Recently, the City Government of Muntinlupa received the 2024 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) award from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) during the award ceremony held at the Manila Hotel and it is the 3rd straight SGLG award won, Mayor Ruffy Biazon announced via social media.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the social media post of Mayor Biazon (translated from Tagalog). Some parts in boldface…
Out of 1,715 LGUs assessed nationwide by the DILG, Muntinlupa proudly stands among the distinguished recipients of the SGLG!
This shows our commitment to excellence in key governance areas such as disaster preparedness, social protection, environmental sustainability, financial administration, and more. This is also the fruit of our hard work, dedication, and collaboration of the city government, barangay officials, and the entire Muntinlupeño community.
And more than anything else, this award is not just an achievement—it is a testament to our value for transparency, integrity, and progress.
This is also the third consecutive year that we received the SGLG Award since 2022. We are also recipients of the said award in 2019 and 2015. Muntinlupa, makes me proud!
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you delighted that the City Government received the prestigious SGLG award for 2024?
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With the Christmas season and order in mind, the City Government of Muntinlupa recently issued reminders to the public about the establish ban on firecracker use and modified mufflers and pipes, 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 Muntinlupa City government reminded people of the ban on the use of firecrackers, and modified mufflers and pipes that emit excessive noise during the Christmas season.
The city government is ramping up its campaign against these during the Christmas season.
Muntinlupa City Ordinance No. 14-092, passed by the Muntinlupa City Council in 2014, prohibits “the manufacture, display, sale, distribution, possession or use of firecrackers or pyrotechnic devices and such other similar devices and the exploding of firecrackers or other similar explosives within the territorial jurisdiction of Muntinlupa City.”
Those found violating the local law will be fined as follows:
– “For the first offense, a fine of One Thousand Pesos (Pl,000.00) or imprisonment of not more than one (1) month but not less than (2) days or both fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the Court”
– “For the second offense, a fine of Three Thousand Pesos (Php3,000.00) or imprisonment of not more than Six (6) months but not less Three (3) months, or both fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the Court.”
– “For the third offense, a fine of Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00) or imprisonment of not more than Six (6) months but not less than three (3) months, or both fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of Court.”
Under City Ordinance 04-022, or the Muntinlupa City Traffic Code, the use of open mufflers and pipes, sound boosters and other modifications on motorcycles and other vehicles is prohibited.
Section 9 of the ordinance states that “no private person shall use or cause to be used sirens, bells, horns. whistles or similar gadgets that emit exceptionally loud or startling sounds, including dome lights and emergency red flashing lights installed in either front or rear, and emergency red light blinkers and other similar signaling or flashing devices that actually impede and confuse traffic and which are inconsistent with sound traffic discipline and control on the roads.”
Those caught violating the ordinance will be fined P2,000 to P7,500.
During the flag raising ceremony on Dec. 9, Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon warned those violating the open muffler and pipe prohibition. He said the number of violators has increased every year.
Residents, especially in subdivisions, complain about the excessive noise created by motorcycles and other vehicles to welcome the new year.
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 noise and pollution will become major problems during the Christmas season? When was the last time a firecracker-related incident happened in your local community?
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
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the local police arrested a foreign national for illegally possessing a firearm and committing a grave threat, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Recovered from the suspect was an air gun revolver, 25 air gun pellets and some live ammunition.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from new report the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
A Japanese national was arrested for grave threat and violation of RA 10501 or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunitions on Sunday, Dec. 1.
Las Piñas City Police Chief Col. Sandro Tafalla said the suspect, identified as alias “Yasuhiko,” 62, was arrested at around 4:30 p.m. in Barangay Pulanglupa Dos, Las Piñas City.
Tafalla said Yasuhiko was arrested after a 20 year-old motorcycle rider filed a complaint against him for poking a gun at him during a heated argument for refusing to bring him home in Parañaque City.
He said the victim sought police assistance from patrolling policemen along Naga Road, Las Piñas City which led to the arrest of the suspect.
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 there any gun-related incidents that happened within your local community over the past thirty days?
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
Recently in the city of Parañaque, agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) apprehended four individuals for the illegal sale of firearms, 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…
Four persons have been arrested in Paranaque City for illegal sale of firearms, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said on Friday, Dec. 6.
They were identified by the NBI as Jerome V. Nuyque, Maximo G. Ayawon, Michael Douglas E. Loleng, and Nilo M. Barnacha who were arrested by operatives of the bureau’s National Capital Region (NBI-NCR) during an entrapment operation last Nov. 28.
“Confiscated from the Subjects are one (1) Daniel Defense M4 Carbine Cal. 5.56mm with SN 527520; one (1) Bushmaster Cal. 5.56mm model xm15-E2S with SN L548760; four (4) 5.56mm magazines; twenty (20) live ammunitions cal. 5.56mm; one (1) black rifle tactical bag; two (2) dusted 1,000 peso bills with serial numbers TQ903190 and AU209221 with boodle money; one (1) Shooters Cal. 45 pistol with SN M04184865; twelve (12) Cal. 45 live ammunitions; one (1) CZ pistol Cal. 6.35 browning; and six (6) 6.35mm live ammunitions,” the NBI said.
It said its operatives conducted the operation in response to “a report about a certain group that operates illegal sale of high-powered firearms in NCR and nearby areas, in violation of RA No. 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.”
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 the illegal sale of firearms could be rampant? Do you think Parañaque is becoming more unsafe to live in?
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
On the afternoon of December 8, 2024 along Concha Cruz Drive in BF Homes subdivision, the Concha Cruz Drive Homeowners Association, Inc. (CCDHAI) had its Christmas fellowship that brought its legitimate members, guests and the heroes of the community together.
The CCDHAI Christmas fellowship was more than just a social gathering as it symbolized the truth that the homeowners’ association (HOA) and its residents need each other so that cooperation, unity and progress could be achieved. At the same time, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and security guards of Praise Security and Investigation Agency, Inc. were called the community heroes for their essential contributions to the peace and security of the local community.
There were also several officials from the City Government of Parañaque who attended and interacted with the community members.
Indeed, under the current board of directors (BOD) of the CCDHAI led by its president Luis Isidro Bersamin, the Concha Cruz Drive community progressed over the past two years as it has turned more peaceful, more stable and the value of properties have soared along the way.
“You have seen our community has turned active and we are connecting with each other. Hopefully, we could do more next year,” CCDHAI president Bersamin said. “You may have noticed that our community has turned peaceful. I am happy to see the positive changes in our local community as we worked hard for these to happen.”
CCDHAI president Luis Isidro Bersamin delivering his remarks to the members and guests.
Bersamin also noted the increase in the number of legitimate members who responded to the invitations to be more involved in the association’s activities. His remarks drew cheers from the directors, the members and the guests (including Barangay BF Homes chairman Jeremy Marquez, Parañaque Chief of Police PCOL Melvin R. Montante, Parañaque City Councilor Bong Benzon with wife Sheila Benzon, and Parañaque City Mayor Eric Olivarez’s legal counsel Atty. Rommel Frias).
Barangay BF Homes captain Jeremy Marquez speaking during the fellowship.
“I admire your community’s activeness. I saw how your association is involved not only with the federation but also with our barangay. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank your president for helping the barangay when we have programs from the national government to take part in,” Barangay BF Chairman Jeremy Marquez stated in his short speech.
Parañaque City Councilor Bong Benzon addressed the CCDHAI community as his wife Sheila looked on. (photo source – CCDHAI)
The Parañaque Chief of Police PCOL Melvin R. Montante. (photo source – CCDHAI)
Other important figures who made it to the Christmas fellowship include Parañaque City Mayor Olivarez’s HOA consultant Marilu Glorioso, City Councilors Rico Golez, Beng Amurao, Jet Frias, Raffy Apiong Dela Peña and former City Councilors Wahoo Sotto and Jean Yllana. They each admired the CCDHAI for the progress and reforms achieved over the past two years.
The group of CCDHAI people and guests. Seated (Left to Right) were director Grace Morales, President Luis Isidro Bersamin, Parañaque City Councilor Rico Golez, this writer, City Councilor Beng Amurao and homeowner/member Nisa Moletti. Standing (L to R) were director Seth Bersamin, Seanma Bersamin, Sidong Bersamin, director Carlos Jamora and director Ryan Samia. (photo source – CCDHAI)
An indoor group selfie shot taken by director Carlos Jamora (foreground). Standing (L to R) were HOA consultant to Parañaque Mayor Olivarez Marilu Glorioso, director Grace Morales, this writer/blogger, Merle de Asis, Atty. Rommel Frias with his wife, Nikki Bersamin, Samito Bersamin, President Luis Isidro Bersamin, City Councilor Jet Frias, Atty. Jon Jamora and Ann Lopez. (photo source – CCDHAI)
The CCDHAI and the guests – including elements of the Philippine National Police and local security guards who are the community heroes – went to enjoy delicious meals, and socialize with one another. Adding zest to the fellowship was the release of Christmas prizes and all of the guests were able to pick something they desired before heading home.
“The CCDHAI Christmas fellowship proves that community participation in the HOA’s events benefits the homeowners, especially when the local government unit (LGU) steps in to help them with their needs. The best benefit of all, homeowners and the LGU officers get to know each other in a spirit of camaraderie,” director Grace Morales stated.
CCDHAI director and host Grace Morales gave the attendees an update about their association’s activities.
About CCDHAI
The Concha Cruz Drive community and the guests together. (photo credit – CCDHAI)
The Concha Cruz Homeowners Association, Inc. (CCDHAI) was founded in 2014. Its local community (composed of 67 households) includes specific parts of both Parañaque City and Las Piñas City.
The current BOD of CCDHAI include Luis Isidro Bersamin as President, and Alexis Sanchez as Vice President. Other members of the board include directors Seth Bersamin, Jaime Calaqui, Carlos Miguel Jamora, Grace Morales and Ryan Samia.
To contact the CCDHAI, call 85425277 or send email to ccdhainc@gmail.com
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
Recently, the City Government of Las Piñas officially received from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) the prestigious 2024 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) award during the awarding ceremony held at the Manila Hotel, according to the social media video post of the local government. In the news report of the Manila Bulletin, it was stated that this marks the first-time ever that Las Piñas City won an SGLG award.
Mayor Imelda Aguilar received the award on-stage during the ceremony. With her was her daughter Vice Mayor April Aguilar. To watch the Facebook video post, click https://www.facebook.com/share/v/14uVkywyRA/
Previously the DILG announced the official list of city governments nationwide which qualified for the 2024 SGLG award and Las Piñas City was one of them. It should be noted that the DILG set the criteria that local government units (LGUs) should meet in order to qualify for the prestigious award.
For insight, the SGLG award is “a recognition given to local government units that meet the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) stringent criteria for excellent governance in 10 key governance areas: financial administration, disaster preparedness, social protection, health, education, business-friendliness, safety and order, environmental management, tourism and culture, and youth development.”
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 delighted to see your local government receive the 2025 SGLG award from the DILG? Do you think this newest achievement makes the future of the city look bright? Does the SGLG award make you trust your city government officials some more?
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
In light of the May 2025 local elections and the recent local controversy that happened, Las Piñas City Councilor Mark Santos asked the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to consider the city an election hotspot, according to a Remate On-Line news report.
For the newcomers reading this, Councilor Santos is running for the lone congressional seat of Las Piñas. This puts him against outgoing Senator Cynthia Villar who happens to be running for the same post.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from new report of the Remate On-Line. Some parts in boldface…
AFTER being ‘bullied’ by his opponent, veteran Las Piñas Councilor Mark Anthony Santos, a congressional candidate, has asked the Commission on Elections to include the city in the list of potential areas of concern in the May 2025 midterm elections.
He also requested the city police to investigate the death threats he received after he filed his certificate of candidacy last October 7, 2024 against graduating lawmaker Sen. Cynthia Villar.
”Comelec should now consider Las Piñas as among the election hotspots in Metro Manila due to the recent ’life-threatening’ developments,” he told Good Riddance.
Santos reiterated that the poll body must consider Las Piñas under election hotspot after Villar allegedly acted repeatedly in an unparliamentary manner and used offensive, derogatory and improper language against her political leaders, neighbors as well as homeowner’s association officers and security personnel.
“The Villars are being considered as the most powerful politicians not only in Las Piñas but in the entire country aside from being the richest family in the Philippines.”
Santos said he’d rather die fighting than withdraw from the congressional race.
A former chief of staff of late mayor Vergel Aguilar, he’s an advocate of socialized housing and in-city relocation, supporting the Marcos administration housing projects nationwide.
During a council privilege speech, he exposed the P213 million in accumulated taxes and penalties the Villar Group of Companies has only paid P151-million in real property taxes.
He believed that the death threats against his life were also connected to his exposes involving irregularities allegedly committed by a politician.
In recent viral video clips uploaded in Tiktok, Villar ‘attacked’ her congressional opponent, Santos, while sitting in an opposite pew minutes before the start of the mass at the city’s Our Lady of Fatima Church.
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? In light of the controversy, would you consider voting for Mark Santos to represent Las Piñas in the House of Representatives?
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
Recently in the city of Parañaque, local police officers arrested three Chinese nationals who caused trouble by threatening to kill a driver and having a gun pointed at him, 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…
Three Chinese nationals were arrested by members of the Parañaque City Police Sto. Nino Substation at a condominium in (Barangay) Don Galo, Parañaque City on Sunday night, Dec. 1.
The Southern Police District (SPD) said the suspects, identified as alias “Mao,” 41, alias “Wee,” 37, and alias “Hao,” 32, were arrested at around 7:10 p.m. for pointing a gun and threatening to kill a driver identified as alias “Dave,” 33.
Members of the Parañaque City Police Sto. Nino Substation responded after receiving a call from the security personnel of the condominium seeking police assistance.
The victim told the police that he was threatened at gun point by Mao who was being assisted by two other suspects during a heated argument.
The police recovered from Mao a 9mm pistol and one magazine with eight live ammunition.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, what makes you think that Chinese nationals are able to illegally possess guns with ammunition? Are there many Chinese nationals living within your local community right now? Did you encounter a dangerous or troublesome Chinese national recently?
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
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government participated in the nationwide gift-giving program of “Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya Year 3” which resulted in the release of Christmas gifts to one thousand five hundred children at a local venue, according to the local government’s social media announcement. The local gift-giving was facilitated by Vice Mayor April Aguilar.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the social media announcement of the City Government. Some parts in boldface…
A total of 1,500 children in Las Piñas took part in the nationwide “Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya Year 3” gift-giving initiative on Sunday, December 8, at the Verdant Covered Court. The event, spearheaded by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, was held simultaneously across various local government units in the Philippines to spread holiday cheer to children.
In Las Piñas, City Vice Mayor April Aguilar facilitated the distribution of kiddie gift sets that included a trolley bag, pillow, raincoat, socks, face and hand towel, tumbler, watch, hygiene kit, coloring book, crayons, and a small toy. The event also featured interactive games, activities, and entertainment, making it a memorable celebration for children and their families.
Vice Mayor Aguilar thanked the President and First Lady for their efforts in spreading joy to children in Las Piñas. “President Bongbong Marcos and First Lady Liza Marcos, maraming maraming salamat. Marami tayong pinasayang bata ngayong umagang ito. Maraming maraming salamat sa tulong mo sa Las Piñas. Mahal na mahal ka ng mga Las Piñero,” she said.
The “Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya” program is an annual initiative led by the Office of the President and the First Lady, in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and local government units.
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 there any children from your local community who received gifts from the gift-giving?
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
Recently in the city of Parañaque, local police officers arrested a pair of brothers for the illegal possession of firearms and an explosive device, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The apprehension happened in Barangay Tambo.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
Members of the Parañaque City Police arrested two brothers and seized from them illegal firearms and explosives on Wednesday, Dec. 4.
Southern Police District (SPD) Director Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang said the suspects, identified as alias “Jerry,” 34, and alias “Ricardo,” 36, were arrested at around 4:30 a.m. on Riverside I, Pugad Baboy, Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City.
Yang said joint operatives of the Parañaque City Police Station Intelligence Section (SIS), Tambo Substation 2 and Special Weapon and Tactics Team (SWAT) and the Barangay Peace and Order Council implemented the search warrant issued by Judge Marie Grace Javier Ibay, of Parañaque City Regional Trial Court, which led to the arrest of the suspects.
Confiscated from the suspect were two .38 caliber revolvers with five ammunitions each, 10 pieces of .45 caliber pistol ammunitions, and a hand grenade.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, did you notice any smuggling of guns and explosives within your local community? Do you think loose firearms within Parañaque are causing serious problems?
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
Author Carlo Carrasco 