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Bill seeks review of rules on reckless imprudence
The country’s road safety laws must be reviewed to address the liability of drivers in cases of traffic violations and accidents, a lawmaker from Bukidnon said yesterday, citing the high number of vehicular crashes in Metro Manila......»»
Duterte affirms confidence in Duque, Villar
Two Cabinet members have earned praises anew from President Duterte for their integrity and competence. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (ARMAN BAYLON / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN) In a meeting on the government’s typhoon response Monday, the President has voiced his confidence in Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, saying he cannot find a reason to suspend him.The President also described Public Highways Secretary Mark Villar as “an honest man,” adding that he needs his expertise in the Cabinet.Both Duque and Villar were present in the meeting with the President, other Cabinet members and government officials at the Malago clubhouse in Malacañang Park to discuss disaster response and relief efforts Monday.The President first commended Duque after the latter delivered his report on the Department of Health’s efforts to address the needs of the communities hit by typhoon Rolly.“Thank you, Secretary Duque. It was a good report. Ang nahalata ko dito sa panahon mo is the surveillance and the vigilance in keeping track of possible outbreaks, I like that, and you have been doing it,” Duterte said.“That’s why I cannot find any plausible or even a meager argument for your — for your suspension. Wala akong nakitang ano — ang trabaho mo maganda (I cannot see… your work is good). The surveillance that you are doing and the vigilance sa public health is amply protected,” he said.Some lawmakers earlier called for the removal and prosecution of Duque over the alleged irregularities in the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). The President, however, has rejected calls for Duque’s dismissal, saying he has not stolen public funds.In the same meeting, the President said he has no question about the integrity of Villar.“Not only that he is honest, he has money. Siya ang — may pera siya (He has money) and I do not question his integrity or loyalty,” Duterte said about the DPWH secretary.“If not, bakit nandito pa nga siya sa Cabinet? Meaning to say that kailangan ko siya (If not, why is he still in the Cabinet? Meaning to say, I need him). I need his expertise, his talent,” he said.The President earlier directed the Department of Justice to conduct allegations of corruption in the entire government and prosecute those involved. Frustrated with the rampant corruption in the bureaucracy, Duterte told the DOJ to expand its corruption probe on PhilHealth to cover the Department of Public Works and Highways and other state agencies.Duterte, in his remarks Monday, lamented that corruption in government has persisted regardless of the sitting administration. He noted that long before his Cabinet members were appointed, corruption has already been prevalent in some agencies.He warned anew that those implicated in corruption in PhilHealth and other government offices would be held liable. He noted that several PhilHealth officials have already been placed on preventive suspension by the Office of the Ombudsman pending a probe.“They are being investigated and if there’s enough evidence, they will be prosecuted in court. And eventually they will land in jail. And that could be a problem not only for the family and everybody,” he said......»»
CPP is deceiving the public for denying existence of its front organizations — Roque
It would be the height of deception of the local communist rebel group if it will deny the existence of their front organizations, a Palace official said Tuesday. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque (OPS / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN) According to Presidential spokesman Harry Roque, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) has an armed group, the New People’s Army (NPA), as well as a political wing composed of the so-called legal front groups. He argued that these front organizations may not take up arms but still belong to the communist rebel group. Roque made the statement even after clarifying that authorities have been advised against red-tagging personalties without presenting proof. “Lilinawin ko, bagama’t ang sinabi ni Secretary Lorenzana na polisiya natin talaga ay kung walang ebidensiya dapat manahimik at huwag mag-red tagging eh hindi naman po ibig sabihin noon na wala talagang mga organisasyon na talagang kasapi at kabahagi ng CPP-NPA (I’d like to make clear that although (Defense) Secretary (Delfin) Lorenzana mentioned our policy to stay silent and avoid red-tagging personalities without proof, it does not mean that there are no organizations belonging to the CPP-NPA),” Roque said during a televised press briefing. “Ang CPP-NPA po, talagang mayroon silang revolutionary armed struggle, iyan po iyong NPA at mayroon silang political, kasama sa political ay iyong mga tinawag nilang mga organisasyon na diumano’y legal dahil hindi naman sila humahawak ng baril pero kabahagi pa rin po ng CPP-NPA at hindi po madi-deny iyan. Kaplastikan po ng CPP-NPA kung sasabihin nilang wala silang mga legal fronts na tinatawag. (The CPP-NPA has a revolutionary armed struggle, that’s the NPA and they have a political arm composed of what they call legal organizations because they don’t take up arms but they are still part of the CPP-NPA and that cannot be denied. It will be deceitful for the CPP-NPA if they will say they don’t have so-called legal fronts),” he said. Amnesty International earlier appealed to the Philippine government to halt “its vicious and at times deadly practice of red-tagging” or labeling of groups or persons as communists or terrorists. The group urged the government to address criticisms about its policies instead of allegedly endangering people practicing free speech.“In the prevailing context where red-tagged individuals become the targets of harassment, threats and even killings, courts and pertinent government agencies must take concrete steps to ensure the safety and protection of these individuals,” the group said in its website. The appeal was made as the Senate started an inquiry into the controversial red-tagging activities of some military officials. Last week, the Palace said President Duterte wanted military and police officials to stop labeling personalities as communists without showing evidence. Duterte has spoken through Lorenzana who advised officials to be careful in red-tagging, according to Roque. .....»»
Halloween fans go online to keep tradition alive
Dressing up as a character different from yourself attracts the Halloween fans to keep the party going online.It takes a group of performers five hours to put on that Halloween look for the online stage.Malls have also taken the Halloween celebration online. Filipinos who celebrate Halloween are not going to let the COVID-19 pandemic take away the fun of something different, one of them dressing up costume parties. (UNSPLASH / MANILA BULLETIN) From the horror theme to the various characters in video games and movies, dressing up as someone so different from yourself has definitely charmed people of all ages and professions. But with the health and safety protocols prohibiting large gatherings, Halloween fans are taking the parties to another address — online! And the creativity to spark the party mood is amazing! John Paolo Mandac, a Human Resource professional who refuses to let go of years of dressing up for Halloween, has made a Maleficent costume out of recyclable materials. He said that “growing up gay and closeted” required him to dress up as he was told. But on Halloween, he has a chance to dress up the way he likes without displeasing anyone. John Paolo Mandac (Photo courtesy of John Paolo Mandac / MANILA BULLETN) “In the gay world, we call [Halloween] ‘Gay Christmas’,” Mandac said. He said there’s no skipping Halloween this year despite the COVID-19 pandemic, because it’s a holiday that “speaks volumes” to him. What Mandac likes the most about Halloween is being able to dress up. He said he has always liked Halloween since he was a kid but started really preparing to dress up for it in 2015. “Most of my childhood, I remember going to SM Megamall with my mom and sister to Trick-or- Treat. That went on for several years,” he said. “My mom would ask us to think of a character we would like to be that evening. And we had to be creative in making our costumes. It became a yearly bonding experience for us three,” he said. From trick-or-treating in malls, Mandac turned to Halloween parties. This year, he joined several virtual Halloween parties, including one prepared by his office colleagues. Mandac said that although the parties are “less grand” and all virtual, those were still Halloween parties. “No brushing elbows with strangers definitely. No physical interaction, no getting drunk, no appreciating a stranger’s costume. Everything is virtual,” he said, adding that he’ll likely throw in a horror movie marathon on Netflix after the online parties. The show must go on A group of gay performers whose busiest time in a nightclub is Halloween, has prepared their “look” for the new online stage. Since clubs have yet to open, Drag Queens Shewarma, Minty Fresh, Odasha — collectively known as Shemod — have taken their Halloween Drag show online. “Pag Halloween nag re-ready talaga kami or may mga naka resereve na kaming looks (We really prepare for Halloween, our ‘look’ has already been planned),” Odasha told Manila Bulletin. “Halloween is one of the most awaited events of the year in the nightclub,” Odasha said in Pilipino. This year, the challenge of performing for a show online requires more effort to create a look, Minty Fresh said. “Umaabot ng five hours yung preparation, kasi naayos kami, then mag seset up pa ng lighting (It takes us about five hours just to prepare, because we need to put on make-up, and then set up the stage and the lighting),” Minty Fresh said. Friendly Halloween party Meanwhile a group of high school friends have prepared to hold their yearly party online. Lace Azores, 25, a medical intern, said that for the first time in the seven years that they have been holding Halloween parties, this time he has prepared a program. “Every year we would have a Halloween party where we dress up, wear costumes, celebrate, and we also have an award ceremony,” Azores said. (Photo courtesy of Lace Azores / MANILA BULLETIN) But since quarantine restrictions prevent a party, they prepared to meet for an online party. “Usually kasi nag uusap usap lang kami pag mag kakasama kami physically. This time, may program akong prinepare, with games and awards, ‘Best in Costume’ ganyan (Usually, we would just talk to each other and share stories with each other during our physical parties. This time, I prepared a program, with games and awards like Best in Costume,” she said. Although they will not be physically together, Azores said that she and her friends will still have fun. The only thing she will miss though will be the dancing. And how will she dress up this year, we asked. Her reply: “As the coronavirus. Kasi ‘yan ang pinaka nakakatakot na nangyari this year (Because it’s the scariest thing that happened this year).” Annual Halloween fest goes online Meanwhile up north, the biggest Halloween bash in Ilocos Norte has also gone virtual. “Semana Ti Ar-Aria” is a week-long festival in Ilocos Norte which highlights the distinct traditions and superstitions of Ilocanos in remembering their departed loved ones. The festival which started in 2010 was started by former governor and now Senator Imee Marcos. The activities will mostly be online. Among them are the +Halloween TikTok Transformation challenge and a blog-making contest called “Kaba-vloghan,” Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte Information Officer II Rhona Ysabel Daoang said Other events are the “Lilia Cuntapay Short Horror Film Festival,” a film festival in honor of the Ilocana actress dubbed the “Queen of Philippine Horror Movies.” Absent this year will be the Zombie Night Run and the ghost parade. Mall activities go online Shopping malls have also brought the Halloween tradition online. Ayala Malls will host a virtual mall show Oct. 31 featuring characters such as Pinkfong and Baby Shark. The mall also made an online challenge where participants have to dress up in a Halloween costume and record themselves doing the Baby Shark Hand Wash Challenge. (Ayala Malls / MANILA BULLETIN) The challenge winner will get a Prepaid WiFi modem. The challenge promo will run until Oct. 31 and the winner will be announced on the mall’s Facebook page on Nov. 6. Events coordinator Katrina Loreto said most malls went for online promotions instead of staging an event. “Before there were many events, every mall had a Halloween event. Now, it’s mostly online promotions,” Loreto told Manila Bulletin......»»
Palay prices dip to P11/kg in some areas
Palay prices continued to go down, even dipping to as low as P11 per kilogram (/kg) as farmers approach the tail-end of the harvest season with a series of strong typhoons. Latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that the average farm-gate price of palay continued its downward movement, falling by 4.1 percent to P15.79/kg from the price level of P16.47/kg in the previous week. Year-on-year, the price increased by 0.2 percent from its average price of P15.76/kg in the same week of the previous year. Unfortunately, prices went down to as low as P11/kg in areas like Surigao del Sur and Cavite, which means some farmers were forced to sell their produce at a loss. In other areas like Agusan del Sur and Bulacan, farmers barely made money, with palay sold at exactly or just slightly above P12/kg. In the Philippines, the average production cost of rice farmers stood around P12.72/kg, which is higher or nearly double than what rice farmers in Vietnam and Thailand spend to produce the staple. This means that if prices fell below that amount, farmers would receive earnings that are lower than what they spent for. Some said that with the current production cost, the breakeven farmgate price of fresh harvest should be around P14.50/kg. Meanwhile, highest palay prices were recorded in areas like Bataan, Nueva Ecija, Zambales, Pampanga, Rizal, and Palawan wherein the commodity were sold at P18/kg to P21/kg, the same PSA data showed. Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) National Manager Raul Montemayor said that in the next few weeks, as farmers approach the tail-end of the harvest season, palay prices will definitely go down further. This, as palay, when damaged by storms, could yield to poor quality rice, which, among other reasons like the continuous entry of imported rice, could result in traders deciding not to buy at all. “Rainy weather is also to blame since traders have to discount for grain deterioration due to lack of drying facilities,” he said. A data from the Department of Agriculture (DA) showed that as of October 29, Typhoon Quinta already destroyed 79,239 metric tons (MT) of palay worth P1.13 billion within 62,880 hectares of farms. Then there’s the threat of Typhoon Rolly, which is expected to make landfall in Quezon and Aurora provinces on Saturday (October 31) and become a super typhoon. Montemayor also thinks that the continuous decline in palay prices is already “not surprising” since government intervention is doing very little for farmers. According to him, the National Food Authority’s (NFA) palay procurement has had minimal impact despite pronouncements of DA, while the planned suspension of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances (SPS-ICs) on rice “came in too late, as in last year, to influence farmgate prices.” “Too little too late [actions] again by the DA,” Montemayor said. “At this time, [DA can do] very little. Damage was already done and most farmers have already harvested. Some typhoon-affected farmers (like those in Occidental Mindoro and Isabela) are asking NFA to buy storm-damaged palay but I doubt if they will do that since the agency itself doesn’t have dryers,” he added. Montemayor was particularly referring to Agriculture Secretary William Dar’s previous order for NFA to intensify its palay procurement in order to address decline in palay prices. To recall, NFA, whose sole mandate now is to secure the government’s buffer stock, buys palay at P19/kg and is given P7 billion every year to do this. Also, more than a week ago, Senator Cynthia Villar, chairperson of the senate agriculture committee, asked the DA to stop issuing SPS-ICs to rice importers during harvest time, which would probably take effect after the next planting season. Business Bulletin sought the reaction of DA Spokesperson Noel Reyes regarding the decline in palay prices, but he is yet to respond......»»
OVP sets up more learning hubs in areas with internet access concerns
With the ongoing distance learning classes, Vice President Leni Robredo’s office continues to set up more learning hubs in communities nationwide to address internet access concerns. (OVP / MANILA BULLETIN) Robredo announced the opening of 55 additional learning hubs soon in areas where they are needed on top of the 13 pilot sites. She gave the public a first glimpse of the learning hub during a tour on Monday in Barangay Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City. Joining her was Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto. “We are excited because we have opened 13 of these hubs during the first month. I will also visit the others,” Robredo, who went live on her Facebook account, said in Filipino. “Hopefully, this week and next week. We will then open 55 other sites,” she added. For the pilot run of the learning hub in Pasig City, Robredo’s office partnered with JCI Manila and Catholic group “Ligaya ng Panginoon (Joy of the Lord).” Six students can only be accommodated per schedule in the learning center, where health and safety protocols are strictly being observed. The walk-ins are not allowed so students who wish to use the hub should pre-register for their assigned schedules. The Office of the Vice President initiated the establishment of the community learning hubs as part of its Bayanihan E-skwela program to help students who don’t have the capacity to study at home. Two batches of tutors have already been trained to run these learning hubs. Among which are located in Taytay, Rizal; Himamaylan, Negros Occidental; Tabaco City, Albay; Lucena City, Quezon province; and Caloocan City......»»
PBA dreams within reach at Letran, says ex-UST Tiger Rhenz Abando
RHENZ ABANDO (UAAP image) Rhenz Abando says that his transfer to defending NCAA champion Letran from embattled University of Santo Tomas is more than just a school-to-school move, but one that would likely benefit his career in the long run because of the opportunities he thinks he would get with the Knights. Abando – one of three former UST players who changed address from España to Intramuros – met Tuesday with Knights mentor Bonnie Tan and Alfrancis Chua, sports director of San Miguel Miguel Corporation, which backs the school’s basketball program. “May mga opportunities kasi sa Letran, mga coaches nila nasa PBA na din,” says Abando, referring to Tan – team manager of GlobalPort – and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel guard LA Tenorio, who is part of Letran’s coaching staff, in an interview Wednesday with Manila Bulletin. “Magiging malaking tulong sa improvement ko as a player, siempre goal ko is makatuntong din sa PBA. Saka ang Letran Dominican school din naman kaya mas pinili ko na doon lumipat.” Aside from Tan and Tenorio, there’s also Chua, who coached PBL Grand Slam champion Stag in the mid-90s and the PBA teams of Tanduay, Sta. Lucia Realty and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, also represents SMC, which owns Ginebra, Magnolia Hotshots and San Miguel Beer in the pros, and volleyball team Petron Blaze in the PSL. Chua, in an interview Tuesday, said that Letran players are well taken care of by SMC similar to what they do with professional athletes, exactly what was assured Abando, Brent Paraiso and Ira Bataller. “Siguro naniniwala sila sa system ng Letran at sa pag-aalaga ng San Miguel sa players. Alam nila kung paano kami magpatakbo ng team,” said Chua, also the governor of Ginebra in the PBA board. “Hindi sila nagkamali sa pagpili sa Letran, kasi kung paano kami mag-alaga ng players sa professional, ganun din sa collegiate level. Malaking karagdagan sila sa team, siguro mas sasaya ang mga ka-Arriba natin.” Abando begged off to comment when asked the other schools that sought his services, although sources said Letran’s arch nemesis San Beda University, as well as De La Salle University, tried to recruit the La Union native. He, however, may have indirectly answered questions of offers from a UAAP school when he said he doesn’t want to play in the same league where his former alma mater is a member. “Ayoko na din kasi maglaro sa UAAP dahil ayoko din makalaban ang UST,” said Abando. “Baka kasi kapag madinig ko yung “GO USTe” baka play ng UST gawin ko or depensahan ko mga kakampi ko. Kaya din mas pinili ko ang NCAA kesa sa UAAP ako maglaro,” Abando added in jest. The decision to leave UST was not an easy thing to do, according to Abando, but he thanked his mother Lorena for the guidance, saying: “Mother ko yung tumulong sa akin… hindi madali e.” Abando, Paraiso and Bataller need to serve one-year residency as per NCAA guidelines for transferees. After that, both Abando and Paraiso have two years to play while Bataller has three more. Although the addition of the 6-foot-5 Bataller and the 6-foot-2 Paraiso are considered important for the Knights, it was the recruitment of the 6-foot-4 Abando that really made the difference. After two seasons with the Philippine College Science and Technology in Calasiao, Pangasinan, Abando transferred to UST in 2019 and played one season – the 82nd UAAP where he helped the Tigers reach the final against eventual champion Ateneo Blue Eagles. i.....»»
DOJ finishes draft IRR of Anti-Terror Law
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has finished drafting the implementing rules and regulations of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra (TOTO LOZANO / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN) “The DOJ has come up with first draft and that draft will be submitted to ATC (Anti-Terrorism Council) for their consideration,” Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said during an interview over ANC. The secretary noted that under Republic Act 11479, the Anti-Terrorism Law, the DOJ and the ATC were given 90 days since the law took effect in July to come out with the IRR. “Kung wala masyado changes (If no more changes will be made), we are hoping to finalize and promulgate the IRR before the end of the 90 day period,” he said. The secretary noted that in drafting the IRR the DOJ has “received inputs from the law enforcement agencies.” “We have factored their inputs doon sa draft na ginawa ng DOJ (in the DOJ’s draft IRR),” he said. Guevarra also pointed out the drafting of the IRR was carefully being made considering that there are over 30 petitions which have been filed before the Supreme Court (SC) questioning the constitutionality of the Anti-Terrorism Law. “We are trying also to address kung ano sinasabi nila na kulang o malabo in the law (We are trying to address the complaints of the petitioners concerning what the law lacked and the unclear provisions),” he said. “Those that can be remedied through the IRR, then we will do so,” he assured. “That is why we are tyring to be very careful about this para ma address namin lahat (so that we can address everything),” Guevarra added......»»
Let next administration worry about death penalty –Atienza
An independent House member thinks it is better to just let the next administration tackle the sensitive topic that is the reimposition of death penalty. Buhay Partylist Rep. Lito Atienza (FACEBOOK / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN) “The government should concentrate on saving lives and quelling the coronavirus pandemic now and allow the next administration to worry about the proposal to bring back the death penalty,” BUHAY Party-List Rep. Lito Atienza said in a statement Sunday. “We’re now in the middle of a public health disaster that has already demolished the livelihood and jobs of millions of Filipinos,” stressed Atienza, a former three-term mayor of Manila. In his State of the Nation Address (SoNA) before a joint session of Congress last July 24, President Duterte called on legislators to revive capital punishment on certain crimes under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002. Atienza made his call even as the thousands of daily new infections from the incurable disease threaten to overwhelm the country’s health care system. The pro-life solon described the pursuit of death penalty as an “exercise in futility” given the current circumstances. “First of all, Congress realistically lacks the time to work on the death penalty. Second, in less than 22 months, we will be electing a new president and a new Congress, so we might as well let the next administration worry about the highly divisive proposal,” Atienza said. “Third, even assuming Congress reinstates the death penalty tomorrow, the President still won’t see any judicial executions being carried out for the remainder of his term,” he said. Duterte will finish his six-year term in 2022. The last time Congress passed a law reimposing capital punishment in 1993, the first death verdict was not carried out until 1999, or until six years later, due to legal challenges and mandatory reviews, Atienza pointed out. A death penalty bill was actually passed by the House on third and final reading during the previous 17th Congress. However, the measure faced a roadblock in the Senate and was not taken up......»»
Solons to gov’t: Heed the plea of medical workers
Lawmakers expressed all-out support on Sunday (August 2) to the appeal made by Philippine College of Physicians and the Philippine Medical Associationto shift Mega Manila back to a 15-day enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), even as they sought a change in leadership in the Department of Health (DOH) and other agencies handling the country’s response against COVID-19. (JANSEN ROMERO / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN) Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel Lagman, Anakalusugan partylist Rep. Michael Defensor, Bayan Muna partylist Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate, and Quezon City 2nd District Rep. Precious Hipolito Castelo called on the government to heed the plea of the medical experts and frontliners for more stringent health protocols in critical areas. “While both the health and economic crisis wrought by the still ravaging COVID-19 pandemic must be both effectively addressed, the relief and recovery of the people’s health must be prioritized. Lives lost are forfeited forever but businesses lost can be redeemed,” Lagman said in a statement.“We must learn from the bitter lesson experienced by other countries like Japan which prematurely reopened economic, leisure and domestic travel activities only to be besieged later by a resurgence of the viral contagion,” he stressed. Defensor, chairperson of the House Committee on Public Accounts, said, “If our leading doctors are prescribing it, then as good patients, we are all for Mega Manila’s brief return to an ECQ.” “Our sense is, our public health system is on the verge of collapse, and the momentary return to an ECQ will buy everybody more time to gird for a longer battle against the coronavirus disease,” he said. He said once the government gives in to the appeal, the COVID-19 National Task Force should take that opportunity to fix the lack of hospital staff due to doctors, nurses and other personnel getting infected and still recovering, or undergoing routine seclusion after possible exposure; expand the bed capacities of makeshift hospitals and quarantine facilities; and improve case-finding and the isolation of suspected cases. Defensor said the government should also step up contact-tracing and quarantining; upgrade public transportation options and safety; strengthen workplace protection; build up enforcement of and public compliance with self-protective measures such as the wearing of face masks and face shields, handwashing as well as social and physical distancing; and increase financial and livelihood support to distressed households. Zarate said they are one with our frontliners in demanding a reprieve from the overwhelming cases of COVID-19, particularly in the National Capital Region. “Reverting back to ECQ or whatever level of lockdown is useless or will be for naught if the primary recommendation of frontliners like free mass testing, pro-active contact tracing, isolation and treatment will not be seriously implemented by the government,” he said in a statement. For her part, Castelo said, “Let us listen to them. They are the ones on the frontline. Indeed, after five months of fighting this pandemic, they are exhausted physically, emotionally and mentally.” She laments that several doctors and nurses have died and many others have fallen sick while battling COVID-19. “Our medical workers are asking for a short time to recuperate. Let us give it to them,” she said. In a radio interview, Surigao del Norte 2nd district Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said the government should strike a balance between the economy and health of the Filipinos, but it should be tilted somehow, in favor of health amid the appeal made by physicians to shift Mega Manila back to a 15-day ECQ. He asked the DOH to come up with “a system, a policy, or even perhaps a strategy” to reinforce the country’s health system by augmenting the medical force. In a separate statement, Assistant Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Representative France Castro said the Inter Agency Task Force for COVID-19 should be headed by medical experts instead of generals who have done nothing but to impose military solutions to combat a public health crisis. “Our frontliners are already pleading to the Duterte administration to implement a comprehensive medical plan to address the COVID-19 pandemic in the country. The government needs to listen and take concrete actions with the demands of our healthcare workers,” she said. “It is high time that medical experts lead in the fight against COVID-19 instead of military generals. Medical experts who will not twist data and try to sanitize the numbers. We need medical experts who use science and not allow an entire population to be used as guinea pigs in a failed response and inadequate policies for public health safety.”.....»»
Roque silent on new record of COVID-19 infections
Malacañang has steered clear of the latest nationwide tally of coronavirus cases which breached the 100,000 mark. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque (RESIDENTIAL PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN) Presidential spokesman Harry Roque declined to comment and instead passed the buck to the Department of Health (DOH) to discuss the increase in the number of infections in the country. “Defer to DOH,” Roque said in a short message to reporters when asked about the rapid rise in coronavirus cases. The health department has reported 5,032 fresh cases of coronavirus Sunday, bringing the total number 103,185. It is considered the largest single-day jump on record in the country. The country’s death toll climbed to 2,059 while the recoveries reached 65,557. President Duterte has called for a meeting with Cabinet members Sunday to address the concerns of the medical community that the country was supposedly losing the fight against the disease. The medical frontliners have appealed to the revive the strict lockdown in Metro Manila for the next two weeks, saying the timeout is needed to prevent the collapse of the health care system. They have called for a comprehensive and effective measures to contain the outbreak as the healthcare system is already overwhelmed. The appeal from the medical community came a day after the President has extended the general community quarantine (GCQ) status of Metro Manila and 12 other areas until mid-August. The rest of the country is under the most relaxed modified general community quarantine (MGCQ). Even as the lockdowns have been gradually eased to promote livelihood, the government has promised to ramp up testing, tracing and treatment efforts to protect public health and limit the spread of the disease......»»
Bishops caution vs. revival of Bataan nuclear power plant
Diocese of Balanga Bishop Ruperto C. Santos has expressed concern over the planned revival of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant as part of the government’s intention to use nuclear energy as an additional source of power supply. Bishop Ruperto Santos (CBCP / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN) “We welcome and accept that there is a need for a study, but we want the government to be transparent and for its assessment to be open to the public. The plan must also be for the common good and must benefit public interest,” Santos said over Church-run Radio Veritas. “Let us remember that Russia conducted a study on the BNPP and found the power plant to be absolutely outdated. The use of nuclear energy will be dangerous for Bataan and for the country as a whole,” he added. The Church leader called on authorities to focus its attention and the country’s resources, instead, on the worsening coronavirus disease situation in the country. “The number of cases of coronavirus in the country has gone really high, but we do not have the capability to address it. We lack hospitals, medicines, and support for our health care workers. The government must pour its resources on the health crisis, which should be given priority,” Santos stressed. San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, vice chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines – Commission on Social Action Justice and Peace (CBCP-NASSA), earlier, expressed alarm over the Department of Energy’s intention to use nuclear energy as an alternative source of power. A study by the Department of Energy (DoE), the National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR), and the Korean Electric Power Company (KEPCO) said, the country will need to spend more than $1 billion in a span of four years to revive the 631-megawatt BNPP which was built in 1984......»»
Recto appeals for free rapid testing for LSIs
Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto on Wednesday appealed for free RT-PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests for locally-stranded individuals before they are sent home. (JANSEN ROMERO / MANILA BULLETIN) The LSIs, he said, should also be treated as VIPs, or “very important passengers” and have them avail of the COVID-19 swab tests before they are transported back to their home provinces. “These ‘VIPs’ are entitled to the same gold standard of testing, more so that they’ve been lodged in a place that will check all the boxes in the list of a possible outbreak spot,” said Recto. Recto was commenting on the thousands of LSIs crammed at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila, brushing aside physical distancing protocols while they wait for their turn to be brought home under the government’s “Hatid Tulong” program. “If we have tested for free those who’ve been on strict quarantine because they’re going to listen to a speech, then all the more we should test exposed individuals who are going home to their loved ones,” he said, referring to the RT-PCR tests conducted for lawmakers and attendees of President Duterte’s recent State of the Nation Address (SONA). “May karapatan din sa peace of mind ang mga komunidad na naghihintay sa kanilang pagdating (Those who have been waiting for them in their communities also have the right to peace of mind),” he pointed out. Recto said the PCR tests will also help prevent the entry and spread of the novel coronavirus in local government units. “A swab test will ensure that the coronavirus will not be hitchhiking to family reunions. Those positive will be flagged from boarding. And spare understaffed and underfunded LGUs and local hospitals from handling a ‘pasa load’ from the national government,” he said. “Kung ngayon, bawal magtransport ng baboy dahil sa ASF at kailangan may certificate na ligtas ang mga ito, tao pa kaya?” he also noted. While saying that he was also “painfully aware” of the shortage on test kits, he lamented the plight of LSIs who have been stranded for months or have resorted to sleeping on streets. Recto said he will defer to the Interagency Task Force of Emerging Infectious Diseases to study and consider the call. Under the Hatid Tulong program, the LSIs must undergo rapid test for COVID-19 and secure medical clearance and travel authority before being allowed to depart going to their provinces. Reports said at least 20 LSIs in the Rizal Stadium have tested positive for antibodies in the rapid tests......»»
Robredo: COVID-19 cases and deaths are not mere statistics
Vice President and opposition leader Leni Robredo said the country’s coronavirus cases and deaths are not mere statistics as it shows how COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected every Filipino family. VP LENI ROBREDO (SCREENSHOT FRO VP LENI ROBREDO’S FACEBOOK VIDEO / MANILA BULLETIN) Robredo noted more people have to endure hardships that resulted from the weaker economy and continuous rise in the number of infections and deaths. “Conversely, as more people get sick because of COVID-19, so does the suffering of our people get prolonged. Many have died; they are not mere statistics,” she said. ”Each of them had a story, had a dream, has a family that mourns their loss. And as cases continue to rise, it becomes harder move forward towards a better normal,” she added. The vice president reminded the administration the pandemic is the root cause of these problems, and if it has a clear plan, Filipinos can overcome the challenges of COVID-19 and move forward. Robredo bared a comprehensive list of suggestions in a videotaped public address, dubbed “Message of Hope”, on her Facebook page. This was perceived by many as her own roadmap on how the country can recover from the ill-effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Her recommendations include a correct data regarding COVID-19, safety nets for affected families, tax incentives for companies, equitable and systematic provision of resources to hospitals. Robredo also batted for pooled testing and timely contract tracing, better wages of health workers, and harmonization of COVID-19 efforts of the public and private sector, among others, instead of just waiting for a vaccine to become available. The opposition leader said she supports the government’s P31-billion “Plant, Plant, Plant” program that will be implemented nationwide to benefit farmers, fisherfolks, and consumers. This program mentioned by President Duterte during his last Monday’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) falls under the “Whole of Nation” approach, which Robredo said she is also supportive of. “We support the whole of nation approach. But a true whole nation approach should be directed toward a common goal,” she said. The lady official is also keeping her faith on the goodness and capability of Filipinos in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. “It is not wishful thinking to dream that we can also achieve what Taiwan, South Korea, Vietnam, and New Zealand have achieved….We can also do this. We have the right skills, we should have sufficient resources. We have what it takes,” she said......»»
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.....»»
Philippines announces decisive measures amid tensions with China
Manila [Philippines], March 28 (ANI): Amid the escalating tensions in the South China Sea, Philippine President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr has announced decisive measures to protect his country's sovereignty and maritime rights while ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Marcos, known as Bongbong, said that the measures, aimed at addressing what he said is the "open, unabating, and illegal" actions by China's Coast.....»»
Contagious pertussis disease continues spreading in Philippines
MANILA, March 28 (Xinhua) -- The contagious pertussis has continued spreading in the Philippines, where it has caused at least 40 death cases, after a province near the capital region reported an outbreak of the disease. In a social media post on Wednesday night, the Cavite government posted a resolution declaring the province under a state of calamity "due to the outbreak of pertussis" after logging 36 cases an.....»»
Lola Amour bassist Raymond King nibiya sa banda human sa 8 ka tuig
Raymond King, bahista sa indie-rock band Lola Amour, nipahibalo sa iyang pagbiya sa grupo. Niingon siya nga mopursue siya og “long-term plans” apan sa makasubo nga ang banda way labot niini. Si King nibutyag niini sa usa ka statement nga gibuhian niya pinaagi sa Lola Amour nga Facebook page sa Miyerkules, Marso 27. “Hey! This.....»»
Akbayan to Sara: You don’t have to be president to speak vs China
MANILA, Philippines — Party-list group Akbayan said on Thursday that Vice President Sara Duterte does not have to be a president of the country for her to call out China’s intrusive actions over the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Empathy and a moral backbone is just what it takes to stand up with fisherfolk and frontline.....»»
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.....»»