Pinoy – Author Carlo Carrasco

Las Piñas City Government Reaffirms Commitment To Excellent And Faithful Public Service

January 31, 2026January 27, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government received various honors from different agencies of the national government and reaffirmed its commitment to rendering excellent service to the constituents and stakeholders, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The City Government of Las Piñas reaffirmed its strong commitment to excellent and faithful public service after receiving various certificates and plaques of appreciation from national government agencies.

Las Piñas City Mayor April Aguilar said the recognitions were awarded in acknowledgment of the city’s high level of compliance, effective implementation of programs, and the concrete results of strong teamwork among local government offices—particularly the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO).

Aguilar said the city government received multiple honors from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), including a Certificate of Appreciation as the Highest Compliant in Health, a Certificate of Appreciation for the Social Welfare Development Indicator (SWDI) Excellence in Encoding Award, and a Certificate of Appreciation for the SWDI Submission Excellence Award.

She added that the city was also conferred a Plaque of Appreciation for Exemplary Support to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you satisfied with the way Mayor Aguilar and the City Government are serving the constituents? Are you convinced that the City Government is compliant with the requirements of the national government agencies?

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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Japanese Embassy In Manila Confirms Unprecedented Surge Of Filipinos Who Applied For Visas

January 31, 2026January 30, 2026carlocarrasco

For Filipinos who want to visit Japan, a visa is often required which is something I can relate with. In recent times, there has been this lack of available slots for visa appointments and the Japanese embassy in Manila confirmed that there is an unprecedented surge of Filipino visa applicants, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Japan’s embassy in Manila is aware of the lack of available slots for visa appointments at its application centers and issued its response on the matter.

In a statement sent to the Manila Bulletin, the embassy cited the surge of Filipinos expressing interest in going to Japan.

Except during the surge of Covid-19 pandemic, the embassy said, Filipino visa applicants reached ”unprecedented levels.”

”The number of short-stay visas issued surged more than sixfold (6.15 times) over the decade from 2013 (73,143) to 2023 (450,087), and increased further to 490,907 in 2024,” it said.

According to the embassy, this prompted them to make significant changes in their visa processing system.

”In response to the increasing demand, the visa processing system underwent a fundamental overhaul starting April 2025 to maintain proper screening quality and streamline the process, transitioning to a Visa Application Center system,” it said.

”Furthermore, the introduction of the e-VISA began last December for visas issued to tourists in package tours organized by designated travel agencies,” it added.

The embassy acknowledged that people-to-people exchanges form the foundation of Philippines-Japan relations, and the embassy “welcomes our Filipino friends’ growing interest in visiting Japan, with the number of Filipino visitors reaching a record high of 880,000 in 2025.”

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Have you already applied for a visa to visit Japan over the past twelve months? How many people do you personally know want to visit Japan? If you intend to visit Japan soon, have you started finding out what the requirements are for application?

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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Philippines 2025 GDP Growth Lands At 4.4%

January 30, 2026January 29, 2026carlocarrasco

After much anticipation, the full gross domestic product (GDP) growth of the Philippines registered final pace of 4.4% for the whole year of 2025, according to a Manila Standard business news report.

For insight, the 4.4% 2025 GDP growth is even lower than what others anticipated (click here and here). It should be recalled that GDP growth in the 3^rd and 4^th quarters of last year showed clear signs of economic weakness. The said weakness is connected with the flood control corruption scandal that rocked the nation.

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

The Philippine economy expanded 4.4 percent in 2025 as a sharp slowdown in the final three months of the year dragged down the annual performance, government data showed on Thursday.

The gross domestic product grew 3.0 percent in the fourth quarter, marking the weakest quarterly expansion in five years. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said the industrial sector contracted by 0.9 percent during the period, while gross capital formation, a measure of investment, tumbled 10.9 percent.

Wholesale and retail trade, financial activities and public administration remained the primary drivers of growth during the October to December period.

Public administration and defense led the gains with a 7.9 percent increase, followed by financial and insurance activities at 5.6 percent and trade at 4.6 percent.

For the full year, the services sector led the economy with a 5.9-percent expansion, while agriculture, forestry and fishing grew 3.1 percent. The industrial sector recorded a modest 1.5 percent increase for all of 2025.

Consumer spending, which traditionally anchors the Philippine economy, rose 3.8 percent in the fourth quarter and 4.6 percent for the full year. Government spending saw a significant annual jump of 9.1 percent despite the year-end cooling.

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 will be able to bounce back strongly this year and achieve 5% growth later? Do you think the reforms being implemented by the national government will create positive economic results soon? Are you convinced that the flood control corruption scandal turned off a lot of foreign investors?

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 Intensifies Anti-Flooding Efforts

January 29, 2026January 24, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government continued its operations to prevent flooding and Mayor April Aguilar inspected the efforts on location, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Las Piñas City government has intensified its anti-flooding efforts through Operation Anti-Flood, with ongoing creek inspections and dredging activities aimed at reducing flood risks in vulnerable areas.

Mayor April Aguilar joined personnel from the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) during the inspection and dredging operations at Pasong Cobra Creek in Aventine Hills, Barangay Talon Dos.

Aguilar said Pasong Cobra Creek, which spans approximately 520 meters, has undergone extensive dredging operations conducted on December 29 and 30, and Jan. 3 to 10.

She said that during the operations, around 90 cubic meters of mud and silt were collected and removed to improve water flow and significantly reduce the risk of flooding in the area.

The mayor assessed the progress of the dredging activities and discussed the next steps to ensure the continuous cleaning and proper maintenance of the waterway.

She said the initiative forms part of the city’s broader flood prevention program, which prioritizes proactive and sustainable measures. Operations will continue until waterways are fully cleared and maintained in good condition.

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 the anti-flooding operations are sufficient enough? Are there huge parts of your local community that remain vulnerable to flooding during the rainy 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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Japanese Senior Citizen Severely Beaten And Robbed In Parañaque City

January 28, 2026January 27, 2026carlocarrasco

This past weekend in the city of Parañaque, a 62-year-old Japanese national got severely beaten and robbed by the suspect who temporarily got away with the cash (including foreign currency) and the Japanese passport, according to a GMA Network news report. The suspect was eventually arrested in Barangay San Dionisio.

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

A 62-year-old Japanese man sustained severe injuries after he was attacked in Parañaque City by a suspect who stole his bag containing cash and other valuables.

According to John Consulta’s Monday report on “24 Oras,” a viral video showed the suspect repeatedly striking the victim on the head while the latter was lying on the ground.

The suspect then grabbed the victim’s bag and fled as if nothing had happened. Authorities responded to the incident after receiving a report from a concerned citizen.

Meanwhile, the victim was found with his head, clothing and hat covered in blood. They recovered the wooden stick used in the attack.

Police said the victim may have been birdwatching in a wetland park area when he was attacked around 11 a.m. on Saturday. Stolen was cash amounting to P30,000 and Y30,000 (around P11,500) as well as a mobile phone and Japanese passport.

Authorities said communicating with the victim was difficult since he does not understand English.

Barangay officials said the victim sustained a crack in the skull and a partially split ear, which required stitches. He also suffered from swelling around the eye and is currently receiving treatment in a hospital.

For insight regarding the arrest of the suspect, posted below is an excerpt from the follow-up news report of GMA News. Some parts in boldface…

In a statement, the SPD identified the suspect as 49-year-old “Ariel”, who was arrested in a subdivision on Monday evening.

Recovered from the suspect were the victim’s sling bag, an iPhone 14, earpods, a Japanese passport, identification cards, an ATM card, a boarding pass, assorted Japanese coins, among others.

Ariel was brought to the hospital where the victim positively identified him.

A complaint for robbery with violence or intimidation of persons under Article 294 of the Revised Penal Code is being prepared against the suspect, according to the police.

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 violent thieves or robbers targeting foreigners within the city? Do you think this incident will turn off Japanese travelers from visiting the Philippines? Do you think violent crime in Parañaque will get much worse 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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IMF Trims Philippines Economic Growth Projections For 2026 And 2027

January 27, 2026January 20, 2026carlocarrasco

As far as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is concerned, issues of corruption and climate disruptions are enough to convince them to project economic growth of the Philippines at a slower pace not just for this year but also for next year, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Washington-based multilateral lender International Monetary Fund (IMF) has tweaked downwards its economic growth projections for the Philippines this year and the next, following its more somber outlook for 2025 amid corruption allegations and climate disruptions.

According to the IMF’s updated World Economic Outlook (WEO), Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) is now seen expanding at a slower 5.1 percent, down from its earlier forecast of 5.4 percent—both of which fall short of the country’s already lowered target of at least 5.5 percent.

Despite the cut, the IMF’s forecast remains slightly more optimistic than the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) assumption of a 4.6 percent growth rate, which the central bank has attributed to a loss of confidence tied to governance concerns.

For 2026 and 2027, the IMF also trimmed its growth forecasts to 5.6 percent from a previous 5.8 percent, and to 5.8 percent from 6.1 percent, respectively. The central bank’s projection of 5.4 percent for 2026 stands lower than the IMF’s forecast, while its 6.2 percent forecast for 2027 is higher.

These projections still fall within the revised targets, based on National Socioeconomic Planner Arsenio M. Baliscan’s lower growth assumptions. Baliscan expects growth to clock in at five to six percent in 2026, and 5.5 to 6.5 percent in 2027—both lowered from the earlier goals of six to seven percent.

According to the IMF, the downward adjustment for 2026 and 2027 “reflects the carryover impact from a downward revision in the IMF’s growth forecast for 2025—from 5.4 to 5.1 percent—and a slower pace of capital accumulation.”

It noted that the slashed GDP growth forecast for 2025 reflects the output slump in the third quarter of 2025 “amid recent corruption allegations and climate shocks impacting economic activity in the second half of the year.”

To recall, the Philippine economy expanded by four percent in the third quarter of 2025—the weakest in four and a half years.

Looking ahead, output expansion could accelerate slower than expected mainly due to the potential “escalation of trade restrictions and prolonged uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and disruptive financial market corrections.”

“On the upside, accelerated implementation of structural and governance reforms can boost investment and foreign direct investments (FDI), increase fiscal multipliers and boost potential growth,” the lender said.

What would drive the economy in the medium term is robust private consumption and higher investment, the IMF said, “supported by monetary policy easing and the authorities’ recent policy initiatives to support private investment.”

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 can somehow grow faster than what the IMF projected for 2026 and 2027? Do you think foreign investors have been turned off by the flood control corruption scandals?

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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Two Suspects Arrested In Parañaque City Over Illegal Substances Worth P408K

January 27, 2026January 20, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, two persons were apprehended as a result of a successful buy-bust operation organized by the police over illegal substances worth more than P400,000, 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…

Authorities from the Parañaque City Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) arrested two suspected drug pushers during a buy-bust operation on January 14.

The Southern Police District (SPD) identified the suspects as Abet, 38, a housekeeper, and Rol, 28. They were apprehended at around 7:35 p.m. at Centro Purok 7, Barangay Moonwalk, Parañaque City.

Police said operatives of the Parañaque City Police SDEU conducted the operation after Abet allegedly sold shabu to an undercover police officer.

Seized from Abet were five grams of shabu and two additional heat-sealed transparent sachets containing about 50 grams, with an estimated value of P374,000, including boodle money.

Meanwhile, operatives recovered from Rol approximately five grams of shabu worth P34,000.

In total, authorities confiscated about 60 grams of shabu valued at P408,000.

The suspects were brought to the Parañaque City Police SDEU custodial facility and were charged with violations of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

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 more traders of illegal drugs who have yet to be caught?

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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Illegal Substances Worth P476K Seized in Parañaque City, Suspect Apprehended

January 24, 2026January 18, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, local authorities arrested one suspect and seized illegal drugs worth P476,000 as a result of a successful buy-bust operation, 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…

Authorities arrested a drug suspect identified as a high-value individual (HVI) after he was caught selling shabu to an undercover police operative, resulting in the seizure of P476,000 worth of illegal drugs in Parañaque City on Jan. 17.

The Southern Police District (SPD) identified the suspect as MJ, 21, who was arrested at around 3:05 a.m. along Bayabas Street, Purok 7, Sampaloc Site 2, Parañaque.

Police said MJ was apprehended by operatives of the Parañaque City Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit during a buy-bust operation while he was allegedly selling shabu to an undercover officer.

Recovered during the operation were approximately 70 grams of shabu, consisting of one heat-sealed plastic sachet weighing about five grams, which served as the subject of sale, and 13 additional sachets weighing approximately 65 grams.

Also confiscated were the marked buy-bust money, a pink coin purse, and a green-cased iPhone cellular phone allegedly used in the transaction.

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 consider the city a hot spot of 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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Philippines Attracted 5.94 Million Foreign Tourists And 543K Overseas Filipinos In 2025

January 22, 2026January 22, 2026carlocarrasco

Finally, the Department of Tourism (DOT) revealed that 5.94 million foreign tourists and over 543,000 returning overseas Filipinos arrived in the Philippines in 2025 resulting in tourism revenue of P694 billion, according to a news release by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

For insight, the Philippines attracted 5,940,975 foreign visitors in 2025 which is 8,375 less compared with 2024’s foreign visitors. Ultimately, the Philippines is still behind many of its Southeast Asian neighbors on international tourism for 2025.

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

The Philippines recorded 6.4 million foreign visitors and returning overseas Filipinos in 2025, generating an estimated PHP694 billion in tourism receipts, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said Tuesday.

Citing Bureau of Immigration data, the DOT said 5,940,975 were foreign visitors, including cruise passengers and categories not fully captured in eTravel.

Another 543,085 were returning overseas Filipinos, bringing total inbound arrivals to 6,484,060.

The DOT said preliminary international visitor spending was estimated at PHP694 billion.

While arrivals remain below pre-pandemic levels in 2019, the DOT said the outcome was achieved despite global and domestic challenges, including travel alerts from key markets and fiscal constraints.

The agency said tourism performance should not be measured by arrivals alone, citing strong domestic travel, value creation and job generation.

Guided by the National Tourism Development Plan 2023–2028, the DOT said it remains focused on improving connectivity, safety, workforce skills and service standards.

For insight as to why the Philippines is having a lot of trouble attracting visitors from abroad, watch the YouTube videos below.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you agree with the Department of Tourism’s claim that tourism performance should not be measured by arrivals alone while the Philippines keeps on falling behind its Southeast Asian neighbors that attracted a lot more foreign tourists? Do you think the DOT should examine closely how satisfied or dissatisfied foreign tourists really are before they leave the country? Are you tired of seeing the Philippines failing to hit its annual international tourist arrival targets?

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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Two Indian Nationals Found And Arrested In Las Piñas City

January 22, 2026January 18, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, police officers successfully tracked down two Indian nationals using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology and arrested them for their involvement in a robbery incident, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Authorities from the Las Piñas City Police arrested two Indian nationals after swiftly resolving a robbery incident through a hot-pursuit operation aided by Global Positioning System (GPS) technology on Friday, Jan. 16.

Las Piñas Police Chief Col. Sandro Tafalla identified the suspects as “Sukhwinder,” 27, and “Jasdeep,” 33, both Indian nationals and residents of Taytay, Rizal. They were arrested at Villa Fidela Subdivision, Barangay Elias, Las Piñas City.

Tafalla said the victim, also an Indian national, 34, reported that he was approached by two men while parking his motorcycle in front of his residence. The suspects allegedly forcibly took his iPhone 16 Pro worth P73,000 and P10,000 in cash.

The victim added that after taking his valuables, the suspects immediately fled on board a motorcycle.

In a rapid, technology-driven response, Tafalla said responding police officers coordinated with the victim to activate the GPS feature of the stolen mobile phone, which led to the arrest of the suspects.

Authorities successfully recovered the stolen iPhone 16 Pro, the P10,000 cash, and a Motoposh EVO 150 motorcycle bearing plate number N580QH, along with the black-and-white helmets and red jacket allegedly worn by the suspects during the incident.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you thankful that the police successfully arrested the foreign suspects?

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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