roads – Author Carlo Carrasco

Preventive Maintenance And Other Improvements On SCTEX

December 1, 2025November 24, 2025carlocarrasco

The Subic–Clark–Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) undergoing improvements by means of maintenance works and asset enhancements by the NLEX Corporation, according to a Malaya Business Insight news report. This means better travel and improved safety for the many motorists who use the SCTEX.

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

NLEX Corp., the concessionaire of the 94-kilometer Subic–Clark–Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), recently rolled out a series of asset enhancement and preventive maintenance works to reinforce road safety, and help in providing an improved driving experience for motorists.

“We’re focused on delivering improvements that our motorists can truly feel on the road,” NLEX president and general manager Luis Reñon declared in a statement on November 20.

Approximately 3,700 square meters were reportedly completed from Dinalupihan to Tarlac, focusing on uneven surfaces and minimizing potential driving hazards.

The company also installed 22 additional sets of rumble strips at key locations along SCTEX. These strips produce mild vibrations and audible cuesfor drivers, promoting more attentive and safer driving behavior. A total of 26 rumble strips are now laid out across the expressway.

Median, or center guardrails, from Dolores to Luisita have been being raised by 30cm for the asphalt overlay. This adjustment maintains safety standards, and helps preserve roadway integrity.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? When was the last time you drove along the SCTEX?

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

Las Piñas City Congressman Santos Says 13 Infrastructure Projects Awarded To 4 Discaya Construction Firms

September 14, 2025September 9, 2025carlocarrasco

Here in the Philippines, a lot of people are angry over the flood control projects scandals. This is in reference to several flood control projects that collectively remained incomplete, completed but got damaged later due to using sub-standard materials, and that alleged kickbacks were involved in the awarding of contracts by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to contractors.

In the City of Las Piñas, Congressman Mark Santos revealed that four construction firms owned by the controversial Discaya couple were awarded contracts for thirteen projects in the city worth more than P450 million, according to a Malaya Business Insight news report. It should be noted that a lot of DPWH projects lacked permits from the City Government. On the other hand, Sarah Discaya admitted owning several construction firms that bid for DPWH projects.

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

FOUR construction firms owned by Sarah Discaya cornered 13 flood control and national infrastructure projects, worth about P452 million, in Las Piñas City in the past three years, city Rep. Mark Anthony Santos said yesterday.

Santos laughed off Discaya’s denial in the Senate, saying records from the Department of Public Works and Highways would show that her firm Alpha & Omega’s P18.9-million flood control project in Barangay Zapote was a “glaring failure” as it was only 26.41 percent completed when the construction deadline lapsed in August 2025.

The neophyte lawmaker said that aside from Alpha & Omega General Construction and Development Corp., Discaya’s other companies, St. Matthew General Contractor and Development Corp.; Amethyst Horizon Builders and General Contractor; and Great Pacific Builders and General Contractor Inc., also got several multi-million-peso projects in Las Piñas between 2022 and 2025.

Alpha & Omega, which cornered about P100 billion of the P545.6-billion budget from July 2022 to May 2025, was among the top 15 contractors for flood control projects earlier identified by the President.

Santos disclosed that the Las Piñas-Muntinlupa District Engineering Office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), formerly headed by district engineer Isabelo Baleros, awarded Alpha & Omega a P49-million contract in February 2022 for the construction of a flood control structure along Mahabang Ilog in Barangay Zapote.

However, just a month later, Santos said the DPWH office handed another P49-million flood control project in Mahabang Tubig, also in Zapote, to another Discaya’s firm, St. Matthew General Contractor and Development Corp.

He said Discaya’s Great Pacific Builders and General Contractor Inc. also received a P26.3-million contract in February 2023 for a flood control project along Manarigo Creek.

Just a month later, in March 2023, Santos said another P49-million flood control project for Paliwas Creek was awarded to Amethyst Horizon Builders and General Contractor, also one of the nine construction firms of the Discayas.

Santos said all flood control projects in his city from 2022 to 2025 that were awarded to the Discayas’ construction firms were confirmed by DPWH Undersecretary for Technical Services Ador Canlas.

“Records speak louder than claims. The Discayas’ repeated awards in Las Piñas are documented, and they cannot hide behind denials or excuses,” Santos said in a statement.

Santos said Canlas also told him that nine multi-million-peso government infrastructure projects had been awarded to the four construction firms of the Discayas, which includes the P9.7-million road rehabilitation in Barangay Zapote, the P6.8-million road rehabilitation in Barangay Talon 5, and the P9.8-million rehabilitation of Las Piñas Elementary School–Central.

The lawmaker said all three projects were awarded to Amethyst Horizon Builders in 2022 under Baleros who was appointed head of the DPWH Las Piñas–Muntinlupa District Engineering Office in August 2018 when the DPWH was headed by then Secretary now Sen. Mark Villar.

Santos said Discaya’s Great Pacific Builders “further solidified the family’s stranglehold on Las Piñas infrastructure” when it also secured the P4.8-million school building rehabilitation in Barangay Talon 1 in 2023.

He said the contracts did not end there as these were followed by another two P14.4-million multi-purpose building rehabilitations in 2024 in Barangay Manuyo Dos and Barangay Pulang Lupa Dos, “underscoring a clear pattern of cornering lucrative government contracts.”

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you concerned that the many questionable flood control projects in the city will leave people vulnerable to more flooding incidents in the near future?

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

The Current State of Flood Control in Las Piñas City

September 10, 2025September 3, 2025carlocarrasco

If you were in Las Piñas City during the week of July 21 to 25, 2025, were you trapped in the middle of heavy traffic because of immense flooding? Did you witness flood water that entered houses of a local residential community during that week? Today, the topic of flood control is a very hot one for Las Piñas City residents because a lot were negatively affected by flooding and Congressman Mark Santos has been speaking out a lot about it.

For starters, watch the YouTube news video of GMA Network below.

Next, watch the analytical YouTube video of Claire Castro below.

Santos recently pointed out that more than forty construction projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the city lacked permits from the City Government.

The DPWH itself has turned controversial due to several flawed and questionable flood control projects nationwide handled by contractors. No less than Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., was angered over a Bulacan flood control project that was never completed even though the contractor has been paid. Not only that, one particular business person admitted owning several construction firms that bid for DPWH projects.

Going back to Las Piñas City, there is controversy over certain infrastructure projects involving the influential Villar business and political family and already there was friction with the City Government. Congressman Santos pointed out that the Las Piñas-Zapote River Drive (another project of the Villar family which you can learn about by clicking here and here) made flooding in the city worse. For insight about Las Piñas City developments, watch the YouTube video below.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to the recent developments regarding construction, infrastructure and flooding? Are you following what Congressman Santos has been doing and saying regarding the state of flood control in the city? Do you hope to see the DPWH coordinate closely with the City Government and make sure it secured permits for local projects?

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 facilitates opening of access road between two villages

February 5, 2024February 4, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government announced that an access road between two villages will be opened with the easing of traffic in mind, 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…

The Muntinlupa City government announced the opening of a connecting road between two villages to ease traffic and provide easy access to residents.

The opening of the access road between the government housing project Katarungan Village and South Greenheights Village will happen soon.

According to the city government, the connecting road between R. Pamatina Street in Katarungan Village and Rosemary Street in South Greenheights Village is being built with the pavement being constructed, and installation of lights and security guard post.

The homeowners associations of the two villages signed a memorandum of agreement on Dec. 18 last year to approve the opening of the access road.

“Malaking kapakinabangan kasi they don’t have to go to the National Road papunta ng Daang Hari, Alabang o papunta ng Poblacion so magiging parang declogging road para doon sa dalawang villages (This will have huge benefit because they don’t have to go to the National Road to go to Daang Hari [Road] in Alabang or [Barangay] Poblacion so it will be like a declogging road for the two villages),” said City Administrator Allan Cachuela.

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 find this development beneficial to you when it comes to traveling locally?

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

MCX acquired by Villar-led company for P3.8 billion

August 14, 2023August 10, 2023carlocarrasco

Have you been driving lately along the Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway (MCX)? In case you missed the news, the MCX has officially been acquired by a company led by the influential Villar group for almost P4 billion, according to a Manila Standard news report.

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

Prime Asset Ventures Inc., a company led by the Villar Group, on Wednesday finalized the acquisition of the four-kilometer Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway from Ayala Corp. for P3.8 billion.

PAVI said in a statement it signed the implementing agreements for the acquisition of MCX after the Department of Public Works and Highways in July approved the transfer of ownership of from Ayala Corp. to the Villar Group.

Vista Land chairman Manuel Villar Jr. and Ayala Corp. president and chief executive Cezar Consing attended the signing ceremony at Brittany Hotel in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

“This momentous event shows our resolve to provide our countrymen better services in the area of roads and toll ways. You’ll be surprised of the many wonderful things to come in Villar City,” Villar said.

MCX is a four-kilometer controlled-access toll road linking the southern part of Cavite to Muntinlupa. It is the first public-private partner project under the Aquino administration.

Ayala signed the 30-year concession agreement for the operation of MCX Expressway in 2012. It invested P2.2 billion for the project including a P902-million cash payment to the government.

Ayala announced in March 2022 it would sell its entire stake in MCX Project Company Inc., which holds the concession for the MCX to the Villar Group for P3.8 billion.

“Ayala developed MCX over a decade ago to connect Metro Manila to Imus, Dasmarinas and Bacoor in Cavite which were experiencing rapid growth. MCX succeeded in relieving traffic congestion and reducing the travel time between Metro Manila and Cavite. The sale of MCX represents another example of our recycling capital to benefit from opportunities in our core and emerging businesses,” Consing said.

The acquisition will further expand Villar Group investment portfolio which currently includes housing, retail, food, water, power, and utilities, to integrated resorts and entertainment.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there will be major changes regarding the MCX under the new owners? Do you constantly travel along the MCX?

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

Get ready for the “Build, Better, More” infrastructure program

August 24, 2022August 23, 2022carlocarrasco

If there is something highly significant done by the previous administration under former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte that a lot of people will benefit from, it would be the “Build Build Build” infrastructure program which was designed to grow the economy, reduce poverty and solve congestion. This resulted in expansion and improvements through projects on roads, bridges, highways, airports and also water resources. For more on the impact of “Build Build Build”, click here and here.

Of course, the 6-year term of Duterte was ultimately insufficient to complete all the projects of the program (note: the incomplete ones are still continuing) and now we have a new leader with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., who specifically mentioned infrastructure during his State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Yesterday, it was reported by the Manila Bulletin that a new infrastructure program under the Marcos administration has officially been announced as “Build, Better, More”. Other than the name, there are notable details listed which will give people a clear idea about what to expect about the continued development of Philippine infrastructure.

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

“Build, Better, More”–or BBM for short–is officially a program of the Marcos administration, and the executive branch is asking P1.196 trillion from Congress in order to fund it next year.

Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman acknowledged during a press conference with House reporters Monday, Aug. 22 that the BBM program was an “expansion” of the previous Duterte administration’s “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure modernization initiative.

BBM is also the initials of the incumbent President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

The BBM program was listed as a “spending priority” on the DBM’s briefer on the 2023 National Expenditure Program (NEP), which the agency submitted to the House of Representatives Monday.

“A total of P1.196 trillion has been allocated for the government’s 2023 infrastructure programs,” read a statement from DBM, referring to the budget being sought from lawmakers.

“The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will receive [a] P718.4-[billion] budget in 2023, while the Department of Transportation will receive P167.1 [billion] in 2023–an increase by 120.4 percent for its P75.8-[billion] budget in 2022, which covers the augmented funding requirements for various foreign assisted railway projects,” it stated.

Pangandaman said during the presser that BBM includes “convergence programs with Department of Tourism, Department of Education, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Trade and Industry”.

“Related po doon sa Build, Better, More program natin (Related to our Build, Better, More program), which is an expansion of the Build, Build, Build program are programs po under the DOTr,” the DBM chief noted.

Among the major transportation infrastructure projects that will be implemented include the North-South Commuter Railway (costing P75.1 billion), Metro Manila Subway Project (P26.3 billion), and Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 Cavite Extension Project (P2.7 billion).

Also linked to the BBM program are more specific infrastructure initiatives such as the Network Development Program (P140.4 billion), Asset Preservation Program (P88.5 billion), and Bridge Program (P38 billion).

Pangandaman said that the Network Development Program’s purpose is to “expand the connectivity and road systems across the country”. On the other hand, the Asset Preservation Program involves “maintenance, rehabilitation, and reconstruction”.

“We also have the Bridge Program po, [the] construction and maintenance and repair of bridges,” she added.

In his State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 25, Marcos said, “The backbone of an economy is its infrastructure. The infrastructure program of the Duterte administration must not only continue but, whenever possible, be expanded. We shall confidently build on this firm foundation established by my predecessor. As it is in building an edifice, we must keep the momentum and aspire to Build Better More.”

The 2023 NEP, which is the precursor of the General Appropriations Bill (GAB) or proposed national budget, will be scrutinized first in the House of Representatives. It will eventually endorse to the Senate its GAB after they approve it on third and final reading.

Regardless of who is in-charge in the national government, I personally favor the widespread, massive development of infrastructure projects around the country. In my honest opinion, improved and expanded infrastructure will pave way for better economic growth covering vast sectors like industry, commerce, tourism, real estate, agriculture and more. The past Build, Build, Build and the new Build, Better, More are clearly more than just about solving traffic congestion. The Marcos administration now has the task of implementing the new infrastructure program which will not only improve infrastructure but also create new jobs.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you glad that President Marcos and his administration are focused on continuing the momentum of massive infrastructure development that his predecessor started? What kind infrastructure projects would you want the nation government to start working on?

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

Las Piñas River Drive Extension (AKA New River Drive) opened for motorists

May 12, 2021May 11, 2021carlocarrasco

After being formally opened a week ago, the Las Piñas River Drive’s extension (note: referred to as the New River Drive) made its presence through the local news media via the Manila Standard (May 6) and the Philippine Star (yesterday). The said new road was completed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and its ribbon-cutting ceremony was done with the presence of Senator Cynthia Villar and Las Piñas Congresswoman Camille Villar and other officials.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the New River Drive led by Senator Cynthia Villar and Las Piñas Representative Camille Villar plus other varied officials. (source – Senator Cynthia Villar Facebook page)

So what exactly is this New River Drive? According to the May 4, 2021 post on Senator Villar’s Facebook page, the description is as follows (some parts in bold):

LAS PIÑAS RIVER DRIVE EXTENDED FURTHER

The new 850-meter River Drive traverses Verdant Subdivision to Naga Road via Verdant Acres in Bgy. Pamplona 3 to Vergonville Subdivision, St. Joseph Subdivision and Villa Isabelita in Brgy. Pulang Lupa Dos. The 640-meter River Drive in Casimiro will also be partially opened via Casimiro Village, Dela Cruz Compound and Batibot in Brgy. Pamplona 3. The completion of this project, which is still ongoing, will connect Casimiro Village to Zapote Road.

In the respective published reports of the Manila Standard and Philippine Star, Senator Villar stated that the new road and other road developments in the City of Las Piñas will entice investors and lure in investments. Through the Philippine Star report, the Senator expressed her thanks to the DPWH for addressing their concerns on traffic in the city through the River Drive project. According to Manila Standard’s report, the elderly Villar guaranteed that she will work closely with the City Government and the DPWH to ensure that traffic problems in the city will be resolved swiftly.

*Senator Villar, Congresswoman Villar and other officials examined a stretch of the new road as they walked on it. (source – Senator Cynthia Villar Facebook page)*

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you were able to drive along the 850-meter Las Piñas River Drive, how was the experience? Was the ride smooth? How much time did it take you to travel the entire 850-meter stretch?

In relation to the above questions, how was your experience driving along the Alabang-Zapote Road since the New River Drive opened?

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 and also please consider sharing this article to others. 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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

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

Road Clearing Operations in Muntinlupa City Continue

November 19, 2020November 24, 2020carlocarrasco

The Muntinlupa Task Force Discipline, through the city’s Traffic Management Bureau, conducted clearing operations along National Road this past Tuesday in compliance with the 60-day DILG Nationwide Road Clearing 2.0 until January 15, 2021.

*MTMB personnel work on clearing the sidewalks. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)*

*An MTMB team member examines the tricycle. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)*

*An MTMB member checks on a vehicle on the sidewalk. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)*

MTMB chief Danidon Nolasco says while the local traffic bureau will augment the presence of enforcers for on-ground apprehension of violators, minimum health protocols will be observed. DILG called for the resumption of road clearing operations through the Memorandum Circular 2020-145 mandating local government units to remove road and sidewalk obstructions, implement displacement plans, and rehabilitate cleared roads. Muntinlupa City sustains its compliance to President Rodrigo Duterte’s road clearing directive and supports the national government’s initiative on traffic management.

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Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release. Some parts were edited for this website.

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 distorted views, NO to reckless publishers, and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila-related community developments, engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, visit and join the South Metro Manila FB group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

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