Philippines blog – Page 2 – Author Carlo Carrasco

BSP Eyes Late-2026 Relaunch Of Coin Deposit Machines

July 14, 2026July 7, 2026carlocarrasco

Remember the many coin deposit machines (CoDMs) of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) installed in key locations in the Philippines? The BSP is aiming to relaunch the coin deposit machines program before the end of this year, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

It is recalled that almost P1.5 billion worth of coins were deposited before the BSP suspended their program in June of 2025.

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

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is aiming to relaunch the operation of coin deposit machines (CoDMs) in Metro Manila before the end of the year.

In a recent media luncheon, BSP Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat told reporters the BSP is targeting the initial relaunch of the existing 25 CoDMs for the last week of October to early November 2026.

“This timeline takes into account the required software enhancements, modifications to the enclosure and hardware components, as well as the calibration, accuracy testing, and end-to-end testing of the existing CoDM units prior to deployment,” Romulo-Puyat said.

CoDMs allow customers to conveniently deposit legal tender coins and directly credit the equivalent amount to their GCash electronic wallets.

To recall, the BSP temporarily suspended the operation of CoDMs last year to review how to re-circulate idle coins.

Following the review, the BSP will relaunch the coin deposit machines as part of its commitment to enhancing its coin recirculation program.

Romulo-Puyat said the BSP partnered with SM to lower the operational costs of the CoDMs.

“The coin retrieval was so expensive, so we found ways for the private sector to be able to bear the cost,” she said.

Aside from the 25 CoDMs earlier deployed in Metro Manila, another 25 will be deployed in other areas next year.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you agree with the Supreme Court’s decision on the law about VAT refund for foreign tourists? Apart from the VAT refund for foreign tourists, what problems that plagued the Philippine tourism industry should the government solve 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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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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

110,508 Muntinlupa Students Are Beneficiaries Of Local Scholarship Program

July 14, 2026July 8, 2026carlocarrasco

More than one hundred ten thousand students of Muntinlupa are officially beneficiaries of the local scholarship program which continued to expand, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

A total of 110,508 students are now beneficiaries of the Muntinlupa City government’s scholarship program, Mayor Ruffy Biazon announced.

He said the city’s guiding principle is that “no child should be left behind,” noting that the program continues to expand alongside the annual Free Back to School Package.

“Bukod sa taun-taong Libreng Balik Eskwela Package para maging handa ang mga estudyante sa school, patuloy pang pinalalawak ang scholarship program para mas marami ang makinabang (So aside from the annual Free Back to School Package to get students ready for school, the scholarship program is continuously expanding so that more people can benefit),” Biazon said.

He added that the number of scholars is more than twice the maximum capacity of the Philippine Arena, regarded as the largest indoor arena in the world.

This year, the city government allotted P600 million for scholarships covering learners from Grade 1 to post graduate levels.

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 satisfied with the current state of education in the city? Do you approve of the local scholarship program?

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

Philippines Supreme Court Upholds Law Granting VAT Refund To Foreign Tourists

July 12, 2026July 6, 2026carlocarrasco

Remember the law granting value-added tax refund (VAT refund) to foreign tourists signed a few years ago? That law was challenged and recently the Supreme Court of the Philippines upheld the constitutionality of Republic Act 12079 (the act creating a VAT refund mechanism for non-resident tourists), according to a news report by GMA News.

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

The Supreme Court (SC) has upheld the constitutionality of a law that grants value-added tax (VAT) refunds on select local purchases by non-resident foreign tourists.

In a 30-page decision, the SC En Banc dismissed a petition challenging the validity of Republic Act 12079, or an act creating a VAT refund mechanism for non-resident tourists, adding Section 112-A to the National Internal Revenue Code.

“Granting VAT refund to foreign tourists was not arbitrarily done. It is a policy decision based on legitimate state interests, i.e. the need to remain competitive as a global tourist destination,” the SC said.

“In fine, foreign tourists may be granted privileges and benefits that are not extended to Filipino citizens, so as long as these distinctions are based on reasonable and justifiable classifications, as in here,” it added.

According to the SC, the VAT refund applies to goods brought from duly accredited stores and taken out of the country within 60 days from purchase. The goods must be priced at least P3,000 per transaction.

Meanwhile, the SC said Section 5 of the law’s implementing rules and regulations limit the refund to retail and tangible goods, including clothing, apparel, electronics, gadgets, jewelry, accessories, souvenirs, food or non-food consumables, and other items intended for personal use.

The petitioner, however, argued that the law violates the constitutional guarantee of equal protection as it excludes Filipino citizens.

For its part, the SC said equal protection does not require identical treatment for all persons.

It said the act also distinguishes foreign tourists from Filipino citizens.

According to the SC, the VAT refund system follows the basic rule of VAT that goods are taxed where they are consumed. If the goods are consumed in the Philippines, they remain subject to Philippine VAT.

Meanwhile, the SC added that VAT refund for foreign tourists is a well-established international practice.

“The Philippines is among the last few countries in Asia to adopt such a system. Our Asian neighbors, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, China, and Japan have long implemented this VAT refund mechanism for foreign tourists,” it said.

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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Foreigner Arrested In Las Piñas City For Assaulting Filipina Partner

July 9, 2026July 3, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, a male Korean national was apprehended after assaulting his Filipina partner, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

A Korean man was arrested in Las Piñas City on Wednesday, July 2, after allegedly assaulting his Filipina partner during an argument sparked by a video discovered on his mobile phone.

Las Piñas Police chief Col. Fermin Armendarez identified the suspect only as “Sowi,” 39, residing in BF Resort, Barangay Talon Dos.

Armendarez said the 24-year-old victim confronted the suspect after discovering a video on his mobile phone showing him with another woman inside a hotel.

The confrontation escalated into a heated argument, during which the enraged suspect repeatedly slapped the victim.

Police said the victim attempted to flee, but the suspect allegedly chased her and repeatedly struck her on the head with his mobile phone.

Concerned residents who witnessed the incident immediately sought assistance from barangay watchmen who arrested the suspect. He was turned over to the Las Piñas Police Substation 4.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? When was the last time a foreigner assaulted a woman in your local community?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Great Majority Of Las Piñas City Residents Support Dismantling Of C-5 Quirino Flyover To Make Way For LRT-1 Cavite Extension

July 8, 2026July 3, 2026carlocarrasco

A survey conducted by the office Las Piñas City Representative Mark Santos revealed more than eighty percent of local residents favor the dismantling of the C-5 Quirino Flyover to make way for the delayed LRT-1 Cavite Extension project, according to a news report by the Manila Standard.

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

Nearly 82 percent of Las Piñas residents support dismantling the C-5 Quirino Flyover to allow immediate continuation of the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project, a survey conducted by the office of Las Piñas Lone District Rep. Mark Anthony Santos showed.

Santos said the survey, which gathered comments from various social media platforms, found that many residents favor immediate construction of Phase 2 of the 3.2-kilometer LRT-1 Cavite Extension, including the Las Piñas and Zapote stations, over retaining the P300.39-million C-5 Quirino Flyover.

Respondents said the LRT-1 Cavite Extension would provide greater public benefit by reducing travel time, easing traffic congestion and delivering more efficient public transportation for commuters from Las Piñas, Parañaque and Cavite.

Many residents said the temporary inconvenience caused by dismantling part of the flyover would be a small sacrifice if it allowed the railway project to move forward and deliver long-term benefits to the public.

They said completing the LRT-1 Cavite Extension matters more than preserving an infrastructure project they consider a major obstacle to the railway’s completion.

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 favor dismantling the C-5 Quirino Flyover to make way for the completion of the LRT-1 Cavite Extension 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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Chinese Fugitives And One Other Arrested In Parañaque City

July 7, 2026July 3, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Parañaque, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested three Chinese nationals – two fugitives and one overstaying individual – according to the announcement by the authorities.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the BI’s announcement. Some parts in boldface…

In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to intensify the country’s campaign against transnational crime and prevent the Philippines from becoming a haven for foreign fugitives, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested two Chinese nationals wanted in their home country for fraud and illegal gambling operations, and apprehended another Chinese national found to be overstaying during the same enforcement operations.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado identified the fugitives as Jiang Yin, 31, and Li Chuang, 34, who were separately arrested by operatives of the BI’s Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) on the evening of June 16 in Parañaque City.

The operations were conducted in coordination with Chinese authorities that provided intelligence information about their crimes.

During the operation against Li, agents also encountered another Chinese national identified as Wang Weixin, 32, whose immigration records showed that he had overstayed in the Philippines and was the subject of an active Hold Departure Order.

According to the Bureau, both Jiang and Li are wanted by Chinese police for allegedly participating in large-scale fraud and illegally operating online gambling activities through the “Qianneng Wallet” application.

Investigators in China alleged that the application was operated by a syndicate, which recruited Chinese nationals to facilitate illegal online gambling.

Authorities further identified the two fugitives as key members of two illegal gambling syndicates, where they allegedly served as supervisors and markers who extended gambling credit and facilitated betting activities.

Immigration records likewise showed that Jiang entered the Philippines in 2019 as a temporary visitor but failed to maintain a valid immigration status, rendering him an overstaying alien. Meanwhile, verification confirmed that Li was already the subject of existing Bureau blacklist and watchlist orders as an undesirable alien and fugitive from justice.

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 frustrated with the presence of Chinese criminals in the city? Do you think of crime and Chinese nationals whenever you hear the words Parañaque Renaissance? Do you think there could be thousands more illegal aliens living in Parañaque?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

BPI Customers Can Withdraw And Deposit Cash At Grocery, Convenience Stores And Other Commercial Joints

July 7, 2026July 2, 2026carlocarrasco

Customers of Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) are able to withdraw and deposit cash at grocery, convenience stores and other commercial joints thanks to the a newly launched campaign between the bank and over a thousand partner stores, according to a news report by GMA News.

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

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) on Wednesday launched its “Himala” campaign, allowing customers to withdraw and deposit cash at 1,369 partner stores, including grocery and convenience stores.

The service effectively turns participating outlets into “mini BPI branches,” enabling customers to complete cash transactions without visiting a physical bank branch.

The partner network includes Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. (RRHI) stores such as Robinsons Easymart, Robinsons Supermarket, Shopwise, The Marketplace, Robinsons Department Store, Toys “R” Us, and Uncle John’s.

The service is also available at non-RRHI outlets, including Amesco, Fitmart GenSan, CVM Pawnshop, Falcor Marketing, Prince Retail, Prince Warehouse, Rodamel Drugstore, Savers Depot, Tacurong Fit Mart Inc., and Tambunting Pawnshop.

Customers can generate a barcode through the BPI app for cash deposits and withdrawals, then present it at any participating store for processing. They may also send the barcode to another person, who can use it to deposit or withdraw cash at a partner outlet.

Customers may deposit or withdraw a minimum of P100 through the partner network. Deposits are limited to P10,000 per barcode and P50,000 per day, while withdrawals are capped at P10,000.

Select services, including account opening and applications for BPI products, are also available through the bank’s network of 8,000 retail partners, which includes pharmacies and gas stations nationwide.

According to BPI Agency Banking head Rally Jereza, the Ayala-led lender is in talks to onboard more partner stores, with the goal of expanding the network to 10,000 outlets within the year.

“For now, I’m satisfied with 8,000 because we want to encourage people to use [the service]. But in terms of expanding, with existing BPI clients, corporate clients… it’s easy to expand. Right now, we just want to be able to maximize all of those footprints,” he said.

Jereza said the initiative also supports BPI’s “May BPI Dito” campaign, which aims to make the bank’s services available in as many locations as possible.

“What began in 2023 as product application points has evolved into a fully integrated banking ecosystem. Every phase—from enabling transactions on tablets to barcode withdrawals and now barcode deposits—was built to ensure safety, simplicity, and trust,” he said.

“This is not just expansion; it is a redefinition of what a bank can be in the digital age,” he added.

BPI said it has onboarded more than one million new-to-bank customers through its agency banking network and aims to increase the figure to 10 million.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a BPI customer, have you experience the convenience of doing important transactions at the grocery or at the convenience store lately?

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 Honored With Steward for Waterways Sustainability Award

July 6, 2026June 30, 2026carlocarrasco

In recognition of its support and implementation of the Adopt-An-Estero and Waterbody Program last year, the City Government of Muntinlupa was honored with the Steward for Waterways Sustainability Award, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Muntinlupa is notably the only local government unit (LGU) in the National Capital Region (NCR) to receive the award.

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

The Muntinlupa City government, through its Lake Management Office (LMO), was recognized with the Steward for Waterways Sustainability Award for its support and implementation of the Adopt-An-Estero and Waterbody Program in 2025.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Environmental Management Bureau in the National Capital Region (NCR) conferred the award on the city government in recognition of its efforts to care for, maintain, and rehabilitate rivers, esteros, and other waterways.

Muntinlupa is the only local government unit in the NCR to receive the award, the city government announced.

“This is our strongest proof na sineseryoso natin ang pag-aalaga sa mga ilog, estero, at iba pang waterways sa lungsod, lalo na’t malaking bahagi ng Muntinlupa ay katabi ng Laguna Lake, na konektado rin sa Manila Bay (This is our strongest proof that we take the care of rivers, estuaries, and other waterways in the city seriously, especially since a large part of Muntinlupa is adjacent to Laguna Lake, which is also connected to Manila Bay),” Mayor Ruffy Biazon said.

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 happy with the award the City Government won? Do you think clearing up the esteros will reduce the risk of flooding in the city?

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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Excavation Site Collapse In Las Piñas City Claims Two Lives And Injures One

July 5, 2026June 29, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in Las Piñas City, an excavation site collapse in Barangay Pamplona Dos resulted in the deaths of two construction workers while injuring one other, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The excavation was done as part of a Maynilad project.

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

Two construction workers were killed and another injured after an excavation site for a Maynilad project collapsed on Sunday afternoon, June 28, in Las Piñas City.

Las Piñas Police Assistant Chief of Operations Lt. Col. Teoson Rosarito reported that the incident occurred at around 2:52 p.m. at the corner of Aquarius and Libra Streets in Pamplona Park Subdivision, Barangay Pamplona Dos.

Initial investigation revealed that five workers were conducting excavation for a Maynilad pump station when the concrete shaft at the lower portion of the 18-meter-deep site suddenly gave way, trapping several workers. Three were buried under soil and debris, while two managed to escape.

Rescue teams from the Las Piñas City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) and the Bureau of Fire Protection immediately launched retrieval operations.

One trapped worker was rescued and rushed to Christ the King Hospital with serious injuries. The two others were recovered lifeless from the site.

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? Was there an excavation done at your local community for a Maynilad 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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New Philippines Domestic Tourism Program Launched With Over 3,000 Travel Deals

July 4, 2026July 2, 2026carlocarrasco

In what is clearly a serious attempt by the Department of Tourism (DOT) to boost domestic tourism a lot, the new program Discover More To Love was recently launched with more than three thousand travel deals from varied hotels, tour operators and airlines, according to a news report by the Manila Standard.

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

The Department of Tourism (DOT) launched a new campaign offering more than 3,000 travel deals from hotels, tour operators, and airlines to boost domestic travel during off-peak months and support local businesses.

The campaign, named “Discover More to Love,” runs from July to November 2026 to stimulate year-round travel, sustain bookings, preserve jobs, and strengthen local economies during the industry’s traditional lean period.

The initiative serves as an extension of the country’s official tourism brand, “Love the Philippines,” rather than a replacement.

Travelers can access discounts of up to 70 percent from more than 70 hotels and resorts through the Hotels Sales and Marketing Association. The campaign also features more than 250 nationwide travel packages alongside discounted fares from carriers Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, AirAsia Philippines, and Sunlight Air.

Online platforms AirAsia MOVE and Klook are providing exclusive deals, while Mastercard offers special payment privileges for cardholders. Travelers can access the promotional room packages, staycation deals, dining credits, and flexible booking options directly through the department’s enhanced website at http://www.tourism.gov.ph.

Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said the agency wants to evolve the initiative through feedback from travelers and industry partners.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you support the DOT’s renewed focus on domestic tourism?

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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