news – Page 22 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Chinese National Arrested In Parañaque City For Human Trafficking and Cybercrime

October 7, 2025September 29, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) apprehended a Chinese national for human trafficking and cybercrime, according to a news report by the Daily Tribune.

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

The National Bureau of Investigation-Cybercrime Division (NBI-CCD) arrested a Chinese national identified as Wang Gang, alias Kelvin Lee, in a hotel in Parañaque City for violating Republic Act No. 9208 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003), as amended by R.A. No. 10364 and R.A. No. 11862, in relation to R.A. No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012).

The operation stemmed from an intelligence report identifying “Kelvin Lee” as being engaged in human trafficking activities, particularly the sexual exploitation of women. Lee was reportedly offering women to foreigners for sexual favors at ₱20,000 per night.

NBI-CCD agents, together with an informant, contacted Lee through social media. During the exchange, Lee confirmed that he was offering women for sexual services at rates ranging from ₱25,000 to ₱70,000. He later agreed to meet poseur customers at a Parañaque hotel, where he promised to deliver two Vietnamese women for ₱35,000 each, demanding a ₱5,000 downpayment to finalize the transaction.

On September 25, 2025, NBI-CCD agents positioned themselves near the agreed meeting place. When the poseur customers arrived, they were met by a Chinese national later identified as Wang. With him were two Vietnamese women.

Wang escorted the group to a hotel unit and, after receiving the entrapment money, was immediately placed under arrest by NBI-CCD operatives. The operation also led to the rescue of two Vietnamese trafficking victims.

The suspect was presented for inquest proceedings for the cited violations.

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 considered that human trafficking and prostitution involving Chinese nationals are still being done secretly in the city? What do you think makes Parañaque a hot spot for criminal activities involving Chinese nationals?

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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Weaker Business Sentiment In The Philippines

October 7, 2025September 30, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) conduct its own survey which revealed that business sentiment in the Philippines became less optimistic during the 3^rd quarter, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

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

Philippine businesses turned less optimistic about the economy in the third quarter amid bad weather and sluggish demand during “ghost month,” a survey by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed.

Based on its latest Business Expectations Survey, the overall confidence index (CI) for businesses fell to 23.2% in the third quarter, down from the 28.8% in the second quarter and the 32.9% in the same quarter last year.

A positive CI indicates that more respondents are optimistic than pessimistic. However, this was the lowest CI seen since the 23.9% recorded in the fourth quarter of 2022. The business confidence index has been on a decline for three consecutive quarters.

“Philippine businesses were less optimistic about the economy in the third quarter of the year,” the BSP said in a statement. “Their dampened confidence was primarily attributed to the slack in demand during the ‘ghost month’ and the onset of the rainy and typhoon season.”

This year, “ghost month,” the seventh month in the Chinese lunar calendar, ran from Aug. 23 to Sept. 21. Some investors avoid making big investments or decisions during this period.

The country also experienced heavy rains and flooding brought by several tropical storms and the southwest monsoon from late July to early August.

“Global headwinds, such as higher US tariffs, geopolitical tensions, and weaker foreign demand, also weighed on business confidence,” the BSP said. The US began imposing a 19% tariff on goods from the Philippines on Aug. 7.

At the same time, business confidence for the fourth quarter improved to 49.5% from 39.3% previously, as a surge in consumer spending is usually seen ahead of the holidays. The overall business outlook for the next 12 months eased to 48.1% from 51% the previous quarter.

“Despite the lower year-ahead CI, it remained positive, reflecting businesses’ continued optimism about near-term economic prospects,” the BSP said.

Businesses surveyed also see the peso appreciating against the US dollar in the fourth quarter and over the next 12 months but expect inflation to accelerate further.

“Firms also expect inflation over the next 12 months to remain within the National Government’s target range, indicating firmly anchored business inflation expectations. Within-target inflation supports investments and job creation,” the BSP said.

Businesses expect inflation to have settled at 2.1% in the third quarter, and picking up to 2.3% next quarter, and 2.4% in the next 12 months.

The central bank surveyed 1,523 firms nationwide, 580 of which are in the National Capital Region (NCR) and 943 in areas outside NCR, from July 4 to Aug. 17.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the economy of the Philippines will somehow slow down in the 4^th quarter?

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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Japan’s Nambu Will Invest P4 Billion For Retirement Facilities In The Philippines

October 6, 2025September 29, 2025carlocarrasco

As different forms of economic uncertainty and controversies regarding flood control projects continue to dominate the news, the Philippines got a much-needed economic boost as Japanese firm Nambu Co. Ltd. confirmed it will be investing P4 billion to build several retirement facilities in different parts of the country, 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…

A Japanese wellness company will invest PHP4-billion to build 10 retirement facilities in various parts of the Philippines.

The initial facility to be established by Nambu Co. Ltd will be in Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu province, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Friday.

The investment is supported by the CREATE MORE (Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises – Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy) Act and involves training Filipino caregivers to meet Japanese standards.

CREATE MORE broadens incentives to help boost economic recovery, support enterprises and attract foreign investment.

Details of the investment plan were discussed during a meeting between Philippine officials and members of the wellness company in Osaka, Japan on Thursday, the DTI said in a press release on Friday.

“This initiative aims to leverage the country’s skilled workforce to meet Japan’s labor needs while simultaneously boosting local employment,” it said.

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said the investment supports the government’s bid to increase high-value industries, drive job creation, and strengthen the country’s position as a premier retirement and wellness destination in the region.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to the recent developments? Do you think Nambu’s multi-billion Peso investment will make a long-lasting positive impact in the Philippines?

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 Takes Major Step Forward With Nuclear Energy Safety Act

October 5, 2025September 25, 2025carlocarrasco

The movement towards a safe, nuclear-powered Philippines moved forward again recently when Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., signed into law the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act which formally created the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM), according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed a law promoting the safe utilization of nuclear energy by creating the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM).

Marcos on Sept. 18 signed Republic Act (RA) 12305 or the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act, providing for a comprehensive legal framework for the peaceful, safe, and secure use of nuclear energy in the Philippines.

Under RA 12305, the PhilATOM is established as an independent and quasi-judicial body with sole and exclusive jurisdiction to exercise regulatory control for the safe uses of nuclear energy radiation sources in the country.

“The regulatory functions of all other government agencies with jurisdiction, functions, and authorities with respect to nuclear energy and radiation sources shall be transferred to the PhilATOM,” the law read.

The PhilATOM will be headed by a Director General who will be appointed by the President. According to the new law, the Director General of PhilATOM will serve a five-year term with a Salary Grade of 31 and may be reappointed for successive terms of the same duration.

“The DG shall be responsible for the overall management of the PhilATOM and shall exercise supervision of its administrative, technical, and financial operations,” RA 12305 said.

The PhilATOM is mandated to issue and periodically update regulations, standards, and guides to specify the principles, requirements, and associated criteria for its regulatory judgments, decisions, and actions.

It is directed to establish processes for developing and amending regulations, standards, and guides that include consultation with the public and other interested parties.

RA 12305 prohibits the unauthorized siting, construction, operation, commissioning, and decommissioning of a nuclear or radiation facility; acquisition, production, manufacture, import, export, distribution, sale, transfer, use, storage, or disposal of nuclear or other radioactive materials; use of testing of radiation generators; and radioactive waste management activities.

The law allows the PhilATOM to establish an inspection program and enforcement policy to ensure compliance by authorized parties.

The PhilATOM is mandated to enforce the implementing rules and regulations of RA 12305; assist the national government in the development of national policies and strategies for safe nuclear energy use; and review and assess applications for authorizations for nuclear and radiation facilities and associated activities.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the details behind the law creating PhilATOM is legally strong and clear? Do you think enough safety measures have already been assured within the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act? Do you think the establishment of PhilATOM will convince nuclear energy companies in America and France to invest in the Philippines and be part of the establishment of new nuclear power industry?

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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PDEA Arrests 3 Suspects In Parañaque City And Seizes Illegal Drugs Worth P3.4 Million

October 4, 2025September 25, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) pulled off a successful operation that resulted in the apprehension of three suspects and the seizure of illegal drugs worth P3.4 million, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

Three drug suspects have been arrested and PHP3.4 million worth of illegal narcotics have been seized in an anti-drug operation in Parañaque City, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said on Tuesday.

In a statement, PDEA said the buy-bust operation took place around 11:36 a.m. Monday in Barangay Tambo.

During the transaction, the PDEA arrested “Nards” along with two accomplices, “Chris,” 46, and “Lon,” 42. The seized narcotics had a total weight of over 500 grams.

The PDEA said the primary target was an individual operating under the alias “Lex,” 29, who has been identified as a high-value pusher.

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 delighted with what the PDEA achieved in the city? What do you think makes Parañaque a hot spot of illegal drug activities?

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

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Muntinlupa City 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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S&P Global Ratings Says Philippine Economy Will Grow Only 5.6% This Year

October 3, 2025September 24, 2025carlocarrasco

2025 continues to look rough for the Philippines. A lot of people are angry over government corruption and the flood control projects scandal investigation is only adding fuel to the fire. When it comes to economic growth, S&P Global Ratings says the economy of the Philippines will grow by only 5.6% this year, according to a Philippine Star news report.

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

S&P Global Ratings has trimmed its growth forecast for the Philippines to 5.6 percent this year from its earlier 5.9 percent estimate, citing subdued private consumption and investment alongside persistent global uncertainties.

The downgrade reflects weaker-than-expected momentum in the first half, when Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 5.4 percent. This was faster than many economies in Asia, but still below trend and short of expectations.

“Private consumption growth, investment and household confidence are still relatively subdued,” S&P economist Vince Conti told The STAR.

“We expect that both global and domestic uncertainty would continue to weigh on investment growth in the near term,” Conti said.

S&P’s latest projections show the country’s GDP growth will hit the government’s 5.5 to 6.5 percent target for 2025.

The credit watcher also sees growth picking up to 5.8 percent in 2026, though this remains below the government’s more ambitious six to seven percent goal for next year.

Conti noted, however, that the country’s reliance on external demand comes more from services rather than goods trade, which provides a degree of resilience against heightened global trade frictions.

“This will partially mitigate the impact of the elevated trade tensions,” he said. “On the positive side, with inflation low and likely to remain under control in the next few years, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has room to continue its easing path to support growth.”

S&P expects Philippine inflation to average 1.8 percent in 2025, sharply down from 3.2 percent last year, before rising moderately to three percent in 2026 and 3.3 percent in 2027.

The credit watcher is penciling in around 100 basis points of further policy rate cuts by the BSP between now and end-2026, which could help shore up domestic activity.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the economy of the Philippines does not have enough momentum to achieve 6% growth this year? Do you think that any rise of inflation will hamper economic growth?

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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IBPAP Bullish On Growth Of Global Capability Centers In The Philippines

October 2, 2025September 24, 2025carlocarrasco

As far as the information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) industry of the Philippines is concerned, there is still room for growth in the near future as the country could become the next hot spot for global capacity centers (GCCs), according to a BusinessWorld news report.

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

THE PHILIPPINE information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) industry is still bullish on growth, as it expects to generate $42 billion in export revenues and increase headcount to 1.97 million in 2026, an industry group said.

The Philippines is also aiming to become the next hub for global capability centers (GCC), as it has seen an uptick in interest from multinational companies, the group added.

IT & Business Process Outsourcing Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) President and Chief Executive Officer Jonathan R. Madrid said the industry has so far created 450,000 new jobs and $10.5 billion in revenue since the creation of the industry roadmap in 2022.

“Now, for 2025, that includes 80,000 new jobs and $2 billion in incremental revenue. That is a growth of 4% and 5.3%, respectively,” he said at the International IT-BPM Summit on Tuesday. “By 2026, we project to reach $42 billion in revenue and close to a total of two million jobs for Filipinos.”

The expected jobs and revenues for 2026 are aligned with the baseline projections indicated in the IT-BPM Roadmap 2028. Mr. Madrid said the industry’s growth will still be driven by core segments — banking, financial services, and healthcare.

While the Philippines remains strong in contact centers, he noted faster growth coming from GCCs. “(There’s) a slightly higher growth rate from GCCs. Coming from a lower base, you tend to see more growth from that sector,” he said.

GCCs are offshore units established by multinational corporations to provide specialized services such as finance, IT and customer support to their global operations.

Mr. Madrid said he sees increased interest in setting up GCCs in the Philippines from prospective clients in the US, Australia and Europe.

Globally, GCCs are reshaping the IT-BPM industry, with its market expected to grow to $155 billion by 2027.

To date, there are 170 GCCs in the Philippines, growing by around 10 each year, but India continues to dominate with its 2,000 GCCs.

“We know that India dominates as the world’s GCC hub, showing how GCCs have evolved. They are no longer cost centers but strategic engines of innovation and transformation,” Mr. Madrid said.

“I think the Philippines should aspire to do the same. We have the talent, we have the scale, the cost efficiency, and the ecosystem maturity to become the next global GCC hub,” he added.

LEGISLATION NEEDED –IBPAP Chief Operating Officer Celeste B. Ilagan said more needs to be done on the policy front to support the growth of GCCs in the Philippines.

“GCCs have different needs compared with the traditional BPM providers,” she said, adding that the group wants Congress to pass legislation to help attract more GCCs into the country.

In particular, she said that the industry needs a law that is similar to the Regional Operating Headquarters (ROHQ) law. However, this move was “abandoned” in favor of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act, she added.

“We know that other countries have this international business services law that they are already implementing so that they can get more GCCs to their country. So, we are trying to work along those lines as well,” she added.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the Philippines will be able to act fast to attract more GCCs 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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800 Locals Fed In Barangay Daniel Fajardo, Las Piñas City

October 2, 2025September 24, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, eight hundred locals availed of free food and water when the local feeding program occurred in Barangay Daniel Fajardo and no less than Mayor April Aguilar was present, the City Government announced via social media.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the social media post of the City Government. Some parts in boldface…

Through the initiative of Mayor April Aguilar, Vice Mayor Mel Aguilar, and the City Council, an auxiliary feeding program was held in Madrigal Covered Court, Barangay Daniel Fajardo to support the health and nutrition of children and families in the community.

A total of 800 beneficiaries received nutritious pork steak rice topping and bottled water that were carefully prepared and distributed with the help of Barangay Nutrition Scholars. The program was spearheaded by the Las Piñas City Nutrition Office under the leadership of OIC and City Nutrition Action Officer Dr. Julio P. Javier II.

Barangay Captain Dolphy Cristobal, together with Kagawads Melvin Cristobal, Irish Alinigue, Bernard Abersosa, Archie Casimiro, Bhong Ello, and Rodelyn Gonzales, joined the activity to show their support.

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? Has the City Government feeding program reached your local community recently?

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

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Davao del Sur’s 2nd Most Wanted Person Arrested In Las Piñas City

October 1, 2025September 22, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, local police officers apprehended a man who turned out to be the 2^nd most wanted person in Davao del Sur, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. He was arrested for murder.

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

Authorities from the Las Piñas Police Warrant and Subpoena Section (WSS) arrested Davao del Sur’s No. 2 most wanted person in the municipal level in 2022 during the conduct of a manhunt operation against wanted fugitives.

Las Piñas City Police Chief Col. Sandro Tafalla identified the suspect as Jesan, 37, a laborer wanted for the crime of murder in Davao del Sur. He was arrested along Narra Street, Barangay CAA, Las Piñas City.

Tafalla said members of the Malalag Municipal Police Station coordinated with the Southern Police District and notified members of the Las Piñas City Police WSS conducting a manhunt operation against wanted fugitives for the arrest of Jesan.

He said Jesan was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Marivic Trabajo Daray of Digos City, Davao del Sur, Regional Trial Court Branch 18, for the crime of murder on May 31, 2022, with no bail recommended.

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 there could be wanted persons from the provinces hiding 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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