Supreme Court – Author Carlo Carrasco

Tokyo High Court Rules Japan’s Same-Sex Marriage Ban Constitutional

December 6, 2025November 29, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in Japan, the Tokyo High Court ruled that the nation’s ban on same-sex marriage is constitutional, according to a news release published by Kyodo News. Already the woke mob, the liberals, the social justice warriors (SJWs) and the LGBTQ extremists – including those who are not even Japanese and are based outside of Japan – condemned the decision through social media and a fight at the Supreme Court of Japan is anticipated.

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

A Japanese court on Friday ruled that the country’s ban on same-sex marriage is constitutional, becoming the only high court to uphold the state’s position among six rulings on similar lawsuits filed nationwide.

The Tokyo High Court concluded the current civil law provisions that do not allow same-sex marriage are still reasonable under the current circumstances, in contrast with five earlier high court rulings in Sapporo, Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka and Fukuoka that said the lack of legal recognition of same sex marriage violated the Constitution. Those other rulings, however, all rejected compensation claims.

In handing down the latest ruling, Presiding Judge Ayumi Higashi said that the current marriage system is useful in preparing an environment for raising children, and that it is reasonable to interpret “husband and wife” as a man and a woman.

The ruling also said that the freedom of marriage guaranteed under Article 24 of the Constitution does not apply to same-sex couples, noting that “part of the effects of marriage can be substituted by contracts,” and that people can marry if they change their legal sex.

The court expressed concern, though, over stalled discussions in parliament, warning that if this situation continues, it could lead to violations of the constitutional guarantee of equality under the law. It also urged that being treated based on gender identity is an important legal interest.

As the plaintiffs plan to appeal, the Supreme Court is expected to issue a unified decision next year at the earliest.

In the latest lawsuit, eight plaintiffs in their 40s to 60s had sought 1 million yen ($6,400) in damages each, arguing civil law provisions that do not allow same-sex marriage violate the right to equality ensured under the Constitution and its guarantee of freedom of marriage.

The government denied that the provisions are unconstitutional, arguing that the Constitution defines marriage as between a man and a woman.

The plaintiffs had appealed a Tokyo District Court ruling in March 2024 that found the situation to be “in a state of unconstitutionality” but rejected their damages claims.

Among 12 high and lower court rulings so far, the Osaka District Court was the only other court that ruled that the lack of legal recognition is constitutional.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you seriously believe that having same-sex marriage (AKA gay marriage) will be beneficial to Japan socially and economically? Do you think that the LGBTQ and Leftist forces from around the world are secretly funding the same-sex marriage movement in Japan? Do you think it is inevitable for the Supreme Court of Japan to declare the same-sex marriage ban constitutional? Are you convinced that same-sex marriage in Japan will ruin not only Japanese families but also the nation’s society?

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

Most Wanted Man in Muntinlupa City Arrested For Qualified Rape and Lascivious Conduct

September 16, 2025September 9, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the most wanted person was apprehended by the local police over charges of qualified rape and lascivious conduct, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Police arrested a 42-year-old man tagged as Muntinlupa’s No. 1 top most wanted person for qualified rape and lascivious conduct on Friday, Sept. 6.

The suspect, identified as alias “Ranielle,” was nabbed in Barangay Alabang, Muntinlupa by operatives from the Warrant and Subpoena Unit of Muntinlupa police.

He is facing charges of lascivious conduct under Republic Act 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act) and qualified rape under Republic Act 11648 (An Act Promoting for Stronger Protection Against Rape and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, Increasing the Age for Determining the Commission of Statutory Rape).

According to the Supreme Court website, lascivious conduct, based on the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act, 7610, is “the intentional touching, either directly or through clothing, of the genitalia, anus, groin, breast, inner thigh, or buttocks, or the introduction of any object into the genitalia, anus or mouth, of any person, whether of the same or opposite sex, with intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, degrade, or arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person, bestiality, masturbation, lascivious exhibition of the genitals or pubic area of a person.”

The Supreme Court Office of the Spokesperson stated that “qualified rape, on the other hand, refers to sexual intercourse with a woman against her will, committed under any of the circumstances listed in Article 266-B of the RPC (Revised Penal Code), such as abuse of authority, moral ascendancy, relationship, or the victim’s vulnerability.”

Presiding Judge Phillip Aguinaldo of the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 207 issued the warrant of arrest. Bail was set at P200,000 for each of four counts of lascivious conduct and no bail for qualified rape.

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 there many property owners in your local community who have yet to know about the real property tax amnesty 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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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

Yamsuan, Bernabe and elected Parañaque teammates sworn in at Supreme Court

June 19, 2025June 18, 2025carlocarrasco

Yesterday at the Supreme Court here in the Philippines, the newly elected members of Parañaque-based Team Pag-Asa were formally sworn in by SC Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan.

Sworn into office by Gaerlan were Brian Yamsuan as Parañaque District 2 Representative, Benjo Bernabe as Parañaque City Vice Mayor, Tess de Asis as Parañaque District 2 City Councilor, Binky Favis as Parañaque District 2 City Councilor and Shannine Olivarez as Parañaque District 1 City Councilor.

*Brian Yamsuan sworn-in as Parañaque City District 2 Representative. (image captured from Brian Yamsuan Facebook page video)*

Each of them was formally sworn in by turn and with the presence of their respective family members. Present during Benjo Bernabe’s taking of the oath of office was former Parañaque City Mayor Florencio “Jun” Bernabe. Bernabe’s turn can be viewed in full by clicking https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1ATYd4yrBC/

For the newcomers reading this, Parañaque City has two districts and each one has eight seats for the City Council. The Vice Mayor is elected throughout the city. The new term of office for those who got elected or re-elected will start on June 30, 2025.

Benjo Bernabe sworn in as Vice Mayor of Parañaque City. Present were members of his family, including former Mayor Florencio “Jun” Bernabe. (image captured from Benjo Bernabe Official Facebook page video)

*The newly sworn-in Team Pag-Asa members showing their certificates in the presence of Supreme Court Associate Justice.Samuel Gaerlan.* From left to right are Parañaque District 2 City Councilor Binky Favis, District 2 City Councilor Tess de Asis, District 1 City Councilor Shannine Olivarez, District 2 Representative Brian Yamsuan and Vice Mayor Benjo Bernabe. (photo source – Benjo Bernabe Facebook account)

To see the final results of the 2025 Parañaque City elections, click https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/eleksyon/2025/results/local/NATIONAL+CAPITAL+REGION/NATIONAL+CAPITAL+REGION+-+FOURTH+DISTRICT/CITY+OF+PARA%25C3%2591AQUE/?tfb_a&smartsearch

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 hopeful that meaningful and positive reforms in the city will begin once the newly sworn-in Team Pag-Asa members take office?

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

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What to watch on YouTube right now – Part 72

April 25, 2025April 19, 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 Christine Grace Smith discusses gender differences and major UK Supreme Court decision – I like watching Christine Grace Smith’s commentary about society as well as her ways on pointing out the wrong and the twisted. Recently the United Kingdom’s (UK) Supreme Court delivered its major decision on the legal definition of the term woman in relation to human biology. Christine Grace Smith not only calls the UK Supreme Court decision a win for women (read: men who believe they are women are clearly NOT women at all), she also explains a lot of relevant stuff and details as well. It’s a win for women and a defeat for the transgender mob. Watch and learn from her video below.

#2 Predator reaction videos by Ashleigh Burton, VKunia, Popcorn in Bed and You, Me and the Movies – The 1980s was a memorable decade of R-rated action movies from Hollywood. Among them was the action-packed science fiction film Predator that starred Arnold Schwarzenegger and the movie itself had a careful blend of elements from specific genres under the direction of John McTiernan. By today’s standards, Predator is a classic and now is a good time to see how it impacts YouTubers like Ashleigh Burton, VKunia, Popcorn in Bed and You, Me and the Movies through their respective reaction videos.

#3 PatmanQC examines the Alien vs. Predator arcade game – In 1994, Capcom released Alien vs. Predator in video arcades around the world. In addition to being well received by game critics, the game became a big hit commercially and added to Capcom’s credibility as an arcade industry player. If you are wondering how the arcade game first started, who the developers were and why the game was never ported to any console, watch and learn from PatmanQC’s in-depth video below.

#4 Decker Shado’s review of The Fifth Element – Back in 1997, The Fifth Element was released in cinemas and it attracted the attention of a lot of people mainly because of Bruce Willis’ fame. With its style of presentation, the movie impressed local moviegoers and there were some who found it a zany film experience. Some time ago, Decker Shado posted his video review of The Fifth Element and it is entertaining to watch.

#5 Slope’s Game Room examines the history of Pac-Man – Do you still remember playing Pac-Man long ago? As a little boy, I only played the Atari 2600 port of Pac-Man and managed to play the original arcade game on different platforms much later. There is a lot of history behind Pac-Man and it involves the growth of its game franchise and reach towards cartoons and merchandise. To have an in-depth look at Pac-Man’s history, watch the extensive video by Slope’s Game Room below.

#6 Tron revisited – You must have heard the news about the newly announced Tron sequel called Tron: Ares. Honestly, I am not too confident about it and 2010’s Tron: Legacy left me unsatisfied. That being said, the original Tron movie from 1982 remains special and memorable, and now is a good time to take a look back at it through the selected videos below. Watch, learn and enjoy!

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Las Piñas City Councilors Santos and Medina claim P103.8 billion reclamation project won’t cause flooding

November 20, 2024November 10, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, Councilors Mark Santos and Henry Medina defended the P103.8 billion Las Piñas-Parañaque Coastal Bay Reclamation Project – already approved by the Supreme Court in 2021 – from allegations that it will cause flooding, according to a Manila Standard news report.

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

Two incumbent Las Pinas City councilors denied allegations that the P103.8-billion Las Piñas-Parañaque Coastal Bay Reclamation Project could lead to “disastrous flooding” in two Metro Manila cities.

Las Piñas City councilors Mark Anthony Santos and Henry Medina said the multi-billion project was already approved by the Supreme Court in 2021, after dismissing the environmental concerns raised by Las Pinas residents.

Voting 11-2, the Supreme Court (SC) en banc approved on Oct. 21, 2021 the reclamation project of around 530 hectares of the Manila Bay coastline in Las Piñas and Parañaque, ruling that the supposed environmental threat was not sufficiently established.

It was penned by Associate Justice Rosmari Carandang, with dissents from Associate Justices Marvic Leonen and Amy Lazaro Javier. Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan did not vote. There were only 14 justices when the ruling was promulgated.

Alltech Contractors proposed developing 321.26 hectares of land in Las Piñas and 174.88 hectares in Parañaque, both along the coastline of Manila Bay in 2009.

The Philippine Reclamation Authority approved the project in 2010, subject to compliance with environmental rules.

Santos said the petitioners against the project failed to provide sufficient evidence of environmental harm and that he supports the reclamation for its potential economic benefits, including socialized housing and job creation.

Medina said while the SC initially granted a Writ of Kalikasan in 2012, it later allowed the Court of Appeals to hear the case.

The CA ruled that the petitioners failed to support their claim by any competent, credible and reliable evidence that the proposed reclamation project will expose Las Piñas and Parañaque residents to catastrophic environmental damage.

According to the CA, Tricore Solutions Inc. and Center for Environmental Concerns-Philippines, the companies commissioned by the petitioners, failed to conduct a comprehensive and objective assessment of the proposed project.

The two companies also lacked the expertise necessary in the field of hydrology and hydraulics to competently conclude that the proposed project will cause environmental damage, the CA said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think that any form of reclamation within the city will cause flooding or any other form of severe environmental damage? Do you think that reclamation will be economically beneficial for Las Piñas and its people?

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

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Las Piñas City Councilor Santos asks DENR to authorize P103.8 billion Las Piñas-Parañaque reclamation plan

October 31, 2024October 24, 2024carlocarrasco

In recent times, Las Piñas City Councilor and congressional candidate Mark Santos formally asked the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to authorize the Las Piñas-Parañaque Coastal Bay Reclamation Project of the national government which is worth over P100 billion, according to a Manila Standard news report.

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

Las Piñas City Councilor and congressional candidate Mark Anthony Santos asked the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to authorize the P103.8-billion Las Piñas-Paranaque Coastal Bay Reclamation Project of the national government.

Santos said the clearance to proceed with the project remained unresolved by the members of DENR’s Protective Area Management Board, despite the SC decision three years ago.

“The status of the project remains at the detailed engineering stage,” he said.

Santos said that in an en banc decision on Oct. 21, 2021, the Supreme Court, voting 11-2, approved the reclamation project of around 530 hectares of the Manila Bay coastline in Las Piñas- Parañaque, ruling that the supposed threat to environment was not sufficiently established.

Alltech Contractors proposed the project to develop 321.26 hectares of land in Las Piñas and 174.88 hectares in Parañaque, both along the coastline of Manila Bay in 2009. The Philippine Reclamation Authority approved the project in 2010 subject to compliance to environmental rules.

Alltech submitted an amended environmental performance report management plan (EPRMP) in December that year and expanded the project to cover 203.43 hectares in Parañaque and 431.71 hectares in Las Piñas.

The DENR-Environmental Management Bureau issued the environmental compliance certificate (ECC) for the project In March 2011, after Alltech Contractors submitted scientific and expert studies that assessed the potential flooding and flushing impact that may arise from the coastal bay project.

The SC decision suggests that the city government of Las Piñas may proceed with the reclamation project despite residents’ objections, said Santos.

Santos said the city councils of Las Piñas and Parañaque issued the corresponding resolutions authorizing their respective city mayors to explore the proposal under a joint venture agreement (JVA).

The cities of Las Piñas and Parañaque eventually accepted Alltech’s proposal, and the parties executed their respective JVAs, he said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think it is high-time for the reclamation in Las Piñas to proceed?

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 19

May 17, 2024May 19, 2024carlocarrasco

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 topics and the related videos I found.

#1 Larry Bird’s memorable big game of 1992 – If you love American basketball and the modern day NBA does not appeal much to you, then you should go back to the year 1992 when the legendary Larry Bird had his last big game before retiring. During his final years in the NBA, aging and a serious back injury hounded Bird as he kept on leading the Boston Celtics. In March 1992, the Celtics hosted the strong Portland Trailblazers and this was the game when Larry Bird scored 49 points and even registered a triple-double at the age of 35. That being said, watch the highlight video below…

#2 Score PN’s Terminator 3: Before The Rise video – Score PN, a YouTube channel that is best known for its in-depth videos about the Resident Evil entertainment franchise, also produced videos related to The Terminator. Back in 2003, Arnold Schwarzenegger had a big cinematic comeback with Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines which I saw inside the cinema when it opened here in the Philippines. Back then, I was not even aware that a prequel comic book limited series of Terminator 3 was published and Score PN has a video about it which you can watch below. By the way, Score PN also produced videos about comic book adaptations of Batman movies which I highlighted previously.

#3 Vizconde Massacre explanatory videos – Previously, I included Viva’s video showing the entire 1995 movie The Jessica Alfaro Story. For the newcomers reading this, Jessica Alfaro (played in the movie by Alice Dixson) was the star witness of the trial of the shocking Vizconde Massacre and it took her around four years to come out publicly. For legal reasons, The Jessica Alfaro Story film made alterations (creative liberties) to make a reference to the massacre without the Vizconde name. That being said, if you want to know more about the Vizconde Massacre of 1991, the trial that happened and the big decision the Supreme Court made in 2010, then you should watch these two explanatory videos. The third one analyzes the legal aspect of 2010 Supreme Court decision related to the massacre.

#4 RoboCop 2 reaction videos plus arcade/console game documentary – Back in 1990, my friends and I got to watch RoboCop 2 inside the movie theater here in the Philippines and almost all the seats were filled at the time. While the movie was not memorable as it never came close to matching the uniqueness and cultural impact of the 1987 original RoboCop, it still managed to entertain enough people who eventually became fans. Like its predecessor, RoboCop 2 also had game adaptations for the arcade and consoles. Watch the videos below…

#5 A look at the history of Area 51 arcade/console games – Back in the mid-1990s, Area 51 by Atari was a huge hit in the arcades in the West and was perceived as a comeback for the said company. Area 51 was so successful, it prevented Atari from falling into financial disaster and versions of the game were released for Windows PC, PlayStation and Sega Saturn. Not only that, a spiritual sequel to Area 51 was released in 1997 with Maximum Force. To learn more about Area 51’s place in gaming history, watch the video below…

#6 Stand by Me movie reaction videos plus trivia video – If you are fond of movies based on the writings of Stephen King, then Stand by Me (1986) should have been part of your watch list a long time ago. It was an acclaimed coming-of-age film directed by Rob Reiner and has been described by some as one of the most defining movies of the 1980s. It is no surprise that there are retro movie reviews, movie reaction videos and trivia videos about it. You can watch the selected movie reaction videos plus a movie trivia video below…

#7 The liar and manipulator Abby Martin crushed by son of Hamas! – It is very sickening that there are still people here in this world who chose to be evil and do the works of Satan. I am talking about Abby Martin, a self-declared journalist who is actually a liar and manipulator. Do not let her good looks and media style fool you. Abby Martin constantly condemns the nation of Israel as she clearly took sides with the terrorists and supports the Palestinian agenda of wiping out the Jewish state. She might as well be working with wicked leaders of Iran. Watch this video of Abby Martin getting crushed by the son of Hamas. Remember that Abby Martin is clearly working with the terrorists and murderers. Never let Abby Martin poison your minds!

#8 The disappointing interview with the Xbox president – Since early this year, gamers’ trust in Xbox weakened due to unexpected developments such as Microsoft deciding to release four Xbox-exclusive games to other consoles. Since then, a lot of Xbox fans have been speculating that in due time Xbox itself will change for the worse and eventually end to pave the way for Microsoft to become a multi-platform game publisher. That being said, the downward trend of Xbox continued as four of its game studios – Tango Gameworks, Alpha Dog, Roundhouse Studios and Arkane Studios – were suddenly shut down which sent shockwaves throughout the industry and attracted negativity to Xbox. Not only that, there was this very disappointing interview with Xbox president Sarah Bond which made things worse. Posted below is the video of the very interview itself plus one reactionary video from Geeks and Gamers.

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Supreme Court tells Metro Manila LGUs to follow MMDA’s ticketing system

March 14, 2024March 6, 2024carlocarrasco

Motorists who travel around the Metro Manila regularly should be aware that the Supreme Court recently officially invalidated local government units (LGUs) of the National Capital Region (NCR) from issuing traffic violation tickets and seizing drivers’ licenses and ordered them to follow the ticketing system of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

The Supreme Court (SC) has invalidated provisions of ordinances by local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila allowing their respective traffic enforcers to issue violation receipts and confiscate driver’s licenses.

“A permanent injunction is hereby issued to enjoin respondent local government units from further issuing ordinance violation receipts; and confiscating licenses through their own traffic enforcers, unless they are deputized by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA),” the court said in its 42-page decision uploaded March 4 and penned by Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa.

This stemmed from a suit filed by 11 transport groups before the Court of Appeals in 2006, claiming that different citations from the MMDA and the LGUs are confusing as some bodies do not recognize tickets by other LGUs or the MMDA.

While the case was pending in 2012, a resolution by the MMDA Metro Manila Council (MMC) then adopted a uniform ticketing system and established a system of interconnectivity among the LGUs involved in transport and traffic management in Metro Manila.

In December of that year, the appellate court dismissed the suit, prompting the petitioners to elevate the case to the high tribunal.

The tribunal, in its ruling, said traffic management in the LGUs is covered by the MMDA Law.

“(T)he Court thus declares as invalid the common provision in the said traffic codes or ordinances of the LGUs in Metro Manila empowering each of them to issue OVR (ordinance violation receipts) to erring drivers and motorists,” the SC said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you think this new order by the Supreme Court will turn out helpful in the years to come?

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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

COMELEC declares no delays related to October 2023 Barangay and SK Elections (BSKE)

July 4, 2023June 30, 2023carlocarrasco

As far as the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is concerned, there will be no delays related to the anticipated Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) set for October 30, 2023 and the related final list of voters will be released this August, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

There will be no delays in the release of the final list of voters in August and the holding of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) by October, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday assured.

During the Laging Handa public briefing, Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia said the poll body targets to provide a clean list of registered voters by the first week of August.

“Tuloy na tuloy na po iyan… ginagarantiya natin na maayos at malinis na po iyan. Kahit po iyong mga sinasabing namatay na, iyan po ay pinapatanggal din natin sa ating election registration board (It [will certainly] be pushed through… We are guaranteeing an organized and clean [list]. Even those who have already died, we are also asking the election registration board to remove them),” he said.

Any political party or citizen’s arm may secure access to the clean list from local Comelec offices once finalized.

Based on Comelec’s automated fingerprint and identification system, around 21,000 double and multiple registrants were found.

The poll body also assured the BSKE on Oct. 30 will also push through following the recent ruling of the Supreme Court on the unconstitutionality of the postponement of the December 2022 BSKE.

“Bagama’t unconstitutional nga po ang sabi ng ating Korte Suprema doon sa batas na ipagpaliban ang halalan, wala po itong epekto sa atin pong ginagawang paghahanda para sa October 30. Tuloy na tuloy po ang ating October 30 Barangay and SK Elections (Although it’s unconstitutional to postpone the elections as per the law cited by the Supreme Court, it has no effect on our preparation for October 30. The October 30 BSKE will push through),” Garcia added.

However, around 1.3 million ballots are still left for printing, particularly for those registered from Dec. 12, 2022 up to Jan. 31 this year.

Garcia said the printing of ballots for the said batch will be launched in July once the clearing of double and multiple registrants is finalized. To date, the Comelec has already printed 91 million ballots needed for the upcoming BSKE.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you intend to vote in the BSKE this October 30? Do you think the COMELEC has done enough to ensure election integrity?

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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NCAP for Metro Manila traffic violations cannot be implemented yet

January 26, 2023January 25, 2023carlocarrasco

As the Supreme Court here in the Philippines has yet to make a final decision about the legality of the No-Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP), the local government units (LGUs) of Metro Manila cannot implement the said policy yet when it comes to traffic violations, the Manila Bulletin reported. Take note that the SC issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against NCAP in August 2022.

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

Local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila cannot implement the no-contact apprehension policy (NCA) for traffic violations while the two petitions challenging the policy’s alleged unconstitutionality are still pending with the Supreme Court (SC).

The SC issued on Aug. 30, 2022 a temporary restraining order (TRO) against NCAP and the order is enforceable until further orders from the High Court.

The SC wrapped up early tonight, Jan. 24, the legal debates on the two petitions. The first oral arguments were held last Dec. 6.

After the oral arguments, the parties to the cases were given a non-extendible period of 30 days from Jan. 24 to file their respective memorandum in amplification the issues tackled during the debates.

Given the complexities of the issues involved in the NCAP – modes of implementation like systems and mechanics, alleged exorbitant penalties for traffic violations, alleged violations of due process like pay first before complaining, and issues on privacy rights, among other things – the SC – legal quarters said – is not expected to resolve the petitions immediately after the 30-day period to file memoranda.

There were two petitions against the alleged unconstitutionality of NCAP which utilizes closed-circuit television and digital cameras to identify and apprehend traffic violators through videos and images of their violations.

Once a violation is detected and the plate number of the vehicle is recorded, the local government unit issues traffic citation tickets and mail them directly to the vehicle’s registered owner. Data on ownership of the vehicle is obtained from the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

Non-payment of fines within seven days would mean the subject vehicle cannot be re-registered by the owner.

NCAP in Metro Manila is operated by a private firm, QPAX Traffic Systems, Inc., which gets a share ranging from 60 to 70 percent of the total amount of fines collected by the LGUs for traffic violations.

In one LGU in Metro Manila alone, the SC was told that the city government had collected close to P200 million in traffic violation penalties before the enforcement of NCAP was stopped. Of the amount 65 percent had been remitted to QPAX which was reported to have invested only about P50 million for NCAP devices and equipment in that city.

The first petition was filed by the Kilusan sa Pagbabago ng Industriya ng Transportasyon, Inc. (KAPIT), Pangkalahatang Saggunian Manila and Suburbs Drivers Association Nationwide (Pasang-Masda), Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (ALTODAP), and Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization (ACTO).

They told the SC the implementation of NCAP is unconstitutional and thus invalid.

At the time the first petition was filed, the NCAP was being implemented in Metro Manila by the local governments of Quezon City, Manila, Valenzuela City, Muntinlupa City, and Parañaque City through their ordinances based on the 2016 resolution of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) which ordered the re-implementation of NCAP.

The second petition was filed by lawyer Juman B. Paa who also pleaded for the issuance of a TRO against the NCAP being implemented in the City of Manila.

In his petition, Paa asked the SC to declare unconstitutional Manila City Ordinance No. 8676, series of 2020, on NCAP.

He said the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) has access to the database of the LTO relative to the details of the vehicle, including the name of the owner and address.

Paa said that “if a private company is performing the function of the MTPB, their access to the close circuit television (CCTV) footage might be used for other purposes like surveillance of a particular person thus exposing citizens to risks against safety and privacy.”

Solicitor General Menardo I. Guevarra said that “while NCAP cameras capture vehicle images that violate traffic rules and regulations, they are neither designed to capture, nor are these cameras capable of obtaining, facial recognition images of the drivers.”

“This fact attenuates and weakens petitioners’ claim of violation of their right to privacy,” Guevarra said.

“More importantly, the sharing by the Land Transportation Office of vehicle registration data with the local governments involves information necessary to carry out functions of public authorities,” he said.

“It is therefore a sharing of personal information which is expressly excluded from the coverage of the Data Privacy Act under Republic Act No. 10173,” he stressed.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this new development? Do you believe that the NCAP is very prone to abuse by the LGUs? Do you believe that the LGUs want to use NCAP to easily raise funds? Do you believe that NCAP actually helps solve traffic problems and helps discipline motorists? Do you think Parañaque City is a good example of a city that implemented the NCAP? Do you believe that NCAP violates a motorist’s privacy in relation to the collection of personal and vehicular data? Did you pay close attention on how your city mayor reacted whenever the NCAP gets challenged?

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 and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. 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 at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/.

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

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