Pinoy – Page 81 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Typhoon Enteng victims of Muntinlupa receive assistance from City Government

September 5, 2024September 4, 2024carlocarrasco

Very recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, local residents who got displaced by Typhoon Enteng received assistance from the City Government, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Mayor Ruffy Biazon and local officials visited the victims and distributed goods to them at the evacuation centers.

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

The Muntinlupa City government distributed relief goods on Sept. 3 to families that were affected by tropical storm Enteng and now temporarily sheltered in evacuation centers in the city.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon, together with city and barangay officials, went to different evacuation centers in barangays to distribute the goods.

On Sept. 2, Biazon went to Barangays Bayanan (which has the highest number of evacuees), Cupang and Poblacion.

The Victoria Homes and Villa Carolina 1 Subdivision in Barangay Tunasan were visited by Gender and Development Office focal point system Chairperson Trina Biazon together with Barangay Captain Dave Arcilla and former barangay captain Walter Arcilla and distributed hot meals.

Muntinlupa’s Social Services Department (SSD) also gave emergency kits that include hygiene supplies, basic kitchen utensils, gas stove, grocery items and rice.

The Muntinlupa City Health Office distributed doxycycline capsules to barangay health workers and evacuees as protection against leptospirosis.

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 typhoon victims are receiving enough care from the local authorities?

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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BIR confirms that more medicines have been exempted from VAT

September 5, 2024August 28, 2024carlocarrasco

In case you missed the news, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) recently announced that several more medicines have been exempted from the value-added tax (VAT), according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. The newly exempted medicines cover those related to cancer, high cholesterol, hypertension, and mental illness.

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

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said 15 more medicines for cancer, high cholesterol, hypertension, and mental illness are now exempted from value-added tax (VAT).

In a statement on Wednesday, the BIR said Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. issued Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 93-2024 last Aug. 27, exempting from VAT certain medicines for cancer, high cholesterol, hypertension, and mental illness.

“The BIR is now a service-oriented agency, this includes the regular update of medicines that will fall under VAT-Exempt products. The BIR supports the government’s thrust in helping the public have access to more affordable healthcare and medicine,” Lumagui said.

The bureau said the circular was made in response to the updated list of VAT-Exempt Products from the Food and Drug Administration, under Republic Act (RA) 10963 and RA 11534.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Did you notice any changes in the prices of medicines you bought recently? Are many members of your local community aware of this new development?

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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Dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo caught overseas, will be brought back to the Philippines

September 5, 2024September 4, 2024carlocarrasco

On the late evening of September 3 in Indonesia, the dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo got arrested by the local authorities and she will be brought back here in the Philippines very soon, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. For the newcomers reading this, Guo (AKA Guo Hua Ping) is wanted in the Philippines and there are charges of tax evasion and money laundering against her.

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

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday confirmed the arrest of former Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo, also known as Guo Hua Ping, in Tangerang City, Jakarta, Indonesia.

In a statement, the DOJ said Guo was apprehended at 11:58 p.m. on Sept. 3, according to Senior Superintendent Audie Latuheru of the Indonesian Police.

“This development has been verified by our counterparts in Immigration, who have confirmed that Ms. Guo is currently in the custody of the Indonesian Police at Jatanras Mabes Polri,” the DOJ said.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla welcomed the development, saying Guo’s arrest is a testament to the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies and the strength of international cooperation in bringing fugitives to justice.

“We will ensure that all legal processes are followed to hold her accountable for any crimes committed. The DOJ is committed to pursuing justice and will continue to coordinate closely with Indonesian authorities to facilitate the necessary legal procedures,” he said.

Guo is facing complaints about her alleged involvement in the illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country and questions about her citizenship.

Despite being the subject of an immigration lookout bulletin due to the ongoing investigations, Guo was able to leave the country last July 18.

Guo reportedly headed to Malaysia, arrived in Singapore on July 21, and traveled to Indonesia on Aug. 18.

Guo’s sister, Shiela, and business associate Cassandra Li Ong were earlier arrested in Indonesia and already sent back to the Philippines.

During the Senate Subcommittee on Justice and Human Rights hearing, Shiela admitted she left the country with the dismissed mayor by boat.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) is expecting the return of the dismissed mayor to the country anytime soon following her arrest in Indonesia.

“We have immediately forwarded the information to the Department of Justice and the Office of the Executive Secretary. The information has been confirmed by our immigration counterparts in Indonesia, and we are very happy with this development,” BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said in a statement.

The BI chief also believes Guo’s return to the Philippines will shed light on many questions about her illegal departure, as well as allow her to face the charges filed against her.

Meanwhile, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., welcomed the arrest of Guo and assured the public of the resolution of cases against her.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you expect Alice Guo to tell the truth once she gets questioned by government officials again after her anticipated return here in the Philippines? Do you think mainland China is somehow involved in secretly transporting Guo and companions from the Philippines to overseas?

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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19 people arrested in Cavite for voice phishing and scamming, credit card applications found

September 5, 2024August 29, 2024carlocarrasco

After more than three months of surveillance on a house in Imus, Cavite, elements of the Philippine National Police (PNP) conducted a raid and arrested nineteen individuals for scamming and voice phishing, according to a GMA Network news report. Several charges have been filed against the suspects.

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

A rapper and his girlfriend vlogger were among the 19 individuals arrested during a raid in a voice phishing lair in Imus, Cavite.

In Jun Veneracion’s report on “24 Oras” Thursday, authorities conducted a three-month surveillance on a house in Imus town before they conducted the operation. Several suspects attempted to escape resulting in a chase at the nearby farm.

According to the Philippine National Police-Anti-Cybercrime Group investigation, it’s been three months since the rapper was recruited into the scheme. The report said the rapper thought it was a legal business at first.

“Parang gusto na nila umalis kaso nasagawa na natin ang operasyon,” said PNP-ACG spokesperson Wallen Mae Arancillo.

(They were planning to get out of the group, but it’s too late as we have already conducted our operation.)

The PNP-ACG said that the couple could be having difficulty leaving the team because of the money.

“P5 million per week ang kinikita nila and I believe by percentage sila kung ilan ang tao na ma-scam nila (They earn P5 million a week and I believe are paid by percentage depending on the number of individuals they are able to scam).

Seized during the operation were credit card applications used by the suspect for the scam. There were also scripts found.

“Meron tayong nakausap na victim na imbes na panggamot sa anak nya sana ay na-scam, kaya namatay ito,” said Arancillo.

(One of the victims told us that his child died after he lost the money supposed to be used for the treatment through the scam.)

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Did you think there are still lots of groups of scammers still operating using voice phishing? Did you receive any phone calls from individuals claiming to be representatives of banks and credit card companies? Were there any members of your local community who got scammed?

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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DOTr postpones news rules and imposition of fines for motorists with no RFID to October 1, 2024

September 4, 2024August 28, 2024carlocarrasco

This is for motorists who have been traveling along the highways without radio frequency identification (RFID) tags or with insufficient load. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) recently announced that it has officially postponed to October 1, 2024 the implementation of new tollway guidelines and fines, according to a BusinessWorld news report. The implementation was supposed to have happened on August 31.

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

THE Department of Transportation (DoTr) postponed the implementation of new tollway guidelines, which impose fines on motorists with no radio frequency identification (RFID) tags or insufficient funds on their accounts, to Oct. 1.

“We hope the concerned agencies and tollway operators would use the 30-day deferment to fine-tune expressway operations and further intensify the public information campaign to enable tollway users to comply with the new guidelines,” Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said in a statement on Tuesday.

The new rules, under Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2024-001, were supposed to be enforced starting Aug. 31.

Under the rules, all motorists passing through expressways without RFID tags or having insufficient balance on their accounts will face penalties starting Aug. 31.

“These revised guidelines should significantly improve traffic along expressways through cashless or contactless toll plazas,” Mr. Bautista said.

The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) said motorists entering an access highway without RFID tags or electronic toll collection (ETC) device will incur a fine of P1,000 for the first offense, P2,000 for the second offense, and P5,000 for subsequent offenses.

Motorists exiting toll expressways with insufficient account balance will be fined P500 for the first offense, P1,000 for the second offense, and P2,500 for subsequent offenses.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Have you been driving regularly on the highways without an RFID tag on your vehicle?

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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Robbery attempt in Parañaque City foiled, one suspect arrested

September 3, 2024August 24, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, a security guard foiled a robbery attempt resulting in the arrest of one suspect and the recovery of the victim’s handbag, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The incident happened in Barangay Tambo and there are two other suspects still at large.

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

A security guard successfully arrested one of the three suspects who tried to rob a woman in Parañaque City on Wednesday, August 21.

The Southern Police District (SPD) said the suspect identified as “Armando,” 44, was arrested at around 3:00 p.m. along Roxas Boulevard corner Bradco Avenue in Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City.

Based on the police report, a 28-year-old woman had just got out from a taxi when she was approached by the suspects brandishing a handgun and forcibly took her handbag.

The security guard on-duty was then alerted by the victim’s shout and immediately responded leading to the arrest of Armando.

The hero guard recovered the victim’s handbag and a replica .45 caliber pistol from the suspect.

Meanwhile, his two other cohorts identified as “Kalapati” and “Norby” escaped. The police is now conducting a follow-up operation for the arrest of the two.

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 any members of your local community who got robbed 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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Woman hit by car in Parañaque City, suspect driver a Pakistani national

September 2, 2024August 26, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, a 49-year-old woman got hit by a car from behind resulting in very serious injuries, according to a GMA Network news report. The incident happened in Barangay Don Bosco and the suspect driver was described as a Pakistani national (click here and here). A video of the incident can be viewed by clicking here.

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

A 49-year-old woman was seriously injured in a hit-and-run incident while walking to work as a laundry woman in Don Bosco, Parañaque last week.

Victim Loida Faustino was seen in CCTV footage walking along Levitown Avenue last Friday morning, August 23, 2024, when she was hit by a red vehicle that fled the scene after the incident. She was immediately brought to a nearby hospital.

“Grabe po ‘yung nangyari sa kanya. Bali po ‘yung tuhod, kamay, katawan, ulo (What happened to her is severe. She had broken knees, hands, in the body, and in the head),” the victim’s brother Arnold Faustino said in a report by Nico Waje on GMA’s “24 Oras Weekend” on Sunday.

The family is seeking justice for what happened, and for the suspect — only identified as a Pakistani — to take responsibility.

“May anak ‘yun. Hindi makakapagtrabaho ‘yun. Hindi puwedeng hindi siya managot sa nangyari na ‘yun, (She has a child and she will not be able to work. The suspect has to take responsibility for what happened)” the victim’s brother-in-law Samuel Celzo said in the same report.

According to Barangay Don Bosco Chairman Mar Jimenez, the suspect was immediately apprehended after the incident.

“Upon apprehension, medyo meron siyang alcohol breath so lumalabas na (Upon apprehension, his breath smelled slightly of alcohol. So it shows that he was) under the influence of liquor,” he said.

However, the local police said medical examinations and a breathalyzer analysis gave negative results.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, would you know if anyone from your local community witnessed any hit-and-run incidents that happened over the past 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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24,000 automated counting machines of Miru Systems now in the Philippines

September 2, 2024September 1, 2024carlocarrasco

The initial batch of 24,000 automated counting machines (ACMs) from the contracted provider Miru Systems arrived here in the Philippines for use in the 2025 National and Local Elections, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). Be reminded that Miru Systems previously declared that it would deliver 110,000 ACMs for the said polls.

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

Over 20,000 automated counting machines (ACMs) that will be used in the May 12, 2025 national and local elections are now in the country, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced on Saturday.

In a press briefing during a visit to a warehouse in Biñan, Laguna, Comelec Chair George Garcia reported that so far, 24,000 ACMs have been delivered by the joint venture of Miru Systems, service provider for next year’s polls.

Garcia showed 7,400 of the machines while there are still 7,000 to be released by the Bureau of Customs.

“Dapat ang commitment sa atin ng Miru para sa buwan ng August ay 20,000 lang so lumalabas sumobra sila sa kanilang commitment ng (Miru committed just 20,000 for August so they exceeded by) 4,000,” he said.

As for other electronic machines and items that will be also be used in polls, Garcia said the South Korean-based company has fulfilled its commitment 100 percent.

Among the items are consolidated canvassing system laptops and printers, cable ties, toners, test ballots, application servers and database servers, Garcia said.

A total of 110,000 ACMs are expected before the end of the year — 30,000 each in September and October and the rest by December.

Comelec officials visited the warehouse with election stakeholders such the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections and Legal Network for Truthful Elections.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think Miru Systems will live up to its obligations with regards to the P17.99 billion contract it signed with the government? Do you think the new automated counting machines will work efficiently in next year’s national and local elections?

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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Several counts of money laundering filed against dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo and others

September 1, 2024August 30, 2024carlocarrasco

Dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo – who went overseas undetected by immigration authorities and remains out of reach – and others got charged for multiple counts of money laundering, according to a GMA Network news report. The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) are the complainants.

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

A total of 87 counts of money laundering were filed against dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo and 35 others at the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday about the raided POGO hubs in Bamban and Porac, Pampanga.

In a press conference, Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) Deputy Director Adrian Arpon said that the cases involved around P7 billion.

“We have included Alice Guo. Based on our findings, she is the principal in the money laundering committed in this case. She used several entities in transferring her money. It went to an entity,” Arpon said.

“Ultimately, it ended up with Baofu to pay, among others, electric bills,” he added.

The complainants are the AMLC, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).

Named respondents are Guo; Shiela Guo, the former mayor’s purported sister; Cassandra Li Ong, the authorized representative of the Porac POGO hub; and former Technology and Livelihood Resource Center (TLRC) deputy director general Dennis Cunanan, among others.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Did you think the government and its strategic partners overseas will be able to find Alice Guo very soon?

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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Are you nostalgic about Jaws 3-D (AKA Jaws 3) right now?

August 30, 2024August 18, 2024carlocarrasco

Way back in 1983, I had my first-ever 3D viewing experience inside the movie theater here in the Philippines. I saw the movie Jaws 3-D (AKA Jaws 3) on the big-screen using disposable 3D glasses and the theater was packed with lots of moviegoers who screamed from time to time.

If you are not familiar with movie history, Jaws 3-D was the 3^rd movie of the Jaws movie franchise which itself started with the classic 1975 movie directed by Steven Spielberg. While the 1978 sequel Jaws 2 did not come close to matching the commercial success of its predecessor, it still managed to gross over $200 million worldwide and arguably influenced Hollywood movie studios to invest in making sequels to achieve summer box office success. Jaws 2 also propelled the rise of movie-related merchandising which paved the way for deals between movie studios and business entities.

When the 2^nd Jaws sequel was proposed, producers David Brown and Richard Zanuck had the concept of spoof titled Jaws 3, People 0. National Lampoon writers were even commissioned to make the script. The Jaws 3 comedy project was shot down by Universal Pictures as a result of Steven Spielberg’s threat that he would never work with them again if they approved it.

Along the way, there were technological breakthroughs for cinematic 3D viewing which led to the short revival of showing movies in 3D in movie theaters. The Jaws 3 project was turned into a 3D-focused cinematic experience with a concept about an aquatic amusement park that falls into chaos as a result of a large great white shark that infiltrated it. Prolific production designer Joe Alves was hired as director and the cast includes Dennis Quaid, Bess Armstrong, Louis Gossett, Jr., Lea Thompson and Simon MacCorkindale. Even SeaWorld got involved and allowed the filmmakers to use their brand.

Jaws 3-D was released in cinemas on July 22, 1983 and had a franchise-best opening weekend with $13.4 million. Its global box office gross was around $88 million.

When I first saw Jaws 3-D inside the movie theater, I was a young boy and simply enjoyed it for what it was. I occasionally replayed the movie through the years on cable TV and home video, and I eventually realized that the film was indeed very flawed and clearly inferior to its predecessors with regards to quality and storytelling. Jaws 3-D was simply made to give moviegoers a thrill ride inside the cinema with 3D viewing in mind as the moviegoers followed the 3D viewing revival trend of the early 1980s. When it was released on cable TV and home video, the movie was re-titled as Jaws 3 to reflect the lack of 3D effects.

Even though it was inferior to the first two Jaws movies, Jaws 3-D remains a popular movie subject to explore and there are several videos on YouTube that reflect that. If you are interested in Jaws 3-D but you don’t want to spend precious time and money watching it entirely, then you should watch the movie reaction video by You, Me and the Movies below.

If you want to learn more about how the movie was made, how it all started and what kind of technologies were used to make the 3D effects happen, watch the two retrospective videos below from Oliver Harper and Layton Eversaul.

If you are into movie trivia, then Minty Comedic Arts’ video below is recommended.

By the way, you must have heard that Jaws 3-D is now available in 4K Blu-ray format. Before you make the decision to purchase it, be aware that Universal used artificial intelligence (AI) to make it. Depending on how you want your movies to appear in 4K resolution, the results could turn you off. Watch the videos below from Jeff Rauseo and MidLevelMedia.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Have you ever seen Jaws 3-D? If you did, were you able to watch it inside the cinema or at home? Did the movie inspire you to watch movies in 3D? Do you think that the current 4K Blu-ray of Jaws 3-D is not worth purchasing?

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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