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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......»»
Senators grill VP Duterte on proposed P500-M confidential funds
Senators on Monday quizzed Vice President Sara Duterte over her office request for confidential funds amounting to P500 million for the upcoming fiscal year. During the deliberation of the Senate Committee on Finance for the proposed P2.385 billion budget of the Office of the Vice President, Duterte was asked about her request for confidential funds. Of nine senators who were lined up to ask questions about the OVP budget, only Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III and Senate Minority Deputy Leader Risa Hontiveros inquired about the allocation of confidential funds to Duterte’s office. Hontiveros particularly questioned Duterte on which mandates of the vice president needed the allocation of confidential funds. Duterte said all the OVP’s projects would require confidential funds. “All of the projects of the Office of the Vice President use the confidential funds that are intended for the safe, secure and successful implementation of programs, projects and activities and engagements of the OVP and all of the satellite offices, including the central office of the Office of the Vice President,” she said. The Vice President specifically said all the programs implemented by her office benefit from the confidential funds, such as entrepreneurship programs; peacebuilding in communities; tree-planting programs; feeding programs; disaster and relief operations; and free transportation programs. “In addition to that, I discharge the functions and duties of the secretary of the Department of Education. In addition to that, I was tasked by the president to co-chair the National Task Force on Ending Local Communists. In addition to that, I also took on the role of president of the Southeast Asian Ministers, Education Ministers Organization. All of these activities use confidential funds,” she said. “In addition, there are times when the President is on official trips, travel abroad. I chair the executive committee which is the caretaker of the Office of the President. This is an additional workload from all of the workload I have mentioned,” she added. Confidential funds are supposed to be utilized for “surveillance activities in civilian government agencies that are intended to support the mandate or operations of the said agency.” Duterte also said the liquidation of the allocated confidential funds was enumerated in the OVP’s report submitted to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Senate President and the Commission on Audit. She also confirmed that the OVP was undertaking surveillance activities and gathering intelligence – a mandate given by the Constitution to civilian government agencies such as the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines and National Intelligence Coordination Agency. “That is correct. As an example, we did a surveillance of complaints from constituents in Bulacan with regard to the selling of OVP assistance and the selling of TUPAD projects in Bulacan," she said. This prompted Hontiveros to ask Duterte how she could ensure that there would be no duplication of work by her office and other civilian government agencies. “There is no redundancy and duplication of effort because we have different mandates from the other government agencies,” the Vice President responded. Duterte also argued that the OVP is not insisting on any amount for its confidential funds, adding that it is up to the members of Congress if they would grant her office's request. "The OVP can only propose the use of confidential funds based on Joint Circular 2015-01 but we leave it to the decision and discretion of Congress [which] has the power of the purse to decide whether to grant confidential funds to our office," she said. "We can only propose but we are not insisting. We can live without confidential funds, but of course, our work will be much easier if we have the flexibility of confidential funds in monitoring the safe, secure and successful implementations of the programs and projects and activities of the OVP," she added. Meanwhile, Pimentel asked Duterte for her basis in seeking P500 million in confidential funds. Duterte said the basis for her office’s request is Joint Circular No. 2015-01. Unsatisfied, Pimentel said that Joint Circular No. 2015-01 issued by COA and Departments of Budget and Management, of National Defense and of the Interior and Local Government and the Governance Commission for GOCCs in 2015 only “governs the use of confidential funds.” Duterte countered that “the fact there is Joint Circular No. 2015-01... presumes that national government agencies are allowed or can request confidential funds because otherwise there will not be a joint circular for the use of national government agencies...” Joint Circular No. 2015-01 contains guidelines on the entitlement, release, use, reporting and audit of CIFs. After about an hour and a half, the Senate panel terminated the deliberation for the OVP’s proposed budget, which was longer compared to the 20-minute approval made by the House Committee on Appropriations for the OVP’s budget proposal for next year. Citing parliamentary courtesy, Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. made a motion to terminate the budget discussion for the OVP’s proposed budget. Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa seconded Revilla’s motion. The post Senators grill VP Duterte on proposed P500-M confidential funds appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
ICC probe: Allow now, challenge later
The Philippines may just let the International Criminal Court’s investigation into the bloody drug war of the previous administration roll in the meantime and then challenge its jurisdiction later, according to Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez Thursday. The government, whose plea to block the probe fell on deaf ears, has high hopes the international tribunal would eventually grant its appeal to lay off the country. “The proper and only course of action for the Republic of the Philippines is to raise the issue of jurisdiction when the case is eventually filed in the ICC. Jurisdiction can be questioned at any stage of the proceedings,” said Rodriguez, a lawyer. “When the case is brought to the ICC, we raise the issue of jurisdiction, and the Philippines will surely secure its dismissal for lack of jurisdiction,” he added. Calls have been made to end the ICC’s probe into former President Rodrigo Duterte’s “war on drugs” that claimed thousands of lives during his six years in office that started in 2016. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has firmly maintained that the country would not engage with the ICC, insisting the government would not let the court interfere in the country’s business. ‘Oplan Tokhang’ Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, who during the Duterte administration led the anti-drug campaign known as “Oplan Tokhang,” had previously said he was ready in case a warrant of arrest was served on him, but only if by Philippine authorities and not by any foreigner directed by the ICC. But for Rodriguez, the government officials concerned should compose themselves and study the ICC decision well. “There is no need for our government officials to make many extraneous comments on the decision,” he said. Some 6,000 persons were reportedly killed in Duterte’s drug war, according to government data, the majority of whom were from low-income families. However, local and international human rights organizations estimated the number of victims at more than 30,000. Meanwhile, senators expressed dismay at the ICC decision that turned down the Philippine appeal, saying there was no need for it since the Philippines has a “working justice system.” Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. on Thursday said the ICC should not be allowed to meddle in the country’s affairs. “We do not need to remind them that we are a free, independent, and sovereign nation governed by our laws,” he said. Revilla said that since Philippine government officials will be held liable for violations, the laws of the country should prevail and not of foreign prosecutors. “I am befuddled by the ICC’s pursuit of this obvious baseless persecution while legitimate concerns and crimes against humanity are being perpetrated in other parts of the world as we speak. It is obvious the ICC’s interest here is not justice but something else entirely,” he said. Operating very well Senator Mark Villar said there was no need for any international body to intervene in the country’s justice system, stressing that Philippine democracy is fully functioning. He said the Philippine justice system is “operating very well” and it could address its own human rights concerns. “Our government has a very strong justice system that is working so I don’t think we need international interference. We have our courts, we have a strong justice system, that’s what I believe,” Villar said in a recent interview. Aside from Duterte and Dela Rosa, the ICC report included Senator Christopher “Bong” Go and incumbent Vice President Sara Duterte in the probe. Unfazed Dela Rosa has remained unfazed by the ICC ruling and is even mulling another Senate term, although he said the ICC probe will affect a reelection bid. “Since I am identified with the former president, I may not get the votes. The votes I will get will be those in support of [former] president Duterte. But the support may even grow since many Filipinos are also angered by [the ICC’s] interference in our sovereignty, so its impact on my reelection bid may even be positive,” he said. Dela Rosa reiterated that the drug war was launched by the Duterte administration not for any personal gain but “to protect the Filipino people from the drug menace, especially our youth.” The post ICC probe: Allow now, challenge later appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BATO DARES ICC ‘I am here, arrest me!’
By: Ann JEnireene Gomez and Alvin Murcia With GLEN JACOB JOSE, Tiziana Celine Piatos AND JOM GARNER, Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa warned of “big trouble” if the International Criminal Court comes to the Philippines to arrest him or anyone else. “I already expected that, their insistence on meddling in our domestic affairs. Let them, let them do what they want,” Dela Rosa said in Filipino in an interview with Frontline Tonight. “I’ll be here, I am not hiding. If they have a warrant of arrest, let them serve the warrant,” Dela Rosa said, with one caveat — that he’ll only allow himself to be arrested by Philippine authorities and not by any foreigner ordered to do so by the ICC. Dela Rosa was responding to a statement of Senate President Miguel Zubiri that the government will have no choice but to turn over anyone to the ICC if the arrest warrant will be coursed through local courts and will be served by local authorities. “We are still a sovereign country, and they (accused) are still citizens of this country. They do that with many other countries. However, the danger there is if Senator Bato dela Rosa goes to a country that is friendly to the ICC, then they will arrest him. Here in the Philippines, the process is they must coordinate with the local courts,” Zubiri said. The ICC’s Appeals Chamber voted 3-2 on Tuesday to deny the Philippines’ appeal to stop the ICC Office of the Prosecutor from resuming its investigation. “There’s no problem if the Philippine government would be the one to arrest me, but not the foreigners,” he said. “If it’s the government of the Philippines that would decide to arrest me, what can I do? But if they (ICC) would come here to take me, our government would have none of that.” “There’s going to be big trouble if they would insist on coming here against our government’s expressed will. That would be too blatant an interference and they would be treating us like fools,” he added. Chill Meanwhile, Senator Francis Tolentino, who offered to stand as legal counsel for a fellow lawmaker in the ICC probe, advised Dela Rosa to “Just chill”. “I accept the proposal of Sen. Dela Rosa to a lawyer for him. I am now speaking as the counsel for Senator Dela Rosa,” said Tolentino, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, in an online press conference yesterday. He said nothing has changed in the Philippines’ position on the dismissal of the ICC Pre-Chamber in the country’s appeal regarding the probe of the “war on drugs.” The ICC, he added, has no jurisdiction in the Philippines. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Wednesday advised former president Rodrigo Duterte and Dela Rosa to stay away from countries where the ICC has influence. Dela Rosa is accused of implementing the alleged iron-fist policy of Duterte as a Davao regional police official and later as Duterte’s first Philippine National Police chief in 2016. “They are citizens of the republic who also need our protection,” Remulla said, adding that Duterte and Dela Rosa should refrain from going to countries in Europe. Why Sara? But even before Remulla came out with his advice, Dela Rosa had already said he would not deliver himself to the ICC. “I will make sure not to go to those countries that are friendly with the ICC,” he said. He also brushed aside efforts to involve Vice President Sara Duterte in the ICC probe, calling the move politically motivated against one who could become the country’s next president. He reiterated that the Vice President’s name was never mentioned in proceedings that looked into the alleged activities of the so-called Davao Death Squad. On Wednesday, the Department of Justice maintained that the ICC has no jurisdiction to investigate the extrajudicial killings allegedly committed during the Duterte administration’s so-called war on drugs. The DoJ expressed deep disappointment and strong disagreement with the denial by the ICC of the Office of the Solicitor General’s appeal to stop the probe on account of the Philippines having withdrawn from the ICC, and its having a fully functioning justice system. It said the rejection of the appeal was based on the ICC’s flawed interpretation of its jurisdiction as a court of last resort — that it could only assume jurisdiction when a member country showed it was not capable of investigating and prosecuting crimes within its borders. The DoJ pointed out that the principle of complementarity, enshrined in the Rome Statute that created the ICC, recognizes the jurisdiction of local courts to try crimes within their respective countries. “The dissenting opinions of two esteemed justices out of the five-judge panel highlight the grave errors in the majority decision,” the DoJ said in a statement. “These dissenting justices rightly recognized the Philippines’ commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining an independent and effective legal system.” “Their dissenting opinions underscore the existence of a legitimate difference of legal interpretation, casting doubt on the majority’s ruling,” it added. Remulla had lambasted the ICC for meddling in Philippine affairs and said the government would not honor any arrest warrant issued by the ICC. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his predecessor, Duterte, had been firm in saying the ICC had no jurisdiction over events that transpired in the Philippines. PNP no ICC lackey Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police said it would not be dictated to by the ICC as it recognizes the stance of the government that the international tribunal has no jurisdiction over the conduct of the drug war probe. “The PNP is under the executive department and we will follow the lead of the national government that there is a question with respect to sovereignty and jurisdiction of the ICC,” PNP spokesperson P/Col. Jean Fajardo said. Duterte, as Davao City mayor from 2011 to 2016 and as the country’s president from 2016 to 2022, is seen as the ICC prosecutor’s primary target, along with his former police chief, Dela Rosa. Government data showed that about 6,200 people died in “legitimate” anti-drug operations during the Duterte presidency, including law enforcement officers killed in action. Government critics claim as many as 15,000 to 30,000 were killed. Meanwhile, Vice President Duterte appeared to have been included in the complaints filed with the ICC prosecutor, along with her father’s long-time aide, the now Senator Christopher “Bong” Go. “No comment,” was the terse reply of the Vice President’s camp on her alleged inclusion in the ICC complaints. Go, on the other hand, said the ICC had no “business meddling in our internal affairs, where our courts remain fully functional and free from political interference.” “Probes into the war on drugs are presently being conducted by the competent authorities. Filipinos should be judged by fellow Filipinos before Philippine courts operating under Philippine laws,” Go said. With the ICC ruling, the DoJ vowed to continue to defend the sovereignty and integrity of the nation’s legal system and strongly urged the ICC to reconsider its decision and recognize the Philippines’ unwavering commitment to the rule of law and the pursuit of justice. “Furthermore, we would like to take this opportunity to reiterate our commitment to the well-being and support of all victims affected by the drug war,” Remulla’s department said. “The DoJ, in collaboration with other relevant agencies, is willing and able to assist those who had suffered harm or loss during this challenging period. We encourage all individuals with evidence and witnesses to come forward and share their testimonies with us,” it added. Former president Duterte, through his former spokesperson Harry Roque, shrugged off the ICC decision. In a Facebook post, Roque said Duterte has always maintained that as an independent and sovereign state, only Philippine courts can try any crime committed in Philippine territory. “He has time and again said that because of this, he will face all his accusers anytime but before Philippine courts and before Filipino judges only,” Roque said. In a television interview, Zubiri said the upper chamber would “not give up” Dela Rosa should the ICC issue a warrant of arrest against the latter. “Without the local warrant of arrest issued by the courts, then as far as I’m concerned, he is still a working member of the Senate and accorded of course that respect, similar to Senator De Lima and Senator [Antonio] Trillanes,” he said. “Only when the warrant of arrest was issued, then we allowed or we agreed that he may be taken in custody,” he added. The post BATO DARES ICC ‘I am here, arrest me!’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mayon’s lava front collapses
The ongoing restiveness of Mayon Volcano has led to another collapse of its lava front and longer pyroclastic density current flows that produced a “light brown” plume on Monday. In its latest bulletin in the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said it had monitored two pyroclastic density currents or PDC that lasted two minutes. The two lava front collapses resulted in the formation of a 200-meter-high light brown plume. Mayon also exhibited 295 rockfall events and three volcanic earthquakes while it continued moderate degassing from the summit crater producing steam-laden plumes at 500 meters tall before drifting to the west and west-northwest direction. The volcano has emitted sulfur dioxide at an average of 962 tons daily since 2 July. Phivolcs said Alert Level 3 is maintained at Mayon due to the presence of magma in the crater with the possibility of a “hazardous eruption within weeks or even days.” The six-kilometer permanent danger zone remained off-limits to the public due to the risk of PDCs, lava flows, rockfalls, and other volcanic hazards. Phivolcs also advised communities to exercise increased vigilance against PDCs, lahar, and sediment-laden stream flows along channels draining the volcano edifice, as heavy rainfall could cause channel-confined lahar and sediment-laden stream flows. Flying close to the volcano is not allowed as ash from a sudden eruption may pose a hazard to aircraft. Phivolcs warned that communities on the southern side of the volcano may most likely experience ash fall events based on the current wind pattern. Continuing gov’t assistance Moreover, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on Monday said it has provided around P131.2 million worth of government assistance to residents in the Bicol region affected by the continued restiveness of Mayon. The number of families affected was placed at 11,045 or equivalent to 42,815 persons residing in 26 barangays. Of the number, 5,775 families or 20,134 individuals are currently staying in 28 activated evacuation centers across Albay, while 408 families or 1,427 persons are being aided by either their relatives or friends. Mandatory evac center Amid the ongoing Mayon unrest, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go renewed his call for the establishment of mandatory evacuation centers nationwide so that people would be better served during disasters and emergencies. Go lamented the lack of adequate facilities during times of crisis, including typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and fires. The post Mayon’s lava front collapses appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Coconut Authority vows to reinvigorate agency ‘for another 50 years’
Philippine Coconut Authority Administrator Bernie F. Cruz on Monday said they will "reinvigorate" the agency "to revitalize the coconut industry for another 50 years." In a press briefing for the celebration of the 50th founding anniversary of the PCA on Friday ( 30 June 2023), Cruz said they have lined up programs to increase coconut farmers' productivity and product diversification, and to engage coconut farmers in "higher value-adding activities." Roel Rosales, Deputy Administrator for Operations, said while Indonesia leads the world's coconut production but only for its domestic consumption, the country is still the top exporter of coconut products along with 60 other by-products, and No. 1 dollar earner. "Tayo ang may pinakamayaman na genum (variety),kaya number one tayo as coconut exporter" (We have the best genum (variety) that is why we are the No.1 coconut exporter), Rosales explained. He, however, noted that there is a need to "reinvigorate" the industry as the past 30 years saw the neglect of the industry. "With PBBM (President Bong Bong Marcos), we are now at the crossroads," Rosales said, noting that they are now in talks to the heads the international coconut community (India, Indonesia, Malaysia Papua New Guinea) with European markets requiring "traceability." Traceability, according to Rosales, is finding where the coconut and its by-products come from, or whether the variety has been produced with organic fertilizers. The PCA, he said, has embarked on massive replanting of coconut trees from the 350 million trees already planted on 3.6 million hectares of land, mostly located in Mindano and the eastern front. To support this prokect, a P65 million allocation has been put up for projects for the coconut farmers, establishing seed gardens in provinces to ensure the availability of planting materials, and tapping the private sector's help for sustainable production. "The P5 billion we get from the Coco Levy yearly will also be utilized to help the coconut farmers," Rosales said, including the "hybridization program" for coconut varieties and inter-cropping methods for farmers to plant vegetables and fruit-bearing trees while waiting for the harvest season. The Bureau of Treasury, Rosales added, has allowed them to use the funds they have saved every year. Cruz, meanwhile, said the enactment of Republic Act No. 11524 of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act, which directed the transfer of an initial P75 billion in total coconut levy funds to a Trust Fund, will be of great use for the benefit of coconut farmers and the development of the coconut industry in accordance with the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan. Created 50 years ago by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 232 of then President Ferdinand E. Marcos, the PCA became the sole government agency tasked to develop the coconut industry to its full potential. The PCA's theme for this year celebration is "PCA@50: Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future of the Philippine Coconut Industry". The post Coconut Authority vows to reinvigorate agency ‘for another 50 years’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DGHMC levels up as general hospital
IPIL, Sibugay Province — The Department of Health has authorized the Dr. George T. Hofer Medical Center to operate as a general hospital in the province under the category “Level 1 general hospital.” Governor Dulce Ann Hofer on Sunday disclosed that the DoH regional office in Zamboanga City has formally allowed the DGHMC to operate as a Level 1 general hospital in the province which can now provide emergency care and treatment of prevalent diseases in the locality. The DGHMC has doctors that specialize in general medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and non-surgical gynecology and minor surgery. “The province through our medical center here can now provide medical care to our sick and injured people in the province,” Hofer said. “Our sick people will no longer seek medical attention in Zamboanga City since we now have a modern general hospital here”. Hofer showed to Daily Tribune the readiness of DGHMC to accommodate patients in the province, giving great emphasis that the DGHMC has a state-of-the-art operating room, a recovery room, maternity facilities, isolation facilities, a clinical laboratory, an imaging facility and a pharmacy. To recall, Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go in February, graced the opening of the Malasakit Center located inside the DGHMC, the 155th Malasakit Center in the country as the senator also granted P20 million to the provincial government here to serve as an initial fund for medical assistance to be extended to poor patients seeking medical attention at the DGHMC. Hofer said health is one of her advocacy. “We always need to take care of the health of our constituents in the province especially those who are poor and need medical assistance from us,” said Hofer. The post DGHMC levels up as general hospital appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ousted Sandigan justice to get benefits
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Duterte now willing to get jab in public
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Cebu City Mall Operators See Recovering Foot Traffic Amid GCQ
Foot traffic in shopping malls here is slowly recovering as dine-ins in food shops are now allowed albeit in a limited capacity. Celeste “Bong” Dy, operations head for the Visayas at AyalaMalls, said they “see an improvement in the traffic in the mall.” “Allowing dine-in in food outlets and opening additional shops are steps towards […].....»»
PBA: 'Perfect team' allowed Asi Taulava to dominate 2003 season
Asi Taulava is going strong heading into his 21st PBA season. The Ageless one is trying to become the first local player to play in the league for four separate decades. Taulava is one of the best players the PBA has ever seen and his banner year came in 2003 when Asi went full "The Rock" mode to dominate the league. In the 2003 season, Asi was the PBA's Most Valuable Player and was in the All-PBA 1st team and All-Defensive Team. In that year's All-Filipino, Taulava was the Best Player of the Conference and Finals MVP after leading the Talk 'N Text Phone Pals to their first championship. Even during one of the best single-season performances in the PBA, it was a "perfect team" that helped Asi stamp his class in 2003. "I had a perfect team," Taulava said on 2OT with PBA broadcasters Magoo Marjon and Carlo Pamintuan. "My first 3-4 years, remember at the time Mobiline just bought the franchise from Pepsi. The franchise was moving through cultures. The MVP group came in and now we started getting pieces," he added. As Talk 'N Text built its team, the Phone Pals ended up surrounding Asi with veterans like Vic Pablo, Bong Ravena, Mark Telan, Patrick Fran, and Donbel Belano. Talk 'N Text also added rookies Harvey Carey and Jimmy Alapag via Draft. "The big piece was bringing in Vic Pablo from Shell. Then Bong Ravena, Patrick Fran... then we added Jimmy Alapag and Harvey Carey. Bringing those guys in plugged those holes that we had," Taulava said. "We couldn't believe Jimmy fell to 10th in that Draft," Taulava added as Alapag became the final pick of the first round in the 2003 Draft. Carey was the fourth selection. Coached by Joel Banal, the Phone Pals beat Tim Cone's Alaska Aces after five grueling games in the semifinals. In the Finals, Talk 'N Text overcame a 0-2 deficit to tame Chot Reyes' Coca-Cola Tigers in six for the title. "Coke was really good at the time, they had Rudy [Hatfield], Johnny [Abarrientos], Rafi [Reavis], they had all these guys that knew how to win and at the time, they were in the semis majority of the time. That team was built to win," Taulava said. "We just happened to catch them [off guard]. I think they thought the series was over when we went down 0-2, they never thought we would fight back. Everything just happened. Lucky for us everything fell into place, because it could have easily been a 4-0 sweep," Asi added. — Follow this writer on Twitter, @paullintag8.....»»
Go inspects Bacolod Super Health Center
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Sarah Geronimo meets with Fil-Am producers in LA
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Missing man found dead in Barangay Bonbon
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Billboards as lawful election propaganda eyed
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Trump to face jurors in April before facing US voters in November
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SC allows UN expert to act as friend of the court in Maria Ressa s cyber libel plea
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Go extends aid to Muntinlupa fire victims
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Al-Shifa Hospital raid one of the single largest operations in the war: Israeli military sources
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King Charles toddled in robe to see Kate Middleton inside the hospital they both recovered from surgeries
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