Philippines blog – Page 72 – Author Carlo Carrasco

COMELEC to launch massive voter education campaign for 2025 elections this December

November 28, 2024November 27, 2024carlocarrasco

Starting December 2, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) will launch a massive voter education campaign related to the 2025 National and Local Elections and the use of automated counting machines (ACMs), according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is set to launch next month a massive voter education campaign to demonstrate the use of automated counting machines (ACMs) to stakeholders ahead of the 2025 midterm elections.

Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia on Wednesday said at least 2,000 ACMs were distributed to all barangays in the country in preparation for a roadshow caravan slated from December 2, 2024 to January 30, 2025.

“Mula December 2 to January 30, pupunta ang local Comelec sa mga kababayan natin upang mai-demo, maipagamit sa kanila at sila mismo ma-experience ang mga makina at malaman nila paano ito magamit,” Garcia told reporters during the delivery of the last batch of ACMs at the Comelec warehouse in Biñan, Laguna.

(Local Comelec officers will go to communities to demonstrate how the machines work.)

South Korean firm Miru Systems delivered a total of 9,860 ACMs to Comelec on November 27, completing the 110,620 ACMs required for the 2025 midterm elections.

All ACMs and election peripherals are undergoing hardware acceptance tests (HAT) at the Comelec warehouse, where the machines’ hardware components — including its battery mode operation, screen, printer, camera, scanner, audio, USB ports, LED sensors, external keypad, network, and HDMI — are being tested. A random 5% of each batch of deliveries will also undergo stress tests.

“We are proud to have finished delivery of our new and more sophisticated machines, and will continue to work diligently with the Comelec as these machines undergo strict quality control and security tests,” Miru Systems VP Ken Cho said.

In September, the Comelec said it was expecting Miru to finish the delivery of all ACMs by November, a month ahead of schedule as the firm earlier promised to complete the delivery of the machines in December.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the 2025 National and Local Elections will be organized cleanly and efficiently under the COMELEC and the new provider of voting machines?

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

Wider SLEX stretch of Susanna Heights-Calamba to open this December

November 28, 2024November 27, 2024carlocarrasco

Next month, the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) stretch of Susanna Heights to Calamba will be wider and opened in time for the Christmas season as assured by San Miguel Corporation (SMC) chairman and CEO Ramon Ang, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The new configuration of the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) from Susanna Heights, Muntinlupa to Calamba, Laguna — with six lanes on both the northbound and southbound sides —is expected to open in December in time for Christmas, San Miguel Corporation (SMC) chairman and CEO Ramon Ang has said.

In a statement on Tuesday, Ang said the at-grade expansion on SLEX, undertaken by San Miguel unit SMC SLEX Inc., was “proceeding on schedule, with the said 29-kilometer stretch slated to open in the third week of December.”

The construction of the section from Calamba to Sto. Tomas, Batangas, and the expansion of 20 bridges connecting the SLEX main carriageway will be completed by July 2025, the SMC chief said.

“This December, as our countrymen prepare to celebrate Christmas and travel more to spend time with friends and family, they can look forward to a wider, better SLEX. This will help in significantly reducing traffic buildup during the holiday rush,” Ang said.

“The SLEX expansion is a major undertaking that entailed significant effort and investment, and a lot of patience and cooperation from motorists and stakeholders. We are very glad that motorists can soon enjoy faster trips to and from Southern Luzon,” he added.

Ang said that ensuring that SLEX is fully operational throughout the construction period has been a consistent priority of the company.

“Our contractors and project teams continue to do everything they can to minimize impact on vehicle traffic,” Ang said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you plan to travel far via the SLEX this coming Christmas season?

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

High-value individuals arrested in Parañaque City for illegal drugs and illegal possession of firearm

November 27, 2024November 18, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, a buy-bust operation resulted in the successful apprehension of two high-value individuals who were wanted for illegal drugs, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The law enforcers also confiscated a gun with ammunition.

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

The Parañaque City Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) arrested two high value individuals (HVIs) wanted for illegal drugs in a buy-bust operation in Parañaque City on Sunday, November 17.

Southern Police District (SPD) director BGen. Bernard Yang identified the suspects as “Tony,” 52, and “Florentino,” 47. They were arrested in Barangay San Dionisio.

The duo yielded P170,000 worth of shabu and a .45 caliber pistol with live ammunition. An additional P510,000 worth of shabu was also recovered from the suspects.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you feel safe knowing that there are still lots of people bringing illegal drugs and loose firearms into 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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Raid in Las Piñas City nets illegal drugs worth P34 million, one high-value suspect arrested

November 26, 2024November 19, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, a raid that took place at a condominium building resulted in the seizure of P34 million worth of illegal drugs and the arrest of one high-value individual, according to a Philippine Star news report.

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

Five kilos of shabu with an estimated value of P34 million were recovered when anti-narcotics agents raided the house of a suspected drug dealer in Las Piñas City on Saturday.

Armed with a search warrant issued by a Las Piñas court, agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) raided a condominium building along Alabang-Zapote Road in Barangay Almanza Uno.

The anti-narcotics operation targeted two high-value suspects. One of them, identified as Kenneth Bandong, 30, was arrested. Bandong’s cohort, a woman, was not around during the raid.

PDEA agents said they found five kilos of shabu in the condominium unit. Bandong is facing cases for illegal drug possession under Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think that someone in your local community could be secretly engaging in illegal drugs?

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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Lower-than-expected economic growth for the Philippines until 2025

November 26, 2024November 19, 2024carlocarrasco

Based on the recent findings of Citigroup, Inc., the growth domestic product (GDP) of the Philippines will grow at a lower-than-expected rate until 2025, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

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

THE Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP) is likely to expand slower than the government’s target until 2025, Citigroup, Inc. (Citi) said.

Citi cut its GDP growth forecast for the Philippines to 5.8% this year but kept its 6% growth forecast for 2025. This is below the government’s 6-7% target this year and 6.5-7.5% goal next year.

“We lowered 2024 GDP growth slightly from 6% to 5.8%, mainly due to a weak third-quarter outturn that had been a result of several temporary, weather-related factors,” Citi economist for Thailand and the Philippines Nalin Chutchotitham said in a report.

The Philippine economy slowed to 5.2% in the July-to-September period from 6.4% in the second quarter and 6% a year ago. This was also the weakest growth since the 4.3% expansion in the second quarter of last year.

“Nonetheless, we think it would be misleading to view the weaker third-quarter expansion as the start of a slowdown as several negative factors in the third quarter are one-off events,” Ms. Chutchotitham said.

She said the weakness in third-quarter economic growth mainly stemmed from the drop in agriculture production, construction activity and net exports.

Despite the weak third quarter, Citi expects growth to accelerate in the fourth quarter as domestic demand is seen to pick up due to easing inflation and lower rates.

“We expect fourth-quarter 2024 GDP growth to accelerate to 6% year on year. Household consumption is expected to continue improving, supported by lower interest rates and improved consumer sentiment as inflation continues to stabilize.”

In the first nine months, GDP grew by 5.8%. The economy would need to grow by at least 6.5% in the fourth quarter to meet the lower end of the government’s 6-7% target.

“With the storm season passing soon, we also expect infrastructure projects’ progress to proceed at a faster clip in the fourth quarter and first quarter of 2025,” Ms. Chutchotitham said.

Domestic demand will also likely be sustained by improving employment conditions, remittance growth and bank lending.

“The RRR (reserve requirement ratio) cut of 250 basis points (bps), effective on Oct. 25, would also release more liquidity into the banking system and likely continue to support strong credit expansion,” Ms. Chutchotitham added.

The central bank last month reduced the RRR for universal and commercial banks and nonbank financial institutions with quasi-banking functions by 250 bps to 7%.

“We also maintain our expectation of 6% growth in 2025 but see some upside risks due to tailwinds from more rate cuts,” Citi said.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) will likely cut by 25 bps in December and by a total of 75 bps next year, according to Citi.

This year so far, the central bank has reduced interest rates by 50 bps since August. The Monetary Board is set to hold its last rate-setting meeting of the year on Dec. 19.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the economy of the Philippines still has enough momentum to exceed the 4^th quarter growth targets of economists?

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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Triathlon Philippines’ Talent Identification Program Try-Outs Set to Happen in Cebu, Davao Del Norte and Cavite on January 2025

November 25, 2024November 25, 2024carlocarrasco

Triathlon Philippines (TriPhil) will be searching for new talents in Cebu, Davao Del Norte and Cavite by organizing try-outs under its Talent Identification Program this coming January.

Triathlon coach Kevin Eijansantos and technical official Edgar Nicolas will do the talent search in Cebu on January 11, at the Davao Del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex on January 13, and at Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub in Cavite on January 18. Young athletes who wish to join try-outs are welcome to register online through https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxQRC2OUkhkm7l-hgGSe0rjK3IWuHK_nauyRQKv9YOTUBtPw/viewform?fbclid=IwY2xjawGr5OZleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHZ0dZ7f3EYe2kntcMhKiWS1qPcnucmcfxlrrN_mPp9VEZQoqoq0EEUCA2g_aem_-JmU78AkJ8WFjcn75BKyQg

TriPhil’s Talent Identification Program aims to discover and nurture young Filipino athletes in the youth (13-15 years old) and junior (16-19 years old) categories, providing them with opportunities to develop their skills and represent the country in national and international competitions.

To be eligible, youth applicants must be Filipino citizens born between 2010 and 2012, while junior applicants must be born between 2006 and 2009. Deadline of registration is December 31, 2024.

For inclusion to the triathlon pool, a contender must pass the qualifying times for swimming and running plus bike handling skills tests. Participation in local races of TriPhil will be required as a selection committee will review the aspirants’ results per race.

TriPhil will announce the official members of the National Development Pool for 2025 no later than May 30, 2025.

Expanding the National Development Pool is part of Triathlon Philippines’ preparation for the 4^th Asian Youth Games (AYG) in Uzbekistan in September 2025 preparatory to possible participation in the 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Dakar, Senegal.

The Philippines is also girding for the sprint distance triathlon competitions of the 2025 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in Rayong, Thailand in December 2025.

For updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/TriPhil

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Over 600 Barangay Daniel Fajardo residents served by Las Piñas Health and Wellness Caravan

November 24, 2024November 17, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, more than six hundred residents of Barangay Daniel Fajardo were served with varied health services provided by the Las Piñas Health and Wellness Caravan, the City Government announced via social media.

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

The Las Piñas Health and Wellness Caravan, organized by the City Health Office, delivered essential health services to residents of Daniel Fajardo at the Casimiro Townhomes Covered Court on Wednesday, November 6. Over 600 residents took advantage of the free services, showcasing the city’s commitment to delivering accessible healthcare.

The event provided a comprehensive range of medical services, including consultations, blood sugar and cholesterol tests, dental services, ECGs, chest X-rays, and lifestyle-related illness risk screening. Residents also availed of pneumonia vaccinations for senior citizens, free medicines at the pharmacy, and support for PhilHealth registration and the Green Card program. Mobile birth registration and a station offering massages were also available to further support community well-being.

City Vice Mayor April Aguilar was on hand to oversee the health caravan, emphasizing the local government’s dedication to health and wellness. She was joined by City Councilor Mark Anthony Santos and City Council District 1 candidates Alelee Aguilar, Atty. Zardi Abellera, Mac Mac Santos, Robert Cristobal, and Marlon Rosales. Their presence underlined the unified efforts of city leaders to prioritize public health initiatives. City Health Office head Dr. Juliana Gonzalez was also present, ensuring the smooth facilitation of services.

Dr. Juliana Gonzalez highlighted the continuous positive impact of the caravan in reaching numerous residents and addressing health concerns. She noted the program’s role in providing early detection and preventive care to the community.

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 the City Government’s Health and Wellness Caravan was held 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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Masbate City’s most wanted person arrested in Parañaque City

November 23, 2024November 17, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, a man from Masbate City who is wanted for murder was apprehended by local police officers, according to a Philippine Star news report. This is the result of a successful manhunt by the authorities.

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

Masbate’s most wanted person was arrested during a manhunt operation last Thursday in Parañaque City.

The 23-year-old suspect, known by his alias “John,” is originally from Barangay Baga-uma, Aroroy, Masbate was apprehended at 1:20 a.m. in Barangay San Antonio in Sucat.

The suspect faces a murder charge and he had been on the run since a warrant for his arrest was issued on June 9 last year by the regional trial court in Masbate City, according to Parañaque police.

The manhunt operation was a joint effort involving the Aroroy Municipal Police Station, Parañaque City Police Sub-Station 6 and the National Capital Region Police Office.

After his capture, the suspect was brought to Parañaque City Police Sub-Station 6 by 1:50 a.m.

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 a lot more wanted persons from other cities or provinces who could be hiding 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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US President-elect Trump and Philippine President Marcos discuss alliance over the phone

November 23, 2024November 20, 2024carlocarrasco

In recent times, the returning US President Donald Trump and President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., talked with each other on the phone and discussed the US-Philippines alliance, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

For the newcomers reading this, Trump pulled off the greatest American political comeback ever after crushing Kamala Harris in the 2024 US Presidential Election.

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

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. spoke to United States (US) President-elect Donald Trump over the phone on Tuesday morning, where they discussed the longstanding alliance between their two countries.

In a media interview during his visit to typhoon-hit communities in the province of Catanduanes, Marcos said he expressed to Trump the Philippines’ openness to further deepen relations with its oldest and strongest military ally.

“I expressed to him our continuing desire to strengthen that relationship between our two countries, which is a relationship that is as deep as can possibly be because it has been for a very long time,” he said.

The President said he also expressed his intention to meet with Trump as soon as possible. He added that he told Trump that Filipinos in the US voted “overwhelmingly” in his favor.

Trump is set for his second term as US president after winning the recently held elections.

According to Marcos, it is his mother, Imelda Marcos, who is a close friend of Trump.

“Ang kaibigan niya talaga mother ko. Kilalang-kilala niya ang mother ko. Kinukumusta niya, ‘How’s Imelda?’ Sabi ko binabati ka nga (It is really my mother who is his friend. He knows my mother very well. He asked how she is, ‘How’s Imelda?’ I said she is extending her congratulations),” he said.

Although he said they did not talk about the fears of a mass deportation of undocumented immigrants in the US after Trump’s win, Marcos assured that the government is already working on it to assist affected Filipinos.

“We didn’t talk about that. It was just a congratulatory call. But, of course, our ambassador is already working on that,” he said.

Nonetheless, Marcos said his conversation with Trump was “very productive.”

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you concerned that once Trump takes office again as US President on January 20, 2025, a lot of Filipinos illegally staying in America will get deported along with millions of other illegal aliens? Are you concerned that the dynamics of trade between the United States and the Philippines will be changed drastically? Do you think America under Trump will increase military support for the Philippines facing the bullying presence of China?

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 Mayor’s daughter supports P103.8 billion reclamation project, appeals to President Marcos and DENR to support it

November 22, 2024November 16, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, business woman and candidate Alelee Aguilar-Andanar expressed her support for the P103.8 billion Las Piñas-Parañaque Coastal Bay Reclamation Project and reached out to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to support it as well so that socio-economic developments in the city will happen, according to a Manila Standard news report.

For the newcomers reading this, Aguilar-Andanar is the daughter of incumbent Mayor Imelda Aguilar and the late Mayor Vergel “Nene” Aguilar.

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

A daughter of Las Piñas Mayor Imelda Aguilar expressed support for the resumption of the P103.8-billion Las Piñas-Parañaque Coastal Bay Reclamation Project as it would generate billion of income to the city’s coffer.

Businesswoman Alelee Aguilar-Andanar appealed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga to sign the notice to proceed of the project as this would create thousands of local jobs, realize pro-poor projects, including socialized housing.

Aguilar-Andanar, who is running for councilor for next year’s election, is the third daughter of the late Las Pinas Mayor Vergel and incumbent Mayor Imelda. Alelle is the wife of former Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar.

Aguilar-Andanar said the reclamation project is a dream and aspiration of her late father who served as mayor of Las Piñas City from 1995 to 2004 and from 2007 to 2016.

She said (her) father’s vision is to keep pace with modern development. “If we don’t keep up or if we don’t devise a way (to generate income), it will become more difficult for the next generation,” said Aguilar-Andanar, quoting her father. She said (her) father wanted to call the reclamation project Las Piñas, Our Home 2.0.

Aguilar-Andanar said her family would join forces with incumbent councilors Mark Anthony Santos and Henry Medina in convincing their constituents on the benefits of the reclamation projects which could help restore ecosystems, create habitats for wildlife and mitigate flooding.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think that now is the time to have the reclamation project approved so that Las Piñas will further develop economically and socially? Do you think that land reclamation only results in flooding and environmental damage? How many people in your local community are aware of the P103.8 billion Las Piñas-Paranaque Coastal Bay Reclamation Project? Will you vote Aguilar-Andanar for City Councilor in May 2025?

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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