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Philippines braces for La Nina, continues to deal with El Nino
MANILA, March 26 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines will continue to implement measures to lessen the impact of the El Nino weather phenomenon, as it braces for the opposite La Nina weather pattern, Philippine Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum said Tuesday. Solidum said in a news conference that the Department of Science and Technology's record showed that as of Sunday, 37 provinces across the country hav.....»»
Davao police clueless on Quiboloy’s whereabouts
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 24 March) — Police authorities in the Davao region claim they are still clueless on the whereabouts of Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy. The Senate had earlier ordered the arrest of Quiboloy for his continued refusal to attend its investigation of alleged human trafficking and child abuse. Police major Catheine Dela Rey, Police […].....»»
NEWS BRIEFS | 25 March 2024
Senate eyes probe of resorts within the slopes of Mt. Apo Following the controversy involving the establishment of a resort reportedly within the famed Chocolate Hills in Bohol province, Senator Raffy Tulfo, chair of the Senate Committees on Energy and Migrant Workers, is setting his sights on the resorts located on the slopes of Mt. […].....»»
Blinken Arrives in South Korea to Attend Democracy Summit
Seoul, South Korea - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived Sunday in South Korea on the first stop of a brief Asia tour also including the Philippines, as Washington moves to reinforce ties with two key regional allies.Blinken landed Sunday afternoon ahead of the third Summit for Democracy on Monday, an initiative of U.S. President Joe Biden, which Seoul is hosting this week.Before arriving in Se.....»»
S. Korean migrant’s tale to open Asia’s biggest film festival
The world premiere of Jang Kun-jae's "Because I Hate Korea" will open Asia's largest film festival Wednesday night as it looks to rally from a year marked by scandal and budget cutbacks. The South Korean director's tale of a disillusioned young woman who relocates to New Zealand is among 209 official entries from 69 countries set to unspool at the Busan International Film Festival, which runs until 13 October. Eighty will be making their world premieres in the southern port city. This year's edition comes as organizers grapple with the fallout from former festival director Huh Moon-yung's resignation in May amid accusations of sexual misconduct. The scandal saw BIFF's 2023 budget reduced by about 10 percent as sponsors withdrew in the wake of the allegations, according to organizers. Kang Seung-ah, now serving as acting deputy director, acknowledged they had endured a "difficult phase" before assembling a lineup she said was "more substantial than ever before". Opening night director Jang, who noted he'd attended BIFF far more as an audience member than a filmmaker, told a late afternoon news conference he had sought to address serious questions with his film. "I believe it's necessary to pay attention to the fact that many young people are finding it difficult to navigate through Korean society. I started questioning whether our society is providing a fair and equitable foundation for young people to pursue their dreams," he told reporters after a preview screening. Based on the best-selling Chang Kang-myoung novel, "Because I Hate Korea" received support from BIFF's Asia Project Market back in 2016. South Korea has transformed itself into a cultural powerhouse since then thanks to the explosive success of the Oscar-winning "Parasite" and the Netflix series "Squid Game". "Many people are now showing great interest in Korean content such as K-pop, K-movies, and K-dramas. Living in such an era, they might develop a certain fantasy about South Korea, I think," Nam Dong-chul, the festival's acting interim director, told reporters. But "I thought it might be good to consider these views from the perspective of people living in Korea and especially the youth in South Korea", he said of the opening night choice. "They might have different thoughts and experiences." Frequent Bong Joon-ho collaborator Go Ah-sung, who delivered a memorable performance as the protagonist of "Because I Hate Korea", was unable to attend the festival due to a back injury. 'Dear Jinri' Despite Go's absence, the festival will still feature serious star power, with acclaimed Hong Kong actor Chow Yun Fat scheduled to receive the Asian Filmmaker of the Year award. Three of Chow's films -- "A Better Tomorrow" (1986), "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" (2000) and 2023's "One More Chance" -- will be screened in his honour. Other highly anticipated screenings include "Dear Jinri", a documentary that features late K-pop star Sulli's last and incomplete project. Sulli, born Choi Jin-ri, took her own life in 2019 after a long struggle with online bullying. The film includes her final media interview, which has not been disclosed previously. Korea's filmmaking diaspora will also be showcased with a special series of screenings that includes "Searching" (2018), starring John Cho, and director Celine Song's Sundance favorite "Past Lives". Netflix's highly anticipated "Yellow Door: 90s Lo-fi Film Club" will also have its world premiere at BIFF. The documentary spotlights South Korea's renowned cinephile generation of the 1990s, acclaimed "Parasite" director Bong among them. "The Movie Emperor", director Ning Hao's satirical take on the Chinese film industry starring Hong Kong actor Andy Lau, is set to close the festival. Ning's comedy "deftly captures the fine line between the film industries in Hong Kong and mainland China", as well as the "delicate relationship between Western film festivals and Asian filmmakers", according to the program notes. The post S. Korean migrant’s tale to open Asia’s biggest film festival appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go to DSWD: Help uplift lives in the grassroots
During a public hearing on the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) budget, Senator Christopher "Bong Go" expressed his strong support for the department's financial allocation and took the opportunity to seek crucial updates on two major welfare programs: the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa (BP2) program and the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). Go acknowledged the difficult situation many provincial migrants face in Metro Manila, especially during the pandemic. “Alam n'yo naman po nitong panahon po ng pandemya ay marami pong mga kababayan natin na mga probinsyano na natutulog na lang po diyan sa sidewalk dahil wala silang kamag-anak, wala silang tirahan, gusto nilang bumalik ng probinsya,” said Go. Go underscored the significance of the BP2 Program, and said that it was established through an executive order by former president Rodrigo Duterte. The Senate adopted a resolution in 2020, principally sponsored by Sen. Go, urging the executive department to formulate and implement a “Balik Probinsya” program. DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian affirmed the program's effectiveness and the government's commitment to continue the program. “This is a very good program that we inherited, that we planned to keep and, in fact, use all the time. For the record, ang na-serve natin ho for 2023 is 2,426 out of the target na 4,572 families. Ang financial allocation n'ya is P3.5 billion thereabouts, at ang nagamit ho is P1 billion or 29 percent,” Gatchalian said. In 2020, Duterte signed Executive Order No. 114 which institutionalized the said program. As one of the main proponents of the BP2 Program, Go has earlier said that promoting employment and livelihood opportunities in the countryside will boost regional development consistent with the long-term goals of the program that is set to be fully implemented after the COVID-19 crisis. Meanwhile, DSWD plans to expand the program to include other types of interventions for families living in the streets. Gatchalian said, "'Yung BP2 is something that we want to expand, to include other types of intervention na magagamit sa mga pamilya na nakatira sa lansangan." Gatchalian also acknowledged that while local government units have responsibilities, DSWD has launched a mainstay program to assist families and individuals living on the streets. He said when these families return to their provinces, they receive community livelihood grants, which are monitored by the local government units. Go then inquired if street dwellers and beggars are also included in the program. Gatchalian confirmed their inclusion, saying, "Kasama po because we found out that a lot of them are actually stuck in Metro Manila na gustong umuwi rin, kasama na po sila." When asked where these individuals are temporarily housed, Gatchalian explained that the goal is not to keep them in housing facilities but to help them return to their provinces. Shifting attention to the 4Ps, Go highlighted that former president Duterte enhanced the standard benefits for beneficiaries. While the former president initially considered distributing rice, the decision was ultimately made to offer cash assistance instead. Gatchalian confirmed that an extra P600 has been added to the benefits under Duterte's term. He also elaborated that the amount given to beneficiaries depends on the family's circumstances. The maximum amount ranges from P3500 to P3800, depending on the number of school-aged children in the family. When Go asked about the number of 4Ps members, Gatchalian pointed out that the number is capped at 4.4 million families due to budget constraints. “Just to point out, nakasaad po sa GAA (General Appropriations Act) na lagi pong 4.4 million ang numero nila. So, hindi po sila dumadami; hanggang doon lang ang budget allocation. Sana mas lumaki pa dahil maraming waitlisted, pero ang allowed lang sa amin is 4.4 million families,” the Secretary said. Gatchalian also discussed the conditions under which families "graduate" from the program. Families may leave the program if they reach the seven-year limit, no longer meet the conditions, or fail to attend development sessions. At the height of the pandemic, Go appealed to the government to provide cash incentives to vaccinated 4Ps members to encourage more of them to get their COVID-19 vaccines instead of making vaccination mandatory. Such incentives will be on top of what 4Ps beneficiaries receive in accordance with the law. The post Bong Go to DSWD: Help uplift lives in the grassroots appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PSC leads Asiad sendoff rites
The official sendoff rites for the 500-strong Philippine team to the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou takes place today at the Philippine International Convention Center with the Philippine Sports Commission leading the way. The 11 a.m. event will have as guest speaker Executive Secretary Luis Bersamin, according to PSC chairperson Richard “Dickie” Bachmann. “Our athletes are the heart and soul of the country’s campaign in Hangzhou, both in the Asian Games and Asian Para Games,” chairman Bachmann said. The opening ceremony of the Asian Games will be held at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Expo Center on 23 September. A total of 481 events in 61 disciplines are going to be disputed. Team Philippines previously sent 271 athletes to the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta/Palembang in 2018 and brought home four golds, two silvers and 15 bronzes for 19th place. Golfer Yuka Saso (women’s individual and team events), weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz (53kg) and skateboarder Margielyn Didal were the delegation’s top performers. “With the all-out support from our national government through the PSC, I’m positive that our athletes will deliver,” added the sports agency chief, who is set to be joined by PSC Commissioner Bong Coo, Commissioner Fritz Gaston, Commissioner Edward Hayco, and Commissioner Walter Torres in the event. Sports officials from the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Paralympic Committee, the different National Sports Associations and Team Philippines’ Chef de Mission Richard Gomez are also expected to attend the sendoff rites. The post PSC leads Asiad sendoff rites appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Let Filipinos be the judge of the impact of drug war, says Go
Sen. Bong Go reiterated his strong stance against the International Criminal Court's (ICC) investigation into the alleged crimes committed during former president Rodrigo Duterte's drug war. He stressed that the ICC has no jurisdiction to interfere in internal matters of the country which has a strong and independent judicial system. "Probes into the war on drugs are presently being conducted by competent authorities. Ibig sabihin, may tiwala naman po ako sa ating local judicial system at ang mga Pilipino should be judged by fellow Filipinos before Philippine courts operating under Philippine laws," Go said in an interview on July 24. He likewise expressed the view that Filipinos are the ones best placed to assess whether they feel safer now than before the campaign against illegal drugs started. "Alam n'yo, ang Pilipino po ang dapat humusga kung mas nagiging ligtas ba sila kumpara noong hindi nasimulan ang kampanya laban sa iligal na droga,” Go pointed out. “Sila po ang nakakaalam kung nakakalakad ba sila, 'yung mga anak nila nang ligtas at hindi nababastos at nasasaktan,” he added. Go further emphasized that the era when the country had to be dictated by foreigners on how to govern itself has long been over. "At tapos na po 'yung panahon na kailangan pa tayong diktahan ng mga banyaga kung paano natin pamamahalaan ang ating mga sarili,” stressed Go. Earlier, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. said that his administration would terminate further interaction with the ICC. This comes after the court dismissed the government's appeal to halt the investigation into the alleged human rights abuses during Duterte's “war on drugs”. "That’s it. We have no appeals pending. We have no more actions being taken. So, I suppose that puts an end to our dealings with the ICC,” Marcos said. “We’re done talking with the ICC. Like what we have been saying from the beginning, we will not cooperate with them in any way, shape, or form,” he added. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla backed Marcos’ decision, and said that no Philippine representative would attend the international tribunal's proceedings. Remulla criticized the ICC for disrespecting Philippine sovereignty. Go expressed gratitude to Marcos for his decision, saying, "Nagpapasalamat rin po ako sa ating mahal na Pangulong Bongbong Marcos… sa sinabi niya po na his administration would end further engagement with the International Criminal Court after it rejected the Philippine government's appeal.” He also pointed out that the country had already withdrawn from the Rome Statute during the term of Duterte. "So, kumbaga nag-withdraw naman tayo sa ICC noon pang panahon ni Pangulong Duterte. So, para po sa akin, ang Pilipino po ang dapat humusga sa ating kapwa Pilipino,” he said. The Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute, which established the ICC, back in March 2018, following the ICC prosecutor's launch of a preliminary examination into the drug war. The withdrawal took effect the following year. The Philippine government argued that the ICC had no jurisdiction over the country and maintained that the alleged crimes should be investigated by local authorities, invoking the principle of complementarity. The post Let Filipinos be the judge of the impact of drug war, says Go appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Kuya Bong looking into Anti-Hospital Deposit Law violations
Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go has expressed concern over reports that some hospitals allegedly refuse to admit patients in need of medical care as he stressed the importance of endorsing Republic Act 10932, or the Anti-Hospital Deposit Law. The lawmaker — who recently aided residents of Nagcarlan town in Laguna — said that these incidents should be looked into especially in the current pandemic situation where many Filipinos are still struggling financially amid existing health threats. He also said that refusing to admit patients is illegal and a disregard for the welfare of the poor. The senator, as the chairperson of the Committee on Health, said he is prepared to call for a hearing to address these reported violations if necessary. Go emphasized that if hospital representatives fail to attend the hearing, they can be subpoenaed and if they disregard the subpoena, they can be held in contempt. The senator also reminded the medical community not to neglect the welfare of fellow Filipinos and assured them that their kindness and compassion are crucial in their profession. According to Assistant Secretary Charade Mercado-Grande of the Department of Health, the Health Facilities Oversight Board will ensure compliance with the Anti-Hospital Deposit Law by considering the needs of both patients and medical providers. In accordance with RA 10932, individuals working in hospitals or medical professionals who are found to have violated the law will face penalties, including fines ranging from P100,000 to P300,000, as well as a prison sentence lasting from six months to two years. Meanwhile, directors or officers of hospitals or clinics may be subject to imprisonment for a period of four to six years, along with a fine ranging from P500,000 to P1 million, or both penalties concurrently. The post Kuya Bong looking into Anti-Hospital Deposit Law violations appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Kuya Bong inaugurates Sta. Praxedes Super Health Center
Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go continues efforts to help bring public health services closer to communities in far-flung areas as he traveled north of the country to personally attend the inauguration of the Super Health Center in Santa Praxedes, Cagayan last Thursday. Accompanied by local officials, including Vice Governor Melvin Vargas Jr., Sta. Praxedes Mayor Esterlina Aguinaldo and acting Vice Mayor Gil Buenavista, the senator reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to improve access to basic healthcare for those who need government attention the most. Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds had been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. The Department of Health — the lead implementing agency — identifies the strategic areas where they will be constructed. Services offered in Super Health Centers will include database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray and ultrasound), pharmacy and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose and throat service, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation center and telemedicine, where remote diagnosis and treatment of patients will be done. Apart from Sta. Praxedes, the DoH also identified other areas in Cagayan province where more Super Health Centers will be established, including Peñablanca, Sta. Teresita, Buguey, Aparri, Sto. Niño, Tuao and Lal-lo — the last one’s groundbreaking having been personally attended by Go later that day. Go also encouraged the public to take advantage of the services offered in the Malasakit Center located at Cagayan Valley Medical Center in Tuguegarao City. Following the inauguration, the lawmaker joined the celebration of Sarakat Festival at municipal hall grounds which is the annual celebration in Sta. Praxedes, commencing the feast of the patron saint of the town, St. Isidore de Labrador. During the festival, Go was honored as an adopted son of Sta. Praxedes. The resolution adopted by the Sangguniang Bayan on 8 May 2023 stated that Go “has been consistently giving various kind of assistance to the Local Government Unit of Sta. Praxedes for the past few years.” The senator also led a relief operation at the municipal gymnasium for 1,500 indigents. Go and his team distributed grocery packs, masks, vitamins, snacks and shirts while they also gave away bicycles, mobile phones, shoes, watches, and balls for basketball and volleyball to select recipients. The post Kuya Bong inaugurates Sta. Praxedes Super Health Center appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go attends inauguration of SHC, joins Sarakat Festival festivities in Cagayan
Senator Bong Go continues efforts to help bring public health services closer to communities in far-flung areas as he traveled north of the country to personally attend the inauguration of the Super Health Center in Santa Praxedes, Cagayan on Thursday, 18 May. Accompanied by local officials, including Vice Governor Melvin “Boy” Vargas Jr., Sta. Praxedes Mayor Esterlina Aguinaldo and acting Vice Mayor Gil Buenavista, among others, the senator reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to improving access to basic healthcare for those who need government attention the most. “Bilang Chairman ng Committee on Health sa Senado, isa po sa aking priority (ay) ito pong Super Health Centers. Sa tulong po ng kasamahan ko sa Kongreso, sa DOH, at sa mga LGUs natin, mas mailalapit natin ang serbisyo medikal mula sa gobyerno sa mga taong nangangailangan nito,” Go explained. Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds had been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. DOH, the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic areas where they will be constructed. “Pwede i-expand yan ng LGU pagdating ng panahon. Kung gusto niyong lagyan ng dialysis machine, pwede po lagyan ng dialysis center,” he explained, adding that these centers will be turned over to and managed by the LGU upon construction. Apart from Sta. Praxedes, the DOH also identified other areas in Cagayan province where more Super Health Centers will be established, including Peñablanca, Sta. Teresita, Buguey, Aparri, Sto. Niño, Tuao, and Lal-lo — the last one’s groundbreaking having been personally attended by Go later that day. Go also encouraged the public to take advantage of the services offered in the Malasakit Center located at Cagayan Valley Medical Center in Tuguegarao City. “Meron na po tayong 157 Malasakit Center sa buong Pilipinas na handang tumulong po sa mga poor and indigent patients. Ang Malasakit Center po ay batas na, isinulong ko noon sa tulong ng mga kasamahan ko sa Kongreso, at pinirmahan ni dating pangulong Rodrigo Duterte. Para po yan sa mga poor and indigent patients para matulungan kayo sa inyong mga medical expenses,” explained Go, who principally authored and sponsored Republic Act No. 11463. Following the inauguration, Go joined the celebration of the Sarakat Festival at the municipal hall grounds. The Sarakat Festival is the annual celebration in Sta. Praxedes, commencing the feast of the patron saint of the town, St. Isidore de Labrador. During the festival, Go was honored as an adopted son of Sta. Praxedes. The resolution adopted by the Sangguniang Bayan on 8 May 2023 stated that Go “has been consistently giving various kinds of assistance to the Local Government Unit of Sta. Praxedes for the past few years.” “Bilang inyong kasangga sa Senado, asahan niyo na ako ay tutulong sa inyong lugar sa abot ng aking makakaya. Araw at gabi po nagta-trabaho ako. Hindi ko kayang makitang naghihirap ang ating mga kababayan, di ko matiis na umupo lang sa opisina at magpalamig dahil ang bisyo ko talaga ay ang magserbisyo,” expressed Go. “Happy Sarakat Festival po sa inyo dito. At salamat po na in-adopt niyo ko, (naging) adopted son (ako) dito sa Sta. Praxedes. Ituring niyo po ako bilang isang kuya niyo, bilang kapatid niyo ho dito,” he said. The senator also led a relief operation at the municipal gymnasium for 1,500 indigents. Go and his team distributed grocery packs, masks, vitamins, snacks, and shirts while they also gave away bicycles, mobile phones, shoes, watches, and balls for basketball and volleyball to select recipients. Go, as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, likewise maintained that he will continue to contribute to the town’s progress as he earlier supported the construction of embankment protection, flood control, and slope protection structures. He also supported the acquisition of a dump truck for the community. After the event, the senator headed to Lal-lo where he witnessed the groundbreaking of another Super Health Center and also led another relief operation to more disadvantaged residents. The post Bong Go attends inauguration of SHC, joins Sarakat Festival festivities in Cagayan appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Go, Padilla attend Baguio Super Health Center groundbreaking
Senators Bong Go and Robinhood Padilla attended the groundbreaking of a Superhealth Center in Barangay Bakakeng here yesterday......»»
Senator Go: 38 super health centers will be built in Cebu
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Philippines — Thirty eight super health centers would be constructed in the whole Island of Cebu, Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go said. Go visited Cebu on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023, where one of his itinerary was to attend the groundbreaking of a super health center in Barangay Lagtang, Talisay City. According to the […] The post Senator Go: 38 super health centers will be built in Cebu appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Juancho, Joyce handang-handa nang maging mommy ay daddy; Bong feeling baguhan sa pag-arte
MUKHANG ready na nga ang Kapuso actor at TV host na si Juancho Trivino sa pagdating ng panganay nilang baby ni Joyce Pring. Kasalukuyang abala ang Kapuso couple sa pag-attend ng mga parenting classes, bukod pa sa paghahanda sa mga pangunahing gamit ng sanggol. Tanong ng kanilang mga social media followers, magiging strict o lenient […] The post Juancho, Joyce handang-handa nang maging mommy ay daddy; Bong feeling baguhan sa pag-arte appeared first on Bandera......»»
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.....»»
Survey shows Cha-cha still unpopular with Filipinos — Senate leaders
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said that the findings of the survey by private pollster Pulse Asia, which was released on Wednesday, show that Charter change is an "unpopular move.".....»»
Pentagon chief reaffirms support after latest China aggression in WPS
Austin emphasized US support for the Philippines in defending its sovereign rights and jurisdiction in a phone call with Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro on Wednesday. .....»»
DMK criticises Election Commission for being biassed in allocating symbols to political parties
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], March 28 (ANI): The Deputy Secretary of the Student Wing of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Ka Amutharasan, has accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of having a biassed attitude towards opposition parties by allocating election symbols as per their wishes. "ECI has allocated the symbols for the Tamil Manila Congress and Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhgam that those parties wished for. Th.....»»
Israel bombs Gaza, fights Hamas around hospitals
Israeli forces pounded besieged Gaza on Wednesday and fought Hamas around several hospitals, despite a UN Security Council demand for a ceasefire. Talks in Qatar towards a truce and hostage release deal involving US and Egyptian mediators have brought no result so far, with Israel and the Palestinian militant group blaming each other. READ: Israel.....»»
Pertussis or whooping cough: 40 child deaths so far this year – DOH
MANILA, Philippines — Assistant Health Secretary Albert Domingo reported on Wednesday that as of March 16 this year, some 40 children had died of whooping cough — a respiratory infection also called pertussis. An increase in new pertussis cases nationwide had been observed nationwide, with 28 cases reported from March 10 to 16. READ: What.....»»