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Sachzna minolestiya sa edad na 5, tinakot na papatayin ang lolo’t lola
Trigger warning: sexual abuse SA edad na 5 ay nakaranas na ang content creator at aktres na si Sachzna Laparan ng pangmomolestiya at pananakot. Inalala ng vlogger ang ginawang kahayupan sa kanya ng isang malayong kamag-anak na inampon ng kanyang lolo at lola. Matindi ang idinulot na trauma kay Sachzna nang mabiktima ng sexual abuse.....»»
Diageo taps K-pop star Suho to promote responsible drinking
Diageo Philippines announced the launch of a new regional responsible drinking campaign in Asia Pacific with Suho of K-Pop boy group EXO, to promote responsible and moderate alcohol consumption......»»
SC allows UN expert to act as friend of the court in Maria Ressa s cyber libel plea
Irene Khan, United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur for freedom of expression and opinion, has been allowed by the Supreme Court (SC) to sit as an "amicus curiae" to the court in the appeal for the cyber libel case of Rappler.com chief executive officer Maria Ressa and former researcher Reynaldo Santos......»»
Warning ng PAGASA ngayong Holy Week: ‘Mag-ingat dahil mas magiging mainit’
ILANG araw nalang, Holy Week na! For sure, marami sa inyo ang may lakad at bakasyon upang sulitin ang ilang araw na walang pasok. Dahil diyan, may paalala ang Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), lalo na’t idineklara na ang panahon ng tag-init. Sinabi ni PAGASA chief Dr. Nathaniel Servando, magiging mas mainit.....»»
PRO-7 warns against use of marijuana-flavored vapes
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7) has issued a stern warning against the use and proliferation of marijuana-flavored vape products. Police Lieutenant Colonel Gerard Ace Pelare, the PRO-7 spokesperson, said that they will arrest individuals who sell vapes mixed with marijuana oil. The sale and use of marijuana remains.....»»
Jake Cuenca opens up on 3-year sobriety
Jake Cuenca said that giving up alcohol has been the “best decision in my life.”.....»»
China, Not Russia, Still Tops List of Threats to US
WASHINGTON - Russia's war in Ukraine - portrayed by top U.S. officials as posing a danger to the United States itself - still trails China when it comes to long-term threats to America's security, according to a top Pentagon official.The warning from Ely Ratner, the Defense Department's assistant secretary for Indo-Pacific security affairs, comes in testimony prepared for a hearing Wednesday by the House Armed S.....»»
For moments that matter, fast relief against sore throat is the answer
Dichlorobenzyl Alcohol Amylmetacresol (Strepsils) is formulated to provide quick and effective relief, so you never miss out. The medicated lozenge is a partner to the “stay ready, don’t get ready” type of people......»»
Senior citizen shot dead in Cebu City; personal grudge eyed
CEBU CITY, Philippines – A senior citizen was killed after he was shot by a gunman in Cabancalan 2, Barangay Bulacao, Cebu City on Thursday morning, February 22, 2024. The victim was identified by his sister as 63-year-old Juan Ordenieza, who works as a parking attendant. He was shot while he was buying alcohol to have a.....»»
Barili tragedy that claimed Russian tourist’s life: Driver allegedly drunk
CEBU CITY, Philippines – The tragedy in Barili town, southwestern Cebu that claimed the life of a Russian woman may have been a result of driving under the influence of alcohol. CEBU CITY, Philippines — Police in Barili town confirmed that they found three bottles of liquor inside the ill-fated sedan that fell off from.....»»
Delicious mocktail recipes that’ll get you through Dry January with ease
Dry January is a 31-day challenge to remove alcohol from your diet. It’s for anyone who wants to start the New Year feeling refreshed and giving their liver a much-needed reboot and rest......»»
Alcohol banned at Tokyo Halloween hotspot
A ban on alcohol came into force around Tokyo's tourist hotspot Shibuya on Friday in an attempt to discourage raucous Halloween gatherings a year after a deadly crowd crush in South Korea. Nearly 160 people were crushed to death in a narrow alleyway in Seoul on 29 October last year after tens of thousands of people poured into the Itaewon neighborhood to celebrate Halloween. In Tokyo, tens of thousands of people, Japanese and foreign alike, have thronged the narrow streets around Shibuya in past years, many dressed up in Instagram-ready zombie costumes. The crowds have slowed down emergency services attempting to reach people in need. "We're extremely concerned accidents similar to the fatal case in Itaewon in Seoul last October could happen anytime," the district's mayor Ken Hasebe said this month. Ahead of this weekend, a video released by authorities in Japanese and English focused also on the annoyances caused to locals such as vandalism, litter, and noise. "This Halloween night everyone should stay away from Shibuya. Some people live in Shibuya," the video message said. "Violence. Drinking on the street. Smoking on the street. Traffic violation. You can't choose how your actions will affect others." Billboards have been put up and a famous statue of Hachiko the faithful dog that is a popular meeting place outside Shibuya Station was also set to be covered up with a temporary enclosure. Some residents welcomed the restrictions. "I think it's a fair decision because I find that these celebrations have become more and more excessive in recent years," said Ryosuke Yamazaki, 35. "If this were to get even worse than before there could be a disaster or even something on the order of what happened in South Korea," he told AFP. Kosuke Kimura, 21, called the restrictions "entirely appropriate". But US tourist Laura Williamee, 35, said it was "very disappointing". "I booked this flight a while ago and I was looking forward to being in Shibuya for Halloween... (but) I understand it can get dangerous," she told AFP. "I think they do have the right idea and they want to protect the people and all the tourists and stuff, so I do understand. I'm not upset about it. It is just disappointing." The post Alcohol banned at Tokyo Halloween hotspot appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
The joy of eating
There is almost always a restaurant opening in the metropolis — either to excite the taste buds or simply elevate the Filipino dining experience. Yes, from Filipino dishes to American-Italian fare and specialty steakhouse, there will always be something for everyone to discover, relish and enjoy. LOCAVORE AT ESTANCIA MALL A cozy, contemporary space ensconced inside the Estancia Mall in Pasig City, Locavore is given true Filipino touches with its warm woods, rattan chairs, rustic pendant lights and an expansive glass window that provides an exceptional view of the surrounding environs. [caption id="attachment_192645" align="aligncenter" width="771"] OLIVE Garden’s Herb Roasted Chicken.[/caption] Opened last May, Locavore at Estancia Mall is the seventh branch of the restaurant, which catapulted to prominence in the culinary arena in 2014 after it opened its first branch at Brixton Barrio Kapitolyo, also in Pasig City. It then opened at Forbestown in Taguig City, Valero Street in Makati City, S’Maison in Pasay City, Eastwood Mall in Quezon City and SM City Bacoor. With the talented chef Mikel Zaguirre and his team at the helm, Locavore takes the homey heartwarming flavors of Filipino cooking gives a more sophisticated interpretation. And with the newly opened branch comes an expanded menu and new dishes exclusively in the Estancia outlet. For starters, have the crisp BBM or Bagnet, Buro and Mustasa — a platter filled with thinly sliced, crispy pork bagnet chips that you wrap in mustasa leaves (Samgyup style) seasoned with burong (pickled) hipon and burong mangga with gochugaru (Korean chili flakes). Follow it up with Bistek Pintxos, toasted bread decked with bistek-style beef tenderloin, grilled quesong puti, truffle aioli and red onions. [caption id="attachment_192646" align="aligncenter" width="525"] OLIVE Garden’s Purple White Cocktail.[/caption] “The new dishes are presented on slate plates because they are mostly bar chows,” says Alejandro Pahan Jr., operations manager. “That’s our new concept. We were thinking of madaling kainin (easy to eat) and something fun. Because samgyup is trending, we came up with pintxos.” The resto also has Bulalo Pintxos, roasted bone marrow with pickled labanos and pares jam; Yakitori Platter, grilled skewered chicken wings, chicken thigh meat, gizzard and liver served with annatto aioli, tocino butter, miso butter and spiced suka; Bagnet Chips, housemade bagnet chips served with spiced vinegar; and Inasalitos, inasal chicken with salsa, labuyo aioli served in lumpia taco shell. All these dishes are paired with seven new signature cocktail drinks, crafted by its in-house mixologist. Pahan says the new refreshing drinks heavily relies on the food being served at the restaurant. They complement the taste of the meals. Locavore serves alcohol and spirits. The drinks include Hardin, a hybrid between gin tonic and Tom Collins, with tonic water and botanicals and floral notes like blue pea and elderflower (which has a similar taste notes of lychee), garnished with rosemary and black pepper; Kinilig, a combo of Disaronno amaretto, honey, lemon juice and rum, with rice paper art design on top; Diwata, a blend of Bombay Sapphire gin with Giffard Lychee liqueur, sugar syrup and lemon juice, dressed with basil sprig and forget me not flower; and Antibayotiko, a whiskey-based mix of bourbon, ginger liqueur, honey and lemon juice. Locavore at Estancia Mall has a seating capacity of 120 people and targets bar goers in the area. It’s open until 1 a.m. from Wednesday to Saturday. The rest of the week, it follows the mall hours. OLIVE GARDEN AT THE VERVE A visit to the newly opened third branch of Olive Garden at The Verve in BGC, Taguig City, is a journey of discovery into a world of delicious and affordable pasta, bread, salad, chicken and pizza sensibilities. The menu is broad and touches base with all the departments of classic Italian-American fare. Upon arrival, diners are swiftly delivered a basket of freshly baked breadsticks, which are widely popular in all 900 Olive Garden stores all over the world, including the Philippines. They are buttery, a bit garlicky, moist and chewy. The unlimited breadsticks, including the never-ending soups and salads, come free with every order of an entrée. What a treat! [caption id="attachment_192647" align="aligncenter" width="525"] LOCAVORE’S BBM (Bagnet, Buro, Mustasa).[/caption] The refreshing salad is a merry mix of healthy greens, tomatoes and olives with a light house dressing, while the soup selection includes Pasta E Fagioli, Zuppa Toscana, Minestrone and Chicken & Gnocchi. Olive Garden first opened at the Mall of Asia on 12 September 2022 and at Glorietta 3 in Makati City on 9 January 2023. “It is, more or less, the same menu that we have for our first branch in MOA and also the same menu all over the United States,” Rechele Tiongson, chief operating officer of The Bistro Group, the company responsible for bringing in Olive Garden which was founded in 1982 in Orlando, Florida. “We never changed anything aside from modifying some of the portions that would fit the Filipino market, but the taste and flavor are the same. We use the finest ingredients like imported cheeses.” She adds: “Just to be clear, we did not reduce the portions but we introduce the smaller ones like solo version for those will smaller appetites. The big portions remain the same.” Browsing the menu uncovers more inviting dishes, such as the signature item, Tour of Italy (a huge platter of everything good — Chicken Parmigiana, Lasagna Classico and Fettucino Alfredo pasta), Amazing Alfredos (made from scratch using imported cheeses, not just heavy cream) and an Italian classic, Shrimp Scampi. Just recently, four new dishes were introduced — Mediterranean Chicken, Chicken Tuscany, Roasted Herb Chicken and Italian Braised Short Ribs, all served with a choice of mashed potato or steamed rice. “We are happy with the response of the public to Olive Garden,” shares Tiongson. “It was extremely unexpected when we first opened in MOA. We were busy for the next six months of the restaurant. The queue was really long. People had to wait for 30 to 45 minutes, which we felt bad for our customers, but that was how they responded to the first opening of Olive Garden in the Philippines.” Olive Garden’s vibe is casual, light and bright yet it is warm and comforting with olive green accents. The design of the interiors is an allusion to the Italian countryside through earth tones and natural textures. It can accommodate 150 people. Olive Garden at The Verve in BGC is open from Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. [caption id="attachment_192648" align="aligncenter" width="525"] LOCAVORE’S Sizzling Sinigang.[/caption] ASTON’S SPECIALITIES AT ARCOVIA Tron Ng, Astons business development executive based in Singapore, flew to Manila last, 22 September, in time for the opening of the third branch of Astons Specialities, a Singapore-based restaurant chain renowned for serving affordable steaks and Western cuisine, at Arcovia City in Pasig City. Astons is a casual steakhouse which first opened in the Philippines last year on the 4/F of Mega Atrium in SM Megamall. The second branch was at Trinoma Mall in Quezon City early this year. Silver Lush Food Corporation brought in the Singapore brand to satisfy the cravings of steak lovers and those who enjoy more seafood, chicken, sausages, burgers and pasta dishes. “This is our third outlet in the Philippines in a span of 16 months,” says Ng. “We have been around since 2005 when it was founded by Aston Soon. We started as a very small coffeeshop in Singapore. Eventually, we managed to draw a lot of attention because we offer quality food at affordable prices.” He adds: “Within a year, we opened our own restaurant and we continue to grow and expand. We have introduced many different brands under Astons and we have over 40 restaurants only in Singapore alone.” [caption id="attachment_192649" align="aligncenter" width="525"] OLIVE Garden Pasta Twirl. (From left) Zachary Reams of Darden Int’l Learning and Development partner; Marc Buencamino, Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation operations director; RC Tiongson, The Bistro Group chief operating officer; Lourdes Reyes, FBDC chief financial officer; and Lisa Ronquillo-Along, The Bistro Group chief marketing officer.[/caption] Aside from the Philippines, Aston Specialities can also be found in Myanmar and Malaysia. It was also recognized by the AsiaOne’s People Choice Awards and Asian Enterprise Brand Awards for its service and offerings. “I believe Astons will do well in the Philippines because the locals lean more on western food,” Ng says. Of course, the piece de resistance of Astons revolves around its steaks and meat, as it should be. The different cuts of meat from prime sirloin and New York strip to prime ribeye steak do not disappoint. Each has wonderful marbling with the juiciness of the meat, coating your tongue with every bite. The perfect grill marks immediately excite one’s appetite and invite you to dig in with your own side dishes — potatoes (baked, mashed, wedges or fries), Mexican nachos (chicken or beef) or Mac & Cheese. Other items on the menu are also a treat, such as Surf & Turf and Chargrilled Salmon Fillet, Grilled Porkchops and Honey Bourbon Ribs. Cocktail drinks are also aplenty — Piña Colada, Tequila Sunrise, Daiquiri, Orange Margarita and Sangria, to name some. With its industrial chandelier, brick accents and dark wood touches, the place takes on the air of an upscale roadhouse, but softened by the muted walls and expansive glass windows. Astons Specialities at Arcovia City is open daily, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. All told, a trip to any of these newly opened restaurants guarantees a truly gratifying dining experience. The post The joy of eating appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Florida man convicted of two murders executed by lethal injection
A Florida man convicted of murdering two women in 1996 was executed by lethal injection on Tuesday, local media said. Michael Zack, 54, was put to death at the Florida State Prison in the town of Raiford, the Pensacola News Journal reported. The newspaper said the lethal drug cocktail was administered at 6:02 p.m. and Zack was pronounced dead 12 minutes later. Zack was sentenced to death in 1997 for the June 1996 sexual assault, robbery, and murder of Ravonne Smith, a woman he met at a bar. He was also convicted of the murder of another woman, Laura Rosillo, who had befriended him at another bar. Zack's defense attorneys had sought to block his execution on the grounds that he suffered from fetal alcohol syndrome and was intellectually disabled. His appeals were denied by lower courts and eventually the Supreme Court. The group Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty released a final statement from Zack. "Twenty-seven years ago, I was an alcoholic and a drug addict," it said. "I did things that have hurt a lot of people -- not only the victims and their families and friends, but my own family and friends as well. "I have woken up every single day since then filled with remorse." There have been six executions in Florida this year and 19 in the United States. The post Florida man convicted of two murders executed by lethal injection appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
FedEx aids tots at fringes
FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. and one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, has recently donated hygiene kits to children in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte, Mindanao through collaboration with Feed the Children, an international nonprofit organization focused on addressing the needs of disadvantaged children in nine countries including the Philippines. A team of 30 FedEx volunteers came together to pack 1,500 hygiene kits containing a nail trimmer, towels, toothpaste, alcohol, toothbrush and antibacterial soap, and helped deliver the kits to Zamboanga. “For almost four decades in the Philippines, we are proud to support programs that enable positive sustainable changes for communities to thrive,” said Maribeth Espinosa, managing director, FedEx Express Philippines. “FedEx is committed to delivering for good and contributing to the social and economic needs of those less fortunate. Our goal of connecting people and possibilities worldwide goes beyond empowering businesses. We are looking to bring together businesses and customers and unite humanity to advance hope, opportunity, and change.” Children from the most vulnerable communities face an increased risk of contracting hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) caused by poor hygiene practices. Providing hygiene kits is one of many ways to address the situation and help families combat life-threatening diseases and illnesses. The initiative is part of the FedEx Cares global community engagement program. The post FedEx aids tots at fringes appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Indonesia woman jailed for TikTok video praying before eating pork
An Indonesian court has sentenced a woman to two years in prison and handed her a heavy fine after she recited an Islamic prayer before eating pork in a viral TikTok video widely criticized in the Muslim-majority country. Lina Mukherjee, 33, was found guilty of "spreading information aimed at inciting hatred against religious individuals and specific groups" at a court on Tuesday in the South Sumatra city of Palembang, according to the verdict. It came after a resident reported Mukherjee in March for the video, that amassed millions of views, in which she uttered a Muslim prayer that translates to "in the name of God", before consuming crispy pork skin. Pork is forbidden under Islam, which is the dominant religion in Indonesia. Mukherjee identifies as a Muslim and her actions were condemned by conservative groups including the country's top Muslim clerical body, the Indonesian Ulema Council, which issued a ruling calling the video blasphemous. She was also fined 250 million rupiah ($16,200) for which her jail term would be extended by three months if it was not paid. This is the latest in a string of blasphemy cases in the country. Last year Indonesian police arrested six people on charges of blasphemy over a bar chain's free alcohol promotion for patrons named Mohammed. Rights groups have long campaigned against the laws they say are frequently misused to target religious minorities. Jakarta's ex-governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, better known as Ahok, was jailed for nearly two years on controversial blasphemy charges in 2017. Purnama, a Christian, was jailed for comments he made on the campaign trail during a re-election bid that saw him accused of insulting Islam. The post Indonesia woman jailed for TikTok video praying before eating pork appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
The solitary kidney
In recent news, a basketball player had to have his kidney removed after sustaining an injury during a game. While unfortunate to lose a kidney, most people with just one kidney can live healthy, normal lives. There are four main causes of this condition, known as a solitary kidney: 1. Birth defects. Some people can be born with only one kidney, or with two kidneys, but with only one that functions properly. 2. Surgical removal. A kidney may be removed due to severe trauma after an accident (as in the case of the basketball player), a tumor (whether benign or cancer), kidney stones or a severe infection. 3. Kidney donation. Persons who donate a kidney to be transplanted into a family member or friend whose kidneys have failed should have two healthy kidneys. 4. Kidney transplant recipients. Recipients of the kidney transplant have native kidneys that do not work properly and will have only one functioning kidney after the transplant. A solitary kidney may be able to compensate and increase function as well as two healthy kidneys, like having one person doing the job of two people. However, injury to a solitary kidney can cause kidney failure to happen more quickly, making treatment more urgent and needing closer monitoring. Individuals with one kidney may have a slightly increased risk of developing high blood pressure and this can damage blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to work correctly. You should have your blood pressure monitored at least twice a year and if high blood pressure is present, your blood pressure should be controlled to less than 130/80 mmHg. Having a single kidney has historically been considered a disqualifying condition for contact sports like football, basketball, martial arts, boxing and soccer. Over the years, however, it has been shown that it is reasonable to allow individuals with a single kidney to participate in contact sports, after discussion of the potential risks. Wearing protective gear such as padded vests can help protect the kidney from injury during sports. This can help lessen the risk, but remember that it won’t take away the risk. Here are some tips on how to take care of a solitary kidney. Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can overtax the ability of one kidney to function properly. Eat a balanced diet. Have a healthy, balanced diet low in salt, sugar and processed foods. Include fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains in your diet. Stay hydrated. Drink enough water to maintain good kidney function. Proper hydration also helps prevent kidney stones. Monitor your blood pressure. You should keep your blood pressure within a healthy range because high blood pressure can put extra stress on your kidney. Limit alcohol and caffeine. Don’t smoke. [caption id="attachment_181177" align="aligncenter" width="1706"] Photograph courtesy of Pexels/Cottonbro StudioDon’t smoke.[/caption] Be careful with pain relievers. Long-term use or excessive dosage of medications like ibuprofen, mefenamic acid and etoricoxib can harm the kidneys. Take these medicines only as prescribed by your doctor. Medication awareness. Inform your healthcare provider about your solitary kidney when discussing medications, as some drugs can be hard on the kidneys. They can adjust prescriptions accordingly. Exercise. Engaging in regular physical activity to promote overall well-being is still a good idea, but take precautions to protect your kidney. Regular check-ups. See your doctor regularly to monitor your kidney function and provide guidance on managing your health. Periodic blood and urine tests can help to detect any issues early so that they can be managed right away. Treat bladder and kidney infections. If you have any signs of urinary tract infection, such as pain on urination, frequent urination and fever, seek medical help immediately to get the proper treatment. Educate yourself. Learn about your condition and follow your doctor’s advice. Being well-informed about your health can help you make better choices Yes, you can live with one kidney. Together with the guidance of your physician, regular monitoring and a healthy lifestyle, you can help ensure the optimal function of your solitary kidney. The post The solitary kidney appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Drunken disaster
There is wisdom in the advice to drink liquor moderately. Putting spirit in the head instead of the stomach can lead to drunken misbehavior. When two men who toured Paris’ Eiffel Tower on the night of 13 August decided to have extra fun in the famous attraction, they went during closing time to an area off limits to visitors, unnoticed by security guards. In a spot between the 330-meter-tall steel structure’s second and third floors, the Americans indulged in alcohol while stargazing. They got so drunk that they could not get themselves off their perch and dozed off. The following morning, guards doing checks at the site before opening time found the sleeping interlopers. Firefighters, including a specialist unit for recovering people from dangerous heights, had to be called in to recover the intruders, a police source said, according to Agence France-Presse. Both men were brought to the police station for questioning, while Sete, the Eiffel operator, said it would file a criminal complaint. In another case, the owner of a rental swimming pool in Pansol, Calamba, Laguna almost sued a group of visitors for allegedly trashing their place on 14 August. Owners of Jeremias Resort and the men caught by the resort’s CCTV cameras agreed to a settlement, with the vandals paying P30,000 in damages. A viral video from Kath Llarenas as reported by a TV news outlet shows four men throwing into the swimming pool monoblock chairs, tables, bottles, a griller and a water dispenser. The renters, who celebrated a friend’s birthday, made a big mess of the place, including the restrooms, Pep reported. In an interview, one of the men admitted that they drank too much alcohol. “We weren’t able to control ourselves so that was what happened,” he said. Despite their apology and payment of damages to the resort owners, their employers, who learned about the incident, later fired them. WJG @tribunephl_wjg The post Drunken disaster appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bottoms up!
Meaning: An encouragement to drink or to finish one’s drink. Did you know that the term “Bottoms up” originated in an era when English sailors were encouraged to drink? There is a popular story behind its history where English sailors used to be bribed with coins to join the navy and many times, they would be tricked into joining by being given a beer with a coin at the bottom of the glass. Sounds fun, right? There is a reward after drinking a reward. I can drink to that! According to the legend, men began to say “Bottoms up” to their drinking buddies so they could see if there were coins in the glasses before the drinks were finished. Now, in modern times, most people say, “Bottoms up!” to cheer their buddies when drinking alcohol, having fun, and celebrating an event. It used to be a happy term, but did you know that it could also be a negative phrase? In some situations, people say “Bottoms up!” to encourage drinking something unpleasant. For example, you need to drink your medicine despite its bitter so someone will say to you “Bottoms Up!” until you finish it. Yes, my dear readers, how are you after the long weekend? Have you recharged and had fun together with friends and families? Nothing wrong with having fun, of course, as long as it does not hurt anyone or as long as it is after working hours. Speaking of “Bottoms up!,” it has been all over the news recently, have you seen it? In case you haven’t, then let me fill you in on some spicy information. Last week, on 16 August, acting port managers and seven other officials of the Philippine Ports Authority assigned to the Port Management Office of Bohol were caught on CCTV drinking inside the PPA office multipurpose hall to celebrate the acting port manager’s birthday. That’s not the worst of it. Aside from drinking on the premises of a government facility, they used the office chairs and tables (supposedly for meetings and official functions) for their drinking session with lots of bottles of alcohol, an invited band, and the attorneys and port police dancing as shown on the CCTV footage. Like I said, having fun is not bad at all, celebrating birthdays is okay, and being together with friends or co-workers on a special day is totally fine.... but not to the extent of using government facilities and resources to fuel that fun. These eight officials of PPA Bohol, including the acting port manager/birthday celebrator, two legal attorneys, four port police officials, and the Port Services Department Bohol head, were removed from their posts pending an investigation. Recently, PPA General Manager Jay Santiago issued a memorandum reiterating Memo Circular No. 013-2023, otherwise known as the “Strict prohibition on the consumption of alcoholic beverages in the workplace.” The memorandum was first issued in 2018 under the same management after the former DoTr officials issued a directive prohibiting alcoholic beverages in the workplace — all in accordance with Civil Service Commission Memorandum No. 4, series of 2011, stating the policy guidelines on the prohibition of alcoholic beverages among government officials and employees. See? No government official or employee is excused for drinking inside a government office. An official is expected to serve the public, to give assistance, to make their lives easier, to be of great service to the community, and not to be another source of conflicts and problems within their areas of responsibility. Ports operate 24/7, thus there is no need to be complacent at any moment. Thank goodness for the high-tech surveillance system of the PPA, serious negligence and deliberate negative acts like these can be monitored from the head office. To be fair, drinking has long been the center of workplace culture, whether for socialization or to gain each other’s trust. In fact, in China, drinking with business partners serves as a moral contract in which the potential work partners get drunk together until they become friends and gain each other’s trust and professional interests. But we are not in China, we are here in our beloved country striving to always change to rise from the difficulties of being in a third-world country. A lot of people, or even more deserving people, need jobs, hence, any job, especially a government position, should not be taken for granted and abused. Now this brings us to a question: Does alcohol have a place at work and should it? Your guess is as good as mine. Let us not normalize alcohol drinking at work or the pressure to participate. It may seem like a nice gesture to subsidize alcohol at events to build camaraderie, but it is not necessary in carrying out government functions, especially inside office areas. There you go, fellow boat riders, yes, we either sink or swim all together because we are in the same boat, but this time we’re not in the same boat because no one wants to be bonding with booze and boss in an office setup on a weekday. Smells like a “Bottoms up!” disaster. Yikes! The post Bottoms up! appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PPA reiterates: Keep off booze
Following the sacking of eight port officials in Bohol after being caught on CCTV having a drinking binge inside an office of the Philippine Ports Authority during a birthday celebration of their acting manager, PPA general manager Jay Daniel Santiago released a memorandum strictly prohibiting the consumption of alcohol in the workplace. “All PPA officials and employees, Contract of Service and outsourced personnel are hereby prohibited from drinking alcoholic beverages in all PPA premises (offices, training venues, etc.) AT ALL TIMES, during and even beyond office hours on weekends, including weekends, holidays and non-working days,” the PPA Memorandum Circular 013-2023, signed by Santiago, read. Santiago immediately fired the officials from the Bohol Port Management Office in Tagbilaran City after a drinking spree inside the PMO’s multipurpose hall last 16 August. “This prohibition shall include consumption of “alcoholic beverages, such as, but not limited to, malt beverages, wine, and intoxicating liquor”, including reporting for work while under the influence of alcohol,” the memo further read. Violation of the said memorandum “will be penalized to the fullest extent of the law in accordance with the provisions of the 2017 Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service.” The post PPA reiterates: Keep off booze appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»