Philippines blog – Page 135 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Online lending company raided by police for threatening clients

May 22, 2023May 17, 2023carlocarrasco

Are you a Philippine resident who borrowed money from an online lending company and got threatened by them to push you into paying them back? Another company that lends money got raided by the police over complaints from clients who claimed they were threatened, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The raided company was located in Pasig City.

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

An online lending company in Barangay San Miguel, Pasig City was raided by operatives of the Philippine National Police – Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) on Tuesday, May 16, for allegedly threatening and harassing its customers who have failed to pay their loans.

The company was identified as Realm Shifters Business Process Outsourcing Services, located along Mercedes Avenue in Barangay San Miguel.

According to the Philippine Association of Loan Shark Victims Inc. (PALSVI), a non-profit organization dedicated to helping loan shark victims, the company is one of the many businesses operating online lending applications (OLA) that harass and threaten users for not paying their debts.

The PNP-ACG conducted the raid in response to the complaints made to their office from the victims of the OLA.

A warrant to search and seize computer data was served by the police to the company during the operation.

Digital forensic examinations to extract data and evidence from the computers, mobile phones, and other devices of the OLA agents are ongoing.

Other incidents of malpractice made by the company are also under further investigation by the police.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? How many people in your local community got harassed by an online lending firm recently?

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

New SBMA chief Tan emphasizes his priority on the ease of doing business and job creation

May 19, 2023May 16, 2023carlocarrasco

In recent times, Jonathan Tan became the new Chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and through his first public interview, he made clear to the people that he is prioritizing the ease of doing business and creating jobs in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Previously, Tan served as a mayor of Pandan in Antique.

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

Jonathan Tan, the newly appointed Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman and administrator, said he is prioritizing further streamlining in the processing of business permits of investors to ensure ease of doing business and create more jobs at the freeport.

In his first public interview at the Laging Handa Public Briefing as SBMA chief, Tan said he will further streamline business processes at the freeport in compliance with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s order to attract more foreign investors and create more jobs at the Subic Bay Freeport zone.

Tan, who served as mayor of Pandan, Antique from 2010 to 2019, reported that he highlighted ease of doing business when he met with Subic investors, locators, and stakeholders during his first Townhall meeting Wednesday since he assumed office last week.

“My priority is ease of doing business to ensure faster processes of business permits,” he said telling around 1,000 SBMA stakeholders. He also vowed to make the Townhall Meeting a regular event to thresh out issues and address them faster.

He also vowed of a participatory governance as SBMA chief, promising to consult all Subic Freeport stakeholders and to treat them as partners.

He also mentioned of efforts to improve existing facilities like port rehabilitation as well as tieups with Department of Tourism and stakeholders with resorts. At present, he said, there are several tourist-related activities in Subic, including, water sports, environmental, and ecotourism.

On smuggling, Tan said he has always emphasized to do his best to minimize if not eliminate smuggling in partnership with the Bureau of Customs.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? Do you think that the new SBMA chief and his team will be able to make improvements on the business environment of the Freeport?

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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Alabang Hills Village 2023-2024 Vehicular Sticker Program in effect, applications for non-resident stickers are accepted

May 19, 2023May 16, 2023carlocarrasco

Motorists who wish to avail of the newest edition of vehicular stickers (2023-2024) from the Alabang Hills Village Association (AHVA) are welcome to apply for them – online or offline – starting with the non-resident/pass thru stickers. For a general reference, posted below is the AHVA’s image with details about the program.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the AHVA’s official announcement at their website. Some parts in boldface.

Dear AHV Neighbors,

This is to inform you that the AHVA Vehicle Sticker program for 2023-2024 will commence on Monday, May 15. Following is the schedule of the program by type of vehicle sticker:

• Non-resident / Pass Thru: starting May 15

• Commercial and Don Manolo Blvd (New Life Alabang, San Beda College Alabang): starting June 1

• Resident (Homeowners, Lot Owners, Tenants) and Bicycle/Motorcycle: starting July 1.

For orderly and timely processing and as a Covid-19 safety precaution, applications for Sticker Processing & Issuance will need to be done by appointment. Here are the alternative approaches by which you could apply for a vehicle sticker(s):

Online Application

Apply online via the AHVA website at https://alabanghillsvillage.com
Click on the E-services tab and select “Vehicle Sticker”.
Click on the vehicle sticker category that you are applying for. Please take note of the start dates by vehicle category. The online system for each category will go ‘live’ a few days before each of the indicated start dates.
Download and print an application form and fill out as required.
Follow the online instructions, ensuring you pick a Processing & Issuance day and time that will work best for you.

6. You will see a Confirmation page after you successfully book an appointment. You will also receive a Confirmatory Email shortly thereafter.

Offline Application

A. AHVA Office Visit: If you cannot or have difficulty applying online, please drop by the AHVA Office during office hours and we will be happy to help you book an appointment. This facility will be available to both Seniors and non-Seniors.

B. Dropbox Submission: Alternatively, you can submit your vehicle sticker application form via dropbox. The Vehicle Sticker Application Form Dropbox will be located in the AHVA Office. Please allow our Sticker Processor a few days to call you to set up your appointment date and time.

You are required to wear a face mask and observe social distancing when you come to the Admin Office whether to apply for a sticker or to bring your vehicle for stickering.

Sticker Fees – Sticker fees will remain the same as last year’s except for the sticker fee for Don Manolo Blvd. An increase is needed to help the Association cover for increased maintenance expenses due to heavy wear and tear of this road.

For your convenience, posted below is the most recent application form from AHVA’s website…

Revised-2022-Vehicle-Sticker-FormAHVA Download

For inquiries about this new development, visit https://alabanghillsvillage.com/ or call them at 88508254. You can visit their office at 1 Don Jesus Boulevard inside Alabang Hills Village from Monday to Friday, 8AM to 5PM. Always remember to follow their rules and speed limits whenever you are in the village.

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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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Muntinlupa City Government to provide free breast ultrasound and mammography tests

May 18, 2023May 18, 2023carlocarrasco

In the progressive city of Muntinlupa, the City Government will provide free breast ultrasound and mammography tests to specific and qualified patients, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Muntinlupa City government will provide free breast ultrasound and mammography tests to endorsed patients and beneficiaries of the Kalingang Munti Action Center (KMAC), a one-stop shop for the public in availing frontline services.

The Muntinlupa City Council approved Resolution 2023-238 authorizing Mayor Ruffy Biazon to enter into a memorandum of agreement with the Medical Center Muntinlupa Inc., to provide free breast ultrasound and mammography tests.

“We definitely welcome this development as this enables the city government to address the problem of breast cancer head-on. By early detection, we hope to save many families from the heartbreak of losing mothers and women family members to an otherwise preventable disease,” said Biazon.

Under the agreement, the city government will shoulder the cost of the tests of patients and target beneficiaries identified by KMAC and verified by the Gender and Development (GAD) Office.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think this new development will somehow make a positive impact with local patients?

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 2 million foreign tourist arrivals in the Philippines counted as of May 12, 2023

May 17, 2023May 17, 2023carlocarrasco

Even though new cases of COVID-19 grew significantly nationwide over the past several weeks, that did not stop the forward momentum for Philippine tourism as the Department of Tourism (DOT) confirmed that foreign tourist arrivals in the country surpassed the 2,000,000 mark as of May 12, 2023, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. Take note that that total number of foreign tourist arrivals in the country for the year 2022 was at 2.65 million and it looks likely for the Philippines to exceed that figure before the year ends.

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

The Philippines breached the two million mark in international arrivals for the first five months of 2023, surpassing last year’s baseline target.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) announced the good news over the weekend, citing the latest data of 2,002,304 international visitor arrivals from January 1 to May 12 that exceeded the entire 2022 target of 1.7 million foreign visitors.

“Notwithstanding the challenges and difficulties that our country faced, a pandemic and the various calamities that come into our shores, the good news is that these have done nothing to break the Filipino spirit or to diminish the beauty of the Philippines,” DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said in a news release.

“We’re very optimistic for the prospects in out country in terms of being a tourism powerhouse in Asia, anchored on the strength of our Filipino culture as well as the values of sustainability, resilience and global competitiveness.”

South Koreans made up almost a quarter of the total number of visitors with 487,502 (24.35 percent); followed by Americans with 352,894 or 17.62 percent; Australians, 102,494 (5.12 percent); Canadians, 98,593 (4.92 percent); Japanese, 97,329 (4.86 percent); Chinese, 75,043; Taiwanese, 62,654; British, 62,291; Singaporeans, 53,359; and Malaysians, 36,789.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that the Philippines will be able to attract the targeted 4.8 million foreign tourist arrivals by the end of 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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Las Piñas City Government receives plaque of appreciation for hosting 1st leg of Pre-SONA (State of the Nation Address) caravan of President Marcos

May 16, 2023May 16, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government hosted a pretty significant event related to public service which was the first leg of the 2023 Pre-SONA (State of the Nation Address) caravan of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. In return, the City government received a plaque of appreciation from the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), 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 Information Agency (PIA) awarded the city government of Las Piñas with a plaque of appreciation for hosting the first leg of the 2023 Pre-SONA (State of the Nation Address) caravan of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on May 10.

The plaque of appreciation was received by Vice- Mayor April Aguilar and Public Information Office (PIO) Chief Paul San Miguel during the Monday regular flag raising ceremony held at the Las Piñas City Hall quadrangle on May 15.

The PIA gave the Las Piñas city government a plaque of appreciation for its unwavering and invaluable support to the “Nagkaka1sang Bumabangon: The 2023 Pre-SONA Caravan.”

The Pre-SONA caravan is an initiative of the Philippine government to gather feedback and insights from various sectors of society for President Marcos’ upcoming SONA and to extend the services of different agencies in the key sectors of health, security, and social welfare development.

The city government said booths were set-up by various government agencies during the caravan which was held at the Verdant covered court.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Las Piñas City resident, what is your reaction to this new development? How do you feel about your city being involved in the pre-SONA caravan?

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 and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. 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/.

RCBC chief economist says that Philippine economic growth target likely to be hit this year

May 15, 2023May 12, 2023carlocarrasco

In light of the recent news that the Philippine economy grew by 6.4% in the first quarter of 2023, the chief economist of Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) says that the nation’s economic target for this year (for references, click here and here) will likely be hit, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news report.

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

The government’s 6 to 7 percent economic growth target will likely be met this year despite possible effects of El Niño, an economist said on Friday.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation chief economist Michael Ricafort told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that the 6 to 7 percent gross domestic product (GDP) expansion is possible amid easing year-on-year inflation that could help reduce the drag of higher prices on economic growth.

“Fed (US Federal Reserve) and local policy rates could also be reduced later this year and into 2024 amid easing inflation, and as the economy further reopens towards greater normalcy with no more lockdowns as a policy priority,” he said.

Inflation reached as high as 8.7 percent in January. It has however started to decelerate and settled at 6.6 percent in April.

Ricafort said the possible effects of El Niño later this year and up to 2024 could lead to reduced agricultural output and some pick up in prices, “but would not have a significant drag on GDP growth.” he said.

“[Philippine] economic growth [is] expected to be among the fastest-growing in the region and among major economies around the world amid favorable demographics of the country with more than 110 million Filipinos, majority of Filipinos already at working age, (and) young average age of less than 25 years old, all of which would support GDP growth of at least 6%-7% in the coming years,” he said.

He noted that other possible drivers of growth would be increased consumer spending due to lower individual income tax rates, high overseas Filipino workers’ remittances, further increase in government spending, the continued growth of business process outsourcing, and the resumption of foreign tourism.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines will achieve 2023 economic growth between 6% to 7%?

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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Chinese national shouts at police officers in Parañaque City, pokes replica gun at them and gets arrested

May 12, 2023May 10, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in Parañaque City, police officers arrested a Chinese national who shouted at them and poked a replica gun at them, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The incident happened at a police checkpoint in Barangay Tambo and the suspect drove a Volkswagen.

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

A Chinese man was arrested for brandishing his gun at policemen who were manning a checkpoint in Parañaque City on Tuesday, May 9.

Col. Renato Ocampo, city police chief, identified the suspect as Hao Lu, 28.

Based on the report submitted by Ocampo to the Southern Police District, Lu was arrested at around 1:40 a.m. along Bradco Avenue, Barangay Tambo.

Ocampo said members of the Tambo police Sub-Station were manning a checkpoint when they flagged down a white Volkswagen Sedan with plate number NCJ-4472 being driven by the suspect for security check.

He said the suspect shouted at the policemen and poked his .45 caliber pistol at them.

The city police chief said that during verification, the policemen found out that the gun was only a replica of a .45 caliber pistol.

Ocampo said the suspect also failed to show his driver’s license and documents to prove that he was the owner of the vehicle.

He said the replica gun was confiscated and the vehicle was impounded.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a Parañaque City resident, are you concerned that there could be Chinese nationals living in your local community and might be contributing to the local crime incidents?

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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Sports utility vehicle (SUV) crashes into convenience store in Parañaque City

May 11, 2023May 9, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in Parañaque City, a sports utility vehicle (SUV) crashed into a convenience store within Barangay Moonwalk, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Quite notably, the said vehicle was allegedly driven by a minor.

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

A sports utility vehicle allegedly being driven by a 15-year-old boy crashed and landed inside a convenience store in Parañaque City on May 6.

According to a police report, a certain Mr. Esplana was traversing along Armstrong Avenue in Barangay Moonwalk, Parañaque City and was about to park in front of the 7-11 convenience store.

Esplana reportedly lost control of the vehicle, crashed the facade of the convenience store, and ended up inside.

Reports showed that Barangay Moonwalk personnel immediately responded to the scene and brought the injured Esplana to the Parañaque Doctor’s Hospital for treatment.

The store manager identified as a certain Mr. Lacorte also suffered an injury and was brought to the E. Zarate Hospital for treatment.

Police said due to the accident, assorted merchandise, the aluminum glass door and walls, and store racks were damaged.

For added insight, posted below is a related YouTube video from GMA Integrated news.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a Parañaque City resident, do you still remember how many vehicles crashed into convenience stores?

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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COVID-19 Crisis: OCTA says Metro Manila positivity rate may peak by next week

May 11, 2023May 9, 2023carlocarrasco

As the number of new cases of COVID-19 infection continues to rise here in the Philippines, OCTA Research announced that the positivity rate in Metro Manila may peak next week, 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…

The Covid-19 positivity rate in Metro Manila may peak next week, but the 25 percent initial projection will not be reached, said OCTA Research fellow Dr. Guido David on Tuesday, May 9.

David noted that only a “slight” increase in the current Covid-19 positivity rate was observed in Metro Manila, which could indicate that the “increasing trend is slowing down.”

“Metro Manila’s seven-day positivity rate increased slightly to 22.9 percent as of May 7, 2023. It was at 17.8 percent on April 30,” David said.

“The increasing trend is slowing down, and the peak could happen within the next week or so. The positivity rate could also miss the 25 percent mark,” he pointed out.

On May 8, David said that the increasing Covid-19 cases, driven by the Omicron subvariant XBB.1.16, may begin to decline “hopefully by late May or June.”

Positivity rate refers to the number of individuals who yielded positive results from among those who have been tested for Covid-19.

The benchmark for the positivity rate set by the World Health Organization is 5 percent.

The Department of Health on Monday reported 1,545 new Covid-19 cases across the country, of which 677 cases were recorded in Metro Manila.

He said the country’s current positivity rate was down to 18.8 percent on May 8, from 19.9 percent on May 7.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Did the recent increase of COVID-19 infection impact your living or your livelihood? Have been wearing a face mask more often over the past two weeks? Were you approached by members of the anti-vaccine community recently?

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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