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Comelec says goodbye to old VCMs
The Commission on Elections will no longer use the 98,000 vote counting machines or VCM in the 2025 polls regardless of whether there is no budget to procure new ones, its chairperson George Garcia told lawmakers on Monday. Even in the absence of funds, Garcia confidently bared to the members of the House Committee on Appropriations, which is looking into their budget, that the poll body could no longer utilize the VCMs that had been deployed during past elections. According to the Comelec chief, the 98,000 VCMs are deemed “unusable” and unable to be refurbished due to the unavailability of necessary spare parts, as well as the inability to procure components from suppliers. “We already declared the 98,000 machines unusable. It’s up to us if we get a budget or not, but we can no longer use the 98,000 machines,” he said. Garcia made the remark after Antipolo Rep. Romeo Acop voiced concern about why the Comelec is still using end-life and end-of-manufacturing equipment “that is so old and can be tampered with online or otherwise.” In 2021, Garcia said the poll body had requested a P23 billion budget to procure new sets of VCMs for the 2022 elections but to no avail. Instead, the Comelec was only given a P12 billion. According to Garcia, the Comelec has been using the 98,000 VCMs in the past three elections. “That’s not really going to work well. It’s like a refrigerator. No matter what you kick in there when it doesn’t get cold, it won’t get cold anymore,” Garcia said, “And so the Comelec resorted to refurbishment,” he said. “Because you know technology, Mr. Chair, you are right, it changes. Our cell phone is only six months old, and [these VCMs] we have been using it for several elections. The Comelec even bought it,” he added. Previously, Garcia expressed concerns about the potential ineffectiveness of the VCMs, especially since the poll body considered full automation and new technology for the next national elections. He also noted that the machines have already exceeded the lifespan of five years. Back in March, Comelec said it was planning to integrate the biometrics technology into the new election system it will be using for the 2025 polls. He said, however, that funding is the primary consideration in determining the type of technology they will utilize. The Comelec sought a P43.7-billion budget for 2024, but the Department of Budget and Management trimmed it to P27.34 billion under the National Expenditure Program. The post Comelec says goodbye to old VCMs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Comelec: 98,000 VCMs now ‘unusable’, new machines needed for 2025 polls
The Commission on Elections will no longer use the 98,000 vote counting machines or VCM in the 2025 polls regardless of whether there is no budget to procure new ones, its chairperson George Garcia told lawmakers on Monday. Even in the absence of funds, Garcia told members of the House committee on appropriations, which is looking into the Comelec's budget, that the poll body could no longer utilize the VCMs that had been deployed during past elections. According to the Comelec chief, the 98,000 VCMs are deemed "unusable" and unable to be refurbished due to the unavailability of necessary spare parts, as well as the inability to procure components from suppliers. "We already declared the 98,000 machines unusable. It's up to us if we get a budget or not, but we can no longer use the 98,000 machines," he said. Garcia made the remark after Antipolo Rep. Romeo Acop voiced concern about why the Comelec is still using end-life and end-of-manufacturing equipment "that is so old and can be tampered with online or otherwise." In 2021, Garcia said the poll body had requested a P23 billion budget to procure new sets of VCMs for the 2022 elections but to no avail. Instead, the Comelec was only given P12 billion. According to Garcia, the Comelec has been using the 98,000 VCMs in the past three elections. "That's not really going to work well. It's like a refrigerator. No matter what you kick in there, when it doesn't get cold, it won't get cold anymore," Garcia said. "And so the Comelec resorted to refurbishment," he said. "Because you know technology, Mr. Chair, you are right, it changes. Our cell phone is only six months old, and [these VCMs] we have been using it for several elections. The Comelec even bought it," he added. Garcia said the machines have already exceeded the lifespan of five years. Back in March, the Comelec announced it was planning to integrate biometrics technology into the new election system it will be using for the 2025 polls. However, Garcia said funding remains the primary consideration in determining the type of technology the agency will be able to utilize. The Comelec sought a P43.7-billion budget for 2024, but the Department of Budget and Management trimmed it to P27.34 billion under the National Expenditure Program. The post Comelec: 98,000 VCMs now ‘unusable’, new machines needed for 2025 polls appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
P7.43-B Covid meds wasted
While the government scrounges for funds to make healthcare and medicines accessible to all Filipinos, the Commission on Audit, or CoA, found that more than P7.43 billion worth of drugs, medicines, and vaccines were wasted after the Department of Health failed to distribute them in 2022. The DoH was then under Secretary Francisco Duque III, covering the period when the pandemic was on the wane. The Universal Health Care law took effect in 2019, but PhilHealth members still have to pay for more than half of their medical needs due to the lack of funds to implement the measure fully, according to state think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies, or PIDS. “Despite modest improvements in health outcomes, inequities continue to exist due to unresolved challenges in access to healthcare,” according to PIDS. State auditors said the overstocking and the slow-moving inventory indicated “excessive spending” as the procured items exceeded the current requirements of the Centers for Health Development. “These deficiencies were also caused by a breakdown in the inventory/supply management system, such as inadequate procurement planning; laxity in creating adequate monitoring and reporting system; absence of periodic assessment of inventory movements; identified weakness in internal controls; acceptance of drugs and medicines not in accordance with the standard requirement pertaining to shelf life; and failure to formulate and take necessary corrective measures and poor distribution system,” CoA said. In the DoH’s annual report, state auditors discovered that the department had P7.43 billion worth of drugs, medicines, and vaccines that were expired, damaged, excessive, overstocked, understocked, slow-moving, undistributed, distributed late and accepted below 19 months before expiration. CoA attributed the enormous spoilage to deficient procurement planning, poor distribution and monitoring systems, and weaknesses in internal controls. Citing Section 2 of Presidential Decree 1445, the CoA said the DoH should have safeguarded the government resources against loss or wastage through illegal or improper disposition. Under DoH Administrative Order 2016-0008, medicines and drugs beyond their expiration date should be disposed of as these may be unsuitable for use, and there is no guarantee that the quality of the products is maintained. According to the World Health Organization, drugs do not become toxic or ineffective on expiry but may slowly deteriorate over time depending on the product, formulation and storage conditions. Some become toxic, but most simply lose their efficacy. Stale meds in NCR, Ilocos, Tacloban According to CoA, the National Capital Region and Ilocos and Tacloban regions had the highest recorded slow-moving medicines and drugs, totaling P5.6 billion. Expired vaccines were found at the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital & Medical Center or MMMMHMC (361 expired vials); Central Luzon (261,138 vials); Easter Visayas (1,671,878 doses); and Caraga (104,962 vials). DoH-Western Visayas had 5,551 vials nearing their expiration date and 6,425 at MMMHMC. Moreover, the CoA said the expirations could be attributed to various factors, including the reluctance of local government units and other implementing agencies to accept vaccines they doubted they would use up. The lack of cold room storage, low demand for vaccination, operational wastage/thawed but not used, and late deliveries from DoH, CoA said, all contributed to the expiry of vaccines. “Overall, the problem exposed an inability to safeguard, manage, and utilize health funds and resources economically and effectively,” CoA said. “Overstocked or slow-moving drugs and medicines are exposed to the risk of possible wastage due to the poor condition of the warehouses, and the maintenance of excessive supplies entails additional costs in terms of manpower and warehouse space, which could have benefited the government’s health programs for the poor,” it added. Nevertheless, the CoA directed the DoH to impose appropriate sanctions and to expedite the issuance and distribution of near-expiry vaccines to stave off future wastage of government funds. The DoH agreed to the CoA’s recommendations and informed auditors that it had initiated the necessary actions. Meanwhile, the Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital informed DoH that drugs, particularly Remdesivir, were fully utilized before their expiration date, and the FEFO (first to expire, first out) policy was implemented to avoid wastage of state resources. The post P7.43-B Covid meds wasted appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SCS conflict, bigger ASEAN problem
As Southeast Asian leaders gather in Jakarta for their regional summit, fears have been raised over the bloc getting dragged into big-power rivalry as they seek to dispel worries about rifts over peace efforts in Myanmar and to reaffirm the relevance of their disparate group. No less than Indonesian President Joko Widodo, opening the summit of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations Tuesday called on the members to devise a “long-term tactical strategy that is relevant and meets people’s expectations.” He said ASEAN has agreed not to be a proxy for any powers. “Don’t turn our ship into an arena for rivalry that is destructive,” he warned in his opening remarks. Founded at the height of the Cold War in the 1960s to oppose the spread of communism, the politically diverse grouping prioritizes unity and non-interference in members’ internal affairs. But that is easier said than done. While they may be too concerned over rifts in the peace efforts in Myanmar, a bigger problem, probably as big as the South China Sea, looms over their heads. The disputed waterway, a region rich in resources and of strategic importance, has been a focal point of tension and disputes among various nations for decades. In the event of conflict erupting in the South China Sea, ASEAN will find itself facing complex challenges and crucial decisions. Before delving into ASEAN’s role in a potential South China Sea conflict, it is essential to understand the complexities of the disputes in the region. Multiple claimants, including China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan, assert sovereignty over various islands, reefs, and waters in the South China Sea. These overlapping territorial claims have created an atmosphere of tension, with incidents of naval confrontations, militarization of islands, and increased military presence. While several attempts have been made to address these disputes through diplomatic means, the situation remains precarious. ASEAN’s core principles include the promotion of peace, stability, and prosperity in the region through diplomatic dialogue, non-interference in internal affairs, and consensus-based decision-making. The regional bloc has demonstrated a commitment to the peaceful resolution of conflicts. The 2002 ASEAN-China Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea or DOC and subsequent efforts to negotiate a legally binding Code of Conduct or CoC with China reflect this commitment. ASEAN’s role, therefore, is primarily that of a mediator and facilitator of negotiations aimed at reducing tensions and preventing the escalation of conflicts. But what if a conflict erupts in the South China Sea? Would ASEAN uphold its fundamental principles, particularly the peaceful resolution of disputes, to prevent the outbreak of full-scale hostilities? Would it engage in shuttle diplomacy, urging all parties to exercise restraint and explore diplomatic solutions? This is where ASEAN’s role as a platform for regional dialogue becomes crucial. It should intensify diplomatic efforts to facilitate negotiations between the involved parties. This can include organizing summits, dialogues, and confidence-building measures to foster an environment conducive to resolving disputes peacefully. Furthermore, ASEAN should encourage adherence to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS. By promoting respect for international norms, ASEAN can help maintain order and deter any unilateral actions that could lead to a military confrontation. While ASEAN has the potential to play a constructive role in mitigating conflict, several challenges could hinder its effectiveness. One such challenge is the divergent interests and allegiances among ASEAN member states. Some nations may be more inclined to side with external powers, like the United States or China, depending on their strategic interests and alliances. Maintaining ASEAN’s unity in the face of external pressures will be a considerable challenge. Another challenge is the historical reluctance of some ASEAN members to confront China directly due to economic ties or political considerations. Balancing economic interests with regional security concerns will require skillful diplomacy and could strain ASEAN’s cohesion. Moreover, the absence of a legally binding CoC in the South China Sea complicates ASEAN’s efforts to manage conflicts. The negotiations for such an agreement have been protracted, and there is no guarantee of a successful outcome. ASEAN must navigate these challenges while advocating for a peaceful resolution. In the event of conflict in the South China Sea, therefore, ASEAN’s role would be pivotal in preventing further escalation and facilitating a peaceful resolution. Unless it wants to erase its image as a mere talk shop, the regional bloc should address this issue now while there is time. Otherwise, it might be too late. The post SCS conflict, bigger ASEAN problem appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Poor team player
A string of blunders by the United States contributed greatly to the aggressiveness of China in the West Philippine Sea, in disregard of the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling that invalidated most of China’s maritime claims. A geopolitical expert even suggested that America’s traditional ally, the Philippines, was left out in the cold after the Obama administration initiated its Asian pivot to contain China. Dean Cheng, senior advisor to the China program at the US Institute of Peace, a federal watchdog on the global situation, assessed the recent deployment of “ships and other maritime forces to the disputed Spratly islands near the Philippines.” Cheng identified China’s goal as coerce the Philippines into withdrawing from the contested Second Thomas Shoal (Ayungin Shoal) to effectively cede it to the People’s Republic of China or PRC. The expert who advises the US government said China’s actions “are in defiance of the international Permanent Court of Arbitration’s findings that undermined the PRC claims to the Spratlys and they constitute a serious challenge to the international rules governing maritime conduct.” Cheng traced the unabated Chinese incursions to the poor handling of the situation during the 2012 standoff at Scarborough Shoal that practically encouraged Beijing to build permanent military structures on the sea formation. The weak response of the US government to China’s sea maneuvers emboldened increasingly drastic actions in the disputed region which Beijing claims is historically its territory. “It is worth recalling that in 2012, the United States chose to persuade the Philippines to withdraw from Scarborough Shoal (a separate set of features north of the Spratlys) while making no effort to compel the PRC to do the same. In effect, Washington forced Manila to cede that set of features to the PRC,” Cheng said. Worse, under President Barack Obama, the US took a three-year hiatus from freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea, an absence that coincided with massive Chinese construction on features it controlled. “For the United States to once again fail to counter Chinese efforts to dominate a region that sees some $3.37 trillion in trade would reinforce a perception of American withdrawal,” according to Cheng. Over the years, Cheng said, the PRC has become more assertive in supporting its ambiguous claims. It has extended patrols in the area, often arresting foreign fishing boats for violating the nine-dash line while requiring everyone who wishes to fish there to register with Sansha in the Paracels, a Chinese prefecture. China has also undertaken extensive land reclamation on rocks and reefs under its control, totaling over 3,000 acres on artificial islands in the Spratlys — dwarfing all other claimants combined. “Despite promises not to militarize these new features, the PRC has deployed artillery pieces and rockets and built runways that can support both fighter and cargo aircraft,” Cheng said. China is intent on coercing the Philippines out of its position in the Spratlys, regardless of legal rights and claims. According to the US expert, it is likely that the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s findings have only strengthened China’s “resolve to secure the Spratlys (as well as the separate Scarborough Shoal and Macclesfield Bank territories). At the same time, the PRC is likely trying to signal to the region that American support is both escalatory and counterproductive.” The US has not matched its strong statements on the West Philippine Sea dispute, such as its frequent assurances to the Philippines of an iron-clad alliance, with determined moves, thus giving China the impetus to gradually ramp up its actions. When the ball was in its court, the US, because of domestic political considerations, exited the game leaving its teammate at the mercy of its powerful opponent. The post Poor team player appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Finau leads Memorial at 65 as Woods has quiet return to golf
By DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf Writer DUBLIN, Ohio (AP) — Tiger Woods was back on the PGA Tour for the first time in five months Thursday and saw Muirfield Village like never before. It was practically empty. Woods opened with a 10-foot birdie and there was silence. He finished with a 15-foot birdie for a 1-under 71, leaving him five shots behind Tony Finau in the Memorial, and he walked to the side of the green and stood with Rory McIlroy, chatting briefly before they nudged their elbows toward one another without touching. It’s a different world, Woods keeps saying. It was a reasonable return. “Got off to almost an ideal start and got a feel for the round early,” Woods said. “I just didn’t make anything today. I had looks at birdies, but I really didn’t make much.” He left that to Finau, who seemed to make everything. Finau finished with seven birdies over his last 10 holes on a Muirfield Village course that was faster and tougher than last week in the Workday Charity Open. That gave him a one-shot lead over Ryan Palmer. The greens are being replaced after the Memorial, so there’s no concern about them dying out. They were 2 feet faster on the Stimpmeter, the wind was strong and often changed direction without notice. That showed in the scoring. Only seven players broke 70, compared with 35 rounds in the 60s for the first round last week. This is the first itme in 63 years the PGA Tour has played consecutive weeks on the same course. Muirfield Village only looked like the same course. “It’s night and day,” Palmer said. “The greens, they’re 2, 3 feet faster for sure. So I knew it wasn’t a course you had to just go out and light up.” It wasn’t a course to overpower, either. Bryson DeChambeau hit one drive 423 yards with the wind at his back, leaving him 46 yards to the pin on No. 1, a hole where he recalls hitting 5-iron in the past. That was a rare birdie. With wedges in his hand, he still managed only a 73. Collin Morikawa won at Muirfield Village last week at 19-under 269, beating Justin Thomas in a playoff. Morikawa opened with a 76. Thomas, who didn’t make a bogey until his 55th hole last week, had two bogeys after two holes. He shot 74. Dustin Johnson shot 80, his highest score on the PGA Tour in more than four years. Rickie Fowler shot 81. By now, players are used to seeing open spaces with minimal distraction. That wasn’t the case for Woods, who last played Feb. 16 when he finished last in the Genesis Invitational during a cold week at Riviera that caused his back to feel stiff. The absence of spectators was something new, and it was even more pronounced with Woods playing alongside McIlroy (70) and Brooks Koepka (72). They still had the biggest group, with 36 people around them on the 16th green. That mostly was TV and radio crews, photographers and a few volunteers. No one to cheer when Woods opened with a birdie and quickly reached 2 under with a wedge that spun back to a foot on the third hole. And there was no one to groan when he wasted a clean card on the back nine with a bunker shot that sailed over the green into the rough. “I definitely didn’t have any issue with energy and not having the fans’ reactions out there,” Woods said. “I still felt the same eagerness, edginess, nerviness starting out, and it was good. It was a good feel. I haven’t felt this in a while.” U.S. Open champion Gary Woodland and Brendan Steele each shot 68, with Jon Rahm among those at 69. McIlroy had two splendid short-game shots on the back nine that led to par and birdie, and he was in a group at 70 that included Jordan Spieth and defending champion Patrick Cantlay. Cantlay hit a pitch-and-run across the fifth green that last week would have settled next to the hole. On Thursday, it kept rolling until it was just off the green. Finau didn’t play last week, so he wouldn’t know the difference. “I don’t know about an advantage, but I definitely felt like I played this golf course this way before,” Finau said. “I don’t know what the numbers might be as far as the guys that played last week compared to this week. I’ve played this golf course in these type of conditions, and it definitely helped me.” DeChambeau brought the pop with five more tee shots at 350 yards or longer, two of them over 400 yards. Some of his tee shots wound up in places where players normally hit into the trees or rough and can’t reach the green. But he failed to capitalize with short clubs in his hands. He hit a wedge into a bunker on the 14th and his chip went over the green, which would not have happened last week. He had to make a 6-footer to save bogey. He also was a victim to the swirling wind at the worse time — a 7-iron from 230 yards over the water to the par-5 fifth. The wind died and he never had a chance, leading to bogey. “When I was standing over it, it was 20 miles an hour downwind. And when I hit it, it dead stopped. Can’t do anything about it,” DeChambeau said. “That’s golf, man. You’re not going to shoot the lowest number every single day. I felt like I played really bad. My wedging wasn’t great. If I can tidy that up, make some putts, keep driving it the way I’m doing, I’ll have a chance.”.....»»
US reaffirms support for Philippines sovereignty amid its tensions with China
Washington, DC [US], March 28 (ANI): US Secretary of Defence Llyod Austin has reaffirmed Washington's commitment to Manila in defending its sovereignty while criticising China's "dangerous" water cannon attack at the Philippine supply mission vessel on Saturday. In a telephonic conversation between Austin and his Philippine counterpart Gilberto Teodoro, the US Secretary reiterated the US-Philippines Mutual Defence Treaty.....»»
Cebu City declares state of calamity in 28 mountain barangays due to el Niño
CEBU CITY, Philippines – In response to the escalating effects of the ongoing El Niño phenomenon, Cebu City has declared a “state of calamity” in 28 mountain barangays. This decision comes after a resolution was passed with reports of dwindling water sources and agricultural distress, prompting urgent measures to assist affected communities in the city. .....»»
NBA: James triple-double pulls Lakers past Grizzlies
LeBron James returned from a one-game absence to post a 23-point triple-double on Wednesday and lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 136-124 NBA victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. James sat out the Lakers’ come-from-behind double-overtime victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday with a sore left ankle. READ: NBA: Giannis tows Bucks over Thunder .....»»
China: PH is ‘straying down a dangerous path’
MANILA, Philippines — China continued to blame the Philippines and its ally, the United States, for the continued tensions in the disputed West Philippine Sea. In a statement on Thursday, Chinese Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Wu Qian warned that the Philippines is going down a dangerous path. READ: No letup in Chinese water cannon attacks.....»»
EXPLAINER: Why did the Baltimore bridge collapse and what is the death toll?
(Reuters) -Divers recovered the remains of two of the six missing workers more than a day after a cargo ship smashed into Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge. The bodies of two men were found in a red pickup truck submerged in the icy waters of the Patapsco River. Rescuers pulled two workers from the water.....»»
China blocks Philippine supply run in disputed waters (VIDEO)
Manilla and Beijing have traded accusations over a naval incident near the Spratly Islands Chinese patrol boats used water cannons on Saturday to disrupt an attempt by the Philippine military to deliver supplies to a reef in a disputed part of the South China Sea, where the Philippine Navy intentionally grounded a tan.....»»
China blocks Philippine military supply boat in disputed waters (VIDEO)
Manilla and Beijing have traded accusations over a naval incident near the Spratly Islands Chinese patrol boats used water cannons on Saturday to disrupt an attempt by the Philippine military to deliver supplies to a reef in a disputed part of the South China Sea, where the Philippine Navy intentionally grounded a tan.....»»
China blocks Philippine supply run in disputed waters
Manilla and Beijing have traded accusations over a naval incident near the Spratly IslandsChinese patrol boats used water cannons on Saturday to disrupt an attempt by the Philippine military to deliver supplies to a reef in a disputed part of the South China Sea, where the Philippine Navy intentionally grounded a tank landing ship over two decades ago.The incident occurred near the Second.....»»
China blocks Philippine military supply boat in disputed waters
Manilla and Beijing have traded accusations over a naval incident near the Spratly IslandsChinese patrol boats used water cannons on Saturday to disrupt an attempt by the Philippine military to deliver supplies to a reef in a disputed part of the South China Sea, where the Philippine Navy intentionally grounded a tank landing ship over two decades ago.The incident occurred near the Second.....»»
Philippines lodges strong protest with China over water cannon attack in disputed South China Sea
Manila [Philippines], March 25 (ANI): In the wake of accusation by the Philippines that the Chinese Coast Guard wounded three of its soldiers during a water cannon attack in the disputed South China Sea, Manila on Monday summoned Beijing's envoy to lodge its strong protest, Al Jazeera reported. The Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs, in a statement said that Manila conveyed its "strong protest against the aggressiv.....»»
Marcos admin eyes building 20 new dams by 2028
To meet the country’s growing demand for water and power, the government is eyeing to build 20 medium and three to five large dams by 2028, the end of President Marcos’ term, according to National Irrigation Administration head Eduardo Guillen......»»
Angat’s water to hit below minimum level in June
The water elevation in Angat Dam dropped to 200.05 meters yesterday and may go down below its minimum operating level of 180 meters in June due to the El Niño phenomenon, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration......»»
Acciona advocates water conservation
Acciona, a global sustainable infrastructure company, recently launched its water conservation campaign to raise awareness among young children and empower them to become stewards of the vital resource......»»
Philippines accuses Chinese coastguard of firing water cannons at supply boats
Manila [Philippines], March 23 (ANI): The Philippines has accused China's coastguard of firing water cannons at one of its supply boats in South China Sea, Al Jazeera reported. The Armed Forces of the Philippines said that BRP Cabra managed to manoeuvre and reach Unaizah May 4 to provide assistance to the Philippine supply boat, which had sustained "significant damage."According to the Philippine military, the confrontati.....»»