Southeast Asia – Page 63 – Author Carlo Carrasco

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

December 12, 2024December 4, 2024carlocarrasco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? In light of the controversy, would you consider voting for Mark Santos to represent Las Piñas in the House of Representatives?

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

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3 Chinese nationals apprehended in Parañaque City for causing trouble, one gun recovered

December 12, 2024December 3, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, local police officers arrested three Chinese nationals who caused trouble by threatening to kill a driver and having a gun pointed at him, 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…

Three Chinese nationals were arrested by members of the Parañaque City Police Sto. Nino Substation at a condominium in (Barangay) Don Galo, Parañaque City on Sunday night, Dec. 1.

The Southern Police District (SPD) said the suspects, identified as alias “Mao,” 41, alias “Wee,” 37, and alias “Hao,” 32, were arrested at around 7:10 p.m. for pointing a gun and threatening to kill a driver identified as alias “Dave,” 33.

Members of the Parañaque City Police Sto. Nino Substation responded after receiving a call from the security personnel of the condominium seeking police assistance.

The victim told the police that he was threatened at gun point by Mao who was being assisted by two other suspects during a heated argument.

The police recovered from Mao a 9mm pistol and one magazine with eight live ammunition.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, what makes you think that Chinese nationals are able to illegally possess guns with ammunition? Are there many Chinese nationals living within your local community right now? Did you encounter a dangerous or troublesome Chinese national recently?

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

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1,500 children in Las Piñas City receive Christmas gifts

December 12, 2024December 11, 2024carlocarrasco

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Were there any children from your local community who received gifts from the gift-giving?

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

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DBCC adjusts Philippines GDP growth targets for 2024 to 2028

December 11, 2024December 3, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) adjusted its economic growth targets for the Philippines covering the next few years in relation to varied factors, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

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

THE Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) on Monday trimmed the economic growth target for this year to a range of 6-6.5% but widened the target band to 6-8% for 2025 until 2028, due to “evolving domestic and global uncertainties.”

Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman, who chairs the DBCC, said Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) is now projected to grow by 6-6.5% this year, narrower than the previous 6-7% goal.

“Despite domestic challenges, we are optimistic that we can still attain our growth target for the year of 6% to 6.5%. In particular, we expect the Philippine economy to bounce back during the last quarter, given the anticipated increase in holiday spending, continued disaster recovery efforts, low inflation, and a robust labor market,” she said at a briefing after a DBCC meeting on Monday afternoon.

The DBCC’s review of the macroeconomic assumptions came after the Philippine economy expanded by a weaker-than-expected 5.2% in the third quarter, which was the slowest since the 4.3% logged in the second quarter of 2023.

In the first nine months, GDP growth averaged 5.8%. To meet the lower end of the government’s revised 6-6.5% target band, the economy would need to grow by 6.5% in the fourth quarter.

Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto said the Philippine economy can still “realistically” grow by 6% for the full year.

“The growth assumptions for 2025 to 2028 have been given a wider band of 6% to 8%, reflecting the anticipated impact of structural reforms and evolving domestic and global uncertainties,” Ms. Pangandaman said.

To achieve the targets, she said the government is committed to “accelerating infrastructure investments, enhancing the ease of doing business, and boosting national competitiveness.”

The DBCC chair said they expect the recently signed Republic Act No. 12066 or Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act to spur faster growth and attract more foreign investments.

FISCAL program – “We have maintained our medium-term fiscal targets for 2025 to 2028. This means that we remain determined to reduce the country’s deficit in a more gradual and realistic manner, while also bolstering long-term investments that create more jobs, increase incomes, and decrease poverty incidence,” Ms. Pangandaman said.

The DBCC said it raised the deficit ceiling for 2024 to -5.7% of GDP from -5.6% previously. It kept the deficit ceiling at -5.3% of GDP for 2025, -4.7% for 2026, -4.1% for 2027 and -3.7% for 2028.

For this year, the DBCC raised the revenue outlook to P4.383 trillion in 2024 from P4.27 trillion previously. Revenue targets were kept at P4.644 trillion for 2025, P5.063 trillion for 2026, P5.627 trillion for 2027, and P6.249 trillion for 2028.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the DBCC is correct with its GDP projections for the Philippines for the next few years?

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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Two brothers arrested in Parañaque City for illegal possession of firearms and explosive

December 10, 2024December 5, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, local police officers arrested a pair of brothers for the illegal possession of firearms and an explosive device, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The apprehension happened in Barangay Tambo.

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

Members of the Parañaque City Police arrested two brothers and seized from them illegal firearms and explosives on Wednesday, Dec. 4.

Southern Police District (SPD) Director Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang said the suspects, identified as alias “Jerry,” 34, and alias “Ricardo,” 36, were arrested at around 4:30 a.m. on Riverside I, Pugad Baboy, Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City.

Yang said joint operatives of the Parañaque City Police Station Intelligence Section (SIS), Tambo Substation 2 and Special Weapon and Tactics Team (SWAT) and the Barangay Peace and Order Council implemented the search warrant issued by Judge Marie Grace Javier Ibay, of Parañaque City Regional Trial Court, which led to the arrest of the suspects.

Confiscated from the suspect were two .38 caliber revolvers with five ammunitions each, 10 pieces of .45 caliber pistol ammunitions, and a hand grenade.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, did you notice any smuggling of guns and explosives within your local community? Do you think loose firearms within Parañaque are causing serious problems?

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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PhilHealth assures members it has sufficient funds for 2025

December 10, 2024December 3, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) confirmed that it has enough funds to cover the benefit package payments and other matters for its members in 2025, 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…

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) on Monday said it has sufficient funds to cover all the benefit package payments and planned expansion of package rates next year.

In a media forum in Pasig City, PhilHealth Senior Vice President Renato Limsiaco Jr. said all Filipinos can avail of their benefit packages both in hospital and primary care whether they pay monthly premiums or not.

This came after Congress and the Department of Budget and Management appropriated only PHP53.26 billion worth of premiums covering only 14 million out of the 25.28 million indirect contributors to PhilHealth.

The state insurer has requested a PHP150.92 billion budget to cover all its indirect contributors.

“This year from the sin tax fund, we received PHP40 million and the PCSO (Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office) and PAGCOR (Philippine Amateur Gaming Corporation), PHP21.73 million, we received PHP61 million all in all,” Limsiaco said.

“And for next year, another round of funding, so PHP21.1 million from PCSO for the improvement of benefits, and I think PHP47 million something is from the sin tax.”

He noted these funds will be added to the premium collection from direct contributors who are employees of the government and private companies, and those who are “self-paying”.

As of Oct. 31, the PhilHealth has a total fund of PHP485 billion pesos.

It has collected a total of PHP172.3 billion premium payments as of Nov. 22. It has disbursed Php148.4 billion for benefits payments, leaving a balance of PHP23.9 billion as of Nov. 22.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you feel safer in relation to what the PNP announced? Have there been lesser crime incidents that happened in your local community this year?

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

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Child participation in governance emphasized in Las Piñas City

December 9, 2024December 2, 2024carlocarrasco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? How many people in your local community are aware of the celebration of National Children’s Month.

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

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Crime in the Philippines down by 9.43% in January-November 2024 period

December 9, 2024December 2, 2024carlocarrasco

The Philippine National Police (PNP) recently announced that crime all over the nation dropped by over 9% for the period of January to November 2024, 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…

Crimes in the country dropped by more than 9 percent in the past 11 months, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday.

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, in a press briefing at Camp Crame, Quezon City, said a total of 34,684 crime incidents were logged from Jan. 1 to Nov. 29 this year, a 9.43 percent decline from 38,294 incidents in the same period last year.

She said this data breaks the trend of soaring crime incidents during the “Ber” months, where there is an increase in mobility and economic activities.

Fajardo said the PNP aims to sustain these gains with intensified anti-criminality efforts, particularly the implementation of the Enhanced Managing Police Operations, with the aid of force multipliers and the public.

She said police visibility would be intensified in public places and churches, especially when the nine-day Simbang Gabi (Dawn Masses) starts on Dec. 16.

Aside from the holiday season, Fajardo said the police force is also beefing up security preparations for next year’s midterm elections.

Potential election areas of concern will undergo validation by the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Council which includes the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard and election officers.

Under the Comelec’s classification of election hotspots, areas under the red category are considered in a critical situation while those under orange have confirmed “presence of armed groups and organized movements outside the law.”

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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Foreigner convicted for operating POGO-related prostitution den

December 8, 2024December 2, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in Pasay City, a Chinese national was convicted by a Regional Trial Court (RTC) for operating a prostitution operation that was flocked by employees of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), according to a GMA Network news report. The said operation offered Filipino women to the customers.

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

A Pasay court convicted a Chinese national for running a prostitution den of Filipino women catering to foreign POGO workers.

In a 69-page decision promulgated on November 28, the Pasay Regional Trial Court Branch 113 sentenced a Chinese national also known as “Boss Ayang” to two (2) life terms and a fine amounting to P4,000,000.

The court found “Boss Ayang” guilty beyond reasonable doubt for violations of RA 10364 or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012.

The cases stemmed from a raid by Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) and the PNP Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC) in a condominium complex in Pasay last November 25, 2023.

Fourteen (14) Filipino women including one (1) minor were rescued from a prostitution den catering exclusively to foreigners working in POGOs or Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators.

The court held that in the cases, all of the elements of the crime are present.

“The accused Ayang’s purpose of hiring and maintaining the victims was to exploit them for prostitution or sexual exploitation, because the victims were ordered to engage in sexual activities for payment,” the court said.

The Court found “the testimonies of the witnesses for the prosecution to be candid, straightforward, and credible.”

The victims positively identified “Boss Ayang” as the mastermind of the prostitution operation.

One testified to have serviced “thirty to fifty (30-50) clients” in just one month of working for Ayang.

She added that “Ayang distributed clients to them through their group chat” and “she went to different hotels or condominiums to meet clients.”

Payments were made either in person through Philipine Peso, RMB or Chinese Yuan or through cashless transactions directly to Boss Ayang.

The victims “would remit half of their earnings to accused Ayang” and payment was made through mobile transfers “Ayang would give the portion of the victims in cash.”

The court said the “accused took advantage of their vulnerability of being impoverished, innocent, and having hailed from outside the metro which contributed to the disadvantaged conditions of the victims”.

The court, however, acquitted the two (2) other accused in the case. The court found insufficient evidence to hold the Filipina accused as a principal in the trafficking of the victims.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Did you notice any secretive prostitution joints happening somewhere within 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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Residents of Las Piñas City urged to avail of discounts by paying real property taxes (RPT) early

December 8, 2024December 4, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, residents who own properties were advised to take advantage of discounts offered to them when paying their respective real property taxes (RPT) early enough starting this month, according to a Manila Times news report.

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

Real property owners in Las Piñas City are reminded to settle their real property taxes early and take advantage of discounts offered for prompt payment in 2025.

Las Piñas Councilor Mark Anthony Santos announced that the advance tax payment period runs until Dec. 15, 2024. Taxpayers who settle their dues by this date will receive a 20 percent discount. Payments made from December 16 to 31 will qualify for a 16 percent discount, while payments completed between Jan. 1 and 31, 2025, will be granted a 10 percent discount.

To be eligible for these discounts, taxpayers must pay their taxes for the entire year and ensure there are no outstanding delinquencies, Santos emphasized.

He said failure to pay on time would result in penalties. A 10 percent surcharge will be applied to delinquent payments, along with a one-time administrative fee for late second installment payments. As stipulated in Sections 260 and 263 of Republic Act 7160, the Local Government Code of 1991, unpaid taxes could lead to further actions, including the auctioning of delinquent properties.

“If the real property tax is not paid, the city government will avail of remedies through administrative action or judicial proceedings,” Santos warned.

The city treasurer’s office also reminded new property owners to update their records at the city assessor’s office to ensure they receive official notices and avoid tax issues.

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? If you are a local property owner, are you ready to settle your real property tax with the City Government this month? Are the discounts for early payments enticing enough to you? How many property owners in your local community are aware of the discounts offered?

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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