news – Page 87 – Author Carlo Carrasco

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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Muntinlupa City Government receives 2024 SGLG award from DILG

December 19, 2024December 11, 2024carlocarrasco

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 3^rd 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?

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 reminds public of firecracker, open pipe ban

December 18, 2024December 9, 2024carlocarrasco

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?

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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Foreigner arrested in Las Piñas City for illegal possession of firearm and grave threat

December 17, 2024December 5, 2024carlocarrasco

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?

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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President Marcos signs into law VAT refund for foreign tourists

December 17, 2024December 9, 2024carlocarrasco

In a move to boost the Philippines’ standing in international tourism, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., signed into law the priority measure of providing Value Added Tax (VAT) refund for foreign tourists, 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…

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday signed into law a measure providing refund of Value Added Tax (VAT) for foreign tourists to attract more travelers and position the country as a “premier global shopping destination.”

Republic Act (RA) 12079 or the VAT Refund for Non-Resident Tourists will establish a VAT Refund System on locally purchased goods, Marcos said in his speech during the ceremonial signing in Malacañang.

Under the new law, tourists can claim a refund on the VAT for goods personally purchased at accredited retail outlets, provided these goods are taken out of the country within 60 days and meet a minimum transaction requirement of PHP3,000.

This initiative opens a new chapter in the Philippines’ tourism landscape, according to the President, allowing the country to compete with other tourism markets that attract tourists who are eager to take home authentic, high-quality Filipino products.

With the new law, an estimated 30 percent increase in tourist spending is projected which will benefit both large-scale industries and micro, small, and medium enterprises.

“These products tell our stories, and now, with the VAT refund, they will be able to be more accessible to global consumers, elevating once again our stature in the global market,” Marcos said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? With the new law signed already, do you expect it to help the Philippines attract more foreign tourists as well as better spending from each of them during they stay in 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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Four persons arrested in Parañaque City for illegal sale of firearms

December 16, 2024December 6, 2024carlocarrasco

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?

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 and the Philippines sign major agreement on travel

December 15, 2024December 14, 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…

In recent times, Israel and the Philippines officially signed a major agreement in relation to tourism developments and cooperation between them according to the announcement of the Israeli Embassy via social media. No less than the Minister of Tourism of Israel Haim Katz personally visited the Philippines and signed the agreement opposite Department of Tourism (DOT) secretary Christina Frasco.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the entire social media post of the Israeli Embassy. Some parts in boldface…

Israel Tourism Minister Katz Visits the Philippines, Signs Joint Declaration with DOT

Signing of the joint declaration between Israel’s Minister of Tourism Haim Katz and Philippines Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary, Christina Garcia Frasco.

Israel’s Minister of Tourism, Haim Katz, is currently visiting the Philippines from 2-5 December 2024 as part of a strategic effort to enhance tourism relations between the two countries. Highlight of the visit is the signing of a joint declaration with the Philippines Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary, Christina Garcia Frasco.

On December 3, Tourism Minister Katz and DOT Sec. Frasco signed the joint declaration to foster cooperation in the field of tourism between Israel and the Philippines.

“We are excited to see such strong interest from Filipino travelers to Israel,” said Minister Katz. “With the upcoming Jubilee Year, we anticipate even more Filipinos will be eager to experience the holy land and the rich history, culture, and hospitality Israel offers. We hope to see direct flights between Israel and the Philippines very soon, this will boost tourism and people to people exchange,” he shared.

Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Ilan Fluss shared that the official visit of Minister Katz is proof of the strong, historically friendly bilateral relations between Israel and the Philippines, especially in the field of tourism. “I hope that this will encourage tourism exchanges between our nations, particularly with the visa-free travel for Filipinos to Israel and vice versa. I invite Filipinos to experience Israel not just as the Holy Land but to enjoy culinary and experience the Land of Innovation and Start-Up Nation,” he explained.

Minister Katz’s visit highlights Israel’s commitment to expanding its presence in the Philippine market, especially for divers and nature lovers. “Israelis find the Philippines an attractive destination for diving and water activities,” Ambassador Fluss said.

Since opening its tourism office in the Philippines in 2017, Israel has witnessed a remarkable 65% rise in Filipino visitors in its first year alone. In 2023, a record-breaking 33,000 Filipinos traveled to Israel.

During his stay, Minister Katz will promote Israel as a premier destination for wine enthusiasts and engage with Filipino distributors of Israeli wine. He will also meet with the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA), connect with religious leaders in Manila, and hold discussions with the President of Philippine Airlines (PAL) to advance the goal for establishing direct flights between Israel and the Philippines. This initiative aims to enhance tourism and people to people exchange by making travel between the two countries more convenient and accessible.

This latest development shows the continuing growth of Israel-Philippines ties through travel and cooperation. This opens more opportunities for my fellow Filipinos to visit the Holy Land in Israel while doing the same for Israelis to visit the Philippines for leisure and business opportunities (which will be helpful in building up the economy of the Philippines). As I said before, 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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