Southeast Asia – Page 4 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Las Piñas City Government To Pursue Legal Action Versus Online Shopping Platforms Over The Selling Of Fake Friendship Route Stickers

March 5, 2026March 3, 2026carlocarrasco

In a serious move against the selling of fake friendship route stickers online, the City Government of Las Piñas that it will pursue legal action against three online shopping platforms that constantly made such items available to customers, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin. The City Government reiterated that using fake friendship route stickers constitutes penalties.

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

The Las Piñas city government has intensified its crackdown on the illegal sale and use of counterfeit Friendship Route stickers and is preparing to pursue legal action against three online platforms.

Las Piñas City Mayor April Aguilar said the three online platforms were reportedly openly selling counterfeit Friendship Route stickers.

Aguilar stressed that legitimate Friendship Route stickers are distributed free of charge to residents of Las Piñas City.

She warned that selling or using fake stickers is a violation of City Ordinance No. 715-06 and may result in fines and possible imprisonment.

Under the ordinance, violators will be fined P500 for the first offense, P1,000 for the second offense, and P3,000 for succeeding offenses.

Those found violating other provisions of the ordinance may face a fine of up to P5,000 or imprisonment of up to six months, or both.

While the Manila Bulletin report did not mention the names of the online shopping platforms, the City Government’s official announcement explicitly mentioned Shopee, Lazada and Facebook Marketplace.

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? Did you notice that fake Las Piñas friendship route stickers have long been offered for sale in online shopping platforms with prices in the hundreds of Pesos each? Do you personally know anyone using a fake friendship route sticker while driving within the city? Do you hope that City Government’s move will compel the online shopping platforms to crack down on the sellers of the fake friendship route stickers?

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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“Muntinlupeño First” Emphasized In Mayor Biazon’s Speech

March 5, 2026March 3, 2026carlocarrasco

During the 31^st City Anniversary celebration of Muntinlupa City, the concept of “Muntinlupeño First” was emphasized by Mayor Ruffy Biazon during his State of the City Address held on March 2, 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…

Mayor Ruffy Biazon emphasized the principle of “Muntinlupeño First” in his State of the City Address (SOCA) during the celebration of Muntinlupa’s 31st Cityhood Anniversary on March 2.

For Biazon, the phrase was not a rhetoric but a governing standard, a discipline that requires every government decision to begin with one question: “Makakabuti ba ito sa Muntinlupeño?” (Will this be good for Muntinlupeño?).”

He said public funds are sacred, that policy must be driven by evidence rather than expediency, and that true progress is built on systems, not personalities.

“When we put the Muntinlupeño first, we do not merely move forward. We move forward — together,” he said.

Strengthening systems – In his address, Mayor Biazon listed the achievements and outlined the city government’s continuing priorities in health, education, livelihood, environment, social justice, peace and order, and infrastructure, underscoring that disciplined governance produces measurable outcomes.

In healthcare, his administration continues to focus on maternal and child health, particularly during the first 1,000 days of life, alongside expanded nutrition interventions and intensified immunization efforts.

At the city-run Ospital ng Muntinlupa, improvements are ongoing. The Emergency Room has been renovated, while the Out-Patient Department now operates in a new building designed to improve patient flow and comfort. Renovations are also in the pipeline for the patient rooms, dialysis center, laboratory facilities, operating rooms, and pharmacy.

“These are not cosmetic changes. They are deliberate investments in quality, safety, and dignity in healthcare delivery,” said Biazon .

Investing in education and local opportunity – Biazon reaffirmed the city government’s commitment to sustaining one of the largest local scholarship investments in the country, alongside strengthened technical-vocational training and industry partnerships aimed at linking education directly to employment.

“We are not only producing graduates. We are cultivating professionals. Opportunity must not depend on circumstance, it must be built into the system,” he said.

In employment, he reiterated the principle behind the 70–30 Local Employment Ordinance, which mandates that at least 70 percent of a company’s rank-and-file workforce be composed of Muntinlupeño residents.

“Muntinlupeño First remains clear. We protect local workers — but we also adapt responsibly to ensure that opportunity continues to come home,” he said.

Recognizing partners in progress – As part of the cityhood anniversary program, the city government recognized the top 10 taxpayers, whose contributions help fund scholarships, healthcare services, infrastructure, and social protection programs.

“Without you, we would not be able to implement programs that uplift hundreds of thousands of Muntinlupeños. Your contribution translates into real services, real opportunities, and real impact,” said Biazon.

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 satisfied with the current state of the city? What can you say about the local business environment, the quality of local healthcare and the efficiency of services rendered by the City Government? As a citizen of Muntinlupa, do you feel like you are valuable resident?

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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Road Safety Park In Muntinlupa City Inaugurated

March 4, 2026March 3, 2026carlocarrasco

During the 31^st City Anniversary celebration of Muntinlupa City, the much-awaited Muntinlupa City Road Safety Park was formally inaugurated by the City Government and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) in Barangay Tunasan on March 2, according to a news report by The Manila Times.

For insight, the Muntinlupa City Road Safety Park is a 3,140 square-meter interactive facility designed to emphasize to children the rules of traffic and traffic discipline through on-location simulations. The facility is located at the Tunasan Baywalk. I first blogged about the road safety park in 2025.

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

THE Muntinlupa City government has inaugurated its Road Safety Park in Tunasan village as part of the city’s 31st Cityhood Anniversary celebration, marking what officials described as a long-term investment in safer and more disciplined road use.

*The front of the Muntinlupa City Road Safety Park. (photo source – City Government of Muntinlupa)*

Established in partnership with the Department of Transportation, the facility is a learning space where children can learn proper road use through simulations and traffic signage.

The park features a mini road network, pedestrian lanes, cycleways, training areas, and road sign installations designed to teach students and young road users the fundamentals of traffic discipline in a controlled environment.

“Together with our 31st Cityhood Anniversary, we inaugurated the Muntinlupa Road Safety Park in partnership with the DOTr. This is a dedicated learning space where children can learn the proper use of the road through actual road simulations and traffic signage,” Mayor Ruffy Biazon said.

The mayor described the project as personal, recalling that while he was still in Congress in 2019, he filed a proposal to integrate road safety into the basic education curriculum.

*The ribbon-cutting done by Mayor Ruffy Biazon and DOTr acting transport secretary Giovanni Lopez with lots of guests as witnesses. (photo source – City Government of Muntinlupa).*

“I believed then, and I believe even more now, that discipline on the road does not start when getting a driver’s license — it starts while one is still young,” he said.

He added that teaching children at an early age about proper road use, respect for traffic laws, and understanding of road signs would help prevent future accidents and tragedies.

“Roads are a shared responsibility — whether you are a motorist or a pedestrian,” he said.

Biazon said the city immediately proposed the project when funding from the DOTr became available, emphasizing that the park allows children to learn through experience — not only from books but also through actual simulation.

Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority General Manager Nicolas Torre III attended the inauguration along with other transport and local officials.

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 see the Muntinlupa City Road Safety Park inaugurated and made accessible to the public already? Have you visited the facility 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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Filipina Worker In Israel Killed By Iranian Missile

March 4, 2026March 3, 2026carlocarrasco

As the Islamic terrorist state of Iran – which lost its demonic Ayatollah Ali Khamenei – kept on firing missiles and drones at several locations in the Middle East in retaliation to the joint US-Israel military operations, a Filipina worker in Israel got killed by an Iranian missile and already the embassies of both the Philippines and Israel expressed their condolences to the victim’s family, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

Israel’s embassy in the Philippines has expressed its condolences to the family of the Filipina caregiver who was killed during an Iranian missile attack on Tel Aviv amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Mary Ann Velasquez de Vera, 32, from Basista, Pangasinan, lost her life when a missile struck her apartment on March 1, according (to) the Israel Embassy in Manila. Before this, she was still assisting her patient to safety while she, herself, was already injured.

“Mary Ann, like so many overseas Filipino workers in Israel, exemplified resilience, compassion, and quiet strength,” the Israeli Embassy in Manila said.

“She was identified by her husband, who is also an overseas Filipino worker in Israel, and their family,” it added.

“Israel joins in the profound sorrow of her family and the Filipino community. We mourn together and honor Mary Ann’s memory with dignity and respect. May her soul rest in peace,” it also said.

The Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv also conveyed its condolences to the bereaved family through a phone call made by Ambassador Aileen Mendiola to her husband. Mendilola assured him of the Philippine government’s full assistance.

In a separate news report by GMA News, Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Dana Kursh confirmed that the Jewish state has committed to providing lifetime support to the family of the victim. Under under Israeli law, the families of individuals injured or killed during a conflict — whether Israeli citizens or foreign nationals — are entitled to lifetime benefits.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines should suspend diplomatic ties with the Islamic terrorist state of Iran? Do you think the terrorist regime of Iran should be held accountable for attacking civilians with missiles and drones so indiscriminately? How long do you think the conflict in the Middle East will last? Are you hoping that Trump’s America, Israel and all the affected nations of the Middle East will band together to end the Islamic terrorist government of Iran? Did you notice any Islamist in your local community expressing support for Iran and Islamic terrorists?

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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Wanted Virtual Assistant Arrested In Parañaque City For Qualified Theft

March 3, 2026February 26, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, a wanted virtual assistant was apprehended by the local police for four counts of qualified theft, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin. The police officers were armed with a warrant of arrest.

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

A female virtual assistant facing four counts of qualified theft through falsification of private documents was arrested during an operation in Parañaque City on Feb. 24.

The suspect was identified as “Maria,” 28, a resident of Barangay San Dionisio, and was listed as the No. 6 most wanted person. She was arrested by members of the Parañaque City Police–San Dionisio Substation along Dr. A. Santos Avenue.

Maria was arrested after police served a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Regina Paz Ramos-Chavez of the Parañaque City Regional Trial Court, Branch 274. The court recommended bail of P130,000.

The suspect is now detained at the Parañaque City Police custodial facility pending the return of the warrant to the issuing court.

Southern Police District (SPD) Director Brig. Gen. Randy Arceo said the arrest is a clear message that no one can hide from the law.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be more people who worked as virtual assistants who could have committed theft? When doing transactions, do you do it over-the-counter or online?

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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Pakistani Men Arrested In Parañaque City For Selling Fake Medicine

March 2, 2026February 25, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, three men from Pakistan were arrested by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for selling fake medicine, according to a news report by the Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI).

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

Three Pakistani men were arrested at a Parañaque City subdivision for allegedly selling counterfeit medicine, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said on Monday.

The foreigners were tracked to a subdivision in Barangay Sun Valley on Sunday afternoon, the PDEA said in a statement.

The agency identified the arrested suspects as “Waseem,” 60; “Mohy,” 54; and “Salman,” 25.

“Seized evidence included 24 packages of Midazolam Injection IP, thousands of tablets and vials of Valium, Nalbin, NLB Injection, Bional Plus and Rivotril,” the agency detailed.

Authorities also confiscated “various counterfeit drugs such as Ibuprofen Medicol Advance, Rabies Vaccine (Human IP), Buscogast, Tuseran Forte, Testosterone Enanthate, Evitek-OCE and Provera Tablets among others,” PDEA added.

It estimated that the allegedly counterfeit medicines seized were worth an initial P120,000, but it noted that an inventory of the total quantity and value of other suspected drugs in the suspects’ possession was still ongoing.

“Non-drug items recovered included cash, accounting records, mobile phones, identification cards, passports, a barcode scanner, and machinery allegedly used in handling counterfeit drugs,” PDEA further said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that the city is getting infiltrated by foreign nationals who planned to commit criminal activities? Are there many Pakistani nationals staying within your local community right now? What do you think makes Parañaque an ideal city for illegal aliens and related criminal activities?

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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Philippine Exporters Feeling Uneasy Over Trump’s New 15% Global Tariff

March 1, 2026February 26, 2026carlocarrasco

The new 15% tariff on imports announced by US President Donald Trump after reacting to the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) decision is already troubling exporters of the Philippines, according to a report by BusinessWorld.

There is concern that the new tariff may dampen the export recovery of the Philippines. It should be recalled that the American tariff on Philippine-made goods was set at 19% following the meeting between President Trump and Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. last year.

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

THE United States government’s plan to impose a new 15% tariff on imports may dampen the Philippines’ export recovery and disrupt supply chains, according to analysts.

“Under a 15% tariff, there might be a disruption in the supply chain, because other countries might negotiate or diverge [to other markets],” Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. President Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis, Jr. said in a phone call.

“Unfortunately, our competitors here in the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) are supported by their governments, but we aren’t,” he added.

Mr. Ortiz-Luis said the Philippine government must resume negotiations with its US counterparts to ensure exports remain competitive.

Philippine Institute for Development Studies Senior Research Fellow John Paolo R. Rivera said the new tariffs could dampen export recovery, especially for electronics, garments, and agricultural sectors.

“The renewed threat of a 15% global tariff signals that protectionist risks remain and could dampen export recovery if implemented, especially for semiconductors and intermediate goods integrated into US supply chains,” he said in a Viber message.

US President Donald J. Trump said he wants to impose a new 15% duty on US imports from all countries, starting Tuesday, Reuters reported. (Read related story “Asian economies weigh impact of fresh Trump tariff, uncertainties” on S1/11).

This after the US Supreme Court struck down his previous tariff program, ruling that Mr. Trump had exceeded his authority when he imposed higher tariffs under an economic emergency law.

Government officials emphasized that the US remains an important trading and investment partner.

“We will continue to engage with (the US). A stable and predictable arrangement with the US will be very beneficial to our stakeholders,” Trade Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty said in a Viber message.

Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go earlier said that the majority of the country’s exports — like semiconductors and key agricultural goods — were already exempted before the US Supreme Court’s ruling.

The US has long been the Philippines’ biggest export market. From January to December 2025, the value of Philippine exports to the US stood at $13.44 billion.

“We don’t know under what authority he (Mr. Trump) will impose those tariffs, and if these will last. We will have to wait until the dust settles to properly assess the impact of his new universal tariffs,” Foundation for Economic Freedom President Calixto V. Chikiamco said in a Viber message.

Reuters reported the new US tariffs are grounded in a separate but untested law, known as Section 122, that allows tariffs up to 15% but requires congressional approval to extend them after 150 days.

Foreign Buyers Association of the Philippines President Robert M. Young said its members have been resuming talks with its US buyers.

“We have survived, for the last eight months, the US’ 19% tariff. So, I think we have to just go on with what we are doing, and we’ll try our best to just lower our price to be competitive with other ASEAN nations,” he said via telephone.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think Filipino exporters will do better with the new 15% tariff instead of the previous one set at 19%? If you are managing a company that makes products for export mainly to the United States, do you have any backup plans when dealing with new tariffs?

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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Cerberus’ P5.31 Billion Unsolicited Proposal For Subic Bay International Airport Development Under SBMA’s Review

February 28, 2026February 25, 2026carlocarrasco

When was the last time you visited the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA)? In recent times, the US-based company Cerberus Asia Pacific Investments, LLC (Cerberus) proposed to manage, operate and rehabilitate the said airport for P5.31 billion and it has been endorsed by the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center. The unsolicited proposal is officially being reviewed by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), according to a news report by BusinessWorld.

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

THE P5.31-billion unsolicited proposal of US-based investment company Cerberus Asia Pacific Investments, LLC (Cerberus) to manage, operate, and upgrade Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) is now being reviewed by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) after the go signal from the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center.

“This unsolicited project was endorsed by the (PPP) Center to the IA (implementing agency) after being determined complete… The Subic Bay International Airport PPP is currently undergoing the approval process of SBMA,” the PPP Center told BusinessWorld on Tuesday.

According to the PPP Center, the SBMA will be the approving body for the project. If approved, the airport project will be under an operate-add-transfer contract arrangement.

Once the SBMA approves the project, it will begin negotiations with the project proponent. The government will then formalize the Original Proponent Status and initiate the Swiss Challenge process.

The Swiss Challenge is a process where other companies can submit better offers, but the original proponent has the right to match them.

Cerberus Capital Management is an investment firm managing approximately $65 billion in assets. Its global network of affiliates includes Cerberus Asia Pacific, which focuses on investments in logistics, infrastructure, technology, and energy.

Cerberus already operates part of a 310-hectare lot of a former South Korean-owned shipyard located west of the airport for which it had submitted an unsolicited bid.

“In theory, competitive bidding is king. In the reality of the SBIA, Cerberus is the catalyst we need. It is time to choose strategic results over procedural delays,” Rene S. Santiago, former president of the Transportation Science Society of the Philippines, said in a Viber message.

Nigel Paul C. Villarete, a senior adviser on public-private partnerships at the technical advisory group Libra Konsult, said that solicited bidding would be more feasible and faster, as it enables the government to define the contract’s parameters and coverage.

“Many of our public facilities should be operated by the private sector to attain a lot of the efficiencies that they can do, which are often difficult to attain within the government realm,” Mr. Villarete said.

For Mr. Villarete, a government-led solicited procurement process will always be preferable.

However, since an unsolicited proposal has already been submitted, the government’s role is to enter into negotiations, introduce the necessary changes and amendments, and only then present the proposal to the public for challenge, he said.

“There should be a negotiation period for the two parties to discuss any amendments required by the government before this is published for challenge,” he said.

Cerberus’ proposal covers the rehabilitation of SBIA assets and the development of new facilities to expand capacity and attract new tenants.

The company has also committed to invest “considerable financial resources” and utilize its real estate management capabilities in developing the airport.

In its proposal the company said that it will maintain the existing leases but only for the “early years” of its concession period.

“Cerberus plans to maintain the status quo of existing operations by honoring existing leases and retaining incumbent employees. In parallel, Cerberus will invest significant capital expenditure to improve SBIA’s infrastructure and operations, whilst building new hangars and storage facilities to reestablish SBIA as a major hub for commercial cargo operations and to expand SBIA’s government logistics operations,” it said.

The company added that it will monitor and evaluate airport fees to optimize SBMA’s returns under the revenue-sharing agreement, while supporting efforts to attract and manage both existing and new airport tenants.

This revenue-sharing scheme would be the determining factor if the proposed 25-year concession agreement were extended, PPP Center said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? What is your opinion about the current state of the international airport inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone? Do you think so much more can be achieved with the Subic Bay International Airport in terms of expanding flight connectivity, attracting more tourists from overseas and paving way for more foreign commerce to enter the freeport?

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 To Use ASEAN Influence To Lead Southeast Asian Front Against Trump’s New Global Tariff On Imports

February 27, 2026February 26, 2026carlocarrasco

Months ago, it was announced that the Philippines will temporarily lead the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as its Chair for 2026. In light of US President Donald Trump’s implementation of a new tariff on imports as a result of the United States Supreme Court’s decision, the Philippines – through its Trade Secretary – announced that it will lead the Southeast Asian front against the said tariff, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Manila is preparing to lead a unified Southeast Asian push for a preferential trade agreement with the United States (US) following Washington’s decision to impose a 15 percent global tariff on imports.

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said the government intends to leverage its 2026 chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to safeguard the region’s export competitiveness and navigate the sudden shift in American trade policy.

Roque added that the government will also raise this matter during the upcoming ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Retreat in the coming month.

“Definitely that will be one of the topics that we will be talking about,” she told reporters on the sidelines of the ASEAN Editors and Economic Opinion Leaders Forum.

She, however, said the government has yet to formally discuss the region’s position, given that the US’ new sweeping tariffs were just announced over the weekend.

Finance Secretary Frederick Go, on the other hand, said this is an issue that all ASEAN members “love to talk about when we’re together.”

“What it made clear to us is that we have to open new markets,” said Go.

The US Supreme Court ruled on Feb. 20 that President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs implemented under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) were unconstitutional.

In the aftermath of the ruling, Trump immediately slapped a 10 percent surcharge on imports to the US, later raising it to 15 percent.

The new global tariff brings another wave of uncertainty that may undermine the exports of ASEAN members and ultimately their respective economic growth.

The Philippines is taking an active role in calling for deeper regional integration to accelerate investment flows and future-proof the region.

As ASEAN chair, Roque said a major priority is to oversee the passage and entry into force of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA).

DEFA aims to set the region’s common rules on e-commerce, digital trade, cybersecurity, digital payments, emerging technologies, and cross-border data flows.

The agreement is seen doubling the value of ASEAN’s digital economy, which is already on track to reach about $1 trillion by 2030.

“We recognize the complexity of today’s global environment—geopolitical tensions, technological disruption, supply chain shifts, and climate risks. Yet we remain confident in ASEAN’s collective strength. ASEAN bonded together is a force that cannot be ignored,” said Roque.

For the year, Roque said priorities of the ASEAN chairship also include cross-border mobility of digital talent and industrial development of semiconductors and critical minerals.

By observing the attitude of the current administration and its diplomats, the Philippines is acting as if it is a major player on international affairs and world economics. Its chairmanship of the ASEAN is the latest example of this. Clearly the Philippines is afraid of the new global tariff implemented by Trump. Filipino exporters have endured the previous 19% tariff by America. When it comes to economic growth, the Philippines has weakened achieving only 4.4% growth in 2025 and the fallout of the flood control corruption scandal is still being felt socially and economically.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the Philippines will be a very effective leader of the ASEAN this year? Do you think the Philippines is truly standing up for the economic interests of each and every Southeast Asian nation when dealing with Trump tariffs? Is the Philippines leading ASEAN to a potential embarrassment on international affairs and economics?

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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Chinese National Arrested In Parañaque City For Identity Theft And Overstaying

February 26, 2026February 25, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, a Chinese national was arrested by elements of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the local police for identity theft, illegal activities and overstaying in the country, according to a news report by The Daily Tribune.

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

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Saturday reported the arrest of a Chinese national for alleged identity theft and overstaying during a raid on a condominium unit in Parañaque City.

Operatives from the BI’s Fugitive Search Unit (FSU), in coordination with the Parañaque City Police Intelligence Section and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), carried out the enforcement operation on 16 February at a residential unit in Barangay Tambo.

Authorities arrested Fang Li, 36, a Chinese national, following intelligence reports that she had been engaging in illicit activities and was allegedly using the identity of another Chinese citizen.

Immigration records showed that Fang last entered the Philippines in 2022 as a temporary visitor but failed to apply for any visa extension or conversion. She has since been classified as an overstaying alien.

During the operation, agents also encountered two other Chinese nationals identified as Chen Youliang, 38, and Xu Yuxiang, 39.

febXu, meanwhile, was found to be overstaying, as her last recorded visa extension expired in 2020.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado emphasized that the bureau will not tolerate attempts by foreign nationals to evade immigration laws by using false identities.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be a lot more Chinese nationals committing criminal acts while hiding in the city? What do you think makes Parañaque a hot spot of criminal activities involving Chinese nationals.

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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