news – Page 62 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Wanted man arrested in BF Homes, Parañaque City over involvement in online child sexual exploitation activities

December 26, 2024December 16, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, a wanted man from Quezon province was arrested in BF Homes over his alleged involvement in online child sexual exploitation activities, according to a Philippine Star news report. The local law enforcers were armed with a warrant for his arrest which was issued by a Regional Trial Court (RTC) judge in Quezon province.

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

A 59-year-old building contractor, known by the alias “Anthony,” was arrested at B.F. Homes in Parañaque City last Thursday for his involvement in online child sexual exploitation activities.

Operatives from the District Special Operations Unit (DSOU) and the District Intelligence Division of the Southern Police District (SPD) served the warrant of arrest against the accused around 5 p.m. that day.

The arrest was made in connection with charges under the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act.

SPD director Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang confirmed that the arrest stemmed from a pending warrant for violations of Sections 4(M) and 4(A) of the law.

The warrant was issued by Julius Francis Galvez, presiding judge of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 96, Catanauan, Quezon on Dec. 12.

The accused faces a recommended bail of P200,000 for one charge, while the other remains non-bailable.

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 more wanted people from the provinces who could be present in your local community within the city?

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

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More cancer, diabetes and mental illness medicines exempted by BIR from Value-Added Tax (VAT)

December 26, 2024December 16, 2024carlocarrasco

Some good news for those who need medicine but have limited financial resources. The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) announced that several more medicines for cancer, diabetes and mental illness have officially been declared exempted from the Value-Added Tax (VAT), according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has exempted 16 more medicines for cancer, diabetes, and mental illness from value-added tax (VAT).

Under Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) 131-2004, the BIR updated the list of VAT-exempt medicines to include those for cancer — Degarelix freeze-dried powder with 80 milligrams (mg) and 120 mg, and Tremelimumab concentrates with 25 mg and 300 mg dosages.

It also exempted more medicines for diabetes including Sitagliptin and Linagliptin film-coated tablets.

Also included in the VAT-free medicines are those for mental illnesses such as Clomipramine Hydrochloride tablets, and Midazolam film-coated tablets.

The BIR said the additional exemptions were made in response to the updated list of VAT-exempt products from the Food and Drug Administration.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you happy to hear that the BIR declared VAT-exempt more medicines of diabetes, mental illness and cancer?

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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I Love Israel: Israel looking at the Philippines as a new market for wine

December 24, 2024December 18, 2024carlocarrasco

As some of you are already aware, I fully stand with Israel which is very connected with my uncompromising faith in the Lord. I keep on praying to Him for Israel to overwhelm its enemies, rescue the hostages and recover from the effects of the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks committed by the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas which is sponsored by terrorist state Iran. I can assure all of you that nobody from the evil Islamo-Leftist mob, nobody from the pro-Palestine radicals, nobody from the political correctness extremists, and nobody from evil societies would stop me from supporting and loving Israel.

Now, on with the news…

A few weeks ago, a special event showcasing Israeli wine was held here in the Philippines, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. This development signified Israel’s focus on the Philippines as a new wine market.

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

Israel is pouring its wine into the Philippine market, confident that its products can rival the best in the world.

With a deep legacy of winemaking dating back thousands of years, Israel is now eager to share its fine bottles with Filipino wine lovers and travelers.

At the “L’Chaim! Discover Israeli Wine” event on Dec. 4, the Israeli Embassy in Manila treated wine enthusiasts, hoteliers and distributors to a curated tasting of wines from 15 of Israel’s top wineries.

“The Philippine market has matured, in my opinion. So it’s time,” Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss said.

“It’s obvious that we have competition here but what Israel can offer is really the higher end of wines — and we have so much to share.”

In addition to reintroducing Israeli wines to Filipino consumers, the embassy is also aiming to inspire Filipinos to explore Israel’s wineries as part of their travel plans.

Israel, often called the Holy Land, has a winemaking tradition that stretches back over 5,000 years, with wine from Judea being traded around the ancient world during the time of Jesus.

“Israel is a country of different cultures, and so is its cuisine,” visiting Israeli Tourism Minister Haim Katz said.

“Tourists can enjoy Mediterranean delicacies, dishes from Arab cuisine, Jewish food, colorful markets, and wine tastings that offer an unforgettable culinary experience.”

L’Chaim, which means “to life” in Hebrew, was the first of its kind hosted by the Israeli mission in the Philippines.

“L’Chaim is more than just a toast. It’s a celebration of life, friendship, and the bright future we are building together,” Fluss said.

Renowned Israeli wine expert and international wine judge Haim Gan was also present to provide insights into Israel’s innovative wine industry, noting its growing recognition and numerous international awards.

This latest development shows the continuing growth of Israel-Philippines ties through the business of wine as well as the opportunities for Filipinos to explore the wine industry of Israel when they travel there. Indeed, Israel-Philippines ties are essential!

To my fellow Filipinos reading this, I encourage you to accept the truth that Israel is the land God designated specifically for the Jewish people (read Genesis 35:10-12) and His command must be followed without hesitation. If you want to be blessed further by the Lord, do so by loving and blessing the Jewish people (Genesis 12:1-3). I did my part when I was in Israel. Also, let me remind you all that the ties between the Jews and Christians are truly biblical!

I encourage you all to pray to the Lord God in support of Israel, to love and bless the Jewish people, and pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Pray to Him so that Israel-Philippines ties and cooperation will keep growing stronger in the years to come.

If you truly believe in Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit and God the Heavenly Father wholeheartedly and you continue to be faithful, you should be aware that Christians are meant to stand united with Israel and love the Jewish people no matter what. You can do your part supporting Israel by donating to Christians United for Israel (CUFI). Do not forget to read the Holy Bible, then pray in tongues to the Lord in the privacy of your room with the door shut.

Always be the fearless and aggressive church of Lord Jesus! Always stand in support of Israel!

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Philippines attracted more international visitors than last year but still behind 2024 target

December 24, 2024December 18, 2024carlocarrasco

When it comes to attracting visitors from overseas, the Philippines improved over the 5.45 million international visitors of 2023 but they have yet to hit the declared 2024 target of 7.7 million international visitors and time is already running out, 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…

INTERNATIONAL visitors to the Philippines totaled 5.65 million as of Dec. 15, according to the Department of Tourism (DoT), well behind the pace needed to achieve the 7.7 million target for the year.

“South Korea remains our top source market, followed by the US and Japan,” Tourism Secretary Christina G. Frasco said at a briefing on Tuesday.

“To further expand our reach, we have intensified efforts to engage emerging opportunity markets, sharing the unique story of the Filipino and showcasing the rich array of experiences our country has to offer,” Ms. Frasco added.

The mid-December total is equivalent to 73.4% of the target for the year.

The DoT said that South Korea accounted for 1.15 million or 20.3% of the total arrivals, followed by the US with 889,489 or 15.7%, and Japan 367,747 or 6.5%.

Rounding out the top five were China, which sent 306,549 visitors or 5.4%, and Australia with 249,140 or 4.4%.

The other leading sources of visitors were Canada, Taiwan, Singapore, the UK, and Malaysia.

“We have graduated from measuring tourism merely by the number of people arriving, but rather on the more important numbers” like spending, length of stay, and return visits, she added.

Ms. Frasco said tourism receipts as of Dec. 15 amounted to P712 billion, exceeding the P697 billion booked in 2023.

“Tourists are now spending an average of over 11 nights in the country, and over 70% are repeat visitors,” she added.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think it is still possible for the Philippines to be able to attracted at least 6.5 million international tourists by December 31, 2024? Do you think the Philippines could do better or worse in 2025? What do you think is the one single issue that made it hard for the Philippines to attract more visitors from overseas? Do you think the new law of Value-Added Tax (VAT) refund for foreign tourists will make an impact by the middle of 2025?

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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10% discount for property owners in Las Piñas City in effect until March 2025

December 23, 2024December 12, 2024carlocarrasco

Good news for those who own properties in Las Piñas City! The City Government announced that property owners will be granted a 10% discount on their 2025 annual real property tax (RPT) once they pay their taxes specifically from December 1, 2024 up to March 21, 2025, according to a Manila Standard news report. Be aware that the City Government launched its official app to make payments easier to do.

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

Las Piñas City real property tax payers will get a 10-percent discount on their 2025 annual real property tax (RPT) when they pay their taxes from Dec. 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025.

Property owners can opt to pay for their real property taxes in full or through quarterly installments, the city government said.

It encourages taxpayers to take advantage of the discount by paying via Las Piñas Smart City mobile app where they can input the tax declaration number and property identification number or PIN and select the quarters that they want to pay.

The city government launched the web app to reduce the movement of taxpayers, ensuring their safety, and allowing payments to be made in the comfort of their homes.

Las Piñas Mayor Imelda Aguilar also appealed to the new real property owners in the city to put their records with city hall in order, “so that they will be able to receive official notices and pay the correct taxes on time.”

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 with the discount being offered for your upcoming real property tax payment?

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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Chinese national arrested in Parañaque City for possessing illegal drugs and firearm replica

December 22, 2024December 14, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, the local police arrested a Chinese national who was carrying illegal substances and a firearm replica, 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…

A Chinese national was arrested by the Parañaque City Police for illegal possession of drugs and a replica gun on Friday, Dec. 13.

Southern Police District (SPD) director Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang identified the suspect as “Yuanbo,” 30. He was arrested by the Tambo Police Substation on D. Macapagal Boulevard in Barangay Tambo.

Yang said operatives from Tambo Police Substation were conducting routine patrol when they spotted the suspect on board an illegally parked white Toyota Vios.

Upon approaching the car, Yuanbo rudely instructed the officers to go away. This prompted them to ask for the suspect’s driver’s license and vehicle registration which he has none.

While inspecting Yuanbo’s car, the policemen recovered an airsoft gun between the driver and passenger seat of the vehicle as well as 11 grams of shabu worth P74,800 and a block of marijuana leaves worth 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 about the presence of Chinese nationals carrying firearms (replica or actual guns) and illegal substances within the jurisdiction of 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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Las Piñas City Councilor Mark Santos asks DHSUD to start city housing project before 2025 election campaign period begins

December 21, 2024December 11, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently, Las Piñas City Councilor Mark Santos formally requested the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) to start the housing project (under the “Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pamilyang Pilipino” program) before the 2025 election campaign begins, according to a news report by the Manila Standard.

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

Las Piñas City councilor Mark Anthony Santos asked the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) to start the “Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pamilyang Pilipino” (4PH) project in the city before the campaign period starts for the national elections in May 2025.

Santos said the city government identified at least four suitable lands in city’s different barangays that can be used for the government’s housing program including in-city relocation for informal settlers.

Santos, chairman of the informal settlers, housing and land use committee of the city council, said the memorandum of understanding with Las Piñas Mayor Imelda Aguilar and the DHSUD to begin the housing project remain unsigned by the two concerned parties.

“Up to this date, the request from the city mayor’s office, seeking authority from the city council to approve the resolution for the MOU has not been discussed nor deliberated by my colleagues from the majority group,” the councilor said.

He said housing affordability remains a significant issue for the majority of Filipinos, particularly for low- and middle-income households. Powerful politicians opposed the project

Santos earned a wealth of experience as an elected minority leader and main author of a resolution allocating the P85-million budget for land acquisition for informal settlers. From 27, 000 informal settler families (ISFs)10 years ago in the city, there are still about 20, 000 ISFs until today.

He said the 4PH program is the government’s flagship program designed to address the need for decent housing while the city project aims to provide affordable housing to the residents.

The country faced a housing backlog of about 6.5 million units from 2017 to 2022, according to DHSUD. The backlog is most pronounced in urban centers like Metro Manila, where over 13 million people reside, leading to a high concentration of informal settlements and inadequate living conditions.

Santos said one of the pending housing projects of the city government is the proposed 12-story building under 4PH program located along DBP Subdivision in Barangay Pulanglupa Dos, Las Piñas.

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? Do you wish to see the DHSUD start the housing project before the 2025 election campaign period starts? What do you think should be done to solve the housing problem of Las Piñas?

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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Armed men disguised as police personnel entered Parañaque village and kidnapped a foreigner

December 21, 2024December 20, 2024carlocarrasco

Very recently in the city of Parañaque, a group of armed men mostly disguised as personnel of the police entered a residential community and managed to kidnap a foreign national who was described as a “boss” of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operation (POGO), according to a GMA Network news report. The kidnapping was captured on camera.

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

A Chinese man suspected to be a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) boss was kidnapped by men posing as police in Parañaque City.

In Jun Veneracion’s Thursday report on “24 Oras,” six armed men came out of a van, which was parked in front of the house that the victim was renting.

Most of the armed men wore shirts and vests with the word “police” on the back.

CCTV footage showed that the armed men approached the security guard, disarmed him and approached another person.

A few minutes later, two men held the victim as he went outside his house in handcuffs.

“Ito po ayan na po si [censored] sinakay nila sa Hiace at tuloy tuloy na po yan. Pumasok po sila around 3:20 [p.m.] at lumabas around 3:50 [p.m.] siguro. Around 30 minutes sila sa loob ng village,” said Police Lieutenant Colonel Eric Angustia, assistant chief of police for administration of the Parañque City Police Station.

(The victim was boarded into the Hiace. The armed men went into the village at 3:20 p.m. and came out around 3:50 p.m. They were there for about 30 minutes.)

The Parañque City Police Station said the armed men disguised themselves as police to kidnap the victim.

“Ayon sa security guard sa Gate 1, nagpakilala sila na mga pulis at may operation sa loob magsi-serve ng isang warrant of arrest. Nagpanggap lang ito na mga pulis para mabilis makapasok,” Angustia said.

(According to the security guard of Gate 1, the armed men introduced themselves as police and said they would serve an arrest warrant to the victim. They disguised themselves as policemen to easily enter the village.)

The whereabouts and wellbeing of the victim are still unknown.

Upon investigation, the police found that one of the suspects was a former security guard of the subdivision. A witness saw him talking to the victim’s two guards near his house days before the crime.

“Lumalabas po sa imbestigasyon na kasabwat sila sa insidente kaya inaaresto natin sila yung dalawa,” Angustia said.

(The investigation revealed that they were accomplices in the incident so we arrested them.)

The victim’s guards will be facing kidnapping charges along with seven other suspects who remain subjects of police manhunt. The suspects refused to give comments and said they would talk to their lawyers first.

According to the investigation, the victim is a businessman and is considered a POGO boss in Parañaque. The police are still looking for the mastermind of the kidnapping, who, until now, is not asking for a ransom.

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 your local community could someday get infiltrated by armed kidnappers pretending to be police officers or government agents and get away with criminal acts? When was the last time a kidnapping incident happened inside your village? How reliable are your village security guards?

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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Bureau of Immigration (BI) intensifies search for foreign fugitives all over the Philippines

December 20, 2024December 11, 2024carlocarrasco

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced that it is intensifying its efforts to find and arrest foreigners who illegally staying in the Philippines, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. The BI also warned fugitives overseas not to attempt to enter the country.

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

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has intensified its efforts in arresting and deporting foreign fugitives.

This came after Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado ordered the bureau’s fugitive search unit (FSU) to strengthen its actions in locating and arresting foreigners who are illegally staying in the country.

He also directed the FSU to explore data sharing agreements to receive information on fugitive records in a more timely manner.

“The faster we receive critical information, the faster we can arrest and deport these fugitives. Fugitives have no place in the Philippines,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.

He also warned foreign fugitives not to attempt to enter or stay in the Philippines, following the deportation of two-high profile fugitives.

On Monday, the BI deported 36-year-old Japanese national Sasaku Yohei, a member of a Cambodia-based telecommunication syndicate engaged in kidnapping, illegal detention, extortion, and fraud.

BI officers also intercepted Australian national Rodrigo Elices, 32, last Nov. 28 at the NAIA Terminal 3 from Abu Dhabi, after he was found to be a subject of a red notice from the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).

Viado also cited information obtained by the BI that Elices is a member of the notorious “Hells Angels” gang, an internationally outlawed club of motorcycle riders allegedly involved in organized crime, including drug trafficking.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the BI will be able to arrest and deport foreign fugitives nationwide while also preventing undesirable foreigners from entering 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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Las Piñas City to add P40 million into Green Card program

December 19, 2024December 13, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, Councilor Mark Santos announced that the local Green Card program will have an additional P40 million in funding in order to serve the residents who need health-related help, according to a Manila Standard news report.

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

Las Piñas City’s green card program, which provides free hospitalization and other healthcare benefits to city residents, will receive an additional P40 million in funding, according to Councilor Mark Anthony Santos.

The program, managed by the Mayor’s Office and the City Social Welfare and Development Office, is available to all bona fide Las Piñas residents. Currently, 200,000 people use the green card.

The Mayor’s Office subsidizes up to P30,000 of a patient’s hospital bill, covering minor operations and confinement at accredited hospitals. Green card holders also have free access to medical and dental services at 30 health centers in the city.

Santos, a candidate for the city’s lone congressional seat, pledged to allocate an additional P20,000 to each green card holder, increasing the total hospital bill subsidy to P50,000 per confined patient. He said every family member is eligible for the subsidy when hospitalized.

He said his office, in coordination with the Department of Health, would continue to improve healthcare services for all Las Piñas residents.

Santos also plans to expand the green card program’s benefits to include financial aid, free vitamins, medical consultations, and recreational perks for seniors, solo parents, and people with disabilities.

He said to increase healthcare accessibility, his office will prioritize medical and dental outreach programs for underserved population.

The green card program was initiated in 2000 by the late Las Piñas Mayor Vergel Aguilar. It has contributed to democratizing healthcare in the city and improving residents’ quality of life.

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 many people in your local community holders of the Green Card?

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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