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Las Piñas City Mayor-elect April Aguilar oversees release of relief assistance to fire victims

June 9, 2025June 4, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, incumbent Vice Mayor and Mayor-elect April Aguilar led the release of relief assistance to several fire victims in Barangay Almanza Uno, the City Government announced via social media.

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

The City Government of Las Piñas, led by Vice Mayor April Aguilar, continued its relief operations on Tuesday morning, June 3, for families affected by the fire that struck the Samatierra Compound in Almanza Uno.

Vice Mayor Aguilar personally returned to the evacuation center at the covered court of Almanza Uno to oversee the distribution of essential items to the 260 displaced individuals. Sleeping kits, hygiene kits, and food packs were provided to ensure the basic needs of evacuees are met while they remain in temporary shelters.

The City Social Welfare and Development Office, in coordination with the barangay and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, facilitated the orderly delivery of assistance. Modular tents were also set up to provide each family with privacy and comfort during their stay at the evacuation center.

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? When was the last time a huge fire hit your local community and left several families homeless?

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 manufacturing activity slowed down in May 2025

June 7, 2025June 3, 2025carlocarrasco

In what could be a possible sign of economic slowdown in the Philippines, manufacturing activity for the month of May this year slowed down as demand from foreign markets weakened, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

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

GROWTH in Philippine manufacturing activity slowed in May due to declining output and weaker demand from foreign markets amid global trade tensions.

The S&P Global Philippines Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), which measures the country’s monthly factory performance, settled at 50.1, slipping from 53 in April. This was the lowest index since the 49.4 contraction in March.

A PMI reading above 50 denotes better operating conditions month on month, while a reading below 50 shows the opposite.

“The promising growth observed at the beginning of the second quarter signaled a notable cooling in May,” Maryam Baluch, an economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said in a report on Monday. “While new orders continued to increase, they did so at a slower pace, overshadowed by contractions in other areas.”

S&P Global data on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) showed that only the Philippines expanded in May, while Vietnam (49.8), Myanmar (47.6) and Indonesia (47.4) all declined.

In its report, S&P Global said output declined in May, the second contraction in the past three months.

“Overall, the downturn was marginal, but companies noted softer demand conditions weighed on production,” it said.

Despite continuing to signal a rise in new sales, the rate of expansion in new orders was slight and weaker than in April, it added. This was reflected in the softer rate of increase in input buying activity.

“The situation was further exacerbated by a deteriorating demand from foreign markets, with May witnessing a sharper drop in new export orders,” Ms. Baluch said. “As global trade tensions escalate, the outlook for overseas demand appears increasingly precarious,” US President Donald J. Trump paused his reciprocal tariffs in April for 90 days but continues to apply a 10% baseline tariff rate for most trading partners.

Ms. Baluch said the drop in production requirements was accompanied by a fresh decline in employment and the inventories of both purchases and finished goods.

S&P said employment numbers declined for the first time in four months.

The pace of job shedding was marginal, but the strongest in 11 months, which factories attributed to voluntary resignations and the nonreplacement of those roles.

S&P also cited the limited manpower for a renewed buildup of backlogs across Filipino producers.

“On a brighter note, inflationary pressures remain modest and historically subdued, which could play an important role in supporting demand moving forward,” she said.

However, cost burdens and output charges rose to the highest since January.

“The stability of price pressures may also provide a necessary buffer against the challenges posed by a cooldown in new orders and external market uncertainties,” she added.

S&P Global said manufacturers expect new orders to continue to rise, supported by confidence in the year-ahead outlook for production, but the degree of optimism was the third weakest in the series’ history.

Analysts also said trade tensions and softer demand weighing down the country’s manufacturing activity in May.

The anticipation for higher tariffs likely caused subdued exports, said Reinielle Matt M. Erece, an economist at Oikonomia Advisory and Research, Inc.

“The persistent trade tensions continue to weigh on global trade, causing exports to drop as higher tariffs may be imposed,” he said in a Viber message.

Philippine exports in the first four months rose 9.5% to $26.87 billion, according to the local statistics agency.

Mr. Erece said domestic demand slowed as the election-spending season ended. Stronger manufacturing activity is expected later this year, as local authorities continue trade talks with the US Trade Representative, he added.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines’ manufacturing sector will rebound this 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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New rules streamlining VAT refund processes will make Philippines more attractive to foreign investors

June 6, 2025June 3, 2025carlocarrasco

In the view of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), the Philippines will become a more attractive destination for foreign investors due to the new rules streamlining the value-added tax (VAT) refund process, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) expects the new rules streamlining the value-added tax (VAT) refund process — a key reform under the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act – will make the Philippines a more attractive destination for foreign investors.

In a televised interview, BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said the new regulations are consistent with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s broader goal of making the country more business-friendly.

“Ang expectation natin, makikita ng mga dayuhang investors na seryoso ang pamahalaan na pagbutihin ang pagnenegosyo at papadaliin ang pagnenegosyo dito sa ating bayan (Our expectation is that foreign investors will see that the government is serious on business and in easing the doing of business in our country),” Lumagui was quoted as saying in a news release on Saturday.

“So, we’re hoping that it will encourage foreign investors to do business here in the Philippines,” he added.

According to the BIR chief, the main objective of CREATE MORE, as well as other BIR efforts, is to ease the doing of business and payment of taxes.

Republic Act No. 12066 or the CREATE MORE Act amended the National Internal Revenue Code to provide greater tax relief and incentives for businesses, particularly exporters.

To implement this, the BIR issued Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 37-2025 on April 10, which reduces the documentary requirements for VAT refund claims.

Under the new guidelines, certified true copies of invoices or receipts may now be submitted in place of original documents.

There was also a reduction of three documentary requirements, particularly the proofs of registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission or Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), whichever is applicable, and the copies of Import Entry and Internal Revenue Declarations/Informal Import Declaration and Entry or Single Administrative Document.

For claims involving amortized input VAT on capital goods, prior certifications from the Bureau of Customs may be reused if already submitted in past filings.

Furthermore, for VAT refund claims starting April 1, exporters are no longer required to submit actual proof of shipment, such as bills of lading.

Instead, the BIR will rely on a certification from the Export Marketing Bureau of the DTI, following a newly signed agreement between the two agencies.

“Ngayon pinadali natin ang proseso sa pakikipag-coordinate sa DTI. So, may kanya-kanyang role ang bawat isa para hindi na rin magdoble-doble ang mga requirements at pag-iimbestiga kung talagang merong mga inexport ang isang entity (We made the process easier through our coordination with the DTI. Each agency now has specific roles to prevent duplication in the submission of requirements and in investigating the goods exported by a business entity,” Lumagui explained.

“Patuloy din ang pag-e-examine natin kung ano ang pwede nating i-streamline na mga proseso para mas mapadali pa ang pagnenegosyo sa ating bayan (We also continue to examine what other processes we can streamline to make doing of business in our country easier),” he added.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you convinced that the changes made will help the Philippines attract more foreign investors?

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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Nearly 700 children fed by Las Piñas City Government at Barangay Almanza Uno

June 4, 2025May 30, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government announced that nearly seven hundred children got fed when the community feeding program happened at Barangay Almanza Uno. Vice Mayor and Mayor-elect April Aguilar personally attended the event.

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

The Las Piñas City Nutrition Office continued its citywide feeding efforts through the Programang Pang-Nutrisyon para sa Las Piñeros, holding another feeding activity on Wednesday, May 28 at the St. Mary Homes Covered Court in Almanza Uno. The initiative served nearly 700 children with pork picadillo rice toppings and bottled water.

The event aimed to provide accessible and healthy meals to young Las Piñeros, particularly during the school break, to help sustain their nutritional needs. Volunteers and staff from the City Nutrition Office ensured the orderly distribution of food, assisted by community leaders and local personnel.

Mayor-elect April Aguilar personally took part in the event, helping serve meals and engaging with the children and their families. Her presence reflected her administration’s continued support for grassroots nutrition initiatives and direct community outreach.

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? When was the last time the City Government organized a feeding event for the children of 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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World Bank says Philippines economic growth will be below 6% per year until 2031

June 3, 2025June 3, 2025carlocarrasco

By pointing to several economic factors, the World Bank stated that it expects the economy of the Philippines to grow less than 6% per year until the year 2031, 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…

The Philippines’ annual economic growth is expected by the World Bank Group (WBG) to remain below six percent this year until 2031.

Its newest country partnership framework (CPF) for the Philippines, covering fiscal years (FYs) 2026 to 2031, showed that the WBG forecasts Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 5.3 percent for this year, 5.4 percent for next year, and 5.5 percent for 2027—all below the more ambitious six- to eight-percent target of the Marcos Jr. administration for the second half of its term.

“The average GDP growth forecast for 2025 to 2027 is expected at 5.4 percent. Risks are mostly tilted downside and include potential retaliation by main global players that may affect global growth further, probably hitting domestic growth,” the WBG said, referring to the lingering world trade uncertainty caused by United States (US) President Donald Trump’s tariff spree.

“Increased uncertainty could trigger instability in financial markets and capital flight,” it added.

On the flipside, “the Philippines may benefit from improved margins of preference for key export products, and from lower global commodity prices (tied to lower global growth), and absent any external pressures, the prospect of continued monetary policy rate normalization” in the next three years, the WBG said.

This year, its projected 5.3-percent GDP growth rate—poised to be the slowest pace of expansion since the Philippine economy gradually reopened from the most stringent Covid-19 restrictions—was attributed by the WBG to “the direct impacts of the higher tariffs and trade policy uncertainty on demand for exports, the effects of increased global policy uncertainty on investment demand, and the indirect effects on export and investment demand through lower global growth.”

But on the upside, “these negative effects are dampened as the Philippines is mostly integrated in services rather than merchandise value chains (that have been most affected by trade policy barriers), and as public investment and private investment in non-tradables is expected to remain robust,” the WBG added.

Philippine GDP growth is seen picking up gradually to 5.7 percent in 2028, 5.8 percent both in 2029 and 2030, and 5.9 percent in 2031.

The WBG forecasts headline inflation to be in the range of three to 3.2 percent from 2025 to 2031—within the targeted two- to four-percent annual consumer price increases deemed conducive to economic growth.

As the Marcos Jr. administration embarks on fiscal consolidation to narrow the yawning budget deficit and lower the share of public debt to the economy following massive borrowings at the height of the pandemic, the WBG projected the fiscal deficit narrowing gradually from 5.7 percent of GDP in 2024 to 5.4 percent in 2025, 4.9 percent in 2026, 4.4 percent in 2027, 4.1 percent in 2028, 3.9 percent in 2029, 3.7 percent in 2030, and 3.6 percent in 2031.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the economy of the Philippines currently does not have enough strength to exceed the crucial 6% mark for annual growth?

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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Department of Agriculture (DA) recommends retaining 15% tariff on imported rice

June 3, 2025May 29, 2025carlocarrasco

In an attempt to mitigate the effects of inflation on domestic prices, the Department of Agriculture (DA) recommended keeping the 15% tariff on imported rice, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has recommended retaining the 15% tariff on imported rice to help mitigate the effects of inflation in local prices.

In a public briefing on Wednesday, DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said that they aim on lowering the effects of inflation throughout the agricultural industry.

“Napakaimportante yan sa buong ekonomiya ng ating bansa, at masigurado din natin na maging tuloy-tuloy ang mga programa natin na mas mababang presyo ng bilihin di lamang ng bigas kundi iba pang agricultural commodities,” said de Mesa.

(It is very important to the economy of the entire country, and we should ensure that our programs to lower the prices of commodities will continue, not just rice but other agricultural commodities.)

He further said that the majority of every P100 that poor Filipino families spend were used to purchase rice.

“Mga 25% kasi ng bigas na kino-consume natin ay imported. So, kung mapapanatili natin na mababa ang taripa at 15%, mas masisigurado natin na yung pangkalahatang presyo ng bigas ay mas magiging matatag at hindi makakaapekto sa price spikes kung magkakaroon man. Yung inflation overall natin, mapapanatili nating mababa kung mananatiling mababa presyo ng bigas,” he added.

(About 25% of the rice we consume is imported. So, if we keep the tariff low at 15%, we can better ensure that the overall price of rice will remain stable and won’t affect any price spikes. We can keep or overall inflation lower if we keep the price of rice low.)

DA said that they consider the price of rice in international markets, exchange rates, logistics costs from the port of origin, and productivity in the country when considering rice tariffs.

“Napakaimportante lalo na sa panahon ng lean months, ay masigurado natin na yung imported na bigas ay maganda ang presyuhan para di maapektuhan din yung presyo ng local na supply natin. Yung timing is really important to make sure natin na mapapanatili natin na matatag ang presyuhan ng bigas,” he said.

(It is very important, especially in the lean months, that we ensure that the price of important rice will not affect the price of our local supply. The timing is really important to make sure that we keep rice pricing stable.)

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think 15% tariff on imported rice is just right?

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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Reforms at Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun) continue to be implemented by Mayor Biazon

June 1, 2025May 28, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon declared that he reforms at the Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun) will continue to be implemented to meet the needs of patients and the health workers, 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…

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon continued to implement reforms at the city-run Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun) in Alabang.

On May 27, he went to the hospital to inspect a new batch of medical supplies, including medicine and items for hemodialysis.

“Bahagi ito ng tuluy-tuloy na reporma sa OsMun para matugunan ang pangangailangan ng ating mga pasyente at health workers (This is part of the ongoing reform at OsMun to meet the needs of our patients and health workers),” he posted on Facebook.

He said the immediate purchase of the supplies became possible when the direct management of OsMun was reverted to the Muntinupa City government. The hospital previously operated as a Local Economic Enterprise (LEE).

The mayor said that when the change in management took effect and in March, he designated a new group of officers in order to further improve the operation and quality of service at the hospital.

A medical storage facility will be built at Pacwood in Barangay Tunasan that will house medicine and supplies not only for Osmun but also for all health centers in Muntinlupa.

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 news that reforms at the Ospital ng Muntinlupa are being implemented?

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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Around 800 children fed by Las Piñas City Government at Barangay BF International-CAA

May 31, 2025May 28, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government announced that around eight hundred children got fed when the community feeding program happened at Barangay BF International-CAA. Vice Mayor and Mayor-elect April Aguilar personally attended the event.

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

The Las Piñas City Nutrition Office held a community-based feeding program at the CAA Narra Covered Court in BF International / CAA on Wednesday, May 21, benefiting around 800 children from the area.

Children lined up for warm servings of arroz caldo with egg, which were personally distributed by city staff and volunteers. This program is part of the city’s continuing efforts to combat child malnutrition by ensuring access to nutritious meals in underserved communities.

Mayor-elect April Aguilar was also present during the event to assist in the distribution and engage with the children. Her participation highlights the administration’s support for nutrition and welfare initiatives targeting vulnerable sectors.

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 want the City Government to organize a feeding event for the children at 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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Muntinlupa City Government announces free medicine delivery service for elderly citizens and bedridden seniors

May 31, 2025October 31, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government has officially announced RIDE Med (Responsive Integrated Delivery of Essential Medicines), a new program focused on delivering for free maintenance medicine to the homes of bedridden senior citizens and the elderly citizens (aged 80 and above).

To view the video of the launch, click here and to learn about the details behind RIDE Med, read the Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Muntinlupa City government will launch a free delivery service to bring maintenance medicine to the homes of senior citizens.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon said it will be called RIDE Med or Responsive Integrated Delivery of Essential Medicines that is designed to ease the burden of senior citizens and their families, especially those who struggle with mobility. He added that it seeks to eliminate the barriers that prevent many seniors from getting the treatment they need.

The beneficiaries of the program are senior citizens aged 80 and above, and bedridden residents aged 60 and older.

“Hindi natin pwedeng hayaan na ang ating mga lolo at lola, lalo na yung mga hindi na makalakad, ay mapag-iwanan. Serbisyo na ang lalapit sa kanila. Sa RIDE Med, ihahatid na natin ang gamot diretso sa bahay ng senior citizen (We cannot let our grandfathers and grandmothers, especially those who can no longer walk, be left behind. The service will come to them. With RIDE Med, we will deliver medicine directly to the senior citizen’s home),” Biazon said.

Under the program, eligible seniors will receive monthly deliveries of prescribed maintenance medicines, including losartan, amlodipine, metformin, and atorvastatin.

These medicines address common conditions among the elderly such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

Deliveries will be carried out by assigned RIDE Med riders, accompanied by a barangay health worker to ensure proper coordination and follow-up.

To qualify, a senior citizen must be a resident of Muntinlupa City. Registration can be done by the senior’s caregiver or relative at their respective barangay health center. Home registration is also available by calling the program’s dedicated hotlines.

Mayor Biazon said other senior citizens, even if not bedridden or over 80 years old, may still receive the same free maintenance medicines by registering with the existing “Love ko si Lolo, Love ko si Lola” Program, and claiming their medicines at the local health centers.

The city government said RIDE Med represents a new level of care for senior citizens, providing not just free medicines, but also dignity and peace of mind.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you welcome the RIDE Med program? Are there lots of senior citizens in your local community who really need the RIDE Med program now? What is your local community’s reaction towards the launch of RIDE Med in the city yesterday?

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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DPWH employee arrested in Alabang for stabbing a man

May 29, 2025May 27, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, local police officers apprehended an employee of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the stabbing of a man in Alabang, 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…

Police arrested an employee of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for allegedly stabbing a man outside a video bar in Barangay Alabang, Muntinlupa on May 24.

The Muntinlupa police identified the suspect as alias Negro, 41, who is accused of stabbing alias Geomar, 28, tricycle driver, using a foldable knife after they had a violent argument in front of the Rubie Touch Videoke Bar.

The witness, alias “Katrina,” immediately sought police assistance from the Alabang sub-station. The police arrested Negro. Geomar, who was injured, was brought to the Ospital ng Muntinlupa for treatment and is under medical observation.

The police turned over the suspect to the Investigation and Detective Management Section for documentation and filing of criminal charges.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you think the DPWH should hold its employees accountable for causing trouble in public?

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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