Manila Bulletin – Page 33 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Muntinlupa City Health Office says there are no local cases of COVID-19 FLiRT variants detected

May 29, 2024May 28, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the city health office stated that there are no cases of the new variants of COVID-19, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Muntinlupa City Health Office said there are no cases of the new variants of Covid-19 in the city amid the start of screening for arrivals at the country’s points of entry.

Dr. Juancho Bunyi, CHO head, said as of May 28, there are only four active Covid-19 cases with mild and moderate symptoms in the city confined at the city-run Ospital ng Muntinlupa in Alabang.

“No new variants reported as per DOH [Department of Health],” said Bunyi.

The country’s Bureau of Quarantine ordered the screening at points of entry on all arrivals from countries where Covid-19 FLiRT cases have been reported.

The DOH said based on the update by the World Health Organization (WHO), the three new variants of Covid-19 being monitored are JN.1.18, KP.2 and KP.3, which are “descendants of JN.1.”

It said KP.2 and KP.3 are known as the “FLiRT” variants, “a nickname coined by some researchers to describe amino acid changes in the COVID-19 virus’ spike protein, specifically from phenylalanine (F) to leucine (L) at position 456, and from arginine (R) to threonine (T) at position 346.”

WHO observed that “there are currently no reported laboratory or epidemiological reports indicating any association between VOIs/VUMs and increased disease severity.”

In the Philippines, the DOH reported that from May 7 to 13, a total of 877 new Covid-19 cases were recorded with an average of 125 reported cases per day.

It said that while there is an increase of Covid-19 cases in the country recently, it is small and lower compared to previous observed increases.

Of the 877, seven had severe or critical disease and five people died, which occurred from April 30 to May 13.

“All Philippine regions remain to be at low risk for COVID-19. There is no scientific basis for travel restrictions to any country because of an increase in COVID-19 cases. The Department remains to be in close coordination with international health authorities, and its Bureau of Quarantine is keeping watch over points of entry nationwide. The voluntary use of face masks should be done properly, along with standard precautions like hand washing, avoiding crowds, and choosing good airflow,” the DOH said.

As of May 12, only 11 percent (119/1,117) of dedicated Covid-19 ICU (intensive care unit) beds were occupied and only 13 percent (1,238/9,571) of dedicated Covid-19 non-ICU beds were occupied, the DOH added.

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 FLiRT variants of COVID-19 could be detected in the city soon?

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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Nuclear power is key to preventing power shortages in the Philippines

May 24, 2024May 13, 2024carlocarrasco

If the Philippines is to keep growing economically in the long-term, it needs to have abundant energy and that makes nuclear power essential (for related posts, click here, here, here and here). That being said, the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) recently stated that nuclear power can prevent power shortages in the country, 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 Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), on Tuesday, May 7, said nuclear energy sources can help prevent energy shortages in the Philippines due to its “capacity factor” and “energy density.”

In a PTV interview, PNRI Executive Director Carlo Arcilla said nuclear power has two factors—energy density and capacity.

Energy density means that even a tiny amount of nuclear fuel, about the size of a finger, contains an incredible amount of energy, he said.

“If you had several tons of coal, it’s that powerful. It’s a very, very concentrated power,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Arcilla cited the second factor, “capacity factor,” explaining that the availability of a nuclear plant is approximately 90 percent of the time.

“When you’re running a nuclear plant, it’s reliably available about 90 percent of the time, regardless of the weather,” he said.

He further explained this by citing the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant as an example, along with other power plants built in the 1980s.

“Similar plants in Slovenia, South Korea, and Brazil have been in operation for 40 years and are even being relicensed for another 20 years,” he said.

“These plants can run for an impressive 18 months straight without needing to refuel. The amount of fuel they require is roughly equivalent to what you’d put in a jeep, and they keep running continuously,” he added.

The PNRI official then emphasized that nuclear energy production produces no emissions, including no carbon dioxide. The cost of running such a plant is estimated to be around 30 million dollars.

If that were compared to a coal plant running for 18 months at 620 megawatts (MW), it would be the same.

“The amount of coal needed would fill 50 Panamax ships. Each Panamax ship carries 50,000 tons. That’s 50 of them. Not to mention the CO2 (carbon dioxide). The cost of importing that coal would be around 800 million US dollars,” he explained

The PNRI is a research and development institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)

Furthermore, Arcilla pointed out that even though nuclear power plants are initially costly to build, they have a lifespan of up to 80 years.

“America, for example, has 94 operating nuclear plants, average age, 60 years. Supplying 20 percent of America’s energy. Many of them don’t even know they have nuclear,” he said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that nuclear power is the key to ensuring abundant amounts of energy that the Philippines will need to for economic growth as well as the needs of the people? Are members of your local community still living with a fear of nuclear power?

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 Mayor reacts towards discovery of cops who turned out to be working as bodyguards for Chinese nationals

May 22, 2024May 21, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, an incident took place inside Ayala Alabang Village which eventually led to the discovery that two members of Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) turned out to be working as bodyguards for Chinese nationals and drew a reaction from Muntinlupa City 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 expressed disgust against some police officers who moonlight as bodyguards for Chinese nationals amid the controversy over their presence in the country.

Biazon reacted to the arrest of two members of Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) who engaged in a fistfight in the posh Ayala Alabang Village in Muntinlupa.

They were identified by the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) as Police Corporal George Rojo Mabuti, 30, and Patrolman Roger Ramos Valdez, 30, who were arrested by Muntinlupa Police on May 18.

The NCRPO said the two provided VIP security to a Chinese national involved in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).

Biazon commended the Muntinlupa Police for their immediate action.

“I commend the Muntinlupa Police which immediately responded to the scene and faithfully performed their duty in arresting the culprits,” he said.

However, the mayor said that some police officers work as bodyguards for Chinese nationals.

“It is sad that in the light of the controversy surrounding the presence of Chinese nationals in the country, personnel from the PNP engage in illegal moonlighting as bodyguards. I expect the PNP leadership to do what is right and what is called for by law,” said Biazon.

According to the NCRPO, at about 3:15 p.m. on May 18, a security guard of Ayala Alabang Village who was on patrol saw a fistfight between the two and sought the help from the Ayala-Alabang Police Sub-Station 5 (SS5).

Mabuti fled and sought refuge in one of residences in the village which caused panic and alarm among the residents of the house.

Personnel from the Ayala-Alabang Police SS5 arrested and brought the two to the Muntinlupa City Police Station.

Operatives from the Muntinlupa Police discovered that the two SAF personnel were based in Mindanao.

Mabuti is presently assigned at the 52nd Special Action Company Zamboanga and Valdez is assigned at the 55th Special Action Company Zamboanga.

The police said they were moonlighting as VIP security to a POGO personality. The two police officers said they are not rendering their official duties with their respective units, the NCRPO said.

Lieutenant Riza Soledad of the Muntinlupa Police said Mabuti and Valdez are currently under their custody and underwent inquest proceedings before the prosecutor’s office for the complaint of alarms and scandals.

They will also face administrative penalties for neglect of duty and misconduct for moonlighting and unauthorized provision of VIP security, the NCRPO added.

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 police officers or even barangay tanods who could be secretly working as bodyguards of Chinese nationals or POGOs?

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 wins Gawad Edukampyon award

May 21, 2024May 8, 2024carlocarrasco

The City Government of Muntinlupa recently won a prestigious award (Gawad Edukampyon) in the field of education among highly urbanized cities (HUC), according to a Manila Bulletin news report. For the newcomers reading this, Gawad Edukampyon is a nationwide program launched by REX Education in collaboration with the Department of Education, Department of the Interior, and Local Government and Early Childhood Care and Development Council.

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

The Muntinlupa City government won the Gawad Edukampyon award in the highly urbanized city category for its efforts in Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD).

Muntinlupa won the award for its Supplementary Programs on Early Stimulation and Promotion of Proper Health and Nutrition. This involved a wide range of initiatives, including feeding program, health services, sports activities, educational support, and social services for families.

The city also caters to the needs of parents through the Family Support Program, Tulong Panghanapbuhay Sa Ating Disadvantaged / Displaced Workers (TUPAD), and Parent Congress.

“Patuloy ang City Government of Muntinlupa sa pagsulong ng mahusay na childhood care services para sa mga kabataang Muntinlupeño. Gusto natin lahat ng mga bata sa Muntinlupa ay malusog, nakakapag-aral at may mabuting asal (The City Government of Muntinlupa continues to advocate great childcare services for our young Muntinlupeño. We want all children in Muntinlupa to be healthy, go to school and have good manners),” said Mayor Ruffy Biazon.

He added, “Maraming salamat sa ECED Muntinlupa, led by Ms. Jenny Mercado, sa pangunguna sa ating mga programa for childhood development (Thank you to ECED Muntinlupa, led by Ms. Jenny Mercado, for leading our programs for childhood development).”

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 happy with the Gawad Edukampyon award the city government won?

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 man arrested in Parañaque City for statutory rape

May 16, 2024May 5, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Parañaque, local police officers arrested a man who has been wanted for statutory rape, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The law enforcers had a warrant of arrest for the suspect who also turned to be the 6^th most wanted person in the city.

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

A man wanted for statutory rape was arrested by members of the Parañaque police Warrant and Subpoena Section (WSS) early Friday, May 3.

The Southern Police District (SPD) said the suspect was identified as Jomari “Joms” Alano, 28.

Based on the report submitted to Parañaque Police Chief Col. Reycon Garduque, the suspect tagged as the Top 6 wanted person, was arrested at around 3:30 a.m. in Barangay Sto. Nino, Parañaque City.

Garduque said the suspect was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Moises Domingo De Castro of Parañaque City Family Court, Branch 10 on November 13, 2023 with no bail recommended.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that rape is still a major form of crime in the city? Do you know anyone in your local community who had been raped in Parañaque over the past six months?

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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Over 500 day care students vaccinated for polio in Las Piñas City

May 15, 2024May 2, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, more than five hundred children enrolled in local day care centers were vaccinated for polio over a 2-day period under the City Health Office (CHO), 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 total of 550 day care students received oral polio vaccination during the two-day drive conducted by members of the City Health Office (CHO) last April 23 and 24.

Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar said the team of CHO, led by Dr. Julie Gonzalez, conducted the oral polio vaccine drive among the city’s young students.

Aguilar said 250 young students were given oral police vaccine at the TS Cruz covered court in Barangay Almanza Dos on April 23 at the Saint Joseph Subdivision in Barangay Pulanglupa Dos on April 24 where 300 day care students received the vaccine.

Las Piñas City Vice-Mayor April Aguilar was present during the two-day activity and distributed gifts to the day care student.

The vice-mayor said the vaccine drive is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to maintain a polio- free status following global guidelines on disease prevention.

She said parents and guardians expressed their gratitude for the city’s proactive steps in ensuring the health and safety of their children.

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 wish to see more polio vaccination drives for day care students be held around 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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Muntinlupa City Job Portal online

May 9, 2024April 30, 2024carlocarrasco

If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City who must have noticed members of your local community being able to find jobs within the city, it is most likely because of the online job portal launched recently by the City Government as reported by the Manila Bulletin. The job portal can be accessed at https://jobportal.muntinlupacitygov.com/

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

The Muntinlupa City government launched an online portal to connect employers and job seekers.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon led the launch of the 1Munti Job Portal, a collaboration between the city government and partner private institutions led by the Lingkod Muntinlupa Foundation and 1Munti Party.

“The 1Munti Job Portal is an innovation that helps break down barriers of unemployment. For companies and employers, as part of our City’s mission to be a business-friendly hub, this Portal is free, and you can gain exposure to a diverse range of candidates tailored to your company’s specific needs and requirements,” said Biazon.

The online job portal can be accessed at https://jobportal.muntinlupacitygov.com/

For job seekers, they need to visit the website, create an account, and search for employment opportunities, the mayor said.

Biazon also revealed the upcoming Dress for Success Program which aims to equip job seekers through a series of capacity-building training on the basics of job-hunting and employment, writing good resume, and presenting oneself well in an interview.

Once they finish the short modules, they can claim their set of business attires that will hopefully help boost their confidence in their job seeking journey.

Biazon also said the portal is still part of the city government’s effort to attain “Smart City” status, describing 1Munti Job Portal as “created at the nexus of leadership and technological innovation” to solve human issues.

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 know anyone who applied for a local job through the 1Munti Job Portal? Have you visited the job portal already?

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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Four POGO workers arrested in Parañaque City over illegal detention

May 8, 2024April 28, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Parañaque, local police officers arrested four employees of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) and charged them for illegal detention and grave coercion, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The suspects were all foreigners.

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

Police arrested four Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) workers during a rescue operation in Parañaque City on Thursday, April 25.

The Southern Police District (SPD) said Parañaque City police chief Col. Reycon Garduque reported the arrest of the suspects identified alias Wu, 29; alias Fan, 30; alias Liu, 31; and alias Xueyu, 33.

Garduque said the suspects were nabbed at around 6:30 p.m. in Merville Park, Barangay Merville, Parañaque City.

The operatives rescued the victim, identified as alias Zhang, 35, also a Chinese national, who was reportedly detained by the suspects.

Prior to the operation, the victim’s common-law wife, Jenny Rose, requested for police assistance claiming the victim was threatened and illegally detained by the suspects.

She said the suspects offered the victim a job. When the victim realized that the job was illegal, he tried to leave but was prevented by the suspects.

The suspects reportedly detained the victim and demanded P500,000 in ransom money from his relatives and family.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that the city still has lots of foreigners secretly committing acts of crime? Are there still lots of POGOs in the city operating? Are there many Chinese nationals living in your local community right now? Do you think that POGOs in Parañaque could be used by mainland China for secret spying operations in the country in relation to the Philippines-China conflict in the West Philippine Sea?

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 sets tricycle fare

May 8, 2024May 7, 2024carlocarrasco

The City Government of Muntinlupa formally sets the minimum fare for all tricycles with franchise by means of passing a local ordinance, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Tricycle drivers or operators who violate the ordinance will be fined P1,000.

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

The Muntinlupa City government passed an ordinance setting the minimum fare for all tricycles with franchise.

Ordinance No. 2024-171 increased the minimum tricycle fare to P12 from P10 based on the request of the Muntinlupa Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association, Inc. (FEDMUNTODAI).

The Tricycle Regulatory Unit (TRU) of the city government is mandated to recommend fares and it recommended to the City Council to approve the increase.

“Kinikilala ng Pamahalaang Lungsod ng Muntinlupa ang tungkulin ng mga Traysikel bilang isa sa mga pangunahing pamamaraan ng pampublikong transportasyon (The Muntinlupa City government recognizes the duty of tricycles as one of the main means of public transportation),” according to the ordinance. The ordinance covers all tricycles with franchise.

Under the ordinance, all tricycles are mandated to give 20 percent discount to senior citizens, students, and persons with disabilities (PWD).

All tricycles in Muntinlupa are required to post a Uniform Fare Matrix (UFM) of each tricycle operators and drivers’ association (TODA) at their terminal and inside each tricycle to inform passengers.

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 always ride a tricycle to go around the city? Did you encounter any abusive tricycle driver lately?

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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Immigration officer relieved for allowing overstaying foreigner to pass through airport passenger gate without a clearance

May 2, 2024April 23, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently at the Clark International Airport (CIA), an officer of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) was relieved of his post as a result of allowing an overstaying foreigner to pass through the passenger gate with a clearance, 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…

An immigration officer has been relieved of his post and ordered investigated after he reportedly allowed an overstaying foreigner to pass through the passenger gate at the Clark International Airport (CIA) in Pampanga last April 17.

The foreigner, Indian national Jasbir Singh, was intercepted by the Bureau of Immigration’s Border Control and Intelligence Unit (BI-BCIU) before he could board a flight to Singapore.

In a statement, the BI said that the immigration officer, whose name was withheld pendng results of the investigation, allowed Singh to pass through the passenger gate without a stamp of clearance from the bureau.

According to BI-BCIU Acting Chief Vincent Bryan Allas, Singh presented his boarding pass with an immigration departure stamp and emergency travel document without a BI stamp,” it said.

“Allas said it was obvious that the passenger wanted to leave without paying the immigration fees and fines that overstaying alien tourists are assessed and required to pay before they could be cleared to leave the country,” it also said.

The BI noted Singh arrived in the Philippines last Dec. 9, 2023 and was admitted as a tourist for 21 days. He is now detained at the BI’s facility in Taguig City pending his deportation.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you concerned that there could be even more overstaying foreigners in the country who might slip through immigration officers’ watch at the airports?

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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