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COMELEC’s Register Anywhere Program (RAP) to be implemented on February 12, 2024 nationwide

January 17, 2024January 11, 2024carlocarrasco

In relation to the resumption of the voter registration process set for February 12, 2024, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) announced that its Register Anywhere Program (RAP) will be implemented nationwide on the same date, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is set to implement nationwide its Register Anywhere Program (RAP) when the voter registration period resumes on Feb. 12.

In a statement Thursday, the poll body said the RAP would accept applications in all capital cities and towns and highly urbanized cities (HUCs).

“RAP registration sites will be set up in malls, universities, or government offices/agencies in all capital cities and towns and HUCs nationwide. RAP has now been institutionalized in the Commission as a program owing to its favorable turnout and positive reception by the general public and other stakeholders,” the Comelec added.

In 2022, the poll body held a pilot testing of the RAP in selected areas, including malls and government agencies.

The initial testing was held in SM Fairview, Robinsons Place Manila, SM Sucat, Robinsons Galleria, SM Mall of Asia, Robinsons Tacloban, SM City Legazpi and Robinsons Naga.

Aside from these venues, the Comelec said the program will also be held in select church organizations, private establishments, government agencies and educational institutions.

The RAP’s nationwide implementation aims to provide additional avenues and opportunities for voter registration in places of higher concentration of people traffic and congregation of persons of voting age.

“This move will maximize efforts to register workers, employees, and students with limited time and opportunity to register, for them to become voters for the 2025 National and Local Elections,” it said.

Under the RAP, a registrant will be allowed to file his/her application wherever there is a designated RAP registration site regardless of his/her place of residence.

Other applications that will be accepted in RAP sites include new registration, transfer of registration from another city/municipality/district, transfer of registration from overseas to local, correction of entries or change of status, and reactivation.

The RAP will be available until Aug. 31.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are there many members of your local community who intend to avail of COMELEC’s RAP?

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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Southern Police District (SPD) officers arrest leader of gunrunning group at Festival Mall

January 16, 2024January 10, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the Southern Police District (SPD) conducted an entrapment operation at a part of Festival Mall that resulted in the arrest of the leader of a gunrunning group for the alleged illegal sale of firearms and ammunition, 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…

A suspected leader of a gunrunning group was arrested by the Southern Police District (SPD) at a popular mall in Alabang, Muntinlupa on Jan. 9.

The SPD Special Operation Unit carried out the operation against the illegal sale of firearms and ammunition.

SPD Director Brig. Gen. Mark Pespes identified the arrested suspect as alias Ivan, 51, alleged leader of the Sgt. Ivan Gun Running Group. The driver of the van with the alias Alvin, 41, is being investigated.

A member of the group, alias Daryl, 40, was arrested in another operation in Sampaloc, Manila.

The arrest was made at about 8 a.m. in front of a Korean grill restaurant in Festival Mall in Alabang.

A subsequent operation at 11:15 a.m. on the same day in Sampaloc, Manila led to the arrest of Daryl, the second target of the operation.

The SPD said the operation stemmed from intelligence provided by a confidential informant, allegedly detailing the involvement of the Sgt Ivan Group in gunrunning activities.

The group is allegedly composed of reservists or former uniformed personnel and believed to be operating in the southern part and nearby cities of the National Capital Region (NCR).

SPD said the entrapment operation, jointly conducted with the Station Intelligence Section of the Muntinlupa Police, the Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Quezon City District Field Unit and Manila Police District Substation 4.

At Festival Mall, Ivan, the No. 1 target of the operation, sold two ammunition boxes of 5.56mm containing an estimated 2,000 rounds after receiving marked buy-bust money. Subsequently another operation was launched involving three high-caliber firearms.

The transaction started in Muntinlupa City and extended to D. Tuazon, Quezon City. Target No. 2, Daryl, aware of the situation, swiftly changed the location to Bataan Street, Barangay 55, Sampaloc, near the boundary of Quezon City and Manila. Despite attempts to evade arrest, Daryl was swiftly apprehended by the team.

Recovered by the police from Ivan were P1,000 genuine bill marked money, two ammunition boxes containing an estimated 2,000 rounds of green tip 5.56 ammunition, one Intelligence Service Identification Card under the name of suspect alias Ivan.

Meanwhile, recovered from Daryl, the SPD said, were P1,000 genuine bill, one unit of Imbel Brasil .45 caliber pistol, one magazine for .45 caliber pistol, 15 live ammunition for .45 caliber pistol, black inside holster for .45 caliber pistol, one Bentley shotgun, 35 shotgun shells, red sling bag intended as pouch for shotgun ammunition, one US carbine with foldable butt and sling, 82 live ammunition for carbine, black pouch intended for carbine ammunition, brown sling bag. An Armscor .45 caliber pistol recovered from Daryl is under verification.

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 surprised that the buy-bust operation and arrest happened within the area of Festival Mall?

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

Voter registration to resume on February 12, 2024

January 16, 2024January 16, 2024carlocarrasco

Those who intend to get registered as new voters can do so starting February 12, 2024 once the voter registration process formally resumes nationwide, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article citing the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).

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

Voter registration for the May 2025 midterms elections would resume on Feb. 12, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced on Wednesday.

Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia, in a phone interview, said the voter registration period will run for seven months or until Sept. 30.

Garcia noted that they expect some 3 million to apply for registration as voters.

“Our projected number of registered voters is around 3 million, which shall be added to the current 68 million voters,” he added

The last voter registration period was held from Dec. 12, 2022 to Jan. 31, 2023.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are there many members of your local community who intend to get themselves registered as new voters with the COMELEC? How far is the nearest COMELEC from your place?

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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Ten early bird taxpayers of Muntinlupa City for 2024 recognized

January 15, 2024January 9, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government formally recognized the first ten early bird taxpayers who settled their dues when they had their respective business permits renewed this year (2024), 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 Muntinlupa City government recognized 10 early bird taxpayers who renewed their business permits for this year.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon led the recognition on Jan. 8 of the business owners who were first in line at the Business Permit Renewal Hub located at the Muntinlupa Sports Center in Barangay Tunasan under the supervision of the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO), applauding them for avoiding the rush and the possibility of late penalties.

The first 10 early bird taxpayers are Mama Nene Store, Mini-Mini Store, Beecube Inc., Bob Garon & Vandervoort Consultancy Inc., Chaulameir Enterprises, Erchie Appliance Parts, Oost & Voort Inc., Russel Ramos T-shirt Services; People’s Choice Apartment, and Aurelio Alquiros Tailoring Shop.

Each of them received a certificate of recognition from the BPLO and a basket of groceries.

Business permit renewal in Muntinlupa is ongoing from Monday to Friday until Jan. 20 at the Muntinlupa Sports Center.

BPLO offers free daily shuttle service to and from the venue for business owners, with pickup and drop off at the Muntinlupa City hall.

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 who also manages a local business, do you find the business permit renewal process fast and efficient?

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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Philippines unemployment rate falls to 3.6% (as of November 2023)

January 15, 2024January 14, 2024carlocarrasco

Based on the latest findings of the Philippine Statistic Authority (PSA), the national unemployment rate fell down to 3.6% as of November 2023, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

The country’s unemployment rate fell to its lowest level in November last year, while employment reached its highest since April 2005, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Tuesday.

At a briefing, National Statistician Dennis Mapa said results of the PSA’s latest Labor Force Survey (LFS) showed that unemployment rate further went down to 3.6 percent during the month, down from the 4.2 percent recorded in November 2022 and October 2023.

It was the lowest recorded unemployment rate since the PSA introduced a new methodology for measuring the LFS in 2005.

In terms of magnitude, the number of unemployed Filipinos was estimated at 1.83 million, down from 2.18 million in November 2022 and 2.09 million last October.

The Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR), meanwhile, was registered at 65.9 percent or about 51.47 million Filipinos aged 15 and above who were either employed or unemployed.

The LFPR during the month was lower than the 67.5 percent recorded in November last year.

In a statement, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said the decline was mainly due to reduced participation of young people (34.4 percent from 40 percent) and women (55.4 percent from 57.8 percent) in the labor force, influenced by family responsibilities, schooling, and age-related factors.

The country’s employment rate was estimated at 96.4 percent, also the highest recorded since April 2005.

The number of employed Filipinos was estimated at 49.64 million.

Underemployed persons or those who expressed the desire to have additional hours of work in their current job or to have an additional job or to have a new job with longer hours of work was recorded at 5.6 million, lower than last year’s 7.16 million.

NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said there is a need to expand the digital economy, including the digitalization of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises and startups, to address the declining labor force and increase labor market gains in 2024 and beyond.

“Digitalization enables alternative work arrangements, particularly for the youth, women, and those in the creative sector. This will help address the declining labor force,” Balisacan said.

“We will take full advantage of the liberalization reforms intended to attract investments in the Philippines, especially in digital infrastructure. Upgrading our infrastructure will attract investments that generate high-quality jobs,” he added.

Balisacan said the government will further support a more productive, agile, and adaptive workforce by passing and implementing crucial regulatory reforms, such as the Apprenticeship Bill, Lifelong Learning Bill, and the Enterprise Productivity Act.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the economy of the Philippines has enough momentum to grow and open up new job opportunities for more Filipinos?

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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HIV awareness campaign launched in Las Piñas City

January 12, 2024January 9, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, an effort to spread awareness about the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) – the virus that leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) – was launched by the health department under the City Government, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Las Piñas City Health Office (CHO) has launched an awareness campaign on the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as it recorded more than 1,500 cases of infection in the city.

During the “Serbisyo Las Piñero” health edition program of the city government hosted by Dr. Dhaniel Calma, CHO medical director, Dra. Maria Alinea Salatan, HIV/AIDS control program medical coordinator; and Jaydee Trinidad, nurse, discussed the number of HIV cases in the city.

Trinidad said the Las Piñas Social Hygiene Clinic in Barangay Almanza Uno logged a total of 1,536 HIV cases in June 2023.

He said the highest number of recorded infections came from the working group (746 or 49 percent) and from the youth (435 or 23 percent).

Salatan said the youngest patient afflicted with HIV being treated at their clinic is a 16-year-old.

She said the city social hygiene clinic is conducting an HIV/AIDS awareness campaign by teaching individuals to practice safe sex to prevent getting the disease.

They are offering free HIV testing from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. They extend the testing time for the working group from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Salatan said they are also conducting free HIV testing for pregnant women to ensure their babies are free from the virus.

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 HIV or AIDS cases in the city are gradually multiplying? Are there many people in your local community who are willing to get tested for HIV or AIDS?

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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Ease of Paying Taxes Act signed into law by President Marcos

January 11, 2024January 7, 2024carlocarrasco

In recent times, Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., signed into law the Ease of Paying Taxes Act (officially referred to as Republic Act Number 11976 or RA11976), according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed into law Republic Act (RA) 11976 or the Ease of Paying Taxes Act which aims to modernize and increase the efficiency and effectiveness of tax administration and strengthen taxpayer rights.

In a statement on Sunday, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said the Ease of Paying Taxes Act is one of the priority legislations mentioned during the State of the Nation Address in 2022 and 2023.

“The law allows the government to capture as many taxpayers as possible into the tax net by streamlining the system and minimizing the burden on taxpayers, increasing the country’s revenue collection in the long run,” the PCO said.

The new law, signed on Friday, introduces administrative tax reforms and amendments to several sections of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997.

It also updates the Philippine taxation system, adopts best practices and replaces antiquated procedures.

Among RA 11976’s salient features are classification of taxpayers into micro, small, medium, and large; electronic or manual filing of returns and payment taxes either to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), through any authorized agent bank or authorized tax software provider; option to pay internal revenue taxes removal to the City or Municipal Treasurer; elimination of the distinction between documentation and basis of sales of goods and services; and classification of value-added tax (VAT) refund claims into low, medium and high-risk.

The law ensures the availability of registration facilities to non-Philippine resident taxpayers; promoting and assisting taxpayers in tax processes; streamlining; reducing documentary requirements; and digitalizing BIR services through the development of the Ease of Paying Taxes and Digitalization Roadmap.

The law likewise imposes 180 days to act on claims for refund of erroneous or illegal tax collection and increases the amount for the mandatory issuance of receipts for each sale and transfer of goods and services from PHP100 to PHP500.

According to PCO, the law mandates the BIR to adopt an integrated digitalization strategy by providing end-to-end solutions for the benefit of taxpayers.

These include adopting integrated and automated system for facilitating basic tax services, setting up electronic and online system for data and information exchange between offices and departments, streamlining of procedures by adopting automation and digitalization of BIR services, and building up BIR’s technology capabilities.

RA 11976’s implementing rules and regulations shall be promulgated 90 days from the effectivity of the Act after the consultation of the Finance Secretary with the BIR and the private sector.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think this new law will positively impact the nation’s taxation system? Do you think the new law’s impact will be felt within the next two 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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Finance Secretary Diokno says Philippine economic growth this year will be robust

January 11, 2024January 8, 2024carlocarrasco

The economy of the Philippines will continue with robust growth this year according to the recent statement by Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, as reported by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

Philippine economic growth is expected to remain robust this year mainly driven by private consumption and the continued implementation of structural reforms, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said on Monday.

“While multilateral organizations project a slower global outlook for 2024 at 2.9 percent, the Philippine economy is expected to improve, reinforcing its status as one of the fastest-growing economies in the region,” Diokno said in a statement.

The Philippine economy grew by 5.9 percent in the third quarter of 2023, bringing the year-to-date growth to 5.5 percent.

Diokno said that for the full year of 2023, growth is expected to settle close to the low end of the government’s 6 to 7-percent target.

For 2024, economic managers assume a growth rate of 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent.

“Amid the ongoing strong El Niño and geopolitical and trade tensions, the country’s growth is expected to be driven by strong private consumption, supported by the expected return of inflation within the target range, falling oil prices, robust public spending, greater investments lured by the country’s sound macroeconomic fundamentals, investment-grade credit rating, and the implementation of structural reforms, and increased demand for Philippine exports as supply chain bottlenecks ease,” he said.

Diokno said economic prospects will be even better with the alignment of policies between fiscal and monetary authorities, measures to bring down inflation, and greater coordination of all public sectors to implement programs.

He added multilateral organizations also expect the Philippines to be one of the fastest growing economies in 2024.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the economy of the Philippines has enough momentum to achieve growth of at least 6.5% 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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CREATE Law attracts over P1 trillion worth of investments

January 10, 2024January 4, 2024carlocarrasco

While it is still uncertain as to how much the Philippine economy will grow by the end of this new year, over a trillion Pesos of investments were attracted by means of project approvals under the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Law, according to a news article published by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

More than 900 projects with total investments of PHP1.02 trillion have so far been approved under the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act as of end-October last year, the Department of Finance (DOF) said on Thursday.

In a Facebook post, the DOF said a total of 910 projects varying across priority sectors listed in the Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP) have been approved under the CREATE law.

“This monumental achievement is a testament to the continuous efforts of the PBBM administration to promote the Philippines as a sound investment destination,” the department said.

Of the 910 projects, 49 big-ticket tax incentive applications with a combined investment capital of PHP817 billion were approved by the Fiscal Incentives Review Board.

The remaining 861 projects with a total investment capital of PHP203 billion were from Investment Promotion Agencies.

“These projects are expected to accumulate a committed employment count of around 99,400 jobs within its incentivized period, with the labor-intensive manufacturing sector having the highest number of approved projects among the priority sectors,” the DOF added.

“This underscores the employability of the country’s workforce in high-quality jobs that will contribute to long-term economic growth.”

CREATE establishes a performance-based, time-bound, targeted, and transparent tax incentives regime in the country.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that more big-time investment-related projects will continue to come in via the CREATE Law?

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 to increase water-storage capacity by constructing new reservoirs

January 9, 2024January 4, 2024carlocarrasco

For those who are relying on Maynilad for water, be aware that the water concessionaire will increase its water-storage capacity by a few hundred million liters (ML) by constructing new reservoirs but it will take a few years to be completed, according to the official announcement.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the company’s announcement online. Some parts in boldface…

West Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services, Inc. will add 211 million liters (ML) to its water-storage capacity by 2026 with its construction of four new reservoirs in different locations to improve supply availability and pressure for customers in elevated areas.

With this increased storage capacity, Maynilad will essentially have an additional 211 ML of potable water supply that is accessible at the distribution system level, ready for release during hours of peak demand.

“Households in elevated areas are typically affected by low water pressure whenever the demand goes up. Having more reservoirs will help to maintain supply availability despite strong water withdrawals from households in low-lying areas, so we’re building more of these storage facilities in strategic locations,” said Maynilad Chief Operating Officer Randolph T. Estrellado.

The four new reservoirs—to rise in Quezon City, Valenzuela and Muntinlupa—will entail an estimated investment cost of Php2.8 billion, which forms part of Maynilad’s Php220-billion service enhancement program for the period 2023 to 2027.

Maynilad currently has 37 operational reservoirs that can store 751 ML of treated water supply—up from only 10 reservoirs with 400 ML storage capacity after it rehabilitated 13 old reservoirs and constructed 14 new ones since 2007. With the construction of four new reservoirs until 2026, the company’s total combined water-storage capacity will reach 962 ML.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a Maynilad customer, were you able to get a consistent supply of water over the past three 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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