Manila Bulletin – Page 10 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Japanese Embassy In Manila Confirms Unprecedented Surge Of Filipinos Who Applied For Visas

January 31, 2026January 30, 2026carlocarrasco

For Filipinos who want to visit Japan, a visa is often required which is something I can relate with. In recent times, there has been this lack of available slots for visa appointments and the Japanese embassy in Manila confirmed that there is an unprecedented surge of Filipino visa applicants, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Japan’s embassy in Manila is aware of the lack of available slots for visa appointments at its application centers and issued its response on the matter.

In a statement sent to the Manila Bulletin, the embassy cited the surge of Filipinos expressing interest in going to Japan.

Except during the surge of Covid-19 pandemic, the embassy said, Filipino visa applicants reached ”unprecedented levels.”

”The number of short-stay visas issued surged more than sixfold (6.15 times) over the decade from 2013 (73,143) to 2023 (450,087), and increased further to 490,907 in 2024,” it said.

According to the embassy, this prompted them to make significant changes in their visa processing system.

”In response to the increasing demand, the visa processing system underwent a fundamental overhaul starting April 2025 to maintain proper screening quality and streamline the process, transitioning to a Visa Application Center system,” it said.

”Furthermore, the introduction of the e-VISA began last December for visas issued to tourists in package tours organized by designated travel agencies,” it added.

The embassy acknowledged that people-to-people exchanges form the foundation of Philippines-Japan relations, and the embassy “welcomes our Filipino friends’ growing interest in visiting Japan, with the number of Filipino visitors reaching a record high of 880,000 in 2025.”

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Have you already applied for a visa to visit Japan over the past twelve months? How many people do you personally know want to visit Japan? If you intend to visit Japan soon, have you started finding out what the requirements are for application?

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

Las Piñas City Government Intensifies Anti-Flooding Efforts

January 29, 2026January 24, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government continued its operations to prevent flooding and Mayor April Aguilar inspected the efforts on location, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Las Piñas City government has intensified its anti-flooding efforts through Operation Anti-Flood, with ongoing creek inspections and dredging activities aimed at reducing flood risks in vulnerable areas.

Mayor April Aguilar joined personnel from the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) during the inspection and dredging operations at Pasong Cobra Creek in Aventine Hills, Barangay Talon Dos.

Aguilar said Pasong Cobra Creek, which spans approximately 520 meters, has undergone extensive dredging operations conducted on December 29 and 30, and Jan. 3 to 10.

She said that during the operations, around 90 cubic meters of mud and silt were collected and removed to improve water flow and significantly reduce the risk of flooding in the area.

The mayor assessed the progress of the dredging activities and discussed the next steps to ensure the continuous cleaning and proper maintenance of the waterway.

She said the initiative forms part of the city’s broader flood prevention program, which prioritizes proactive and sustainable measures. Operations will continue until waterways are fully cleared and maintained in good condition.

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 anti-flooding operations are sufficient enough? Are there huge parts of your local community that remain vulnerable to flooding during the rainy season?

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

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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Japan Warns Philippines About Right-Of-Way Hurdles Related To Infrastructure Projects

January 29, 2026January 26, 2026carlocarrasco

For many years already, the Philippines has infrastructure projects in development with the support of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) which executes the official development assistance (ODA). The right-of-way challenges, however, are putting the projects at risk and Japan has alerted the government of the Philippines about it, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Japanese government’s lead development agency said that right-of-way (ROW) hurdles, rather than the tightening Philippine fiscal envelope, pose the primary risk to the completion of multibillion-peso infrastructure flagship projects.

Takashi Baba, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) chief representative in the Philippines, said that while budget reductions are sovereign prerogative, the legal obligations of bilateral agreements necessitate that Manila provides sufficient funding for land acquisition

“At this moment, we do not see any kind of delay because of the delay of the budget, but the delay of the ROW, [and] the process,” JICA Philippines chief representative Takashi Baba told Manila Bulletin last Thursday, Jan. 22.

He noted, however, that delays in ROW acquisition have already had an impact on project implementation.

“We already observed the kind of delay of the progress of the project itself. That’s why we are carefully monitoring the progress,” Baba added.

The assurance comes as the Marcos administration navigates a tighter fiscal landscape. The national government reduced unprogrammed appropriations in the 2026 budget to ₱150.9 billion, the lowest level of standby funding since 2019.

The contraction in the budget’s “standby” category directly affects the accounting of projects like the Metro Manila Subway and the North-South Commuter Railway, which rely heavily on Official Development Assistance (ODA) under JICA.

Baba added that the budget cut in the Philippines should be respected, noting that it reflects a sovereign decision.

“It should be respected,” he said, adding that the move represents “the GOP [government of the Philippines] or the government or the Philippine people’s decision in general.”

However, Baba emphasized that under the legal requirements of bilateral agreements, “the necessary budget should be allocated by the Philippine government,” particularly for ROW financing.

“When we look at the current GAA [General Appropriations Act], we notice that it’s not sufficient to cover everything like necessary budget, [the] necessary amount should be prepared by the Philippine government,” he added, noting that they are closely monitoring the situation.

Baba also highlighted that executive agencies may face difficulties in securing sufficient funding by the middle of the year, raising concerns that funding shortfalls could lead to delays in project implementation.

He said JICA is closely coordinating with the Philippine government to secure additional funding in line with agreements between the two countries.

“We are closely monitoring and also we are keeping good relationship and discussion with the Philippine government to secure another budget to cover the necessary one, which in accordance with agreed between the two countries,” Baba said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the right-of-way issues will delay the completion of the multi-billion Peso infrastructure projects that are supported by the Japanese? What should the national government of the Philippines do to resolve right-of-way issues?

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 Suspects Arrested In Parañaque City Over Illegal Substances Worth P408K

January 27, 2026January 20, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, two persons were apprehended as a result of a successful buy-bust operation organized by the police over illegal substances worth more than P400,000, 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…

Authorities from the Parañaque City Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) arrested two suspected drug pushers during a buy-bust operation on January 14.

The Southern Police District (SPD) identified the suspects as Abet, 38, a housekeeper, and Rol, 28. They were apprehended at around 7:35 p.m. at Centro Purok 7, Barangay Moonwalk, Parañaque City.

Police said operatives of the Parañaque City Police SDEU conducted the operation after Abet allegedly sold shabu to an undercover police officer.

Seized from Abet were five grams of shabu and two additional heat-sealed transparent sachets containing about 50 grams, with an estimated value of P374,000, including boodle money.

Meanwhile, operatives recovered from Rol approximately five grams of shabu worth P34,000.

In total, authorities confiscated about 60 grams of shabu valued at P408,000.

The suspects were brought to the Parañaque City Police SDEU custodial facility and were charged with violations of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

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 traders of illegal drugs who have yet to be caught?

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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IMF Trims Philippines Economic Growth Projections For 2026 And 2027

January 27, 2026January 20, 2026carlocarrasco

As far as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is concerned, issues of corruption and climate disruptions are enough to convince them to project economic growth of the Philippines at a slower pace not just for this year but also for next year, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Washington-based multilateral lender International Monetary Fund (IMF) has tweaked downwards its economic growth projections for the Philippines this year and the next, following its more somber outlook for 2025 amid corruption allegations and climate disruptions.

According to the IMF’s updated World Economic Outlook (WEO), Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) is now seen expanding at a slower 5.1 percent, down from its earlier forecast of 5.4 percent—both of which fall short of the country’s already lowered target of at least 5.5 percent.

Despite the cut, the IMF’s forecast remains slightly more optimistic than the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) assumption of a 4.6 percent growth rate, which the central bank has attributed to a loss of confidence tied to governance concerns.

For 2026 and 2027, the IMF also trimmed its growth forecasts to 5.6 percent from a previous 5.8 percent, and to 5.8 percent from 6.1 percent, respectively. The central bank’s projection of 5.4 percent for 2026 stands lower than the IMF’s forecast, while its 6.2 percent forecast for 2027 is higher.

These projections still fall within the revised targets, based on National Socioeconomic Planner Arsenio M. Baliscan’s lower growth assumptions. Baliscan expects growth to clock in at five to six percent in 2026, and 5.5 to 6.5 percent in 2027—both lowered from the earlier goals of six to seven percent.

According to the IMF, the downward adjustment for 2026 and 2027 “reflects the carryover impact from a downward revision in the IMF’s growth forecast for 2025—from 5.4 to 5.1 percent—and a slower pace of capital accumulation.”

It noted that the slashed GDP growth forecast for 2025 reflects the output slump in the third quarter of 2025 “amid recent corruption allegations and climate shocks impacting economic activity in the second half of the year.”

To recall, the Philippine economy expanded by four percent in the third quarter of 2025—the weakest in four and a half years.

Looking ahead, output expansion could accelerate slower than expected mainly due to the potential “escalation of trade restrictions and prolonged uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and disruptive financial market corrections.”

“On the upside, accelerated implementation of structural and governance reforms can boost investment and foreign direct investments (FDI), increase fiscal multipliers and boost potential growth,” the lender said.

What would drive the economy in the medium term is robust private consumption and higher investment, the IMF said, “supported by monetary policy easing and the authorities’ recent policy initiatives to support private investment.”

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the economy of the Philippines can somehow grow faster than what the IMF projected for 2026 and 2027? Do you think foreign investors have been turned off by the flood control corruption scandals?

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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Illegal Substances Worth P476K Seized in Parañaque City, Suspect Apprehended

January 24, 2026January 18, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, local authorities arrested one suspect and seized illegal drugs worth P476,000 as a result of a successful buy-bust operation, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

Authorities arrested a drug suspect identified as a high-value individual (HVI) after he was caught selling shabu to an undercover police operative, resulting in the seizure of P476,000 worth of illegal drugs in Parañaque City on Jan. 17.

The Southern Police District (SPD) identified the suspect as MJ, 21, who was arrested at around 3:05 a.m. along Bayabas Street, Purok 7, Sampaloc Site 2, Parañaque.

Police said MJ was apprehended by operatives of the Parañaque City Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit during a buy-bust operation while he was allegedly selling shabu to an undercover officer.

Recovered during the operation were approximately 70 grams of shabu, consisting of one heat-sealed plastic sachet weighing about five grams, which served as the subject of sale, and 13 additional sachets weighing approximately 65 grams.

Also confiscated were the marked buy-bust money, a pink coin purse, and a green-cased iPhone cellular phone allegedly used in the transaction.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you consider the city a hot spot of illegal drugs?

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 Indian Nationals Found And Arrested In Las Piñas City

January 22, 2026January 18, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, police officers successfully tracked down two Indian nationals using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology and arrested them for their involvement in a robbery incident, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Authorities from the Las Piñas City Police arrested two Indian nationals after swiftly resolving a robbery incident through a hot-pursuit operation aided by Global Positioning System (GPS) technology on Friday, Jan. 16.

Las Piñas Police Chief Col. Sandro Tafalla identified the suspects as “Sukhwinder,” 27, and “Jasdeep,” 33, both Indian nationals and residents of Taytay, Rizal. They were arrested at Villa Fidela Subdivision, Barangay Elias, Las Piñas City.

Tafalla said the victim, also an Indian national, 34, reported that he was approached by two men while parking his motorcycle in front of his residence. The suspects allegedly forcibly took his iPhone 16 Pro worth P73,000 and P10,000 in cash.

The victim added that after taking his valuables, the suspects immediately fled on board a motorcycle.

In a rapid, technology-driven response, Tafalla said responding police officers coordinated with the victim to activate the GPS feature of the stolen mobile phone, which led to the arrest of the suspects.

Authorities successfully recovered the stolen iPhone 16 Pro, the P10,000 cash, and a Motoposh EVO 150 motorcycle bearing plate number N580QH, along with the black-and-white helmets and red jacket allegedly worn by the suspects during the incident.

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 thankful that the police successfully arrested the foreign suspects?

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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Business Group Proposes New Blueprint To Solve Bottlenecks of Tourism In The Philippines

January 16, 2026January 11, 2026carlocarrasco

Things are clearly not looking good for the Philippines economically and also on international tourism. The Philippines was left behind by many of its Southeast Asian neighbors even as the region attracted more foreign tourists in 2025. Vietnam attracted more than 21 million foreign tourists last year and they are clearly benefiting from the ongoing tourism boom. That said, it is not surprising to see a local business group or federation make noise and urge the government to implement comprehensive reforms to solve the many problems of the tourism industry of the Philippines which the Manila Bulletin recently reported.

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

The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) is sounding the alarm on the Philippines’ lagging tourism sector, urging the government to enact sweeping reforms as international arrival figures fall behind regional competitors.

In a statement on Sunday, Jan. 11, FFCCCII President Victor Lim described the current state of the industry as a “pivotal” moment, arguing that structural changes are now an urgent economic necessity.

While neighboring nations in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations are reporting a robust post-pandemic recovery, the Philippines is struggling to regain its footing.

“We, the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), urge immediate decisive and comprehensive tourism reforms,” Lim said.

Data from the first 11 months of 2025 showed that the Philippines recorded 5.24 million international arrivals, a 2.2 percent decrease from the same period a year earlier.

The end-November figure also remained 37 percent below the benchmark levels seen in 2019, before the pandemic disrupted global travel.

Lim said the decline posed a direct threat to the broader economy, noting that tourism is a critical engine of inclusive growth. The sector is a primary employer and a lifeline for micro, small, and medium enterprises across the archipelago.

The federation identified three systemic hurdles: a “hassle factor” caused by congested airports and poor digital connectivity, uncompetitive visa policies that act as a deterrent compared to the streamlined entry points of regional peers, and a fragmented marketing strategy that fails to capitalize on the country’s cultural heritage.

To reverse the trend, the FFCCCII proposed a “Blueprint for Immediate Reform.” The plan calls for an “ASEAN-competitive” visa regime and a “connectivity revolution” to modernize primary gateways and facilitate easier travel between islands.

Lim also cited the need to pivot promotional efforts toward “The Philippine Experience,” moving beyond traditional sightseeing to highlight the nation’s history and hospitality.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the FFCCCII is correct about the current state of Philippine tourism? Do you find the FFCCCII’s proposal sensible and believable? Do you think the Department of Tourism (DOT) should take the FFCCCII’s proposal very seriously? Do you thinking it is inevitable that other business chambers from around the Philippines will push for tourism industry reforms?

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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Health And Nutrition Program For Children Of Las Piñas

January 14, 2026January 8, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government’s nutrition committee announced the local health program for younglings which aims to emphasize better health and proper nutrition, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The (Las) Piñas City government, through its City Nutrition Committee, is set to conduct the annual Operation Timbang Plus (OPT) to promote the health and proper nutrition of young Las Piñeros.

Mayor April Aguilar said the program will cover infants and children up to four years old, ensuring early monitoring of their growth and nutritional status.

Aguilar said Operation Timbang Plus plays a vital role in assessing the weight, height, and overall health condition of children, serving as an important basis for the city in crafting and strengthening health and nutrition programs for the youth.

She encouraged parents and guardians to participate in the activity, noting that the data gathered from OPT will help guide the local government in addressing malnutrition and promoting healthier lifestyles among Las Piñero children.

The City Nutrition Committee assured the public that the schedules and additional details of the activity will be announced soon through official channels.

Residents are advised to stay updated by following announcements from the city government and the official Facebook page of the City Nutrition Committee.

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 parents in your local community bringing their children to the announced health and nutrition program?

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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Muntinlupa City Mayor Wants Local Regulation On Use Of E-Bikes and E-Trikes

January 13, 2026January 6, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon pushed for the local regulation on the use of e-bikes (electric bikes) and e-trikes (electric tricycles) following the Land Transportation Office’s (LTO) enforcement of a ban on them, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

For the newcomers reading this, e-bikes and e-trikes are popular here in the Philippines. They are, however, occasional hazards on roads due to factors such as their overall slow speed, drivers having no licenses and lacking knowledge on the basics of road safety, and even minors getting to drive them illegally. The LTO recently enforced a ban on e-trikes and e-bikes on major roads and highways. In previous years, there were incidents which you read about by clicking here, here, here and here.

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

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon is pushing for local regulations governing the use of e-bikes and e-trikes within the city.

This move comes after the Land Transportation Office (LTO) began enforcing the ban on e-trikes along major Metro Manila roads starting January 2. The affected thoroughfares include Quirino Avenue (Manila), Roxas Boulevard, C-5 Road, and EDSA.

While the LTO has not given the Muntinlupa City government the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) on e-bikes and e-trikes, Biazon said it is important to have a regulation in the city.

“Gayunpaman, hangarin natin na magkaron ng lokal na regulasyon sa paggamit ng e-trikes at e-bikes. Hindi sila exempted sa basic rules sa kalsada, dahil pareho ang panganib na maaari nilang idulot—sa ibang motorista at sa mismong nagmamaneho—lalo na kung walang sapat na kaalaman sa batas-trapiko (However, we aim to have local regulations on the use of e-trikes and e-bikes. They are not exempt from the basic rules of the road, because they pose the same danger—to other motorists and to the driver himself—especially if he does not have sufficient knowledge of traffic laws),” the mayor posted on Facebook.

He added, “As I have mentioned before, I have already announced to the City Council our intention to pass an ordinance regarding the use of e-trikes on the roads of Muntinlupa. This is still under study, and we will ensure that there is a clear process of consultation, passage of the ordinance, and development of an IRR before its implementation.”

Biazon said there is no misunderstanding on the policy with the LTO.

“Pare-pareho ang layunin natin: kaligtasan at kaayusan sa kalsada. Ang usapin sa ngayon ay ang kakulangan ng malinaw na implementing rules, kaya hindi pa ito ganap na maipatupad ng Pamahalaang Lungsod sa local level (Our goal is the same: safety and order on the roads. The issue right now is the lack of clear implementing rules, so the City Government has not yet been able to fully implement it at the local level).”

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, did you notice any e-bike or e-trike causing problems on local roads? Do you think the said electric vehicles made local traffic worse? Did you ever notice the driver of an e-bike or an e-trike deliberately violating road safety rules recently? How many people in your local community own an e-bike or an e-trike?

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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