do you consider Parañaque a hot spot of crime involving Chinese nationals?

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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Vietnamese woman robbed and raped in Parañaque City, one suspect arrested and the other still on the loose

September 11, 2024September 10, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, a woman from Vietnam who availed of a private transportation service was held against her will, robbed and raped, according to a GMA Network news report. The driver of the vehicle got arrested while the other suspect remains free and on the loose.

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

A Vietnamese woman was allegedly held up and raped during a ride hailing service after booking a ride last September 5 in Paranaque City.

In Nico Waje’s report in Saksi on Monday, CCTV footage showed that a ride-hailing service car entered into a subdivision in Paranaque City to pick up the foreigner at around 4 a.m. of Thursday last week.

The Southern Police District (SPD) said that the 32-year-old victim was robbed inside the vehicle by the driver’s accomplice.

“Pinaikot-ikot siya nitong ating suspek na driver. Tapos mayroon din pong sumakay na isa pang kasabwat nitong ating driver,” said SPD Public Information Office chief Police Major Hazel Asilo.

(The driver just drove around in circles. Then another man, his accomplice, suddenly boarded the car.)

At knife point, the accomplice took P35,000 in cash from the woman, the report said. Police added the victim was sexually assaulted by the suspects.

“Matapos siyang nakawan, kuhain ‘yung kaniyang pera at saka ‘yung kanyang cellphone ay ginahasa rin po ‘yung ating Vietnamese na victim. So bago po siya maibaba ay nanakawan na siya at nagahasa pa siya,” said Asilo.

(After her money and cellphone was taken from her, the Vietnamese victim was also raped. So before she was dropped off, she was robbed and raped.)

The victim was dropped off at Barangay San Dionisio in Paranaque City where she reported the incident to police. The driver suspect was arrested in Cabuyao, Laguna in a follow-up operation last September 7.

“Umako naman po siya sa mga ginawa nila…modus na po ito nitong ating mga suspek. Although ilang beses na nilang nagawa, hindi po sila nahuhuli dahil wala pong nare-report,” said Asilo.

(He admitted to their crimes…they’ve been doing this modus for a long time. They’ve done this several times, but they were never caught because no one was reporting them.)

When confronted, the driver said that it was his accomplice who raped the victim, which the latter also confirmed.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be a lot more abusive drivers with accomplices who are searching for women to rob and rape around the city?

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

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Las Piñas City’s mobile kitchen provides meals to typhoon victims in four evacuation centers

September 11, 2024September 3, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government’s mobile kitchen was sent to four different evacuation centers and provided meals to the victims of Typhoon Enteng, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The “Kusina ng Las Piñas” or mobile kitchen visited the four evacuation centers in the city housing victims of Tropical Storm Enteng to provide them with nutritious food.

Mayor Imelda Aguilar ordered the deployment of the “Kusina ng Las Piñas” to provide hot meals to evacuees at the Verdant court, Carmencita covered court, Pulanglupa 2 Evacuation Center, and at the Pagtakhan covered court.

Aguilar said the city government recorded a total of 761 individuals who sought temporary shelter at evacuation sites at the peak of Enteng.

She said the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) reported that 150 individuals or 43 families in Barangay Talon Tres were evacuated to the Carmencita Covered Court, 131 individuals or 29 families from Talon Kuatro were staying at the Pagtakhan covered court, 435 individuals or 110 families from Pamplona Tres were staying at the Verdant Covered Court, and 45 individuals or 17 families from Manuyo Dos.

The mayor said Vice-Mayor April Aguilar immediately responded to personally monitor the evacuees to ensure their safety and medical needs.

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? Were many members of your local community displaced by Typhoon Enteng? How many people of your local community are staying at an evacuation center?

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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Two akyat-bahay suspects arrested in Las Piñas City

September 10, 2024September 2, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, police officers responded to an emergency call and eventually apprehended two akyat-bahay suspects for trespassing and theft inside a subdivision in Barangay Pulanglupa Dos, 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…

Two “akyat- bahay” members were arrested by members of the Las Piñas City CAA substation early morning of Saturday, August 31.

Las Piñas City police chief Col. Sandro Tafalla identified the suspects as alias “Jason,” 22, and alias “Oscar,” 34. They were arrested inside a subdivision in Barangay Pulanglupa Dos, Las Piñas City.

Tafalla said the victim, identified as alias “Russel,” was awakened by the loud barking of his dogs at around 1:30 a.m. and discovered the suspects inside his home and had stolen a cellular phone and a silver watch.

He said the suspects tried to flee but his neighbors had already called for police assistance which led to the arrest of the suspects.

The city police chief said recovered from alias Jayson was a .38 caliber loaded with ammunitions while an unknown caliber pistol and shoulder bag where the stolen items were placed were confiscated from alias Oscar.

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 more akyat-bahay incidents will happen within 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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Dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo back in the Philippines, now under custody

September 7, 2024September 6, 2024carlocarrasco

Alice Guo, the dismissed mayor of Bamban who got caught by Indonesian authorities, was brought back here in the Philippines during the early hours of Friday escorted by Philippine government officials and she has been placed under the custody of the local authorities, 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…

*Dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo wearing posing under custody of the police. (photo source – PNP PIO)*

Dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo is back in the Philippines after being deported from Indonesia where she was arrested.

Escorted by top police and local government officials, Guo arrived from Jakarta on a private plane which landed at a private hangar at the NAIA .

Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Norman Tansingco confirmed the successful return of Guo to the Philippines.

“Guo arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) at approximately 1:30 AM on September 6 aboard a special government flight. Her return comes after a swift operation by Philippine immigration authorities in Jakarta, in coordination with their Indonesian counterparts,” according to the statement issued by bureau.

The BI said it immediately executed the mission order against Guo, Tansingco said, faces charges of undesirability and misrepresentation under Philippine immigration laws.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos and Philippine National Police chief General Rommel Marbil on Thursday went to Indonesia for the turnover of custody of the former mayor from the Indonesian police.

In an earlier press briefing, PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said that Guo will undergo a medical check-up at Camp Crame upon arrival. She will be turned over to the Senate on Friday morning for the implementation of the upper chamber’s arrest warrant.

*A medical check-up on Guo closely watched by the PNP. (photo source – PNP PIO)*

Guo was arrested by Indonesian authorities in Tangerang City, Indonesia at 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

The former mayor had cut her hair, which National Bureau of Investigation director Jaime Santiago believed was an attempt to conceal her identity.

Guo had asked Abalos for help over what she said were death threats against her.

In a video posted on Abalos’ Facebook of his meeting with Guo in Jakarta on Thursday afternoon, Guo was heard saying, “Sec, patulong. May death threat po kasi ako.”

Abalos entire reply was no longer heard but there was a portion in which he said, “Kaya nga kami kumuha ng private plane…”

For the newcomers reading this, Guo (AKA Guo Hua Ping) has been wanted in the Philippines and there are charges of tax evasion and money laundering against her.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that Alice Guo will tell the truth once she goes back to attending government hearings? Do you think that details of her secret travel overseas will be revealed at last? Do you think Guo is a spy of mainland China?

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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