Twitter – Page 44 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Potential sites for future nuclear power plants being assessed by government

April 6, 2025April 2, 2025carlocarrasco

The effort towards a nuclear-powered Philippines moved forward a bit more as the Department of Energy (DOE) confirmed that it has been assessing potential sites for future nuclear power plants, according to a business news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

The Department of Energy (DOE) is assessing various sites for future nuclear power plants, including possible locations in the western regions of the Philippines.

In a recent ambush interview, DOE Undersecretary Sharon Garin shared that while these potential sites are still being evaluated against specific criteria, several areas across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao have already been identified as possibilities for nuclear development.

“We have evaluated sites, but that’s still not final; it’s like [the DOE is] practicing [its] criteria,” she told reporters.

“So we assess, for example, [in] Bataan [province, the municipalities of] Morong [and] Mariveles. We’ve also assessed somewhere in Bulacan, [and] in Batangas.”

While these provincial areas already have large populations, Garin is also hopeful about the possibility of building other nuclear-related infrastructures, such as data centers, in the future.

“We’ve also assessed down south. There’s a lot—Masbate, Palawan, we’ve also gone there—some of them qualify because there [are] metrics.”

She also said that Western Visayas could be a viable location for hosting nuclear facilities, along with other regional areas that are less likely to be affected by tsunamis.

“Palawan is really one of the most stable [in terms of geology]. The problem [there] is the grid—it’s not connected.”

According to Garin, the DOE is closely looking at areas that are far from fault lines and volcanoes.

She emphasized, however, that these are not confirmed sites for development, adding that, “I don’t want to announce what the specific areas have passed because it might cause some anxiety among people.”

The Energy Undersecretary assured that the government is making significant progress in its preparations, including conducting surveys, developing frameworks, and forming key partnerships, such as the 123 Agreement with the United States (US). She expressed optimism that once legal and regulatory requirements are finalized, the country will be ready to begin issuing construction licenses by 2026.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the assessment by the government for potential nuclear power sites will be completed soon and pave the way for actual construction?

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

Several Chinese nationals arrested by NBI inside Ayala Alabang Village, firearms seized

April 4, 2025April 3, 2025carlocarrasco

With the support of the local community, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested twelve Chinese nationals in three houses inside Ayala Alabang Village in Muntinlupa City, and seized varied firearms, ammunition and equipment, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

The National Bureau of Investigation- National Capital Region (NBI-NCR) on Wednesday said it has arrested 12 Chinese nationals in Muntinlupa City for violation of Republic Act No. 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act).

In a news release, the NBI said the foreigners were nabbed in an operation conducted Monday evening to Tuesday morning in three residential houses in in Ayala Alabang Village by virtue of search warrants issued by the Regional Trial Court of Muntinlupa City.

The NBI operatives, together with representatives from the barangay, homeowners’ association and village security personnel, searched the premises and seized five pistols, along with magazines and ammunition in the first location; four pistols with magazines and ammunition, two taser guns, three bulletproof vests, tactical knives, and handcuffs on the second; and one pistol with a magazine and ammunition and tactical gear for pistols on the third.

Various identification cards belonging to individuals named Yi Wan, Wang Zenghui, Yichun Liu, Zhou Chenchen, Zhang Yu, Xiu Zhang, Zhang Qi Ja, Wang Zenghui and Wang Weibin were also seized.

The NBI said four vehicles were also impounded for verification after the owners failed to present the necessary documents.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you concerned that there could be more Chinese nationals living here in the Philippines armed with guns and other deadly weapons? How do you think the suspects acquired the firearms and ammunition in the first place? Do you think the arrested Chinese nationals were plotting a violent takeover of the community? Do you think violent crimes involving Chinese nationals in other cities could be connected with the suspects?

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

More than 500 residents of Barangay Talon Tres served by Las Piñas City’s Health and Wellness Caravan

April 3, 2025March 26, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, over five hundred residents of Barangay Talon Tres got served with varied health services when the Health and Wellness Caravan was held in their local community, the City Government announced via social media. Vice Mayor April Aguilar attended the activity.

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

The Las Piñas City Health Office continued its commitment to accessible healthcare through another leg of the Health and Wellness Caravan held on Thursday, March 20, at the DFCAM-CLP Covered Court in Talon Tres. The event catered to over 500 residents, offering them a wide range of medical and wellness services free of charge.

Beneficiaries availed of medical consultations, blood pressure monitoring, ECG, cholesterol and blood sugar testing, dental care, mobile birth registration, and assistance with PhilHealth registration and Green Card applications. Nutritional counseling, massages, and free medicines were also made available on site to ensure holistic support for participants.

Vice Mayor April Aguilar led the activity, together with City Councilors Mark Anthony Santos and Henry Medina, who expressed their continued support for the city’s health initiatives. They also spent time with attendees to highlight the importance of maintaining personal well-being through regular check-ups and early medical attention.

City Health Officer Dr. Juliana Gonzalez stressed the ongoing significance of the caravan, noting how it provides direct access to essential healthcare services in barangays.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? How many people in your local community want the Health and Wellness Caravan to be held?

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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Bureau of Immigration (BI) relieves seven personnel for suspected illegal activities

April 3, 2025March 27, 2025carlocarrasco

Over suspicion of engaging in illegal activities, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) recently relieved seven of its personnel from their posts, 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…

Seven personnel of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) suspected to be involved in illegal activities have been relieved from their posts.

In a statement Wednesday, Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the move aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to eliminate corruption and strengthen border security.

He said the relieved personnel, assigned at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminals 1 and 3, are under investigation following reports linking them to the illegal departure of trafficking victims repatriated on March 25.

If found to have assisted the victims, these employees would face charges before the Department of Justice.

Based on BI records, the victims arrived in Manila on board a Philippine Airlines flight from Bangkok, Thailand after being rescued by the Philippine government from online scamming syndicates in Myanmar.

While tighter measures are in place, Viado acknowledged the growing challenge of intercepting trafficking victims at airports, as many now come from well-off backgrounds and pose as legitimate tourists.

The BI chief also reported that a total of 1,093 victims of human trafficking were intercepted in 2024. These victims were referred to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) for investigation and filing of cases against their recruiters.

Apart from pretending to be regular tourists, he warned that trafficking syndicates continue to exploit backdoor routes in an attempt to bypass stricter immigration controls.

Earlier this month, the BI reported the repatriation of three trafficking victims from Cambodia after being forced to work in a scam hub.

Investigations revealed they had no official record of departure, having been reportedly smuggled out via small boats from Jolo, Sulu, to Sabah, Malaysia.

The victims admitted that their passports were later stamped with fake Philippine departure marks before they traveled to Cambodia through Malaysia and Thailand.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there could be more personnel of the Bureau of Immigration who are engaged in illegal activities that the national authorities have yet to find? Do you think that the syndicates behind human trafficking are a threat to national security?

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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More than P1.37 billion in coins deposited through BSP’s machines

April 2, 2025March 25, 2025carlocarrasco

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) revealed online recently that the overall collection of its coin deposit machines (CoDMs) has surpassed P1.37 billion The latest statistics are accurate of as March 17, 2025.

Based on the latest statistics, a total of P1,372,622,853.22 (4.92% higher than the previous count of P1,308,208,203.18)in coins got deposited into BSP machines on 311,858 transactions from customers. In terms of physical quantity, 339,846,868 coins were deposited.

Doing the math on the latest statistics, customers averaged P4,401.4354 per transaction at the machines (compared to the March 15, 2025 average of P4,368.6012 per transaction). As for the grand total Peso amount divided by the number of coins deposited, the average is P4.0389 per coin deposited (previous average was P4.011 per coin deposited)

When it comes to the number of coins involved with each transaction, 339,846,868 coins divided by 311,858 transactions resulted in an average of 1,089.7488 coins per transaction (a slight increase compared to the previous average was 1,089.2659 coins per transaction).

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Whenever you deposited your coins, do you transfer the value to GCash or Maya, or convert the value into shopping vouchers? How many BSP coin deposit machines are located in your city right now?

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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IRR of Value-Added Tax (VAT) refund for foreign tourists signed

April 1, 2025March 25, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently the Philippines officially became a VAT-free destination for foreign tourists as the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 12079 (Value-Added Tax Refund for Non-Resident Tourists) has been signed, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. It should be noted that the Republic Act was signed into law last December.

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

Government officials signed on Monday the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 12079 or the Value-Added Tax (VAT) Refund for Non-Resident Tourists.

In a statement, the Department of Finance (DOF) said the IRR was signed by Secretary Ralph Recto, Bureau of Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio and Bureau of Internal Revenue Deputy Commissioner Marissa Cabreros.

It was witnessed by Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco and Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick Go.

RA 12079 aims to boost tourism and encourage more foreign tourists to shop and spend more in the Philippines, thereby bolstering economic growth.

Under the IRR, non-resident tourists or foreign passport holders may apply for a VAT refund for locally purchased goods from accredited stores that are equivalent to at least PHP3,000.

The goods must be physically taken out of the Philippines by the tourist as accompanied baggage within 60 days from the date of purchase.

The VAT refund applies only to retail and tangible goods, such as clothing, apparel, electronics, gadgets, jewelry, accessories, souvenirs, food or non-food consumables, and other goods intended for personal use.

“With a multiplier effect of 1.97, every 100 pesos spent by a tourist generates 197 pesos in economic output. Imagine that. Halos doble ang balik sa ekonomiya (The return to the economy is almost double),” Recto said.

“And more money spent by foreign tourists means more businesses created, more Filipino workers hired, more jobs provided, higher incomes for our people and more revenues for the government to collect. That’s the simple formula for growth,” he added.

Recto cited the importance of effective executive to unlock the law’s full potential.

He said the country must establish a fully functional VAT refund system and a surge in inbound tourism.

“We want more tourists to come — and we want them to stay longer, spend bigger, and transact with convenience,” he said.

Heeding President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call, Recto vowed to ensure that the VAT refund process is simple, accessible and culturally inclusive.

“From our end at the Department of Finance, we aim to deliver a VAT refund system that is world-class, modern, and built on the principles of transparency, efficiency and ease,” he said.

The IRR mandates the DOF to engage the services of reputable and internationally recognized VAT refund operators to provide end-to-end solutions to the government. Such refunds may be made electronically or in cash to enhance the ease of doing business.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Now the IRR of the VAT refund for foreign tourists has officially been signed, do you expect positive impact on Philippine tourism to happen this year? Do you think a lot of tourists overseas have been waiting for the Philippines to establish the VAT refund for foreign tourists?

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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The unique fun of playing Zombies Ate My Neighbors on Xbox Series X

March 31, 2025March 27, 2025carlocarrasco

Welcome back Xbox fans, geeks, retro gaming enthusiasts and other gamers!

There is nothing like having fun with retro gaming on a modern console. With regards to my Xbox gaming experience, when Team Xbox falls short on delivering great fun with their latest releases, retro gaming fills the gap nicely. The good news here is that there are a lot of collections of old games or remastered releases available on the Xbox online store.

Right now, I am having fun playing for the first time ever Zombies Ate My Neighbors on my Xbox Series X. I recently purchased online the remastered collection Zombies Ate My Neighbors and Ghoul Patrol (fully titled as Lucasfilm Classic Games: Zombies Ate My Neighbors and Ghoul Patrol) for that 1990s, 2D adventuring gaming experience. The remastered collection was released in 2021.

Back in 1993, I was playing games on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) but I never had the opportunity to rent nor purchase Zombies Ate My Neighbors. Back then, the 2-page print ad of the game that appeared in comic books and gaming magazines really caught my attention as well as my interest.

Zombies Ate My Neighbors – the SNES version specifically – is fun, charming and has a unique type of challenge when played on my Xbox console. The game developers did a fine job remastering the game without drastically altering the 2D graphics design. The 2D sprites looked unaltered and because of the high definition visuals, I can see them looking pretty detailed. This is pixel art that was preserved and looking lively in HD. The game controls are responsive enough on the Xbox controller and you only need to use a few buttons along the way.

*There is nothing like encountering a giant ant in the local community.*

*Imagine making your way through the local grocery only to encounter a zombies and a masked man armed with a chainsaw.*

Zombies Ate My Neighbors has a creative concept that combines elements of the sci-fi, horror and adventure genres of pop culture. Don’t let the cover art and the title of the game fool you. Zombies are definitely not the only monsters you will encounter. In fact, there are werewolves, spiders, evil dolls, vampires, blobs, giant ants, mummies and even UFOs!

This is a game that puts the player in the middle of an American city (composed of suburbs, commercial joints, museums and parks to name some) filled with monsters. Your mission is not only to survive but also to save at least a few surviving neighbors in order to proceed to the next level (by means of a door appearing out of thin air near you).

*Those little ones carrying axes are mechanical dolls, not little kids.*

*You better have a lot of weapons and some med kits when encountering the giant baby.*

As this is an adventure game, there is a unique touch on the action made by the developers. The action is about attacking monsters with varied weapons such as the Uzi water gun, bazookas, explosive soda cans (makeshift grenades), ice pops, fire extinguishers and silverware to name some. Since the game was made with a wholesome audience in mind, the violence is unsurprisingly cartoony to look at.

The exploration aspect of the game involves collecting useful items for your survival and your ability to fight monsters. In fact, there is an abundance of weapons and ammunition. Getting medkits is essential and there are simply not enough of them which should remind you to be more strategic where you go and what you encounter. The game allows you to save anywhere.

Zombies Ate My Neighbors will keep gamers busy not just because of the adventure and the action, but also due to the fact that the developers created so many levels (50+) for you to explore and make your way through! Had I played this game on the SNES back in 1993, I definitely would have gotten a lot of value for my money with its content and length.

Conclusion

*If you saved at least one surviving neighbor, this door will appear for you to exit. This will end the current level.*

I can say clearly that Zombies Ate My Neighbors is pretty enjoyable. I made it through a lot of the levels and there’s not a moment of frustration as I played. This game from 1993 is a playable gem and already I’ve gotten a lot of entertainment value from my purchase of the Zombies Ate My Neighbors and Ghoul Patrol remastered collection (which also includes extra stuff and retrospective fun). I will play Ghoul Patrol as soon as I’m done with Zombies Ate My Neighbors. This is indeed retro gaming fun that Xbox gamers should check out.

If you intend to purchase Zombies Ate My Neighbors and Ghoul Patrol for your Xbox, you can do so by clicking https://www.xbox.com/en-us/games/store/zombies-ate-my-neighbors-and-ghoul-patrol/9NQ33RF63019

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Almost 700 residents of Barangay Pilar served by Las Piñas City’s Health and Wellness Caravan

March 31, 2025March 23, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, around seven hundred residents of Barangay Pilar availed of varied health services when the Health and Wellness Caravan was held in their local community, the City Government announced via social media. Vice Mayor April Aguilar attended the activity.

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

Another successful Health and Wellness Caravan was conducted by the City Health Office at the Aguilar Sports Complex in Pilar on Thursday, March 14, serving nearly 700 residents. The initiative, part of the city’s continuous efforts to deliver accessible healthcare services to Las Piñeros, was attended by Vice Mayor April Aguilar, who personally oversaw the event.

The caravan provided several free medical services, including general medical consultations, vital signs assessment, dental services, ECG, X-ray, laboratory testing, nutrition counseling, Green Card registration and assistance, mobile birth registration, distribution of free medicines, vaccination for senior citizens, and therapeutic massage sessions.

Vice Mayor April Aguilar expressed her gratitude for the continuous support from the community, emphasizing the city’s commitment to ensuring that accessible and comprehensive healthcare services reach every Las Piñas resident.

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? Has the City Government organized the Health and Wellness Caravan in your local community lately?

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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Six foreigners and local bodyguard arrested in Subic for alleged spying operations

March 30, 2025March 26, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently, elements of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) apprehended six foreigners and their local bodyguard in Subic, Zambales, for allegedly conducting surveillance and reconnaissance activities, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. The foreign suspects were all from China and several pieces of evidence were collected by the law enforcers.

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

Authorities have arrested six foreign nationals and their Filipino bodyguard suspected of engaging in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) operations in Grande Island in Subic, Zambales.

In a press briefing on Wednesday, NBI officials led by spokesperson Ferdinand Lavin presented to the media the six Chinese suspects as well as the equipment recovered from them.

They were identified as He Peng, alias Nan Ke; Xu Xining; Ye Tianwu, alias Qui Feng/Quing Fe; Ye XIaocan; Dick Ang; and Su Anlong.

The NBI said its Cybercrime Division received a letter on March 17 from the Armed Forces of the Philippines Military Intelligence Unit regarding foreign nationals suspected of carrying out covert ISR operations on critical infrastructures within Central Luzon.

“Notably, Grande Island, located within Subic Bay approximately 56 kilometers north of Manila Bay, has attracted attention as foreign nationals have reportedly been conducting surveillance activities there. Intelligence report from the AFP revealed that six individuals on the island were closely monitored for engaging in deemed suspicious activities, involving a collection of sensitive data related to ‘Critical Infrastructure’ or data affecting national defense within the area,” the NBI said in a statement.

The NBI said the individuals were occupying the island under the guise of recreational fishers, frequently lingering at the wharves.

Witnesses reported that the group was using hi-tech drones in the guise of transporting fishing bait to conduct surveillance on naval assets, including those from local forces and allied nations, passing through Grande Island.

“Due to its contiguity and strategic location, the island allows the group to monitor naval assets entering and exiting Subic Bay during maritime patrols or joint naval exercises in the West Philippine Sea,” the NBI said.

On March 19, NBI agents led by Director Jaime Santiago, together with the AFP Intelligence Units and SBMA law enforcers, arrived at the target location to implement the warrant of arrest and carry out a hot pursuit operation which also yielded photographs and documents of Philippine and US naval assets.

Electronic gadgets containing surveillance photos and videos were also seized together with fake documents and identification cards.

Their Filipino bodyguard, Melvin Aguillon, was also arrested for possession of an unregistered firearm.

On March 21, the arrested suspects were presented for inquest proceeding before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor, Bataan for violations of Commonwealth Act No. 616 (Espionage Law); Articles 172 (Falsification by Private Individuals and Use of Falsified Documents) and 178 (Using Fictitious Name and Concealing True Name) of the Revised Penal Code; Republic Act (RA) No. 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act); and the election gun ban.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Were you surprised that the foreign suspects were Chinese nationals?

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

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Aguilar-led Green Team of Las Piñas City to continue legacy of past Mayor in this year’s election

March 30, 2025March 28, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the campaign team (locally referred to as the Green Team) led by the incumbent Aguilars had its opening salvo for the local elections and vowed to continue the legacy of the late Mayor Vergel “Nene” Aguilar, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The mentioned legacy is in reference to free education and medical services.

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

Las Piñas City’s Green Team vowed to continue the legacy of former Mayor Nene Aguilar of giving free education and medical services to residents during a kick off campaign rally held at the Aguilar Sports Complex in Barangay Pilar, Las Pin̈as City on Friday, March 28.

The Green Team was led by Vice Mayor April Aguilar who will be running for city mayor, current city Mayor Imelda Aguilar who will be running for vice mayor, and former Councilor Mark Antony Santos for congressman.

Running for councilors for District I are Alelee Aguilar, Atty. Zardi Abellera, Brian Bayog, Robert Cristobal , Marlon Rosales and Macmac Santos. For District II, those running for councilors are Engr. Henry Medina, Lester Aranda, Luigi Casimiro, Tito Martinez, Macky Saito, and Euan Toralballa.

Aguilar said the city government had been implementing the 5K program- Kalusugan, Kaalaman, Kaayusan, Kabuhayan, and Kinabukasan for the benefit of city residents.

She said the 5K program offers free services in lying-in clinics, free burial, hospitalization through a green card program worth P30,000, and yearly check-up at Hi-Precision.

The vice mayor said two laboratory testing centers were built during the administration of her mother to ensure that residents will receive free laboratory tests.

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? Have you been satisfied with the public service rendered by the City Government under the leadership of Mayor Imelda Aguilar for the past several years? Do you think Vice Mayor April Aguilar will make a solid Mayor? Do you intend to vote straight for the Green Team this May?

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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