Pinoy – Page 85 – Author Carlo Carrasco

POGO Ban would help expedite Philippines’ exit from global financial watchdog’s “gray list” related to money laundering

August 8, 2024July 30, 2024carlocarrasco

In relation to helping the Philippines recover from the many negative effects caused by Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), the declared nationwide ban on POGOs will help expedite the nation’s exit from the “gray list” of a global financial watchdog that has been monitoring jurisdictions for money laundering risks, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

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

THE RECENT BAN on Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) would help expedite the country’s exit from a global financial watchdog’s “gray list” of jurisdictions under increased monitoring for money laundering risks, the central bank governor said.

“With the POGO ban, we do see a drop in money laundering, which should help us exit the gray list,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BPS) Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. told BusinessWorld in a text message.

Last week, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. ordered a total ban on all offshore gaming operations due to their ties to illicit activities such as financial scams, money laundering, prostitution and human trafficking.

Mr. Marcos directed the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) to shutter all POGO facilities by the end of the year.

This comes after the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in June kept the Philippines in its gray list for a third straight year.

The global watchdog said the country still needs to address three remaining action items, one of which is “demonstrating that supervisors are using anti-money laundering and counterfinancing of terrorism (AML/CFT) controls to mitigate risks associated with casino junkets.”

Mr. Remolona earlier said the Philippines would likely exit the gray list by next year as it still needs to address the remaining deficiencies cited by the FATF.

From 2018 to 2023, the Philippines was among the top five countries in Southeast Asia with money laundering activities added over the five-year period, earlier data from Moody’s showed.

The number of money laundering events added in the Philippines jumped by 45% from 2022 to 2023, it said.

Chester B. Cabalza, founding president of Manila-based International Development and Security Cooperation, said Mr. Marcos’ order to ban POGOs would encourage more “legitimate” investments to enter into the country.

“With the expected ban, the Philippines may be relieved with the gray list tag and re-strategize for fulfilling more legal and moral entertainment investments for the inclusive growth of the country,” he said via Facebook Messenger.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think improvements will be realized gradually over the next twelve months with the ban on POGOs in effect? Do you think that money laundering and crime related to POGOs will go down sharply?

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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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

More than 5 million voters’ names removed from official list by COMELEC

August 8, 2024July 30, 2024carlocarrasco

Even as millions of voters got registered recently with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) for the 2025 National and Local Elections, there are already over five million voters whose names were removed from the official list of registered voters, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

Some 5.1 million names were removed from the Commission on Election’s (Comelec) official list of registered voters for the 2025 national and local elections (NLE), the poll body said Tuesday.

Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia said a total of 5,105,191 registered voters were deactivated from the official list while 248,972 names were deleted.

“‘(Those) deleted [were] because of death [and] multiple and double registration,” Garcia told reporters in a Viber message.

Reasons for the delisting were failure to vote in two successive preceding regular elections, by court order, loss of Filipino citizenship, and having non-valid documents.

Meanwhile, Garcia said the poll body received a total of 409,329 applications for reactivation from February 12 to July 20.

Last May, the Comelec said 4.2 million names were removed from its official list of voters, mostly from Calabarzon. Meanwhile, 4.6 million voters registered for the 2025 NLE, the poll body said last week.

The voter registration period for the May 2025 midterm polls started on Feb. 12, and will end on Sept. 30.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you concerned that the high number of delisted voters could impact the 2025 National and Local Elections somehow?

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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Muntinlupa City Government officially denies release of P1,000 for elderly locals aged 70-79

August 8, 2024August 7, 2024carlocarrasco

In the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government issued an official denial in response to the circulating information that local senior citizens aged 70 to 79-years-old will be receiving P1,000 each from the local authorities, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The local government of Muntinlupa City on Tuesday warned the public that it is not distributing P1,000 birthday cash gifts to residents who are 70 to 79 years old.

The city government noted that it is just currently doing surveys among its elderly residents to organize the city’s database.

“Kung mayroon man pong kumuha ng inyong impormasyon, ito ay para ito sa validation ng datos ng ating senior citizens. Gusto po nating maayos ang database at tama ang impormasyon na basehan ng mga programa ng lungsod,” the statement read.

(If anyone is asking for your information, this is only for the validation of our data on senior citizens. We just want to organize our database and make sure that we have the right information for the city’s programs.)

The city encouraged its residents to report any suspicious messages to the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group: (02) 8723 0401 (loc. 7491), 0968-8674302 (Smart), 0967-1360322 (Globe), and 0992-9893889 (DITO).

Further, the city government advised that senior citizens may reach out to the Office for Senior Citizen’s Affairs at the Bayanan Baywalk or the satellite office at South Park Center.

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 that more has to be done to push back against misinformation and the spread of fake news?

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

Over 300 senior citizens vaccinated for pneumonia in Barangay Talon Uno, Las Piñas City

August 7, 2024July 29, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, more than three hundred senior citizens availed the free vaccine shots for pneumonia during the City Health Office’s vaccination drive held at Barangay Talon Uno, the City Government confirmed via social media. Vice Mayor Aprl Aguilar was present during the health activity.

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

The City Health Office, led by OIC Dr. Juliana Gonzalez, held a free pneumonia vaccination drive for senior citizens at the Talon Uno Covered Court on Tuesday, July 16. City Vice Mayor April Aguilar attended the event to express her support for the initiative.

Over 300 senior citizens received vaccinations, providing them with essential protection against pneumonia. This effort is part of the City Health Office’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding the health of the most vulnerable sectors of the community.

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? Would you happen to know if the City Government will organize a pneumonia vaccination drive in your barangay 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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More than P831 million deposited through BSP’s coin machines

August 6, 2024July 29, 2024carlocarrasco

More than P831 million worth of coins have been deposited through the many coin deposit machines (CoDMs) of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) as of July 15, 2024, as published on their website.

Based on the latest statistics, a total of P831,774,151.23 (6.1% higher than the previous month’s count of P783,628,810.29) in coins got deposited into BSP machines on 202,110 transactions (5.4% higher than the previous month’s 191,804 transactions) from customers. In terms of physical quantity, 223,021,306 in coins were deposited. The previous count of deposited coins was 211,689,731.

Doing the math on the latest statistics, customers averaged P4,115.45 per transaction (versus the previous month’s P4,085.57 per transaction) at the machines. As for the grand total Peso amount divided by the number of coins deposited, the average is P3.7296 per coin deposited (versus the previous month’s average of P3.7018 per coin deposited).

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Were you able to deposit your excess coins into a BSP coin deposit machine in your locality recently? Has the BSP coin deposit machine near your been breaking down a lot in recent times?

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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Man arrested in Parañaque City for statutory rape

August 6, 2024July 29, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, the local police (who were armed with a warrant of arrest issed by the Parañaque City Family Court) apprehended a 55-year-old man for statutory rape and rape by sexual assault, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

A 55 year-old man was arrested by members of the Parañaque city Police Warrant and Subpoena Section and Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) for statutory rape and rape by sexual assault on Friday, July 26, the Southern Police District (SPD) said.

The suspect was identified as “Hipolito,” who was arrested in Quirino Avenue, Barangay Don Galo, Parañaque City.

The police said the suspect was arrested by virtue of warrant of arrest issued by Judge Moises D. De Castro of Parañaque City Family Court, Branch 10 on June 4, 2024 with no bail recommended bail.

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 rapists hiding in your local community right now?

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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Educational assistance released to Las Piñas City students

August 5, 2024July 27, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, educational assistance in the form of school supplies was released to the local students during an activity that was attended by Vice Mayor April Aguilar, the City Government confirmed via social media.

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

The City Social Welfare and Development Office, in partnership with the Local Youth Development Office, hosted the awarding of educational assistance on Monday, July 15 at the Mayor Vergel “Nene” Aguilar DRRMO Building in Barangay Talon Dos.

City Vice Mayor April Aguilar led the distribution, alongside City Social Welfare and Development Office OIC Lowefe Romulo. The event, attended by numerous parents, guardians, and students, emphasized the local government’s commitment to supporting the educational needs of its youth.

The distribution of school supplies, consisting of backpacks filled with essential educational materials, aimed to equip students for the upcoming school year. Vice Mayor Aguilar highlighted the importance of education in her short address, encouraging students to persevere in their studies and utilize the resources provided to them.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are there any students within your local community who received educational assistance 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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Voter registrants for 2025 National and Local Elections surpass 4.6 million

August 2, 2024July 26, 2024carlocarrasco

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) recently announced that the number of voters who registered for the 2025 National and Local Elections has reached more than 4.6 million, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has registered over 4.6 million voters for the 2025 May polls.

Data shared with reporters showed there are a total of 4,672,947 new voters for the 2025 NLE as of July 26.

Of the figures, Calabarzon recorded the most number of registrants with 783,860. It was followed by the National Capital Region (NCR) with 641,190; Central Luzon with 545,653; Davao Region with 276,967; and Central Visayas with 249,186. The Comelec main office registered 7,620 new voters.

Meanwhile, female registrants reached 2,415,247 and male registrants stood at 2,257,700.

The voter registration period for the May 2025 midterm polls started on February 12, and will end on September 30, 2024.

Applicants may register from Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at any Comelec office nationwide.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Were there many members of your local community who successfully got registered for next year’s 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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Opening of classes in Muntinlupa City observed by Education Secretary Angara, Mayor Biazon and Congressman Fresnedi

August 1, 2024July 29, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the opening of classes in public schools was observed by new Education Secretary Sonny Angara, Mayor Ruffy Biazon and Congressman Jaime Fresnedi, 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…

Education Sec. Sonny Angara, Mayor Ruffy Biazon and Rep. Jaime Fresnedi visited a high school in Muntinlupa on July 29 to observe the opening of classes.

Biazon and Fresnedi accompanied Angara when he visited Muntinlupa National High School Main in NBP Reservation, Barangay Poblacion.

All public schools in Muntinlupa from Kindergarten to Senior High School opened on July 29 as scheduled.

Dr. Violeta Gonzales, head of the Schools Division Office (SDO)-Muntinlupa City, said the opening of classes pushed through since schools in the city were not affected by the onslaught of Habagat (southwest monsoon) and Typhoon Carina.

Many public schools in areas in the country that were hit by heavy rains and floods delayed the opening of classes.

“Ang announcement ng DepEd ay para lamang sa mga paaralang ginagamit pa bilang evacuation centers, binaha, at napinsala. Tayo po sa Muntinlupa, kasabay ng karamihan ng mga lungsod sa NCR, ay magbubukas ng klase bukas dahil maayos na po ang kondisyon ng ating mga paaralan (The announcement by DepEd [Department of Education] is only for schools being used as evacuation centers, flooded and damaged. We in Muntinlupa, along with the majority of cities in NCR, will open classes tomorrow because our schools are in good condition),” said Gonzales on July 28.

“We want to build what you have here para mas de-kalidad pa ang makukuha nyo in the coming years (We want to build what you have here so that you will get more high quality in the coming years),” said Angara.

He added, “We’re very pleasantly surprised with how smooth things run here. Sa ibang pinuntahan namin double shift. Ma-swerte po ang mga students dahil number one, unified ang political leaders dito, ang beneficiaries ng taong bayan. At secondly, very helpful ang city government and the national government to partner, dapat ganon para umunlad ang isang school district.”

Also accompanying Angara were DepEd Usec. Revsee Escubedo, Deped RD-NCR Joyce Andaya, MNHS principal Dr. Florante Marmeto and Gonzales.

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 Secretary Angara’s visit adds credibility to the state of public education 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.

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Note: Cover photo used sourced from Muntinlupa City PIO.

Chinese nationals arrested by NBI agents for credit card fraud and bribery

August 1, 2024July 30, 2024carlocarrasco

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested seven Chinese nationals for credit card fraud and bribery as a result of separate operations that took place in two cities, according to a GMA Network news report. One of the operations happened in Parañaque City which for some reason remains a hot spot of crime involving Chinese nationals.

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

Seven Chinese citizens have been arrested for credit card fraud and bribing agents of the National Bureau of Investigation, the NBI said Tuesday.

According to the bureau, operatives of the NBI-Cybercrime Division arrested the seven foreigners, classified as a transnational organized crime (TOC) group, in separate operations in Parañaque and Quezon City on July 27.

This was after the NBI received multiple complaints against the foreigners, accusing them of vishing, smishing, phishing, click-baiting, pretexting, and whaling, which resulted in unauthorized or illegal access and eventual utilization of their credit card credentials without their knowledge.

The NBI said the group would cash out money through socially engineered credit card credentials from the accounts of their victims. It said the group would need a point-of-sale (POS) device to expedite cashing out.

During the operation, poseur-accomplices pretended to possess a POS device. They then agreed to meet for the scheme to materialize.

This led to the arrest of two Chinese citizens during an entrapment operation in Parañaque on July 27.

One of them attempted to bribe the operatives several times and offered P1.5 million for their release and the termination of the charges against them. The operatives pretended to agree to the offer and conducted another entrapment operation.

In the evening of the same day, two vehicles arrived at the parking lot of the NBI main office in Quezon City for the exchange.

The NBI said that after one Chinese-looking individual gave a bag of money, the operatives arrested him along with his cohorts inside the vehicles.

Authorities retrieved three handguns with a military-grade smoke grenade from the vehicle. The arrested individuals were unable to provide licenses and papers for the firearms.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there could be more Chinese nationals secretly committing credit card fraud and other forms of cybercrime while they are still staying here 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.

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