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Philippines GDP Growth Unlikely To Reach 6% In Medium Term

Several economic factors and the continued vulnerability to climate-driven shocks make it unlikely for the Philippines to achieve gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 6% in the medium term, according to a news report by BusinessWorld citing Moody’s Ratings.

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

MOODY’S RATINGS said the Philippines’ medium-term growth outlook seems bleak as its slow  investment recovery and vulnerability to climate-driven shocks may derail its economic rebound.

In a statement following its latest rating action on the Philippines, the debt watcher said the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth is expected to hover below its pre-pandemic level of around 6% over the medium term.

“The Philippines’ medium-term growth will continue to be underpinned by favorable demographics, resilient remittances and service exports, and a gradual strengthening of investment as confidence recovers, with electronics and other goods exports providing a more marginal offset,” Moody’s Ratings said late on Monday.

“Even so, we expect medium-term potential to settle somewhat below the near-6% pace recorded before the pandemic, as investment recovers only gradually and the economy remains exposed to recurrent natural disasters and climate-related shocks,” it added.

Moody’s slashed its Philippine GDP growth forecast for this year to 3.6% from 5.5%. This falls near the bottom end of the government’s 3.5%-4.5% target for the year.

In the second quarter, GDP growth tumbled to a new post-pandemic low of 2.3%, bringing average growth to 2.6% in the first half.

The fourth consecutive quarter of slowing growth came as investments continued to reel from last year’s flood control corruption scandal, while rising prices amid the Middle East war squeezed household spending.

Moody’s Ratings noted that the Middle East war shocks and investment slump are “largely cyclical,” with an investment-driven recovery expected later this year.

“The recovery from the second half of 2026 should be led by a rebound in public investment as the government resumes stalled disbursements and normalizes spending execution,” it said.

Moody’s Ratings said that local investments should focus on public infrastructure and public-private partnerships, especially in renewable energy “as the country diversifies its energy mix in response to the recent shock.”

The government’s recent reforms should also eventually boost investment and productivity as their benefits are realized, the debt watcher said.

These include the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy Act, foreign investment liberalization, and allowing more private and foreign participation in sectors such as renewable energy.

By 2027, Moody’s Ratings expects GDP to expand by 5.3%, although still slower than its previous estimate of 5.6%.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you convinced that the economy of the Philippines really does not have enough strength to achieve 6% GDP growth anytime soon? Do you think the current economic managers know what they are doing? Do you think there will absolutely be no economic gains from the Philippines’ hosting of the 2026 ASEAN Summit?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Philippines 2026 Foreign Tourist Arrivals Reach 4.11 Million as of August, U.S. and South Korea Remain Top Markets

With the Peso performing terribly in the global currency market, weakening economic growth, high inflation and fears of an economic recession growing, 2026 has not been good for the Philippines. There is a bright spot in tourism, however, as the Philippines saw its 2026 foreign tourist arrivals reach 4.11 million in the January-August period and the United States and South Korea combined for more than 1.5 million tourist arrivals, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

The Philippines has recorded 4.11 million foreign arrivals from January to August, higher by 3.7 percent compared to the same period last year, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said on Tuesday.

The United States posted the highest number of share at 818,318, followed by South Korea at 727,379, Japan at 350,191, China at 310,088, and Australia at 234,156.

Also making it in the top 10 source markets are Canada with 231,972, Taiwan with 154,957, the United Kingdom with 132,370, Singapore with 126,812, and India with 77,883.

Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said the Philippines targets to surpass its 2025 arrival figures to reach between 6.4 million and 6.8 million, or at least 7 million, by the end of 2026.

To achieve this, she said the DOT is intensifying its branding and promotions to reach more tourists in its key source markets.

The DOT is also in active talks with airlines to open up and establish more chartered flights between the Philippines and secondary cities of Korea and China.

DOT Assistant Secretary Ren Sapitan said the agency is also set to sign a contract with a creative agency in November to broaden the country’s marketing efforts and make the Philippines more visible worldwide.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines will be able to exceed the 2025 foreign tourist arrivals number by the end of this year? Do you think the DOT is doing a good job to strengthen the Philippines’ attraction of foreign tourists? Considering the Top 10 markets of foreign tourists the Philippines attracted so far, are you convinced that the nation’s hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit did not create any positive tourism results?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Moody’s Analytics Cuts Philippines 2026 GDP Growth Forecast to 3%

By citing key factors like weak consumption, Middle East oil shock and the collapse in private investment, Moody’s Analytics officially slashed its 2026 gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for the Philippines to 3%, according to a news report by BusinessWorld.

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

MOODY’S ANALYTICS slashed its 2026 growth forecast for the Philippines, amid weak consumption and a collapse in private investment.

In its latest Asia-Pacific Outlook report dated Aug. 24, the analytics firm said it now sees Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) expanding by 3% this year, slower than its 4% projection in June.

“We lowered our 2026 GDP growth forecast to 3% from 4% in the June vintage after incorporating the second-quarter GDP result, which was far weaker than expected,” Moody’s Analytics Assistant Director and Economist Sarah Tan said in an e-mailed reply to questions.

The Philippine economy slumped to its worst post-pandemic growth of 2.3% in the April-to-June period, as investments and public construction continued to reel from last year’s flood control corruption scandal. Rising prices from the Middle East war-driven oil shock also strained household spending.

“The economy expanded by just 2.3% year on year, with private consumption showing notable weakness and private investment collapsing,” Ms. Tan noted. “This points to softer underlying domestic demand than we had previously anticipated.”

As of the first half of 2026, the country’s GDP growth averaged 2.6%, well below the government’s 3.5%-4.5% full-year target.

If Moody’s Analytics’ forecast holds true, the government will miss its growth target for a fourth year in a row. The economy would also further soften from last year’s post-pandemic low growth of 4.4%.

Economists earlier said that reaching even the bottom end of the government’s target entails a steep climb, as it means the economy must grow by at least 4.4% in the second half.

Moody’s Analytics sees growth recovering over the next two years to 4.6% in 2027 and 5.1% in 2028. The government wants full-year expansion to be between 5% and 6% from 2027 to 2030.

Meanwhile, GlobalSource Partners Country Analyst Diwa C. Guinigundo noted that the Philippines could face a more complicated path toward fiscal consolidation if growth remains below potential.

“Slower growth would make fiscal consolidation and debt reduction more difficult,” he said in a Viber message. “The issue is not simply that government revenues would grow more slowly; a weaker economy also means a smaller denominator for the debt-to-GDP ratio.”

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think 2026 will end up as a very disappointing year of economic growth for the Philippines? Do you think the economy of the Philippines could still fall into a recession in 2027 or in the first half of 2028? Are you convinced that the Philippines has nothing to gain economically from hosting the ASEAN Summit?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

SBMA Offers Exemptions and Incentives for P7 Billion Subic Bay International Airport Modernization

The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center confirmed that the company that wins the bid for the P7 billion Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) project will receive exemptions and incentives that include exemptions from national and local taxes, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

The winning bidder for the ₱7-billion concession to transform Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) into a world-class logistics hub will receive a generous government incentives package, including national and local tax exemptions.

The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center noted that the project’s implementing agency, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), will offer a competitive slate of incentives to support long-term private investment.

Under the Special Corporate Income Tax (SCIT) regime, the winning operator may qualify for a five percent corporate income tax rate for up to 16 years, with the possibility of an extension subject to eligibility requirements.

As long as it is registered as an export enterprise with the SBMA, the concessionaire will be exempt from all national and local taxes under the SCIT regime.

It may also enjoy exemptions from customs duties and value-added tax (VAT) on imports, along with zero-rated VAT on qualified local purchases.

Beyond fiscal incentives, the project also opens up commercial opportunities outside standard airport operations. The operator can generate additional revenue through cargo handling, warehousing, commercial leasing, logistics services, and other non-aeronautical ventures.

“The SBIA project offers a compelling opportunity for the private sector to partner with the government in developing one of the Philippines’ most strategic aviation and logistics gateways,” the PPP Center said in a statement.

The SBMA recently launched a comparative challenge for the airport’s modernization and expansion, which originated from an unsolicited proposal by United States-based Cerberus Asia Pacific Investments LLC.

Under this process, interested firms may submit competing offers against the original proposal. As the original proponent, Cerberus retains the right to match or beat the best offer.

Cerberus, which has assets across transportation, real estate, and other sectors, wants to manage the SBIA under a 25-year operate-rehabilitate-add-transfer (ORAT) scheme, with an investment cost of around ₱7 billion.

The concession aims to develop the gateway, located northwest of Manila, into a strategic cargo and logistics hub that would help ease congestion at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), especially as demand for air cargo continues to grow.

The project will focus on upgrading existing airport facilities to align them with international standards, alongside the development of new facilities to transform the airport into a higher-capacity logistics hub.

The SBIA is poised to support logistics and aviation growth through the development of the airport’s midway apron, which will consist of two warehouse buildings with a total floor area of 22,400 square meters (sqm) and a 32,000-sqm aircraft staging and parking area.

The north airport land development, meanwhile, covers an additional 88,000 sqm across four parcels of land for warehouse facilities, a hangar, a storage facility, and additional apron space.

To ensure proper development of the project, SBMA will assist the private partner in securing the necessary approvals for implementation and facilitating permits and regulatory coordination.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Subic Bay International Airport project will attract a lot of bidders from overseas? Do you believe the modernization of SBIA will add a lot to the economy of the Philippines in the long-term?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

BCDA To Ensure Philippines Will Benefit A Lot From Pax Silica

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) recently announced that it will ensure the Philippines will benefit a lot from the ambitious Pax Silica project as they negotiate with the United States on the final framework, according to a GMA News report.

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

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) on Wednesday said it will ensure that the Philippine side, negotiating with the US on the final framework agreement to hit the ground running for the Pax Silica project in New Clark City, Tarlac, will push for a deal that would be most beneficial for the country.

At the Kapihan sa Manila Hotel, BCDA President and CEO Joshua “Jake” Bingcang said that the government is eyeing to sign the comprehensive framework agreement for the Pax Silica initiative with the US by November.

However, Bingcang admitted that “negotiations can always take longer,” noting that the target signing “is not cast in stone as long as the two [parties] will come up with mutually agreed arrangement.”

Nevertheless, the BCDA chief said the Philippines is pushing for terms that would “most beneficial sa’tin (to us)” as negotiations for the framework deal are ongoing.

“It’s a business contract, normally it is favorable to the host country,” he said.

Bingcang said the government has also made clear that the project will operate under the BCDA’s governing legal framework and applicable investment laws.

“It would be covered by two Philippine laws —the BCDA law and CREATE MORE so the incentives provided will be covered by these two laws,” he said.

“Never in that initial arrangement that we are going to adopt anything other than the two laws,” he added.

Pax Silica is the US Department of State’s flagship initiative on artificial intelligence and supply chain security, aimed at advancing a new economic security framework among allies and trusted partners.

The Philippines in April officially joined the Pax Silica initiative, cementing its place among other 23 global signatories, including the European Union, Japan, India, Singapore, South Korea, and the United Kingdom.

As part of the initiative, Manila and Washington are working to establish a 4,000-acre industrial hub that is envisioned as a new model for AI-focused investment within the Luzon Economic Corridor.

The BCDA chief earlier clarified that the Pax Silica hub is not envisioned as a cluster of hyperscale data centers but as an industrial hub that would include the manufacturing of semiconductors and microchips used in computers, laptops, electric vehicles, and other technologies.

Bingcang said that through Pax Silica, the Philippines and its partners see an opportunity to process raw materials domestically instead of exporting them in unprocessed form.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you feel confident that the BCDA will be able to secure an agreement with the Americans to ensure the Philippines will benefit from Pax Silica economically? Do you realize Pax Silica’s potential to boost manufacturing jobs and the processing of raw of materials in the Philippines?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

SBMA Port Operations Revenue Grows 8% in First Half of 2026

Even though global economic headwinds were very challenging and the economy of the Philippines continued to slow down, revenue of the Port Operations Group of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) reached P874 million in the first half of 2026 (8% higher compared to the same period last year), the authorities confirmed.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the official announcement of the SBMA. Some parts in boldface…

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) today disclosed a robust 8% increase in consolidated gross revenue from its Port Operations Group, reaching Php 874 million in the first half of 2026, compared to Php 806 million in the same period last year.

This growth was propelled by stronger earnings in the Seaport and Trade Facilitation and Compliance Department (TFCD), despite ongoing global economic challenges.

SBMA Deputy Administrator III for Operations Group, Ronnie Yambao, attributed the positive performance to strategic initiatives that balanced growth with stakeholder support.

“We successfully navigated a complex global environment while implementing discount measures totaling approximately Php 81 million. These were aligned with Executive Order No. 110 of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., aimed at mitigating disruptions caused by the fuel supply crisis linked to the Middle East conflict,” Yambao explained.

Breaking down the revenue contributions for H1 2026:

• The Seaport Department continued to be the primary revenue driver, contributing 78% of the consolidated gross income with Php 683 million—marking a 10% increase year-on-year. This growth was largely fueled by an 18% rise in non-containerized cargo, particularly bulk and break- bulk shipments, which surged 24%.

• Subic Bay International Airport accounted for 14% of the revenue, registering a slight 3% decrease due to lower leasing activities and reduced military logistics operations.

• Meanwhile, the Trade Facilitation and Compliance Department recorded an impressive 17% revenue increase, boosted by the newly implemented Registration Certificate (RC) Policy which introduced additional fees on trucks, heavy equipment, and regulated goods.

The notable increase in non-containerized cargo was further supported by an 88% surge in rice imports. This import growth was driven by proactive government measures to secure rice stocks ahead of the anticipated El Niño weather phenomenon.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) emphasized the critical importance of maintaining sufficient rice inventories in response to potential climate-related production impacts.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you feel confident that port operations in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone will somehow grow stronger until the end of this year?

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

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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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Philippines Attracts FDI Worth $210 Million in May 2026

The Philippines, which hosted the summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other related conferences, failed once again on attracting significant foreign direct investment (FDI) as the May 2026 FDI net inflow was counted at $210 million only making it the lowest in eleven years, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

Foreign direct investment (FDI) net inflows into the Philippines plunged to $210 million in May, the lowest monthly total in more than 11 years as global economic volatility and geopolitical tensions prompted foreign companies to delay capital commitments.

According to the latest data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), released on Monday, Aug. 10, the May figure represents a 64.7 percent contraction from the level recorded in May 2025 and falls below the previous record low of $200.43 million seen in March 2015.

The sharp monthly drop dragged total net inflows for the first five months of 2026 to $2.18 billion, a 33.4 percent decline from the $3.27 billion recorded in the same period last year.

According to the BSP, the cumulative decline was “driven by lower foreign net investments in debt instruments and reinvestment of earnings, which more than offset the increase in net equity capital investments (other than reinvestment of earnings).”

The central bank added that this trend “reflected lower intercompany borrowings from foreign direct investors and reduced earnings retained for reinvestment during the period.”

Among its components, the primary driver of the May shrinkage was the sharp fall in net investments in debt instruments, which tumbled 92.1 percent to $35 million from $440 million a year earlier.

As of end-May, debt instruments—which “consist mainly of intercompany borrowing or lending between foreign direct investors and their subsidiaries or affiliates in the Philippines”—totaled $1.25 billion, dropping by nearly half from the $2.48 billion recorded in 2025.

This five-month performance follows a challenging 2025, during which annual net inflows plunged to $7.79 billion from $9.40 billion in 2024. The BSP forecasts inflows to clock in lower at $7 billion before rebounding to $8 billion in 2027.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think hosting the ASEAN Summit will lead the Philippines to economic miracles and stronger FDI in the near future?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Subic Bay Freeport Visited By Thai Ambassador And Business Leaders

A delegation led by Thailand’s ambassador to the Philippines Makawadee Sumitmor visited the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and was welcomed by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), the authorities confirmed. With the ambassador were business leaders of Thailand and they visited to explore investment opportunities in the Freeport.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the official announcement of the SBMA. Some parts in boldface…

A delegation of Thai business leaders, led by Her Excellency Makawadee Sumitmor, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Philippines, recently visited Subic Bay Freeport (SBF) to explore promising investment opportunities in this strategic economic zone.

The delegation was warmly received by Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, Chairman and Administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), who highlighted the region’s strategic location within the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) and its potential as a hub for trade and industry.

On 26 July 2026, at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC), members of the Thai business delegation met with SBMA’s Business and Investment Group (BIG) officers to discuss avenues for collaboration and potential investments in the SBF.

Ambassador Sumitmor emphasized the strong investment potential for Thai companies in sectors such as energy, logistics, technology, digital innovation, and various service industries. Representatives from the Thai embassy, the delegation, and PTT Philippines Corporation expressed optimism about future partnerships.

The delegation also toured key facilities and businesses within the Freeport, identifying strategic areas for investment in the LEC. PTT Philippines Corporation, a leading oil and energy company and a wholly owned subsidiary of Thailand’s PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited (PTT OR), serves as a strong foundation for expanding Thai ventures within the region.

The Subic Bay Freeport Zone plays a crucial role as a western maritime gateway in the Luzon Economic Corridor, linking major economic centers including Subic, Clark, Manila, and Batangas.

The LEC initiative aims to enhance infrastructure and logistics, fostering greater connectivity through substantial planned investments.

Thailand is actively pursuing opportunities in trade, logistics, and manufacturing within the Philippines’ LEC. The relative proximity of Subic Bay to Thailand, accessible by sea within three to four days, offers significant logistical advantages for Thai businesses seeking regional expansion.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you feel confident about Thailand making new investments in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone as the nation is actively pursuing opportunities within the Luzon Economic Corridor? What kind of businesses do you think Thai investors will set up in Subic Bay? Do you feel that direct travel connections between Thailand and Subic Bay will be realized soon?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Dedicated Power Plant For Pax Silica’s Energy Needs

To ensure that the ambitious Pax Silica will have its very own power supply to meet its needs, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) recently announced that the proponents are studying the construction of a dedicated power plant, according to a business news report by GMA News.

Previously a P7 billion investment of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) for Pax Silica’s energy supply was prompted. New Clark City was chosen to host the artificial intelligence (AI) hub.

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

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said Sunday that proponents of the US-led Pax Silica project in New Clark City, Tarlac, are studying the construction of a dedicated power plant to ensure the facility does not compete with nearby residential communities for electricity.

Pax Silica has faced scrutiny over its projected resource requirements, with the BCDA estimating that the facility could require up to 3 gigawatts (3 million kilowatts) of power at full development.

“‘Yung kuryente, pinag-aaralan nila na magkaroon ng dedicated power plant… na hindi ito magsasapanganib sa supply ng kuryente lalo na para sa mga residential na komunidad. Ayaw rin nila ‘yon,” BCDA President and CEO Joshua Bingcang said in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB.

(Regarding power, they are studying the establishment of a dedicated power plant so that it will not jeopardize the electricity supply, especially for residential communities. They also want to avoid that.)

Bingcang said officials have discussed power and water requirements with the project’s proponents and partners from the United States, Japan, and South Korea, who also want to ensure that the facility has sufficient utility supplies.

“Kasi kung nakikita nilang wala, hindi rin pupunta ‘yung mga industriya na ito. So gusto nila, ‘pag pupunta rin sila dito, is stable, reliable at maaasahan ang kuryente,” Bingcang said.

(Because if they see that there is insufficient supply, these industries will not come. So if they invest here, they want the power supply to be stable, reliable, and dependable.)

“Kaya ngayon po, kasama na po, hindi lang po sa paggawa ng mga planta doon sa New Clark City, tinitingnan din nila ‘yung ecosystem,” he added.

(That is why they are looking not only at building plants in New Clark City but also at the entire ecosystem.)

Bingcang said this ecosystem includes the availability and reliability of power and water, as well as infrastructure, airports, seaports, and other facilities.

Clean, green energy – The BCDA said Pax Silica aims to use clean and green energy, with solar farms among the primary options being considered.

“So ang una po naming tiningnan dito ay solar farms. So meron na po tayong inaprubahan na solar project po diyan—ang mamumuhunan po ay sa Saudi Arabia,” Bingcang said.

(The first option we looked at was solar farms. We have already approved a solar project there involving an investor from Saudi Arabia.)

“Susunod po, hinihikayat na rin o nire-regulate na rin ng Department of Energy magkaroon ng mga battery storage… Kasi ang solar farm po ay mga ilang oras lang po, ‘pag gabi, wala na, so kailangan meron pong imbakan o storage ng baterya para sa maipon na enerhiya sa mga solar farm,” he added.

(Next, the Department of Energy is encouraging and regulating the use of battery storage. Solar farms generate power only during the day, so battery storage systems are needed to store energy for use when solar power is unavailable.)

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think Pax Silica will eventually have its very own, high-capacity power plant to ensure it has sufficient energy while sparing the local communities that relied on the national power grid? Do you think solar power is sufficient for Pax Silica which will have AI-related projects?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Philippines Economic Weakness Continues As 2nd Quarter GDP Growth Lands At 2.3%

The economy of the Philippines slowed down even further in the 2nd quarter of 2026 landing at 2.3%, according to a news report by GMA News. Embarrassingly, this made the Philippines an economic weakling among the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

By comparison, the economy of the Philippines achieved only 2.8% growth in the 1st quarter of this year. The nation’s economic growth for 2025 was at 4.4%

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

The Philippine economy continued to slow down in the second quarter of 2026, still due to a subdued investor and consumer sentiment amid the lingering effects of the flood control corruption scandal and the inflationary pressure brought by Middle East crisis-induced global fuel price shocks, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Friday.

At a press conference, PSA chief and National Statistician Claire Dennis Mapa said the economy, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP)—the value of goods and services produced in a period— grew 2.3% in the April to June 2026 period, slower than the 2.8% growth seen in the first quarter of 2026.

This is the economy’s weakest footing since the fourth quarter of 2009 —excluding the contraction seen during the COVID-19 pandemic years— when the GDP growth rate was at 1.8%.

The 2.8% second quarter GDP growth put the Philippines behind its neighbors in Southeast Asia that already released their April to June economic growth rates such as Indonesia at 5.29%, Vietnam at 8.39%, and Singapore at 5.7%.

The first half of 2026 GDP growth rate stood at 2.6%, still behind the government’s downwardly revised target of 3.5% to 4.5% for the entire year.

Despite the economic slowdown, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said, “What we are experiencing right now, I believe, is transitory, temporary.”

“Domestic demand remained subdued, mainly because total investment continued to contract as public construction declined. Household consumption growth also moderated amid higher inflation, job losses, and lower remittance receipts arising from the Middle East conflict,” Balisacan said.

Household final consumption expenditure grew 2.8%, slower than 5.2% in the same period last year, weighed by contractions in transport (-7.5%), alcoholic beverages and tobacco (-1.9%), recreation and culture (-0.8%), and restaurants and hotels (-0.2%).

Government expenditure, likewise, slowed down by 8.3% from 8.7% year-on-year; while gross capital formation (GCF) —which measures investments— contracted by 9.2% from a growth rate of 0.9% a year ago.

The decline in GCF was due to the decline in construction at 14.8% with government spending on construction contracting 32.4%.

“Although public construction is a small part of the economy, the amount of contraction, at 32%, brought a significant impact on the economy,” Balisacan said.

“The sharp decline in public construction was the main contributor in the decline in investments… driven by continuous caution due to the flood control scandal,” the country’s chief economist said.

Among the major economic sectors, agriculture posted a growth rate of 2.7%, slower than 7% year-on-year; industry declined by 2.4%, from an increase of 2.1% weighed by the construction’s depreciation; services grew slower at 4.5% from 6.9%.

Agriculture, industry, and services sector contributed 7.5%, 27.9%, and 63.3%, respectively to the total GDP during the quarter.

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 will eventually fall into a recession in 2027? Do you believe that the hosting of the ASEAN summit by the Philippines will result in economic miracles and more foreign investment?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Swiss Challenge For Cerberus’ Subic Bay International Airport Proposal Launched

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has officially launched the Swiss challenge for the P7 billion proposal for the upgrading and management of the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) and this opened the field for entities to submit their proposals challenging the existing proposal of Cerberus Asia Pacific Investments LLC, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

For previous blog posts about the SBIA project, click here, here and here.

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

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has formally started the Swiss challenge for the ₱7-billion proposal to manage and upgrade the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA), as it issued a call to potential challengers to submit competing offers.

In a bid bulletin dated July 31, the SBMA invited firms to submit their comparative proposals for the project proposed by United States (US)-based Cerberus Asia Pacific Investments LLC.

SBMA said interested firms have until Oct. 29 to submit their proposals, with the bid opening scheduled to take place on the same day. A pre-bid conference to clarify the requirements and address queries from participating firms is set for Sept. 14.

Under a Swiss challenge, also known as a comparative challenge, the SBMA is allowing other companies to match the unsolicited proposal for the SBIA submitted by Cerberus, which was approved in April last year.

Cerberus has been granted original proponent (OP) status by the SBMA for its unsolicited proposal to upgrade, expand, operate, and maintain the SBIA. As the OP, Cerberus will have the right to match the best offer during the challenge process.

Cerberus is seeking to manage the SBIA under a 25-year operate-rehabilitate-add-transfer scheme to develop the gateway into a strategic cargo and logistics hub that would help ease congestion at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

“Currently underutilized, SBIA requires substantial investment and comprehensive operational improvements to realize its full potential over the concession period,” SBMA said.

Cerberus is planning to invest ₱7 billion to develop the project, nearly 13 percent higher than the initial project cost pegged at around ₱6.2 billion.

The investment will focus on upgrading existing airport facilities to align them with international benchmarks, alongside the development of new facilities to transform the airport into a higher-capacity logistics hub.

SBMA noted that the airport’s location and air-to-sea access pose a significant opportunity to develop it into a hub for commercial cargo and warehousing.

“This highlights a growing demand for air cargo services, driven by the need for industrial supplies and the transportation of finished products,” it said.

In addition, SBMA noted that the ongoing development of the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) further increases the need for improved air connectivity.

The LEC is an initiative led by the Philippines, the US, and Japan aimed at accelerating high-impact investments to enhance connectivity between Subic Bay, Clark, Manila, and Batangas.

“All these factors lead to the conclusion that the manufacturing industry in the Philippines, and particularly Central Luzon, is highly likely to significantly grow in the upcoming decade, both in terms of size of current facilities, and additional factories,” SBMA said.

“This leads to demand for air cargo in terms of industrial supplies, as well as output products, and attracts population growth and consumer wealth, leading to consumption increase and related air cargo demand,” it added.

By developing the SBIA, SBMA said it is ensuring that Clark International Airport will not be the only alternative once NAIA reaches its cargo capacity limit in the future.

The agency said an upgraded SBIA can ensure competitive pricing and provide additional options for airlines operating or planning to set up shop in Manila.

With this, Subic Bay is expected to help accommodate an additional 200,000 tons of cargo by 2035.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there will be a lot of corporations locally and overseas that will submit their Subic Bay International Airport proposals to the SBMA? When was the last time you arrived at the international airport in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

DTI Sees More Jobs And Investments Rising In Metro Manila Following Removal Of Ecozone Ban

Following the lifting of the ban on information technology economic zones in Metro Manila, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) expects the new investments to come in as well as new jobs to be generated, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) expects the information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) sector to generate more jobs and attract new investments after the lifting of the ban on IT economic zones in Metro Manila.

In a statement on Tuesday, July 28, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque welcomed the issuance of Administrative Order (AO) No. 45, which seeks to ease some of the restrictions under the broader prohibition on the processing and evaluation of applications for ecozones imposed during the previous administration.

“This major policy reform is a resounding victory for the IT-BPM sector and a decisive step forward in strengthening the Philippines’ position as a premier global destination for digital services,” the DTI chief said.

AO 45, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., excludes applications for the establishment of IT centers and IT parks from the ongoing moratorium on ecozone applications.

The order maintains the prohibition on all other ecozone applications in National Capital Region (NCR), as embodied in AO 18, issued by former President Rodrigo Duterte in 2019. The policy was implemented to encourage development and spur investments in the provinces.

With the lifting of the ban, Roque said the government is addressing long-standing investor demand from IT-BPM firms looking to open or expand in NCR while also creating more opportunities for real estate development.

“As we open new avenues for growth in Metro Manila alongside our continuous push to develop regional IT hubs, we are positioning the IT-BPM sector to generate thousands of high-quality jobs, attract foreign direct investments, and ensure economic growth nationwide,” she said.

The DTI earlier endorsed the proposal of the investment promotion agency (IPA) Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) to lift the moratorium to provide more options for companies seeking to locate in key central business districts in the capital region.

PEZA Director General Tereso Panga earlier told reporters that the ban has essentially forced firms to operate in existing ecozones, restricting their expansion plans.

“We invite our global partners and prospective investors to take full advantage of this renewed momentum and build their future here in the Philippines,” Roque said.

IT-BPM firms operate in ecozones to avail themselves of the fiscal and nonfiscal incentives provided by the government.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you consider Metro Manila suitable for the establish of new economic zones as well as the expansion of existing economic zones? Do you believe that the demand by IT-BPM firms for expansion in Metro Manila is real?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

SBMA Releases Almost P220 Million Revenue Shares To Olongapo City And Other Local Government Units

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) announced that it has released almost P220 million in revenue shares to the City Government of Olongapo and seven other local government units (LGUs).

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the SBMA’s official announcement. Some parts in boldface…

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) released a total of PHP 218,115,671.26 in revenue shares to eight local government units (LGUs) contiguous to this premier freeport zone.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said that this amount released on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, represents the revenue shares for the first semester of 2026, which is 10.24 percent higher than that of last year’s comparative period.

The recipient LGUs are Olongapo City, the municipalities of Subic, San Marcelino, Castillejos, and San Antonio in Zambales, and the towns of Dinalupihan, Hermosa, and Morong in Bataan.

Taking into account the population and land area, Olongapo was allocated the largest amount of PHP 50,420,165.72, received by Olongapo City Mayor Atty. Rolen Paulino, Jr. This was followed by Subic, Zambales, which received PHP 32,871,521.46, accepted on behalf of Mayor Jonathan John Khonghun.

The remaining LGUs received their allocations as follows: Dinalupihan, Bataan, with PHP 27,438,313.68, accepted on behalf of Mayor German Santos, Jr.; San Marcelino, Zambales, with PHP 26,272,445.97, received by Mayor Elvis Soria; Hermosa, Bataan, with PHP 23,422,520.27, accepted on behalf of Mayor Atty. Anne Adorable-Inton; Castillejos, Zambales, with PHP 19,817,470.23, received on behalf of Mayor Jeffrey Khonghun; Morong, Bataan, with PHP 19,340,287.10, received on behalf of Mayor Leila Linao-Muñoz; and San Antonio, Zambales, with PHP 18,532,946.83, received by Mayor Dr. Arvin Antipolo.

The LGU shares are sourced from five percent corporate taxes paid by business locators in the Subic Bay Freeport. They are distributed among LGUs based on population (50%), land area (25%), and equal sharing (25%).

OIC-Deputy Administrator for Finance Editha Marzal, along with the finance team, led the distribution of the LGU shares.

Marzal noted that the net shares distributed to the LGUs include not only the current collection period’s allocations but also the 10 percent retention withheld during the first semester of the 2024 distribution.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you see the increased amount of revenue shares as a sign of better economic activities and finances within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone? Do you think the revenue shares would be higher once the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) and Pax Silica activities finally start economic activities in the near future?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Time For The Philippines To Revisit Nuclear Energy Production

During his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA), Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., declared that it is time for the nation to revisit nuclear energy production, according to a news report by GMA News.

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

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday said it is time to revisit nuclear energy production, as he touted some 200 energy projects in the pipeline in a bid to boost the country’s power supply and bring down power rates.

In his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos said the administration is working to revisit nuclear energy, as it is already being used in medicine, agriculture, water filtration, and the upcycling of plastic.

“Pushing the envelope further, perhaps it is time for us to revisit nuclear energy production,” he said, noting confidence in its capacity “to reinforce our energy security and bring down the cost of electricity in our country.”

“Titiyakin nating ito ay ligtas. Titiyakin din nating maipaliwanag nang mabuti sa publiko ang magandang dulot sa atin ng enerhiyang nukleyar” he added.

(We will make sure that this is safe. We will also make sure to explain the benefits of nuclear energy properly to the public.)

According to Marcos, the administration has a pipeline covering some 200 power projects across the country that will have a combined capacity of nearly 10,000 megawatts (MW) — 45 of which have already been completed, while 31 are set to be completed this year. The remaining 124 are targeted to be completed by 2028.

These are on top of 1,700 megawatts that the projects will contribute to energy storage systems, which Marcos said will boost energy security.

“Ang mga proyektong ito ay napabilis nang dahil sa mga bagong patakaran at proseso na nagpapadali ng pagnenegosyo dito sa ating bansa, para sa mga Pilipino at dayuhang negosyante,” he said.

(These projects were expedited because of the new regulations and processes that eased doing business here in the country for Filipinos and foreign investors.)

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the highlighting of nuclear energy production in the State of the Nation address will lead to breakthroughs for a nuclear-powered Philippines? Are people in your local community still afraid of nuclear energy? Do you think unchecked corruption inside the government of the Philippines will derail any nuclear-related efforts?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Rockwell Raises Stake In Alabang With P6.2 Billion Deal

Rockwell Land Corporation – the developer of Rockwell Center in Makati – strengthened its ownership of Alabang Town Center (ATC) by sealing a P6.2 billion deal with the Madrigal family to acquire the remaining stake in the mall operator Alabang Commercial Corp. (ACC), according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin. The ATC will be redeveloped over a number of several years.

For previous developments about Rockwell and its acquisition related to ATC and ACC, click here, here and here.

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

Lopez-led Rockwell Land Corp. expanded its ownership of Alabang Town Center (ATC) to near-total control after striking a ₱6.2 billion agreement with the Madrigal family to acquire an additional 22.96 percent stake in the property’s operating entity.

In a disclosure filed with the Philippine Stock Exchange on Thursday, July 30, the property developer said it executed share purchase agreements with the majority of the remaining shareholders of Alabang Commercial Corp. (ACC)

The transaction elevates Rockwell’s total equity interest in ACC from 76.3 percent to 99.26 percent, cementing its operational dominance over the 17.5-hectare prime estate in Alabang, Muntinlupa.

The move allows Rockwell to execute an ambitious and decade-long master plan designed to modernize the suburban retail and lifestyle landmark. Following the acquisition, the company confirmed that preliminary planning is already underway. To lead the redesign, Rockwell has engaged Uruguayan-Canadian architect Carlos Ott—renowned internationally for iconic modern landmarks—alongside local architect Jun Rodriguez of PRSP.

The immediate priorities over the next two years will center on foundational operational upgrades, specifically focusing on expanding parking capacity, optimizing traffic circulation, and recalibrating the commercial tenant mix to boost retail performance.

Over a five- to 10-year horizon, Rockwell’s broader vision aims to preserve the site’s original suburban character while modernizing the venue into a high-density, experiential lifestyle and retail hub.

The deal reinforces Rockwell’s growth trajectory in 2026, building upon operational milestones across its residential, commercial, and hospitality portfolios.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Alabang or if you usually visit the Alabang Town Center every week, what do you feel about Rockwell’s redevelopment plans of the decades-old, high-end property? Have your favorite stores or restaurants at ATC already stopped operating recently? What do you hope to see in the ATC as the redevelopment happens over the next several years? Do you think Rockwell’s presence in Alabang will alter the entire business environment in Muntinlupa City?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://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

Palestinian Arrested In Quezon City For Stealing Money Bag

For some time now, I have been monitoring the criminal acts committed by people who are present in different countries as foreigners. Here in the Philippines, a Palestinian man was arrested in Quezon City for stealing a bag containing a lot of cash from the café of a hotel, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

As it turns out, the Palestinian already has a history of committing other forms of crime. Could it be possible that, apart from violence and terrorism, theft and an obsession of committing crime are parts of the Palestinian nature?

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

A 36-year-old Palestinian man was arrested after allegedly taking a money bag containing P5,020 and an empty cash box from a hotel café on Timog Avenue in Barangay South Triangle, Quezon City, at around 11:06 p.m. on Thursday, July 23.

The suspect, identified as “Ham,” was intercepted by hotel security personnel at the establishment’s exit after the incident was detected through the hotel’s CCTV monitoring system.

Initial investigation showed that the suspect entered the café and allegedly took the money bag and empty cash box without the knowledge or consent of the 24-year-old male cashier.

Recovered from the suspect were P5,020 in various peso bills and coins, the cash bag, the empty cash box, and a backpack.

Personnel of Kamuning Police Station (PS 10) later responded and took custody of the suspect from the hotel security personnel.

Further verification showed that the suspect had previous criminal records for estafa, unjust vexation, resistance and disobedience to a person in authority, use of a fictitious name, and concealing his true name in October 2025, as well as theft in May 2026.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are there a lot of Palestinians living in your local community right now? Are you aware of the fact that a lot of Palestinians follow Islamic terrorists as their leaders? How many Palestinians do you think are present all over the Philippines today? Did you notice an increase of the number of foreign Islamists in your local community over the past twelve months? Do you think the national government is secretly allowing Palestinians to enter the Philippines as high-priority refugees with immigration in mind?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

SBMA And BCDA Agree To Use Port Of Subic Bay As Maritime Gateway For Pax Silica

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) announced that it has sealed a formal agreement with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) to make the Port of Subic Bay the preferred maritime gateway for Pax Silica.

Launched in late-2025, Pax Silica is a United States-led strategic coalition to secure the global supply chains for artificial intelligence and semiconductors. Pax Silica was designed to counter China’s dominance in technology manufacturing and earth minerals.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the SBMA’s official announcement. Some parts in boldface…

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) have agreed to make the Port of Subic Bay the preferred maritime gateway for the Pax Silica initiative.

The partnership was confirmed in the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño and BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang at the Bonifacio Technology Center in BGC, Taguig City, on July 20, 2026.

“Having the Port of Subic Bay as the preferred maritime gateway for Pax Silica Operations within the Luzon Economic Corridor is a great honor for the SBMA. It is, in fact, a crowning recognition of the invaluable role the Port of Subic Bay can play, on par with the initiatives to support the National Government regarding Pax Silica,” Aliño said.

“As part of the Luzon Economic Corridor, Subic Bay’s deep-water port and shipyard facilities are designed to transport raw materials like nickel and copper quickly, and processed tech goods between the port and the AI-native Economic Security Zone, or ESZ, in New Clark City,” he added. Meanwhile, Bingcang highlighted that the Port of Subic Bay offers a strategic advantage for the Pax Silica initiative. It serves as a critical gateway that enables the efficient movement of raw materials into the country and the timely delivery of finished products to customers,” PCEO Bingcang said. It serves as a critical gateway, enabling the efficient movement of raw materials into the country and the timely delivery of finished products to customers.

He added that the partnership advances the Marcos administration’s whole-of-government approach to infrastructure development and investment promotion, while reinforcing the Luzon Economic Corridor through stronger integration of ports, industrial hubs, and emerging technology ecosystems that will generate quality jobs and long-term economic opportunities for Filipinos.

Also present during the signing ceremony were SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Operations Ronnie Yambao and BCDA Senior Vice President for Legal Services Atty. Diana Joyce N. Basco-Galera.

This partnership requires the SBMA to identify and evaluate specific land and port areas under its jurisdiction that can be strategically leveraged for the Pax Silica initiative. It also involves evaluating the infrastructure, utilities, logistics, and port support requirements for Pax Silica.

The partnership would also include the assessment of land use compatibility and traffic connectivity with existing and planned master development plans of both economic zones; exchange of non-confidential information relevant to infrastructure planning and operational coordination.

Both the BCDA and the SBMA would also conduct market sounding, logistics demand analysis, potential development phasing, and explore possible modes of cooperation or future project structures, subject to applicable laws and policies.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Were you surprised the SBMA and BCDA sealed the agreement on designating the Port of Subic for Pax Silica as a maritime gateway?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

American Delegation Sees Potential Business Opportunities In Subic Bay

A delegation from the United States recently visited the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, met with the local authorities and saw the potential business opportunities within, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) announced.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the SBMA’s official announcement. Some parts in boldface…

A United States delegation is eyeing more potential business opportunities here as part of a profile business mission in line with the initiatives of the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC).

According to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, the delegates from the U.S. Northeast, Midwest, and West Coast regions visited on July 8, 2026 to participate in the said business mission that will strengthen partnerships, expand business opportunities, and foster a prosperous future for both U.S. and Philippine enterprises.

With the theme “Driving the Future of U.S.–Philippine Trade Through Innovation,” Aliño said that the mission reflects the SBMA’s commitment to enhancing international cooperation and economic growth within the Subic special economic zone.

The delegation, composed of 25 executives and investors, conducted comprehensive discussions, site visits, and networking activities with SBMA officials and Subic company officials, all designed to showcase the potential and advantages of investing in the SBFZ.

Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFCC) President Benjamin Antonio III, together with SBFCC Executive Director Donna May Tamayo also joined to take part in a rare opportunity to build strong, lasting business relationships that will drive economy not only in the Subic special economic zone but ultimately the country as a whole.

The Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in New York, the facilitator of the said U.S. Business Mission to the Philippines, said that the main goal of the trip is to create stronger economic ties and encourage more US companies to invest in the country’s growing economy.

Aside from Subic Bay Freeport, the delegation also visited areas in Manila, Clark, and Corregidor Island to conduct business meetings, informational briefings, and tours of these major economic areas that are part of the LEC.

“The trip comes at a time when the Philippines is actively working to welcome international businesses and establish itself as a key partner for US companies looking to grow in Asia,” the PTIC said.

Officials from Worldwide Shipping & Logistics (WSL), who were also part of the delegation, said that these engagements strengthened economic cooperation and opened new opportunities for trade and investment between the United States and the Philippines.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the visit of the American delegation will lead to a breakthrough of new investments and the creation of new businesses inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone in the next few years?

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

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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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Philippines Remains Vulnerable To Effects Of US-Iran War And Is One Of The Least Resilient In The Asia Pacific Region

When it comes to resilience to the effects of the war between the United States and the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran, the Philippines remains not only vulnerable but also one of the laggards of the Asia Pacific region as a whole, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

Be reminded that the Philippines is experiencing weak economic growth, high inflation, and has been weak when it comes to attracting foreign direct investment. Already S&P Global slashed GDP growth forecast for the Philippines.

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

Asia-Pacific’s (APAC) relative insulation from the Middle East conflict has singled out the Philippines and Indonesia as laggards as external headwinds are exacerbated by domestic turmoil, according to Allianz Research.

Allianz Research said in its half-time outlook report published last week that despite emerging as one of the regions most exposed to the United States (US)-Iran conflict, APAC is still seen as relatively resilient, with average growth of 4.3 percent this year.

This resilience is attributed to the artificial intelligence (AI) boom, which is “doing the heavy lifting that geopolitics and fiscal policy cannot.”

“However, gains are far from evenly shared, with a group of winners emerging, including countries such as Taiwan, Singapore and South Korea, while countries such as the Philippines and Indonesia lag as domestic turmoil compounds exposure to the conflict,” Allianz said.

Apart from the technology surge, the report also pointed to Asia’s role as a global engine of commerce. “In 2026, 80 percent of global trade volume growth in goods and services is driven by Asia and the US,” the report said.

However, this dominance faces fresh challenges from shifting American trade policies. Allianz warned that the shift in US policies “is expected to negatively affect Asian countries in particular,” as the US effective tariff rate is projected to rise from eight percent to 13 percent.

According to Allianz, the region’s resilience hinges on the booming technology sector. It said the AI boom, which has been driving nearly two-thirds of Asia’s export growth, is helping “cushion” the global economy from the impact of the Middle East crisis.

This AI boom is broadening Asia’s recovery beyond traditional manufacturing, with major semiconductor firms in Taiwan and South Korea leading regional market gains.

By contrast, the Philippines and Indonesia are struggling with the lingering consequences of energy shocks.

“Despite recent developments toward normalization in the Gulf, we expect inflation to remain elevated in the near term as second-round effects from elevated fuel, energy and fertilizer prices keep weighing on the region,” Allianz said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? What do you think the Philippines should do in order to become more resilient to the effects of the war between America and the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran? Do you think the national government has been working to improve oil storage capacity, attract more foreign investors and rely less on the Middle East for importing oil? Do you think the Philippines will reach out to the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran to make an economic deal?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Philippines’ Net FDI Inflows Fall Down Sharply In April 2026

This past April, the net inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI) into the Philippines reached only $250 million which counts as a 10-year low and a 59% fall compared with March 2026, according to a news report by BusinessWorld.

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

Net inflows of foreign direct investments (FDI) in the Philippines plunged to a near 10-year low of $250 million in April, as heightened global uncertainty dented investor sentiment, preliminary data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed.

Based on central bank data released on Friday, FDI net inflows declined by 58.8% to $250 million in April from $607 million in the same month last year.

April saw the lowest monthly level seen since the $244 million in June 2016, and the steepest year on year drop since the 76.1% in December 2022.

Month on month, FDI net inflows slumped by 59.1% from the $611 million in March.

“The sharp decline in FDI net inflows to $250 million in April likely reflects a combination of weaker intercompany borrowings, slower reinvestment activity, and continued investor caution amid an uncertain global environment,” Union Bank of the Philippines Chief Economist Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion said via Viber.

The latest FDI level was dragged by the 91.7% drop in net investments in debt instruments to $44 million in April from $522 million a year ago.

Reinvestment of earnings likewise slipped by 1.9% to $80 million from $81 million in April 2025.

Meanwhile, investments in equity and investment fund shares more than doubled (143.5%) to P207 million in April from $85 million the prior year.

Foreign net investments in equity capital other than reinvestment of earnings also ballooned (3,041%) annually to $127 million from $4 million previously.

Equity placements jumped by 21.4% to $136 million from $112 million a year earlier, while withdrawals plunged by 91.7% to $9 million from $108 million.

For Mr. Asuncion, the softer FDI inflows in April likely came as firms and investors deferred investments amid highly uncertain global conditions compounded by weak domestic growth.

“At the same time, heightened global uncertainty stemming from trade tensions, lingering geopolitical risks, and episodes of financial market volatility may have prompted multinational firms to defer expansion plans and adopt a more conservative stance toward capital deployment,” he said.

“Domestically, relatively subdued economic growth in the early part of the year may have also tempered investment decisions,” he added.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you convinced that foreign investors have weak trust in the Philippines no matter what the current administration is doing? Do you think weak economic growth in the Philippines will continue until the end of 2028?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Philippines Supreme Court Upholds Law Granting VAT Refund To Foreign Tourists

Remember the law granting value-added tax refund (VAT refund) to foreign tourists signed a few years ago? That law was challenged and recently the Supreme Court of the Philippines upheld the constitutionality of Republic Act 12079 (the act creating a VAT refund mechanism for non-resident tourists), according to a news report by GMA News.

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

The Supreme Court (SC) has upheld the constitutionality of a law that grants value-added tax (VAT) refunds on select local purchases by non-resident foreign tourists.

In a 30-page decision, the SC En Banc dismissed a petition challenging the validity of Republic Act 12079, or an act creating a VAT refund mechanism for non-resident tourists, adding Section 112-A to the National Internal Revenue Code.

“Granting VAT refund to foreign tourists was not arbitrarily done. It is a policy decision based on legitimate state interests, i.e. the need to remain competitive as a global tourist destination,” the SC said.

“In fine, foreign tourists may be granted privileges and benefits that are not extended to Filipino citizens, so as long as these distinctions are based on reasonable and justifiable classifications, as in here,” it added.

According to the SC, the VAT refund applies to goods brought from duly accredited stores and taken out of the country within 60 days from purchase. The goods must be priced at least P3,000 per transaction.

Meanwhile, the SC said Section 5 of the law’s implementing rules and regulations limit the refund to retail and tangible goods, including clothing, apparel, electronics, gadgets, jewelry, accessories, souvenirs, food or non-food consumables, and other items intended for personal use.

The petitioner, however, argued that the law violates the constitutional guarantee of equal protection as it excludes Filipino citizens.

For its part, the SC said equal protection does not require identical treatment for all persons.

It said the act also distinguishes foreign tourists from Filipino citizens.

According to the SC, the VAT refund system follows the basic rule of VAT that goods are taxed where they are consumed. If the goods are consumed in the Philippines, they remain subject to Philippine VAT.

Meanwhile, the SC added that VAT refund for foreign tourists is a well-established international practice.

“The Philippines is among the last few countries in Asia to adopt such a system. Our Asian neighbors, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, China, and Japan have long implemented this VAT refund mechanism for foreign tourists,” it said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you agree with the Supreme Court’s decision on the law about VAT refund for foreign tourists? Apart from the VAT refund for foreign tourists, what problems that plagued the Philippine tourism industry should the government solve this year?

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

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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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

BPI Customers Can Withdraw And Deposit Cash At Grocery, Convenience Stores And Other Commercial Joints

Customers of Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) are able to withdraw and deposit cash at grocery, convenience stores and other commercial joints thanks to the a newly launched campaign between the bank and over a thousand partner stores, according to a news report by GMA News.

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

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) on Wednesday launched its “Himala” campaign, allowing customers to withdraw and deposit cash at 1,369 partner stores, including grocery and convenience stores.

The service effectively turns participating outlets into “mini BPI branches,” enabling customers to complete cash transactions without visiting a physical bank branch.

The partner network includes Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. (RRHI) stores such as Robinsons Easymart, Robinsons Supermarket, Shopwise, The Marketplace, Robinsons Department Store, Toys “R” Us, and Uncle John’s.

The service is also available at non-RRHI outlets, including Amesco, Fitmart GenSan, CVM Pawnshop, Falcor Marketing, Prince Retail, Prince Warehouse, Rodamel Drugstore, Savers Depot, Tacurong Fit Mart Inc., and Tambunting Pawnshop.

Customers can generate a barcode through the BPI app for cash deposits and withdrawals, then present it at any participating store for processing. They may also send the barcode to another person, who can use it to deposit or withdraw cash at a partner outlet.

Customers may deposit or withdraw a minimum of P100 through the partner network. Deposits are limited to P10,000 per barcode and P50,000 per day, while withdrawals are capped at P10,000.

Select services, including account opening and applications for BPI products, are also available through the bank’s network of 8,000 retail partners, which includes pharmacies and gas stations nationwide.

According to BPI Agency Banking head Rally Jereza, the Ayala-led lender is in talks to onboard more partner stores, with the goal of expanding the network to 10,000 outlets within the year.

“For now, I’m satisfied with 8,000 because we want to encourage people to use [the service]. But in terms of expanding, with existing BPI clients, corporate clients… it’s easy to expand. Right now, we just want to be able to maximize all of those footprints,” he said.

Jereza said the initiative also supports BPI’s “May BPI Dito” campaign, which aims to make the bank’s services available in as many locations as possible.

“What began in 2023 as product application points has evolved into a fully integrated banking ecosystem. Every phase—from enabling transactions on tablets to barcode withdrawals and now barcode deposits—was built to ensure safety, simplicity, and trust,” he said.

“This is not just expansion; it is a redefinition of what a bank can be in the digital age,” he added.

BPI said it has onboarded more than one million new-to-bank customers through its agency banking network and aims to increase the figure to 10 million.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a BPI customer, have you experience the convenience of doing important transactions at the grocery or at the convenience store 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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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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Chinese Fugitives And One Other Arrested In Parañaque City

Recently in the City of Parañaque, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested three Chinese nationals – two fugitives and one overstaying individual – according to the announcement by the authorities.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the BI’s announcement. Some parts in boldface…

In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to intensify the country’s campaign against transnational crime and prevent the Philippines from becoming a haven for foreign fugitives, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested two Chinese nationals wanted in their home country for fraud and illegal gambling operations, and apprehended another Chinese national found to be overstaying during the same enforcement operations.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado identified the fugitives as Jiang Yin, 31, and Li Chuang, 34, who were separately arrested by operatives of the BI’s Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) on the evening of June 16 in Parañaque City.

The operations were conducted in coordination with Chinese authorities that provided intelligence information about their crimes.

During the operation against Li, agents also encountered another Chinese national identified as Wang Weixin, 32, whose immigration records showed that he had overstayed in the Philippines and was the subject of an active Hold Departure Order.

According to the Bureau, both Jiang and Li are wanted by Chinese police for allegedly participating in large-scale fraud and illegally operating online gambling activities through the “Qianneng Wallet” application.

Investigators in China alleged that the application was operated by a syndicate, which recruited Chinese nationals to facilitate illegal online gambling.

Authorities further identified the two fugitives as key members of two illegal gambling syndicates, where they allegedly served as supervisors and markers who extended gambling credit and facilitated betting activities.

Immigration records likewise showed that Jiang entered the Philippines in 2019 as a temporary visitor but failed to maintain a valid immigration status, rendering him an overstaying alien. Meanwhile, verification confirmed that Li was already the subject of existing Bureau blacklist and watchlist orders as an undesirable alien and fugitive from justice.

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 frustrated with the presence of Chinese criminals in the city? Do you think of crime and Chinese nationals whenever you hear the words Parañaque Renaissance? Do you think there could be thousands more illegal aliens living in Parañaque?

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

Muntinlupa City Police Rescues 28 Individuals In Street Situations

Recently in the city of Muntinlupa, local authorities rescued almost thirty individuals – including minors – who were spotted on local streets to ensure their safety, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Muntinlupa police rescued 28 Children, Individuals, and Families in Street Situations (CIFISS) during a reach‑out operation aimed at providing assistance and intervention.

A total of 61 police personnel, 20 barangay personnel, and three personnel from the Muntinlupa City Public Information Office participated in the one-time big-time reach-out operation in Barangays Alabang and Ayala Alabang.

Col. Olivia Ancheta, Muntinlupa police chief, led the pre-deployment briefing together with barangay offices that emphasized the importance of a coordinated, humane, and community-centered approach in assisting CIFISS.

CIFISS includes minors who live and spend time on the streets, adults who live in public spaces, and families living on the streets due to economic hardship. The composite teams were deployed to target areas, including a terminal and the Alabang viaduct.

The rescued individuals were turned over to the Barangay Social Services Department of Barangay Alabang for documentation, assessment, and the provision of interventions and social welfare services.

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 approve the way the local authorities rescued the individuals spotted on city streets?

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

Five Foreigners Arrested In Parañaque City Over Online Scam

Recently in the City of Parañaque, five foreigners were arrested by elements of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) over a suspected online scam hub located inside a condominium complex, according to a news report by The Daily Tribune.   

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

Operatives of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested five foreigners during an operation targeting a suspected online scam hub in Parañaque City.

The operation was conducted in the early hours of 17 June at a condominium complex in Sapphire Seaview Park, Parañaque City following intelligence reports linking the location to an alleged “love scam” operation that reportedly victimized individuals through online deception and cryptocurrency-related schemes.

Nabbed in the operation were Chinese national Tang Shun, Malaysian man Chia Kong Loon, as well as Burmese nationals Kum Htoi, Myo Oo, and Kyaw Tint Lwin. They were apprehended after immigration verification allegedly revealed violations of Philippine immigration laws.

According to intelligence information received by the BI, the location was allegedly being used for fraudulent online activities.

Authorities also received reports that some workers connected to the operation were being restricted from freely leaving the premises, prompting further investigation.

During the operation, one of the foreign nationals reportedly disclosed information indicating that multiple condominium units were being utilized for unlawful work-related activities. This led to the apprehension of the five foreign nationals.

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 suspicious that there could be Chinese nationals living in your local community who could be secretly scamming people online? Do you believe that the concept of the Parañaque Renaissance includes criminal activities in the city committed by illegal aliens? Do you consider the city as a hot spot of illegal aliens today?

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

America Is Currently Top Market Of Foreign Visitors For The Philippines

It is not a secret that the Philippines has been having trouble attracting visitors from overseas. There was a tourism boom in Southeast Asia in 2025 and the Philippines fell way behind its neighbors (note: Vietnam attracted over 21 million visitors while Indonesia attracted over 15 million). When it comes to foreign tourists counted in 2025, the Philippines attracted 8,375 less compared to 2024.

In fairness, domestic tourism here in the Philippines is thriving as Filipinos and their families do have a strong appetite for local travel and holidays. On the aspect of foreign tourism with statistics counted as of June 16 this year, the United States has emerged as the top market for the country, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

The Philippines has welcomed 2.9 million foreign visitors from January 1 to June 16, 2026, led by those from the United States, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said.

Preliminary figures released Thursday showed tourists from the U.S. reached 591,569 out of the country’s total inbound arrival of 2,955,014 during the period.

The DOT has yet to provide the full breakdown of top visitor arrivals, but said the U.S. “has now become our number one source market,” and it expects the figures to further grow.

At the general membership meeting of the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) on June 17, Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said the DOT will intensify its push for more tourism and investment partnerships with the U.S.

“We no longer see tourism simply as promotion. We see it as a platform for long-term investment,” she said, citing as example the USD3.4 billion in investments, pipeline opportunities, and financial support the Philippines secured during President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s recent state visit to Japan.

“This is the direction we are pursuing — tourism as a connector sector that brings together aviation, infrastructure, healthcare, and regional development.”

The DOT, she said, will also work closely with relevant government agencies to improve and expand air connectivity across the country.

“To make this more systematic, we will convene regular airline and airport connectivity discussions with carriers, airports, stakeholders, and government agencies. The goal is simple: solve bottlenecks together and turn plans into actual flights,” she added.

At the same time, Angara-Mathay said DOT would sustain efforts to develop the Philippines’ high-value tourism segments such as meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE), gastronomy, wellness, education, and retirement tourism.

“Once people can get here more easily, the next question is what kind of experience we offer them. And that brings me to high-value tourism. Our goal is not simply to bring in more visitors, but to make every visit more meaningful, longer stays, higher spending, and deeper engagement with our destinations and communities,” she said.

To put things in perspective, 2,955,014 foreign visitors attracted in the first 167 days of 2026 is equivalent to an average of 17,694.69 per day. At that rate, the Philippines could attract more than 6.4 million this year and exceed the 2025 count. However, the DOT did not specify if the current count excludes Filipinos with foreign citizenship (or dual citizenship) based overseas.  

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Were you surprised that the United States overtook South Korea as the top market of foreign visitors to the Philippines? Under the new leadership of the DOT, do you feel confident that improvements on attracting foreign visitors will happen this year? What do you think the Philippines has when it comes to attracting American 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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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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Philippines’ Bid For United Nations Security Council Seat Rejected

The Philippines, which previously supported the creation of a Palestinian state and discussed cooperation with the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran, badly lost in its bid for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as only forty-nine nations voted for them, according to a news report by GMA News. One hundred and forty-two other nations chose Kyrgyzstan over the Philippines during the fourth round of voting.

It should be recalled that no less than Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., himself told the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) last March that the Philippines is a voice for principled peace and expressed confidence that the nation has an advantage in its bid for a UNSC non-permanent seat.

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

The Philippines failed in its bid to attain a seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as a non-permanent member.

Zimbabwe, Austria, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, and Kyrgyzstan were named new members of the UNSC, which can issue legally binding resolutions that may include military action, economic sanctions, and deployment of peacekeeping operations.

A fourth round of votes was cast for UNSC members to choose between the Philippines and Kyrgyzstan, in the Asia-Pacific Group, after they failed to reach the required two-thirds of the majority.

Kyrgyzstan eventually achieving the necessary two-thirds majority and securing its first-ever Security Council seat by 142 votes to 49.

The remaining 10 members are elected, with five new members joining every year. This year, one comes from the Africa Group, one from the Latin American and Caribbean Group, one from the Asia-Pacific Group, and two from the Western European and Others Group.

Zimbabwe will replace Somalia and Trinidad and Tobago will replace Panama, while Portugal and Austria will replace Denmark and Greece. Kyrgyzstan will replace Pakistan.

Bahrain, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Latvia and Liberia will continue to serve as non-permanent members of the Security Council until the end of 2027.

The Permanent Members are: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

The rest of the non-permanent members are: Bahrain, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Latvia, and Liberia.

Last March, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. made a personal pitch for the Philippines’ candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations (UN) Security Council, saying the country is ready to contribute as a voice of balance among the world’s nations and as a “voice for principled peace.”

Marcos Jr. expressed confidence that the Philippines has an advantage in its bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

As a concerned citizen, I do not like what the Philippines did at the wicked United Nations and on other international affairs. Apart from supporting the creation of a Palestinian state, their diplomats formalized a mechanism to boost bilateral cooperation with the Palestinians (which practices apartheid). When the ASEAN Summit was hosted in Cebu province, the Philippines acted as if it was a highly credible player on global diplomacy (click here and here). The Philippines deplored Israel’s strike on Qatar which made them look like they were defending the Hamas terrorists in Doha.

The loss at the UN is the latest setback for the Philippines and 2026 has been a pretty bad year so far. Apart from diplomacy, the Philippines is experiencing weakening economic growth, rapid inflation and it remains very vulnerable on energy as it imports most of its oil from the Middle East. The warning signs about the national economy are only growing.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you consider the Philippines a highly credible participant in international affairs? Do you think the Philippines deserves a seat at the United Nations Security Council under the current administration?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

SBMA Adjusts Bidding Timeline For Subic Bay International Airport

With the window remaining open for bidders to challenge Cerberus’ unsolicited offer for the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA), the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) officially adjusted the bidding timeline, according to a news report by the Manila Standard. Previously, the SBMA announced a Swiss challenge for the airport development project.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the SBMA’s official announcement. Some parts in boldface…

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is inviting rival bidders to challenge the unsolicited offer of Cerberus Asia Pacific Investments LLC for the P6.2-billion Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) development project.

In a recent bid bulletin, the SBMA announced that the issuance and availability of tender documents has been rescheduled to June 17, 2026, moving back from its initial May 18, 2026 timeline.

“The extension ensures technical specifications, financial parameters, and contractual frameworks are comprehensive, accurate, and clear,” the SBMA said.

“This adjustment protects the integrity of the Comparative Challenge process and ensures an equal footing for all participants. No prejudice is caused to any party as documents have not yet been released,” it added.

The asset-management firm Cerberus originally submitted its unsolicited proposal on March 26, 2025, under an Operate-Rehabilitate-Add-Transfer scheme.

The project spans a 25-year concession period—with a possibility for extension—and involves upgrading, expanding, operating, and maintaining the SBIA before its eventual turnover to the SBMA.

The primary goal is to transform the airport into a modern, high-capacity cargo hub that meets international standards and streamlines logistics across the Luzon region.

The comparative challenge will operate under a “right-to-match” mechanism in accordance with the PPP Code Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).

The original proponent will be given 30 calendar days to match or top the most superior proposal submitted by a challenger. If no challengers emerge, or if the original proponent submits a superior counter-offer, the contract will be awarded to Cerberus.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think several corporate entities overseas will eventually challenge Cerberus’ bid for the Subic Bay International Airport?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

America’s Pax Silica Prompts P7 Billion Power Expansion In New Clark City

Pax Silica – the United States’ Pax Silica flagship effort on artificial intelligence (AI) and supply chain security that includes the Philippines – prompted the P7 billion investment of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to ensure a stable power supply for New Clark City in Tarlac province, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) plans to invest nearly ₱7 billion in a dedicated substation to guarantee a stable power supply for New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, anticipating a surge in demand from a planned artificial intelligence (AI) industrial hub.

Joshua Bingcang, president and chief executive officer of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), said the investment promotion agency is currently in talks with NGCP to finalize the project’s details. The grid operator is drafting the alignment plan for the substation, which Bingcang noted should be finalized “soon.”

“Our target with them is by [the] end of 2028, the dedicated power connection should be already installed in New Clark City,” he told reporters last week.

Bingcang added that the BCDA initially offered to fund the project to jump-start construction, with NGCP reimbursing the agency later. However, NGCP declined the offer because the substation is already integrated into its capital expenditures.

Under its Transmission Development Plan 2024 to 2050, NGCP outlined plans to construct the Capas 230-kilovolt (kV) substation to meet the growing power needs of the emerging metropolis. According to the plan, NGCP will allocate ₱6.95 billion to develop the facility.

To facilitate the project, Bingcang said the BCDA is offering land along the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) to ensure an unimpeded route for the transmission line into New Clark City. Once operational, the substation is expected to give locators in the AI hub the confidence to manufacture high-value inputs without risking operational pauses due to power shortages.

The AI hub will span more than 1,600 hectares within New Clark City as part of the United States-led Pax Silica partnership, which aims to encourage investment among member countries to bolster the global AI supply chain.

To meet the site’s massive energy requirements, Bingcang said the BCDA expects a foreign investor to build a solar energy project capable of generating up to 500 megawatts. Furthermore, the agency is drafting plans for an embedded power plant to secure baseload power and enhance the hub’s overall energy reliability.

In a separate interview with Business 360, Bingcang disclosed that the BCDA is also negotiating with US investors to construct a dedicated pipeline to transport jet fuel from Subic Bay to Clark International Airport, supporting the logistics needs of companies within the AI hub. The agency is also exploring a separate pipeline along SCTEX to deliver fuel or liquefied natural gas.

Additionally, the BCDA is advancing a public-private partnership (PPP) project for New Clark City’s information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure. According to a bid bulletin published by the PPP Center, the agency aims to conclude the procurement process for a joint venture partner to lay fiber-optic cables across the city by August.

Bingcang noted that all of these infrastructure projects were requested by the US during preliminary talks for the AI hub. Following a visit to the 1,600-hectare site last week, the US will send engineering personnel next month to conduct a site assessment and design a concept plan for the industrial zone.

“Parallel to these technical studies, we will also finalize the commercial arrangement and contractual framework for the project. Within the year, we will be announcing a definitive contract arrangement [with the US],” Bingcang said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think Pax Silica will prompt further infrastructure and energy developments related with New Clark City as the initiative develops further? Do you think there is room for nuclear power to considered 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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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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Economic Warning Signs In The Philippines Grow

With weak economic growth and high inflation already happening, the future is looking dark for the economy of the Philippines and there are warning signs growing, according to a news report by Malaya Business Insight.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Malaya Business Insight report. Some parts in boldface…

The Philippines is not yet in stagflation, economists said, but slowing growth, high inflation, weak public spending, and the Middle East oil shock are pushing parts of the economy closer to danger.

Michael Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., said some weaker sectors may already be feeling near-stagflation conditions.

“Near stagflation conditions for some vulnerable, already weak industries. But stronger ones are more insulated,” Ricafort said.

His comment followed President Marcos Jr.’s statement that potential stagflation is among the concerns keeping the government “awake at night” as officials try to contain prices of basic goods and keep the economy running.

Jonathan Ravelas, senior adviser at Reyes Tacandong & Co., said the country is still not in stagflation, although the risks are rising.

“There are potential stagflation risks, but we’re not yet there,” Ravelas said at the weekly Pandesal Forum in Quezon City on Wednesday.

He said unemployment remains below its long-term average, while the economy continues to post positive growth despite the slowdown.

“If we talk about the average unemployment rate in the Philippines since the 1960s, it’s 7.5 percent. Right now, our numbers are between 5 percent and 5.3 percent,” Ravelas said.

Inflation, however, remains a major threat. Ravelas said consumer prices could climb to 8 percent to 9 percent toward the end of the year, with households likely to feel the sharpest impact from higher fuel, food, and transport costs.

He said the stagflation concern recalls the oil shocks of the 1970s, when energy disruptions pushed prices sharply higher while economic activity weakened.

Ravelas said the more immediate challenge is reviving spending, particularly government spending, to keep growth from losing further momentum.

He said the economy is still feeling the effects of last year’s flood-control scandal, which disrupted public works and slowed disbursements, while the inflationary impact of the US-Iran conflict has added pressure.

Restraining spending now, he said, would be like “shooting ourselves on our foot” because it would further weaken recovery.

“We need to be able to work on improving consumption,” Ravelas said.

He also said the government must convince the public that it is acting decisively to stabilize prices.

“When it comes to fighting inflation, we need to show our countrymen, from a government perspective, that prices are stable. That would be a good opportunity so that they will believe the government is doing something,” he said.

Ravelas noted the country should also invest in upskilling workers to improve employment prospects.

Given the inflation pressure, he said the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is likely to take a defensive policy stance and raise interest rates by 50 to 75 basis points, although it must balance inflation control with the need to support growth.

A separate report from the De La Salle University Carlos L. Tiu School of Economics said inflation is being driven mainly by fuel, as higher energy costs feed into transport, logistics, and production.

“Fuel costs have more than doubled since the war began, pushing inflation sharply higher from May through August 2026. We expect inflation to peak at around 8 percent in August,” economists Jesus Felipe, Mariel Monica Sauler, Gerome Vedeja, political scientist Susan Kurdli, and research assistant Seth Paolo Paden said in the school’s May economic report.

They said the disruption in the Strait of Hormuz has also cut off roughly a third of global fertilizer supply, keeping inflation elevated through the end of 2026.

By early 2027, the report said, energy and fertilizer pressures are expected to ease, with inflation likely to return to the BSP’s 2 percent to 4 percent target band by April 2027 and settle at around 2.8 percent in 2028.

The DLSU economists said the current inflation surge is a supply shock caused by war-related disruptions in global energy and food markets, making interest rate increases an imperfect response.

“Higher interest rates will neither bring oil prices down nor reopen the Strait of Hormuz. What they will do is make borrowing more expensive, slow investment, and constrict household spending,” they said.

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 will eventually fall into a state of stagflation this year? How are you dealing with the higher costs of living nowadays?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Philippines Counting On Stronger Cooperation With Japan On Investment And Energy Security

As it is already struggling with weak economic growth and high inflation, the Philippines is looking forward to Japan for stronger cooperation on investment and energy security, according to a news report by Malaya Business Insight.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Malaya Business Insight report. Some parts in boldface…

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the Philippines is counting on stronger cooperation with Japan on investment, energy security, and defense as his administration seeks to keep the economy moving despite high inflation, slower growth, and pressure from the Middle East crisis.

Speaking to Japanese media in Malacañang ahead of his May 26 to 29 state visit to Japan, Marcos said the government remains confident the economy can recover from the recent slowdown, citing continued investor interest and policy measures meant to cushion consumers and businesses.

The economy grew 2.8 percent in the first quarter, slower than 3 percent in the fourth quarter of 2025, while inflation surged to 7.2 percent in April from 4.1 percent in March.

Marcos said the government was trying to keep the “economic machine running” despite “elements of fear” arising from global uncertainty.

“Luckily, I suppose, or at least as I said, we are still continuing to see marked interest in investment in the Philippines,” Marcos said.

“And perhaps this is why. This is because of the policies that we adopted, the incentives that we put out for investors. And so slowly we can see the way through this. Where we will recover through this,” he added.

Marcos said the risk of stagflation, or weak economic growth combined with rising inflation, remains a major concern.

He said the government has rolled out fuel subsidies, cash aid for the transport sector, a price cap on imported rice, and the P20-per-kilo rice program to help contain inflation and ease the burden on consumers.

“We want to keep the system, the economic system, continuing to function. We have done all these measures to keep inflation down,” Marcos said.

The President said his talks with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi are expected to focus on energy security and defense cooperation, including tensions in the South China Sea and East China Sea.

Marcos said both countries have faced coercive actions and “gray zone” tactics, making adherence to international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea central to the discussions.

He said he would also push for the full implementation of the Reciprocal Access Agreement signed in July 2024 and the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement signed in January.

Marcos said Japan’s participation in this year’s Balikatan exercises marked a significant step in strengthening interoperability among allied forces.

He also said the Philippines expects to benefit from Japan’s easing of restrictions on defense exports, including support for radar systems, aircraft, vessels, information technology sharing, and personnel training.

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 cannot grow stronger without the involvement of Japan and its investors? Do you think the Philippines will proceed to acquire anti-ship missile systems from Japan to enhance national defense?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Four Suspects Arrested In Parañaque City For Stealing Telecom Cables

Recently in the City of Parañaque, local police officers arrested four suspects over the illegal cutting and the attempt to steal underground copper telecommunications cables, according to a news report by The Daily Tribune.

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

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Chief P/Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin commended the swift coordination between security personnel and responding police officers, which resulted in the prompt arrest of four adult male suspects and the recovery of stolen telecommunications equipment.

The incident occurred at around 4:20 a.m. on Friday, 24 April, in front of a gasoline station along Doña Soledad Avenue corner West Service Road, Barangay Don Bosco.

While conducting routine area monitoring, arresting officers intercepted the suspects in the act of illegally cutting and taking underground copper telecommunications cables.

Initial reports showed that security personnel in the area immediately alerted authorities upon noticing the suspicious activity, prompting a coordinated swift police response that resulted in the on-site arrest of four individuals. However, nine of their cohorts managed to flee and are currently the subject of follow-up operations.

Recovered from the scene were several pieces of cut underground copper cable wires measuring approximately two meters in length, with an estimated amount of P262,006.63.

Seized were tools and equipment used in the illegal activity, including a bolt cutter, an improvised steel hook, a white closed van and a motorcycle believed to have been used in the operation.

The suspects are now under police custody and are facing charges for violation of Section 4(d) of Republic Act 10515, also known as the Anti-Cable Television and Cable Internet Tapping Act of 2013.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, did the cutting of the telecommunication cables affect your household somehow? Do you think Parañaque City is becoming a new hot spot for the stealing of telecommunication cables?

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

Five Drug Suspects Arrested In Parañaque City And lllegal Drugs Worth P91 Million Seized

Recently in the City of Parañaque, local police officers successfully pulled off a major anti-drug operation that resulted in five suspects – including one former policeman – arrested and the seizure of illegal drugs worth more than P91 million, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

A former policeman and four alleged high-value drug suspects were arrested in a major anti-drug operation that led to the seizure of more than P91 million worth of suspected shabu and high-powered firearms in Parañaque City on Friday, April 10.

Operatives of the Southern Police District (SPD) Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) identified the suspects as alias Bossing, 35; James, 49, a resigned member of the Philippine National Police (PNP); Jezreel, 29; Hazel, 25; and alias “Ricardo,” 48.

All five were tagged as newly identified high-value individuals (HVIs) and were apprehended during a buy-bust operation conducted in Sun Valley, Parañaque, following days of surveillance and intelligence monitoring.

Authorities said the operation was launched in coordination with other police units to dismantle a suspected drug syndicate operating in the southern Metro Manila.

Confiscated during the sting were approximately 13.389 kilograms of suspected shabu and five containers of liquid crystalline substance, with a combined estimated Standard drug price of P91,045,200.

Police also recovered two .45-caliber pistols, a Bushmaster rifle, communication devices, and P319,950 cash.

Authorities said the presence of high-powered firearms indicates the group’s capability to protect their illegal activities, raising concerns over the potential violence linked to drug trafficking operations.

“This operation sends a clear message that no drug syndicate is beyond our reach. The Southern Police District will relentlessly pursue those involved in the illegal drug trade and ensure they are brought to justice,” said acting SPD director Col. Glenn Oliver Cinco.

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 convinced that drug syndicates find the city an ideal place to do their illegal businesses while having the mean to cause harm to local residents? What do you think makes Parañaque an attractive city to those involved in illegal drugs?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Two Suspects Arrested In Parañaque City Over Illegal Substances Worth More Than P1 Million

Recently in the City of Parañaque, the local police successfully pulled off a buy-bust operation that resulted in two suspects arrested and the seizure of illegal substances worth over P1 million, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Two individuals, including a newly identified big-time drug personality, were arrested in a buy-bust operation launched by the Parañaque City Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) early Wednesday morning, April 8.

Parañaque City Police chief Col. Nicolas Piñon identified the suspects as Roy, 33, tagged as a high-value drug dealer, and Rafael, 54, classified as a street-level drug suspect.

They were apprehended at around 12:05 a.m. on Tulips Street in Tramo Uno, Parañaque City.

Police said the operation was carried out in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) after the suspects were placed under monitoring for alleged involvement in illegal drug activities.

An undercover operative was able to purchase suspected shabu from the suspects, which led to their immediate arrest.

Authorities recovered nine heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing approximately 210 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated value of ₱1,428,000.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you think the illegal drug menace will continue to happen in the city?   

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

Two Suspects Arrested In Parañaque City Over Illegal Substances Worth More Than P3.7 Million

Recently in the City of Parañaque, the local police successfully pulled off a buy-bust operation that resulted in two suspects arrested and the seizure of illegal substances worth over P3.7 million, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Police arrested two high-value targets and seized more than P3.7 million worth of shabu in a buy-bust operation in Parañaque City.

Parañaque City Police chief Col. Nicolas Pinon said the suspects, identified as Toto, 52, and Ronnie, 53, both residents of Manuyo Dos, Las Piñas City, were arrested in Barangay San Isidro.

Pinon said the Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) launched the operation after receiving information that the suspects, though based in Las Piñas, were conducting illegal drug activities in Parañaque.

The suspects were caught selling 25 grams of shabu worth P170,000 to an undercover police officer. Further search led to the recovery of 11 additional sachets of shabu weighing about 525 grams, valued at P3,750,000, inside a black eco bag.

In total, authorities confiscated around 550 grams of shabu worth P3,740,000, along with a Redmi cellphone and the buy-bust money.

The suspects are now detained at the police custodial facility and face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Brig. Gen. Randy Arceo, Southern Police District (SPD) director, said the arrest highlights the police’s continued commitment to combating illegal drugs.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you think there could be more individuals from different places doing illegal drug activities in the city? Why do you think Parañaque is a hot spot when it comes to illegal drugs?   

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

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