Manila Bulletin – Page 19 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Muntinlupa City Government will implement reforms at Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun)

February 5, 2025January 27, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, it was announced that reforms at the Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun) will be implemented by the City Government, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The said hospital is located in Filinvest City.

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

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon said the city government will implement reforms at the Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun) in Alabang.

Biazon held a dialogue with doctors of the hospital about concerns.

The supervision of OsMun was returned to the Muntinlupa City government based on an ordinance passed last year. In 2019, the OsMun was designated as a Local Economic Enterprise (LEE) aimed at generating its own revenue.

“Ngunit sa ilang taon ng operations, lumalabas na hindi niya kaya makamit ang nasabing revenue na nagdulot ng kakulangan sa naihahatid na serbisyo (But after several years of operations, it turned out that it was unable to achieve the said revenue, which caused a shortage in the service delivered),” Biazon posted on Facebook.

During the meeting, Biazon explained to the OsMun doctors the changes that will be implemented and listened to their complaints and suggestions.

He said the return of OsMun under the city government was meant to give the hospital the capability to provide the right service.

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 feel confident that reforms at the Ospital ng Muntinlupa will result in improvements?

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

Ownership of Festival Mall transferring to Filinvest REIT Corporation (FILRT) for over P6 billion

February 4, 2025January 27, 2025carlocarrasco

Have you been to Festival Mall in Alabang lately? Some things might change in the near future as the ownership of the shopping and lifestyle mall (first opened in May 1998 as Festival Supermall) is being transferred by the Gotianun Group to Filinvest REIT Corporation (FILRT) in a deal worth more than P6 billion, according to a Manila Bulletin business news report.

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

The Gotianun Group is transferring ownership of its flagship Festival Mall-Main Mall in Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City to Filinvest REIT Corporation (FILRT) in a P6.26 billion deal that marks the real estate investment trust’s entry into the retail leasing business.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Filinvest Land Inc. (FLI) said it is selling the 26-year-old Festival Mall to FILRT in exchange for 1.63 billion FILRT shares at an issue price of P3.85 per share under a tax-free property-for-share swap transaction.

“The transaction fulfills FLI’s commitment as the sponsor of FILRT to continually support the growth and expansion of its REIT portfolio through the infusion of high-quality income-generating real estate assets,” FLI said.

It added that, upon the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) approval of the transaction, FLI and FILRT shall execute a lease agreement for the building.

In a separate disclosure, FILRT said the issue price represents a 30 percent premium over the 30-day volume weighted average price of P2.94 per FILRT share, and falls within the fair value price range provided by FTI Consulting’s Fairness Opinion and LeeChiu Property Consultants, Inc.’s Valuation Report.

The property was appraised by Leechiu Property Consultants, and a fairness opinion was provided by FTI Consulting. A discounted cash flow (DCF) approach was used as the primary method to determine the value of the property.

Under the DCF approach, the future cash flows of the property were discounted using a weighted average cost of capital (WACC) based on a capital asset pricing model. A direct capitalization approach was also used as a secondary reference for the valuation of the property.

For the valuation of the shares, FTI Consulting used various methodologies such as the DCF approach, a dividend discount model, and a comparable public companies’ method, to arrive at a range of values for the fair value of FILRT shares.

The primary common shares to be issued by FILRT to FLI will come from the unissued common shares of FILRT. This will be subject to the approval by FILRT’s shareholders and regulatory approvals.

Upon the SEC’s approval of the transaction, FLI and FILRT shall execute a lease agreement for the property.

“Pursuant to the approval of the transaction, the Board approved the conduct of a special stockholders’ meeting (SSM) to be held on March 4, at 10:00 AM. The record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice and right to vote at the SSM is February 10, 2025,” the firm said.

FILRT’s diversification into mall leasing comes after its expansion into the hospitality space with the acquisition of 2.9 hectares of land owned by Filinvest Development Corporation (FDC) in Boracay Island for P1.05 billion in cash.

The land is being leased by Boracay Seascapes, Inc. (BSI), the building owner of Crimson Resort & Spa Boracay and a subsidiary of FDC.

FILRT President and CEO Maricel Brion-Lirio said this is the company’s first asset infusion since its initial public offering and “not only increases the distributable income to our shareholders in the immediate term but also supports our goal of delivering stable dividends and increasing the potential for capital appreciation in the longer term.”

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 who happens to be a frequent visitor or shopper of Festival Mall, do you think the incoming, new owners will be able to make improvements on the mall somehow? Do you hope that the original cinemas of Festival Mall will get renovated and reopened with the latest cinema technologies 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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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

Bureau of Immigration (BI) tells public to report foreigners engaged in illegal espionage

February 3, 2025February 2, 2025carlocarrasco

In light of the recent apprehension of Chinese nationals who were suspected to be working as spies, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) urged the public to report foreign nationals engaged in illegal espionage here in the Philippines, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Sunday, Feb. 2, urged the public to report foreigners engaged in illegal espionage and other suspicious activities.

“We are serious in our efforts to stop these undesirable aliens from abusing our hospitality,” declared BI Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado in a statement.

Viado aired his plea following the arrest of six suspected Chinese spies who were caught during a series of operations conducted recently by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The alleged spies were earlier identified by as Deng Yuangqing, Cai Shaohuang, Cheng Hai Tao, Wu Cheng Ting, Wang Yong Yi, and Wu Chin Ren.

They have been charged with the non-bailable offense of violations of Commonwealth Act No. 616, the Espionage Act, in relation to Republic Act (RA) No. 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Viado disclosed the BI has been investigating the arrested suspected spies and found that they have been embedded in the Philippines for years.

“Some have been here as early as 2002,” he said.

“They have been holding legal statuses, and have lived in the country for a long time before they were found to be doing suspicious activities by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP),” he also said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there could be a lot of spies from Communist China living here in the Philippines doing secretive espionage work? Do you think the government should announce financial rewards for information that would lead to arrest of foreigners who committed illegal espionage in 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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Ten foreign nationals arrested in Parañaque City village for alleged scamming activities

January 24, 2025January 23, 2025carlocarrasco

Very recently in Parañaque City, ten foreign nations were arrested by elements of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for alleged online scamming, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The apprehension took place inside a village.

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

Ten foreigners have been arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in a subdivision in Paranaque City where they were found allegedly conducting online scamming activities.

In a statement, the NBI said the 10 foreigners were arrested by operatives of the NBI National Capital Region (NBI-NCR) during the service of a Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD) at a residence in Multinational Village in Paranaque City.

It said all the 10 foreigners face charges of violating Republic Act (RA) 12010, the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act.

The NBI identified seven of the foreigners as Vietnamese nationals Phan Viet Ngan, Do Anh Tuan, Nguyen Duc Anh, Phan Kim Sang, Vo Hong Sy, Nguyen Van Khanh, and Doan Van Dung.

The other foreigners were identified as Chinese nationals Zhang Ming Yi, Xin Yao Huang and Himen Chen.

The NBI said that during the operation, seized from the suspects were computers and transcripts with Chinese characters.

“Based on the seized translated transcripts, Subjects are indeed engaged in phishing and scamming activities,” it said.

“In addition, Operating System Triage conducted on the seized computer units revealed the illegal activities of the Subjects like romance scam, fictitious messaging accounts, fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes and fake investment solicitations,” it added.

The NBI said the operation was conducted after NBI-NCR received “an intelligence report that groups of foreign nationals are engaged in Investment Fraud, Crypto Asset or Crypto Currency Scam, Artificial Intelligence scam and High Yield Investment Program (HYIP), Romance scam and identity theft through the use of social engineering scheme and digital communication systems.”

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 illegal operations secretly happening in residential communities with foreigners doing the work? When was the last time an online scamming operation was discovered in 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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NBI agents arrest 12 Chinese nationals in Parañaque City for alleged scamming and immigration violations, 5 locals arrested for bribery attempt at NBI office

January 23, 2025January 16, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) apprehended twelve Chinese nationals and five locals for alleged scamming operations and an attempt of bribery, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

Twelve Chinese nationals and five Filipinos were arrested for alleged scamming operations and attempted bribery, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) bared Tuesday.

The foreigners were arrested in an operation on Jan. 8, 2025, at the Rance Corporate Center Aseana City in Tambo, Paranaque City for alleged violation of the Philippine Immigration Act.

During the operation, NBI personnel found “romance or love scam scripts, messaging applications with fictitious accounts, bank accounts, and fraudulent cryptocurrency scams, and fake investment schemes.”

The discovery resulted in the arrest of 12 Chinese nationals namely: Xu Chao, Meng Wei Shi, Xing Chao, Qin Hai Feng, Li Xiang Hua, Zhang Wei, Wang Qin Xiang, Wang Jia Fa, Jiang Qi Long, Luo Shang Fen, Qixin Wang, and Chen Jiang Song.

The NBI said while the operatives were preparing to return to headquarters with the arrested subjects, a certain Ezechiel Bernales volunteered to come with them, claiming that he is the suspects’ official interpreter.

Bernales allegedly told the NBI operatives that Wang Qin Xiang and Qixin Wang were offering to pay PHP300,000 for the release of each arrested individual or a total of PHP3,600,000.

An entrapment operation was then conducted at the parking lot of the NBI office in Pasay City on Jan. 10 resulting in the arrest of Bernales and four others, namely: Robustiano Hizon, John Abunda Villanueva, Kristoffer Habelito Baguna, and Hanif Bautil.

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 still be a lot more Chinese nationals secretly conducting scam operations? Who do you think could be the mastermind behind the bribery attempt? Are you thankful that the NBI arrested the 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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Construction of Maynilad’s P4.84 billion sewage treatment facility in Las Piñas City progressing

January 21, 2025January 14, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently water concessionaire Maynilad announced that its P4.84 billion water reclamation facility (WRF) in Las Piñas City is progressing with its construction and should start operating in July 2026. The said facility is located in Barangay Almanza Uno.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the press release of Maynilad. Some parts in boldface…

West Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) is making progress on its Php4.84-billion Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) in Las Piñas City, a vital project aimed at expanding wastewater services and contributing to the rehabilitation of Manila Bay.

Now 33% complete, the Las Piñas WRF is slated to begin operations by July 2026. Once operational, it will treat up to 88 million liters of wastewater per day, serving approximately 360,000 residents across 20 barangays in Las Piñas City. Treated wastewater from this facility will be safely discharged into the Zapote River, which flows into Manila Bay, helping to reduce pollution and improve water quality.

Strategically located in Barangay Pamplona Uno, the Las Piñas WRF will utilize advanced Anaerobic-Anoxic-Oxic (A2O) technology to effectively remove pollutants. The facility is designed to meet the Water Quality Guidelines and General Effluent Standards of 2016 (DAO 2016-08), as mandated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

“Our construction timeline was unfortunately delayed by pandemic restrictions in 2020, but we resumed work in 2023 with renewed focus. This project reinforces our commitment to providing reliable wastewater services for our customers and easing the pollution burden on Manila Bay,” said Maynilad President and CEO Ramoncito S. Fernandez.

The Las Piñas WRF is part of Maynilad’s larger program to accelerate the rollout of sewerage and sanitation services in Metro Manila. The project is financed through a partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).

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 water reclamation facility will be completed in time to start operations in July 2026?

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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Men who robbed El Grande Avenue house in Las Piñas City arrested

January 21, 2025January 21, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, local police officers arrested three “Akyat Bahay” gang members who broke into a house along El Grande Avenue and robbed it of valuables, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The incident happened within the jurisdiction of Barangay BF International-CAA and the suspects were caught hiding in the house ceiling.

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

Three members of “Akyat Bahay” gang were caught by members of the Las Piñas City Police hiding in the ceiling of the house they robbed of valuable items on Jan. 7.

Las Piñas City Police chief Col. Sandro Tafalla identified the suspects as alias “Anthony,” 24; alias “Andrei,” 21; and alias “Paul,” 19, all residents of Parañaque City.

They were apprehended at around 3:00 p.m. at a house on El Grande Avenue in Barangay BF International/CAA Las Piñas City.

Tafalla said the victim, identified as alias “Ernesto,”67, visited his house and discovered that it was ransacked, prompting him to immediately report the incident to the police.

He said the suspects were found hiding in the ceiling of the house of the victim during the investigation by responding policemen, village security personnel and barangay officials.

The victim claimed that his 42-inch Sony flat-screen TV worth P60,000, a 43-inch Devant flat-screen TV worth P50,000, and a Mac computer valued at P100,000 were stolen and not recovered. Tafalla said an air conditioning unit worth P70,000 was recovered at the scene.

He said the suspects also damaged a circuit breaker worth P120,000.00, the ceiling worth P50,000, and floor tiles and sliding door each valued at P50,000.

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? Was there an Akyat Bahay incident that happened in your local community over the past six months? Do you own a home that got robbed?

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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Young achiever congratulated by Muntinlupa City Mayor

January 17, 2025January 15, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, a young achiever who brought home a lot of honors from math and science competitions overseas was congratulated by Mayor Ruffy Biazon, 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 congratulated a student from San Beda College Alabang for winning medals in international math and science competitions.

Antonio Pio Vivo, a Grade 6 student, visited Biazon to present the awards he received.

“Ngayong January, bumisita siya ulit (This January, he visited again) with an impressive collection of medals and trophies from international Mathematics and Science competitions—plus a taekwondo championship title!”

Vivo won in the following competitions:

Hong Kong International Olympiad Final Round (Singapore, June 13-17, 2024)

– Champion and merit award for Science Olympiad

– Merit award for Computing Olympiad

International Mathematics Wizard Challenge 2024 Final Round (Bogor, Indonesia, June 20-24, 2024)

– Silver medal

Siam International Math and Science Olympics (Bangkok, Thailand, August 9-12, 2024)

– Bronze medal for Science Olympics

– Bronze medal for Math Olympics

Philippine International Math and Science Olympics (Cebu, April 5-8, 2024)

– Bronze for Mathematics Category

– Bronze for Science Category

Asia International Mathematical Olympiad 2024 Final Round (South Korea, July 27-31, 2024)

– Merit award

In addition, he won a gold medal at the National Age Group Taekwondo Championship held last November at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

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 delighted to see a new local achiever getting recognized by the Mayor?

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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DILG will ask Parañaque City Government to explain scam hub operation with hundreds of workers

January 12, 2025January 10, 2025carlocarrasco

In relation to the big raid in Parañaque City that resulted hundreds of suspects arrested, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will ask the City Government for an explanation, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will ask the Parañaque government for an explanation over the raided company in the city that was allegedly involved in scam hub operations, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Friday.

The raid took place only a few days after the December 31, 2024 deadline for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) in the country.

“Magsusulat kami sa LGU para… manghihingi kami ng paliwanag kung ano talaga ang nangyari,” Remulla said in an ambush interview.

(We will write to the LGU so we can ask for an explanation on what really happened.)

This came after authorities raided a company in the city on Wednesday and arrested 400 foreigners.

Remulla, however, said he believes that the local government was unaware of the presence of the company as it has yet to inspect the area where the raid took place.

“Hindi pa alam ng Parañaque ‘yan kasi hindi pa nag re-renew ng business permit. Doon lang naman pumapasok ‘yan, basta nag re-renew ng business permit ‘yan,” he said.

(Parañaque does not know about that because they have yet to renew their business permit. That’s the only way they can inspect, as long as they renew their business permit.)

The official said it seems that the hub was previously operating as a POGO under the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.

“They supposedly shut down [on] December 15 pero nag resume kaagad sila right after ng December 31. Chineck natin ‘yung mga buildings na ‘yun wala na sila doon pero bumalik at bumalik sila,” Remulla said.

(They supposedly shut down on December 15 but resumed immediately after December 31. We checked those buildings and they were no longer there, but they went back.)

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 still be a lot more POGOs or scam hubs secretly operating? Do you think the City Government could be aware of such illegal operations happening within their jurisdiction?

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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Bureau of Immigration says harboring foreign workers of POGOs means prosecution

January 11, 2025January 8, 2025carlocarrasco

As there are still over eleven thousand foreign workers of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) who failed to follow the December 31, 2024 deadline (for departure) and remained in the country, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) warned the public that harboring them is a crime and it will lead to prosecution under the Philippine Immigration Act, 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…

Persons harboring foreign workers of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) will be prosecuted, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) warned on Wednesday, Jan. 8.

“Harboring illegal aliens is a serious offense, and we will pursue violations with utmost resolve,” said Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado.

He stressed that “the BI will not hesitate to file charges against anyone found violating Section 46 of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940.“

Section 46 of the Philippine Immigration Act prohibits the “bringing of alien in the Philippines who is not lawfully entitled to enter or reside there, concealing or harboring an alien who is not lawfully entitled to enter or reside there, and attempting, conspiring with, or aiding another to commit any of the prohibited acts.”

Viado issued the warning after the BI revealed that over 11,000 foreign workers of POGOs failed to leave the Philippines on the Dec. 31, 2024 deadline.

For continuing to remain in the Philippines, the bureau said these aliens will be arrested and will face deportation proceedings, he said.

“Anyone who enables these individuals to remain in the Philippines illegally will face the consequences, and the law is clear, and there will be no exceptions,” he stressed.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are there many foreign workers of POGOs secretly living within your local community right now? Do you think there are still POGOs secretly operating in 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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