Southeast Asia – Page 24 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Almost 750 senior citizens vaccinated for pneumonia in Las Piñas City

July 26, 2025July 17, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the vaccination drive held at SM Center Las Piñas saw almost seven hundred fifty senior citizens getting free vaccinations for pneumonia, the City Government announced via social media. Mayor April Aguilar personally attended the vaccination drive and met with the locals.

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

A total of 743 senior citizens received free pneumonia vaccines during the health drive organized by the City Health Office on Wednesday, July 16, at SM Center Las Piñas. The event, led by Mayor April Aguilar, is part of the city’s continuing effort to protect the elderly from respiratory illnesses.

Mayor Aguilar visited the venue and personally engaged with residents, expressing her gratitude for their participation and reiterating the city’s commitment to ensuring accessible and preventive healthcare for all. Also present was Dr. Juliana Gonzalez, head of the City Health Office, who addressed the attendees and highlighted the importance of pneumonia vaccination in preventing complications among older adults, especially those with pre-existing health conditions.

To ensure a smooth and safe process, participants were asked to bring their Senior Citizens ID, Vaccination Card (if previously vaccinated for pneumonia), and a Screening Form from their respective health centers. The City Health Office also reminded residents to be in good health on the day of vaccination, to maintain a five-year interval from their last pneumonia shot, and to eat beforehand and bring drinking water to help prevent post-vaccination reactions.

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 the City Government will soon organize a vaccination drive in your barangay?

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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America sets 19% tariff on Philippine goods after crucial Trump-Marcos meeting

July 24, 2025July 23, 2025carlocarrasco

Months after initial communications were made (click here and here), Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. finally met with US President Donald Trump in the White House and this ultimately resulted in a 19% tariff on Philippine goods by America, according to two related news articles (click here and here) by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

For the newcomers reading this, America initially announced a 17% tariff on products from the Philippines last April and it was recently revised to 20% which surprised many here in the Philippines. Now that the American tariff for Philippine goods has been settled at 19%, President Marcos called the reduction significant. It should be noted that America generated more than $100 billion in new revenue from tariffs under Trump this year.

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

Philippine exports to the United States (US) will now be subject to a 19 percent tariff, down from the 20 percent Washington initially planned to impose, US President Donald Trump announced following what he called a “beautiful visit” by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the White House.

Part of the new deal includes granting zero tariffs for American products bound for the Philippines.

*Philippine President Marcos with US President Trump at the White House. (photo source – the White House)*

“It was a beautiful visit, and we concluded our Trade Deal, whereby The Philippines is going OPEN MARKET with the United States, and ZERO Tariffs. The Philippines will pay a 19% Tariff,” Trump posted on his Truth Social account early Wednesday (Manila time).

*Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt tweet of President Trump’s TRUTH Social post about the meeting with President Marcos and new trade deal.*

He also described Marcos as a “very good and tough negotiator.”

Latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that the US comprised the highest export value amounting to USD1.115 billion, or 15.3 percent of the country’s total exports in May this year.

Posted below is an excerpt from the other PNA news article related to Marcos’ description of the 1% reduction of tariff by America as well as his clarification about Philippines’ zero tariff approach on certain American products coming to the country. Some parts in boldface…

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. defended the Philippines’ new trade arrangement with the United States (US), saying the reduced 19 percent tariff on Philippine exports—down from the proposed 20 percent—is a “significant achievement,” amid questions over its fairness.

“One percent might seem like a very small concession. However, when you put it in real terms, it is a significant achievement,” Marcos said in a press briefing following his meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday (Manila time).

The President acknowledged that the new deal also opens key Philippine markets to American products—particularly vehicles, agricultural goods, and pharmaceuticals—but said the arrangement will benefit Filipinos through lower prices and stronger bilateral trade.

“We will open that market and no longer charge tariffs on that… para makamura naman ‘yung mga – maging mas mura ‘yung gamot natin (so we can lower the cost of medicines),” he said.

Marcos said while the 19 percent tariff on Philippine goods is still substantial, it reflects a step forward in trade engagement with Washington D.C. and lays the groundwork for future negotiations.

For transparency, posted below is the official video from the White House YouTube channel.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you realize that there is a lot more about US and Philippines relations that go beyond the newly agreed trade agreement? Do you think America’s 19% tariff on exports from the Philippines will add challenged to the Philippine economy? What do you think about the Trump-Marcos meeting? Did you pay attention to the planned Subic Bay ammunition manufacturing plant that was mentioned? If you are based in the Philippines, do you look forward to importing American-made vehicles, agricultural products and pharmaceutical products once they enter the country without any tariffs imposed on them? Do you think the newest exchange between Trump and Marcos will make Communist China concerned or worried?

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 Mayor April Aguilar Leads Emergency Briefing on Habagat Response

July 24, 2025July 22, 2025carlocarrasco

In the City of Las Piñas, the new Mayor April Aguilar led the emergency operations briefing as the local authorities responded to the needs of the constituents who were affected by the heavy torrential rain that lasted for days affecting Metro Manila, the City Government confirmed via social media. The City Government remains on high alert and has been monitoring the situation as of this posting.

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

Mayor April Aguilar led an emergency operations briefing on Tuesday morning following the severe flooding that hit the city, caused by heavy torrential rain shortly after midnight and a high tide from Manila Bay early this morning.

*The new Mayor April Aguilar at the emergency center of operations of Las Piñas. (photo source – Las Piñas PIO)*

The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) reported that intense rainfall began at 12:45 AM, leading to rapid water accumulation in several barangays. The situation was further aggravated by a 1.2-meter high tide from Manila Bay at around 7:00 AM, which contributed to the widespread flooding in low-lying areas.

As of the 10:00 AM report, 17 barangays have been affected, with 146 flooded areas recorded throughout the city. A total of 504 families, or 1,669 individuals, have been evacuated to 17 designated evacuation centers managed by the city government.

*Mayor Aguilar talks with the emergency operations team members. (photo source – Las Piñas PIO)*

Key city department heads were present during the briefing, including representatives from the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), City Engineering Department, City Health Office, City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), and the Public Information Office, all of whom provided situational updates and coordinated ongoing response actions. Also in attendance were District 1 City Councilors Alelee Aguilar and Robert Cristobal, who joined the discussions on resource deployment and community support.

To respond to emergency calls, the city deployed 14 response teams composed of 94 personnel, including units for water search and rescue, evacuation support, and debris clearing. A total of 53 rescue requests have been received, with 30 already completed.

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 the City Government and its emergency personnel has done enough to assist those who were affected by the heavy rain? Was there a lot of flooding 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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Online Lending Company Raided and 168 Employees Arrested Over Harassment Allegations

July 24, 2025July 16, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Pasig, law enforcers raided an online lending firm and arrested one hundred and sixty-eight employees over alleged harassment of several borrowers, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. It should be noted that one of the victims committed suicide due to harassment over money borrowed from the raided firm.

For the newcomers reading this, this is the latest development about local companies that lend money to clients who later get harassed or threatened as ways to compel them to pay back. There were similar developments that happened over the past few years which you can see by clicking here, here, here and here.

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

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) on Tuesday said an inter-agency operation in Pasig City has resulted in the arrest of 168 employees of an online lending company allegedly harassing borrowers.

In a statement, the PAOCC said the operation was conducted at the 22nd floor of Robinsons Equitable Tower in Pasig City, the main operating hub of Creditable Lending Corporation, the company behind the online lending application Easy Peso.

The operation was led by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG), and the PNP-CIDG, with support from the PAOCC, the National Privacy Commission (NPC), and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) by virtue of a Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD) issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 46 in Manila.

Authorities seized hundreds of computers and several company-issued mobile phones allegedly used for harassment during debt collection, along with hundreds of pre-registered SIM cards, text blasters, and harassment scripts.

The raid followed months of surveillance and investigation, aided by the testimony of a former employee who came forward to expose how the company misled and harassed borrowers.

According to the PAOCC, some victims were directed to send payments to personal GCash or bank accounts under the guise of clearing their loans, only to be contacted again by collectors despite having paid.

This operation comes just days after a man from Valenzuela City took his own life after suffering harassment from individuals connected with Easy Peso.

“May isang buhay na nawala dahil sa pang-aabuso ng isang lending app. Hindi utang ang pumatay sa kanya kundi ‘yung walang-awang pangha-harass (A life was gone due to the abuses of a lending app. The victim did not die due to his debt, but due to cruel harassment),” PAOCC Executive Director Gilbert Cruz said.

“Sa bawat biktima, huwag kayong matakot. Hindi kayo nag-iisa. Nandito ang gobyerno na handa kayong tulungan (To each victim, don’t be scared. You are not alone. The government is here ready to help you) ,” he said

Meanwhile, the SEC is reviewing the company’s legal and regulatory compliance, as its operations appear to have exploited the system while falsely claiming legitimacy.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there are still a lot of online lending firms that planned to harass or threaten its borrowers? Do you know anyone who borrowed money from such firms only to get threated to pay back? Did you notice the presence of online lending firms 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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Las Piñas City Recognized for HRM Excellence, Receives Bronze Award

July 23, 2025July 15, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City was awarded by the Civil Service Commission’s Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management (PRIME-HRM) for excellence on its management of human resources and Mayor April Aguilar formally received the Bronze Award, 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 City of Las Piñas was formally presented with the Bronze Award under the Civil Service Commission’s Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management (PRIME-HRM) during the city’s weekly flag raising ceremony held on Monday morning, July 14, at the City Hall Quadrangle.

Mayor April Aguilar personally received the recognition, which was granted through CSC Resolution No. 2400438. The award highlights the city’s effective implementation of documented human resource systems and its achievement of process-defined status across four core areas of HRM.

During the ceremony, Mayor Aguilar expressed her appreciation to the city government employees and the Human Resource Management Office for their sustained efforts in professionalizing systems and meeting institutional standards required by the Civil Service Commission.

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 city winning a new award?

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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Government pushing direct international access to Philippine tourist hubs

July 22, 2025July 14, 2025carlocarrasco

In what is clearly an attempt to help the Philippines attract more foreign tourists, the government is pushing to open regional tourism and business hubs to international flights which should enable foreigners to have better access to other parts of the country, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

For context, it has been reported already that the Philippines is failing on attracting foreign tourists when compared to the other Southeast Asian nations. In 2024, the Philippines attracted less than 6 million foreign tourists and the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) declared target for the year was 7.7 million foreign tourists.

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

President Marcos has underscored the government’s push to open regional tourism and business hubs to international flights, saying these would allow foreign travelers to skip Metro Manila and head straight to their chosen destinations.

Marcos said this as he led the groundbreaking of the Caticlan Passenger Terminal Building in Aklan on Monday, July 18.

In his speech, the President said regional airports such as Caticlan are key to welcoming foreign travelers directly to Philippine destinations, bypassing Metro Manila and stimulating regional economies.

“We are slowly putting together the building blocks of our policy of opening up our tourist areas… to international travelers without having to go through the Manila Airport,” he said.

Marcos added that the new passenger terminal, which will serve as the main airport gateway to Boracay and other destinations in Western Visayas, would help ease travel to the region and boost economic activity.

“It is not just Aklan who is involved in this; it is the entire region that will be assisted by the construction of this terminal building,” he said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the national authorities will be able to establish new ways for foreign tourists to skip Metro Manila and move on to their chosen destinations located in other parts of the country? On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate the current state of tourism 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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Muntinlupa City’s Sidewalk Vendors Meet With Mayor

July 22, 2025July 16, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, several local vendors from specific locations met with Mayor Ruffy Biazon at City Hall and discussed relevant issues, 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…

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon held a dialogue with Muslim vendors operating on sidewalks in Alabang.

Biazon said the vendors operate in the Alabang viaduct, Alabang junction, Montillano Street, Petron gas station, and Liana’s, all located in Alabang.

He recently ordered the Muntinlupa Traffic Management Bureau and cooperatives to conduct an inspection of sidewalks of the Alabang viaduct area and Alabang public market.

“Dahil nandito ang transportation hubs, I see Alabang Viaduct as the gateway of Muntinlupa. At bilang gateway, gusto natin na kapag nadaanan ito ng mga tao, ang unang impression nila: maayos, malinis, at disiplinado ang Muntinlupa (Because the transportation hubs are here, I see Alabang Viaduct as the gateway of Muntinlupa. And as a gateway, what we want is when people pass through it, their first impression is: Muntinlupa is neat, clean, and disciplined).”

He said what the city government wants is for the sidewalks to be walkable and the goods, trash and obstruction do not hinder pedestrians. On the other hand, Biazon said he recognizes that sidewalks offer income opportunities for some of the residents.

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 vendors should be allowed to occupy space on sidewalks to be able to do business? Do you think that obstruction on sidewalks add to the possibility of accidents happening? Do you think that vendors who are not certified residents of Muntinlupa City should not be allowed to sell 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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Satellite Voter Registration in Las Piñas City Set for August 1 to 10

July 21, 2025July 14, 2025carlocarrasco

In relation with the Commission on Election’s (COMELEC) announcement of a nationwide voter registration process, the COMELEC office in Las Piñas City announced that satellite voter registration processes will happen in several parts of the city from August 1 to 10, 2025, 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…

The Las Piñas Commission on Elections (Comelec) scheduled a satellite voter’s registration in nine areas in the city on August 1 to 10.

According to the Las Piñas Public Information Office (PIO), the satellite voter registration conducted by the Comelec will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The registration will be conducted from Mondays to Fridays, including Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays, except when declared by the Comelec.

The Comelec will hold voter registration in the following areas: Metals Road, Camella 4 Subdivision in Barangay Pamplona Tres; Villar Gymnasium function room located at Barangay Talon Dos; Bernabe compound in Barangay Pulanglupa Uno; Gatchalian Subdivision in Barangay Manuyo Dos; Colours Town Marcos Alvarez; San Antonio Valley 17 in Barangay Talon Kuatro; Carmencita Village in Barangay Talon Tres; Almanza Dos Barangay Hall; and at Robinsons Mall ground floor located along Alabang-Zapote Road.

The Comelec advised residents to check their FB page on the dates when the mentioned areas will hold the voter satellite registration.

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 need to get registered with the local COMELEC office?

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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Philippines office leasing market rebounds strongly despite POGO ban

July 20, 2025July 13, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently the real estate advisory firm Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC) announced that the office leasing market of the Philippines rebounded strongly in the first half of 2025 even though there were many Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) that closed down due to the government ban on them, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. It should be noted that the POGO ban resulted in weaker demand for office spaces in 2024.

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

The office leasing market sustained a strong momentum in the first half of 2025, with demand reaching 67 percent of full-year 2024, despite the withdrawal of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), real estate advisory firm Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC) said Thursday.

“Demand has been strong for the first half of the year. We believe it will continue. We never know what will happen, but we are optimistic about it,” Mikko Barranda, LPC director for Commercial Leasing, said during the presentation of the LPC Q2 2025 Philippine Property Market Report in Makati City.

The Information Technology and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) took up 50 percent of the total leasing activity, or 365,000 square meters, in the first half of 2025.

Traditional industries, on the other hand, accounted for 48 percent, or 354,000 sqm, of the demand, while government offices took the rest of the share at 21,000 sqm.

At least 79 percent, or 581,000 sqm, of the overall demand came from Metro Manila, with Bonifacio Global City representing 146,000 sqm, while provincial demand was at 21 percent to 159,000 sqm, with Cebu covering 81,000 sqm.

Barranda reported that the net demand has breached more than 50 percent to 271,000 sqm of the firm’s projection for the year.

“Contractions are tapering off and net take-up in terms of what we have projected back in Q1, which we feel will be at 490,000 sqm levels, were already touching 55 percent,” he said.

In the absence of POGOs, LPC Chief Executive Officer David Leechiu said this surge is already the highest since 2017.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? How far do you think the current surge of office leasing market will go by the end of the year? Do you think there are a lot more companies out there actively searching for office spaces to rent?

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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Prominent Muntinlupa Hotels Recognized by City Government for Exceptional Resilience

July 19, 2025July 12, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, prominent hotels The Bellevue Manila, Crimson Hotel and Somerset Alabang Manila were recognized by the City Government for resilience during times of crisis, according to a news report by the Daily Tribune.

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

The local government of Muntinlupa announced that three prominent hotels were recognized for their exceptional resilience in navigating various crises, from the recent pandemic to natural calamities.

In a statement, Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon said that the awards highlight not just business success but also the steadfastness of these enterprises in the face of adversity.

Crimson Hotel secured the first prize for the Most Resilient Business Enterprise, followed by The Bellevue Manila in second place and Somerset Alabang in third.

“This isn’t just an award for business success, but for resilience amidst crisis,” Biazon said. “From the pandemic to various calamities, they have continuously remained open, provided assistance, and served as a pillar for our city.”

He also stressed that true success is measured not only by how high one reaches but by one’s fortitude during challenges.

“I salute businesses that not only recovered but also became part of the solution,” Biazon said, acknowledging the crucial role these establishments played.

“Muntinlupa’s hospitality industry, particularly its hotels, often finds itself on the front lines during disasters. These establishments frequently serve as evacuation sites and partners in emergency response efforts,” he added.

The mayor also said that resilience is not accidental as it requires deliberate planning, preparation, and effort, encompassing robust business continuity planning, comprehensive staff training, and close coordination with local government units.

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, are you delighted to know that the prominent hotels played key roles in dealing with crisis?

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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