Pinoy – Page 22 – Author Carlo Carrasco

I Love Israel: Talks of possible Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to boost Israeli investments into the Philippines

August 5, 2025July 30, 2025carlocarrasco

In recent times, Israel’s Minister of Economy and Industry Nir Barkat visited the Philippines and he has officially confirmed that the Jewish state and the nation of Filipinos are starting the process for initial negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA), according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). If an FTA is realized sometime in the future, it would mean more Israeli investments coming into the Philippines.

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

The announcement of the Philippines and Israel’s intention to pursue free trade agreement (FTA) talks is certain to bring in more Israeli investments into the country.

Visiting Israel Minister of Economy and Industry Nir Barkat said the Philippines and Israel “actually are starting the process” to initiate negotiations on a free trade deal.

“Usually, it takes few years to sign an FTA. By defining that we will, many investors will start collaborating now,” he told reporters on the sidelines of a reception in Taguig City on Tuesday night.

“When investors see that in a year, two years, at some point in time, there’s going to be an FTA, they (start) to invest already. The impact of announcing that we will be doing a deal together is quite immediate.“

Barkat said Israeli firms are eager to expand businesses on a number of areas, specifically agricultural technology and food technology in the Philippines. Israel, he said, is also intent on growing its already robust trade with the country.

“My goal is to have 10 times more trade in 15 to 20 years with all countries, including the Philippines. In order to scale to such volumes of trade, we need to put foundation for long term infrastructure, and that’s what we’re doing in this visit,” he told the Philippine News Agency in a separate interview.

Barkat said he sees the Philippines as a partner that could aptly “complement” Israel both by scale and scope.

In his 4th State of the Nation Address on Monday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the Philippines is ready to receive local and foreign investors, especially on agriculture.

This newest development shows the continuing growth of Israel-Philippines ties with trade in mind. Even though Israel remains fighting the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas in Gaza, the Jewish state still manages to have economic breakthroughs (click here and here). Given the fact that Israel won the 12-day War over terrorist state Iran, that alone is enough to be confident about Israel’s economy and the prospects of Israeli enterprises and entities investing overseas. Besides, the Philippines can benefit not only from the finances of Israeli investments, but also from Israel’s advanced technologies and job creation for Filipinos.

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!

I encourage you all to pray to the Lord God in support of Israel, to love and bless the Jewish people, and pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Pray to Him so that Israel-Philippines ties and cooperation will keep growing stronger and more resilient no matter what happens around the world.

If you truly believe in Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit and God the Heavenly Father wholeheartedly and you continue to be faithful, you should be aware that Christians are meant to stand united with Israel and love the Jewish people no matter what. You can do your part supporting Israel by donating to Christians United for Israel (CUFI). Do not forget to read the Holy Bible, then pray in tongues to the Lord in the privacy of your room with the door shut.

Always be the fearless and aggressive church of Lord Jesus! Always stand in support of Israel and its ties with the Philippines!

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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

Nomura says America’s 19% tariff may cut Philippines GDP growth slightly

August 5, 2025July 28, 2025carlocarrasco

In the middle of mixed reactions towards the United States’ 19% tariff on Philippine exports, Nomura Global Markets Research stated that the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth could be cut by 0.4%, according to a BusinessWorld news report. Recently, US President Donald Trump and Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., met in the White House which resulted in the new tariff.

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

THE United States’ 19% tariff on Philippine goods could cut the Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP) growth by 0.4 percentage point (ppt), Nomura Global Markets Research said.

In a report, Nomura said the US tariff of 19% on Philippine goods is “fairly high” and poses downside risks to growth.

“We estimate the direct effects could reduce our baseline GDP growth forecasts by a still-substantial 0.4 ppt in the Philippines.”

Nomura said this projection is “relatively substantial” compared to its baseline growth forecasts of 5.3% and 5.6% for this year and 2026, respectively.

“This is partly because we assigned 10% as the level where the reciprocal tariff rate could settle, on the assumption that the Philippines is a strong ally of the US and is not a third country for transshipments,” Nomura said.

“As it turns out, despite the visit to Washington by President Marcos and both sides reiterating the need for a strong partnership, the tariff was still set at 19%, which is even higher than the ‘Liberation Day’ level of 17%.”

Last week, Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. met with US President Donald J. Trump at the White House in Washington, DC. Mr. Trump announced a 19% tariff would be imposed on Philippine goods, which will take effect starting Aug. 1.

“The trade ‘deals’ therefore represent upside surprises in terms of tariff rates, especially for the Philippines,” Nomura said.

“As a result, if implemented and these tariff rates are sustained, these will likely further weigh on growth in both countries relative to our current baseline forecasts.”

The government expects GDP to grow by 5.5-6.5% this year, lower than its previous target of 6-8%.

“While these ballpark estimates make sense to us, uncertainty remains high and these are ‘only’ taking into account the direct effects on these ASEAN countries’ exports to the US,” Nomura said.

These estimates do not account for sectoral tariffs, such as in semiconductors and pharmaceuticals, which are currently exempted, it added.

“But as our US team highlights, the risk is these could be set higher, though some countries could be exempted, adding to the uncertainty. As mentioned above, the details of the trade deals with Indonesia and the Philippines are still limited.”

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines is in a serious disadvantage with the American tariff of 19% imposed on the nation’s exports? Do you think the Philippine economy still has strong momentum to reach 6% GDP growth by the end of this year?

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

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Investment firm Cerberus Capital Management will invest P15 billion more in the Philippines

August 4, 2025July 27, 2025carlocarrasco

While a lot of economists stated that the economy of the Philippines is unlikely to achieve 6% growth this year, the New York-based investment firm Cerberus Capital Management is investing an additional P15 billion in the country, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. For the newcomers reading this, Cerberus is the operator behind the Agila Subic Shipyard.

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

New York-based alternative investment firm Cerberus Capital Management is investing an additional PHP15 billion in the Philippines within a year, as it sees progress in its existing operations and government support for foreign investors.

The company, which operates the 300-hectare Agila Subic Shipyard, the former Hanjin Shipyard in Subic Bay that it acquired in 2022, disclosed the plan during a meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Washington, DC earlier this week.

In a press release Friday, the company said the additional investments will be used to update the shipyard and introduce new projects in logistics, energy, and transport infrastructure.

Cerberus managing director Alexander Benard said they are “encouraged by the progress we’ve seen and by the strong support from the Philippine government.”

“We believe the Philippines holds significant long-term potential as a regional hub for industrial and logistics activity. We look forward to building on this momentum and supporting the development of our key strategic assets in the Philippines,” he said.

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 experience a breakthrough of additional foreign investments over the next six months?

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 deports over 1,400 foreigners over immigration law violations

August 2, 2025July 26, 2025carlocarrasco

While Spain and other nations of Europe are struggling with the high number of illegal migrants and foreign nationals who keep on trespassing into their respective territories, the Philippines deported more than one thousand four hundred foreigners in the first half of 2025 over a series of violations of immigration law, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

The number of foreign nationals who were deported during the first half of the year doubled compared to last year, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported Friday.

According to Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, data from the bureau’s deportation and implementation unit (DIU) revealed that a total of 1,422 foreign nationals were deported due to immigration violations during the period. The BI recorded 717 deportees during the same period in 2024.

Chinese nationals topped the list with 957, followed by 231 Vietnamese, 41 South Koreans, 41 Malaysians, and 37 Burmese.

Viado said majority of the deportations were foreigners found to be illegally working in Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) in the country despite the ban.

“Our strengthened deportation protocols follow the directive of the President to act swiftly and remove foreigners who abuse our people’s hospitality. We will continue expediting the deportation of foreign nationals who violate our laws,” the BI chief added in a statement.

The BI earlier reported improvements in deportation protocols, including fast-tracking clearances in partnership with the National Bureau of Investigation, immediate resolution of cases suspected to be filed under the ‘demanda me’ scheme, regular coordination with embassies for swift issuance of travel documents, and opening of a new holding facility for arrested aliens. Meanwhile, Viado also reported the arrest on July 22 of two Sudanese nationals found to be undocumented in San Carlos City, Pangasinan.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the national authorities will be able to apprehend and deport more illegal aliens who are still on the lose all over the Philippines? Do you think the authorities can double the number of deportees by the end of this year?

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

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ADB sees Philippine economy growing by 5.6% this year

August 1, 2025July 24, 2025carlocarrasco

By pointing to a variety of factors, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) recently announced that the economy of the Philippines will grow by 5.6% this year, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). The ADB recently released its latest economy report.

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

The Philippines is expected to post the second highest economic growth in Southeast Asia this year despite the downgrade in growth outlook due to external headwinds, a report released by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) showed.

In its Asian Development Outlook July 2025 report released on Wednesday, the ADB said Philippine economic growth is expected to settle at 5.6 percent this year.

The growth outlook for the Philippines is the second highest in Southeast Asia, next to Vietnam’s 6.3 percent. Indonesia is projected to grow by 5 percent, Malaysia by 4.3 percent, Singapore by 1.6 percent, and Thailand by 1.8 percent.

For 2026, growth is expected to slightly pick up to 5.8 percent.

The ADB’s latest projection, however, was lower than its 6 percent for 2024 and 6.1 percent for 2025 economic growth forecast amid external headwinds. The Philippine economy grew by 5.4 percent in the first quarter of the year.

“Domestic demand grew 6.7 percent, supported by easing inflation and monetary policy. However, net exports dragged on growth as brisk imports outpaced exports,” the ADB said. It added that manufacturing index (PMI) recovered slightly to 50.7 in June from 50.1 in May.

“Consumer sentiment was positive in the near term. Unemployment was low at 3.9 percent in May, and remittance growth of 3.0 percent helped sustain household spending,” it said.

The ADB, however, said that business confidence softened amid heightened global policy uncertainties.

According to the ADB, economic forecasts for most countries in Southeast Asia have been downgraded for 2025 and 2026 due to the continuing global growth slowdown and increased trade uncertainty.

“Weaker external conditions have hurt business and consumer sentiment and threaten to disrupt investment in the subregion,” it said.

“Except for Indonesia, the largest economy in the subregion, all Southeast Asian economies are expected to post weaker growth in the next two years.”

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think it is still possible for the economy of the Philippines reach 6% GDP growth by the end of 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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Parañaque Congressman Yamsuan tells graduates there is nothing wrong with starting at the bottom

July 31, 2025July 24, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in Parañaque City, the 2^nd District Representative Brian Yamsuan told the newest graduates of Parañaque City College (PCC) not to be ashamed of starting at the bottom, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. He tried to inspire many during PCC’s graduation rites.

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

Don’t be ashamed of starting at the bottom.

Parañaque City 2nd district Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan gave this message to this year’s graduating batch from the Parañaque City College (PCC) as they try to transition from learners to workers.

Yamsuan recalled how in all the jobs he undertook before he became a government official–from being a fastfood restaurant worker and a taxi driver, to being a young Senate staff member doing menial tasks–he always did his best, and kept in mind that no task is too small or beneath him.

“I had the mindset that the way we do the small things says a lot about how we will handle bigger things,” Yamsuan said in his speech before the PCC Class of 2025 during the school’s recognition rites held on July 21.

“And so, when you enter the workforce and perhaps starting at the very bottom, approach every role with respect, gratitude, and the willingness to grow. Humility is the first step to becoming better. Kung magsimula kayo sa baba, huwag kayong mahiya (If you start at the bottom, don’t be ashamed of it),” he added.

Yamsuan underscored the importance of humility, compassion, and integrity in shaping the character and actions of today’s youth.

“Let humility be your foundation, to keep you grounded and always learning. Let compassion be your compass, guiding how you treat others. And let integrity be your anchor, reminding you who you are, no matter how far you go,” he said.

In a world that prioritizes speed and competition, Yamsuan told graduates to never forget the power of kindness and compassion in positively changing people’s lives and creating an impact that goes beyond profits and success.

“In whatever job you decide to do, let compassion lead you to serve others,” Yamsuan said. “In whatever field you choose to pursue, never lose sight of why you’re there: the people.”

As a public servant, Yamsuan said compassion is at the core of everything he does—from crafting laws, policies and programs to engaging directly with the people to understand their hopes and daily struggles.

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 today’s newest batch of college graduates have a lot of challenges to face as they hunt for available jobs? Do you find Congressman Yamsuan’s message to PCC graduates inspiring?

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

Department of Finance (DOF) says 6% economic growth is quite difficult to achieve this year

July 31, 2025July 23, 2025carlocarrasco

The uncertainty about this year’s economic growth for the Philippines has gotten stronger as the Department of Finance (DOF) admitted that achieving 6% growth is quite difficult, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The DOF pointed to external shocks that are affecting the national economy.

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

While the Philippine economy has already been recovering from its deep recession during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, hitting its growth potential of six percent would be challenging given the global uncertainties spilling over domestically, according to the Department of Finance (DOF).

“We do think that the potential of the Philippines is at the minimum six-percent growth. But of course, it’s quite difficult, especially knowing some of the challenges that we’re seeing,” DOF Undersecretary and Chief Economist Domini Velasquez told reporters during the Philippine thrift banks’ annual convention on Tuesday, July 15.

Just before the initial three-month pause on reciprocal tariffs ended on July 9, United States (US) President Donald Trump had stretched it to Aug. 1, but hiked the rates for Philippine exports to 20 percent from 17 percent previously, repeatedly citing the “significant and persistent trade deficit” that the trade giant has with its former colony.

Velasquez noted that the tariff hike was among the uncertainties that the Cabinet-level Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) had considered in downscaling its growth target for the year, through 2028.

Last month, the economic team slashed its 2025 GDP growth target to between 5.5 percent and 6.5 percent from six- to 6.5-percent previously. Cited as factors were heightened external uncertainties, especially the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and the imposition of US tariffs.

Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto told reporters during an informal press chat on Wednesday, July 16, that he expects the economy to accelerate “significantly” in the second quarter compared to the previous quarter.

“In effect, the target is still six percent for the year,” Recto noted, taking off from the recently revised growth goal. “Realistically, it’s probably around 5.7 percent or 5.8 percent for the year. It depends, because there’s a lot of uncertainty—uncertainty with trade policy.”

“But I think the second quarter will definitely be better than the first,” Recto said, noting that the improvement will be driven by both government and household consumption.

The DBCC had also narrowed the growth target range for 2026 to 2028 to six to seven percent, from the previously more ambitious six to eight percent.

“We did recognize those [tariffs]. When we dialed down on our growth target in 2025, it’s really because of the external factors that we were seeing,” Velasquez said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the national economy is not strong enough to achieve 6% GDP growth by the end of this year? What do you think the national government should do to strengthen economic growth and make the Philippines more attractive to foreign investors? Do you think the Philippines still has a chance to convince America to lower its planned tariff on Philippine-made goods?

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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CIDG seizes P121.4-M substandard Apple products and arrests two suspects in Parañaque City

July 30, 2025July 22, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in Parañaque City, elements of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) seized more than P120 million worth of substandard Apple products and arrested two suspects, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested two individuals and seized substandard Apple products worth PHP121.4 million in Parañaque City.

In a statement on Monday, CIDG acting chief Brig. Gen. Romeo Macapaz said the suspects “Crissa” and “Charles” were caught in the act of selling assorted Apple products such as iPhone, Apple Watch and accessories without the required clearance from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and registration from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), during the operation in a residential compound in Barangay Tambo on July 19.

This act violates Articles 18 and 50 of Republic Act 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines, in relation to Section 2 of NTC Memorandum Circular 08-08-2004A.

The CIDG seized nine boxes of Apple iWatches (225 units), 14 boxes of MagSafe chargers (531 units), 92 boxes of AirPods (4,580 units), including seven boxes of charger adaptors (2,652 units), 37 boxes of charger sets (6,664 units), 18 boxes of iPhone accessories (1,033 units), one box of car chargers (70 units), 10 boxes of charging cords (1,740 units), two boxes of handheld fans (87 units), three boxes of hair dryers (77 units), three boxes of Beats Solo headphones (126 units), one unit of iPhone 16, and one box of earphones (110 units) with estimated market value of PHP121.47 million.

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 selling of substandard technology products a major problem in the city? Who do you think is responsible for the many substandard products of Apple that entered 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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Chinese nationals arrested in Cavite, two women rescued

July 29, 2025July 19, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the province of Cavite, elements of the Bureau of Immigration’s (BI) fugitive search unit arrested three Chinese over varied violations and rescued two women who were held against their will, 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…

A Chinese national, who is allegedly linked to illegal drugs activities and human trafficking, has been arrested in Cavite by agents of the Bureau of Immigration Fugitive Search Unit (BIFSU).

BIFSU Chief Rendel Ryan Sy identified the suspect as Jin Tian, 26, who was arrested in his residence in General Trias City last July 15.

During the operation in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine Navy, two women allegedly held against their will were rescued, Sy said.

At the same time, Sy said that two other male Chinese nationals were arrested during the operation. They were identified as Sun Yong, 36, and Liu Zhiwei, 33. Sun was found by PDEA operatives to be in possession of a substance believed to be shabu and drug paraphernalia.

Sy also said that the three Chinese nationals were found to be overstaying aliens for failure to present any valid immigration documentation. Also, Jin was found to have two derogatory records for overstaying.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you concerned that there could be more Chinese fugitives as well as overstaying fugitives hiding 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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Two Men Arrested in Parañaque City Over Theft of Electrical Materials and Plumbing Fixtures

July 29, 2025July 21, 2025carlocarrasco

Did you notice any faucets or wires missing in your household lately? Recently in Parañaque City, two men were arrested over the theft of faucets and wires from a private residence located in Barangay Sto. Niño, according to a Daily Tribune news report. The suspects attempted to escape.

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

Two men were arrested early Sunday, 20 July, after allegedly stealing electrical materials and plumbing fixtures from a private residence along Ninoy Aquino Avenue, Barangay Sto. Niño, Parañaque City.

The suspects, both unemployed and residents of Sitio Libijo, were identified as 25-year-old alias “Rowel” and 22-year-old alias “Jasper.”

Both were caught around 1:30 a.m. while security officers were conducting routine patrols. Authorities said the suspects were carrying a white sack and attempted to escape but were quickly apprehended.

A search of their belongings yielded 18 water faucets valued at around P135,000, two regulator gauges worth P7,000, three rolled royal cords valued at P5,000, and a gray wire.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, did you notice anyone stealing wires and faucets in your local community 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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