Southeast Asia – Page 37 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Passenger service fees in CAAP airports hiked

April 26, 2025April 23, 2025carlocarrasco

If you are traveling through an airport operated by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), prepare yourself as the passenger service charge has officially been raised since April 21, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

A higher passenger service charge (PSC) has been imposed in all airports operated by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) starting April 21.

“The increase, primarily adjusted based solely on inflation from 2015 to present, underwent the required public hearing with various stakeholders, as well as the necessary publication,” the aviation authority said in a news release late Monday.

It added that the adjustment supports CAAP’s efforts to enhance passenger experience and improve airport facilities and operations.

In Memorandum Circular 019-2025 signed on April 4, the PSC for international flights rose to PHP900 from PHP550.

From the PHP200 PSC for domestic flights, the rate will be PHP350 for international airports; PHP300 for principal class 1 airports; PHP200 for principal class 2 airports; and PHP100 for community airports. CAAP operates 44 commercial airports.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the hike of the passenger service charge at CAAP airports has been justified? How much did you pay recently at a CAAP-operated airport?

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

1.17 million passengers accommodated by NAIA during Holy Week travel

April 25, 2025April 23, 2025carlocarrasco

Were you able to travel by airplane during the Holy Week? More than a million people traveled during the said week (April 13 to 20, 2025) based on the count of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) accommodated 1.17 million travelers during Holy Week from April 13 to 20, up 12.7 percent from the previous year.

Daily average volume was 146,611, peaking at 156,635 on Easter Sunday.

Domestic and international passenger traffic rose by 14.9 percent and 11.21 percent, respectively, year-on-year.

“This Holy Week showed how much better NAIA is becoming. We saw higher passenger numbers, but smoother and faster operations. That’s not by chance, it’s the result of planning, investment, and teamwork,” New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) president Ramon Ang said in a statement on Monday.

The San Miguel Corp.-led NNIC attributed the smooth and orderly operations across all terminals to the efforts of key agencies and the operational improvements in recent months.

The Bureau of Immigration, for instance, deployed additional personnel and opened more counters at the country’s main gateway.

“As a result of these combined efforts, NAIA recorded an on-time performance (OTP) of 83.28 percent across all terminals throughout the Holy Week period —an indicator of smoother airport operations and more efficient turnaround for airlines,” the NNIC said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you had traveled by air during Holy Week this year, how was your experience? Did you notice a lot of improvements with NAIA’s facilities and handling of passengers?

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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Manipulated video denounced by Muntinlupa Mayor Biazon

April 24, 2025April 22, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon denounced the spread of a digitally altered video that falsely portrayed him supporting a different candidate for the city’s congressional seat, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The mayor has warned the public not to be fooled by the manipulated video. The local elections are only a few weeks away from happening.

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

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon denounced the spread of a manipulated video that falsely showed him endorsing another candidate for congressman.

“Babala sa publiko! Huwag malinlang! Ang altered video na ito ay pawang kasinungalingan! (Warning to the public! Do not be deceived! This altered video is a lie!),” Biazon posted on Facebook.

Biazon’s original video showed him endorsing Allen Fresnedi Ampaya, current barangay chairman of Poblacion, as his candidate for vice mayor in the May 12 national and local elections.

The video was altered to show Biazon endorsing a candidate for congressman in the lone district of Muntinlupa. Biazon is endorsing reelectionist and partymate Rep. Jaime Fresnedi as congressman.

“May nagkakalat ng false, misleading, digitally altered material na naglalagay sa aking pagkatao sa hindi magandang paningin ng tao, gamit ang video material na walang pahintulot, sa panahon na pinagbabawal ang political campaign for or against any candidate (Someone is spreading false, misleading, digitally altered material that puts my character in a bad light, using video material without permission, during a time when political campaigning for or against any candidate is prohibited),” he said, adding that the video was posted on Good Friday, which was declared by the Commission on Elections as a day where campaigning was prohibited.

Biazon said they are studying the filing of a case for violation of Republic Act 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012), Batas Pambansa Blg. 881 (Omnibus Election Code) and Comelec Resolution No. 11064 (guidelines on the use of social media, artificial intelligence and internet technology for digital election campaign).

“Ito ay may kinalaman sa unauthorized copying, alteration of content and message at pag post ng manipulated video material para palabasin na may sinasabi akong hindi ko sinabi kapalit ng mensahe na taliwas sa aking pinaniniwalaan, na ang layunin ay malinlang ang mga taong makakapanood nito (This involves unauthorized copying, alteration of content and message and posting of manipulated video material to make it appear that I am saying something that I did not say in exchange for a message that is contrary to what I believe, with the aim of deceiving the people who will watch it),” the mayor said.

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, were you able to see the manipulated video about the mayor? If you did, does the video look fake or real? Do you think the person responsible for the manipulated video will be caught and be held accountable soon?

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

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COMELEC precinct finder available online

April 24, 2025April 23, 2025carlocarrasco

To help voters prepare themselves for the 2025 National and Local Elections scheduled for May 12, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has prepared the precinct finder online which people can visit now by clicking https://precinctfinder.comelec.gov.ph/voter_precinct

The precinct finder can help registered voters locate their respective precincts and the name of the venue where the precinct is located at. Voters only need to type their respective names in full, their birthdates, place of registration, and city or municipality.

Voters who will be participating in the May 12 elections are encouraged to click https://precinctfinder.comelec.gov.ph/voter_precinct

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25-year infrastructure masterplan to be crafted by DEPDev

April 23, 2025April 21, 2025carlocarrasco

A 25-year infrastructure masterplan will be crafted soon by the Department of Economic Planning and Development (DEPDev) to ensure the continuation of critical projects even though government transitions happen, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

The Department of Economic Planning and Development (DEPDev) is set to craft the country’s first 25-year infrastructure masterplan to ensure that critical projects continue despite changes in administration.

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said in a recent press chat that the Economy, Planning and Development Act, which reorganizes NEDA to DEPDev, mandated the agency to formulate the country’s first long-term infrastructure blueprint.

The law was signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on April 10 and would take effect on April 27.

“The law now tasks us to produce the first long-term framework for the period 2025 to 2050. And then it also tasks us to provide and to lead the efforts in coming up with this long-term comprehensive infrastructure development framework,” Balisacan told reporters.

Balisacan said this is the first time that a government agency is mandated by law to oversee and carry these plans forward, especially as administration changes.

“The new law gives that mandate to DEPDev, serving as link between the outgoing administration and the incoming administration,” he added, emphasizing the importance of continuity of key infrastructure projects.

Historically, infrastructure development in the Philippines has suffered from inconsistent implementation, with projects often stalled or abandoned due to shifts in leadership.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that infrastructure development in the Philippines will change for the better once the 25-year masterplan becomes a reality in the near future? Are you sick and tired seeing infrastructure projects getting disrupted whenever a change of government happens?

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 Internship Program institutionalized in Muntinlupa City

April 22, 2025April 22, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government enacted an ordinance which effectively institutionalized the Government Internship Program (GIP), according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Mayor Ruffy Biazon signed the ordinance into law on April 10.

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

The Muntinlupa City government has enacted an ordinance institutionalizing and localizing the Government Internship Program (GIP), which offers up to six months of paid public service internships to high school graduates.

Ordinance No. 2025-332, or the Muntinlupa City Government Internship Program (MC-GIP), was enacted by the Muntinlupa City government on March 31 and signed by Mayor Ruffy Biazon on April 10.

The ordinance stated that “in recognition of the potentials of young workers in the development of the Muntinlupa City Government, there is a need to institutionalize the Government Internship Program (GIP) that directly supports and contributes to the goal of inclusive growth through employment generation.”

“One of the 7K agendas of our Honorable Mayor Rozzano Rufino B. Biazon is ‘Kaunlaran’ to work towards the further development and progress of Muntinlupa City. Human resource development in government shall be given focus to attain high performance standards in public service,” it added.

Public service, under the ordinance, “refers to the service provided by the government, such as hospitals, schools, or the police, or the work that the government does.”

The duration of the internship agreement will be from three to six months.

Each GIP beneficiary in Muntinlupa will receive “a daily allowance equivalent to the prevailing and applicable daily minimum wage rate in the National Capital Region for the services rendered” and a monthly transportation allowance of P500.”

Each GIP applicant should be a resident and registered voter of Muntinlupa City, between 18 to 30 years old, at least a graduate of high school/senior high school or its equivalent level under the Alternative Learning System or technical-vocational graduate, and has no work experience.

Applicants need to submit their resume, two photocopies of valid ID, two photocopies of updated Muntinlupa Care Card, a 2 x 2 picture, certified true copy of diploma, certified true copy of transcript of records, and certificate of indigency from the barangay.

The Muntinlupa Public Employment Service Office (PESO) will implement the GIP while the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) will be “responsible for the overall management of the Muntinlupa City Government Internship Program (MC-GIP).”

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 agree with the details behind the ordinance of GIP 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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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

PNP makes moves versus kidnapping and fake news

April 22, 2025April 21, 2025carlocarrasco

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is tackling both kidnapping and fake news by establishing two specific committees, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. The moves are in response to a rise of fake news reports related to kidnapping.

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

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has formally established two specialized committees — the Joint Anti-Kidnapping Action Committee (JAKAC) and the Joint Anti-Fake News Action Committee (JAFNAC) — to reinforce its commitment to public safety and truth in information.

In a statement on Monday, PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said the JAKAC will focus on identifying, investigating, and neutralizing organized kidnap-for-hire operations in the country, while the JAFNAC will address the growing menace of misinformation and disinformation that threaten public trust, peace, and national stability.

He said the formation of these committees are aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas vision, and reflects the PNP’s commitment to transparent, accountable, and proactive policing.

“These committees are not just organizational measures — they are proactive responses to modern-day threats. From kidnap-for-hire syndicates to digital disinformation campaigns, the PNP is moving decisively to protect our people. This is our commitment to Bagong Pilipinas — ensuring that law and truth prevail,” Marbil said.

“These initiatives are grounded on the principle that a secure and informed citizenry is key to national development.”

The formation of JAKAC, to be led by PNP Deputy Chief for Investigation Lt. Gen. Edgar Alan Okubo, comes in the wake of the successful resolution of the kidnapping and murder case of businessman Anson Que and his driver Armanie Pabillo.

Marbil commended Okubo and the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) for their decisive action on the case, with three suspects arrested and two others still being hunted.

Alongside kidnapping cases, the spread of fake news also poses significant challenges.

In recent weeks, unverified reports of alleged kidnappings of prominent businessmen have circulated online, prompting alarm and misinformation. The PNP has debunked these claims as baseless and is actively pursuing those behind these malicious posts.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines has a serious problem with fake news online as millions of Filipinos log into social media networks daily? Has your local community been affected by fake news over the past two weeks?

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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What to watch on YouTube right now – Part 71

April 21, 2025April 17, 2025carlocarrasco

Welcome back my readers, YouTube viewers and all others who followed this series of articles focused on YouTube videos worth watching. Have you been searching for something fun or interesting to watch on YouTube? Do you feel bored right now and you crave for something to see on the world’s most popular online video destination?

I recommend you check out the following videos I found.

#1 President Marcos talks about troublesome Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy – It has been weeks since Russian vlogger and live streamer Vitaly Zdorovetskiy caused trouble and harassed people here in the Philippines which resulted in his arrest. While he is in prison as the local authorities prepare to press charges against him, no less than President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., noticed Vitaly during an official vlog via the Bongbong Marcos YouTube channel. Marcos begins to talk about Vitaly during the 2^nd half of his video. The mere fact that the President of the Philippines notices and shares his views about Vitaly should send a strong signal to troublesome live streamers/vloggers overseas that they will be punished here in the Philippines if they cause trouble for the sake of entertaining a live audience.

#2 In-depth analysis of the interrogation scene in 1984’s The Terminator – The Terminator from 1984 is the subject of multiple video reviews, reaction videos, retrospective and film analysis on YouTube. After digging through several analysis videos, I found one that is very focused on the interrogation scene of Kyle Reese and the YouTuber shared some really compelling views about it. Watch the video below.

#3 Why Tron still looks great explained – I saw Tron many times in my life from the first time seeing it on home video in 1983, on cable TV and on DVD. Even until now, the 1982 film – which used computer-generated graphics mixed with other forms of cinematic visualizing – still looks great and has aged like fine wine. The video below explains exactly why and it is a must-see.

#4 VKunia and Ashleigh Burton react to Captain America: Civil War – Back in 2016, there was a local cinema that actually organized an unusual gimmick to accommodate moviegoers…by playing Captain America: Civil War on a 24-hour basis. I saw the movie at a 5:30 AM showing back then. While it definitely was the third Captain America movie (note: I will not count the fake Captain America movie subtitled Brave New World), it was actually more of a mini-Avengers movie which clearly took some of the spotlight away from the titular character. It was fun to watch and I encourage you to see how it impacted VKunia and Ashleigh Burton in their respective reaction videos below.

#5 PatmanQC examines the history of Batman Returns video games – Batman Returns was a big hit in cinemas around the world, although it never came close to matching the global ticket sales of its 1989 predecessor. Regardless, there was a lot of merchandising related with the movie as well as several video game adaptations. I played the Konami-developed Batman Returns game on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) but never got to play the movie-based games on the Sega Genesis and Sega CD. To know more about the games based on the 1992 movie, watch PatmanQC’s in-depth video below.

#6 Minty Comedic Arts’ trivia video about What About Bob? – Back in 1991, the comedy film What About Bob? was released in cinemas and it attracted mostly positive reviews from the critics. Many people were impressed by the performances delivered by Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfuss. Recently, Minty Comedic Arts posted a trivia video about the film which you can watch below.

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Immigration officials arrest Chinese fugitive in Parañaque City

April 21, 2025April 17, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in Parañaque City, elements of the Bureau of Immigration’s (BI) fugitive search unit apprehended a China national over drug trafficking charges, 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…

A Chinese national wanted in his country for drug trafficking charges has been arrested in Parañaque City, Bureau of Immigration (BI) said on Wednesday.

In a news release, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado identified the fugitive as Ouyang Shixing, 40, who was arrested inside his condominium unit by elements from the BI’s Fugitive Search Unit (FSU).

“Ouyang is the subject of a red notice from the Interpol (International Criminal Police Organization) which was issued last year after he was indicted for drug trafficking in violation of China’s criminal laws,” Viado said.

He said the suspect is also the subject of an arrest warrant issued in November 2023 by the public security bureau in Fuzhou City, Jiangxi, China.

Based on the information received by the BI, Ouyang conspired with another suspect on May 12, 2023 in purchasing methamphetamine from a drug supplier, and later sold the substance to a buyer who paid them 70,000 yuan or nearly USD10,000.

Ouyang then took a train to Hong Kong on Aug. 2 of the same year and absconded with the money by fleeing to the Philippines.

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 there could be more foreign fugitives hiding in your local community right now? What do you think makes Parañaque an attractive city for fugitives to hide in?

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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Man who took little girl hostage in Parañaque City arrested

April 19, 2025April 17, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in Parañaque City, an armed man (native of Leyte) got arrested for taking a 2-year-old girl hostage, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Very notably, GMA Network’s own news coverage of the incident includes the local mob reaction.

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

A man was arrested after he held a two-year-old girl hostage for one hour at Bulungan Market in Barangay La Huerta, Parañaque City on Sunday afternoon, April 13.

Lt. Madison Perie of the Parañaque City police said the suspect was identified as alias “Andy,” a native of Samar, Leyte.

Perie said the suspect, who was armed with a bladed weapon, was seen roaming around the area a few minutes before he took the girl who was playing near the street at Bulungan Market. Bystanders immediately called for police assistance.

Responding policeman, Pat. Samuel Melad, suffered a laceration on his right hand when he snatched the knife from the suspect. The girl was rescued unharmed.

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 there could be some individuals out there who could target minors and take them hostage?

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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