PNA.gov.ph – Page 11 – Author Carlo Carrasco

I Love Israel: Israel looking at the Philippines as a new market for wine

December 24, 2024December 18, 2024carlocarrasco

As some of you are already aware, I fully stand with Israel which is very connected with my uncompromising faith in the Lord. I keep on praying to Him for Israel to overwhelm its enemies, rescue the hostages and recover from the effects of the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks committed by the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas which is sponsored by terrorist state Iran. I can assure all of you that nobody from the evil Islamo-Leftist mob, nobody from the pro-Palestine radicals, nobody from the political correctness extremists, and nobody from evil societies would stop me from supporting and loving Israel.

Now, on with the news…

A few weeks ago, a special event showcasing Israeli wine was held here in the Philippines, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. This development signified Israel’s focus on the Philippines as a new wine market.

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

Israel is pouring its wine into the Philippine market, confident that its products can rival the best in the world.

With a deep legacy of winemaking dating back thousands of years, Israel is now eager to share its fine bottles with Filipino wine lovers and travelers.

At the “L’Chaim! Discover Israeli Wine” event on Dec. 4, the Israeli Embassy in Manila treated wine enthusiasts, hoteliers and distributors to a curated tasting of wines from 15 of Israel’s top wineries.

“The Philippine market has matured, in my opinion. So it’s time,” Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss said.

“It’s obvious that we have competition here but what Israel can offer is really the higher end of wines — and we have so much to share.”

In addition to reintroducing Israeli wines to Filipino consumers, the embassy is also aiming to inspire Filipinos to explore Israel’s wineries as part of their travel plans.

Israel, often called the Holy Land, has a winemaking tradition that stretches back over 5,000 years, with wine from Judea being traded around the ancient world during the time of Jesus.

“Israel is a country of different cultures, and so is its cuisine,” visiting Israeli Tourism Minister Haim Katz said.

“Tourists can enjoy Mediterranean delicacies, dishes from Arab cuisine, Jewish food, colorful markets, and wine tastings that offer an unforgettable culinary experience.”

L’Chaim, which means “to life” in Hebrew, was the first of its kind hosted by the Israeli mission in the Philippines.

“L’Chaim is more than just a toast. It’s a celebration of life, friendship, and the bright future we are building together,” Fluss said.

Renowned Israeli wine expert and international wine judge Haim Gan was also present to provide insights into Israel’s innovative wine industry, noting its growing recognition and numerous international awards.

This latest development shows the continuing growth of Israel-Philippines ties through the business of wine as well as the opportunities for Filipinos to explore the wine industry of Israel when they travel there. Indeed, Israel-Philippines ties are essential!

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 in the years to come.

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!

+++++

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

Bureau of Immigration (BI) intensifies search for foreign fugitives all over the Philippines

December 20, 2024December 11, 2024carlocarrasco

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced that it is intensifying its efforts to find and arrest foreigners who illegally staying in the Philippines, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. The BI also warned fugitives overseas not to attempt to enter the country.

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

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has intensified its efforts in arresting and deporting foreign fugitives.

This came after Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado ordered the bureau’s fugitive search unit (FSU) to strengthen its actions in locating and arresting foreigners who are illegally staying in the country.

He also directed the FSU to explore data sharing agreements to receive information on fugitive records in a more timely manner.

“The faster we receive critical information, the faster we can arrest and deport these fugitives. Fugitives have no place in the Philippines,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.

He also warned foreign fugitives not to attempt to enter or stay in the Philippines, following the deportation of two-high profile fugitives.

On Monday, the BI deported 36-year-old Japanese national Sasaku Yohei, a member of a Cambodia-based telecommunication syndicate engaged in kidnapping, illegal detention, extortion, and fraud.

BI officers also intercepted Australian national Rodrigo Elices, 32, last Nov. 28 at the NAIA Terminal 3 from Abu Dhabi, after he was found to be a subject of a red notice from the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).

Viado also cited information obtained by the BI that Elices is a member of the notorious “Hells Angels” gang, an internationally outlawed club of motorcycle riders allegedly involved in organized crime, including drug trafficking.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the BI will be able to arrest and deport foreign fugitives nationwide while also preventing undesirable foreigners from entering the country?

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

+++++

President Marcos signs into law VAT refund for foreign tourists

December 17, 2024December 9, 2024carlocarrasco

In a move to boost the Philippines’ standing in international tourism, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., signed into law the priority measure of providing Value Added Tax (VAT) refund for foreign tourists, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday signed into law a measure providing refund of Value Added Tax (VAT) for foreign tourists to attract more travelers and position the country as a “premier global shopping destination.”

Republic Act (RA) 12079 or the VAT Refund for Non-Resident Tourists will establish a VAT Refund System on locally purchased goods, Marcos said in his speech during the ceremonial signing in Malacañang.

Under the new law, tourists can claim a refund on the VAT for goods personally purchased at accredited retail outlets, provided these goods are taken out of the country within 60 days and meet a minimum transaction requirement of PHP3,000.

This initiative opens a new chapter in the Philippines’ tourism landscape, according to the President, allowing the country to compete with other tourism markets that attract tourists who are eager to take home authentic, high-quality Filipino products.

With the new law, an estimated 30 percent increase in tourist spending is projected which will benefit both large-scale industries and micro, small, and medium enterprises.

“These products tell our stories, and now, with the VAT refund, they will be able to be more accessible to global consumers, elevating once again our stature in the global market,” Marcos said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? With the new law signed already, do you expect it to help the Philippines attract more foreign tourists as well as better spending from each of them during they stay in the country?

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

+++++

DTI executive says Philippines is unlikely to be hit by Trump’s planned tariff hikes

December 13, 2024December 3, 2024carlocarrasco

Based on available details and key factors, an executive of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) stated that the Philippines is unlikely to be hit by the planned tariff hikes of the returning United States President Donald Trump whose administration will formally start on January 20, 2025, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo said Monday that the Philippines is unlikely to be targeted by the planned tariff hikes under the incoming administration of United States President-elect Donald Trump, citing the balanced and healthy trade relationship between the two countries.

Rodolfo noted that the Philippines’ trade deficit with the US stood at USD4 billion in 2023, far smaller than the deficits the US faces with other Asian countries, including China (USD300 billion), Vietnam (USD109 billion), Japan (USD75 billion), South Korea (USD55 billion), India (USD47 billion), and Thailand (USD43 billion).

“We believe that countries with which the US has a huge trade deficit—particularly those which worsened during the past four years—will be likely targets of additional US tariffs,” he said.

He added that this puts the Philippines in a strong position as the US looks to address trade imbalances.

“With the Trump administration’s focus on reducing trade deficit, the Philippines can leverage the balanced and healthy Philippines-US trade, indicating a mutually beneficial trade relationship,” the DTI official added.

Strengthening ties – Rodolfo said DTI Secretary Cristina Roque and Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick Go are working closely with the US government to ensure “even closer economic relations” with the long-time ally in preparation for Trump’s assumption into office.

He also pointed out that Trump’s pick for Department of State Secretary, Senator Marco Rubio, has been a strong proponent of closer economic and strategic ties between the US and the Philippines.

Rubio filed Senate Bill 4703, or the Philippines-US Strategic Partnership Act, which aims to enhance economic relations between the two countries.

The bill, filed on July 11, 2024, proposes to negotiate a critical minerals agreement with the Philippines; to prioritize support from the US International Development Finance Corporation for projects involving critical minerals and fossil fuels in the Philippines; and to identify additional US agencies that could invest in the Philippines, including the Department of Defense’s Office of Strategic Capital.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines won’t be hit by Trump’s planned tariff hikes? Are you hoping that under a Trump presidency, the Philippines and America will be able to have a free trade agreement?

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

+++++

3 Chinese nationals apprehended in Parañaque City for causing trouble, one gun recovered

December 12, 2024December 3, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, local police officers arrested three Chinese nationals who caused trouble by threatening to kill a driver and having a gun pointed at him, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Three Chinese nationals were arrested by members of the Parañaque City Police Sto. Nino Substation at a condominium in (Barangay) Don Galo, Parañaque City on Sunday night, Dec. 1.

The Southern Police District (SPD) said the suspects, identified as alias “Mao,” 41, alias “Wee,” 37, and alias “Hao,” 32, were arrested at around 7:10 p.m. for pointing a gun and threatening to kill a driver identified as alias “Dave,” 33.

Members of the Parañaque City Police Sto. Nino Substation responded after receiving a call from the security personnel of the condominium seeking police assistance.

The victim told the police that he was threatened at gun point by Mao who was being assisted by two other suspects during a heated argument.

The police recovered from Mao a 9mm pistol and one magazine with eight live ammunition.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, what makes you think that Chinese nationals are able to illegally possess guns with ammunition? Are there many Chinese nationals living within your local community right now? Did you encounter a dangerous or troublesome Chinese national recently?

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

+++++

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

PhilHealth assures members it has sufficient funds for 2025

December 10, 2024December 3, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) confirmed that it has enough funds to cover the benefit package payments and other matters for its members in 2025, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) on Monday said it has sufficient funds to cover all the benefit package payments and planned expansion of package rates next year.

In a media forum in Pasig City, PhilHealth Senior Vice President Renato Limsiaco Jr. said all Filipinos can avail of their benefit packages both in hospital and primary care whether they pay monthly premiums or not.

This came after Congress and the Department of Budget and Management appropriated only PHP53.26 billion worth of premiums covering only 14 million out of the 25.28 million indirect contributors to PhilHealth.

The state insurer has requested a PHP150.92 billion budget to cover all its indirect contributors.

“This year from the sin tax fund, we received PHP40 million and the PCSO (Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office) and PAGCOR (Philippine Amateur Gaming Corporation), PHP21.73 million, we received PHP61 million all in all,” Limsiaco said.

“And for next year, another round of funding, so PHP21.1 million from PCSO for the improvement of benefits, and I think PHP47 million something is from the sin tax.”

He noted these funds will be added to the premium collection from direct contributors who are employees of the government and private companies, and those who are “self-paying”.

As of Oct. 31, the PhilHealth has a total fund of PHP485 billion pesos.

It has collected a total of PHP172.3 billion premium payments as of Nov. 22. It has disbursed Php148.4 billion for benefits payments, leaving a balance of PHP23.9 billion as of Nov. 22.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you feel safer in relation to what the PNP announced? Have there been lesser crime incidents that happened in your local community 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.

+++++

Crime in the Philippines down by 9.43% in January-November 2024 period

December 9, 2024December 2, 2024carlocarrasco

The Philippine National Police (PNP) recently announced that crime all over the nation dropped by over 9% for the period of January to November 2024, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

Crimes in the country dropped by more than 9 percent in the past 11 months, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday.

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, in a press briefing at Camp Crame, Quezon City, said a total of 34,684 crime incidents were logged from Jan. 1 to Nov. 29 this year, a 9.43 percent decline from 38,294 incidents in the same period last year.

She said this data breaks the trend of soaring crime incidents during the “Ber” months, where there is an increase in mobility and economic activities.

Fajardo said the PNP aims to sustain these gains with intensified anti-criminality efforts, particularly the implementation of the Enhanced Managing Police Operations, with the aid of force multipliers and the public.

She said police visibility would be intensified in public places and churches, especially when the nine-day Simbang Gabi (Dawn Masses) starts on Dec. 16.

Aside from the holiday season, Fajardo said the police force is also beefing up security preparations for next year’s midterm elections.

Potential election areas of concern will undergo validation by the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Council which includes the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard and election officers.

Under the Comelec’s classification of election hotspots, areas under the red category are considered in a critical situation while those under orange have confirmed “presence of armed groups and organized movements outside the law.”

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

+++++

High-value individuals arrested in Parañaque City for illegal drugs and illegal possession of firearm

November 27, 2024November 18, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, a buy-bust operation resulted in the successful apprehension of two high-value individuals who were wanted for illegal drugs, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The law enforcers also confiscated a gun with ammunition.

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

The Parañaque City Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) arrested two high value individuals (HVIs) wanted for illegal drugs in a buy-bust operation in Parañaque City on Sunday, November 17.

Southern Police District (SPD) director BGen. Bernard Yang identified the suspects as “Tony,” 52, and “Florentino,” 47. They were arrested in Barangay San Dionisio.

The duo yielded P170,000 worth of shabu and a .45 caliber pistol with live ammunition. An additional P510,000 worth of shabu was also recovered from the suspects.

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 feel safe knowing that there are still lots of people bringing illegal drugs and loose firearms into 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.

+++++

Three foreigners arrested in Parañaque City over shooting incident at a residential complex

November 25, 2024November 14, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, three foreign nationals – two Chinese and one Cameroonian –were arrested over a shooting incident that wounded another foreign national at a residential complex, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

Three foreign nationals were arrested in a shooting incident that wounded a Chinese national in Parañaque City, the Southern Police District (SPD) said on Thursday.

In a report, SPD Director Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang identified the suspects as alias Shi, 31, and alias Sui, 33, both Chinese nationals, and alias Edwin, 39, a Cameroonian.

They were arrested after a shooting incident occurred at a residential complex in Barangay Don Galo on Wednesday morning.

The victim, a money changer employee residing in the complex, identified as alias Li, a 35-year-old Chinese national, sustained gunshot wounds and is currently receiving medical treatment at the San Juan De Dios Hospital in Pasay City.

He identified the suspects to the police, leading to a swift operation that resulted in the arrest of Shi, Sui, and Edwin.

During the arrest of the suspects, operatives seized 200 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP1.2 million, a 9mm Glock 19 pistol, one magazine, ten live ammunition, two empty shells, one bullet slug, three butane gas canisters, and two pointed weapons.

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 the city will remain a hot spot of criminal activity involving foreign nationals? Why do you think foreigners who engage in violence and possess firearms commit crime in 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.

+++++

High-value target arrested and P2 million worth of illegal drugs seized in Parañaque City

November 18, 2024November 8, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, an anti-drug operation resulted in the arrest of a high-valued target and the seizer of more than P2 million worth of illegal drugs, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

Authorities arrested a high-value target and seized about PHP2 million worth of assorted party drugs in an anti-drug-operation in Parañaque City, the Southern Police District (SPD) said on Friday.

In a statement, SPD Director Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang identified the suspect as alias “Kylie,” 26, who was arrested during a buy-bust operation along Greenheights Avenue in Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque City at about 5:35 p.m. on Thursday.

Yang said PHP2,055,900 worth of assorted party drugs were confiscated from the suspect, consisting of 141 grams of suspected cocaine, with an estimated street value of PHP747,300; 153 grams of suspected ketamine (PHP765,000); 274 grams of high-grade marijuana or “kush”(PHP411,000); and 78 pieces of assorted ecstasy tablets (PHP132,600).

Also seized were a weighing scale, one genuine PHP1,000 bill, and PHP64,000 in boodle money used in the buy-bust transaction

All recovered substances will be submitted to the SPD’s forensic unit for quantitative and qualitative analysis, while the suspect will face charges for violating Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you think your city will always be a hot spot for smuggling or selling of illegal substances?

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 Trump Responds To US Supreme C…
	Instapundit »… on Trump’s America Urges Allies T…
	The H.A.R.D. Corps (… on A Look Back At The H.A.R.D. Co…
	Instapundit »… on A Lot More American Fruits And…
	Instapundit »… on Varied And Impactful Changes R…

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: