news – Page 96 – Author Carlo Carrasco

More than P700 million deposited through BSP’s coin machines

May 30, 2024May 21, 2024carlocarrasco

Over P700 million worth of coins have been deposited through the many coin deposit machines (CoDMs) of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) as of May 15, 2024, as published on their website.

Based on the latest statistics, a total of P707,661,554.41 (over 9% higher than last the previous count of P648,904,160.19) in coins got deposited into BSP machines on 174,656 transactions (about 8% higher than the previous count 161,725 transactions) from customers. In terms of physical quantity, 193,901,254 in coins were deposited. The previous count of deposited coins was 179,641,987.

Doing the math on the latest statistics, customers averaged P4,051.74 per transaction (versus the previous month’s P4,012.39 per transaction) at the machines. As for the grand total Peso amount divided by the number of coins deposited, the average is P3.6496 per coin deposited (versus the previous average of P3.6122 per coin deposited).

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Were you able to deposit your excess coins into a BSP coin deposit machine in your locality recently? Did the BSP coin deposit machine in your locality break down often?

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 Health Office says there are no local cases of COVID-19 FLiRT variants detected

May 29, 2024May 28, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the city health office stated that there are no cases of the new variants of COVID-19, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Muntinlupa City Health Office said there are no cases of the new variants of Covid-19 in the city amid the start of screening for arrivals at the country’s points of entry.

Dr. Juancho Bunyi, CHO head, said as of May 28, there are only four active Covid-19 cases with mild and moderate symptoms in the city confined at the city-run Ospital ng Muntinlupa in Alabang.

“No new variants reported as per DOH [Department of Health],” said Bunyi.

The country’s Bureau of Quarantine ordered the screening at points of entry on all arrivals from countries where Covid-19 FLiRT cases have been reported.

The DOH said based on the update by the World Health Organization (WHO), the three new variants of Covid-19 being monitored are JN.1.18, KP.2 and KP.3, which are “descendants of JN.1.”

It said KP.2 and KP.3 are known as the “FLiRT” variants, “a nickname coined by some researchers to describe amino acid changes in the COVID-19 virus’ spike protein, specifically from phenylalanine (F) to leucine (L) at position 456, and from arginine (R) to threonine (T) at position 346.”

WHO observed that “there are currently no reported laboratory or epidemiological reports indicating any association between VOIs/VUMs and increased disease severity.”

In the Philippines, the DOH reported that from May 7 to 13, a total of 877 new Covid-19 cases were recorded with an average of 125 reported cases per day.

It said that while there is an increase of Covid-19 cases in the country recently, it is small and lower compared to previous observed increases.

Of the 877, seven had severe or critical disease and five people died, which occurred from April 30 to May 13.

“All Philippine regions remain to be at low risk for COVID-19. There is no scientific basis for travel restrictions to any country because of an increase in COVID-19 cases. The Department remains to be in close coordination with international health authorities, and its Bureau of Quarantine is keeping watch over points of entry nationwide. The voluntary use of face masks should be done properly, along with standard precautions like hand washing, avoiding crowds, and choosing good airflow,” the DOH said.

As of May 12, only 11 percent (119/1,117) of dedicated Covid-19 ICU (intensive care unit) beds were occupied and only 13 percent (1,238/9,571) of dedicated Covid-19 non-ICU beds were occupied, the DOH added.

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 FLiRT variants of COVID-19 could be detected in the city soon?

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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Suspect arrested in Las Piñas City for allegedly killing three people

May 29, 2024May 19, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, police officers arrested a man whom they suspect to be responsible for the killing of three people (including the suspect’s live-in partner) whose bodies were discovered in a residence, 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 suspect in killing of an employee and two students in Las Piñas were arrested during a follow-up operation conducted by the police on Saturday, May 18.

Las Piñas police Chief, Col. Sandro Tafalla, said the suspect identified as Vicente Karagy, 36, mechanic and was arrested at around 10:15 p.m. along Aurora Drive Extension, Vergon Ville, Pulanglupa Dos, Las Piñas.

Tafalla said the victims were identified as Mary Jean Avellna, 27, live-in partner of the suspect, Natalie Jane Cabintot, 19, and Oliver Bula, 11, both students.

The lifeless bodies of the victims were discovered after Princess Kanagy reported to the barangay, a foul odor originating from the room of the victims located at Charles St., Saint Joseph Subdivision, Barangay Pulanglupa Dos, Las Piñas.

Authorities immediately responded to the scene and discovered the bodies on the floor and the place in total disarray.

According to the family of the victims, they were last seen alive on May 15.

Police suspect jealousy as the motive of the killing as Mary Jean was allegedly having an affair according to Karagy.

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 the suspect was indeed responsible for the deaths of the three victims?

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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Over 4 million voters delisted by COMELEC

May 28, 2024May 17, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) announced that more than four million voters were removed from the official record of voters which is the result of voters failing to vote in two successive elections or for other reasons, 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…

Some 4.2 million names have been removed from the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) official list of voters, Unang Balita reported on Friday.

Most of those delisted were from Region IV-A (Calabarzon).

Reasons for the delisting were failure to vote in two successive preceding regular elections, by court order, loss of Filipino citizenship, and having non-valid documents.

Comelec earlier said that as of May 5, 2024, more than 2.5 million new voters were already registered for the 2025 national and local elections, nearing the three million target set by the poll body.

The voter registration period for the May 2025 midterm polls started on February 12, and will end on September 30, 2024.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you anyone in your local community who got delisted by the COMELEC? Are many members of your local community aware of the ongoing voters registration process? Do you find it surprising that most of the 4.2 million voters who were taken off the official list were from the CALABARZON region?

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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Lady who scammed senior citizens at ATMs arrested

May 28, 2024May 18, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in Batangas, police officers arrested a lady for allegedly stealing money from senior citizens at automated teller machines (ATMs), according to a GMA Network news report. As it turned out, the arrested suspect scammed victims in multiple locations and she was previously arrested for the same crime. The suspect’s tactics include the pretentious assistance of senior citizens at ATMs and using glue on keypads of the machines.

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

A woman dubbed the “Glue Lady” was arrested for allegedly stealing money from senior citizens withdrawing from ATM Machines.

According to a 24 Oras report by John Consulta on Friday, the woman was arrested in an operation in Lipa, Batangas.

“Ang modus niya ay kunwari aalalayan niya ang mga matatanda para makapagwithdraw. Yun pala, gagamit siya ng glue at pag umalis na yung biktima, siya na ang magwiwithdraw ng pera,” said PNP PRO4A Regional Director Police Brigadier General Paul Kenneth Lucas.

(Her ploy is that she pretends to assist senior citizens in withdrawing. All along, she uses glue and withdraws money when the victim leaves.)

Based on police reports, the suspect puts glue on the ATM keypad so that it appears broken.

When the suspect persuades the victim to ask for help from the guards, she removes the glue and withdraws from the account.

The suspect was able to scam victims in Rizal, Batangas, and other areas outside of CALABARZON. She had previous arrests for the same crime five years ago.

“Ngayon ay naisilbi na ang 9 na warrant of arrests, may paparating na 9 pa, ang isa doon ay non bailable. Importanteng nahuli na natin siya para di na siya makaperwisyo,” added Lucas.

(We have now served nine warrants of arrests, and nine more are coming with one non-bailable case. It’s a good thing that we have apprehended her so that she can’t trouble anyone else)

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you know anyone who got scammed by the apprehended suspect? Did you notice suspicious people standing near you whenever you visit an ATM to withdraw cash?

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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DILG tells LGUs to update disaster plans and hazard maps in preparation for La Niña phenomenon

May 27, 2024May 16, 2024carlocarrasco

While the entire Philippines is sweltering under the intense summer heat, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) told the local government units (LGUs) to update their disaster plans and hazard maps in light of the looming La Niña phenomenon, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday urged local government units (LGUs) to update their disaster action plans and hazard maps to mitigate the effects of the looming La Niña phenomenon.

In a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing, DILG Undersecretary Marlo Iringan said local officials must also regularly hold meetings with their respective disaster risk reduction management councils and conduct a La Niña pre-disaster risk assessment.

“Kinakailangan din na magkaroon ng close coordination with PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration) at with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) particularly iyong ating Mines and Geosciences Bureau nang sa ganoon ma-update iyong kanilang mga (There should also be a close coordination with PAGASA and with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, particularly our Mines and Geosciences Bureau to update their) local hazard maps on rain-induced landslides and floods,” Iringan added.

He also called for an aggressive clean-up of estero and other waterways to reduce flooding as part of mitigation measures under the agency’s “Operation Listo”.

The”‘Operation Listo” is an advocacy program of the DILG that aims to strengthen the disaster preparedness of LGUs using the whole-of-government approach which institutionalizes local protocols for disaster preparedness, response, and monitoring.

Iringan also cited the need to assess the structural integrity and the capacity of vital facilities such as evacuation centers.

“Kinakailangan nasusunod iyong mga specifications. At dapat ang mga ito ay hindi located doon sa (The specifications must be followed. And these should not be located in) high-risk areas as identified by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the DENR,” he added.

While most LGUs have already established at least one evacuation center, Iringan said the DILG is assessing the need for some areas to have around two to three evacuation centers to accommodate more evacuees.

He also said the use of schools as evacuation centers is only a last resort.

“But in extreme cases na kinakailangan pong gamitin iyong mga paaralan ay kumukuha po ng pahintulot mula sa (where we need to use the schools, we secure permission from the) Department of Education,” he added.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. earlier directed LGUs to brace for La Niña, which is expected to bring above normal rainfall conditions in the country.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that La Niña will arrive soon? Do you think your local government has been doing its job with regards to disaster preparedness and emergency measures related to wet weather? Has your local government failed consistently when it comes to flood prevention and the cleaning of waterways?

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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Nuclear power is key to preventing power shortages in the Philippines

May 24, 2024May 13, 2024carlocarrasco

If the Philippines is to keep growing economically in the long-term, it needs to have abundant energy and that makes nuclear power essential (for related posts, click here, here, here and here). That being said, the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) recently stated that nuclear power can prevent power shortages in the country, 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 Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), on Tuesday, May 7, said nuclear energy sources can help prevent energy shortages in the Philippines due to its “capacity factor” and “energy density.”

In a PTV interview, PNRI Executive Director Carlo Arcilla said nuclear power has two factors—energy density and capacity.

Energy density means that even a tiny amount of nuclear fuel, about the size of a finger, contains an incredible amount of energy, he said.

“If you had several tons of coal, it’s that powerful. It’s a very, very concentrated power,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Arcilla cited the second factor, “capacity factor,” explaining that the availability of a nuclear plant is approximately 90 percent of the time.

“When you’re running a nuclear plant, it’s reliably available about 90 percent of the time, regardless of the weather,” he said.

He further explained this by citing the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant as an example, along with other power plants built in the 1980s.

“Similar plants in Slovenia, South Korea, and Brazil have been in operation for 40 years and are even being relicensed for another 20 years,” he said.

“These plants can run for an impressive 18 months straight without needing to refuel. The amount of fuel they require is roughly equivalent to what you’d put in a jeep, and they keep running continuously,” he added.

The PNRI official then emphasized that nuclear energy production produces no emissions, including no carbon dioxide. The cost of running such a plant is estimated to be around 30 million dollars.

If that were compared to a coal plant running for 18 months at 620 megawatts (MW), it would be the same.

“The amount of coal needed would fill 50 Panamax ships. Each Panamax ship carries 50,000 tons. That’s 50 of them. Not to mention the CO2 (carbon dioxide). The cost of importing that coal would be around 800 million US dollars,” he explained

The PNRI is a research and development institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)

Furthermore, Arcilla pointed out that even though nuclear power plants are initially costly to build, they have a lifespan of up to 80 years.

“America, for example, has 94 operating nuclear plants, average age, 60 years. Supplying 20 percent of America’s energy. Many of them don’t even know they have nuclear,” he said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that nuclear power is the key to ensuring abundant amounts of energy that the Philippines will need to for economic growth as well as the needs of the people? Are members of your local community still living with a fear of nuclear power?

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 achieves 5.7% economic growth in 1st quarter of 2024

May 23, 2024May 9, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently it was confirmed that the economy of the Philippines grew by 5.7% in the first quarter of 2024 which is noticeably lower than what was achieved in the same time period a year ago, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

The Philippine economy grew by 5.7 percent in the first quarter of the year, surpassing other major economies in the region.

In a briefing on Thursday, National Statistician Dennis Mapa said the economic growth during the quarter was higher than the 5.5 percent seen in the last quarter of 2023.

Mapa said, however, it was lower than the 6.4 percent economic growth seen in the first quarter of last year.

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan noted that the Philippine economy continues to demonstrate resilience and growth despite the domestic and external headwinds.

“Despite our challenges on both domestic and international fronts, our economy continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and growth. This performance retains the country’s position as a leading force among Asia’s emerging economies,” he said.

Balisacan said the first quarter Philippine gross domestic product growth rate is about the same as Vietnam’s, and surpassed other major economies such as China at 5.3 percent, Indonesia at 5.1 percent, and Malaysia at 3.9 percent.

All major economic indicators which include agriculture, forestry, and fishing; industry; and services posted year-on-year growth in the first quarter at 0.4 percent, 5.1 percent, and 6.9 percent.

Household final consumption expenditure and government final consumption expenditure posted lower growth rates at 4.6 percent and 1.7 percent from a year ago’s 6.4 percent and 6.2 percent.

Balisacan said the slowdown in household spending was due to the elevated prices of major food items and the heat wave.

“Meanwhile, government spending also slowed down, primarily due to the sliding of a large amount of expenditure to April this year, whereas the government made such spending in March last year,” he said.

Gross capital formation also posted a lower growth of 1.3 percent from 12.8 percent last year, while imports of goods and services also slowed to 2.3 percent from 4.2 percent.

Growth of exports of goods and services, however, accelerated to 7.5 percent from 1.1 percent in the first quarter of 2023. Balisacan said the growth in exports was mainly driven by the recovery in the exports of electronics products.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the national economy will be able to grow at least 6% in each of the next three quarters? Is it possible that the intense summer heat will make 2nd quarter economic growth smaller?

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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Economic analysts say that the Philippine economy needs to grow more than 6% per quarter to hit 2024 target

May 23, 2024May 14, 2024carlocarrasco

In light of the recent news that the economy of the Philippines grew by 5.7% during the 1^st quarter of 2024, economic analysts stated that growth should be more than 6% per quarter over the next three quarters in order to meet the set target of the year, 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 ECONOMY should expand by more than 6% in the next three quarters to meet the government’s growth target this year, analysts said.

“The Philippines needs to grow almost 6.1% for the remaining three quarters to reach 6% growth for the entire year, which appears to be a tall order, particularly given the slowdown in household spending in quarter one and the subdued global economic backdrop this year,” Makoto Tsuchiya, an economist at Oxford Economics Japan, said in an e-mail.

Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 5.7% in the first quarter, slightly faster than the 5.5% in the fourth quarter of 2023 but below the government’s 6-7% target.

University of Asia and the Pacific Senior Economist Cid L. Terosa said GDP growth should average 6-6.5% for the rest of the year to hit the lower end of the government’s target band.

“We had always been expecting growth to stay subdued largely due to the ‘triple threat’ faced by the economy. Elevated inflation, high borrowing costs and fiscal consolidation are the troika of challenges we face,” ING Bank N.V. Manila Senior Economist Nicholas Antonio T. Mapa said in an e-mail.

Household spending, which accounts for nearly three-fourths of economic output, rose by 4.6% in the January-to-March, the slowest since the coronavirus pandemic and weaker than 5.3% in the fourth quarter and 6.4% a year ago.

Mr. Tsuchiya said private consumption lagged due to “economic-wide” pressures on spending in the first three months of the year.

“We believe the softening in household consumption was due to a combination of elevated inflation, tepid confidence and the impact of monetary tightening,” Mr. Tsuchiya said.

Inflation quickened to 3.8% in April amid rising food and transport costs. April was the third straight month that inflation accelerated.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that inflation will continue to rise and prevent the Philippines from achieving economic growth of 6% 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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Newest women’s crisis center of Las Piñas inaugurated in Barangay Talon Dos

May 22, 2024May 9, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, City Government officials led by Mayor Imelda Aguilar graced the inauguration of the newest women’s crisis center located in Barangay Talon Dos, according to the local government’s social media post.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the City Government’s social media post of May 9, 2024. Some parts in boldface…

The City of Las Piñas has inaugurated a new Women’s Crisis Center in Sta. Cecilia Village, Barangay Talon Dos, providing essential services to women aged 18-59 who face gender-based violence. The center, which opened its doors on May 8th with City Mayor Imelda T. Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar in attendance, aims to support up to 40 women with temporary shelter and rehabilitation services.

This initiative responds to a rising number of violence cases against women in the area, attributed to increased awareness of women’s rights. The facility offers a comprehensive range of services designed to promote healing and recovery, including counseling, legal assistance, and livelihood training.

In addition to serving as a protective haven, the center functions as a Livelihood Center, aligning with Mayor Aguilar’s focus on enhancing economic opportunities for women through skill development. The diverse programs aim to empower women to rebuild their lives and achieve economic independence.

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 another women’s crisis center get built and launched in your local community someday?

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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