Recently in the City of Las Piñas, two wanted persons were arrested as the local police officers continued their anti-crime operations with warrants of arrest issued by different courts, 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…
Members of the Las Piñas City Police on Friday, April 19, conducted anti-criminality operations which led to the arrest of two wanted persons for three counts of sexual assault and illegal possession of drugs.
The Southern Police District (SPD) identified the suspects as alias Marion, 38, and alias Mak, 40.
Based on the police report, Marion was arrested at around 7:00 p.m. in Barangay Almanza Dos, Las Piñas City.
He said Marion was arrested by the combined team of Warrant and Subpoena Section (WSS) and Station Intelligence Section (SIS) by virtue of warrant or arrest issued by Judge Mildred Jacinto Marquez of Judge Mildred Jacinto Marquez of Las Piñas Family Court Branch 2 on March 18, 2024 with recommended bail of ₱600,000.
Meanwhile, Mak, who was listed as the Top 4 wanted person, was nabbed at around 8:30 p.m. in Barangay Pulanglupa Uno, Las Piñas.
The police said Mak was arrested by virtue of warrant of arrest issued by Judge Anne Beatrice Aguana Balmaceda of Las Piñas Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 200 on March 12, 2024.
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 that wanted criminals in your city were arrested by due process and without violence?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) announced that July 14, 2024, is the new deadline for online businesses to transition to the new withholding tax system, according to a GMA Network news report. Previously the deadline was April 15, 2024 and online businesses with annual earnings of over P500,000 were to be covered by the 1% withholding tax.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA news article. Some parts in boldface…
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) announced Tuesday that it has extended the deadline for online merchants to transition to the new withholding tax system by 90 days.
According to the agency, Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 55-2024 extended the transitory period for compliance with Revenue Regulations (RR) No. 16-2023 until July 14 after considering the private sector’s request on the implementation.
“This 90-day extension of the transitory period under RR No. 16-2023 shows the BIR’s commitment in listening to the voice of the private sector,” BIR Commissioner Jun Lumagui said in a statement.
“This is part of my administration’s thrust on Excellent Taxpayer Service. We hear the thoughts of the private sector, and if the same is reasonable, then we make policy adjustments for the benefit of the Filipino people,” added Lumagui.
Under RR No. 16-2023, one-half of the gross remittances of e-marketplace operations and digital financial services providers to the sellers or merchants for goods or services paid through their platform shall be subject to a 1% creditable withholding tax.
The BIR said that the online transactions industry has experienced growth during and after the coronavirus pandemic but it appeared that many online sellers were not paying their share in taxes.
RR No. 16-2023 was signed by Lumagui and Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno in December 2023.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that the new deadline will give all online businesses here in the Philippines enough time to transition into the new withholding tax system?
Recently in the City of Parañaque, agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) organized a buy-bust operation which resulted in the arrests of three suspects and the seizure of more than P3 million worth of illegal substance at the basement parking of a certain shopping mall, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Government anti-narcotics authorities seized P3.4 million worth of shabu on Tuesday, April 16, following the arrest of three suspects during a buy-bust operation at the basement parking of a shopping mall in Parañaque City.
In an initial report, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said that the law enforcers confiscated 500 grams of shabu from Asher Guiani, 32; Ariedz Guiani, 27; and Almajid Kudandin, 22, at around 12:20 p.m. during the operation in barangay Don Bosco.
Aside from shabu concealed in six pieces of knot-tied transparent plastic sachets, the operatives seized a genuine P1,000 bill with serial number NUO69267 placed on top of boodle money, one cellphone, a laminated temp PhilSys identification (ID) card under the name of Ariedz Guiaman Guiani and black Hyundai Accent vehicle with license plate AQQ2908 with ignition key.
Let me end this piece 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 engaging in illegal drugs and other high-stakes criminal activities within the city? Do you think it will be long before Parañaque will get declared as a drug-free city?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
In light of an April Fool’s Day promo that convinced a person to really take the challenge physically, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reminded businesses that they should secure permits from them in order to do any marketing stunts, 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…
Following the recent online uproar over takoyaki store’s marketing stunt on April Fool’s Day, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reminded businesses to secure permits from the agency first before conducting such activity.
In an interview with Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon on Thursday, DTI Assistant Secretary Amanda Nograles said a marketing stunt falls under the definition of sales promotion because its purpose is to increase customers and sales, as well as to promote the brand.
“Under the regulations, DTI has the authority over that. They have to secure a permit (for sales promotion),” Nograles said in mixed English and Filipino.
To recall, takoyaki store “Taragis” posted on Facebook on April Fool’s Day a dare to tattoo Taragis’ logo on one’s forehead, and whoever will do it will receive a PHP100,000 prize.
A person commented on a photo of him with the store’s logo on his forehead and asking the business owner, Carl Quion, where to claim his prize.
Taragis’ Facebook page made another post that the establishment does not have any responsibility on what happened because the post had a disclaimer.
The event caused uproar online, and on April 6, the business owner admitted that it was all a marketing stunt and the person who tattooed the business logo on his forehead was an accomplice.
“The establishment admitted that it’s a marketing gimmick to lure (customers), promote the establishment, (so) it appears to be promotional in that sense,” Nograles said.
“If they don’t have the promo permit from DTI, they can be held responsible for the violation of conducting (the) promotion without securing first the sales of promo permit,” she added.
Nograles said the DTI has a team monitoring establishments on their conduct of sales promotion both onsite and online.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that all businesses here in the Philippines that intend to organize marketing stunts should contact the DTI first before executing such moves? Do you think that more Filipinos should understand that April Fool’s Day itself always comes with clever forms of deception and temptation?
Recently the New Life Community Care Foundation International, Inc. (NLCOM) – the compassion arm of New Life Philippines located inside Alabang Hills Village in Muntinlupa City – announced through social media that it has provided assistance and relief to fire victims in the cities of Las Piñas and Parañaque.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the April 15, 2024 social media post of NLCOM. Some parts in boldface…
On March 13, we visited four evacuation centers in Las Pinas in response to fire incidents. In addition to providing seven weeks of consecutive feeding for victims of the Pilar fire, we revisited the San Isidro – Manuyo Dos Evacuation Center.
We also extended assistance to those affected by the recent fire disaster on April 11 in Greenhills, Barangay San Dionisio, Paranaque, where approximately 180 individuals were affected. We were met with hopeful eyes and grateful smiles as they shared stories of how high school students donated their lunch boxes to the community.
We are grateful for your support and invite you to partner with us in aiding our fellow Filipinos who have been displaced.
For the newcomers reading this, I previously blogged about NLCOM back in 2020 which you can read by clicking here and my most recent blog can viewed by clicking here, here, here and here. As mentioned earlier, NLCOM has a history of providing relief to disaster victims and helping them rebuild their lives and communities as they recover.
NLCOM is committed to organizing activities from disaster preparedness trainings, relief goods distribution, mobile kitchen feeding operations, Psychological First Aid to kids and adults traumatized by a disaster, and rebuilding of damaged houses. To get to know NLCOM better, I recommend you watch their official YouTube video below…
If you have decided to help people through NLCOM, be aware that New Life’s compassion arm is accepting donations. You may send your monetary donations to:
For more information about NLCOM, visit https://nlcom.org.ph/ or visit their office at 2 Don Manolo Boulevard, Alabang Hills Village, Barangay Cupang, Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila, Philippines. Contact them at landline 88091542 extension 426.
In ending post, let me share with you a few holy scriptures that should remind you that God is our source, our provider and the blessedness of giving is absolutely true.
The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed;
those who help others are helped.
Proverbs 11:25 (MSG)
He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and that which he has given He will repay to him.
Proverbs 19:17 (AMPC)
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government formally turned over vehicles for the transportation and benefit of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) during a ceremony at City Hall, according to the City Government’s social media post.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the City Government’s social media post. Some parts in boldface…
The City Local Government of Las Piñas, led by Vice Mayor April Aguilar, conducted its weekly flag-raising ceremony this Monday, which included a significant initiative for the community’s disabled members. The ceremony featured the turnover of specially equipped vehicles intended for the transportation of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
Vice Mayor Aguilar, overseeing the event, emphasized the local government’s commitment to inclusivity and mobility for all citizens. She highlighted that the new vehicles would help PWDs access various services more easily and participate more actively in community life.
The event, attended by city officials and local leaders, underscores the administration’s efforts to enhance the quality of life for all residents, particularly those facing mobility challenges.
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 with the turnover of vehicles for the local PWDs? Are there many members of your local community who identify as PWD?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
The data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) confirmed that foreign direct investments (FDI) net inflow went up by almost ninety percent in February 2024, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. In terms of Dollar amount, the estimate was over $900 million.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
Foreign direct investments (FDI) net inflow went up by 89.9 percent in February this year.
Data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Wednesday showed that FDI net inflows during the month amounted to USD907 million, up from the USD478 million recorded in January 2023.
FDIs include investment by a non-resident direct investor in a resident enterprise, whose equity capital in the latter is at least 10 percent, and investment made by a non-resident subsidiary or associate in its resident direct investor.
The BSP said an FDI can be in the form of equity capital, reinvestment of earnings, and borrowings.
“The increase in FDI was supported mainly by the 173.2 percent expansion in non-residents’ net investments in debt instruments to USD820 million from USD300 million in January 2023,” said the BSP.
Reinvestment of earnings also increased by 16.4 percent to USD99 million from USD85 million. The BSP said top sources of FDIs during the month include Japan and the United States.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there is enough momentum for FDI net inflow to exceed the $1 billion mark by the first few months of 2025? Do you think the government is doing a good job attracting foreign investments?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently the Commission on Audit (COA) reminded local government units (LGUs) to limit the expenses of discretionary funds as it cited the case of one particular town that exceeded its “prescribed statutory limitation” for extraordinary and miscellaneous expenses (EME) by millions of Pesos in 2023, 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 Commission on Audit (COA) has reminded local government units (LGUs) against exceeding the “statutory limitation” on disbursements for extraordinary and miscellaneous expenses (EME) or discretionary funds taken out of their collected real property taxes (RPTs).
It cited the case of Eastern Samar’s Guiuan town which exceeded its “prescribed statutory limitation” for EME by P6.53 million in 2023.
In its annual audit report (AAR), COA cited its Circular No. 85-55A and Section 325(h) of Republic Act No. 7160, the Local Government Code, which both provide the general limitation on the use of EME funding.
Section 325(h) of RA 7160 provides: “The annual appropriations for discretionary purposes of the local chief executive shall not exceed two percent (2%) of the actual receipts derived from basic real property tax in the next preceding calendar year. Discretionary funds shall be disbursed only for public purposes to be supported by appropriate vouchers and subject to such guidelines as may be prescribed by law. No amount shall be appropriated for the same purpose except as authorized under this section.“
COA said that under the law, Guiuan town should only have EME of P26,465.14, which is equivalent to two percent of the P1.323 million RPT collected in 2021. But, it said, the town used P6.56 million for its discretionary funds or an excess of P6.53 million.
It pointed out that discretionary funds are only supposed to be used by the Office of the Municipal Mayor, but Guiuan even allocated funds for different offices such as the Vice Mayor’s office, Municipal Investment and Tourism Office (MITO), and Municipal Treasurer’s Office, among other offices.
It said the Mayor’s Office used P2,611,254.77 EME in 2023, while the vice mayor used P500,000. MITO, it also said, spent P1,332,395, while the Municipal Treasurer’s Office used up P450,000 EME.
It noted that when its audit team confronted the municipal accountant about its excessive use of discretionary funds, the accountant explained that it committed an “honest error” in assuming that the EME account was a “misnomer for Other Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses account.”
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Is your local government practicing a disciplined approach on spending and the alignment of funds?
Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon congratulated local Grade 5 student Antonio Pio Vivo for achieving honors for the country by winning the bronze medal in a mathematics contest held in Thailand, 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 congratulated a Grade 5 student who won in an international math contest in Thailand.
Antonio Pio Vivo of San Beda College Alabang won a bronze medal at the International Talent Mathematics Contest (ITMC) held in Thailand.
Vivo is one of the Filipino students who competed and won in the contest participated in by students from 10 countries and regions: Thailand, Brazil, Vietnam, Philippines, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
“Nakakaproud talaga ang mga kabataang Muntinlupeño na nag-eexcel in many various fields (We really feel proud about young Muntinlupeño who excel in many various fields),” said Biazon.
“Congratulations ulit, Antonio! Sana ma-inspire mo rin ang iba pang kabataang Muntinlupeño na mag-excel in both academics and sports (Congratulations again, Antonio! I hope you will inspire other young Muntinlupeño to excel in both academics and sports),” he added.
Before competing in Thailand, Vivo also joined and won in other math and science contests in South Korea and Hong Kong. Vivo also won a gold medal at the 1st MRB Taekwondo Cup last November.
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 about the achievement by the local Grade 5 student who brought honors for the country?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
As some of you are already aware, I fully stand with Israel which is directly connected with my uncompromising faith in the Lord. I keep on praying to Him for Israel to overwhelm its enemies, rescue the hostages and recover from the effects of the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks committed by the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas. I can assure all of you that nobody from the evil Islamo-Leftist mob, nobody from the pro-Palestine zealots and nobody from any evil society would stop me from supporting and loving Israel.
Now, on with the news…
Recently here in the Philippines, memorandum of understanding (MOU) on food security solutions was signed by an Israeli agricultural center and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), according to an official announcement. The MOU signing was witnessed by Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the announcement published through the DILG’s website. Some parts in boldface…
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with an Israeli agricultural center aimed at providing intensive training and education to selected local agriculture students on modern food security solutions.
The MOU was signed by DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos and AgroStudies Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Yaron Tamir at Camp Crame in Quezon City.
In his speech, Abalos thanked the Israel Embassy and the AgroStudies for their friendship and partnership, as the agreement will significantly boost the attainment of Pres. Marcos Jr.’s vision of ensuring food security under the Bagong Pilipinas brand of governance.
Agrostudies is an international training center which provides a program for agricultural education to interns from developing countries around the world.
“We thank our partners for this continuous partnership of you transferring the technology and best practices to our Filipino farmers,” he said.
Abalos also thanked the partner national government agencies including the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Agriculture, National Security Council, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority for their equal commitment to pushing forth the said program.
The DILG Chief also cited the DILG’s Halina’t Magtanim ng Prutas at Gulay (HAPAG) Program, which complements the national government’s food security measures, and the KADIWA ng Pangulo program, which provides access to quality and safe food items at affordable prices.
Based on the MOU, the DILG will collaborate with LGUs in the selection of eligible students to participate in the 11-month AgroStudies program in Israel, focusing on various aspects of agriculture, including crop cultivation, livestock management, and agricultural technology.
Meanwhile, Tamir explained that the Philippines was the first partner country of Israel over the last 20 years, with some 8,000 Filipinos as scholars in this program, the largest among 15 partner -countries in the AgroStudies internship program.
“Our purpose is for the students and farmers to learn modern technologies in Israel and engage in businesses in the Philippines. I promise that as long as I am the CEO, the Philippines will have the highest quota,” Tamir said.
Posted below is a related news video…
The MOU signed is crucial because food security is a priority under the current government. We Filipinos should be very thankful that Israel – which is an established world leader on agriculture, farming, water and food development – was willing to be a strategic partner as there are over one hundred million people around the Philippines who need to be fed in the long term. Along the way, the Philippines has to keep working hard on boosting agricultural production, expanding the number of government-backed food stores, stabilizing prices of food and cracking down on those who smuggle and hoard agricultural goods.
We should also be thankful to the Lord that even as Israel remains busy fighting the terrorists not only in Gaza but also across the border with Lebanon (Hezbollah), the Jewish state and Israeli companies still value the Philippines as a key partner on economics and social development issues.
To my fellow Filipinos reading this, I encourage you to accept the truth that Israel is the land God designated specifically for the Jewish people (read Genesis 35:10-12) and His command must be followed without hesitation. If you want to be blessed further by the Lord, do so by loving and blessing the Jewish people (Genesis 12:1-3). I did my part when I was in Israel. Also, let me remind you all that the ties between the Jews and Christians are truly biblical!
We live in a very divided world. Around the world, Leftist forces have been supporting evil forces like the current regime of Iran which is known for supplying and arming the Palestinian terrorists and other terrorist groups around the Middle East. Leftist forces have been supporting the Palestinian Authority and other enemies of Israel. The Leftists and terrorists always go together and their anti-Semitism is clearly obvious. Hamas is purely evil and they are being protected by not only their fellow terrorists but also by mainstream news media outlets who are linked with Leftist forces and people who hate Israel and the Jewish people. Beware of the evil union of the Islamo-Left which is wicked deep within.
With all that said, I encourage you all to pray to the Lord God in support of Israel and believe that He will guide the Israeli forces to another victory which means finishing off Hamas, crushing Hezbollah and forcing Iran and its terror proxies to give up. Read Joshua 11:1-20 in the Holy Bible for relevance and truth.
Author Carlo Carrasco 