Manila Bulletin – Page 8 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Parañaque City Drug Den Dismantled And Four Suspects Arrested

October 21, 2025October 13, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, local police officers dismantled a suspected drug den and apprehended four suspects connected with the place, 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…

Authorities dismantled a suspected drug den in Parañaque City and arrested four drug suspects, one of them tagged by the police as a high-value individual (HVI).

The Southern Police District (SPD) identified the suspects as Reynaldo, the HVI; Joshua, 27; Jastine Joy, 27; and Joanna Mae, 27, identified by the police as street-level individuals.

The police said the suspects were arrested in El Durado, Sitio Payatas, Barangay Don Bosco, Parañaque City. Confiscated from them was P394,000 worth of shabu.

Members of the Parañaque City Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit conducted a buy-bust operation following a tip that the said area was being frequented by users and being used as a drug den.

Confiscated from the suspects were 58 grams of shabu worth P394,000, drug paraphernalia, and the buy-bust money.

The suspects were detained at the Parañaque City Police custodial facility and charged with violation of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

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 be hot spots of illegal drug use hidden somewhere in your local community? Do you think illegal drugs have worsened in Parañaque City over the past ten years?

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

DPWH Says No Projects In Muntinlupa City Are Currently Under Investigation For Substandard Work

October 20, 2025October 11, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) replied to the official letter of inquiry by the SK Federation of Muntinlupa and the agency confirmed that no projects in Muntinlupa City are currently under investigation for substandard work, according to a news report by BusinessMirror. The DPWH also revealed details about two specific projects in Barangay Poblacion.

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

Sparked by Councilor Jonas Abadilla’s post on the SK Federation’s inquiry to DPWH, the story reflects a growing movement of young leaders seeking clarity and accountability, reminding the public that scrutiny, not suspicion, is the real measure of good governance.

The DPWH replied in full, and took responsibility.

The Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation of Muntinlupa City has written to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Las Piñas–Muntinlupa District Engineering Office to seek clarity on the selection and implementation of flood control projects in the city, including two in Barangay Poblacion worth a combined ₱143.5 million.

In its letter dated September 25, 2025, the SK Federation, joined by youth councils and alliances from Barangay Poblacion and Southville 3 raised concerns about how infrastructure priorities are identified and approved, particularly amid public speculation over several projects.

Among the questions raised: who decides which flood control projects get implemented, what criteria are used to select locations, and who approved the ₱49 million project near Caltex and the ₱94.5 million project in Southville 3. The youth groups also asked whether any Muntinlupa projects were part of ongoing investigations into substandard DPWH works.

“We believe that transparency must be achieved in order to foster inclusivity, ethical governance, and genuine service to our constituents,” the SK letter read. “We seek clarity to ensure that information shared with our fellow citizens is accurate and not subject to abuse.”

In its reply, the DPWH District Engineering Office thanked the SK for its vigilance and clarified that project identification and implementation are handled by the DPWH in coordination with local governments and district representatives, but that final approval rests with the DPWH Central Office, under the General Appropriations Act passed by Congress.

DPWH also explained that flood control projects are identified based on community vulnerability, technical studies, and protection of existing infrastructure.

The ₱49 million Caltex-area project, it said, is part of a broader series of flood mitigation works along the Magdaong River, completed in 2022 to prevent bank erosion threatening the national road.

The ₱94.5 million Southville 3 project, meanwhile, is preventive in nature: meant to avert erosion and landslides near a proposed national link road. It remains suspended pending DENR permits, with no payments yet made to the contractor.

The agency stressed that no projects in Muntinlupa are currently under investigation for substandard work, and that all undergo “strict quality control” monitored by DPWH and independent auditors.

For the SK Federation, the inquiry was an exercise in responsible citizenship — a way of using its mandate to promote transparency beyond youth programming.

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, what do you think about DPWH projects in the city? Are many members in your local community feeling angry over the corruption scandals related to flood control projects and DPWH projects around 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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DTI Defers Mandatory Trustmark Due To Backlash From Online Merchants

October 18, 2025October 17, 2025carlocarrasco

In response to backlash from online merchants, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) officially deferred the mandatory Trademark, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Trustmark will be voluntary until December 31, 2025.

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

After facing backlash from online merchants, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will no longer mandate the E-Commerce Philippine Trustmark, instead making the requirement voluntary until the end of the year.

In a statement, the DTI said the move was announced by Trade Secretary Cristina Roque during a town hall meeting about the trustmark’s implementation on Wednesday, Oct. 15.

Roque said that hearing directly from stakeholders made the agency want to improve the trustmark to make it more “useful, fair, and helpful for both businesses and consumers.”

“After all, our shared goal is to make e-commerce in the Philippines safer and more trustworthy for everyone,” she said.

The secretary—and the DTI as a whole—has been on the receiving end of outrage among online merchants, who have been labeling the trustmark as an additional burden.

The DTI even disabled the comment feature on its Facebook page after being bombarded with criticism on every post, even those unrelated to the trustmark.

The trustmark, aligned with the Internet Transactions Act, serves as a digital badge to ensure that online platforms and merchants are compliant with fair e-commerce practices. It is designed to help consumers identify legitimate businesses, protecting them against unfair trade practices, scams, and other fraudulent activities.

Under the new policy, the DTI said that the trustmark will be voluntary until Dec. 31. So far, the DTI is still finalizing supplemental guidelines for this policy, including fees that depend on the size or type of business, among other details.

By early 2026, the department is expected to evaluate whether the trustmark registration will remain voluntary.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? What do you think the Trustmark of DTI is more of a hassle than a benefit for online sellers? Do you think the Trustmark should be scrapped entirely? What do you think should be done to help consumers find legitimate online merchants?

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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Free Birth Registration In Muntinlupa City Ongoing

October 17, 2025October 10, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, a free birth registration program was launched and it is being done to endure that every local child has a legal identity, according to a news report by the Daily Tribune.

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

The local government of Muntinlupa City has launched a free birth registration program aimed at ensuring every child has a proper legal identity and full access to basic services.

The program offers free late registration of birth certificates for children enrolled in the Early Childhood Education and Development (ECED) Program. Parents of ECED students are advised to coordinate with their children’s teachers for details and requirements.

The service is also available to indigent residents aged 0 to 17 who can coordinate directly with the Local Civil Registry Office at the South Park Center.

Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon said the initiative is designed to protect children’s rights by ensuring they are legally recognized by the government.

“If you don’t have a birth certificate, it is as if you don’t exist. That’s the proof that you are here in the world — that you are a Filipino,” Biazon said. “If a child does not have a birth certificate, his future will be put at risk. That’s why we launched this project, to give every child a secure future.”

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 there lots of children in your local community who lack birth certificates?

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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Las Piñas City Is The Grand Winner In The 2025 Metro Manila SubayBAYANI Awards

October 16, 2025October 9, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently the City Government of Las Piñas achieved another tremendous honor as it emerged as the grand winner in the 2025 Metro Manila SubayBAYANI awards ceremony, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The city government of Las Piñas was named as grand winner in the 2025 Metro Manila SubayBAYANI award which honors local government units that exemplify excellence, innovations, and accountability in local infrastructure governance.

Las Piñas City Mayor April Aguilar said the cities of Parañaque and Pasig also received an award during the ceremony held at the Manila Hotel on Oct. 7, organized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-National Capital Region (NCR).

Aguilar said the recognition affirms the city government’s commitment to transparent, efficient, and community-centered implementation of infrastructure projects that continue to uplift the lives of its residents and promote sustainable urban development.

She said the SubayBAYANI grand award underscores the city’s consistent excellence in infrastructure management and progressive governance.

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 happy that the City Government emerged as the grand winner in the 2025 SubayBAYANI awards?? Does the latest award make you trust Mayor April Aguilar even more?

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 Arrested In Parañaque City Over Large-Scale Illegal Recruitment

October 16, 2025October 8, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, local police officers armed with a warrant arrested a wanted person for large-scale illegal recruitment, 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…

Police arrested a man wanted for large-scale illegal recruitment in Parañaque City on Oct. 7.

The suspect, identified as Jan, 37, of Barangay San Antonio, Parañaque City, was arrested at around 5:09 p.m. at City of Dreams, Barangay Tambo.

The suspect, ranked as the Top 6 most wanted person at the station level, was arrested by members of the Parañaque City Police Warrant and Subpoena Section during the conduct of “Oplan Galugad.”

Jan was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Ma. Christina De Pio Lim of Parañaque City Regional Trial Court, Branch 260, Parañaque City, with no bail recommended.

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 consider illegal recruitment a serious crime in the city?

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

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Three Men Apprehended In Parañaque City Over Different Violations

October 15, 2025October 8, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, local police officers armed with warrants apprehended three suspects over different charges and one of them was arrested in one of the offices at City Hall, 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…

Police arrested three men facing cases of frustrated murder and violation of the anti-fencing law in separate operations conducted by members of the Parañaque City Police Warrant and Subpoena Section on Oct. 6.

The suspects were identified as John John, 25, Toto, 23, and Sadam, 40. John John and Toto, both wanted for frustrated murder, were arrested at around 5:51 p.m. along Tramo I, Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque City.

They were arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Leilanie Marie N. Dacanay-Grimares, of Parañaque City Regional Trial Court, Branch 294, with a recommended bail of P200,000 each.

On the same day, Sadam, who is facing violation of Presidential Decree 1612, otherwise known as the Anti-Fencing Law, was arrested at around 1:40 p.m. at the Parañaque Workers Affairs Office, Parañaque City Hall in Barangay San Antonio, Parañaque City.

The same judge issued the warrant of arrest against Sadam with a recommended bail of P120,000.

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 someone suspected of committing a crime could be living next door to you?

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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US State Department Flags Corruption In The Philippines As Barrier To Investment

October 9, 2025October 10, 2025carlocarrasco

Corruption is sadly deeply rooted here in the Philippines. So much so, the State Department of the United States flagged corruption as a barrier to investment in the Philippines, according to a GMA Network news report. To be clear, there have been economic forecasts about the Philippine economy growing less than 6% this year (possibly ending below the national government’s declared targets) and the US State Department published its detailed report about the country and investment online. As a lot of people are angry over corruption, tremendous economic damage of P1.7 trillion in market capitalization was wiped out (update: the Securities and Exchange Commission chairman apologized for stating the P1.7 trillion figure).

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

The United States Department of State has flagged “pervasive” corruption in the Philippines as among the major barriers to foreign investment in the country.

In its 2025 Investment Climate report, the US State Department said “corruption is a pervasive and long-standing problem in both the public and private sector” in the Philippines.

It also cited the country’s rank of 114th out of 180 countries on Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index and “remaining around that level since 2019.”

The State Department added that the World Economic Forum also flagged corruption as among the top problematic factors for doing business in the Philippines.

“The Philippines’ complex, slow, redundant, and sometimes corrupt judicial system inhibits the timely and fair resolution of commercial disputes,” it said.

“Foreign investors describe the inefficiency and uncertainty of the judicial system as a significant barrier to investment. Investors often decline to file cases in court because of slow and complex litigation processes and fears of corruption. Stakeholders report an inexperienced judiciary when confronted with cases involving complex issues such as technology or science,” it added.

The State Department also said its embassy in Manila has received multiple reports from US businesses of overly invasive searches, inconsistent customs charges, and solicitations of “facilitation fees” (such as bribes) from some customs officials.

To see the entire 2025 Investment Climate Statements about the Philippines, click https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-investment-climate-statements/philippines

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the US State Department’s 2025 Investment Climate report about the Philippines is true and accurate? Are you concerned that the perceived corruption as well as the shocking revelations about the flood control projects scandals are already discouraging foreign investors from investing in the country? Do you think the Trump tariffs will eventually bring down Philippine exports to the United States in the next few months? What do you think the Philippine government should do to wipe out corruption and regain the trust of foreign investors?

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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Maynilad’s Muntinlupa Wastewater Facility Officially Operating

October 9, 2025October 9, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently the water concessionaire Maynilad announced that its P1.6 billion wastewater facility in Muntinlupa City – referred to as the Cupang Water Reclamation Facility – has officially been operating, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

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

WEST ZONE concessionaire Maynilad Water Services, Inc. has started treating up to 46 million liters of wastewater daily at its newly commissioned P1.6-billion Cupang Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) in Muntinlupa City.

The facility is intended to expand sewerage coverage and treat wastewater to meet environmental standards, Maynilad said in a statement on Monday.

It is designed to serve about 33,000 customers in Sucat, Buli, Cupang, and Bayanan in Muntinlupa, Maynilad said.

At the same time, the company said it has started upgrading the facility to comply with stricter effluent standards under Department Administrative Order (DAO) 2016-08, as amended by DAO 2021-19 of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

“We are not only expanding our wastewater treatment capacity — we’re also future-proofing our facilities to comply with the latest environmental standards,” Maynilad President and Chief Executive Officer Ramoncito S. Fernandez said.

The Cupang WRF is one of two major wastewater treatment facilities recently completed in Muntinlupa, along with the nearby Tunasan WRF.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a Maynilad customer, do you think the newly launched wasterwater facility will achieve positive results in the near 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

Muntinlupa City Government Confirms P8 Million Donation To Cebu

October 4, 2025October 3, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently the City Government of Muntinlupa announced that it will be donating P8 million in financial assistant to specific localities in the island province of Cebu which it still struggling to recover from a powerful earthquake, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Around seventy people in Cebu died as a result of the earthquake.

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

The Muntinlupa City government will donate P8 million as financial assistance to Cebu, which was devastated by a 6.9 magnitude earthquake last Sept. 30.

Based on an Oct. 3 report by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), 68 people died and 559 others were injured from the earthquake.

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon earlier endorsed to the City Council a resolution by the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (LDRRMC) requesting for the passage of an ordinance allotting funds as assistance to disaster areas in Cebu.

In an emergency special session on Oct. 3, the City Council increased the financial assistance to Cebu from P7 million to P8 million by adding the town of Tabogon as a recipient.

Majority Floor Leader Raul Corro said the grant of P8 million financial assistance to Cebu will be given to the following local government units: City of Bogo, P2 million; Municipality of Bantayan, P1 million; Municipality of San Remigio, P1 million; Municipality of Daanbantayan, , P1 million; Municipality of Tuburan, P1 million; Municipality of Medellin, P1 million; and Municipality of Tabogon, P1 million.

The financial assistance will be taken from the 30 percent Quick Response Fund (QRF ) of the Muntinlupa City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (MCDRRMF).

Biazon said “time is of the essence” during calamities, the reason why the LDRRMC immediately passed a resolution to help Cebu.

“Napakalaki ng iniwang damages at casualties ng lindol kaya anumang halagang maibibigay natin ay malaking tulong na talaga sa ating mga kababayan sa Cebu. Patuloy nating ipanalangin ang mabilis na pagbangon ng Cebu (The earthquake left behind huge damages and casualties, so any amount we can give will be a great help to our countrymen in Cebu. Let us continue to pray for the speedy recovery of Cebu),” the mayor added.

In a Facebook post, Corro said, “As time is of the essence, the City Council immediately acted on the letter-request of City Mayor Rozzano Rufino Biazon to pass the said ordinance which was endorsed yesterday. The City Government of Muntinlupa has granted financial assistance to many Local Government Units around the country which were hit by natural disasters.”

In addition, the Muntinlupa City government sent a team to Cebu to help in the search, rescue and retrieval operations.

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 agree with the City Government’s donation of P8 million to different localities in Cebu that were affected by the earthquake? Do you know anyone in Cebu who were affected by the earthquake?

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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