news – Page 88 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Muntinlupa City wins two Digital Democracy Awards

November 21, 2024November 20, 2024carlocarrasco

The City Government of Muntinlupa has new additions to its growing list of achievements as it won two awards at the Digital Democracy Awards, 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 won at the first Digital Democracy Awards organized by the Makati Business Club (MBC) and sponsored by USAID Philippines and Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Philippines.

US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, MBC Chairman Edgar Chua, and Department Of Information And Communications Technology Usec. Jocelle Batapa-Sigue presented the Digital Democracy Champion award to 14 city local government units for their exceptional implementation of Digital Democracy initiatives.

Muntinlupa is one of the 14 winners and it also received the Data Stewardship Award for its “responsible handling of citizen data and dedication to advancing smart city initiatives.”

The 14 LGUs that won and recognized as Digital Democracy Champions “for their dedication to advancing citizen participation and transparency in governance” are: 1. Cagayan de Oro City 2. Victorias City 3. Himamaylan City 4. Iligan City 5. Quezon City 6. Isabela City, Basilan 7. Masbate City 8. Tagbilaran City 9. Batangas City 10. Muntinlupa City 11. Naga City 12. San Fernando City, La Union 13. Tagum City 14. Zamboanga City

According to MBC, the awardees in key categories are:

People’s Participation Award: Quezon City for their “Usapang QC” initiative, which bridged communication gaps and engaged over 430,000 residents.

Citizen-Led Policy Award: Naga City for translating citizen feedback into impactful policies, exemplifying the power of participatory governance.

Leadership Award: Batangas City Mayor Beverley Rose Dimacuha, for her exceptional vision and hands-on leadership in advancing digital initiatives.

Outstanding Public Communication Award: Tagbilaran City for their innovative and creative communication strategies, including social media campaigns and community engagement efforts.

Data Stewardship Award: Muntinlupa City for their responsible handling of citizen data and dedication to advancing smart city initiatives.

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 very happy to see the city get recognized again with new awards?

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 Councilors Santos and Medina claim P103.8 billion reclamation project won’t cause flooding

November 20, 2024November 10, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, Councilors Mark Santos and Henry Medina defended the P103.8 billion Las Piñas-Parañaque Coastal Bay Reclamation Project – already approved by the Supreme Court in 2021 – from allegations that it will cause flooding, according to a Manila Standard news report.

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

Two incumbent Las Pinas City councilors denied allegations that the P103.8-billion Las Piñas-Parañaque Coastal Bay Reclamation Project could lead to “disastrous flooding” in two Metro Manila cities.

Las Piñas City councilors Mark Anthony Santos and Henry Medina said the multi-billion project was already approved by the Supreme Court in 2021, after dismissing the environmental concerns raised by Las Pinas residents.

Voting 11-2, the Supreme Court (SC) en banc approved on Oct. 21, 2021 the reclamation project of around 530 hectares of the Manila Bay coastline in Las Piñas and Parañaque, ruling that the supposed environmental threat was not sufficiently established.

It was penned by Associate Justice Rosmari Carandang, with dissents from Associate Justices Marvic Leonen and Amy Lazaro Javier. Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan did not vote. There were only 14 justices when the ruling was promulgated.

Alltech Contractors proposed developing 321.26 hectares of land in Las Piñas and 174.88 hectares in Parañaque, both along the coastline of Manila Bay in 2009.

The Philippine Reclamation Authority approved the project in 2010, subject to compliance with environmental rules.

Santos said the petitioners against the project failed to provide sufficient evidence of environmental harm and that he supports the reclamation for its potential economic benefits, including socialized housing and job creation.

Medina said while the SC initially granted a Writ of Kalikasan in 2012, it later allowed the Court of Appeals to hear the case.

The CA ruled that the petitioners failed to support their claim by any competent, credible and reliable evidence that the proposed reclamation project will expose Las Piñas and Parañaque residents to catastrophic environmental damage.

According to the CA, Tricore Solutions Inc. and Center for Environmental Concerns-Philippines, the companies commissioned by the petitioners, failed to conduct a comprehensive and objective assessment of the proposed project.

The two companies also lacked the expertise necessary in the field of hydrology and hydraulics to competently conclude that the proposed project will cause environmental damage, the CA said.

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 think that any form of reclamation within the city will cause flooding or any other form of severe environmental damage? Do you think that reclamation will be economically beneficial for Las Piñas and its people?

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 than 600 Barangay Pamplona Uno residents served during Las Piñas City Health and Wellness Caravan

November 19, 2024November 10, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the Health and Wellness Caravan served more than six hundred residents of Barangay Pamplona Uno with varied services during its stop there, according to the City Government’s announcement via social media.

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

The Las Piñas Health and Wellness Caravan continued to provide accessible healthcare to residents at the Balagtas Covered Court in Pamplona Uno on Tuesday, October 29, serving over 600 residents, who availed of a range of health and wellness services aimed at promoting a healthier community.

The caravan offered essential medical services, including consultations, blood sugar and cholesterol testing, blood typing, dental treatments, ECGs, and chest X-rays. Residents also benefited from free medications dispensed at the pharmacy, pneumonia vaccinations for senior citizens, lifestyle-related illness risk screening, and support for PhilHealth registration. Additional services included Greencard enrollment, mobile birth registration, and a dedicated area providing relaxing massages.

City Vice Mayor April Aguilar attended the event, underscoring the local government’s commitment to improving healthcare accessibility. She was joined by City Councilor Mark Anthony Santos, City Council aspirants Alelee Aguilar and Marlon Rosales, and City Health Office head Dr. Juliana Gonzalez. Their presence highlighted the collaborative efforts between city officials and healthcare professionals to bring essential services directly to the community.

Dr. Juliana Gonzalez emphasized that the Health and Wellness Caravan continues to make a significant impact by reaching underserved populations. She stressed the importance of preventive healthcare and the role of these caravans in addressing health issues early, ensuring residents receive comprehensive care and guidance on managing their well-being.

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? When was the last time the City Government’s Health and Wellness Caravan was held 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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Four high-value targets arrested in Parañaque City for possession of illegal drugs and firearms

November 19, 2024November 12, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, a successful buy-bust operation resulted in the apprehension of four high-value targets – including one former member of the Intelligence Service Armed Forces of the Philippine-Philippines Air Force (ISAFP) – for possessing illegal drugs and weapons, 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…

Members of the District Drug Enforcement Unit of the Southern Police District (DDEU-SPD) arrested four high value individuals, one of them a former member of the Intelligence Service Armed Forces of the Philippine-Philippines Air Force (ISAFP), in possession of illegal drugs and firearms during a buy-bust operation conducted in Parañaque City on Monday, November 11.

SPD Director Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang identified the suspects as alias “J,” 37, alias “Edjane,” 33, a student, alias “Reymar,” 27, and alias “Mark Anthony,” 25.

Yang said the suspects were arrested at around 8:05 p.m. at a drug den located in Barangay Merville, Parañaque City.

He said the suspects were arrested by police operatives from the DDEU-SPD in collaboration with the District Intelligence Division (DID-SPD), District Mobile Force Battalion (DMFB-SPD), Sub-Station 7 of Parañaque City Police Station, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Southern District Office (PDEA SDO).

The SPD chief said confiscated from the suspects were 225 grams of suspected shabu worth P1,530,000 and a caliber 9mm pistol with an inserted magazine and live ammunition.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you think your city will still be a hot spot of illegal drugs and loose firearms?

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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High-value target arrested and P2 million worth of illegal drugs seized in Parañaque City

November 18, 2024November 8, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, an anti-drug operation resulted in the arrest of a high-valued target and the seizer of more than P2 million worth of illegal drugs, 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…

Authorities arrested a high-value target and seized about PHP2 million worth of assorted party drugs in an anti-drug-operation in Parañaque City, the Southern Police District (SPD) said on Friday.

In a statement, SPD Director Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang identified the suspect as alias “Kylie,” 26, who was arrested during a buy-bust operation along Greenheights Avenue in Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque City at about 5:35 p.m. on Thursday.

Yang said PHP2,055,900 worth of assorted party drugs were confiscated from the suspect, consisting of 141 grams of suspected cocaine, with an estimated street value of PHP747,300; 153 grams of suspected ketamine (PHP765,000); 274 grams of high-grade marijuana or “kush”(PHP411,000); and 78 pieces of assorted ecstasy tablets (PHP132,600).

Also seized were a weighing scale, one genuine PHP1,000 bill, and PHP64,000 in boodle money used in the buy-bust transaction

All recovered substances will be submitted to the SPD’s forensic unit for quantitative and qualitative analysis, while the suspect will face charges for violating Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you think your city will always be a hot spot for smuggling or selling of illegal substances?

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 MORE bill signed into law

November 17, 2024November 11, 2024carlocarrasco

In a move to make the Philippines a prime investment destination, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., recently signed into law the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act, 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 the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act to promote the Philippines as a prime investment destination.

CREATE MORE Act or Republic Act (RA) 12066, signed by Marcos in a ceremony at Malacañan Palace in Manila, builds on the game-changing economic reforms introduced under the CREATE law by making the country’s tax incentives regime more globally competitive, investment-friendly, predictable and accountable.

Marcos said the signing of RA 12066 signifies his administration’s unwavering commitment to empowering the business sector and enhancing their growth prospects.

“We cannot emphasize enough the important role of the business sector in shaping this law. Your feedback has been essential in our efforts to craft policies that make our country truly competitive on the global stage,” Marcos said.

“As we open new doors of opportunity, we drive businesses to reinvest their capital, build upon the workforce, and initiate a ripple effect that will be felt across generations,” he added.

Marcos said the new law is a reflection of the government’s resolve to foster a climate where businesses will flourish and continue to meaningfully contribute to the Philippine economy.

“By establishing clear timelines and deadlines and by limiting compliance requirements to those mandated by law, we are promoting transparency and predictability. And in so doing, we create a more reliable process that instills confidence in investors and in partners alike,” he said.

“To our investors and development partners, let this be our pledge: The Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines) continues to foster an economy where businesses and investments remain at the heart of our progressive development.”

Under the CREATE MORE Act, the maximum duration of tax incentives availment is extended by 10 years to 27 years from 17 years, to attract strategic and high-quality investments.

Registered business enterprises (RBEs) under the enhanced deductions regime will benefit from a reduced corporate income tax rate of 20 percent.

The new law also grants a 100-percent additional deduction on power expenses to cut the costs for the manufacturing sector.

It also further streamlines the value-added tax (VAT) refund process by limiting the documentary requirements and addressing the VAT concerns raised by export-oriented enterprises.

RA 12066 also introduces various reforms such as the rationalization and streamlining of incentives-related processes to address investors’ pain points and cultivate an investment-friendly climate.

It likewise simplifies local taxation by imposing a local tax on RBEs in lieu of all other local taxes, fees, and charges.

The CREATE MORE law also strengthens the respective mandates of the Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB) and the investment promotion agencies (IPAs).

It institutionalizes the adoption of flexible work arrangements as a business model for RBEs operating inside economic zones and freeports, without disruption in the enjoyment of their tax incentives.

Marcos said the Filipino people would benefit from the passage of the CREATE MORE Act through more and better economic opportunities that uplift their lives, such as high-quality jobs.

The signing of CREATE MORE law is consistent with the Marcos administration’s 8-point socioeconomic agenda.

Lawmakers lauded President Marcos for signing the measure, saying it would stimulate economic growth by attracting foreign direct investments (FDIs).

“With more foreign direct investments that CREATE MORE is expected to generate, more Filipinos will have better employment opportunities that will, in turn, redound to stronger domestic consumption, one of the major drivers of the local economy,” Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said in a statement.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the CREATE MORE law will succeed in attracting more foreign investments into the Philippines? Do you expect to see results related to the new law over the next eighteen 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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Filipinos illegally staying in America told not to wait to be deported

November 16, 2024November 15, 2024carlocarrasco

It has been over a week since Donald Trump pulled off the greatest American comeback ever when he got elected again as President of the United States and he also won the popular vote. He already promised that once he takes office, the US Government will make serious moves to solve the illegal immigration crisis and that includes mass deportation.

That being said, Filipinos who are illegally staying in the United States have been advised not to wait to be deported and they better act fast before it is too late, 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…

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel “Babes” Romualdez on Friday advised Filipinos illegally staying in the US not to wait to be deported following the victory of President-elect Donald Trump.

In an online forum hosted by the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP), Romualdez stressed that Trump has “won on the basis that he will deport all immigrants in the United States.”

While there is a smaller number of Filipinos illegally staying in the US at around 250,000-300,000 compared to other countries, Romualdez said those who are still in America without “any kind of status” should voluntarily return to the Philippines or start working on their documents.

“My advice to many of our fellowmen who actually are still here but cannot get any kind of status. My advice is for them not to wait to be deported,” he said.

“Because I can see that the administration of President Trump is really going to be very strict with the immigration policy that he intends to put in place because that is the promise he made to the American public,” he stressed.

Once deported, Romualdez said there is 99% (chance) that they cannot come back to the US.

“You can never come back to the United States. At least, if you leave, there is always the opportunity or a chance that you’ll be able to file,” he said.

Filipinos who are illegally staying in the US could seek help through the attaché from the Department of Migrant Workers at the Philippine Embassy in Washington, Romualdez said.

However, he clarified that the “only assistance” that they can provide is “to give them advice.”

“If they have a potential roadblock to be able to stay in the United States legally, then we tell them to get the right person to help you– a lawyer or whoever it is– and start the process. But if there is none, it’s clear that there’s only one way so that you will have a chance to be able to apply legally but do not allow yourselves to be deported,” he said.

He warned that Filipinos cannot continue to hide from authorities because the exchange of information among US agencies is much easier today.

In his victory speech, Trump reiterated that he would close borders in the US and would impose stricter laws against illegal aliens.

“We gonna have to seal up those borders, we are gonna have to let people come into our country. We want people to come back in, but they have to come in legally… We are gonna start by putting America first,” he said.

Data gathered by the GMA Integrated News Research showed that there are 4,640,313 Filipinos in the US as of last year, according to the latest figures by the US Census Bureau.

For the newcomers reading this, I am not an American citizen and I am based here in the Philippines. I should also state that I personally oppose illegal immigration and I believe that US President-elect Trump (who will formally take office again on January 20, 2025) will do what Americans voted him for and that means securing the border, going after illegal aliens and deporting a lot of them. It is an undeniable fact that illegal immigration adds to crime as well as the rising costs of housing and government spending. Illegal aliens are consuming taxpayers’ funds which is very unfair to the Americans.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think all Filipinos illegally staying in America should surrender themselves and come back home before it is too late? Are there Democrats or any Leftist in your local community who continues to promote illegal immigration, criminal and terrorists? Did the Democrats brainwash a member of your local community into believing that illegal immigrants are refugees?

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 qualifies as a 2024 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) awardee

November 15, 2024November 14, 2024carlocarrasco

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) just released the official list of Seal of Good and Local Governance (SGLG) awardees for 2024 and the City of Las Piñas made it, the City Government announced via social media. Las Piñas is one of the fourteen National Capital Region (NCR) cities that were declared awardees.

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

Las Piñas City was honored with the prestigious Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) 2024 from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in recognition of the smooth and effective governance of the city under the leadership of Mayor Imelda Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar. This award is only given to local governments that pass the strict standards of DILG in various aspects of public service and governance.

The SGLG focuses on ten key categories, including Financial Administration and Sustainability, which assesses proper and transparent use of city funds; Disaster Preparedness, which ensures disaster preparedness; Social Protection and Sensitivity, which emphasizes addressing the needs of the poor and vulnerable Sector; Health Compliance and Responsiveness, which promotes effective health services; Sustainable Education, which aims to improve the quality of education; Business-Friendliness and Competitiveness, which facilitates business; Safety, Peace, and Order, which promotes safety and order; Environmental Management, which values environmental care; Tourism, Heritage Development, Culture, and Arts, promoting tourism and cultural appreciation; and Youth Development, encouraging active participation of youth in governance.

Through this recognition, Las Piñas City proved its continuous dedication in providing quality service for the welfare of its residents.

There is a grand total of 714 SGLG awardees nationwide for 2024. For full transparency, displayed below is the entire 2024 SGLG awardees list from the DILG. Feel free to download a copy.

wp-1731560433405 Download

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 way the City Government has been doing public service and governing? Are there certain things that you wish the City Government could improve on? Does this new development impact your way of choosing which candidates to vote for in the May 2025 local elections?

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 qualifies as 2024 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) awardee

November 15, 2024November 14, 2024carlocarrasco

The City of Muntinlupa made it as an awardee of the 2024 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) as recorded in the official list of awardees that the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) released online.

For 2024, there is a grand total of 714 SGLG awardees nationwide covering cities, municipalities and provinces. Among them are 14 National Capital Region (NCR) cities and Muntinlupa City is one of them.

For transparency, posted below is the 2024 SGLG list of awardees from the DILG. Feel free to download a copy.

wp-1731560433405 Download

It should be recalled that Muntinlupa City was also an SGLG awardee in previous years (click here, here and here).

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 very happy that Muntinlupa is once again an SGLG awardee?

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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FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship all set for September 12-28, 2025 in the Philippines

November 15, 2024November 14, 2024carlocarrasco

The 2025 edition of the prestigious FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship is all set to be hosted exclusively by the Philippines from September 12 to 28, 2025.

The event will have the top 32 men’s volleyball teams of the world competing for the championship title. Games will be staged at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City and at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Schedules of the games will be announced soon.

The 32 teams are divided into eight pools which are arranged in the following order: Pool A: Philippines, Iran, Egypt, Tunisia; Pool B: Poland, Netherlands, Qatar, Romania; Pool C: France, Argentina, Finland, Korea; Pool D: USA, Cuba, Portugal, Colombia; Pool E: Slovenia, Germany, Bulgaria, Chile; Pool F: Italy, Ukraine, Belgium, Algeria; Pool G: Japan, Canada, Türkiye, Libya; and Pool H: Brazil, Serbia, Czechia, China.

The Philippines is the exclusive host of the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship. It is recalled that previous editions of the event were each co-hosted by multiple nations – Italy and Bulgaria in 2018, and Poland and Slovenia in 2018.

For the 2025 edition, the Philippines emerged as the successful bidder and the final decision was made following a rigorous evaluation process where the FIVB and Volleyball World found the Philippine bid to be particularly strong; with its emphasis on ensuring a continued growth of the event and the country’s commitment to the development of volleyball globally.

FIVB President Dr Ary S. Graça F° stated that their organization is confident that the Philippines “will host an extraordinary World Championship that will leave a lasting legacy.”

Meanwhile, Volleyball World CEO Finn Taylor stated that the Philippines “is well-positioned to deliver an exceptional championship that will showcase the best of the sport.”

For future updates about the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship, visit https://en.volleyballworld.com/volleyball/competitions/men-world-championship/

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