Tag: Manila Bulletin

Chinese national arrested for P100,000 bribe attempt inside PNP substation

Chinese national arrested for P100,000 bribe attempt inside PNP substation

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Were there any unusual crime incidents that happened in your city lately? There was one in Taguig City and it was about a male Chinese national who entered a police substation where he offered police officers there a bribe of P100,000 to have his apprehended friend released only to be arrested on the spot, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

A Chinese man was arrested by the Taguig police for allegedly bribing police officers with P100,000 for the release of his friend.

The Taguig police identified the suspect as Bin Li, 40, sales manager. Confiscated from him were 100 pieces of P1,000 bills totaling P100,000 and one Alien Employment Permit (AEP) ID.

According to the police, the bribing incident happened on March 26 at the Taguig police’s Substation 1 at 40th Street corner 9th Avenue in Bonifacio Global City in Barangay Fort Bonifacio.

The police said Bin Li went to the police station and asked for his friend, Deng Jiliang, 33, Chinese national, IT staff at Huawei, who was arrested for violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).

Bin Li allegedly approached the arresting officers and offered them the P100,000 in exchange for the release of Deng Jiliang.

The above report ended stating that the suspect has been charged for violating Republic Act 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act). This incident somewhat reminds me of what happened inside the police station in Parañaque City in early 2022 when a foreigner and his local partner arrived pretending to be court process servers (with fake documents) trying to free detained foreign nationals. Those were arrested for the falsification of public documents and usurpation of authority.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Has there been any crime incidents involving Chinese nationals that happened in your local community during the past few 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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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

26th cityhood anniversary and 116th founding anniversary of Las Piñas City celebrated

26th cityhood anniversary and 116th founding anniversary of Las Piñas City celebrated

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Recently in the city of Las Piñas, the City Government organized the dual celebrations of the 26th cityhood anniversary as well as the 116th founding anniversary, according to news report by the Manila Bulletin. The celebrations started this past Sunday (March 26) and there will be related activities days after.

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

The Las Piñas City government celebrated its 26th cityhood and 116th founding anniversary on Sunday, March 26.

Mayor Imelda Aguilar said the activities for the cityhood and founding anniversary commenced on March 27 from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

The City Health Office (CHO) conducted health and wellness programs at the Verdant covered court. They included free laboratory tests on FBS (fasting blood sugar), cholesterol and blood typing, HIV screening, and nutrition education.

Dental services such as oral examination, prophylaxis, and oral health kit were also provided.

The CHO also offered immunization for children, pneumonia vaccines for senior citizens, and a family planning caravan.

Free chest x-ray services were given at the CHO located at the City Hall grounds from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

Aside from health and wellness, a cityhood mega job fair will also be held at the ground floor atrium of Robinsons Place for the city’s jobseekers.

The mayor said the city government will likewise accept applications and renewal of the green card.

The celebrations will continue on March 28 through a free vaccines and deworming drive for cats and dogs, as well as the distribution of free seedlings and fertilizers at the Verdant covered court from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon only.

Another free chest x-ray rollout will be conducted on March 30 at the Aguilar Sport Complex in Pilar Village from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Couples who want to get (married) may join the “Kasalanag Bayan” (mass wedding) to be hosted by the city government on March 31.

The city government will also offer a cultural show organized by the Las Pinas Tourism and Cultural Office (TCO).

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? Were you able to avail of any of the above mentioned free medical services?

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

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

Muntinlupa City to receive over P86 million from DOTr

Muntinlupa City to receive over P86 million from DOTr

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Recently in the progressive city of Muntinlupa, it was announced that the City Government will receive over P86 million from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) specifically for the implementation of an active transport bike system as well as safe pathways, the Manila Bulletin reported. The City Council approved a resolution related to it.

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 receive P86.1 million from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to implement an active transport bike system and safe pathways program.

Councilors approved Resolution No. 2023-208 authorizing Mayor Ruffy Biazon to sign, on behalf of the city government, an agreement with DOTr for the transfer of the fund for the program.

The resolution cited that during the pandemic, “due to the restrictions imposed by the national and local government on the movement of people and goods. active transport such as biking, and walking were promoted.”

A joint administrative order of the DOTr, Department of Health (DOH), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) listed the “Guidelines on the Proper Use and Promotion of Active Transport During and After the Covid-19” in which local government units (LGUs) were encouraged “to provide infrastructure for active transport and walking paths. Ensure availability of right of way for the construction of bicycle lanes and walking paths within their jurisdiction. and maintain the bicycle lanes and walking paths located in their jurisdiction.”

A national budget was allotted under the General Act of 2022 for the Active Transport Bike Share System and Safe Pathways Program in Metro Manila for “the construction of bike lanes, procurement of bike racks, improved end-of-trip cycling infrastructures, construction of safe and accessible pedestrian walkways, and upgrading of existing pop-up bike lanes into permanent bike lanes.”

It also aimed “to establish proper public transport stops and ensure that all road and bridge projects to be designed and implemented, in so far as practicable, shall allocate at least 50% of the road space for public transport, pedestrians and bicycles/light mobility vehicle.”

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 this will improve local transportation and safety within 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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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

Chinese national arrested in Parañaque for estafa and unjust vexation

Chinese national arrested in Parañaque for estafa and unjust vexation

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Recently in Parañaque City, a foreigner from China got arrested by local police officers at Barangay Tambo over charges of estafa and unjust vexation, 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 Chinese was arrested by members of the Parañaque police Tambo substation after complaints of estafa and unjust vexation were filed against him by a fellow Chinese on Sunday, March 19.

The Southern Police District (SPD) said the suspect, identified as Haoyi Li, 24, was arrested around 11:30 a.m. at Solaire Resort and Casino located along Aseana Avenue, Entertainment City, Barangay Tambo.

The SPD said the victim was identified as Xianglong Zeng, 32, also a Chinese.

The police said the suspect borrowed P600,000 from the victim and promised to pay him through online fund transfer or via Alipay app for the amount of 75,000 RMB.

The victim told the police that when he made a follow up for the payment,  Li reportedly got angry and shouted at the victim.

The victim added that he was pushed several times by the suspect while shouting unsavory words at him that caught the attention of the security personnel who called up the police for assistance.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a Parañaque City resident, are you concerned about Chinese nationals causing trouble 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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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

Muntinlupa Mayor Biazon celebrates birthday by organizing feeding program in local communities

Muntinlupa Mayor Biazon celebrates birthday by organizing feeding program in local communities

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Recently in the progressive city of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon celebrated his birthday by being generous as he led a huge feeding program on the many local communities, the Manila Bulletin reported. He expressed gratitude to the Lord.

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

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon celebrated his 54th birthday with a simultaneous community feeding program in 44 communities in the city.

“We are grateful to the Lord for another year of life, but we are especially thankful because this means more opportunities to serve our people, all Muntinlupeños,” said Biazon.

The feeding program was held in different barangays in Muntinlupa, particularly targeting those who were vulnerable to malnutrition.

Biazon was born on March 20, 1969 and served as Muntinlupa’s congressman and commissioner of the Bureau of Customs. He was elected to his first term as mayor in the May 2022 elections.

“Jumping for joy at 54! Thank you very very much sa mga bumati! (Thank you to all those who greeted),” he posted on Facebook.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? How do you plan to celebrate your own birthday this year?

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

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

Man arrested in Las Piñas City for sexual harassment, illegal possession of firearm and cyber libel

Man arrested in Las Piñas City for sexual harassment, illegal possession of firearm and cyber libel

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Recently in the city of Las Piñas, an entrapment operation organized by the local police resulted in the arrest of a 34-year-old man who was initially charged for sexual harassment by an 18-year-old student, 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…

A 34-year-old man was arrested after a student filed a complaint against him for sexual harassment on March 8.

The suspect, identified as Michael Mangampo, was arrested around 12:00 noon along Alabang-Zapote Road, Barangay Almanza Uno, Las Piñas.

The city police chief, Col. Jaime Santos, said the arrest of Mangampo was made after an 18-year-old student filed a complaint against the suspect for threatening her for refusing his offer to meet with him. 

Santos said entrapment operation was conducted for the arrest of Mangampo.

The city police chief said confiscated from the suspect was a .45 caliber pistol, a magazine with four live ammunitions, and a cellular phone.

The above report ended stating that the suspect has been charged also for cyber libel.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you concerned that loose firearms and sexual harassment could be hounding members of 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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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

Two Malaysians apprehended in Parañaque City for possession of illegal drugs

Two Malaysians apprehended in Parañaque City for possession of illegal drugs

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Recently in Parañaque City, two persons from Malaysia got arrested by the local police for possession of illegal drugs, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. A call from a security guard made the difference.

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

Two Malaysian nationals were arrested by members of the Parañaque City police in possession of P13,600 worth of shabu, Tuesday night, March 7.

Col. Renato Ocampo, city police chief, identified the suspects as Sing Ten, 38, secretary at a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in Sinocan Corporate Center; and Sin Weng Leong, 23, also a POGO secretary at Philippine Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX).

Ocampo said the suspects were arrested around 11:45 p.m. along Quirino Avenue, Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City.

The city police chief said members of the Tambo police substation were conducting a mobile patrol when they received a call from security guard Jomar Sanchez Matabang seeking police assistance.

The responding policemen were informed by Matabang that he caught the suspects transacting illegal drugs.  

The city police chief said confiscated from the suspects were two grams of shabu worth P13,600 and a transparent plastic tube pipe.

Ocampo said the shabu confiscated from the suspects were turned over to the Southern Police District (SPD) Forensic Unit for examination.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? Are you concerned that there could be illegal drug trading in your local community right now?

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

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

Wanted person apprehended in Parañaque City over acts of lasciviousness

Wanted person apprehended in Parañaque City over acts of lasciviousness

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Recently in Parañaque City, a 29-year-old man who was named by the police as the 5th most wanted person in the city was arrested over charges of acts of lasciviousness, 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…

Members of the Parañaque Police’s Warrant and Subpoena Section (WSS) arrested a suspect who is facing three counts of acts of lasciviousness on Thursday, March 2.

The suspect was identified as Mario Formalejo, 29, tagged by the police as No. 5 among the top ten most wanted person.

According to the police, Formalejo was arrested around 4:00 p.m. along Fourth Estate, San Antonio, Parañaque.

Col. Renato Ocampo, city police chief, said members of the WSS served the warrant of arrest against Formalejo issued by Judge Moises Domingo De Castro, of Parañaque Family Court Branch 10 on June, last year for three counts of acts of lasciviousness with a bail recommended at P540,000.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? Are you concerned that there are still loose suspects who committed acts of lasciviousness in your local community before?

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

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

Muntinlupa City’s Top 10 taxpayers lauded

Muntinlupa City’s Top 10 taxpayers lauded

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Recently in the progressive city of Muntinlupa, the Top 10 taxpayers of the city were lauded for their tremendous economic contributions which played a key role in local recovery from the downturn of the COVID-19 crisis, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. They were commended by Mayor Ruffy Biazon during the 28th cityhood anniversary celebrations on March 1.

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

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon commended the top 10 taxpayers and the business community for helping in reviving the local economy especially after the onslaught of the Covid-19 pandemic.

During the 28th Muntinlupa cityhood anniversary on March 1, the top 10 taxpayers were recognized.

They were Filinvest Alabang, Inc.; Ford Group Philippines, Inc.; Filinvest Land Inc. – Festival Supermall; Ayala Land Inc.; Filinvest Reit Corporation; Meralco Business Center; Amkor Technology Philippines; Capital One Philippines Support Services Corporation; GenPact Services LLC Philippines, Inc.; and Insular Life Assurance Company Ltd.

In his State of the City Address, Biazon said Muntinlupa is “steadily bouncing back” from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, which crippled the economy and resulted in people losing their jobs.

“Our cityhood journey, and now our road to pandemic recovery, underscores the importance of working together, and shows what we can do when we are focused towards a more liveable and more responsive city for Muntinlupeños,” Biazon said.

Taxpayers, including business establishments, have fueled the city’s economic recovery from the pandemic, posting P6.033 billion in total revenues with 101.09 percent collection efficiency.

In addition, the city government recorded 12,232 registered businesses as of January 2023, up 59 percent from 7,651 registered businesses in the same period last year.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Are you thankful to the mentioned companies that made the Top 10 list of taxpayers? Are you confident with the City Government’s role with the local economy?

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

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

Showing proof of vaccination and wearing of masks no longer required in Philippine tourism enterprises

Showing proof of vaccination and wearing of masks no longer required in Philippine tourism enterprises

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Having been to Israel recently where locals and tourists are no longer burdened by COVID-19 related restrictions and requirements, I noticed that the Philippines is behind in terms of freedom (from COVID-19 restrictions) on the part of people, businesses and tourists. In short, the Philippines still has yet to fully move on to post-pandemic life.

As the Philippines really needs to attract more tourists from overseas this year and fully revive the tourist industry as a whole, the Department of Tourism (DOT) announced recently the scrapping of mask wearing and proof of vaccination as requirements in tourism enterprises around the country, the Manila Bulletin reported. In other words, tourists and tourism-related business joints will have lesser COVID-19 hassles to deal with.

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

As the country’s tourist destinations become more open for travelers, showing proof of vaccination and wearing masks are no longer required in tourism enterprises, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said on Monday, March 6.

Supporting the “national government’s liberalization of the COVID-19 restrictions in the country”, the DOT released the Memorandum Circular (MC) 2023-0002 to further ease health and safety guidelines governing the operations of tourism establishments. According to Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, the MC is a follow-through of the efforts they started last year to assist the economic hardships of tourism stakeholders by issuing regulations pushing for the opening of the country to tourism.

“This latest issuance on the relaxed health and safety guidelines for tourism establishments reinforces the Department of Tourism’s commitment towards addressing the economic hardships of the tourism industry brought about by the lockdowns and restrictions of the pandemic,” she noted.

“Our country is open for tourism, and that we are keeping up with global practices on tourism operations that have already opened up worldwide,” she went on.

The tourism department already made similar issuances last year through its Office of Tourism Standards and Regulation (OTSR) and regional offices following the signing of Executive Order No. 7, which mandated the voluntary wearing of mask in indoor and outdoor settings.

It can be recalled that the OTSR issued Memorandum 2022-509 in November 2022 reiterating the voluntary wearing of face masks and the waning requirement on the presentation of proof of full vaccination in tourism enterprises.

Last month, on the other hand, the Department of Trade and Industry Safety Seal Secretariat announced the discontinuance of the Safety Seal Certification Program, the voluntary certification scheme affirming that an establishment is compliant with the minimum public health standards set by the government and uses or integrates its contact tracing with staysafe.ph.

Through DOT MC 2023-0002, the DOT ordered the lifting of the previous administration’s earlier requirement for tourism establishments to install plastic, acrylic barriers, and dividers in designated areas, and likewise ordered the removal of signages, visual cues, and other installations on mandatory protocols, which have since been liberalized by the national government.

“In adherence to the country’s policy shifts on minimum public health standards, the DOT also announced that it shall no longer issue the PH Safety Seal and WTTC Safe Travels Stamp to tourism enterprises found compliant to guidelines set in accordance with Joint Memorandum Circular No. 21-01 issued by the DOT and other national government agencies on the Safety Seal Certification Program, and Memorandum Circular 2022-003, respectively,” it was disclosed.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this new development? Do you think the latest moves by the DOT will make the Philippines a more convenient and friendlier place for both local and foreign tourists? Do you think that the Department of Health (DOH) should stay away from the tourism industry and let the DOT handle all the COVID-19 related matters? If you are managing a business trying to attract tourists, what is the one thing about COVID-19 rules that harms your business the most?

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

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/