Manila Bulletin – Page 18 – Author Carlo Carrasco

E-bike driver apprehended in Muntinlupa City for selling illegal firearm

March 1, 2025February 22, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, local police officers arrested an e-bike (electric bike) driver after he was caught selling an illegal firearm, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The suspect is a resident of Parañaque City.

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

A 32-year-old e-bike driver was arrested by the police after he was caught selling an illegal firearm in Muntinlupa on Feb. 20.

Brig. Gen. Manuel Abrugena, district director of the Southern Police District (SPD), identified the suspect as alias Paul, a resident of Barangay Baclaran, Parañaque, who was arrested in a police buy-bust operation on Biazon Road in Barangay Poblacion, Muntinlupa at about 1:55 a.m.

The operation was carried out by the District Special Operations Unit of the Southern Police District (SPD) in cooperation with the District Intelligence Division, Intelligence Section, District Mobile Force Battalion, and Muntinlupa Police.

Seized from the suspect were a .45-caliber pistol, a .45-caliber magazine loaded with three live rounds of ammunition, a hand grenade, a genuine P1,000 bill used as marked money, a cell phone, and a sling bag. The arrested suspect is now under police custody for investigation.

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, are you concerned that there could be more individuals from other cities who could be secretly selling illegal firearms in the city? Are you thankful to the local police for the successful buy-bust operation?

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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Armed painter arrested in Parañaque City

February 26, 2025February 18, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Parañaque, local police officers arrested a painter who was found to be armed with a gun and for causing alarm among bystanders, 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…

A painter armed with a .45 caliber pistol was arrested by members of the Parañaque City Police last Feb. 12 for creating panic among bystanders.

The Southern Police District (SPD) said the suspect, identified as alias “Jonathan,” 22 was arrested at around 2:00 p.m. in Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque City.

The police said the arrest of Jonathan came after a concerned citizen called up Barangay San Dionisio requesting for police assistance after a man brandishing his firearm had started causing panic among bystanders.

The police said personnel from the San Dionisio Police Sub-Station (SS4) immediately responded and found the suspect brandishing his firearm and challenging bystanders.

The suspect was immediately arrested. Recovered from him was a .45 caliber pistol with four ammunitions.

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 think that there could still be a lot more people discreetly carrying guns with them in defiance of the local gun ban?

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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STI’s P950 million academic center in Alabang to rise, to start operating in 2026

February 24, 2025February 14, 2025carlocarrasco

STI Education Services Group, Inc. (STI ESG) formally broke ground of their ambitious P950 million campus in Alabang (the STI Academic Center Alabang) which was designed to accommodate ten thousand students and start operating in 2026, 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…

Tanco-led STI Education Services Group, Inc. (STI ESG) is investing P950 million for the construction of a new state-of-the-art campus in Alabang designed to meet the evolving needs of students in the 21st century.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, the firm said it has broken ground for the new STI Academic Center Alabang located on a 3,266 square-meter property in South Park District. The campus is set to be operational in 2026.

The new campus is designed to accommodate up to 10,000 senior high school and college students. The 8-storey building will feature top-of-the-line facilities and equipment to ensure a world-class learning environment.

“For years, we have been expanding and improving our facilities to keep up with the demands and challenges of the modern world,” said STI President and COO Peter K. Fernandez.

He added that, “This new campus in Alabang reflects our commitment to creating a conducive learning environment that empowers students with relevant skills, knowledge, and character.”

STI Academic Center Alabang will be equipped with modern facilities, including air-conditioned classrooms with flat-screen TVs, student activity centers with internet connectivity, industry-grade laboratories, and recreational spaces such as a basketball court.

The campus will offer senior high school programs and bachelor’s degree programs in high-demand fields such as Information Technology, Business & Management, Hospitality Management, and Tourism Management.

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 think the upcoming STI Academic Center Alabang will make a positive impact on local society as well as on families looking for schools to have their children enrolled in?

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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Opening of DFA-NCR South Consular Office inside Festival Mall commended by Muntinlupa Mayor

February 23, 2025February 18, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the permanent Consular of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) was formally opened inside Festival Mall in Filinvest City, Alabang, and it was commended by Mayor Ruffy Biazon as the facility’s many services will be helpful for the local residents and those from other cities, 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…

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon commended the opening of the permanent Consular Office of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) at Festival Mall in Alabang.

Biazon attended the opening of the DFA Consular Office National Capital Region-South located at the third floor of the mall’s east wing.

Also present during the opening ceremony were Ambassador Joseph Yap, DFA Office of Consular Affairs Assistant Secretary Adelio Angelito Cruz, and Filinvest Land president and CEO Tristan Las Marias.

“Available dito ang primary services tulad ng document verification and authentication at passport issuance, among others. Spacious, bright, at convenient din ang bagong office—hindi lang para sa Muntinlupeños kundi pati sa ating mga kababayan from nearby cities and provinces (Primary services such as document verification and authentication and passport issuance, among others, are available here. The new office is spacious, bright, and convenient—not only for Muntinlupeños but also for our countrymen from nearby cities and provinces),” the mayor posted on Facebook.

Biazon said, “this office is more than just a facility. It’s a gateway of dreams para sa lahat ng Pilipinong nagnanais makabisita, makapag-aral, o makapagtrabaho sa ibang bansa (It’s a gateway of dreams for all Filipinos who wish to visit, study, or work abroad).”

Cruz said the DFA-NCR South Consular Office will serve “as the mini-OCA Aseana and DFA outpost.”

He said the Alabang office will provide “consular services that cover first time passport applications, passport renewals, authentication, and Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN).”

The first passport applicant at the DFA-NCR South office was a 67-year-old man who applied for his very first Philippine passport. He said he applied for a passport so he can visit his child in California.

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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Direct loading to GCash and Maya recently phased out by BPI

February 20, 2025February 12, 2025carlocarrasco

In case you missed the news, direct loading to e-wallet services GCash and Maya using the app of Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) has been disabled recently as the bank made changes, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is phasing out its direct e-wallet loading feature for GCash and Maya on Feb. 13, 2025.

After this date, BPI customers will no longer be able to use the “Load E-Wallet” option within the BPI mobile app to fund their GCash or Maya accounts.

Instead, BPI is advising users to transfer funds via InstaPay and PesoNet using the “Transfer to other banks” function. Within this feature, customers can select “G-Xchange” for GCash or “Maya Philippines Inc/Maya Wallet” for Maya.

BPI explained that this shift is in line with Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Circular 980, which outlines the National Retail Payment System Framework, and complies with recommendations from the Philippine Payments Management, Inc. (PPMI) as detailed in Advisory No. 2024-1104-020.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a BPI user who also has a GCash or Maya account, were you deeply affected by the recent changes? Do you find transferring money from BPI to an e-wallet service more inconvenient to do today?

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 Government to implement zero-contact policy in issuance of business permits and licenses

February 15, 2025February 8, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, a new ordinance was approved resulting in the City Government to implement a zero-contact policy in the issuance of business permits and licenses, 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 Muntinlupa City government will implement a zero-contact policy in the issuance of business permits and licenses.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon signed Ordinance No. 2025-303, passed by the Muntinlupa City Council, “Institutionalizing Business E-Payment System (BeST) for Effective Implementation of the ‘Zero-Contact Policy’ in the Issuance of Business Licenses and Permits in Muntinlupa City.”

The ordinance stated that “in compliance to the mandate of all existing laws and national directives, the City Government of Muntinlupa through the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) established Business E-Payment System (BeST) as an online platform to facilitate applications for new and renewal of business permits.”

BeST “allows electronic payments through various partner banks, e-wallets, and payment gateways and also provides an option of door-to-door delivery service.”

The ordinance added that “there is an urgent need to institutionalize the said system to support and enhance city services in pursuit of being a ‘smart city’ and be compliant with the said laws and national directives.”

It mandates the Muntinlupa BPLO to “adopt and establish Business E-Payment System (BeST) as an online platform of the City Government of Muntinlupa to facilitate application for, processing of, and issuance Of business licenses and permits for business entities, including, but not limited to, those owned and operated by individuals, partnerships, cooperatives, associations or corporations in the City of Muntinlupa.

“The BeST will guarantee the effective implementation of the ‘zero-contact policy,’ transparency and good governance that eliminates the possibility of graft and corruption with lesser personnel the taxpayer deals with,” the local law stated.

Under BeST, “electronic versions of licenses, clearances, permits, certifications or authorizations with the same level of authority and containing the electronic signature of the authorized officer/s and seal of the City, which may be printed by the businesses in the convenience of their offices” shall be provided.

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, does the new zero-contact policy in the issuance of business permits and licenses make a lot of sense?

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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DOTr’s “road safety park” to rise in Muntinlupa City

February 14, 2025February 13, 2025carlocarrasco

Yesterday in Muntinlupa City, the “road safety park” project of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) was formally started with a groundbreaking ceremony at the Muntinlupa Sports Center, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Thursday broke ground for a new ‘road safety park’ in Muntinlupa City that seeks to promote active transportation through the construction of road safety features and cycling facilities.

Transportation Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Jesus Ortega (2nd from left) and Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon (2nd from right) lead the groundbreaking for Muntinlupa City’s first-ever ‘road safety park’ at the Muntinlupa Sports Center. (photo source – DOTr)

The park is being built on a 3,140-square meter lot at the Muntinlupa Sports Center and will be connected to public road transport.

It will feature bike lane classes, public transport stops, a road signage park, and a footbridge, and will be connected to public road transport.

“Through these initiatives, we are not only building infrastructure — we are fostering a culture of safety, sustainability, and inclusivity,” DOTr Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Jesus Ortega said during the groundbreaking rites.

*The ribbon-cutting ceremony. (photo source – DOTr)*

He said cyclists will be able to enjoy end-of-trip cycling facilities featuring a bicycle parking shed with u-shaped racks and a bicycle repair station.

“These efforts will benefit thousands of people, including students, employees, and visitors, as we work together to transform Muntinlupa into a model city for active transport and road safety.”

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 think the DOTr’s “road safety park” will turn out useful? Are you delighted that the project is being built in the city?

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

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Mitsubishi will invest P7 billion in the Philippines

February 13, 2025February 7, 2025carlocarrasco

Japanese motor giant Mitsubishi Motors Corp. (MMC) formally announced recently that it will be investing P7 billion in the Philippines which President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., welcomed, 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…

President Marcos welcomed Mitsubishi Motors Corp.’s (MMC) P7-billion investment plan in the Philippines in the next five years, saying this will create more jobs for Filipinos.

Marcos expressed his appreciation to MMC during Mitsubishi President and CEO Kato Takao’s courtesy call to the President in Malacañan on Thursday, Feb. 6, to discuss the company’s investment plan in the Philippines.

During their meeting, Kato said MMC’s expansion plan includes adding a new production model at its Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) plant in Laguna. Marcos welcomed this move as it would generate more jobs for Filipinos.

“The jobs that it will provide, that your investment will provide, are very important to us and certainly, vehicle manufacture is one of those,” President Marcos said.

In a Facebook post, the President described Mitsubishi as a valuable partner in his administration’s quest to boost the automotive industry.

“As a strong partner in our journey to strengthen the automotive industry and empower Filipino workers, we welcome Mitsbushi Motors Corporation’s plans to expand operations in the country,” he wrote.

“Mr. Takao Kato and I share the same goals of driving innovation, creating more jobs, and making sustainable transportation a reality for Filipinos,” he added.

During the meeting, Marcos said that MMC will be included in the government’s Revitalizing the Automotive Industry for Competitiveness Enhancement (RACE) Program, a new proposed version of the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) Program. He hoped MMC’s inclusion would help in its expansion plans.

For his part, Kato said the Philippines is MMC’s most important investment in Southeast Asia, citing its good and stable economy.

“In the ASEAN, (the) Philippines is our number one market,” Kato told the President.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think Mitsubishi’s ambitious investment plan will add a lot to the ongoing economic growth of 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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Wanted woman apprehended in Muntinlupa City over drug case

February 11, 2025February 2, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, police officers armed with a warrant arrested a wanted woman for a drug case, 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…

A fugitive woman, tagged as the No. 10 most wanted person by the police, was arrested in Muntinlupa on Feb. 1.

The Muntinlupa Police Warrant and Subpoena Unit arrested the suspect, identified as alias Evelyn, 55, a vendor, in Barangay Alabang for a drug case. Evelyn was listed as the No. 10 most wanted person at station level for the first quarter of 2025.

The warrant of arrest for service of sentence was issued by Acting Presiding Judge Desiree Gertrude Orquiola-Moldez of the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 206 on Jan. 24.

Evelyn was arrested for violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) under Section 13 (possession of dangerous drugs during parties, social gatherings, or meetings), and Section 14 (possession of equipment, instruments, apparatus, and other paraphernalia for dangerous drugs during parties, social gatherings, or meetings).

She is under the custody of the Muntinlupa Police pending the issuance of a commitment order from the court.

Brig. Gen. Manuel Abrugena, district director of the Southern Police District, commended the Muntinlupa Police

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, are you concerned that there could be persons wanted by the police living within your local community?

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

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There is a USAID project in Parañaque City

February 11, 2025February 10, 2025carlocarrasco

Now that the global scandal of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been exposed, there is a list of connected projects here in the Philippines (more than 30 projects according to a recent Philippine Star news report) and the disturbance is only growing. The administration of US President Donald Trump has been examining the spending and projects of USAID, and the Democrats have been outraged which is not surprising because a lot of USAID projects are based on their Leftist and woke agenda.

This past December, the Manila Bulletin reported a project involving USAID (specifically the United States Agency for International Development – Clean Cities, Blue Ocean or USAID-CCBO for short) and the City Government of Parañaque (through its City Environment and Natural Resources Office called CENRO for short) in the form of a mural painting emphasizing “environmental stewardship and youth empowerment through community-based initiatives.”

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the December 12, 2024 Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

The city government of Parañaque, through its City Environment and Natural Resources (CENRO), together with the United States Agency for International Development – Clean Cities, Blue Ocean (USAID CCBO), conducted a mural painting event on Dec. 11 promoting environmental stewardship and youth empowerment through community-based initiatives.

Parañaque City Mayor Eric Olivarez said the event, with the theme “Raising Awareness on Solid Waste Management and Marine Litter Pollution,” was held at the City Material Recovery Facility in Barangay La Huerta and was participated by students from Parañaque National High School – Main

They were accompanied by their principal, Gerry Lumaban, and teacher Winnie Freda Cabero.

The students’ artistic talents were showcased during the activity under the guidance of AG Sanio, a renowned Filipino muralist, conservationist, photographer, landscape architect, and environmental advocate.

Within the context of the Manila Bulletin news report, it’s hard to see if there is anything wrong or questionable about the Parañaque City project involving USAID. It is also not yet clear how much American taxpayer’s money was spent by USAID on the project (a mural painting). Perhaps in due time, the Trump administration will find all the details about it.

The December 2024 project is not the first time that Parañaque’s CENRO was involved with USAID which you can see by clicking here. This past January, the USAID – CCBO team visited Parañaque to “conduct a dry run of the Waste Sorting Line.”

For the foreigners reading this blog post, Parañaque is one of the least competitive highly urbanized cities (HUCs) of the Philippines based on the 2024 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI). The city also failed to qualify for the 2024 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) based on the findings of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). It remains to be seen how USAID will help Parañaque City improve in the short term.

For the newcomers reading this, if you want to learn about USAID and what the scandal is all about, watch and learn from the YouTube videos below. The scandal is only growing.

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 aware of the project in your city involving the scandalous USAID? If you have seen the project, do you find it questionable or acceptable? Do you think the project in Barangay La Huerta benefits the citizens of Parañaque at all? Do you think projects that emphasize climate change or environmentalist propaganda are needed in Parañaque City at all? Can you speculate how much in American taxpayer Dollars were spent by USAID in Parañaque City? If you are an American, how do you feel about your tax Dollars being spent in several USAID projects in the Philippines and around the world?

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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