Tag: journalism

Muntinlupa City Government sets tricycle fare

Muntinlupa City Government sets tricycle fare

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The City Government of Muntinlupa formally sets the minimum fare for all tricycles with franchise by means of passing a local ordinance, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Tricycle drivers or operators who violate the ordinance will be fined P1,000.

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

The Muntinlupa City government passed an ordinance setting the minimum fare for all tricycles with franchise.

Ordinance No. 2024-171 increased the minimum tricycle fare to P12 from P10 based on the request of the Muntinlupa Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association, Inc. (FEDMUNTODAI).

The Tricycle Regulatory Unit (TRU) of the city government is mandated to recommend fares and it recommended to the City Council to approve the increase.

“Kinikilala ng Pamahalaang Lungsod ng Muntinlupa ang tungkulin ng mga Traysikel bilang isa sa mga pangunahing pamamaraan ng pampublikong transportasyon (The Muntinlupa City government recognizes the duty of tricycles as one of the main means of public transportation),” according to the ordinance. The ordinance covers all tricycles with franchise.

Under the ordinance, all tricycles are mandated to give 20 percent discount to senior citizens, students, and persons with disabilities (PWD).

All tricycles in Muntinlupa are required to post a Uniform Fare Matrix (UFM) of each tricycle operators and drivers’ association (TODA) at their terminal and inside each tricycle to inform passengers.

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 always ride a tricycle to go around the city? Did you encounter any abusive tricycle driver lately?

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 at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

NEDA says inflation may ease in 2nd half of 2024

NEDA says inflation may ease in 2nd half of 2024

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In the view of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), headline inflation may ease in the 2nd half of 2024 as a result of the subsiding of pressure on food prices connected with the El Niño effect, 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…

HEADLINE INFLATION may start easing in the second half of the year as pressure on food prices subsides after the El Niño weather event ends, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) chief said.

“In the second half of this year, we expect the pressure from food prices to diminish, because a big part of that food inflation was imported in the sense that food prices, particularly for staple, have been rising in the world market,” NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan told reporters on the sidelines of a forum on Monday afternoon.

Inflation rose for a second straight month in March to 3.7% amid rising food prices. Food inflation accelerated to 5.7%, its fastest pace in four months, mainly driven by rice.

Rice inflation surged to 24.4% in March, the highest since the 24.6% print in February 2009.

“But for rice, (pressure) is expected to decline, (as prices) reached the peak and will start falling after June as the El Niño phenomenon is waning,” Mr. Balisacan said.

The El Niño weather phenomenon is expected to persist until May, but the Philippines may continue to feel its impact until August, the Department of Science and Technology said earlier.

Mr. Balisacan said he is hoping that April inflation would fall within the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) 2-4% target band, although oil prices pose a risk.

He noted April inflation will likely be close to the 3.7% print recorded in March.

“[The] 2-4% is still a fighting target. Of course, we are watching closely the developments in the Middle East. If the oil prices would be affected by the development, there would be some pressure for us,” Mr. Balisacan said, refer-ring to the conflict between Israel and Iran.

The local statistics agency will release April inflation data on May 7.

Mr. Balisacan said that economic growth in the first half may be affected if inflation continues to breach the target.

“[It’s] a challenge because domestic consumption, particularly home consumption and investment, are very sensitive to inflation and interest rates,” he said.

Earlier this month, the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) revised its gross domestic product (GDP) growth target range to 6-7% this year from 6.5-7.5% previously amid geopolitical tensions, price upticks, and trade restrictions.

The local statistics agency is set to release first-quarter GDP data on May 9.

“With food prices starting to come down, that should be good for growth. But of course, if the energy prices continue to rise, then it could affect logistics, distribution, and it could impact food prices too. But we hope that it will not be serious,” Mr. Balisacan said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think headline inflation in the Philippines will go down slightly in the 2nd half of this year? Do you think external economic developments will cause inflation to rise?

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

P25 billion worth of residential projects planned by Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI) this year

P25 billion worth of residential projects planned by Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI) this year

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Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI) will continue to be aggressive with property development as they recently announced they will introduce this year more residential projects worth an estimated P25 billion located in different parts of the country, 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…

GOTIANUN-LED property developer Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI) has announced plans to introduce residential projects worth P25 billion this year.

“(We) aim to optimize our land bank and sustain our strong market presence in cities where we are already present,” FLI President and Chief Executive Officer Tristaneil D. Las Marias said during the company’s virtual annual stockholders meeting on Friday last week.

Some of the residential projects eyed to be launched this year are located in Cavite, he added. These include the company’s first mid-rise condominium project in Bacoor, as well as new developments for its 94-hectare The Wood Estates residential township in Trece Martires.

“We will upgrade our Wood Estates… with commercial shops, transport terminals, and affordable low-rise condo developments,” he said.

Mr. Las Marias also announced that FLI will launch the 11.4-hectare Iloilo Centrale residential township in Leganes, Iloilo, which will include supermarkets, daycare centers, public transport terminals, a park, and a football field.

“Iloilo Centrale will also offer our first walk-up project which will provide very affordable condo units located in a complete residential setting that provides social spaces, outdoor sports, activity event areas, and modern amenities at very affordable prices,” he said.

“We have also kept a balanced geographical portfolio for our residential business by exploiting residential business opportunities in key cities in Visayas and Mindanao,” he added.

He said that FLI will open several mid-rise condo buildings in Dumaguete, Zamboanga, and General Santos.

The company also plans to launch taller condo buildings in Cebu and Davao to “match the growing market potentials in these highly urbanized cities and optimize land bank values.”

“We have also seen the huge unserved demand in housing. We plan to continue to offer affordable housing projects in Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Bataan, Zamboanga, and other second class cities in Visayas and Mindanao with the intent to make housing accessible to as much government and private workers within the mass market income bracket and help more Filipinos build their dream,” he said.

FLI is also planning to complete nine additional ready-built factories at its Filinvest Innovation Park in the next two years. The planned factories will span 12,500 square meters each.

Last month, FLI completed the turnover of a ready-built factory to StB GIGA for the production of lithium iron phosphate batteries.

The Filinvest Innovation Park is within the Filinvest New Clark City mixed-use township, which is part of the 9,450-hectare New Clark City development in Capas, Tarlac.

“We also have about 55 hectares of land available for long-term lease already built at the moment,” he said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the planned residential projects of FLI will make positive socio-economic impact in the mentioned locations around the country? Do you think there is good demand for new homes around the country?

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

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

Immigration officer relieved for allowing overstaying foreigner to pass through airport passenger gate without a clearance

Immigration officer relieved for allowing overstaying foreigner to pass through airport passenger gate without a clearance

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Recently at the Clark International Airport (CIA), an officer of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) was relieved of his post as a result of allowing an overstaying foreigner to pass through the passenger gate with a clearance, 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…

An immigration officer has been relieved of his post and ordered investigated after he reportedly allowed an overstaying foreigner to pass through the passenger gate at the Clark International Airport (CIA) in Pampanga last April 17.

The foreigner, Indian national Jasbir Singh, was intercepted by the Bureau of Immigration’s Border Control and Intelligence Unit (BI-BCIU) before he could board a flight to Singapore.

In a statement, the BI said that the immigration officer, whose name was withheld pendng results of the investigation, allowed Singh to pass through the passenger gate without a stamp of clearance from the bureau.

According to BI-BCIU Acting Chief Vincent Bryan Allas, Singh presented his boarding pass with an immigration departure stamp and emergency travel document without a BI stamp,” it said.

“Allas said it was obvious that the passenger wanted to leave without paying the immigration fees and fines that overstaying alien tourists are assessed and required to pay before they could be cleared to leave the country,” it also said.

The BI noted Singh arrived in the Philippines last Dec. 9, 2023 and was admitted as a tourist for 21 days. He is now detained at the BI’s facility in Taguig City pending his deportation.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you concerned that there could be even more overstaying foreigners in the country who might slip through immigration officers’ watch at the airports?

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

IMF raises Philippine economic growth forecast to 6.2% for 2024

IMF raises Philippine economic growth forecast to 6.2% for 2024

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Recently the International Monetary Fund (IMF) raised its 2024 growth forecast for the Philippines to 6.2% which is within national government’s growth range for this year, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised its Philippine growth forecast to 6.2 percent for 2024 from its previous estimate of six percent announced last January, citing carryover strength from the last quarter of 2023.

The IMF also expects the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) to grow by 6.2 percent in 2025, higher than its January forecast of 6.1 percent.

Based on the April IMF World Economic Outlook (WEO) report released Tuesday, April 16 (Washington time), the IMF also projects Philippine inflation will fall to below four percent this year and in 2025. Its projected year-end inflation is 3.6 percent for 2024 and three percent for 2025 which is within the government target of two percent to four percent.

Meanwhile, the 6.2 percent IMF GDP outlook for 2024 is within the Marcos administration’s growth target of six percent to seven percent but the 2025 projection is below the government target of 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent.

IMF’s Resident Representative in the Philippines Ragnar Gudmundsson said in an email that real GDP growth for 2024 was revised slightly to 6.2 percent from six percent in the January WEO because of “carryover from a better-than-expected outturn in the last quarter of 2023.” The local economy grew by 5.6 percent in the fourth quarter 2023, bringing the full-year GDP to 5.6 percent.

As to the 2025 growth outlook, Gudmundsson said the 6.2 percent GDP expansion next year will be “supported by an acceleration in domestic demand and investment.”

“Over the medium term, structural reforms to close infrastructure and education gaps, attract greater FDI (foreign direct investments), and harness benefits from the digital economy should help realize a growth potential of about 6-6.5 percent. These reforms should be complemented by strengthening existing social protection schemes and addressing climate change through a more integrated strategy that includes a carbon pricing scheme,” he said.

Gudmundsson said the 6.2 percent GDP forecast for the Philippines “compares with an average growth rate for ASEAN countries in 2024 of 4.6 percent.”

Based on the latest WEO, the IMF forecast the Asian regional economy will grow by 4.5 percent this year and 4.3 percent in 2025.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippine economy has enough momentum to surpass the 6.2% growth forecast of the IMF for 2024? Do you think inflation in the country will slow down more than what the IMF predicts?

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

Two more wanted persons arrested in Las Piñas City

Two more wanted persons arrested in Las Piñas City

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Recently in the City of Las Piñas, two wanted persons were arrested as the local police officers continued their anti-crime operations with warrants of arrest issued by different courts, 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…

Members of the Las Piñas City Police on Friday, April 19, conducted anti-criminality operations which led to the arrest of two wanted persons for three counts of sexual assault and illegal possession of drugs.

The Southern Police District (SPD) identified the suspects as alias Marion, 38, and alias Mak, 40.

Based on the police report, Marion was arrested at around 7:00 p.m. in Barangay Almanza Dos, Las Piñas City.

He said Marion was arrested by the combined team of Warrant and Subpoena Section (WSS) and Station Intelligence Section (SIS) by virtue of warrant or arrest issued by Judge Mildred Jacinto Marquez of Judge Mildred Jacinto Marquez of Las Piñas Family Court Branch 2 on March 18, 2024 with recommended bail of ₱600,000.

Meanwhile, Mak, who was listed as the Top 4 wanted person, was nabbed at around 8:30 p.m. in Barangay Pulanglupa Uno, Las Piñas.

The police said Mak was arrested by virtue of warrant of arrest issued by Judge Anne Beatrice Aguana Balmaceda of Las Piñas Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 200 on March 12, 2024.

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 delighted that wanted criminals in your city were arrested by due process and without violence?

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 at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

BIR extends deadline for online businesses to transition to new withholding tax system to July 14, 2024

BIR extends deadline for online businesses to transition to new withholding tax system to July 14, 2024

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Recently the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) announced that July 14, 2024, is the new deadline for online businesses to transition to the new withholding tax system, according to a GMA Network news report. Previously the deadline was April 15, 2024 and online businesses with annual earnings of over P500,000 were to be covered by the 1% withholding tax.

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

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) announced Tuesday that it has extended the deadline for online merchants to transition to the new withholding tax system by 90 days.

According to the agency, Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 55-2024 extended the transitory period for compliance with Revenue Regulations (RR) No. 16-2023 until July 14 after considering the private sector’s request on the implementation.

“This 90-day extension of the transitory period under RR No. 16-2023 shows the BIR’s commitment in listening to the voice of the private sector,” BIR Commissioner Jun Lumagui said in a statement.

“This is part of my administration’s thrust on Excellent Taxpayer Service. We hear the thoughts of the private sector, and if the same is reasonable, then we make policy adjustments for the benefit of the Filipino people,” added Lumagui.

Under RR No. 16-2023, one-half of the gross remittances of e-marketplace operations and digital financial services providers to the sellers or merchants for goods or services paid through their platform shall be subject to a 1% creditable withholding tax.

The BIR said that the online transactions industry has experienced growth during and after the coronavirus pandemic but it appeared that many online sellers were not paying their share in taxes.

RR No. 16-2023 was signed by Lumagui and Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno in December 2023.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that the new deadline will give all online businesses here in the Philippines enough time to transition into the new withholding tax system?

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

PDEA arrests three suspects and seize P3.4 million worth of illegal substance in Parañaque City

PDEA arrests three suspects and seize P3.4 million worth of illegal substance in Parañaque City

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Recently in the City of Parañaque, agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) organized a buy-bust operation which resulted in the arrests of three suspects and the seizure of more than P3 million worth of illegal substance at the basement parking of a certain shopping mall, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Government anti-narcotics authorities seized P3.4 million worth of shabu on Tuesday, April 16, following the arrest of three suspects during a buy-bust operation at the basement parking of a shopping mall in Parañaque  City.

In an initial report, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said that the law enforcers confiscated 500 grams of shabu from Asher Guiani, 32; Ariedz Guiani, 27; and Almajid Kudandin, 22, at around 12:20 p.m. during the operation in barangay Don Bosco.

Aside from shabu concealed in six pieces of knot-tied transparent plastic sachets, the operatives seized a genuine P1,000 bill with serial number NUO69267 placed on top of boodle money, one cellphone, a laminated temp PhilSys identification (ID) card under the name of Ariedz Guiaman Guiani and black Hyundai Accent vehicle with license plate AQQ2908 with ignition key.

Let me end this piece 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 people engaging in illegal drugs and other high-stakes criminal activities within the city? Do you think it will be long before Parañaque will get declared as a drug-free 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, 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 at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

A Look Back at Amazing Spider-Man #374 (1993)

A Look Back at Amazing Spider-Man #374 (1993)

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Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from reading the comic book and doing personal research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.

Welcome back superhero enthusiasts, 1990s arts and culture enthusiasts, Marvel Comics fans and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1993 and examine a small part of the Marvel Comics universe through a tale of the Amazing Spider-Man monthly series.

In early 1993, the supervillain and murderer Venom was in very high demand among Marvel readers and comic collectors. The Venom: Lethal Protector mini-series launched with issue #1 selling a lot of copies and it portrayed Spider-Man’s greatest enemy as a very twisted and violent makeshift hero who dedicated himself to protecting what he (Eddie Brock specifically) to innocent people. As Venom was one of the few supervillains who knew Spider-Man’s true identity, the creative team behind the Amazing Spider-Man series decided to raise the stakes temporarily by having him encounter Peter Parker’s parents (the ones that appeared in Amazing Spider-Man #365).

With those details laid down, here is a look back at Amazing Spider-Man #374, published in 1993 by Marvel Comics with a story written by David Michelinie and drawn by Mark Bagley.

The cover.

Early story

The story begins inside the bunker beneath the grounds of the deserted Brooklyn amusement park. As Eddie Brock struggles to lift a very heavy piece of equipment, the symbiote forms over his body helping him lift it up above the head. Venom is obsessed with killing Spider-Man and Eddie Brock remains totally bitter over the webslinger’s responsibility on destroying his career. Eddie sees a page of the Daily Bugle on the wall and it contains a news photo of Peter Parker with his mother and father.

At New York’s famous Central Park, Peter, wife Mary Jane and his parents enjoy quality time skating on ice. Aunt May is standing on a wooden platform watching them…

Quality

Lots of intense action scenes in this comic book for fans and readers to be entertained with. The action scenes are not mindless as they serve as reflections of Venom’s powerful quest for revenge.

To begin with, I can say that this tale by David Michelinie is a very intense and dramatic read and it added a new layer of depth into the enduring rivalry between Spider-Man and Venom. At this point in Marvel Comics’ shared universe history, the two icons have encountered each other so many times, the time was right for Michelinie to raise the stakes and have the elderly Parkers (note: Aunt May excluded) as the new targets of Venom (already made obvious on the cover which in turn added tremendous stress on the part of Spider-Man and his wife.

For the newcomers reading this, Eddie Brock’s journalistic career was destroyed over the Sin-Eater story as a result of Spider-Man’s public revelation of Stanley Carter as the said figure (note: Brock’s Sin-Eater article series was based on interviews with Emil Gregg who actually turned out to be a delusional neighbor of Carter’s).

As Brock’s life went way downhill with his reputation destroyed, his hatred of Spider-Man grew and so did his quest for revenge. That being said, what happened in this particular comic book was a very reflective extension of what happened years prior. Anyone who has basic knowledge of the origin of Venom and early appearances of Brock in comics will be able to understand the intensified rivalry in this tale.  

Apart from the great story, this comic book has lots of superhero spectacle for readers to enjoy. That being said, the smashing action of the fight between Spider-Man and Venom was clearly made to be more violent which suitably reflected the supervillain’s lust for revenge. Spidey, meanwhile, had no choice but to avoid causing any more damage or harm as Venom goes after him in public surrounded with lots of bystanders. Along the way, you will see a key moment of the insanity of Venom which served as a useful pause of the fight. Finally, when it comes to the art, this comic book has some of the finest artworks I have seen from Mark Bagley.

Conclusion

At the time of this comic book’s publication, Venom was one of the few supervillains who knew Spider-Man and Peter Parker are one and the same person. The inclusion of Peter’s parents only added to the raising of the stakes.

Amazing Spider-Man #374 (1993) is undeniably a great read complete with intense action scenes, lots of intrigue and, most notably, a rock solid development of the Spider-Man-Venom rivalry. This is the kind of story that will compel long-time Spider-Man fans to revisit Venom’s origin as well as Spider-Man’s involvement with the Sin-Eater. At the same time, this tale will help readers understand the insanity and murderous mind of Venom that took place not only in the Venom: Lethal Protector mini-series in also other mini-series about the symbiotic killer that Marvel published throughout the 1990s.

Overall, Amazing Spider-Man #374 (1993) is highly recommended!

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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 at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Commission on Audit (COA) tells local governments to limit expenses of discretionary funds to amounts under law

Commission on Audit (COA) tells local governments to limit expenses of discretionary funds to amounts under law

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Recently the Commission on Audit (COA) reminded local government units (LGUs) to limit the expenses of discretionary funds as it cited the case of one particular town that exceeded its “prescribed statutory limitation” for extraordinary and miscellaneous expenses (EME) by millions of Pesos in 2023, 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 Commission on Audit (COA) has reminded local government units (LGUs) against exceeding the “statutory limitation” on disbursements for extraordinary and miscellaneous expenses (EME) or discretionary funds taken out of their collected real property taxes (RPTs).

It cited the case of Eastern Samar’s Guiuan town which exceeded its “prescribed statutory limitation” for EME by P6.53 million in 2023.

In its annual audit report (AAR), COA cited its Circular No. 85-55A and Section 325(h) of Republic Act No. 7160, the Local Government Code, which both provide the general limitation on the use of EME funding.

Section 325(h) of RA 7160 provides: “The annual appropriations for discretionary purposes of the local chief executive shall not exceed two percent (2%) of the actual receipts derived from basic real property tax in the next preceding calendar year. Discretionary funds shall be disbursed only for public purposes to be supported by appropriate vouchers and subject to such guidelines as may be prescribed by law. No amount shall be appropriated for the same purpose except as authorized under this section.“

COA said that under the law, Guiuan town should only have EME of P26,465.14, which is equivalent to two percent of the P1.323 million RPT collected in 2021. But, it said, the town used P6.56 million for its discretionary funds or an excess of P6.53 million.

It pointed out that discretionary funds are only supposed to be used by the Office of the Municipal Mayor, but Guiuan even allocated funds for different offices such as the Vice Mayor’s office, Municipal Investment and Tourism Office (MITO), and Municipal Treasurer’s Office, among other offices.

It said the Mayor’s Office used P2,611,254.77 EME in 2023, while the vice mayor used P500,000. MITO, it also said, spent P1,332,395, while the Municipal Treasurer’s Office used up P450,000 EME.

It noted that when its audit team confronted the municipal accountant about its excessive use of discretionary funds, the accountant explained that it committed an “honest error” in assuming that the EME account was a “misnomer for Other Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses account.”

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Is your local government practicing a disciplined approach on spending and the alignment of funds?    

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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