Manila Bulletin – Page 46 – Author Carlo Carrasco

CAVITEX C5 Link Segment will reduce travel time by 10 minutes (Coastal Road to Sucat)

September 5, 2023September 1, 2023carlocarrasco

If you constantly travel between Cavite province and Parañaque City, then you will eventually benefit from improvements as the Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) announced that the travel time between Sucat (Parañaque) and Coastal Road will be reduced by 10 minutes upon the expected 2024 (first quarter) completion of the CAVITEX C5 Link Segment, 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 Manila-Cavite Expressway (Cavitex) announced that travel time going to Sucat, Parañaque from Coastal Road will be cut by 10 minutes once the Cavitex C5 Link Segment 2 is completed by the first quarter of 2024.

According to Cavitex Infrastructure Corporation (CIC) President and General Manager Raul Ignacio, the cut of 10 minutes travel time in going to Sucat, Parañaque from Coastal Road and vice versa will make travel more efficient and seamless for motorist and daily commuters.

Ignacio said that in preparation for the completion of the Cavitex C5 Link Segment 2 R1 Interchange, counter flow schemes will be implemented at the Parañaque Toll Plaza from September 14 to 25 from 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.

He said the scheme will be in effect from September 15-19 for Manila-bound traffic and September 19-25 for Cavite-bound traffic. To alleviate congestion, the CIC said it will also activate counter flow lanes as needed.

Ignacio also said the R-1 Interchange is a vital 1.9-kilometer segment (Segment 2) of the Cavitex C5 Link project, a 7.7-kilometer, 2×3 lane expressway set to connect Cavitex R1 to C5 Road in Taguig.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you often travel along the CAVITEX?

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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PHILTOA commended by DOT Secretary Frasco for unwavering commitment to revitalizing Philippine tourism

September 1, 2023August 29, 2023carlocarrasco

Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), the organization composed of tour operators and allied members that are actively involved in the advocacy of responsible tourism, was commended by Department of Tourism (DOT) Christina Frasco during their 4th General Membership Meeting (4th GMM) held recently at Crimson Hotel in Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa, according to a Manila Bulletin article. Specifically they were commended for unwavering commitment to revitalizing Philippine tourism.

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

The Philippine Tour Operators Association (Philtoa) recently hosted its 4th General Membership Meeting at the Crimson Hotel Filinvest City in Muntinlupa, with the Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco as keynote speaker. Led by Philtoa President Fe Abling-Yu, the meeting also highlighted Bacolod City as the featured destination, with Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez in attendance.

Secretary Frasco commended Philtoa for its unwavering commitment to revitalizing Philippine tourism, highlighting the association’s promotion of inclusive tourism development in both established and emerging destinations.

“We recognize that there are several emerging destinations across the country that, if given the right assistance, attention, development, and promotion, have the potential to become key destinations, as far as tourism is concerned,” the tourism chief said. “This is why I’m very grateful to Philtoa, because their focus has not been our world-famous destinations alone, but also in giving opportunities to emerging destinations. This is reflective of true shared tourism governance, where the private sector mobilizes the industry to assist the government to ensure inclusive tourism development.“

With this, Bacolod City also took center stage at the 4th GMM as a growing “super city” with exciting advancements in tourism, including infrastructure, art, culture, and culinary experiences. Mayor Benitez highlighted upcoming projects such as the Bacolod Convention Center, which can accommodate up to 10,000 people for MICE events; the Bacolod Masskara Museum/Trade Center; and the Orange Project, a prominent art gallery. The renowned Masskara Festival, spanning three weeks, promises a vibrant celebration of sports, food, spirits, and festivities.

To further underscore its commitment to fostering partnerships and growth within the industry, Philtoa President Abling-Yu announced the upcoming 34th Philippine Travel Mart, scheduled from Sept. 1 to 3 at the SMX Convention Center Manila in Pasay City.

She stated: “We are grateful for the strong partnerships with the Department of Tourism, Tourism Promotions Board, Philippine Airlines, BPI, and our media partners. The 34th Philippine Travel Mart is not only a showcase of our country’s incredible destinations but also a celebration of our industry’s resilience and strength as a major contributor to the country’s growth and progress.”

The association also welcomed 10 new tour operators, an immigration services agency, and 15 hotel and resort properties, increasing the total membership to over 500.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Are you convinced that the PHILTOA deserves the commendation from the Tourism Secretary? Do you think that Philippine tourism will exceed its foreign tourist arrivals target by a wide margin before the year ends? What other activities or special events should the PHILTOA highlight to keep national tourism grow?

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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Intense Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) anticipated by COMELEC

August 31, 2023August 29, 2023carlocarrasco

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is anticipating an intense Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) this year, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The BSKE will happen nationwide on October 30, 2023.

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

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday, Aug. 28, said it is bracing for an “intense” Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Election (BSKE).

“Asahan natin na talagang magiging napakainit ng labanan na ito sapagkat napakahaba termino nung nakaraang Barangay and SK officials at nakailang postpone din tayo kaya asahan natin na medyo mas maiinit ito (Let’s expect that this elections will indeed be very intense because the previous Barangay and SK officials had very long terms, and we also had several postponements, so let’s anticipate that this will be somewhat more heated),” said Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia in an interview during the first day of Certificate of Candidacy (COC) filing.

Garcia said that the degree of “possible tension” would also depend on who will be running for a specific post.

“Tandaan natin na almost 642,000 ang position na fi-fill upan dahil iyan ay SK at Barangay (Let’s remember that almost 642,000 positions need to be filled up because those are for SK and Barangay),” Garcia said.

“Inaasahan natin na higit pa nga na two million ang magpa-file ng kanilang COC para sa mga posisyon na iyan (We expect that more than two million will file their COCs for those positions),” he added.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the BSKE this year will be more intense compared to the previous polls that happened in 2018? Have the barangay and SK candidates in your local community been appearing more frequently and meeting the community members recently?

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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Cooperative Development Council established in Muntinlupa City

August 29, 2023August 26, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government announced that it has established the local Cooperative Development Council and the Mayor formally signed a related ordinance, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Muntinlupa City government has established its own Cooperative Development Council to benefit cooperatives.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon signed Ordinance No. 2023-102 passed by the Muntinlupa City Council, “creating the Cooperative Development Council of Muntinlupa, defining its objectives, functions, and appropriate funds thereof and for other purposes.”

The Muntinlupa City Cooperative Development Council (MCCDC) will “coordinate and harmonize the implementation of various cooperative plans, programs, and projects of the government.”

It will also assist the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) “in the broad-based monitoring and coordination of the implementation of the Philippine Cooperative Development Plan (PCDP), through the collective efforts of all sectors and to develop such mechanism in line with the PCDP; and “propose policies affecting cooperatives for local and national implementation.”

The Muntinlupa City Cooperative Development Council will be composed of the mayor as chairperson. Its members are the chairperson of the Committee on Livelihood and Cooperatives of the City Council, and chairpersons or representatives of registered and accredited primary and secondary cooperatives.

Its members from the city government will be the heads of the City Cooperative Development Office, Department Of Agriculture-ESO, Public Employment and Services Office, Muntinlupa Traffic Management Bureau, Lake Management Office, Community Affairs Development Office, Gender and Development Office and City Planning and Development Office, and the director of the Muntinlupa City Technical Institute, university president of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa and college director of the Colegio de Muntinlupa.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think the newly established council will benefit local cooperatives?

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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Man who attempted robbing a delivery rider arrested in Parañaque City

August 23, 2023August 20, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in Parañaque City, local police officers arrested a man who attempted robbing a delivery rider (note: incident was captured on video), according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The apprehension happened during the law enforcers’ follow-up operation.

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

A man who attempted to rob a delivery rider as shown in an online viral video was arrested by Parañaque police during a follow-up operation on Aug. 18.

The Southern Police District (SPD) said the suspect, identified as Jovi Perdido, 33, was arrested by members of the Station Intelligence Section and Substation 2.

According to the Parañaque police, the suspect reportedly tried to steal the victim’s cellphone and money he collected from his delivery service.

The robbery-holdup incident occurred at around 10:30 a.m. along Cabesang Cicilio St. in Barangay Tambo on Aug. 17.

The police said that based on the viral video that circulated on social media, uploaded by “Janjan,” Perido mauled and tried to stab the victim who, in turn, resisted.

The suspect was prevented from further harming the victim by concerned citizens who witnessed the incident.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? Do you believe that more delivery riders could be targeted by thieves while doing their duties in Parañaque?

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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Transgendered woman arrested for extorting money from a minor

August 21, 2023August 16, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Manila, local police officers arrested a transgendered woman (note: biological male identifying as female) for the alleged extortion of money from a minor, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The victim’s mother learned about the details of what happened and called the police for assistance. The arrest was the result of an entrapment operation.

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

A 23-year-old transgender woman was arrested by police in an entrapment operation for allegedly extorting money from a minor with special needs at a mall in Ermita, Manila on Monday morning, Aug. 14.

The MPD-MDACT said the suspect is a student with aliases “Ann Antukin” and “Sunata Hen” residing in Brgy. Balong Bato Quezon City.

The mother of the victim told police investigators that her son (name withheld), a minor with special needs, met the suspect on Facebook two years ago. Their online relationship blossomed and they became lovers.

Through the course of the relationship they exchanged intimate photos of themselves in their online conversations. Her son thought all along that the suspect was a real woman, the mother said.

The problem started when the suspect demanded money from the victim, threatening to expose his sensitive photos to his parents.

Police said that the mother of the victim got wind of her son’s predicament after she found out that he stole money from her. This prompted her to check on her son’s cellular phone where she discovered that the suspect was demanding money from the victim such as a monthly allowance of P10,000 and others.

She further learned that the suspect was asking her son to deliver the money at a mall in Ermita.

The mother sought the assistance of the MPD-MDACT team who promptly planned an entrapment operation against the suspect at the mall.

During his arrest, the suspect yielded two pieces P1,000 marked money, a Vivo V23 5G cellular phone, a vaccination record card and a National ID under his name.

The above report ended stating that the transgender suspect is facing charges for violating Article 317 (swindling of minors), Republic Act No. 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act), and Republic Act 11930 (The Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children) and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a parent whose children are still minors, does this crime news report make you feel concerned about what kind of people your children communicate with online? Do you think that there could be more transgendered individuals out there looking to victimize children and other people that they believe could easily be fooled?

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 to help sari-sari store owners with program

August 17, 2023August 15, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government announced that it will implement a notable program that will benefit owners of sari-sari stores and other micro-retailers through a special program, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Muntinlupa City government will implement the iSTAR Program aiming to provide skills to sari-sari (variety) store and other micro-retailing business owners.

The Muntinlupa City Council approved Resolution 2023-293 authorizing Mayor Ruffy Biazon to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for the implementation of the iSTAR Program or the upgraded version of the Sari-Sari Store Training and Access Resources (STAR) Program.

According to the resolution, the iSTAR Program “aims to provide access to skill training, resources, and peer mentoring to sari-sari store and carinderia owners and operators all over the country.”

Under the iSTAR Program, “sari-sari stores, traditional food outlets or karinderias and other Micro-retailing business owners will be provided with digital basic entrepreneurship training and access to business resources.”

The MOU aims to “provide both men and women residents of the city business and training to improve their finances and standard of living and at the same time, giving the community easy access to basic goods and commodities.”

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? If you own a sari-sari store or a micro-retailing business, would you take part in the iSTAR 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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Bivalent vaccines for COVID-19 administered to over 3,000 patients in Muntinlupa City

August 8, 2023August 4, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, over three thousand qualified patients availed of the bivalent vaccines for COVID-19 as of July 28, 2023, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Muntinlupa City government has administered the bivalent Covid-19 vaccine to 3,026 people while its number of active cases totaled two.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Public school students of Muntinlupa to receive supplies from City Government

August 7, 2023August 3, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government announced that it will be giving shoes, bags and supplies to local students enrolled in public schools via the Balik Eskwela Packages program, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Muntinlupa City government will provide free Balik Eskwela Packages to all students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 in public schools.

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

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

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

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

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

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Do you find the support from the City Government sufficient for the public school students?

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

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

August 3, 2023August 1, 2023carlocarrasco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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