Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) joined forces and launched the “Bayanihan sa Barangay” which is a special project that emphasizes unity and cooperation with clean-up and clearing operations to improve the local surroundings, 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 Las Piñas City government and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority launched “ Bayanihan sa Barangay,” a project that will invoke the “bayanihan” spirit among Filipinos in cleaning up the surroundings, on Thursday, Feb. 15 at Barangay BF International, CAA.
The “Bayanihan sa Barangay” project was personally supervised by Las Piñas City Administrator Reynaldo Balagulan with Public Information Office chief Paul Ahljay San Miguel in coordination with MMDA General Manager, Ret. P/Col. Procopio Lipana.
Balagulan said the project aims to conduct clearing operations on sidewalks, roads, markets, creeks, place traffic signages, and cut obstructive and dead trees.
He said the activity, aside from cleaning the city’s surroundings, also ensures the health of its residents and the safety of everyone.
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 delighted to see the City Government and the MMDA work together to clean up the local areas?
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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced recently that the number of cybercrime cases nationwide fell down by almost 25% during the month of January 2024 in comparison to January 2023 specifically, 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…
Cybercrime cases in the country dropped by 24.72 percent in January, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Tuesday.
In a statement, PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) director Maj. Gen. Sidney Hernia said 1,458 cases were logged last month from 1,937 cases in the same month in 2023.
He said the downturn shows significant progress in the ongoing battle against cyber threats and the continuous implementation of cybercrime preventive measures.
These measures include sustaining strong partnerships and collaboration with public and private stakeholders, providing cyber safety tips, engaging in media interviews, hosting informative broadcasts, distributing educational materials, and conducting lectures and seminars which greatly contributed to the overall reduction in cybercrime incidents, Hernia added.
“The PNP ACG urges the community to fearlessly report any instances of cybercrime or file complaints against these perpetrators. By doing so, we can effectively apprehend these offenders and put an end to their illicit activities, thereby preventing others from becoming victims of cybercrime,” Hernia said.
Meanwhile, the PNP-ACG warned parents anew to monitor the social media accounts of their children to protect them against sex predators.
On Monday, ACG operatives arrested a 45-year-old man for blackmailing a female minor using her nude photos. Both the suspect and the victim’s identities were withheld.
“Our team engaged in the suspect in the conversation which led to the entrapment in Paco, Manila,” Guillermo said.
The nude photos, PNP-ACG Cyber Response Unit chief Col. Jay Guillermo said, were used by the suspect in attempting to force the minor to a meet-up.
It all started when the victim accepted the suspect’s friend request, after he helped her pay for the burial expenses of her brother-in-law.
Guillermo said the suspect started to chat with the victim and lured her into sending nude photos in exchange for a brand-new cellular phone and money.
The victim told her elder sister about the incident, who sought the assistance of the PNP-ACG when the suspect started blackmailing her.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent report? Does this latest development make you feel safer to be online? Do you know anyone in your household who got victimized by some cyber-criminal? Do you think the PNP has what it takes to fight cybercrime that is enhanced by artificial intelligence (AI)?
With more electric bikes (e-bikes) adding more traffic problems on national roads and highways in recent times, several local government units (LGUs) and agencies of the national government formally met to discuss regulating the use of e-bikes and the other electronic vehicles that remain unregistered, 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…
Several national government agencies and local government units (LGU) on Thursday began discussions on regulating the use of e-bikes and other unregistered electronic vehicles (e-vehicles) nationwide.
The meeting was held at the headquarters of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) between officials of the MMDA, Department of Transportation (DOTr), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and traffic heads of LGUs in the National Capital Region (NCR).
During the meeting, MMDA acting chair Don Artes said the proliferation of e-vehicles has become a “cause concern.”
“The LGUs have laid down their concerns, existing ordinances, regulations, and programs concerning e-vehicles. These will be reconciled with the policies of the national government,” Artes said.
Vendors of e-vehicles, he said, often cite that, unlike regular motor vehicles, e-vehicles are neither required to be registered nor need a license to operate.
“When these e-vehicle users violate the law, how can we issue a traffic violation ticket if the users do not possess a license? We also cannot charge the vehicle owners because they are not registered,” he said.
In addition to being a “grave risk” to their drivers, other motorists, and pedestrians, he said e-vehicles also slow down the flow of traffic.
Many of their drivers have also been monitored to be minors, do not wear helmets or other protective gear, and some use their e-vehicles in the middle of highways.
“We will consolidate and harmonize all existing rules and regulations, as well as ongoing programs of the LGUs and even national government concerning e-vehicles to make it comprehensive. This will also cover not just Metro Manila but nationwide,” he said.
Metro Manila LGUs have been asked to submit a list of their ordinances regarding the regulation of e-vehicles, particularly those used for commercial purposes.
“We will take a second look at the suggestions of the LGUs and propose the appropriate measures to regulate the use of e-vehicles in major thoroughfares,” he said.
In addition, LTFRB chair Teofilo Guadiz III said e-trikes are also a concern of the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program (PUVMP) as these compete with legitimate PUVs in getting passengers.
“We are coordinating with the MMDA and LTO to apprehend these units that do not have franchises to operate as PUVs,” Guadiz said.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you consider e-bikes and e-trikes a growing problem to traffic at major roads? Do you thinks laws should be made to prevent e-trikes from competing with the legitimate public utility vehicles when it comes to offering public transportation services? Should there be a law to prevent minors from driving e-bikes and e-trikes on all public roads nationwide?
Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, less than five hundred people went to Muntinlupa City office of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) inside South Park Center mall during the first day of the voter registration process, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The current process will last until September 2024.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
Registrants flocked to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Muntinlupa on the first day of voter’s registration on Monday, Feb. 12.
According to Comelec-Muntinlupa Election Officer Kim Alzate-Cu, a total of 479 people registered on Feb. 12 for the 2025 national and local elections.
As of August last year, there were 319,654 registered voters in Muntinlupa.
The voter registration, which will accommodate new voters and transferees, will run from Feb. 12 to Sept. 30 this year from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Comelec-Muntinlupa office on the Fourth Level of the South Park Center in Barangay Alabang.
It will be held from Monday to Saturday, including holidays, unless the Comelec declares no registration for a specific date.
No voter registration will be held on March 28, 29, and 30, which are Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Black Saturday, respectively.
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 planning to avail of COMELEC services during the voter registration processes any time soon?
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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
In recent times, a lot of people have spotted electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric tricycles (e-trikes) traveling on national roads – including the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) – and posted images of them online. That being said, the local authorities could not ignore the many complaints of these electric vehicles (EVs) and they will respond by issuing a new guideline soon, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news article. Some parts in boldface…
Viral videos of complaints against e-bikes and e-trikes , including an elementary pupil driving one of them on a national road and their presence on major thoroughfares that include the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), have prompted national government agencies to expedite the finalization of the rules and regulations that would govern both their ownership and use.
On the side of the Land Transportation Office (LTO), its chief, Assistant Secretary Vigor D. Mendoza II, said two of the measures that would be included in the recommendation they would submit to the Department of Transportation is for the registration of the e-bikes and e-trikes before the agency.
E-bikes and e-trikes are not required to be registered similar to motor vehicles and this is actually the major marketing strategy of its sellers, according to Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairperson Don Artes.
Aside from registration requirements, Mendoza said they will also include in the recommendation the issue on whether or not the users of e-bikes and e-trikes will be mandated to obtain a driver’s license.
Artes, again, said the non-requirement of a driver’s license to drive them is another selling point of the e-bikes and e-trikes.
According to Mendoza, another argument that will be included in the recommendation is the total ban of e-bikes and e-trikes not only on national roads but also on major thoroughfares and even public roads, particularly the busy ones.
“The guideline (on e-bikes and e-trikes) must be released within this month because a publication of it is still needed before the implementation,” said Mendoza in a press briefing at the MMDA office in Pasig City on Thursday, Feb. 15.
“So we should be able to submit our recommendations to the Secretary (DOTr Secretary Jaime J. Bautista) within this week so that everything will be finally ironed out,” he added.
Exponential growth – Asked if the national government has a data on how many e-bikes and e-trikes in the country, Artes said they do not have the figure simply because there is no source of credible information since e-bikes and e-trikes are not required to be registered.
Artes, however, said that in Metro Manila alone, they have been seeing an exponential growth on the number of e-bikes and e-trikes.
But in Caloocan City where an ordinance was passed for the mandatory accounting of e-bikes and e-trikes, Artes said the figure is at around 18,000.
“So in just one LGU (local government unit) here in Metro Manila, there were already 18,000. So you can just imagine using the fact there are 17 LGUs here in Metro Manila. For sure, there are plenty of them,” said Artes.
“This is really concerning in terms of road safety because they are using roads, especially major roads, and some of the users do not even have the idea of basic road regulations that may cause accidents. So it’s about time that we come up with regulations on this matter,” he added.
E-bikes accident data – Based on the data released last month by the MMDA, a total of 556 road accidents were recorded in Metro Manila involving e-bikes and e-trikes from January to November last year.
There were two reported fatalities recorded in the same period—one was reported in February last year while the other one was reported in August last year.
The same data revealed that e-bikes and e-trikes accidents resulted in 282 non-fatal injuries and 281 cases of damage to property.
Enforcement difficulties – Artes admitted that their enforcers on the roads are having difficulty dealing with e-bikes and e-trikes.For one, they could not issue a citation ticket for traffic violation since the riders have no driver’s license in the first place.
Another one is that they could not also impound the e-bikes and e-trikes due to the absence of a guideline that would legally allow the MMDA to do so.
Consolidation of policies – Artes said there are a number of local government agencies which came up with guidelines on the use of e-bikes and e-trikes, one of them is their use for livelihood by allowing e-trikes to be used as public utility vehicles.
On the part of the national government, Mendoza said they will come up with a guideline that would be nationwide in scope in coordination with local government agencies and other stakeholders.
This is the reason, he said, why they have been continuously meeting even with representatives of groups advocating e-vehicles.
“The guideline that will be issued will be nationwide on scope. So it is important that coordination with LGUs and other stakeholders is important,” said Mendoza.
For road safety – Both Artes and Mendoza said that the guidelines that will be issued by the national government are purely aimed at ensuring the safety of all road users, including the riders of e-bikes and e-trikes.
To see why e-bikes and e-trikes are problematic on major roads and highways here in the Philippines, watch the following videos below…
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you consider e-bikes and e-trikes traffic hazards on major roads and highways? Do you think the national authorities will be able to come up with new rules in response to the many complaints made against e-bikes and e-trikes? Do you want to see all e-bikes and e-trikes banned on major roads and highways nationwide? Should all e-bikes and e-trikes be registered and their respective drivers should be required to have drivers’ licenses?
Recently in the City of Parañaque, a man was shot dead in front of a restaurant in Barangay Baclaran, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. As captured on CCTV footage, the suspect walked away in a casual manner and is still on the loose.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
A man was shot dead while waiting for his dinner to be served in front of a restaurant in Parañaque City, Thursday night, Feb. 15.
The victim, identified as alias Jun, was shot dead at around 7:45 p.m. in front of a restaurant located along E. Rodriguez St., Barangay Baclaran, Parañaque City.
Parañaque City police chief Col. Reycon Garduque said the victim reportedly ordered food and was waiting for it to be served when an unidentified man approached him and shot him twice at the back of his head.
Garduque said the victim died on the spot due to two gunshot wounds.
He said the victim was reportedly working as an E-Trike driver. He was previously detained for his alleged involvement in illegal drug activities.
The gunman was reportedly wearing a black jacket, black cap, and shorts.
Let me end this piece 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 carriers of illegal firearms who could cause more shootings in public places? Do you think the victim could have been in a personal conflict with the suspected gunman? Do you think the police could find and apprehend the suspect soon?
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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
On my part, I had dined with the family at Firehouse Pizza twice and the most recent visit was for dinner. Posted below are pictures and descriptions of what we had the last time…
This is the Burrata Salad, easily the most unique thing from Firehouse Pizza’s menu. It is composed of cherry tomatoes, mesclun leaves, Burrata cheese (meant to be opened and spread over the ingredients), Balsamic reduction and olive oil. As of this writing, it was priced at P750.
This is the Antipasti Platter composed of assorted cheese, assorted cold cuts, artichoke, mushroom, olives and vegetable confit. For sharing, this one costs P740.
This is the solo-sized Lasagna Bolognese which costs P360. Composed of minced beef, mozzarella and parmesan, it was cooked well and each bite was tasty and smooth.
The Pepperoni pizza.
The Mushroom pizza.
Like the first time my family dined there, all the food served to us by Firehouse Pizza were well prepared with regards to the cooking of the pizza and pasta, and also the way they ensured the freshness of the ingredients on making the Burrata Salad. There definitely is special attention paid on the quality, taste and presentation. On my part, each bite was tasty. If there was anything lacking, it was their hot plate special of Grilled Tenderloin with Potato Wedges which was out of stock during our last visit. With regards to getting served, the restaurant’s personnel were really attentive and helpful to us as well as the other diners. That being said, I encourage you to visit Firehouse Pizza when you have the chance and the means to do so.
This is what Firehouse Pizza looks like from the outside during night time. It is a corner unit and just walking distance away from Crimson Hotel.
For the newcomers reading this, if you will be traveling to Alabang to have a meal at Firehouse Pizza, be aware that the restaurant is just a short walk away from Crimson Hotel which is also part of the Entrata Urban Complex. You can park your car at the Festival Mall parking lot just outside of Shopwise, or at the multilevel parking facility nearby (bordering Civic Drive).
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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
If you are fond of ordering items online, better stay away from those mystery boxes offered to you because the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is closely watching online sellers offering those things, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA article. Some parts in boldface…
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has intensified its scrutiny of online sellers, particularly those offering mystery boxes or parcels, to ensure consumer protection and uphold fair trade practices.
In an interview with Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon Wednesday, DTI Assistant Secretary Amanda Nograles said all online shops selling mystery items are subject to stringent verification procedures requiring them to provide evidence regarding the sourcing of the items they offer on their platforms.
Nograles said sellers must substantiate the items’ origin, demonstrating that they have acquired them through legal means. This could include proof of purchase from valid auctions or confirmation that the items were legally obtained from sources such as the Bureau of Customs (BOC) or through legitimate means like through abandoned parcels or “balikbayan” boxes.
“Kailangan iyong online seller ay makapagbigay ng ganoong ebidensiya; ngayon kung hindi, puwede natin siyang ipa-takedown doon sa platform – we have a good relationship with most online shopping platforms and kapag ni-request po ng DTI, napapakiusapan po natin na tini-takedown iyong mga seller na ganito at nang hindi po makabiktima ng mga consumers natin (The online seller needs to provide such evidence; now if not, we can have them taken down from the platform – we have a good relationship with most online shopping platforms, and when requested by the DTI, we ask them to have such sellers taken down so that they cannot victimize consumers),” she said.
Nograles said the DTI is regularly monitoring online stores.
Some items inside mystery boxes or parcels are illegally sourced, such as stolen products from warehouses, which is against the Anti-Fencing Law, the DTI official said.
The Anti-Fencing Law prohibits the selling of stolen goods or items obtained through illicit means. Both sellers and buyers can be charged if these items were stolen.
The DTI’s move to tighten regulations on online sellers aims to safeguard consumers from potentially fraudulent or unsafe products while also promoting transparency and accountability within the e-commerce sector, Nograles said.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent report? Are you concerned that mystery boxes are harmful to consumers who are often looking for the best deals online? Do you think that items placed inside mystery boxes may have been stolen or smuggled? How many times have you availed of mystery boxes offers online?
This past Sunday (February 11) inside Tahanan Village, Barangay BF Homes, Parañaque City, over one hundred people availed of varied health services at the poolside area of the Tahanan Homeowners Association (THA) clubhouse as a result of the newest health check activity of the Century Club of Tahanan, Inc. (CCTI) headed by its President Florencia Umali.
The women waiting in line for ECG at the Tahanan Village clinic.
According to Umali, a total of 113 people arrived, paid fees for the special health package or other individual health services, and then joined the lines to be served. The activity lasted from 5:30 AM to 10AM and blood test results will be released on February 18.
Several people availed of the special diagnostic package worth P350 which includes Electrocardiogram (ECG), fasting blood sugar (FBS), total cholesterol, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, CBC, urinalysis, SGPT and free platelet count. There were other tests offered with prices ranging from P150 to P800.
Patients signing up and checked on the spot.
According to CCTI President Flor Umali, this is where the blood extraction and male ECG happened.
When asked about when will the health check activity inside Tahanan Village happen next, the CCTI president said it might take place during the 3rd quarter of 2024.
For the newcomers reading this, if you want to learn more about Tahanan Village, check out my post about their coffee table book Our Home Tahanan.
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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the city of Parañaque, local law enforcers armed with a warrant of arrest apprehended a man in Barangay San Dionisio in relation to charges of four counts of rape, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The suspect has since been detained at a local police facility.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
A courier facing charges for four counts of rape was arrested by members of the Parañaque City police Warrant and Subpoena Unit (WSU) on Monday, Feb. 5.
The Southern Police District reported the arrest of alias Arnold, 32, tagged by the police as the No. 1 wanted person under station level at around 2:15 p.m. along Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque City.
Members of the WSU arrested the suspect by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Moises Domingo De Castro of Family Court Branch 10, Parañaque City, on Jan. 17, 2024, for four counts of rape.
De Castro recommended a bail of P200,000 for each count.
Let me end this piece 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 rapists living within your local community?
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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Author Carlo Carrasco 