journalism – Page 52 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Maid arrested in Las Piñas City for alleged theft of her superior’s cash and valuables

August 9, 2023August 5, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in Las Piñas City, a maid got arrested by the local police for allegedly stealing her superior’s cash and jewelry in the home, according to a Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) news report.

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

A house help was arrested in Las Piñas City after her boss discovered that she had stolen millions worth of cash, pieces of jewelry, and a watch, the police said on Thursday.

According to the Southern Police District (SPD), Las Piñas City Police Station personnel identified and apprehended suspect Rosanna Salvadora at her employer’s residence along Versailles Alabang Daang Hari, Almanza Dos last August 1.

Based on SPD’s report, the employer found that her safe went missing on the same day after coming home from work. The victim immediately turned to Salvadora and asked about the vault, who then pointed to the kitchen.

When the complainant found her safe, it was already forcefully opened and empty. Police said missing items include P1.5 million worth of cash, P1 million worth of watch, and P2.1 million worth of jewelry.

The employer immediately sought the assistance of the police, who immediately arrested the suspect.

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? Do you think the suspect acted all alone over the theft of her superior’s cash and valuables?

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

Single ticketing system in NCR to be fully implemented this September

August 9, 2023August 6, 2023carlocarrasco

The single ticketing system in the National Capital Region (NCR) will start being fully implemented this September as announced recently by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), according to a GMA Network news report. As of the same report, Muntinlupa, San Juan, Parañaque, Caloocan, Valenzuela and Quezon City are currently the only cities implementing the said ticketing system which itself was launched formally last May.

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

The full rollout of the single ticketing system in the National Capital Region (NCR) will start by September, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairperson Romando Artessaid Wednesday.

“With the delivery nitong mga servers, handheld ticketing device, makakapag-roll out na tayo within this quarter, by September sa lahat ng local government units sa NCR,” he said at a press conference.

(With the delivery of these servers and handheld ticketing devices, we can do the rollout within this quarter by September in all local government units in the NCR.)

Artes said the few weeks delay in the delivery of some handheld ticketing devices did not affect the implementation of the program because its pilot operations are still undergoing some customization.

He made the statement after the turnover of 150 handheld ticketing device units to Valenzuela, San Juan, Caloocan, Parañaque, and Muntilupa. Each city received 30 units.

“Dagdagan pa po natin yan kung ilan yung kailangan ng LGU depende sa kanilang request (We will provide more depending on the need and request of the LGU),” Artes said.

The single ticketing system aims to establish a uniform policy on traffic violations and penalty system in Metro Manila.

It would cover Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela, Quezon City, Marikina, Pasig, Taguig, Makati, Manila, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, and Pateros.

The 20 traffic violations that will be imposed uniformly in the NCR are the following: Disregarding traffic signs, Illegal parking (attended and unattended), Number coding UVVRP, Truck ban, Light truck ban, Reckless Driving, Unregistered motor vehicle, Driving without license, Tricycle ban, Obstruction, Dress code for motorcycle, Overloading, Defective motorcycle accessories, Unauthorized modification, Arrogance/Discourteous conduct (driver), Loading and Unloading in Prohibited Zones, Illegal counterflow, Overspeeding.

According to the MMDA, the fines for these 20 violations range from P500 to P5,000.

The following special laws will also be implemented: Seat Belts Use Act of 1999, Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act, Mandatory Use of Motorcycle Helmet Act, Children’s Safety on Motorcycle Act, Anti-Distracted Driving Act, Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the full implementation of the single ticketing system all over the NCR will make an impact on metropolitan traffic?

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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Bivalent vaccines for COVID-19 administered to over 3,000 patients in Muntinlupa City

August 8, 2023August 4, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, over three thousand qualified patients availed of the bivalent vaccines for COVID-19 as of July 28, 2023, 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 administered the bivalent Covid-19 vaccine to 3,026 people while its number of active cases totaled two.

Data from the city government showed that as of July 28, there were 2,139 people who received the Pfizer bivalent vaccine under the A1 category or healthcare workers and overseas Filipino workers who will be deployed within the next four months.

In addition, 866 senior citizens under the A2 category were administered the vaccine while 21 under A3 (adults with comorbidities and pregnant women) received it.

Eligible people can get the third booster dose at least four months after getting their second booster shot.

On the other hand, Muntinlupa’s active Covid-19 cases totaled two as of July 31, an increase of one case from the July 24 tally.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? If you are a qualified patient, do you intend to avail of the bivalent vaccine shot for COVID-19? Do you consider COVID-19 a serious problem locally?

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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Public school students of Muntinlupa to receive supplies from City Government

August 7, 2023August 3, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government announced that it will be giving shoes, bags and supplies to local students enrolled in public schools via the Balik Eskwela Packages program, 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 will provide free Balik Eskwela Packages to all students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 in public schools.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon said each Balik Eskwela Package contains leather shoes, school bags and school supplies consisting of notebooks, pencils (for Kindergarten to Grades 1 to 3) and ball pens (for Grades 4 to 12).

In the past months, the Muntinlupa City government asked schools and teachers to submit the shoe sizes of their students.

The Balik Eskwela Packages will be distributed to the students at the start of classes this year.

Biazon said the packages are part of his Karunungan (Knowledge) component of his 7K Agenda which he announced during his State of the City Address last March.

He also thanked the City Council for passing the budget that included allotment for the Balik Eskwela Packages.

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 find the support from the City Government sufficient for the public school students?

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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BIR says that discounts for senior citizens and PWD for online purchases are mandatory

August 4, 2023August 2, 2023carlocarrasco

As far as the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is concerned, senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) are entitled to discounts over the online purchases they made, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Wednesday said the discounts on purchases made online by senior citizens and persons with disabilities are mandatory.

“Online platforms should recognize the mandatory discounts given to senior citizens (SC) and persons with disabilities (PWD). The BIR has issued Revenue Regulation (RR) No. 8-2023 to this effect,” BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said in a statement.

“The signature of the SC/PWD is not needed if the purchase is made through online means. The SC/PWD Identification card number should still be provided,” Lumagui said.

Under RR No. 8-2023, the BIR said that the signature of the SC or PWD shall not be required for qualified purchases made online or through mobile applications.

“Nonetheless, the SC/PWD Identification Card number should still be provided by the SC/PWD when purchasing through online or mobile platforms; and the rules on entitlement to the benefits of the SC/PWD and to the tax deduction… and to future issuances pertaining to SC/PWD purchases through online or mobile applications, shall be strictly followed,” the RR read.

Lumagui said the issuance is “a step towards making the BIR a service-oriented agency, not merely a goal-oriented one.”

Meanwhile, the BIR is proposing to impose a creditable withholding tax of 1% on one-half of the gross remittances of online platform providers to their partner sellers or merchants.

The taxman had defended the proposal, saying it is not a new tax and its collection is within existing laws.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that mandatory discounts on online purchases made by senior citizens and PWDs are justified? Do you think the BIR made the right move?

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

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. 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/.

Department of Finance (DOF) says online sellers must pay equal taxes as physical stores

August 3, 2023August 1, 2023carlocarrasco

As far as the Department of Finance (DOF) is concerned, those who sell online must pay equal taxes as the physical stores do, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Take note that the Philippines continues to recover from the economic downturn of COVID-19 and the coronavirus itself no longer poses a danger to the nation.

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

The Department of Finance (DOF) asserted that online sellers should be subject to the same tax obligations as traditional brick-and-mortar business owners for the sake of fairness.

Finance Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno said the collection of withholding tax on online sellers by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is driven by the principle of fairness, and it does not constitute a new tax.

Withholding tax is a type of tax collected from various income sources, including salaries, wages, interest, and other earnings.

“It’s a matter of fairness because if you buy from a regular store, you have to pay taxes. But here [in online business], you don’t have to pay, and that’s unfair,” Diokno told reporters.

Diokno stressed the need for individuals to view the tax system as fair and willingly fulfill their tax obligations.

The BIR has proposed a new rule that would require online platform providers, such as Lazada and Shopee, to withhold one percent of the money they pay to their partner sellers. This withholding tax would be applied to half of the total amount being paid.

The BIR explained that this is not an additional tax, but rather a way to enforce existing tax laws and ensure proper tax collection.

“It’s not only increasing tax revenues, it’s a matter of fairness. A good tax system should be fair. That should be one of the characteristics of a good tax system, fairness,” the finance chief said.

BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui, Jr. earlier said the tax agency aims to begin collecting a creditable withholding tax from online platform partner merchants by the fourth quarter of 2023.

Lumagui also said that their objective is to fully implement this tax by next year.

He also explained that the purpose of imposing taxes on online merchants is to ensure a level playing field between traditional brick-and-mortar retailers and those selling on digital platforms or marketplaces.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you agree with the DOF on taxing online sellers? If you own a physical store selling products, does the presence of local online sellers harm your business?

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 announces plan for new water treatment facilities costing P5.7 billion

August 2, 2023July 31, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently the water concessionaire Maynilad announced that it will establish new water treatment facilities to boost water production and they have set aside P5.7 billion as a result, according to a BusinessWorld news article.

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

WEST ZONE concessionaire Maynilad Water Services, Inc. is setting aside P5.7 billion as capital expenditure (capex) budget for new water treatment facilities to produce nearly 97 million liters per day.

“Ang capex na binudget namin diyan (The capex that we budgeted) to produce close to 97 million liters per day is 5.7 billion [pesos],” Maynilad President and Chief Executive Officer Ramoncito S. Fernandez told reporters in a chance interview last week.

“[The project is in] phases as it is tied with the wastewater treatment plant so what is laid out now that is starting is in Valenzuela, by the end of the year, and then next year would be in Pasay,” he added.

The new facilities are part of the company’s “new water” project that was launched in July last year starting in Parañaque City. The project aims to convert treated used water from sewerage treatment plants into potable water.

In June, Maynilad received a permanent operational permit from the Department of Health for its “new water” treatment plant in Parañaque City.

Asked about the ease in securing a permit for the facilities, he said: “That’s what we believe so because this is first in the Philippines, first in Asia.”

He said at first, the company struggled to convince regulators, but the project was accepted after efforts to gain public acceptance.

Mr. Fernandez said that after proving the project’s safety and “that it can be done scientifically, the adoption of the others should be faster.”

The project seeks to generate additional water supply in response to growing demand.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think this newest move by Maynilad will be able to solve the water supply problems once the new water treatment plants get completed and activated?

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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Mayor Biazon congratulates Muntinlupa’s Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC) for big achievement

August 1, 2023July 28, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon congratulated the Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC) for achieving a tremendously high rating based on the audit of the Regional Inter-Agency Monitoring Task Force (RIMTF) under the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), 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…

Mayor Ruffy Biazon congratulated the Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC) in Muntinlupa for getting a high rating in the functionality assessment.

The LCPC Muntinlupa got an overall score of 97.71 percent, which has an equivalent adjectival rating of “Ideal.”

The LCPC assists local government units (LGUs) in the promotion of children’s rights and protection of their welfare.

“This is proof that the protection and welfare of young Muntinlupeño is a priority through different programs to ensure that children’s rights are not neglected,” said Biazon in a Facebook post.

The rating was based on a detailed audit of LCPC functionality indicators done by the Regional Inter-Agency Monitoring Task Force (RIMTF) of the Department of the Interior and Local Government in the National Capital Region.

These were organizational sustainability, policies and plans for children, budget and service delivery, monitoring and management for children.

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 find Muntinlupa a safe city for children?

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 chairman issues warning about BSKE premature campaigning

July 31, 2023July 27, 2023carlocarrasco

With the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) and campaign period set this October, the chairman of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) issued a warning to candidates about premature campaigning, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairperson George Garcia on Wednesday warned all who will run in the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) against premature campaigning.

During the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum, Garcia said those who will file their certificates of candidacy (COC) from August 28 to September 2 will already be considered as candidates.

“Kaya po ‘pag file ng candidacy, lahat ng posters na meron kayo na naglipana sa lahat ng kalsada, kalye, kanto, dapat tanggalin. Kung hindi, kakasuhan namin kayo, at the same time, tatanggalin namin yan [at] pwede rin kayo ma-disqualify,” he warned.

[Once you filed your candidacy, all your posters plastered around should be removed. If not, we will file a case against you and at the same time, we will remove them and you may even be disqualified.]

“Dahil kandidato na kayo, applicable pa ang Section 80 ng Omnibus Election Code, ‘yung tinatawag na premature campaigning,” he added.

[And since you are now a candidate, Section 80 of the Omnibus Election Code is applicable to you … which is premature campaigning.]

The campaign period for the 2023 BSKE will run from October 19 until October 28.

Garcia, a former election lawyer, explained that the jurisprudence in the case of Peñera vs. Comelec—which held that a person who files a certificate of candidacy is not a candidate until the start of the campaign period—cannot be applied on manual elections like the 2023 BSKE as the law interpreted by the Supreme Court pertained to automated elections.

“Gusto ko po i-clarify sa lahat ng kandidato na pag nag-file po kayo ng candidacy niyo sa August 28 hanggang September 2, kayo po ay considered na’ng kandidato agad. Hindi po namin ia-apply ang Peñera versus Comelec,” Garcia said.

[Let me just clarify that all those who would file their certificates of candidacy from August 28 to September 2, you will be considered candidates already. The Peñera versus Comelec (case) won’t apply to you.]

He stressed that the Comelec will be “inutile” in combating premature campaigning if they apply the SC decision on manual elections.

“Pagka po nagkaganoon ang interpretasyon namin, magiging inutil po ang Comelec. Ang campaign period sa October 19 pa e. Ibig sabihin mula sa filing hanggang October 18 pwede sila mag-ikot, [makipag-kamay], mamigay ng mga posters, walang magagawa ang Comelec?” he emphasized.

[If that would be applied, the Comelec will become inutile. The campaign period starts on October 19 yet. Does it mean that from the start of the filing period until October 18, they can go around, shake hands, give away posters and the Comelec cannot do anything?]

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you voting in the BSKE this October?

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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Bivalent vaccines for COVID-19 now available in Las Piñas City for qualified patients

July 28, 2023July 26, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government officially launched the administering of bivalent vaccines for COVID-19 specifically starting with the health workers, the senior citizens and other qualified patients, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. As of this writing, there are three sites in the city where qualified patients can visit to avail of the bivalent vaccines.

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

The Las Piñas City government has started administering bivalent vaccines against Covid-19 to health workers and senior citizens in the city on Wednesday, July 26.

Mayor Imelda Aguilar said, based on the advisory of the City Health Office (CHO), that all frontline health workers including their immediate family members aged 18 years-old and above can now receive the bivalent vaccine.

Aguilar said overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) bound for deployment within the next four months, along with senior citizens can also avail of the vaccine.

Individuals belonging to these groups can get vaccinated in any of the three vaccination sites designated by the city government — Robinsons Mall, SM Center, and Villages Square.

The above article ended stating that the administering of bivalent vaccines (for the 3^rd booster shot) is scheduled from 8AM to 4PM.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Las Piñas City resident, what is your reaction to this new development? If you are interested to avail of the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine, have you checked already if you are qualified? Do you think bivalent vaccines are still needed as COVID-19 infections have been minimal in recent times? Have you kept all your COVID-19 records?

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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