journalism – Page 49 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Checkpoints related to Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) being established

August 30, 2023August 28, 2023carlocarrasco

In relation to the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) that will happen nationwide on October 30, 2023, several checkpoints are being set up by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), 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…

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has started setting up checkpoints and implementing gun ban in connection with the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections in October.

A report by Bam Alegre in Unang Balita on Monday said a checkpoint was set up at the boundaries of San Juan and Quezon City and of San Juan and Sta. Mesa, Manila. In Mandaluyong, there was notable police visibility in primary roads like in Kalentong.

Meanwhile, in Parañaque City, a checkpoint was established on Sucat Interchange near the office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). On Quirino Highway in Quezon City, a checkpoint was also set up.

Policemen appealed to motorists to cooperate with them and assured them that “plain view doctrine” will be observed.

This means motorists need only to lower their windows and turn on the lights inside their vehicles when passing through the checkpoints.

“Ito ay in relation sa start ng Barangay and SK Election period wherein tayo ay mandated na mag-conduct ng joint PNP and Comelec checkpoints,” said Lieutenant Colonel Jerry Castillo, commander of Novaliches Police Station.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the checkpoints related to the BSKE are necessary? Have you noticed the checkpoints within your 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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Maynilad’s Muntinlupa water treatment plant 80% complete

August 30, 2023August 28, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently the water concessionaire Maynilad announced that its water treatment plant locatedin Muntinlupa City is 80% complete and it should boost the water supply by the end of 2023, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

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

MAYNILAD Water Services, Inc. said the construction of its water treatment plant in Muntinlupa is 80% complete and is expected to produce 50 million liters per day (MLD) of additional water by the end of this year.

In a media release on Saturday, the west zone concessionaire said it had started the gradual commissioning of the plant to ensure that it can produce the initial amount of potable water by December.

Once fully operational by the first half of 2024, the P11-billion water treatment facility is expected to produce a full capacity of 150 MLD to provide water to customers in Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, and Cavite.

“This facility will help to enhance service reliability, as it will provide additional supply for customers in the south so their water service will not be affected despite raw water quality shifts in Laguna Lake, which have been occurring with more frequency owing to climate change effects,” the company said.

The treatment plant will be Maynilad’s third facility to tap Laguna Lake as an alternative source of raw water to the Angat Dam. Maynilad has two treatment plants in Putatan, Muntinlupa that supply 300 MLD of potable water to around 1.7 million customers in the south.

The project is part of Maynilad’s P220-billion service enhancement program from 2023 to 2027 that is focused on promoting enhanced water sustainability and climate resiliency.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think Maynilad’s Muntinlupa water treatment plant will be able to boost the water supply this December?

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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Cooperative Development Council established in Muntinlupa City

August 29, 2023August 26, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government announced that it has established the local Cooperative Development Council and the Mayor formally signed a related ordinance, 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…

The Muntinlupa City government has established its own Cooperative Development Council to benefit cooperatives.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon signed Ordinance No. 2023-102 passed by the Muntinlupa City Council, “creating the Cooperative Development Council of Muntinlupa, defining its objectives, functions, and appropriate funds thereof and for other purposes.”

The Muntinlupa City Cooperative Development Council (MCCDC) will “coordinate and harmonize the implementation of various cooperative plans, programs, and projects of the government.”

It will also assist the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) “in the broad-based monitoring and coordination of the implementation of the Philippine Cooperative Development Plan (PCDP), through the collective efforts of all sectors and to develop such mechanism in line with the PCDP; and “propose policies affecting cooperatives for local and national implementation.”

The Muntinlupa City Cooperative Development Council will be composed of the mayor as chairperson. Its members are the chairperson of the Committee on Livelihood and Cooperatives of the City Council, and chairpersons or representatives of registered and accredited primary and secondary cooperatives.

Its members from the city government will be the heads of the City Cooperative Development Office, Department Of Agriculture-ESO, Public Employment and Services Office, Muntinlupa Traffic Management Bureau, Lake Management Office, Community Affairs Development Office, Gender and Development Office and City Planning and Development Office, and the director of the Muntinlupa City Technical Institute, university president of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa and college director of the Colegio de Muntinlupa.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think the newly established council will benefit local cooperatives?

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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COMELEC issues warning against premature campaigning before the campaign period of BSKE

August 28, 2023August 24, 2023carlocarrasco

The Barangay and Sanggunian Kabataan Elections (BSKE) will take place across the Philippines on October 30, 2023. Before the said election happens, the campaign period for BSKE will take place from October 19 to 28. That being said, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) issued a warning about premature campaigning before the campaign period happens, according to a Manila Standard news report.

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

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) warns barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan candidates from engaging in premature campaigning before the official campaign period set October 19-28 under pain of disqualification or imprisonment.

At the same time, the Comelec said the honoraria for poll workers in the upcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) has been increased up to P10,000. Comelec chairman George Garcia issued the warning saying appropriate charges will be filed against the candidates who would launch an early campaign following their filing of certificate of candidacy (COC).

Garcia reminded the candidates that the filing of COCs for the 2023 BSKE will be from August 28 to September 2, while the campaign period will run only from October 19 to October 28.

Garcia said August 28 is the start of the election period, as well as the start of the gun ban, public works ban and social services prohibition “unless explicitly exempted by the Comelec.

“Once you file your COC, you are already considered as a candidate. Therefore, we will apply the full force of the law, Section 18 of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC). You cannot go around, campaign, distribute things since you are already a candidate,” Garcia said.

Aspirants must be at least 18 years of age for barangay positions and at least 18 but strictly not more than 24 years old by the day of the election for SK posts.

The Comelec chief also urged voters to report any BSKE candidates who begin campaigning prior to the start of the official campaign period on 19 October.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the candidates in this year’s BSKE will follow the COMELEC’s warning about premature campaigning?

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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Watch out for Villar City

August 28, 2023August 24, 2023carlocarrasco

In the years to come and if no major disasters would happen, something new will be rising in the south of Metro Manila. I am talking about the ambitious Villar City project which has been making waves through the media, social media and in nearby communities in recent times. Recently the Manila Bulletin published an article about the planned casino project within Villar City but if you pay close attention to the details, there is a lot more about the said city which should give you an idea about the scope and vision behind it.

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

Philippines’ richest Manuel B. Villar Jr. announced plans to put up a satellite casino in his newly-launched Villar City in addition to the one he is developing in the 80-hectare Global South integrated resort project.

Being his legacy project, Villar is carefully designing Villar City to be Metro Manila’s “new center of gravity” to ensure that it will be as iconic as it is massive.

The planned 3,500-hectare Villar City spans 15 cities: Taguig, Las Pinas, Paranaque, Muntinlupa, Bacoor, Dasmarinas, Imus, San Pedro, General Mariano Alvarez, Silang, General Trias, Tanza, Trece Martires, Carmona, and Tagaytay.

Villar City will be about 10 times as big as Bonifacio Global City, indicating its sheer magnitude not only in terms of the number of homes, offices and complexes that will be built within this vast community, but also with respect to its potential contribution to job generation and economic development.

Among the highlights of the city’s development will be his second casino project which will be a satellite of the $1 billion integrated casino and resort complex in Global South that is being developed with a Korean partner.

He noted that they have finalized discussions for the partnership with the Korean firm for the Global South project and the cost may likely exceed $1 billion because the land alone is already worth that much.

The first casino will also have a hotel component while Villar said he is converting the upper two floors of the mall there in a casino for high-rollers and VIPs. At 80-hectares, it will be bigger than any of the casinos at the PAGCOR Entertainment City in Parañaque.

Meanwhile, Villar said the satellite casino in Villar City will be bigger but he is not yet sure if it will be developed with the same Korean firm noting that, “It will depend on how well our partnership (in Global South) progresses.”

Aside from the casino, another highlight of Villar City will be a theme park which Villar plans to integrate with the mall that will be built there.

He said they will develop their own concept for the theme park and will not be getting a license or franchise from a foreign theme park operator.

“Part of the them park will be inside the mall so that there will be plenty of things to do in case it rains or when it is too hot outside. So part of the theme park will be indoors and both the theme park and mall will complement each other,” Villar said.

Villar also said he plans to donate a piece of land in Villar City to the University of the Philippines, his alma mater, to build a college focused on technology noting that, located at the city’s entrance is La Salle Dasmariñas.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think Villar City will create a lot of new jobs related to construction and service in connection with its very ambitious scope? Do you think that south of Metro Manila will be receptive to new casinos and theme parks in the future?

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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With FIBA World Cup 2023 in the Philippines, Department of Tourism (DOT) anticipates 600,000 tourists/spectators

August 25, 2023August 23, 2023carlocarrasco

As far as the Department of Tourism (DOT) is concerned, the Philippines’ hosting of the FIBA World Cup 2023 games will benefit the nation with an estimated 600,000 tourists (foreign and domestic), according to a Philippine Star news report. Take note that the Philippines is getting closer to reaching its planned target of foreign tourists for the year 2023.

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

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is expecting 600,000 spectators in the upcoming FIBA World Cup 2023, which will start on Friday.

In an interview over Radyo Pilipinas, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said the figure includes foreign and domestic visitors. Frasco said the number of participants in the tournament has surpassed 2,200.

She said the FIBA, which is responsible for ticket sales, would determine the exact number of spectators.

To ensure the success of the event, the DOT has collaborated with a tourism consortium that includes private stakeholders such as the Tourism Congress of the Philippines, Philippine Tour Operators Association and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).

The collaboration is focused on crafting FIBA World Cup tour packages that will offer discounts to both local and foreign visitors, to encourage them to also explore the Philippines’ tourist spots aside from watching the FIBA games.

“This package, which was specifically curated for FIBA, provides opportunities to visit any of our award-winning destinations as well as our beautiful resorts and hotels across these places,” Frasco said. These packages are accessible through discoverphilippines.travel.

The DOT has coordinated with attached agencies for site enhancements at the venues and other areas crucial to the participants’ experience.

Frasco stressed the importance of seamless and secure movement for tourists and participants.

Frasco said the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is responsible for the physical enhancements in airports for a better experience upon entry of tourists.

She said the DOT and the TIEZA helped the DOTr enhance these sites.

The Philippines will host the games of the FIBA World Cup 2023 along with Japan and Indonesia from Aug. 25 to Sept. 10.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? Do you think the DOT’s anticipation of 600,000 tourists/spectators with the Philippines hosting FIBA World Cup games is unrealistic or doable? Do you think sports tourism events held here in the Philippines with the participation of foreign athletes will help the nation grow into a tourism powerhouse in the years to come?

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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Visit the newly renovated foodcourt at SM Southmall

August 24, 2023August 20, 2023carlocarrasco

If you are looking for a comfortable and really modern indoor place to eat in complete with lots of choices available, then you must visit the newly renovated foodcourt of SM Southmall in Las Piñas City.

Still located at a very particular large area at the 2^nd level of the mall, the highly modernized foodcourt was opened recently and already there were several food businesses that collectively created a great variety of meals, drinks and desserts that should appeal to many people looking for a place to eat while inside Southmall. I personally visited the foodcourt to explore it and look around. Check out the pictures I took and posted below…

*Customers checking out what meals or drinks to choose.*

*The tables and seats are new and comfortable.*

*Small slides for children to enjoy at the other end of the foodcourt.*

*Potato Corner and Kipps at the foodcourt.*

After exploring the whole foodcourt, I decided to buy myself coffee and a doughnut, then I took a seat. As I was consuming what I bought, I noticed a steady stream of customers coming into the foodcourt and several of them looked around to see what appeals to them and what they could afford. The meals offered by different sellers include rice meals, pizza, pasta, ramen, Samgyupsal, sandwiches, chicken wings, soup, bulalo, shawarma, fries and more. As the customers lined up for food, there were parents and kids enjoying their time together at the other end of the foodcourt (by the window).

Before the pandemic, I had meals at the Southmall foodcourt a number of times. With the renovations completed, I can say that the foodcourt today is not only more modern…it has been made more comfortable, more hip and more attractive. The wide variety of meals and drinks available are ideal for anyone who wants to do food trips or have meals with friends or family members together. I would not hesitate to return to the Southmall foodcourt in the near future. If you have not been to the foodcourt, then I encourage you to visit it the next time you go to Southmall.

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? When was the last time you had a meal at SM Southmall’s food court? Does the modernized Southmall foodcourt look attractive to you? Do you see any meals or drinks at the foodcourt that attract your attention?

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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Man who attempted robbing a delivery rider arrested in Parañaque City

August 23, 2023August 20, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in Parañaque City, local police officers arrested a man who attempted robbing a delivery rider (note: incident was captured on video), according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The apprehension happened during the law enforcers’ follow-up operation.

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

A man who attempted to rob a delivery rider as shown in an online viral video was arrested by Parañaque police during a follow-up operation on Aug. 18.

The Southern Police District (SPD) said the suspect, identified as Jovi Perdido, 33, was arrested by members of the Station Intelligence Section and Substation 2.

According to the Parañaque police, the suspect reportedly tried to steal the victim’s cellphone and money he collected from his delivery service.

The robbery-holdup incident occurred at around 10:30 a.m. along Cabesang Cicilio St. in Barangay Tambo on Aug. 17.

The police said that based on the viral video that circulated on social media, uploaded by “Janjan,” Perido mauled and tried to stab the victim who, in turn, resisted.

The suspect was prevented from further harming the victim by concerned citizens who witnessed the incident.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? Do you believe that more delivery riders could be targeted by thieves while doing their duties in Parañaque?

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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Transgendered woman arrested for extorting money from a minor

August 21, 2023August 16, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Manila, local police officers arrested a transgendered woman (note: biological male identifying as female) for the alleged extortion of money from a minor, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The victim’s mother learned about the details of what happened and called the police for assistance. The arrest was the result of an entrapment operation.

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

A 23-year-old transgender woman was arrested by police in an entrapment operation for allegedly extorting money from a minor with special needs at a mall in Ermita, Manila on Monday morning, Aug. 14.

The MPD-MDACT said the suspect is a student with aliases “Ann Antukin” and “Sunata Hen” residing in Brgy. Balong Bato Quezon City.

The mother of the victim told police investigators that her son (name withheld), a minor with special needs, met the suspect on Facebook two years ago. Their online relationship blossomed and they became lovers.

Through the course of the relationship they exchanged intimate photos of themselves in their online conversations. Her son thought all along that the suspect was a real woman, the mother said.

The problem started when the suspect demanded money from the victim, threatening to expose his sensitive photos to his parents.

Police said that the mother of the victim got wind of her son’s predicament after she found out that he stole money from her. This prompted her to check on her son’s cellular phone where she discovered that the suspect was demanding money from the victim such as a monthly allowance of P10,000 and others.

She further learned that the suspect was asking her son to deliver the money at a mall in Ermita.

The mother sought the assistance of the MPD-MDACT team who promptly planned an entrapment operation against the suspect at the mall.

During his arrest, the suspect yielded two pieces P1,000 marked money, a Vivo V23 5G cellular phone, a vaccination record card and a National ID under his name.

The above report ended stating that the transgender suspect is facing charges for violating Article 317 (swindling of minors), Republic Act No. 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act), and Republic Act 11930 (The Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children) and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a parent whose children are still minors, does this crime news report make you feel concerned about what kind of people your children communicate with online? Do you think that there could be more transgendered individuals out there looking to victimize children and other people that they believe could easily be fooled?

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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COMELEC planning to allow warrantless arrests in response to acts of buying and selling of votes during the campaign period

August 18, 2023August 15, 2023carlocarrasco

In what seems to be an intention to ensure election integrity, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) expressed that it is planning to allow warrantless arrest of persons who are caught buying or selling votes specifically during the campaign period, according to a GMA Network news report. Take note that this is related to the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

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

The Commision on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday said it is planning to allow warrantless arrest for those who will be caught in the act of buying or selling votes during the campaign period.

In a press conference, Comelec chairperson George Garcia said the commission will issue new guidelines for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE), which is set on October 30.

“Sa ilalabas naming guidelines bilang pahapyaw lang po, papayagan natin silang mag-aresto especially kung yung tao ay caught in flagrante or caught in the act. Dati wala po yun. Ngayon, i-authorize po namin siya with full backing of the Comelec because it is our belief that under our Constitution warrantless arrest is allowed,” said Garcia.

(In the guidelines that we will issue, we will allow the PNP to arrest if the person is caught in the act. We will authorize that now with full backing of the Comelec because it is our belief that under our Constitution warrantless arrest is allowed.)

Garcia said that the basis of the previous prohibition of arrest during the campaign period was the 1985 omnibus election code.

But under the 1987 Constitution, Garcia said warrantless arrest is allowed in cases of flagrante delicto or being caught in the act.

He pointed out that if there is a contradiction between existing law and the Constitution, the Constitution will be followed.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think this newest move by the COMELEC makes sense as far as election integrity is concerned? Do you think warrantless arrests will make a major dent against the buying and selling of votes during the campaign period?

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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