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Thousands of rice farmers treated to PhilRice field day
Thousands of farmers across the country had been feted in the traditional Lakbay Palay field festival, where all eight stations of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) opened their doors for farmers to personally view the progress and benefits of the latest palay seeds technologies done in the premier rice research institute of the country. Department of Agriculture Undersecretary for Rice Industry Development Leocadio Sebastian said the dry season Lakbay Palay is held every March or April and the wet season every September or October. Sebastian said the participants toured the 140 hectares of PhilRice field in Science City, Nueva Ecija. The farmers also had the chance to look into the available seeds and soil nutrients of the private sector exhibitors during the two-day festival from 27 to 28 September. Farmers learn PhilRice-developed technologies which include Palayamanan system, a rice-based farming system they can adopt to lessen the economic effects of El Nino, high yielding varieties and farm machinery, according to DA official. He added that about 10 public and private agencies and cooperatives also pledged their support to the “BIDA RiceBIS, Be the rice’s best” movement, which aims to increase farmers’ market opportunities. The regular Lakbay Palay, which started in 1992 as Farmers’ Field Day, was changed into Lakbay Palay in 2012 under the administration of PhilRice Executive Director Eufemio T. Rasco Jr. It held before October each year or the start of the planting season for the dry season crop. The 2023 Lakbay Palay wet season festival was simultaneously held in all eight stations of PhilRice with the biggest festival held at the PhilRice Central Experiment Station in Munoz, Nueva Ecija. The other stations that held simultaneous Lakbay Palay were Batac, Isabela, Los Banos, Bicol, Negros, Agusan and Midsayap. The farmers that attended on both days of the Lakbay Palay in Nueva Ecija were from Zambales, Bulacan, Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Tarlac and Aurora provinces. The farmers were divided into 500 persons a day but the number was exceeded on the second day as many walk-ins showed up. PhilRice Executive Director Dr. John de Leon said farmers are welcome to visit the 140-hectare research and development farm and the new Crop Protection Division for any of their inquiries and concerns. PhilRice Deputy Executive Director for Development Dr. Karen Barroga urged the farmers to work in clusters so they could meet the required rice volumes of potential private sector partners for their produce. She cited the case of Negros Occidental farmer-cooperative who is now selling 500 bags a week to Merzci, a famous palalubong and fastfood chain in the region for its business and corporate social responsibility activities. This was made possible through the Rice BIS (Business Innovation System) of PhilRice, which links farmers to private sector buyers so they can enjoy better market prices for their produce. Another partnership was forged by PhilRice between the farmers of Zambales and Bicol who are now supplying the Kiwanis International for their feeding programs for poor communities, she said. Dr. Val Perdido, who represented Undersecretary Leocadio Sebastian for Rice Industry Development, exhorted the farmers to improve their yields using both new technologies and better farming practices so the country can meet its food sufficiency and nutritional goals and improve the farmers’ incomes. He said Nueva Ecija farmers have proven yields of six tons a hectare but most other areas produce four tons or less. He mentioned that the Department of Agriculture is giving production assistance to farmers (in fertilizers and biofertilizers) in addition to the certified seeds, training and machineries provided under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) program. A farmer cooperative officer, Vincent Gonzales of St. Vincent Parish Multupurpose Cooperative in Dupax del Sur, Nueva Vizcaya narrated to the participants that their coop was founded in 1979 by a Belgian priest to help farmers– who borrow from loan sharks for their daily subsistence with a capital from 400 members of P4,000 has now grown to 5,600 members with a total material asset of P424 million. The coop is now able to support members through loans and social development activity, scholarship grants, medical assistance and food packs (for the disabled and the aged). It had received numerous awards including the Most Outstanding SIPAG award in 2022 from Senator Cynthia Villar. The post Thousands of rice farmers treated to PhilRice field day appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
House panel mulls Ombudsman proposal on CoA reports
The House Committee on Appropriations, whose primary jurisdiction includes appropriating expenditure for the national government and its agencies, is open to keeping findings of the Commission on Audit off the record in view of Ombudsman Samuel Martires’ proposal to call a halt to the publication of Annual Audit Report or AAR. Contrary to the senior vice chair, Marikina Rep. Stella Qumbo’s earlier pronouncement that the panel will retain the CoA’s regular publication of initial audit observation memorandum or AOM, Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co, the committee chairperson, said Saturday he is open consider Martires's suggestion of removing the publication of AAR from the general provision of the General Appropriations Act or annual budget, which the ombudsman deemed “causes confusion” to the public. According to Co, his panel “will carefully evaluate the impact and implications” of the disposal of the AAR. “I understand the concern about preventing premature judgments and confusion among the public when reading audit reports. The impact of such publications on government officials' reputations is an important consideration,” Co said. In the deliberation of the Ombudsman’s P4.98-billion proposed budget for 2024 last week, Martires called to remove the publication requirement of the CoA’s initial AOM for each government agency to stave off premature corruption judgment against government officials. “When a case is filed and the case is dismissed, the problem is it creates an innuendo that the ombudsman earned,” Martires said. “I appeal to Congress to take a second look at this.” While Co’s commitment came late, still, he still vowed that Martires’ proposal would be “discussed thoroughly, and we will engage in a comprehensive review to determine the best course of action in line with our commitment to transparency and accountability in government.” Martires’ proposal drew backlash from the public and lawmakers, including ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. France Castro, who strongly opposed the granting of confidential funds to various government agencies. Martires made headlines right after his pronouncement. Days after, he, however, assured the public that the Ombudsman “is not protecting erring and corrupt government officials and employees with its firm belief that only the Final Audit Report ought to be published and shared with the public since the Annual Audit Report could still be taken up on appeal before the COA en banc and the Court.” Quimbo had previously disclosed that the panel will proceed with the CoA reports publication, and that the 2024 proposed P5.7 trillion national budget has only undergone two adjustments, including eliminating the necessity that Congress submit reports to the executive department. The post House panel mulls Ombudsman proposal on CoA reports appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Even Indian lenders drawn to SBCorp’s P3
A high-ranking official of a Department of Trade and Industry-attached agency has revealed that even traditional Indian lenders based in the Philippines want to avail of the Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-Asenso, or P3, Program of the government. Small Business Corporation or SBCorp president and CEO Robert Bastillo made the revelation when he guested on the second Daily Tribune’s Asian Innovation Forum on Tuesday. He said half of the funds allocated to P3 are meant for cooperatives, micro-finance institutions, and private financing companies that have members that can easily access micro-entrepreneurs, particularly those who own sari-sari or small stores. “P3 was conceptualized to combat loan sharks or informal money lenders. When we visited a cooperative in a municipality in Bicol recently, we discovered that Indian lenders were now lowering their interest rate to 5 percent per month,” Bastillo said. “Surprisingly, some Indian lenders even wanted to avail themselves of our P3 program. If that is the case, it means the program has an impact,” he added. He explained that SBCorp is ready to provide funding to micro and small entrepreneurs to eventually expand operations in the long run or when banking institutions are not yet ready to provide MSE loans to them due to a lack of a banking track record. “That is why we are asking Congress to add more funds to SBCorp. The current fund is not enough to help MSMEs in their entrepreneurial journey,” he said. SBCorp estimated that there is a P300 to P400 billion financing gap in the country, which means that banking institutions, even cooperatives, and microfinancing institutions are not able to respond to the needs of MSE lenders. “We are asking for P50 billion for our total capital, including our current fund. While for the P3, we are aiming to make it a full-fledged law for it to have automatic appropriations. We aim that 10 to 15 percent of the current financing gap will be given to us, enough to serve MSEs and cooperatives, among others,” he said. In March 2023, the House of Representatives approved on third and final reading of House Bill 7363, or the proposed P3 Act, with an overwhelming 278 votes. The “P3 Act aims to provide an affordable, accessible, and simple financing program for MSEs, especially those in the poorest populations and underserved areas. HB 7363 mandates the creation of the P3 Fund, which shall be lent out to qualified MSEs under such terms and conditions that will meet the purposes of the Act. The P3 Fund shall be accessible through the SBCorp. and accredited partner financial institutions such as rural banks, thrift banks, development banks, cooperative banks, cooperatives, non-stock savings and loan associations, microfinance non-government organizations and lending companies. Currently, the P3 Program, with an annual allocation of P1.5 billion from the national government, is intended to provide micro-entrepreneurs with an alternative source of financing that is easy to access at a reasonable interest rate, that is in a safe environment away from dubious practices of informal lenders, and that is sustainable as delinquent borrowers are effectively barred from borrowing in the next loan cycle. Under the P3 Program, a microenterprise can borrow between P5,000 and P200,000, depending on its business status and repayment capacity, with no collateral requirement. Interest rates and service fees, all in, do not exceed 2.5 percent monthly. The post Even Indian lenders drawn to SBCorp’s P3 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Human rights in Phl ‘improved’ under Marcos admin – EU chief
The state of human rights in the Philippines has improved under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Tuesday. In a television interview, Von der Leyen, who is currently in Manila for a two-day visit, said the Philippine government is now “more cooperative.” "The government now is much more cooperative with the United Nations and other international organizations; this is very important. Therefore, we see progress," she said. "As I said, there's much improvement, still topics that we have to discuss, issues that are raised in the constant dialogue that we have with the Philippines. But the environment is much better and this is important for us that there's improvement in the steps forward," she added. Earlier this year, European Union’s Subcommittee on Human Rights Chair Hannah Neumann made a similar observation when she visited the Philippines. Neumann noted that the human rights in the country is “better” than it was during the term of Marcos’ predecessor, former President Rodrigo Duterte. “It was better than it was under President Duterte. I think that it is what we can clearly state,” she said. “We had an impression that everyone is very willing to discuss human rights issues with us which has not been the case during the previous administration,” she added. Neumann, likewise, welcomed the new approach of government under the Marcos administration in terms of its anti-narcotics campaign. Duterte is accused of committing crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court in relation to his bloody war on drugs that killed at least 7,000 people, according to government data. However, both local and International human rights groups disagreed with the figures, stressing that it was way higher than the said numbers. ‘GSP+ extended’ Von der Leyen also announced the Philippines would still be able to enjoy the EU's Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), as it was extended until 2007. "We evaluated the situation, and we found that we can extend the status quo, that is good news... till 2027," she said. Under the EU's Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), developing countries will be given special incentives which include cutting import duties to zero on more than two-thirds of the tariff lines of their exports. The Philippines is among the developing nations that currently enjoy the perks of the EU’s GSP+. The trade preference allows 6,274 Philippine products into Europe duty-free. In 2021, the European Parliament warned then-president Duterte that it will suspend the country’s trade privileges under the GSP+ unless it complies with human rights obligations and ensures free and fair elections during last year’s elections.. The post Human rights in Phl ‘improved’ under Marcos admin – EU chief appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Wrong wood puts PNR officials in jail
Seven former officials of the Philippine National Railways, or PNR, failed to convince the Sandiganbayan to overturn their conviction for graft over the procurement of P47.13 million worth of substandard rails in 2013. In a resolution dated 26 July, the anti-graft court’s Seventh Division turned down the separate motions for reconsideration of PNR former division manager Abdul Pangandaman, department managers Estelito Nierva and Ruben Besmonte, legal counsel Neofito Perilla, assistant department manager Divina Dantes and principal engineers Cesar Bocanog and Marlo Arias for lack of merit. The seven accused were found guilty of two counts of graft and were sentenced to up to 20 years in jail. Imports from China Filed by the Ombudsman in 2017, the case stemmed from the procurement of the PNR officials of P47.13 million worth of larch wood from China through Nikka Trading despite knowing that the board resolutions and bidding documents specified that the ties be made of yakal, a Philippine hardwood species. The PNR intended to use the ties for the rehabilitation of the Bicol Express tracks. Nikka Trading, based at Cityland Herrera Tower in Bel-Air, Makati, received the payment in two tranches, the first amounting to P37.7 million and P9.39 million for the second payment. The sum was for the purchase of 10,490 pieces of bridge ties, 942 pieces of joint ties, and 41 sets of switch ties, all made of larch, a kind of softwood imported from China. The previous decision stated that the respondents provided unwarranted benefits, preferences, and undue advantages to Nikka Trading by continuing to accept the items, even if they did not meet the product criteria, to the damage and injury of the PNR or the government. The post Wrong wood puts PNR officials in jail appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Healthcare at the top of admin agenda, says Marcos
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said that his government is working "relentlessly" to make sure that all Filipinos had access to health care as he intends to build more health centers in rural areas. The Chief Executive said this as he inspected the building of a new multi-specialty medical center in Clark, Pampanga, which he said was part of his administration's efforts to advance quality healthcare to Filipinos. "Rest assured, this administration is determined to bring quality healthcare and services closer to (the) Filipino people... We will not stop until every Filipino can say they have good access to quality healthcare," he said in his speech during Clark Multi-Specialty Medical Center's groundbreaking ceremony. “This is not a single project that stands on its own alone. This part of a larger system of healthcare provision that we are putting together to service our kababayans so that they don’t have to wait to get very, very sick before they go to the big hospitals,” he said during his speech. The President also underscored his goal of giving poor Filipinos access to medical treatments as he said that he wants the government to bring the healthcare down to the people. “We will establish rural healthcare units. We will establish barangay centers. We will establish botica de barangay,” Marcos said. He explained that the Covid-19 pandemic was part of the reason why his government puts healthcare at the top of its list of priorities, because the country needs to be ready in case there is another major health crisis. Marcos urged the public to be part of the solution when addressing healthcare problems and “put forward innovative alternatives that you believe can help uplift the lives of our fellowmen.” Once completed, the CMSMC is expected to receive patients not only from Pampanga and the Central Luzon region, but also from Metro Manila, Ilocos Region and the Cagayan Valley Region, Marcos said. Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said earlier that the medical center would be made through donations and funds from the government. Herbosa had said that the building will start out as a general hospital and then "move up to a children's specialty, then a cardiac specialty, then a kidney specialty." During his first State of the Nation Address, Marcos talked about how important specialty hospitals like the Philippine Heart Center, Philippine Lung Center, National Children's Hospital and National Kidney and Transplant Institute were, especially during the pandemic. Marcos said that the government has been looking for places to put specialty hospitals. He said that these hospitals shouldn't just be in Metro Manila, but also in the towns and provinces across the country. The post Healthcare at the top of admin agenda, says Marcos appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gentle Hands could reopen with conditions
The Department of Social Welfare and Development said Gentle Hands Inc. will not be allowed to operate without first securing a fire safety inspection certificate or FSIC. “We know that if you don’t have an FSIC, you will be put on the negative list and automatically consider your business permit null and void because these permits are provisional and anchored on the fire safety and occupancy permit,” DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian told reporters, shortly after Wednesday’s inquiry by the Senate committee on women, children, family relations and gender equality. DSWD’s fact-finding team, Gatchalian said, is working on the physical, finance and admin, as well as the case and program management of the orphanage. The DSWD earlier issued a cease and desist order against Gentle Hands Inc. for violating Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination, which prompted the Senate to investigate the matter. Even if the orphanage complies with RA 7610, Gatchalian said, the DSWD will still have to complete its assessment of GHI’s compliance with the minimum standards for residential facilities for children. He added that the National Authority on Child Care will also have to assess the orphanage’s help intervention since there was reportedly a “high rate of disruptions” among adopted children. “So there are two (assessments)that are ongoing and we will consolidate the reports and we will publish it as soon as possible,” he said. Gatchalian defended the closure of the orphanage saying it was afforded due process before the issuance of the DSWD’s order. During the inquiry sought by Senators Risa Hontiveros and Koko Pimentel, the allegations that led to the issuance of the cease and desist order against the orphanage were discussed. Among the reviewed topics were the DSWD’s policies on the living standards for residential facilities for children, and the evaluation of the process undertaken by the DSWD on the removal of children from the childcare facility. Hontiveros said it appears that the inquiry has created a polarizing atmosphere among the parties involved amid the significance of tackling the issue. “While it is understandable to some extent given the value we ascribe to our children, it would be good to remind all of us that we are here to seek clarity, and ultimately, to find solutions to problems that impact children who are among the most vulnerable,” she said. The post Gentle Hands could reopen with conditions appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Stunning performance of Prosecution
The Catanduanes Prosecution’s agency, Department of Justice, deserves special recognition for being a top-performing agency in the Bicol Region. According to the most recent awarding ceremony, the Prosecution’s Office of Catanduanes, led by Chief Prosecutor Mary Jane Zantua, received a General Weighted Score of 5, equating to 99.88%. These are the investigation disposition rate, case […].....»»
Preparedness is key
It happens year in and year out every time disaster strikes. Whether it be typhoons, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions, we see the same scene all over again — residents, apprehension written all over their faces, and overcrowding evacuation centers. In the case of the impending eruption of Mayon Volcano in Bicol, it is bad enough that they have to contend with the force of nature, but worse, they have to deal with the inadequacies of living in temporary shelters, most likely elementary schools, ill-equipped with the proper provisions. They have to make do with makeshift beds and blankets, even as a majority of families, children, and the elderly lie on the floor, their faces reflecting exhaustion and anxiety. The air is thick with a mix of sweat and uncertainty. People are trying to find a comfortable spot amidst the overcrowded conditions, but space is limited, and tensions more often than not are rising. Television footage has detailed the agony of staying there. There was this mother cradling her crying infant, trying to soothe the baby amid the chaos. She looks around, searching for a quiet corner or a clean space to nurse her child, but every nook and cranny is occupied. Frustration fills her eyes as she realizes there is no privacy or comfort for her and her baby in the crowded environment. A group of volunteers, wearing brightly colored vests, move through the crowded evacuation center, offering water, food, and blankets to those in need. However, they struggle to reach everyone due to the sheer number of people seeking assistance. The sound of coughing and sneezing fills the air as a young boy, visibly unwell, sits with his family. They are surrounded by other families nearby, making it easy for illnesses to spread. A sense of frustration and desperation pervades the atmosphere as tempers flare among tired and stressed evacuees. Arguments break out over limited resources, personal space, and the lack of information about when they can return home. Such is the distressing situation of residents in evacuation centers that others opt to defy logic and the authorities and prefer to remain on their properties inside the danger zones for fear of their carabaos being stolen or their houses ransacked by those who would take advantage. These scenes depict the challenging realities of overcrowded evacuation centers in the Philippines, highlighting the lack of space, privacy, and basic amenities, and the strain it places on evacuees and relief efforts. They serve as a reminder of the urgent need for effective solutions to address this perennial problem and provide safer and more dignified conditions for those seeking shelter during times of crisis. As a country highly vulnerable to natural disasters, it would be worthwhile for the government to explore potential solutions and find a sustainable approach that can help address this recurring issue effectively. One key element in addressing overcrowded evacuation centers, according to experts, is improving early warning systems. By investing in modern technology and infrastructure, such as weather monitoring systems, early warning sirens, and effective communication networks, the government can provide timely and accurate information to vulnerable communities. This would enable residents to prepare and evacuate in a more organized manner, reducing the strain on evacuation centers. Addressing the problem of overcrowded evacuation centers requires collaboration among various stakeholders. The government, civil society organizations, the private sector, and international partners should work together to coordinate efforts, share resources, and pool expertise. Establishing clear protocols and mechanisms for resource mobilization and coordination can enhance the efficiency of response and ensure a more equitable distribution of support. The issue of overcrowded evacuation centers in the Philippines during times of natural disasters is a complex challenge that demands a multi-faceted and sustainable approach. It would do well for government to rethink its disaster response mechanisms knowing that the next tragedy can occur in the blink of an eye. e-mail: mannyangeles27@gmail.com The post Preparedness is key appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DPWH activates Quick Response Assets amid Mayon unrest
The Department of Public Works and Highways in the Bicol region on Wednesday announced the activation of quick response teams amid the continuing volcanic activity in Mayon Volcano. Public works chief Manuel Bonoan said that Disaster and Incident Management Teams and Quick Response Assets have been assigned to monitor the integrity of national infrastructure and access to roads that will be used to deliver the needed resources during disaster response activities. DPWH Region V’s QRAs consist of 340 individuals and 30 equipment. The agency has also set up a rerouting plan for motorists traveling Legazpi-Sto. Domingo-Tabaco Road and Daang Maharlika once such areas have become impassable and risky for access to vehicles. “In the event that the Legazpi-Sto. Domingo-Tabaco Road will be impassable, motorists may take Ligao-Tabaco Road as an alternative road. In case the Camalig Section of Daang Maharlika will be closed, the Camalig-Comun-Gapo-Peñafrancia Road may be an alternate route,” DPWH said in a statement. Lava flow and rockfall have been reported amid the unrest of the famed Mayon Volcano, which prompted the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology to raise the warning to Alert Level 3. As of Tuesday, the Albay Public Safety Emergency and Management Office reported 4,286 families or 15,241 individuals who have moved out of the danger zones around Mayon due to Mayon’s volcanic activity. ### The post DPWH activates Quick Response Assets amid Mayon unrest appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
7 PNR officials convicted of graft
The Sandiganbayan convicted seven ex-officials of the Philippine National Railways of graft in connection with the anomalous procurement of P47.13 million worth of substandard railroad ties made of the wrong wood in 2013. All seven defendants, namely, former division manager Abdul Pangandaman, department managers Estelito Nierva and Ruben Besmonte, legal counsel Neofito Perilla, assistant department manager Divina Dantes and principal engineers Cesar Bocanog and Mario Arias, were found guilty of two counts of graft by the Sandiganbayan Seventh Division and sentenced to up to 20 years of jail time. They were also barred from future government employment through perpetual disqualification. The PNR’s erstwhile chief Junio Ragragario and division manager Rosendo Calleja, meanwhile, were acquitted by the anti-graft court due to the prosecution’s failure to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The case was filed by the Ombudsman in 2017 after it was discovered that PNR officials had spent P47,134,980 on substandard larch wood imported from China from Nikka Trading, despite knowing that the board resolutions and bidding documents specified that the ties be made of yakal, a Philippine hardwood species. Nikka Trading, based at Cityland Herrera Tower in Bel-Air, Makati, received the payment in two tranches: the first amounts to P37,747,832 and P9,387,148 for the second. The sum was the purchase of 10,490 pieces of bridge ties, 942 pieces of joint ties and 41 sets of switch ties, all made of larch, a kind of soft wood, imported from China. According to state prosecutors, the respondents provided unwarranted benefits, preferences and undue advantages to Nikka Trading by continuing to accept the items even if they did not meet the product criteria, to the damage and injury of the PNP or the government. The PNR intended to use the purchased wood ties for the rehabilitation of the Bicol Express tracks. The anti-graft court’s decision to convict the officials included an inquiry about why the PNR planned to acquire such a large quantity of yakal notwithstanding the issuance of E.O. 23, which imposed a log ban. “This is not to insist that Yakal should have been procured, considering the existence of E.O. 23 imposing a log ban,” the Sandiganbayan stated in its 69-page decision. “On the contrary, this court is perplexed why the PNR, after having been made aware of such ban, still intended to procure vast amounts of Yakal, and later on, in Invitations to Bid which were sent out specifying Yakal as the wood specie, all at the cost of violating a total log ban on Yakal.” According to the Sandiganbayan, the mad dash to procure wood for the rehabilitation of the PNR railways by the accused officials has not only stripped the government of precious resources but also put public safety on the line. The post 7 PNR officials convicted of graft appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl logs 7 Arcturus cases
The Philippines has detected seven new cases of Omicron subvariant XBB.1.16, also known as the Arcturus variant in the country, bringing the total caseload to 11. Based on the latest genomic sequencing data by the University of the Philippines-Philippine Genome Center from 9 to 11 May, seven were classified as Arcturus cases out of the 137 sequenced samples. Of the newly detected Arcturus cases, two were found in Western Visayas, and two in Central Luzon. The Cordillera Administrative Region, MIMAROPA and Bicol Region also reported one case each. The Department of Health previously confirmed local transmission of the Arcturus variant in the country, following the detection of more cases of the Omicron subvariant. Last month, the country logged its first Arcturus case, which was detected in Iloilo in Western Visayas. The first Arcturus case was asymptomatic and already recovered from Covid-19, according to the DoH. Meanwhile, the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc. said there has been an increase in the number of hospital admissions due to Covid-19. In an interview with Daily Tribune, PHAPi president Dr. Jose Rene De Grano said that there had been a 30 percent to 60 percent increase in Covid-19 admissions in private hospitals. “Unfortunately, Covid-19 hospital admissions are still in an upward trend although it is gradual. It is not that high,” he said. According to De Grano, most hospital admissions due to Covid-19 occurred in the National Capital Region and Calabarzon. Asked if private hospitals see the need to provide additional Covid-19 beds, he noted that it is “not needed.” “Right now, it is still very manageable. We haven’t received any reports from any of our hospitals that their Covid-19 beds are fully occupied,” he said. On Saturday, the Health department recorded a total of 2,080 new Covid-19 cases, raising the country’s total caseload to 4,125,716. The post Phl logs 7 Arcturus cases appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Rosal disqualification final, says Comelec
The Commission on Elections on Wednesday certified their 4 May decision to disqualify Carmen Rosal as mayor of Legazpi City, Albay over ‘giving money to influence, induce or corrupt the voters’ as ‘final and executory.’” This comes as no temporary restraining orders were issued by the Supreme Court in the last five days, which would have directed the stoppage of the implementation of the disqualification. The certification was issued by the poll body despite Rosal’s declaration that she filed a petition for the Supreme Court to issue a TRO on the said ruling earlier in the day. In the same document, Comelec ordered the six members of the special board of canvassers in Legazpi City, Albay to declare ex-Ako Bicol representative Alfredo Garbin Jr. as the city’s new mayor ‘within ten days’ after the certification of the decision as final. To recall, Garbin was behind Rosal in last year’s mayoral race in Legazpi City with a slim margin of only 550 votes between the two candidates. In a message to Daily Tribune, Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said that certification will still push through as no TROs were issued. “Per our conversation with the Clerk, there were no TRO issuances and we haven’t received any from the Supreme Court. It’s not automatic that the SC will issue a TRO after filing. It’s SC’s full discretion and authority whether or not they’ll issue a TRO,” Laudiangco said. He also cited an election provision which states that such decisions ‘shall become final and executory after the lapse of five days from their promulgation, unless restrained by the Supreme Court. In a Viber message, Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia said that the writ of execution will be issued on Thursday. Meantime, Rosal led a press conference at the Manila Yacht Club before noon on Wednesday where she announced that she filed a petition for the issuance of a TRO before the High Court. She argued that the decision to declare her election offense as Section 68(a) of the Omnibus Election Code was arbitrary. Previously, a decision by the Comelec Second Division October last year stated that she violated Section 261(v) of the OEC, referring to violation of public spending during the election period, with the act in question being the two-day cash assistance payout for tricycle drivers. However, in a Commission En Banc decision on 4 May which affirmed the previous decision to disqualify her, the poll body said that Rosal is not liable under Section 261(v) as she was not a public official at the time. “I reiterate, how can I be disqualified by the Comelec En Banc for vote buying when this was dismissed by the Comelec Division and such issue was not brought up to the Commission En Banc?” Rosal said. Rosal filed the petition before the SC through Attorney Romulo Macalintal. Also present during the press conference was Carmen’s husband, disqualified former Albay governor Noel Rosal, whose situation was similar to hers when he was slapped with a decision to relinquish his position over the same financial aid distribution to tricycle drivers. The petitions filed against Carmen and Noel Rosal, in this case, were both filed by Joseph Armogila. Former governor Rosal insisted that the cash payout for tricycle drivers were part of the country’s then economic assistance program amid the Covid-19 Pandemic dubbed “Bayanihan 1.” Speaking to Daily Tribune, the former governor suspected someone else behind the petitions that led to their disqualifications. “It’s not Armogila. Someone’s behind it. If it’s just him, the case would have been dismissed earlier,” Noel Rosal said. The post Rosal disqualification final, says Comelec appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Soldiers tagged in Plaza slay face admin raps
The Philippine Army Commanding General has approved the filing of administrative charges against the soldiers who were tagged in the murder of Davao-based model-businesswoman Yvonette Chua Plaza in December last year. PA chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. referred the case to the General Court Martial, chaired by 10th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Jose Eriel Niembra. Following the development of the case, BGen. Jesus Durante III and Col. Michael Licyayo were immediately transferred and detained in the Eastern Mindanao Command headquarters in Camp Panacan, Davao City on 17 April in lieu of the administrative military proceeding that is expected to convene anytime this week. PA spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the Durante and Licyayo, including SSg. Gilbert Plaza, Sgt. Delfin Sialsa Jr., Cpl. Adrian Cachero and Cpl. Rolly Cabal will be charged with violation of Article of War 96 — which refers to conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman, as well as Article of War 97 — which refers to “all disorders and neglects to the prejudice of good order and military discipline and all conduct of a nature to bring discredit upon the military service.” “The Philippine Army will uphold the highest form of discipline amongst its personnel in the performance of its mandate of serving the people and securing the land,” Trinidad said. “The Army does not tolerate wrongdoings and criminal acts of any soldier, be they officers or enlisted personnel,” he added. The post Soldiers tagged in Plaza slay face admin raps appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Duterte drug war still hot topic as Marcos admin faces UN rights review
Remulla had already reported to the UNHRC that the Department of Justice-led review panel on "war on drugs" operations is still working and referred 302 incidents to the National Bureau of Investigation for case build-up. .....»»
Disaster execs readies evacuation plan as Mount Mayon remains restive
LIGAO CITY — The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) in Bicol and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region 5 have set the preparedness plan in case there would be an escalation in the alert level status of Mount Mayon in Albay in the succeeding days. OCD Bicol director Claudio Yucot said […] The post Disaster execs readies evacuation plan as Mount Mayon remains restive appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Pagkamatay ng 9 na buwang bata matapos operahan, isolated case – EBMC
Virac, Catanduanes – Itinuturing na isolated case ang pagkamatay ng isang siyam na taong gulang na pasyente sa Eastern Bicol Medical Center (EBMC) matapos itong isailalim sa surgical operation. Sa ipinalabas na pahayag sa kanilang social media account, inihayag ng EBMC management na ang maagang pagkamatay ng pasyente ay resulta ng tinatawag na “anaphylactic shock” […].....»»
Bicol, Sorsogon brace for Bulusan worst-case scenario
MANILA - The provincial government of Sorsogon and disaster response agencies in the Bicol region are now preparing for a "worst-case scenario" amid the unrest of Mount Bulusan."The Region 5 Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council and the provincial government of Sorsogon are planning for.....»»
Delta variant patient from Bicol not local case: DOH-5
Delta variant patient from Bicol not local case: DOH-5.....»»
Matapos ang ilang araw na walang positibo, 19 ang naidagdag na positibo sa Catanduanes
Provincial Health Office Covid-19 Report for July 20, 2021 The Provincial Health Office records nineteen (19) new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the province. Patient Bicol No. 20217 is a 46 – year- old female from Virac. Close contact of a confirmed positive case. Patient Bicol No. 20218 is a 31- year- old female from […].....»»