Pinoy – Page 32 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Las Piñas City Mayor April Aguilar Leads Emergency Briefing on Habagat Response

July 24, 2025July 22, 2025carlocarrasco

In the City of Las Piñas, the new Mayor April Aguilar led the emergency operations briefing as the local authorities responded to the needs of the constituents who were affected by the heavy torrential rain that lasted for days affecting Metro Manila, the City Government confirmed via social media. The City Government remains on high alert and has been monitoring the situation as of this posting.

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

Mayor April Aguilar led an emergency operations briefing on Tuesday morning following the severe flooding that hit the city, caused by heavy torrential rain shortly after midnight and a high tide from Manila Bay early this morning.

*The new Mayor April Aguilar at the emergency center of operations of Las Piñas. (photo source – Las Piñas PIO)*

The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) reported that intense rainfall began at 12:45 AM, leading to rapid water accumulation in several barangays. The situation was further aggravated by a 1.2-meter high tide from Manila Bay at around 7:00 AM, which contributed to the widespread flooding in low-lying areas.

As of the 10:00 AM report, 17 barangays have been affected, with 146 flooded areas recorded throughout the city. A total of 504 families, or 1,669 individuals, have been evacuated to 17 designated evacuation centers managed by the city government.

*Mayor Aguilar talks with the emergency operations team members. (photo source – Las Piñas PIO)*

Key city department heads were present during the briefing, including representatives from the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), City Engineering Department, City Health Office, City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), and the Public Information Office, all of whom provided situational updates and coordinated ongoing response actions. Also in attendance were District 1 City Councilors Alelee Aguilar and Robert Cristobal, who joined the discussions on resource deployment and community support.

To respond to emergency calls, the city deployed 14 response teams composed of 94 personnel, including units for water search and rescue, evacuation support, and debris clearing. A total of 53 rescue requests have been received, with 30 already completed.

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 City Government and its emergency personnel has done enough to assist those who were affected by the heavy rain? Was there a lot of flooding 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.

+++++

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 at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

Online Lending Company Raided and 168 Employees Arrested Over Harassment Allegations

July 24, 2025July 16, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Pasig, law enforcers raided an online lending firm and arrested one hundred and sixty-eight employees over alleged harassment of several borrowers, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. It should be noted that one of the victims committed suicide due to harassment over money borrowed from the raided firm.

For the newcomers reading this, this is the latest development about local companies that lend money to clients who later get harassed or threatened as ways to compel them to pay back. There were similar developments that happened over the past few years which you can see by clicking here, here, here and here.

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

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) on Tuesday said an inter-agency operation in Pasig City has resulted in the arrest of 168 employees of an online lending company allegedly harassing borrowers.

In a statement, the PAOCC said the operation was conducted at the 22nd floor of Robinsons Equitable Tower in Pasig City, the main operating hub of Creditable Lending Corporation, the company behind the online lending application Easy Peso.

The operation was led by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG), and the PNP-CIDG, with support from the PAOCC, the National Privacy Commission (NPC), and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) by virtue of a Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD) issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 46 in Manila.

Authorities seized hundreds of computers and several company-issued mobile phones allegedly used for harassment during debt collection, along with hundreds of pre-registered SIM cards, text blasters, and harassment scripts.

The raid followed months of surveillance and investigation, aided by the testimony of a former employee who came forward to expose how the company misled and harassed borrowers.

According to the PAOCC, some victims were directed to send payments to personal GCash or bank accounts under the guise of clearing their loans, only to be contacted again by collectors despite having paid.

This operation comes just days after a man from Valenzuela City took his own life after suffering harassment from individuals connected with Easy Peso.

“May isang buhay na nawala dahil sa pang-aabuso ng isang lending app. Hindi utang ang pumatay sa kanya kundi ‘yung walang-awang pangha-harass (A life was gone due to the abuses of a lending app. The victim did not die due to his debt, but due to cruel harassment),” PAOCC Executive Director Gilbert Cruz said.

“Sa bawat biktima, huwag kayong matakot. Hindi kayo nag-iisa. Nandito ang gobyerno na handa kayong tulungan (To each victim, don’t be scared. You are not alone. The government is here ready to help you) ,” he said

Meanwhile, the SEC is reviewing the company’s legal and regulatory compliance, as its operations appear to have exploited the system while falsely claiming legitimacy.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there are still a lot of online lending firms that planned to harass or threaten its borrowers? Do you know anyone who borrowed money from such firms only to get threated to pay back? Did you notice the presence of online lending firms 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.

+++++

Las Piñas City Recognized for HRM Excellence, Receives Bronze Award

July 23, 2025July 15, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City was awarded by the Civil Service Commission’s Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management (PRIME-HRM) for excellence on its management of human resources and Mayor April Aguilar formally received the Bronze Award, 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 City of Las Piñas was formally presented with the Bronze Award under the Civil Service Commission’s Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management (PRIME-HRM) during the city’s weekly flag raising ceremony held on Monday morning, July 14, at the City Hall Quadrangle.

Mayor April Aguilar personally received the recognition, which was granted through CSC Resolution No. 2400438. The award highlights the city’s effective implementation of documented human resource systems and its achievement of process-defined status across four core areas of HRM.

During the ceremony, Mayor Aguilar expressed her appreciation to the city government employees and the Human Resource Management Office for their sustained efforts in professionalizing systems and meeting institutional standards required by the Civil Service Commission.

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 delighted to see your city winning a new award?

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

+++++

Government pushing direct international access to Philippine tourist hubs

July 22, 2025July 14, 2025carlocarrasco

In what is clearly an attempt to help the Philippines attract more foreign tourists, the government is pushing to open regional tourism and business hubs to international flights which should enable foreigners to have better access to other parts of the country, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

For context, it has been reported already that the Philippines is failing on attracting foreign tourists when compared to the other Southeast Asian nations. In 2024, the Philippines attracted less than 6 million foreign tourists and the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) declared target for the year was 7.7 million foreign tourists.

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

President Marcos has underscored the government’s push to open regional tourism and business hubs to international flights, saying these would allow foreign travelers to skip Metro Manila and head straight to their chosen destinations.

Marcos said this as he led the groundbreaking of the Caticlan Passenger Terminal Building in Aklan on Monday, July 18.

In his speech, the President said regional airports such as Caticlan are key to welcoming foreign travelers directly to Philippine destinations, bypassing Metro Manila and stimulating regional economies.

“We are slowly putting together the building blocks of our policy of opening up our tourist areas… to international travelers without having to go through the Manila Airport,” he said.

Marcos added that the new passenger terminal, which will serve as the main airport gateway to Boracay and other destinations in Western Visayas, would help ease travel to the region and boost economic activity.

“It is not just Aklan who is involved in this; it is the entire region that will be assisted by the construction of this terminal building,” he said.

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 establish new ways for foreign tourists to skip Metro Manila and move on to their chosen destinations located in other parts of the country? On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate the current state of tourism in the Philippines?

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

+++++

Muntinlupa City’s Sidewalk Vendors Meet With Mayor

July 22, 2025July 16, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, several local vendors from specific locations met with Mayor Ruffy Biazon at City Hall and discussed relevant issues, 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 held a dialogue with Muslim vendors operating on sidewalks in Alabang.

Biazon said the vendors operate in the Alabang viaduct, Alabang junction, Montillano Street, Petron gas station, and Liana’s, all located in Alabang.

He recently ordered the Muntinlupa Traffic Management Bureau and cooperatives to conduct an inspection of sidewalks of the Alabang viaduct area and Alabang public market.

“Dahil nandito ang transportation hubs, I see Alabang Viaduct as the gateway of Muntinlupa. At bilang gateway, gusto natin na kapag nadaanan ito ng mga tao, ang unang impression nila: maayos, malinis, at disiplinado ang Muntinlupa (Because the transportation hubs are here, I see Alabang Viaduct as the gateway of Muntinlupa. And as a gateway, what we want is when people pass through it, their first impression is: Muntinlupa is neat, clean, and disciplined).”

He said what the city government wants is for the sidewalks to be walkable and the goods, trash and obstruction do not hinder pedestrians. On the other hand, Biazon said he recognizes that sidewalks offer income opportunities for some of the residents.

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 vendors should be allowed to occupy space on sidewalks to be able to do business? Do you think that obstruction on sidewalks add to the possibility of accidents happening? Do you think that vendors who are not certified residents of Muntinlupa City should not be allowed to sell 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.

+++++

Satellite Voter Registration in Las Piñas City Set for August 1 to 10

July 21, 2025July 14, 2025carlocarrasco

In relation with the Commission on Election’s (COMELEC) announcement of a nationwide voter registration process, the COMELEC office in Las Piñas City announced that satellite voter registration processes will happen in several parts of the city from August 1 to 10, 2025, 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…

The Las Piñas Commission on Elections (Comelec) scheduled a satellite voter’s registration in nine areas in the city on August 1 to 10.

According to the Las Piñas Public Information Office (PIO), the satellite voter registration conducted by the Comelec will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The registration will be conducted from Mondays to Fridays, including Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays, except when declared by the Comelec.

The Comelec will hold voter registration in the following areas: Metals Road, Camella 4 Subdivision in Barangay Pamplona Tres; Villar Gymnasium function room located at Barangay Talon Dos; Bernabe compound in Barangay Pulanglupa Uno; Gatchalian Subdivision in Barangay Manuyo Dos; Colours Town Marcos Alvarez; San Antonio Valley 17 in Barangay Talon Kuatro; Carmencita Village in Barangay Talon Tres; Almanza Dos Barangay Hall; and at Robinsons Mall ground floor located along Alabang-Zapote Road.

The Comelec advised residents to check their FB page on the dates when the mentioned areas will hold the voter satellite registration.

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? How many people in your local community need to get registered with the local COMELEC office?

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

+++++

Philippines office leasing market rebounds strongly despite POGO ban

July 20, 2025July 13, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently the real estate advisory firm Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC) announced that the office leasing market of the Philippines rebounded strongly in the first half of 2025 even though there were many Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) that closed down due to the government ban on them, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. It should be noted that the POGO ban resulted in weaker demand for office spaces in 2024.

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

The office leasing market sustained a strong momentum in the first half of 2025, with demand reaching 67 percent of full-year 2024, despite the withdrawal of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), real estate advisory firm Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC) said Thursday.

“Demand has been strong for the first half of the year. We believe it will continue. We never know what will happen, but we are optimistic about it,” Mikko Barranda, LPC director for Commercial Leasing, said during the presentation of the LPC Q2 2025 Philippine Property Market Report in Makati City.

The Information Technology and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) took up 50 percent of the total leasing activity, or 365,000 square meters, in the first half of 2025.

Traditional industries, on the other hand, accounted for 48 percent, or 354,000 sqm, of the demand, while government offices took the rest of the share at 21,000 sqm.

At least 79 percent, or 581,000 sqm, of the overall demand came from Metro Manila, with Bonifacio Global City representing 146,000 sqm, while provincial demand was at 21 percent to 159,000 sqm, with Cebu covering 81,000 sqm.

Barranda reported that the net demand has breached more than 50 percent to 271,000 sqm of the firm’s projection for the year.

“Contractions are tapering off and net take-up in terms of what we have projected back in Q1, which we feel will be at 490,000 sqm levels, were already touching 55 percent,” he said.

In the absence of POGOs, LPC Chief Executive Officer David Leechiu said this surge is already the highest since 2017.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? How far do you think the current surge of office leasing market will go by the end of the year? Do you think there are a lot more companies out there actively searching for office spaces to rent?

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

+++++

Prominent Muntinlupa Hotels Recognized by City Government for Exceptional Resilience

July 19, 2025July 12, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, prominent hotels The Bellevue Manila, Crimson Hotel and Somerset Alabang Manila were recognized by the City Government for resilience during times of crisis, according to a news report by the Daily Tribune.

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

The local government of Muntinlupa announced that three prominent hotels were recognized for their exceptional resilience in navigating various crises, from the recent pandemic to natural calamities.

In a statement, Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon said that the awards highlight not just business success but also the steadfastness of these enterprises in the face of adversity.

Crimson Hotel secured the first prize for the Most Resilient Business Enterprise, followed by The Bellevue Manila in second place and Somerset Alabang in third.

“This isn’t just an award for business success, but for resilience amidst crisis,” Biazon said. “From the pandemic to various calamities, they have continuously remained open, provided assistance, and served as a pillar for our city.”

He also stressed that true success is measured not only by how high one reaches but by one’s fortitude during challenges.

“I salute businesses that not only recovered but also became part of the solution,” Biazon said, acknowledging the crucial role these establishments played.

“Muntinlupa’s hospitality industry, particularly its hotels, often finds itself on the front lines during disasters. These establishments frequently serve as evacuation sites and partners in emergency response efforts,” he added.

The mayor also said that resilience is not accidental as it requires deliberate planning, preparation, and effort, encompassing robust business continuity planning, comprehensive staff training, and close coordination with local government units.

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 to know that the prominent hotels played key roles in dealing with crisis?

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

+++++

Barangay Captains of Las Piñas City Welcomed by Mayor April Aguilar

July 18, 2025July 13, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, Mayor April Aguilar welcomed several barangay captains at City Hall and met them, the City Government confirmed via social media. Former Mayor and current Vice Mayor Imelda Aguilar was present.

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

Mayor April Aguilar and Vice Mayor Mel Aguilar warmly welcomed the Barangay Captains of Las Piñas during a courtesy visit held at the Las Piñas City Hall.

The delegation, led by Las Piñas Liga ng mga Barangay President, Councilor Jose Mauricio Riguera, visited Mayor April Aguilar and Vice Mayor Mel Aguilar to extend their congratulations on their recent electoral victory and to express their collective commitment to working closely with the city government in pursuit of good governance, grassroots development, and responsive public service.

During the visit, the barangay leaders recognized Mayor Aguilar’s ability to connect with communities and shared their intention to work closely with her office to help ensure continued development and effective delivery of public services in every barangay.

Mayor Aguilar expressed her appreciation for their show of support and committed to maintaining strong coordination with all 20 barangays of Las Piñas.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Was your barangay captain among those who met with Mayor Aguilar at City Hall? What do you hope to see from the City Government that would benefit your local community? Do you think there will be closer relationships between the City Government and the barangays of the city over the next three years?

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

+++++

Two ex-POGO workers arrested in Las Piñas City for selling fake money online

July 17, 2025July 10, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, local police officers apprehended two persons (both previously worked for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators or POGOs) for selling fake money online, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

Two former Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) workers were arrested for allegedly selling fake money online in Las Piñas City, the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP ACG) said on Friday.

In a press conference held at Camp Crame in Quezon City, PNP ACG Director Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang said suspects alias “Usa,” 18, a resident of Cotabato City; and “Agila,” 30, of Zamboanga Del Sur were arrested by the Northern District Anti-Cybercrime Team, in coordination with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), in an entrapment operation in Barangay Manuyo Dos on Wednesday.

“’Yung dalawang nahuli natin, we can confirm that they are former employees of POGO. Ito ay mga driver ng ating POGO companies. They started selling these fake money nung nag-stop na sila sa POGO (These two we caught, we can confirm that they are former POGO employees … They were drivers of POGO companies. They started selling this fake money when POGOs were shut down),” Yang said.

He said the suspects mainly operated in Metro Manila, according to reports.

In November last year, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order 74, ordering the immediate ban of the Philippine offshore gaming, internet gaming and other offshore gaming operations.

The entrapment operation stemmed from a report by the BSP regarding the rampant online sale of fake currency.

In response, the Northern District Anti-Cybercrime Team intensified its cyber patrolling efforts until they came across a social media post by one of the suspects offering a counterfeit PHP1,000 bill for sale at PHP150.

A total of 150 counterfeit thousand-peso bills were confiscated from the suspects, who sold them for PHP22,500 during the operation.

“May online group talaga na nagbebenta. Several groups ito. So, sinumbong namin ito sa ACG (There really are online groups where they sell these. There are several groups. So, we reported this to the ACG),” BPS Payments and Currency Investigation Group officer Mark Fajardo said at the press conference.

“Hindi maganda. Medyo apurahan ang pagkakagawa kasi hindi sila sanay (It’s not good. How it was done seems sloppy because they were not experienced),” Fajardo told reporters when asked about the quality of the counterfeit money confiscated

He said they are able to tell the fake banknotes apart because the watermark on them was more apparent and the security thread was only printed.

When asked whether the police have already determined who had supplied the fake banknotes, Yang said they are looking into a bigger figure.

The suspects are detained at the ACG custodial facility and will be facing charges for violation of Article 168 (Illegal Possession and Use of False Treasury or Bank Notes and Other Instruments of Credit) in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

Yang said the operation aligns with the directive of PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III to intensify cyber patrolling and implement immediate action to prevent cybercriminals from exploiting social media platforms.

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 concerned that the selling of fake money could grow into a serious problem within 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.

+++++

	Instapundit »… on Hezbollah Terrorist Who Worked…
	☆.♪°.ＣＬＡＲＡ♪・°☆.♪ on I Visited The Western Wall…
	☆.♪°.ＣＬＡＲＡ♪・°☆.♪ on I Visited The Western Wall…
	Travel Channel on I Visited The Western Wall…
	#gaza on Hezbollah Terrorist Who Worked…

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: