politics – Page 23 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Las Piñas City Councilor Mark Santos asks DHSUD to start city housing project before 2025 election campaign period begins

December 21, 2024December 11, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently, Las Piñas City Councilor Mark Santos formally requested the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) to start the housing project (under the “Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pamilyang Pilipino” program) before the 2025 election campaign begins, according to a news report by the Manila Standard.

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

Las Piñas City councilor Mark Anthony Santos asked the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) to start the “Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pamilyang Pilipino” (4PH) project in the city before the campaign period starts for the national elections in May 2025.

Santos said the city government identified at least four suitable lands in city’s different barangays that can be used for the government’s housing program including in-city relocation for informal settlers.

Santos, chairman of the informal settlers, housing and land use committee of the city council, said the memorandum of understanding with Las Piñas Mayor Imelda Aguilar and the DHSUD to begin the housing project remain unsigned by the two concerned parties.

“Up to this date, the request from the city mayor’s office, seeking authority from the city council to approve the resolution for the MOU has not been discussed nor deliberated by my colleagues from the majority group,” the councilor said.

He said housing affordability remains a significant issue for the majority of Filipinos, particularly for low- and middle-income households. Powerful politicians opposed the project

Santos earned a wealth of experience as an elected minority leader and main author of a resolution allocating the P85-million budget for land acquisition for informal settlers. From 27, 000 informal settler families (ISFs)10 years ago in the city, there are still about 20, 000 ISFs until today.

He said the 4PH program is the government’s flagship program designed to address the need for decent housing while the city project aims to provide affordable housing to the residents.

The country faced a housing backlog of about 6.5 million units from 2017 to 2022, according to DHSUD. The backlog is most pronounced in urban centers like Metro Manila, where over 13 million people reside, leading to a high concentration of informal settlements and inadequate living conditions.

Santos said one of the pending housing projects of the city government is the proposed 12-story building under 4PH program located along DBP Subdivision in Barangay Pulanglupa Dos, 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? Do you wish to see the DHSUD start the housing project before the 2025 election campaign period starts? What do you think should be done to solve the housing problem of Las Piñas?

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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Las Piñas City Government officially receives 2024 SGLG award

December 14, 2024December 13, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently, the City Government of Las Piñas officially received from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) the prestigious 2024 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) award during the awarding ceremony held at the Manila Hotel, according to the social media video post of the local government. In the news report of the Manila Bulletin, it was stated that this marks the first-time ever that Las Piñas City won an SGLG award.

Mayor Imelda Aguilar received the award on-stage during the ceremony. With her was her daughter Vice Mayor April Aguilar. To watch the Facebook video post, click https://www.facebook.com/share/v/14uVkywyRA/

Previously the DILG announced the official list of city governments nationwide which qualified for the 2024 SGLG award and Las Piñas City was one of them. It should be noted that the DILG set the criteria that local government units (LGUs) should meet in order to qualify for the prestigious award.

For insight, the SGLG award is “a recognition given to local government units that meet the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) stringent criteria for excellent governance in 10 key governance areas: financial administration, disaster preparedness, social protection, health, education, business-friendliness, safety and order, environmental management, tourism and culture, and youth development.”

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 local government receive the 2025 SGLG award from the DILG? Do you think this newest achievement makes the future of the city look bright? Does the SGLG award make you trust your city government officials some more?

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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1,500 children in Las Piñas City receive Christmas gifts

December 12, 2024December 11, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government participated in the nationwide gift-giving program of “Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya Year 3” which resulted in the release of Christmas gifts to one thousand five hundred children at a local venue, according to the local government’s social media announcement. The local gift-giving was facilitated by Vice Mayor April Aguilar.

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

A total of 1,500 children in Las Piñas took part in the nationwide “Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya Year 3” gift-giving initiative on Sunday, December 8, at the Verdant Covered Court. The event, spearheaded by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, was held simultaneously across various local government units in the Philippines to spread holiday cheer to children.

In Las Piñas, City Vice Mayor April Aguilar facilitated the distribution of kiddie gift sets that included a trolley bag, pillow, raincoat, socks, face and hand towel, tumbler, watch, hygiene kit, coloring book, crayons, and a small toy. The event also featured interactive games, activities, and entertainment, making it a memorable celebration for children and their families.

Vice Mayor Aguilar thanked the President and First Lady for their efforts in spreading joy to children in Las Piñas. “President Bongbong Marcos and First Lady Liza Marcos, maraming maraming salamat. Marami tayong pinasayang bata ngayong umagang ito. Maraming maraming salamat sa tulong mo sa Las Piñas. Mahal na mahal ka ng mga Las Piñero,” she said.

The “Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya” program is an annual initiative led by the Office of the President and the First Lady, in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and local government units.

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? Were there any children from your local community who received gifts from the gift-giving?

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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Las Piñas City Councilor Santos asks COMELEC to consider city an election hotspot

December 12, 2024December 4, 2024carlocarrasco

In light of the May 2025 local elections and the recent local controversy that happened, Las Piñas City Councilor Mark Santos asked the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to consider the city an election hotspot, according to a Remate On-Line news report.

For the newcomers reading this, Councilor Santos is running for the lone congressional seat of Las Piñas. This puts him against outgoing Senator Cynthia Villar who happens to be running for the same post.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from new report of the Remate On-Line. Some parts in boldface…

AFTER being ‘bullied’ by his opponent, veteran Las Piñas Councilor Mark Anthony Santos, a congressional candidate, has asked the Commission on Elections to include the city in the list of potential areas of concern in the May 2025 midterm elections.

He also requested the city police to investigate the death threats he received after he filed his certificate of candidacy last October 7, 2024 against graduating lawmaker Sen. Cynthia Villar.

”Comelec should now consider Las Piñas as among the election hotspots in Metro Manila due to the recent ’life-threatening’ developments,” he told Good Riddance.

Santos reiterated that the poll body must consider Las Piñas under election hotspot after Villar allegedly acted repeatedly in an unparliamentary manner and used offensive, derogatory and improper language against her political leaders, neighbors as well as homeowner’s association officers and security personnel.

“The Villars are being considered as the most powerful politicians not only in Las Piñas but in the entire country aside from being the richest family in the Philippines.”

Santos said he’d rather die fighting than withdraw from the congressional race.

A former chief of staff of late mayor Vergel Aguilar, he’s an advocate of socialized housing and in-city relocation, supporting the Marcos administration housing projects nationwide.

During a council privilege speech, he exposed the P213 million in accumulated taxes and penalties the Villar Group of Companies has only paid P151-million in real property taxes.

He believed that the death threats against his life were also connected to his exposes involving irregularities allegedly committed by a politician.

In recent viral video clips uploaded in Tiktok, Villar ‘attacked’ her congressional opponent, Santos, while sitting in an opposite pew minutes before the start of the mass at the city’s Our Lady of Fatima Church.

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? In light of the controversy, would you consider voting for Mark Santos to represent Las Piñas in the House of Representatives?

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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Child participation in governance emphasized in Las Piñas City

December 9, 2024December 2, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government engaged with children and local stakeholders in relation with child participation in governance and the local celebration of National Children’s Month, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Las Piñas City government recently brought together children, stakeholders, and local leaders to promote the principles of child participation in governance.

Vice Mayor April Aguilar said the State of the Children’s Address (SOCA) and a Children’s Congress were conducted at the Excelsior Hotel.

Aguilar said the city government held the activities in celebration of National Children’s Month every November.

She said the children representatives actively participated in discussions and activities aimed at amplifying their voices.

The Vice Mayor also said stakeholders also signed a Declaration of Commitment against online and offline abuse and exploitation of children.

The event also served as a platform for young participants to share their views, ensuring their inclusion in local policies and programs concerning their welfare and rights.

Members of the Local Council for the Protection of Children emphasized the city’s commitment to child rights.

Aguilar, during her interaction with the youth participants, underscored the importance of empowering children as active agents of societal change.

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 are aware of the celebration of National Children’s Month.

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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Over 1,200 senior citizens of three Las Piñas City barangays receive pension from CSWDO

December 7, 2024December 2, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, more than one thousand two hundred senior citizens of Barangay Almanza Uno, Barangay Talon Tres and Barangay Pilar Village received their pension from the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), the City Government announced 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 of Las Piñas, through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), held a social pension pay-out on Wednesday, November 20, at the Almanza Uno Covered Court. The event catered to 1,240 senior citizens from Barangays Talon Tres, Almanza Uno, and Pilar, providing vital financial aid to support their daily needs.

Beneficiaries from Almanza Uno totaled 433, while 424 came from Talon Tres and 383 from Pilar. Each recipient received ₱6,000, representing their social pension for the second half of the year, July to December. The funds were allocated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as part of the national government’s efforts to assist indigent senior citizens.

City representatives ensured the smooth delivery of financial assistance, engaging with the beneficiaries to address any concerns and streamline the process. This initiative underscores the city’s commitment to recognizing the contributions of senior citizens and providing meaningful support to improve their quality of life.

Through its collaboration with the DSWD, the city government continues to implement programs focused on addressing the needs of vulnerable groups.

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? Has the CSWDO released pension funds to senior citizens of your local community already?

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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Las Piñas City Councilors Santos and Medina push for 2nd legislative district

December 3, 2024November 24, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, City Councilors Mark Santos and Henry Medina pushed for the establishment of a 2^nd legislative district pointing to the growing population, the voice of the constituents, development of the city and other factors, according to a Manila Times news report.

For the newcomers reading this, Las Piñas City currently has one seat in the House of Representatives and its population has exceeded 600,000 since 2020.

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

LAS PIÑAS City leaders are pressing for the creation of a second legislative district, citing the local government’s growing population and the need for broader representation in the House of Representatives.

City Councilors Mark Anthony Santos and Henry Medina filed a resolution urging Congress to establish an additional congressional district for Las Piñas, a city that has seen significant population growth since it became a city in 1997.

According to the 2020 census conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority, Las Piñas had a population of 606,293, way above the constitutional requirement of 250,000 residents to qualify for another legislative district.

Section 5, Article VI of the Philippine Constitution provides that each legislative district “shall comprise, as far as practicable, contiguous, compact, and adjacent territory. Each city with a population of at least two hundred fifty thousand, or each province, shall have at least one representative.“

Currently, Las Piñas is represented by a single congressional seat despite its population and administrative structure. The city has two councilor districts that are used for electing six city councilors from its 20 barangay (villages), but this bifurcation has yet to translate into additional representation in Congress.

Las Piñas’ journey to cityhood began in 1997 under then-president Fidel V. Ramos, with residents overwhelmingly supporting the change in a plebiscite.

Since then, the city has undergone rapid urbanization and population growth, further strengthening the case for additional representation.

Despite these developments, proposals for a second congressional district have not gained traction until now.

“With the creation of another congressional district representation in the House of Representatives, the voice of Las Pinyeros will be heard in a broader arena,” Santos said as he highlighted the benefits of increased representation.

Medina echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that an additional district could lead to improved public services, increased budget allocations and accelerated development for the city.

He pointed out that the establishment of a second district would allow the city’s growing population to have more direct representation in national governance.

This, in turn, could translate into better legislative focus on local issues, from infrastructure and education to health care and economic development.

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 believe it is high-time for Las Piñas City to have a 2^nd congressional seat? What do you think is the problem preventing Las Piñas City from having another seat in the House of Representatives?

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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2024 Christmas party of Century Club of Tahanan, Inc. (CCTI) attended by hundreds of guests

November 30, 2024November 29, 2024carlocarrasco

On the evening of November 24 at the covered basketball court inside Tahanan Village, Barangay BF Homes, Parañaque City, the Century Club of Tahanan, Inc. (CCTI) had its annual Christmas party which was attended by lots of guests.

According to CCTI president Flor Umali, around eight hundred guests – including CCTI members and officials – attended. 600 were from Tahanan Village while roughly 200 others were from the adopted villages of Teoville, Maywood and partly from BF NorthWest.

*A view of the CCTI Christmas party set-up and the stage.*

*A few of the many gifts and raffle prizes on display by the stage.*

The guests had a nice night of celebrating Christmas with a dinner buffet, musical performances and social interactions. Sponsored raffles and gifts given added excitement to the celebration as the party went on.

As with past Christmas parties of CCTI (click here and here), the local public servants and candidates (for the 2025 local elections) were in attendance and spent some time greeting the guests and sparing time to chat with them. Present were congressman Brian Yamsuan (running for Parañaque’s 2^nd district congressional seat), former City Councilor Benjo Bernabe (candidate for Parañaque Vice Mayor), former City Councilor Tess de Asis (running for the City Council), former City Councilor Binky Favis (also running for the City Council), City Councilor Tin Esplana, Barangay BF Homes captain Jeremy Marquez and Mayor Eric Olivarez.

In the foreground are (L to R) former City Councilor Benjo Bernabe, City Councilor Tin Esplana (facing the background) and former City Councilor Binky Favis (standing). In the background is Parañaque City Mayor Eric Olivarez delivering his remarks.

*CCTI president Flor Umali with Bicol Saro party-list Representative Brian Yamsuan. Yamsuan is running for the 2nd district congressional seat of Parañaque in the 2025 election.*

Olivarez gave the guests an update about what has been happening in the city. Like in his previous attendance of CCTI Christmas parties, he performed a dance to delight the audience. Olivarez will be running for Parañaque’s 1^st district congressional seat which he previously occupied from 2013 to 2022.

With regards to what people can expect next from the Century Club of Tahanan, Inc. in the near future, their president said that the next health check activity might happen in February 2025. Watch out for future updates from the CCTI.

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Raid in Las Piñas City nets illegal drugs worth P34 million, one high-value suspect arrested

November 26, 2024November 19, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, a raid that took place at a condominium building resulted in the seizure of P34 million worth of illegal drugs and the arrest of one high-value individual, according to a Philippine Star news report.

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

Five kilos of shabu with an estimated value of P34 million were recovered when anti-narcotics agents raided the house of a suspected drug dealer in Las Piñas City on Saturday.

Armed with a search warrant issued by a Las Piñas court, agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) raided a condominium building along Alabang-Zapote Road in Barangay Almanza Uno.

The anti-narcotics operation targeted two high-value suspects. One of them, identified as Kenneth Bandong, 30, was arrested. Bandong’s cohort, a woman, was not around during the raid.

PDEA agents said they found five kilos of shabu in the condominium unit. Bandong is facing cases for illegal drug possession under Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

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 that someone in your local community could be secretly engaging in illegal drugs?

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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Over 600 Barangay Daniel Fajardo residents served by Las Piñas Health and Wellness Caravan

November 24, 2024November 17, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, more than six hundred residents of Barangay Daniel Fajardo were served with varied health services provided by the Las Piñas Health and Wellness Caravan, 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 Las Piñas Health and Wellness Caravan, organized by the City Health Office, delivered essential health services to residents of Daniel Fajardo at the Casimiro Townhomes Covered Court on Wednesday, November 6. Over 600 residents took advantage of the free services, showcasing the city’s commitment to delivering accessible healthcare.

The event provided a comprehensive range of medical services, including consultations, blood sugar and cholesterol tests, dental services, ECGs, chest X-rays, and lifestyle-related illness risk screening. Residents also availed of pneumonia vaccinations for senior citizens, free medicines at the pharmacy, and support for PhilHealth registration and the Green Card program. Mobile birth registration and a station offering massages were also available to further support community well-being.

City Vice Mayor April Aguilar was on hand to oversee the health caravan, emphasizing the local government’s dedication to health and wellness. She was joined by City Councilor Mark Anthony Santos and City Council District 1 candidates Alelee Aguilar, Atty. Zardi Abellera, Mac Mac Santos, Robert Cristobal, and Marlon Rosales. Their presence underlined the unified efforts of city leaders to prioritize public health initiatives. City Health Office head Dr. Juliana Gonzalez was also present, ensuring the smooth facilitation of services.

Dr. Juliana Gonzalez highlighted the continuous positive impact of the caravan in reaching numerous residents and addressing health concerns. She noted the program’s role in providing early detection and preventive care to 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? When was the last time the City Government’s Health and Wellness Caravan was held in your local community?

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

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