Philippines blog – Author Carlo Carrasco

Sister Port Agreement Between SBMA And Belgium Proposed

March 28, 2026March 26, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) headed by its Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño hosted a delegation from the Embassy of Belgium led by Ambassador Vladislava Iordanova. During the visit, Aliño proposed to them a Sister Port Agreement between the Port of Subic and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, according to the official announcement by the SBMA.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from official announcement by the SBMA. Some parts in boldface…

A sister port agreement between the Port of Subic and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges is being considered during the visit of delegates from the Embassy of Belgium to the Philippines here on March 16, 2026.

Belgian Ambassador Her Excellency Vladislava Iordanova paid a visit along with officials from the Port of Antwerp-Bruges International (PoABI), the consultancy and investment subsidiary of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges.

During their visit, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) team, led by Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, proposed a Sister Port Agreement between the two ports to enhance the traditional friendship between the SBMA and the PoABI.

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges is the largest petrochemical cluster in Europe and the second-largest in the world; it is also the largest car-handling port in Europe, handling more than 3 million cars per year. It has two oil refineries and is a frontrunner in the energy transition.

The port is also a driver of economic growth with 4.5% GDP contribution and a total annual throughput of +370 million tonnes, including +13 million TEUs.

Meanwhile, the Subic Bay Freeport has several locators with European Equity, including Agila NY Naval Inc. and Agila South Inc. from the Netherlands, with a combined investment commitment of US$350 million.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the proposed Sister Port Agreement between the SBMA and Belgium will eventually be approved in the near future? Do you think that better trade will happen between the Port of Subic and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges will be realized?

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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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Steady Supply Of Coal From Indonesia For The Philippines Assured

March 28, 2026March 24, 2026carlocarrasco

As the Philippines is struggling with very expensive fuel prices, Indonesia assured the government that there will be a steady supply of coal for the country’s energy needs, according to a news report by BusinessWorld.

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

Indonesia has assured the Philippines of a steady supply of coal, the Philippine energy minister said on Tuesday.

“We have assurance, and we are good partners,” Energy Secretary Sharon Garin told a news briefing.

The Philippines plans to temporarily increase coal-fired generation amid energy pressures, Ms. Garin said.

The country’s fuel supply remains manageable and the government is working to procure 1 million barrels of oil from countries within and outside Southeast Asia to build its buffer stock. The Philippines has around 45 days of fuel supply based on current consumption levels, Ms. Garin said.

The Philippines has Southeast Asia’s most coal-dependent power grid.

After ramping up LNG-fired generation, Manila was poised in 2025 for its first decline in coal power in nearly two decades, but rising LNG costs are forcing it to turn back to coal.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think coal is a good solution to ensure a stable supply of energy all over 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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Five Suspects Arrested In Parañaque City Over Stolen Copper Cables

March 26, 2026March 23, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Parañaque, the local police apprehended five suspects for the theft of copper cables worth more than P200,000, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin. A local security guard caught them in the act and called the police.

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

Police arrested five individuals involved in the theft of underground copper cables in Parañaque City on Sunday, March 22.

Parañaque City Police Chief Col. Nicolas Piñon identified the suspects as John, Roel, George, Bryan, and Adrian. They were apprehended at around 4:50 a.m. along KM 17 West Service Road in Barangay Marcelo Green.

Piñon said the suspects were arrested after a security guard noticed suspicious activity involving a parked vehicle and five men forcibly pulling underground copper cables.

The security guard immediately alerted their zone commander, who coordinated with the Marcelo Green Police Substation, leading to the arrest of the suspects who were caught in the act.

Recovered from the suspects were copper cables worth P201,218.64, cutting tools, and a utility vehicle.

The suspects are currently detained at the police custodial facility and are facing charges for violation of Republic Act 10515, also known as the Anti-Cable Television and Cable Internet Tapping Act of 2013.

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 attempts by undesirable people to steal copper cables?

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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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Muntinlupa City Opposes Parañaque Spillway Project

March 26, 2026March 25, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon formally signed a resolution from the City Council which opposes the implementation of the Parañaque Spillway Project as it will negatively affect local residents, 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…

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon signed a City Council resolution opposing the Parañaque Spillway Project which will displace families in the city.

Muntinlupa Resolution No. 2026-275 reiterates “the City of Muntinlupa’s opposition to the implementation of Paranaque Spillway Project.”

“Pinirmahan ko ang Resolution No. 2026-275 na muling nagpapatibay sa opisyal na pagtutol ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa sa Parañaque Spillway Project. Noon pang unang termino ko, malinaw na ang posisyon natin dito. Tutol tayo dahil sa direktang epekto sa komunidad, lao sa mga lehitimong residenteng madi-displace ng proyekto (I signed Resolution No. 2026-275 which reaffirms the official opposition of the City of Muntinlupa to the Parañaque Spillway Project. Since my first term, our position on this has been clear. We oppose it because of the direct impact on the community, especially on the legitimate residents who will be displaced by the project), said Biazon.

Biazon said in 2022 the city held a public hearing about the project. In 2023, Biazon sent a letter to the Department of Public Works and Highways to express his opposition to the project. A resolution was passed in 2024 about this.

“Maging ang ating mga barangay ay nagpahayag na rin ng pagtutol, gaya ng naging desisyon ng Barangay Buli noong 2021 na humihiling na ilipat ang proyekto sa mas angkop na lugar. Sa pinakahuling resolusyon na primarily authored by Konsehal Jonas Abadilla, binibigyang-diin din na bumubuo ang lungsod ng isang komprehensibong drainage master plan para sa pangmatagalang solusyon sa pagbaha sa Muntinlupa (Even our barangays have expressed their opposition, such as the decision of Barangay Buli in 2021 requesting the relocation of the project to a more suitable location. In the latest resolution primarily authored by Councilor Jonas Abadilla, it is also emphasized that the city is developing a comprehensive drainage master plan for a long-term solution to flooding in Muntinlupa),” the mayor added.

The new resolution stated that the DPWH announced that the project will proceed this year.

In February, Biazon signed a memorandum of agreement with the “University of the Philippines (UP), for the formulation of Drainage Master Plan for the City Of Muntinlupa, aimed to develop its Drainage Master Plan (DMP), which will serve as the basis for the city’s comprehensive flood management strategy.”

“The City of Muntinlupa reiterates its stand that The Project proponents should present concrete alternate solutions that will lessen/mitigate The Project’s impact on the constituents of the City, more particularly the people of Barangay Buli,” according to the resolution.

It added, “The sentiments of the most affected barangay in the City of Muntinlupa was embodied in Kapasiyahang Barangay ng Buli Bilang 018-2021 Serye 2021 or Kapasiyahang Barangay na Naglalayong Ipalipat sa Orihinal na Planong Pagtatayuan nito o sa iba pang Angkop na Lugar ang Proyekto ng Gobyerno na ‘Paranaque Spillway.’”

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 the Parañaque Spillway Project will displace local residents and worsen flooding in the city? Do you think the DPWH will eventually listen to the City Government and halt the project?

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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World Bank Sees Philippine Economy Growing 4.6% This Year And 5.3% In 2027

March 25, 2026March 24, 2026carlocarrasco

With the ongoing war in the Middle East, the hiked prices of fuel and other problems happening already, the World Bank (WB) sees the economy of the Philippines achieving gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 4.6% this year and 5.3% next year, 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…

Philippine economic growth would likely remain below its potential of at least six percent until the end of the Marcos Jr. administration, according to the latest forecasts by the World Bank.

Documents on the latest $800-million Philippines Growth and Jobs Development Policy Loan (DPL) 1, approved by the Washington-based multilateral lender last week, showed a projected 4.6- percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate for the country in 2026, inching up from the post-pandemic-low of 4.4 percent in 2025. This forecast is below the government’s downgraded five- to six-percent growth target for the year.

For 2027, the World Bank expects the Philippine economy to grow by 5.3 percent, which would also be lower than next year’s downscaled 5.5- to 6.5-percent goal.

By the time President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. steps down and turns over to a new administration in 2028, World Bank projections showed 5.5-percent GDP growth, still below the six- to seven-percent target.

“The growth outlook remains moderate over the near term, with activity expected to remain subdued in 2026 before gradually strengthening… The impact of the government’s anti-corruption efforts and a significantly lower infrastructure budget in 2026 is expected to weigh on public investment,” the World Bank said.

The lender added that a smaller statistical carry-over into 2026 signals weaker initial momentum, with growth projected to average 5.2 percent in 2026 to 2028, driven by recovering private domestic demand amid easing inflation and financing conditions.

“Private consumption is expected to benefit from stable labor income and improved confidence, while private investment gradually strengthens alongside improved credit conditions and a normalization of public capital spending. External demand, particularly for electronics and artificial intelligence (AI)-related exports, is projected to remain supportive, although global trade uncertainty presents downside risks,” the document said.

This World Bank report was prepared in mid-February before it was disclosed last week, which means that the impact of the war in the Middle East was not yet taken into consideration by the lender in its GDP growth forecasts.

At that time, the World Bank projected headline inflation to stay within the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) two- to four-percent target range, averaging about 2.8 percent in 2026 to 2028.

Before the domestic price pressures wrought by the Middle East conflict that sent global oil prices soaring, the World Bank believed that the BSP would likely keep a neutral-to-supportive policy stance while balancing the still-negative output gap against risks from exchange-rate volatility and food inflation. A negative output gap refers to the economy expanding below its potential, which, for the Philippines, is estimated at about six percent annually.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the economic growth predictions of the World Bank for the Philippines will turn out to be true in the near future? Do you think there is any hope left for the economy of the Philippines to achieve annual GDP growth of 6%? Do you think more foreign investors will be convinced to invest in the Philippines this year?

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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Two Suspects Arrested In Parañaque City Over Illegal Drugs Worth P102,000

March 23, 2026March 18, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Parañaque, the local police successfully pulled off an entrapment operation that resulted in two suspects arrested and the seizure of illegal drugs worth P102,000, 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…

Operatives of the Parañaque City Police arrested two drug suspects and seized P102,000 worth of shabu in an entrapment early Tuesday morning, March 17.

Parañaque City Police Chief Nicolas Pinon identified the suspects as Melchor, 41, a Joyride rider, and Lance, 24.

They were arrested at around 12:10 a.m. on F. Bernabe Street in Airport Village, Barangay Moonwalk.

Police said members of the Parañaque City Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) launched a buy-bust operation that led to the arrest of the suspects.

Authorities said that during a body search, Melchor was found in possession of 10 more plastic sachets of suspected shabu and the P500 marked buy-bust money. Meanwhile, Lance yielded about five grams of suspected shabu.

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 convinced that a lot of people in the city have been attracting smugglers or pushers of illegal drugs? Is your local community considered drug-free?

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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First Batch Of Tricycle Drivers Receive Cash Relief Assistance In Las Piñas City

March 22, 2026March 17, 2026carlocarrasco

Around two thousand tricycle drivers (the first batch) have received their cash relief assistance at the Aguilar Sports Complex recently, according to the social media announcement of the City Government of Las Piñas. Each tricycle driver received P5,000 as relief from the much higher prices of fuel caused by the ongoing war against the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran which itself attacked multiple nations in the Middle East with missiles and drones.

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

The distribution of P5,000 cash payout of the AICS program for the first batch of tricycle drivers in Las Piñas City was held at Aguilar Sports Complex.

This is part of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s support to help drivers cope with the continuing rise of oil prices due to tensions in the Middle East.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), and other offices of the city government are working together to ensure a smooth and peaceful distribution of aid to beneficiaries.

On the first day of payout, almost 2,000 drivers from TODA groups ACAPODA, APHDA, ATODA, BFLTSODA, BFRSSCV, BFRV-VG, CCTODA, CEBMTODA and BFATODA were given cash assistance. Payout will continue in the coming days to provide all registered members of TODA.

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 often ride the tricycle when moving around?

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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SBMA Chairman Aliño Opens New 2-Storey Starbucks Coffee Shop With Drive-Thru In Subic Bay Freeport Zone

March 20, 2026March 16, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño formally led the opening of a new two-storey Starbucks Coffee shop with drive-thru, according to the official announcement of the authority. The newest branch of the coffee giant was made with an investment of over P36 million.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from official announcement by the SBMA. Some parts in boldface…

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño led the opening of the first two-storey Starbucks Coffee Shop with drive-thru facility here on March 6, 2026.

According to Aliño, the opening of the two-storey Starbucks Coffee Shop indicates Subic Bay Freeport’s status as a popular tourist destination, anticipating a year-round influx of customers.

The Starbucks Coffee Shop invested ₱36.75 Million in a 1,700-square-meter area at the portion of Lot 75-A, Rizal Highway, Central Business District, Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

The inauguration was attended by Engr. and Mrs. Rhammeth Paras, Arch. and Mrs. Adonis Co, Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Tang, and Engr. Aries Tanglao, owners of Pandabest Realty and Trading, Inc.

The two-storey Starbucks locations usually offer enhanced, often scenic, spaces with increased seating, frequently housed in restored, architecturally unique, or heritage buildings.

Notable examples include the heritage shophouse in Singapore’s Chinatown, the sprawling Reserve Hiraya in Tagaytay, and a colonial-style bungalow in Rochester.

“Now we have one here, with the building designed to be ‘work and study-friendly,’ providing more intimate, quiet spaces on the upper level compared to the busy ground floor,” Aliño said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Have you visited other Starbucks branches inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone during your recent visit there? Do you think there is still more room for further coffee shops or cafes inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone? How often do you order coffee by drive-thru?

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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GCash Blocks Over 3,200 Merchants Linked To Gambling And Scamming

March 19, 2026March 15, 2026carlocarrasco

In a serious attempt to protect its users and restore confidence, digital wallet GCash blocked more than three thousand and two hundred merchants that were linked to illegal online gambling and scamming, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

Digital wallet giant GCash has blocked more than 3,200 merchants found to be linked to illicit activities, including illegal online gambling platforms, as part of its effort to bolster consumer protection.

In a statement, GCash said it has been coordinating with the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) since last year to shut down these merchants’ access to the digital wallet.

By prohibiting their access to the digital wallet, this move prevents illegal operators from misusing the QRPh payment rail, which has been used to lure users to fake GCash payment pages.

Many of these illegal merchants employ deceptive tactics to mislead customers into sending payments to unauthorized accounts. Among the most common schemes is QR masking, where seemingly legitimate QR codes redirect payments to a different account.

Scammers also create fake payment pages that imitate legitimate businesses, as well as pages designed to mimic the official GCash interface to deceive customers and collect unauthorized payments.

GCash said it does not partner with these illegal merchants and operators, noting that they are typically independent entities attempting to route transactions through legitimate digital services.

To enhance consumer protection, GCash deploys proactive monitoring to identify and disable these schemes, which are then reported to authorities and the CICC to support government enforcement efforts.

“Entities attempting to misuse the GCash payment app and QRPh without authorization or are masking QRPh leading to unauthorized transactions are flagged, suspended, and reported to the relevant authorities,” it said.

Currently, GCash has measures in place to detect unauthorized merchant activity before users are scammed, helping maintain service integrity.

Furthermore, it immediately disables links to fraudulent operations and reports suspicious transactions to the CICC and the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC).

“By proactively blocking unauthorized actors and reporting them to our regulators and authorities, we are helping protect Filipinos and maintain trust in the country’s digital financial ecosystem,” Miguel Geronilla, chief information and security officer of GCash.

As another layer of security, GCash said users should never share their mobile personal identification number (MPIN) or one-time password (OTP), as these details are not required.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think GCash has done a huge effort to protect its users and other customers? What do you think the scammers and purged merchants will do now that they have been blocked by GCash?

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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21-Year-Old Man Apprehended In Muntinlupa City For Illegal Sale Of Firearms

March 19, 2026March 15, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, local police officers successfully arrested a 21-year-old man for committing 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…

The Southern Police District (SPD) arrested a 21-year-old man for illegally selling firearms in Muntinlupa on March 15.

The suspect, identified by his aliases Roniel and Yanyan, was arrested along the PNR Site in Barangay Poblacion, Muntinlupa at about 1:30 a.m. during a gun buy-bust operation led by the SPD’s District Special Operations Unit (DSOU).

The operation was launched after authorities received information from an informant about the suspect’s alleged involvement in the illegal sale of firearms in Muntinlupa and nearby areas.

Based on the report, DSOU operatives conducted the coordinated sting operation together with personnel from the District Intelligence Division, Intelligence Section of the District Mobile Force Battalion, and Muntinlupa police.

Seized during the operation were two .38-caliber revolvers, two pieces of .38-caliber live ammunition, a marked P500 bill used in the transaction along with boodle money, and bags used by the suspect to carry the firearms.

The arrested individual, a resident of the barangay, failed to present any legal documents authorizing him to possess or sell firearms.

He was brought to the DSOU office for documentation and to the Pasay City General Hospital for physical and medical examination.

The police will request firearms records verification from the Firearms and Explosives Office to determine whether the suspect is a licensed firearm holder.

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 thankful to the local police for the successful arrest of the suspect?

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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