The recognized gold medalists of Muntinlupa at the Palarong Pambansa were Maxine Amira Filiciano Bondoc and Avielle Paduit Caballes in the Gymnastics Elementary Girls category, Alessandra Therese A. Martin in the Swimming Elementary Girls category, and the team of De La Salle Santiago Zobel School in the Baseball Secondary Boys category.
The Muntinlupa silver medalists recognized were Jobelle Mitch De Sisto Villanueva and Krista Joy Chavez Tabios in the Arnis Secondary Girls category, and Avielle Paduit Caballes and Maxine Amira Filiciano Bondoc in the Gymnastics Elementary Girls category.
The bronze medalists were Hernalou E. Lumandao and Pi Durden Forward Wangkay in the Athletics Secondary Boys category, Avielle Paduit Caballes in the Gymnastics Elementary Girls category and Ma. Ana Therese V. Gomobao in the Table Tennis Secondary Girls category.
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 delighted with the medals won by local athletes at the 2024 Palarong Pambansa?
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
During his 3rd State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., declared a nationwide ban on all Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. Marcos pointed out the negative effects POGOs had on the country such as money laundering, scamming, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, and murder to name some.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has heeded snowballing calls to ban Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) in the country, an industry marred by controversies and illegal activities.
During his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, Marcos acknowledged that POGOs have already “ventured into illicit areas furthest from gaming, such as financial scamming, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, brutal torture, even murder.”
“The grave abuse and disrespect of our system must stop. Kailangan nang itigil ang panggugulo nito sa ating lipunan at paglalapastangan sa ating bansa (It is now imperative to stop this chaos that is wreaking havoc to our society and desecrating our country). Effective today, all POGOs are banned,” Marcos exclaimed prompting the crowd at the Batasan Pambansa in Quezon City to break into cheers.
The President also ordered the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation to cease operations of POGOs by the end of the year, as well as the Department of Labor and Employment to help workers who will be displaced.
Finance Secretary Ralph Recto and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, key figures of the administration’s economic team, have supported the calls to ban POGOs, which mostly cater to clients from mainland China and employ a large number of Chinese-speaking foreign workers.
Several lawmakers and business groups have also urged the President to impose a total ban on POGOs.
Aside from money laundering activities, crimes attributed to the POGOs have expanded over the past years and now include human trafficking, abduction, homicide, illegal detention, kidnap-for-ransom, theft, robbery-extortion, serious physical injuries, swindling, grave coercion, investment scam, cryptocurrency scam, and love scam.
For added insight, watch this GMA Network news video of President Marcos making the declaration.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the newly declared nationwide ban on POGOs will reduce the connected criminal acts? Are there many POGO-connected foreigners living in your local community? Do you think the ban on POGOs will result in lesser Chinese nationals coming into the country? Do you think the closures of POGOs will affect a lot of small businesses that sold products or services to them?
With the extension of the deadline over, the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) withholding tax on online sellers who conduct business on electronic marketplaces (example: Lazada) came into effect recently, according to a Manila Bulletin business new report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has started implementing the withholding tax requirement for online sellers who conduct business on electronic marketplaces like Lazada and Shopee.
In a statement, BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. said there will be no further extensions for online merchants to comply with the new withholding tax system outlined in Revenue Regulations (RR) No. 16-2023.
Under the BIR regulations, e-marketplace operators are mandated to withhold one percent creditable tax on half of the total payments sent to sellers or merchants for products or services sold through their platform.
“Electronic Marketplace Operators will begin imposing Withholding Tax against their sellers/merchants starting July 15, 2024. We have already extended this by 90 days. No further extensions will be given,” Lumagui said.
Last April, the BIR extended the RR No. 16-2023 deadline until July 14, 2024.
“No more extensions will be given after the previous 90-day extension under [Revenue Memorandum Circular] RMC No. 55-2024,” the BIR noted.
The previous extension was given to allow e-marketplace operators to comply with the requirements of the BIR and adjust to the provisions of RR 16-2023 before the withholding tax is imposed.
Lumagui also clarified that withholding tax is not a new tax, noting it is a system where taxes are collected in advance and later offset against the seller’s total income tax liability.
“The BIR aims to level the playing field between brick-and-mortar stores, which are regularly complying with their tax obligations, and online marketplaces,” Lumagui said.
“Whether their business is operated online or through physical stores, sellers and merchants have to pay their taxes,” he added.
Meanwhile, the BIR has given digital financial services providers more time to switch to the new withholding tax system.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you have been selling through the electronic marketplaces, do you think the 1% withholding tax will be a big challenge in the long-term? Have you prepared your business for the withholding tax?
Recently in the city of Parañaque, two individuals who engaged in selling online were arrested by the local police for qualified theft, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. It turns out that the suspects were found selling hair growth serum which were stolen from someone.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Two online sellers were arrested by members of the Parañaque City police for theft after they were found selling stolen hair growth serum on Tiktok last July 9.
Parañaque City police chief Col. Melvin Montante reported to the Southern Police District (SPD) the arrest of alias Zerimar, 29, manager and a resident of 8th Avenue, Caloocan City; and Raymark, 21, packer and a stay-in employee at Hosuku Inc. at a condominium located in Roxas Boulevard, Barangay Baclaran, Parañaque City.
Montante said the owner of Hosuku hair growth serum, alias Yuji, 29, a businessman and a resident of Ayala Alabang Village, Muntinlupa City, discovered that his hair growth serum product was being sold at a Tiktok account called “Parktikal” for a cheaper price and was registered under the name of alias Jerick, reportedly the common-law husband of Zerimar.
He said the victim inspected his warehouse located at Lot 5A Street, Agueda Queensway, Pascor Drive, Barangay Santo Nino, Parañaque City at around 5:35 p.m. and discovered one box of his product containing 300 pieces of 30ml bottles of the hair growth serum worth P105,000 at the locker of Zerimar.
The victim told the police that prior to the inspection of his warehouse, he also saw Raymark bring the box of stolen items inside the locker of Zerimar who was her cousin.
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 think there could be thieves selling stolen products online while secretly residing in 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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
As some of you are already aware, I fully stand with Israel which is very connected with my uncompromising faith in the Lord. I keep on praying to Him for Israel to overwhelm its enemies, rescue the hostages and recover from the effects of the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks committed by the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas. I can assure all of you that nobody from the evil Islamo-Leftist mob, nobody from the pro-Palestine radicals and nobody from any evil society would stop me from supporting and loving Israel.
Now, on with the news…
Recently, the Israeli organization ORT announced that it is eager to collaborate with the Philippines and share with local students sci-tech focused education models, 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…
Israeli organization ORT is eager to partner with the Philippines to help prepare Filipino students become part of a “technology-driven workforce”.
An ORT Israel delegation is in Manila to introduce the organization’s various science and technology-focused teaching and learning methodologies to Filipino private and public education stakeholders.
At a roundtable in Taguig City on Friday, Alona Kletsel, ORT head of International Business Development & Marketing, said her group can provide unique expertise and support in crafting an innovative curricula to keep students apace with the rapidly changing technology once they graduate.
“There was a lot of interest and there’s really a pain point here with regard to closing the gap between the industry needs and academy or vocational education institutions,” Kletsel said.
“We at ORT have a very practical approach towards this situation — to work closely with the industry to tailor education in line with the needs and provide practical experience through collaborative projects with the industry,” she said.
ORT is the largest education network operating in Israel and is funded by the Israel Ministry of Education, supporting 30 vocational colleges, 220 secondary schools, and more than 100,000 students, annually.
In its network of schools, it champions the use of artificial intelligence to reduce the workload of teachers.
It also uses virtual reality both for teaching and as an asset for learners — either to develop virtual reality atmospheres in their software lessons or to sharpen their English and presentation skills.
Following this visit, Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss said the Israeli Embassy is willing to facilitate cooperation between the organization and the education stakeholders in the country.
“Yes we are still at war, we are living in a very challenging time but we are still committed to build partnership with the Philippines,” he said.
During her visit to Manila, Kletsel met with officials from the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Technical Education Skills and Development Authority, local government units, and Philippine universities.
It is indeed a blessing to see Israel-Philippines ties grow stronger through this education and innovation development with ORT Israel. I honestly believe that the potential collaboration will benefit Filipinos as education is essential in Philippine society and there is a need to help our nation’s workforce keep up with the rest of the world using technology and varied innovations. That being said, I want to see collaborations between ORT Israel and Filipino partners happen soon with long-term development in mind..
To my fellow Filipinos reading this, I encourage you to accept the truth that Israel is the land God designated specifically for the Jewish people (read Genesis 35:10-12) and His command must be followed without hesitation. If you want to be blessed further by the Lord, do so by loving and blessing the Jewish people (Genesis 12:1-3). I did my part when I was in Israel. Also, let me remind you all that the ties between the Jews and Christians are truly biblical!
We live in a very divided world. Around the world, Leftist forces have been supporting evil forces like the current regime of Iran which is known for supplying and arming the Palestinian terrorists, Hezbollah and other terrorist groups around the Middle East. The Leftists and terrorists always go together and their anti-Semitism is clearly obvious. Hamas, which has long been supported by terrorist state Iran, is purely evil and they are being protected by not only their fellow terrorists but also by mainstream news media outlets who are linked with Leftist forces and people who hate Israel and the Jewish people. Iran even has Hezbollah in Lebanon doing their evil works for them. Beware of the evil union of the Islamo-Left which is wicked deep within.
With all that said, I encourage you all to pray to the Lord God in support of Israel and believe that He will guide the Israeli forces to another victory which means finishing off Hamas, crushing Hezbollah and forcing Iran and its terror proxies to fall down. Read Joshua 11:1-20 in the Holy Bible for relevance and truth. Pray to the Lord to support Israel, its government officials, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the citizens and other stakeholders.
During the recent presentation of newly designated police officers in the City of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon reminded them to follow the values of ACT (Accountability, Confidence and Trust) as they perform their duties, 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…
Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon reminded the police to follow the values of ACT or Accountability, Confidence, and Trust, in doing their duties as law enforcers.
Biazon made the reminder during the presentation of the newly designated police officers by Muntinlupa Police chief Col. Robert Domingo.
The new officers in the Muntinlupa Police are:
⬪Major Allan Rainier Cabral – chief of the Investigation and Detective Management Section (IDMS)
⬪Capt. Reynaldo Par – chief of the Custodial and Detention Facility Unit (CDFU)
⬪Capt. Fernando Niefes – chief of the Station Tactical Operations Center (STOC) and concurrent assistant chief of the Patrol Operations Section (POS)
⬪Capt. Rolando Ty – commander of the Tunasan Police Substation (SS1)
⬪Capt. Alemar Cabanit – commander of the Putatan Police Substation (SS2)
⬪Capt. Roderick Tubon – commander of the Sucat Police Substation (SS4)
⬪Capt. Rizalyn Soledad – commander of the Ayala Alabang Police Substation (SS5)
⬪Capt. Marlo Abella – commander of the Poblacion Police Substation (SS6)
Biazon congratulated the newly designated police officers and told them about the expectations from the public.
“And, of course, our expectations from the newly designated. Remember the word ACT. The expectation is not only from you but from the whole Muntinlupa Police Station. The rank and file,” he said.
He added, “One is your accountability to your duty. We will expect that you will take action in fighting crime. Definitely, the public is expecting that. That is why you are in the police because you are our hope in addressing problems of drugs, criminality and, of course, the safety of our citizens. You have assumed that accountability.”
“Letter C, you have our confidence. As what Col. Domingo said earlier, we approved the designation by putting confidence in you. So don’t fail us on that,” he 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 looking forward to observing how the new city police officers will do their duty?
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
In a major move to improve local emergency response capabilities with the use of technology, the City Government of Muntinlupa formally launched at Crimson Hotel today their new iRespond mobile app which is now available for download via Google and Apple online, 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…
In its latest digital innovation, the Muntinlupa City government launched the iRespond mobile app, setting a new standard in emergency response capabilities.
Built for emergencies, Muntinlupa iRespond provides residents with immediate access to essential services directly from their smartphones.
The app allows residents to report emergencies such as disasters and fire, or the need for the police and ambulance.
“The iRespond app is a significant leap forward in emergency management, providing users with seamless access to emergency reporting with just a single tap. Whether in need of medical assistance, fire rescue, police intervention, or other critical services, Muntinlupeños can now initiate help swiftly and effectively through this platform,” said Mayor Ruffy Biazon during the app launch on July 18 at the Crimson Hotel in Alabang.
According to the city government, the iRespond app’s key functionalities include one-touch emergency reporting, allowing responders to pinpoint the exact location of those needing help; real-time incident tracking for back-end dispatchers to supervise incoming alarms and respond appropriately; and community alerts and notifications that allow the city’s Department of Disaster Resilience and Management to inform residents of potential scenarios and help them to prepare or respond adequately.
The digital tool ensures that emergency situations are addressed promptly, leveraging real-time incident tracking to facilitate quick and precise responses from dedicated dispatch teams, the city government added.
“By empowering residents with a tool that expedites emergency response, we are not only enhancing public safety but also reinforcing our city’s resilience in times of crisis.” added Biazon.
Residents are encouraged to download the free iRespond app for from the App Store or Google Play Store, ensuring they are prepared and empowered to respond effectively to any emergency situation.
Upon download, users need to create an account by providing their name, birthday, gender, photo, valid document, address, email address and mobile number.
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, do you think the newly launched iRespond app will improve local emergency response capabilities? Have you downloaded the app?
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
The Philippines moved some steps forward into a nuclear-powered future as the United States-Philippines Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement (also referred to as the 123 Agreement) came into force recently, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. This means that the legal framework for potential nuclear projects with American providers has been laid down. It is recalled that the 123 Agreement has been progressing since last year.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
The United States-Philippines Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement, or the 123 Agreement, entered into force on July 2, the US Department of State’s Office of the Spokesperson announced on Tuesday (Manila time).
Signed in November last year, the 123 Agreement will establish a legal framework that allows the export of nuclear fuel, reactors, equipment, and special nuclear material from the US to the Philippines.
The agreement lays the legal framework for potential nuclear power projects with US providers and aims to facilitate Philippine-US cooperation in the safe and secure use of nuclear energy, taking into full account the standards and safeguards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency, as well as in accordance with respective national laws, international agreements, and regulations.
Upon entry into force, the 123 Agreement will allow the transfer of information, nuclear material, equipment, and components directly between the Philippines and the US or through persons authorized by their respective authorities to engage in transfer activities, which will support potential nuclear power projects with US providers.
It will also pave the way for streamlining the licensing requirements for the private sector with respect to investments in nuclear-related intangible transfers of technology.
“Energy security is an increasingly critical global challenge requiring deliberate collaborative efforts, and together, our two countries can make a significant contribution to our shared clean energy goals,” the US Department of State said.
Nuclear energy, it said, could help achieve these global climate change and energy security targets.
The US Department of State said the agreement is part of its efforts to develop the Philippines’ civil nuclear sector.
“Creating a safe, secure, and modern sector requires a skilled workforce, robust regulations, and strong commercial partnerships. Our government is committed to working with the Philippines to advance each of these areas and we look forward to further building our partnership together,” the US Department of State said.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. earlier said the administration would be glad to pursue nuclear energy as part of the country’s energy mix by 2032 through the partnership forged with American providers.
His administration seeks to increase the country’s renewable energy mix to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that nuclear power will be more beneficial for the Filipino people and the national economy than solar and wind power? Are you aware that solar and wind power will cost too much money to create abundant energy for the Philippines?
Recently in Davao City, a 21-year-old Chinese national got arrested by elements of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for using falsified documents when he applied for a Philippine passport at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), according to a Manila Bulletin news report. As it turns out, the suspect has been using a fake identity for some time here in the Philippines and has already admitting to possessing a Chinese passport.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)-Davao arrested a 21-year-old Chinese national on Tuesday afternoon, July 9, for applying for a Philippine passport at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)-Davao here using falsified documents.
NBI-Davao Region Director Arcelito Albao said in a press conference on Wednesday, July 10, that the DFA-Davao alerted the NBI-Davao that a Chinese national using the Filipino name Hengson Jabilles Limosnero attempted to apply for a passport. Albao said the suspect was accompanied by the family driver.
Albao, however, declined to disclose the suspect’s Chinese name, pending verification of his real identity from the Bureau of Immigration.
In a brief interview with the media, the suspect, who was presented during the press conference, admitted to possessing a Chinese passport.
Albao said that the Chinese used a birth certificate, driver’s license, and national identification (ID) card from the Philippine Statistics Authority to apply for a passport.
He said that the Chinese used his fake identity to study high school at Philippine Academy of Sakya Davao and college at the Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU). Albao said the Chinese is a first-year accountancy student at ADDU.
The suspect will face charges for violating the New Philippine Passport Act and Revised Penal Code penalizing falsification of public documents, perjury, and using fictitious name and concealing true name, Albao said.
He said the suspect was issued original documents and IDs by various government agencies but were considered falsified as the information was false.
Albao said that the suspect and his family have been residing in Davao City for 10 years. He said they own a hardware business in this city’s Chinatown District on Ramon Magsaysay Ave., called by residents Uyanguren.
The NBI-Davao head added that an employee from DFA-Davao doubted the suspect’s nationality and authenticity of the documents as he could not speak Cebuano, not fluent in Tagalog, and could only talk in English during interview.
He said the Chinese gave inconsistent answers during the interview.
Albao said the suspect applied for a passport as he wanted to become a Philippine citizen and plans to travel to the US.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there could be even more Chinese nationals who have been living here in the Philippines using fake identities?
A mobile blood donation drive is scheduled to happen on July 19 and 20, 2024 at SM Center Las Piñas which is a short walk away from Las Piñas City Hall, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The blood donation drive is an initiative of Mayor Imelda Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Las Piñas City government announced that a mobile blood donation activity will be conducted in line with the observance of World Blood Donor Day.
Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar said the mobile blood donation activity to be led by a team from the City Health Office under the supervision of Dr. Julie Gonzalez will be held at SM Center Las Piñas on July 19 to 20, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Aguilar said the activity will be conducted is in coordination with the Las Piñas General Hospital and Satelite Trauma Center and the Philippine General Hospital.
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 there any members of your local community who intend to donate their blood?
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
Author Carlo Carrasco 