Concepcion: Vaccinate 70% of citizens to avoid lockdowns
Local government units now under lockdown were advised yesterday to aim for a high 70 to 80 percent vaccination of their constituents against the coronavirus disease to avoid the strictest quarantine restrictions in the future......»»
10th ID bashes Canadian gov’t for travel advisory vs Mindanao
The 10th Infantry Agila Division (10ID) of the Philippine Army criticized the Canadian government for issuing a travel advisory against all parts of Mindanao, which includes their area of responsibility. Major Mark Anthony Tito, spokesperson for the 10th ID, emphasized that the regions under their jurisdiction are peaceful and free from terrorism and violent threats, contrary to the Canadian embassy's advisory. The division oversees 12 provinces, seven cities, and 72 municipalities in various parts of Mindanao. Tito expressed bewilderment at the basis of the travel advisory, asserting that the Canadian government lacks awareness of the actual situation on the ground. He highlighted the peaceful nature of the entire Davao Region throughout 2023, with no recorded incidents of terrorism or insurgency. Despite the exclusion of Davao City from the advisory, Tito noted that the region would still be impacted. The Canadian embassy's advisory warned its citizens to avoid visiting Mindanao due to ongoing terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, high levels of violence, and encounters between rebel forces and government security authorities. Specific provinces and regions were singled out for caution or non-essential travel, including Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, and Eastern Mindanao. Contrary to the advisory, the 10th ID has been actively weakening and eliminating guerilla forces within its jurisdiction as part of the Philippine Army's efforts to establish an insurgency-free zone. In fact, on October 27, 2023, the Davao Region celebrated its first anniversary as an insurgency-free region in the Philippines. This dispute has led to other related stories, including the Chamber's intention to engage in discussions with the Canadian government regarding the travel advisory, as well as refutations from the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and celebrations of the Davao Region's insurgency-free status by the Regional Peace and Order Council. In summary, the 10th ID vehemently opposes the Canadian government's travel advisory, citing the peaceful and secure nature of the regions under their jurisdiction, and highlighting the significant strides made in eradicating insurgency in the Davao Region......»»
Saudi urges nationals to leave Lebanon
As tensions increased along Lebanon’s southern border with Israel, Saudi Arabia yesterday urged all its citizens to leave Lebanon “immediately.” The embassy of the Gulf state in Beirut said it was “closely following developments” in southern Lebanon, where at least 18 people have been killed in clashes between Israel and Hezbollah. Most of those killed were fighters, but two civilians and a Reuters journalist were among them. On the Israeli side, at least three people have died. Last 7 October, the Palestinian militant organization Hamas launched a massive attack against Israel, killing more than 1,400 people — mostly civilians — by shooting, stabbing, and setting properties on fire. Israeli retaliatory airstrikes on the Gaza Strip resulted in the deaths of almost 3,500 persons, predominantly civilians. Since then, Israel and Hezbollah, a militant group with roots in Lebanon and supported by Iran, like Hamas, have engaged in several hit-for-hit episodes. Hezbollah demanded a “day of rage” following a rocket attack on a Gaza hospital that resulted in the deaths of hundreds on Tuesday. Despite Israel’s denial, hundreds of Hezbollah supporters gathered in the southern suburbs of Beirut on Wednesday to protest the airstrike. Saudi Arabian citizens still in Lebanon were advised to “exercise caution and avoid areas where gatherings and demonstrations are taking place,” said a statement from the Saudi embassy. This week, Kuwait issued a similar travel advisory to its residents. The foreign ministry of Kuwait advised people who wanted to go to Lebanon to “be patient and postpone travel during this stage” and to those who were already there to “return voluntarily if there is no urgent need for their presence.” The post Saudi urges nationals to leave Lebanon appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
What we know about the Hamas assault on Israel
Gun battles raged Sunday between Hamas militants and Israeli forces a day after the Islamist group launched a surprise attack on Israel from Gaza, in a dramatic escalation of the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Hundreds of people have been killed on both sides since the Iran-backed Hamas launched the multi-pronged assault at dawn on Saturday, with Israeli forces fighting holdout militants and pounding the Gaza Strip with air strikes. This is what we know about the conflict so far: How it unfolded The army said hundreds of Hamas militants attacked Israel from around 6:30 am (0330 GMT) on Saturday, the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah, in an assault that also came 50 years after the outbreak of the 1973 Arab-Israeli war. The Islamist group fired thousands of rockets into Israel from Gaza as its militants used explosives and bulldozers to break through the fence surrounding the blockaded Palestinian enclave. Using motorbikes, pickup trucks, motorized gliders, and speed boats, the militants streamed into Israeli urban areas including Ashkelon, Sderot, and Ofakim, which is about 22 kilometers (13 miles) from Gaza. The gunmen attacked a rave party attended by hundreds of young Israelis near Kibbutz Reim, close to Gaza, Israeli media reported. Israel said Hamas has taken more than 100 hostages in Israel. They include an unknown number of Americans and Germans. The militants overran several locations inside Israel, including a Sderot police station where they engaged in a shootout with Israeli forces on Sunday. How Israel is responding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to reduce to "rubble" Hamas hideouts in Gaza, an impoverished enclave of 2.3 million people hemmed in by an Israeli blockade for more than 15 years. The army said it has deployed tens of thousands of soldiers to fight the militants who were still "on the ground" Sunday on Israel territory. It has also carried out air strikes on Hamas positions inside Gaza, in an operation it has dubbed "Swords of Iron". Army spokesman Richard Hecht said the air raids had struck 800 targets including Gaza tunnels, buildings, and other infrastructure. The military said it aims to rescue Israeli hostages and then evacuate the entire region within 24 hours. Almost 1000 killed Israel says Hamas gunmen have killed more than 600 people and wounded over 2,000 in Israeli cities, towns, and kibbutz communities. AFP journalists have seen the bullet-riddled bodies of civilians lying on the streets in at least three locations in Israel: the city of Sderot, the nearby kibbutz of Gevim, and Zikim beach north of the Palestinian coastal enclave. An unknown number of people were reportedly killed at the rave. On the Gaza side, at least 370 people have been killed and more than 2,200 wounded, taking the combined toll to almost 1,000 dead. A British man who had been serving in Israel's army was among those killed in the Hamas attack, his family said. Two Ukrainian women who had been living in Israel were also killed, Ukraine said. Thailand has said two of its citizens were killed, while Cambodia reported the death of a Cambodian student. What Hamas said about the offensive Hamas said it fired 5,000 rockets in an offensive it has branded "Operation Al-Aqsa Flood". Its chief Ismail Haniyeh on Saturday vowed to press ahead with "the battle to liberate our land and our prisoners languishing in occupation prisons". Hamas has called on "resistance fighters in the West Bank" as well as in "Arab and Islamic nations" to join the battle. Early on Sunday, Lebanon's Iran-backed Shiite militant group Hezbollah said it launched missiles and artillery shells into northern Israel "in solidarity" with the Hamas offensive. The Israeli army said it retaliated with artillery fire. Elsewhere, media outlets in Egypt said a policeman opened fire on an Israeli tour group in the northern city of Alexandria on Sunday, killing two Israelis and one Egyptian. How the world has reacted United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned "in the strongest terms" Hamas' attack on Israel and called for "diplomatic efforts to avoid a wider conflagration". The West, much of which has designated Hamas a "terrorist" organization, has also condemned the Islamist group's assault on Israel. President Joe Biden said the United States support for its key ally Israel was "rock solid and unwavering". The White House said on Sunday he had ordered "additional support" for Israel. The European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen said: "I unequivocally condemn the attack carried out by Hamas terrorists against Israel." Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi said the Islamic Republic supported the Palestinians' right to self-defense and warned Israel must be held accountable for "endangering the security of nations in the region". Russia has called for an "immediate ceasefire". Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who strongly supports the Palestinian cause, on Sunday urged both sides "to support peace". Saudi Arabia appealed for an "immediate halt to the escalation between the two sides, protection of civilians, and self-control". The post What we know about the Hamas assault on Israel appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Many barangay posts in BARMM uncontested
As the October barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections draw near, we wrote about the apprehension of the authorities over the conduct of the elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao or BARMM. The Philippine National Police has statistics on several towns flagged as possible election “hot spots.” In fact, they have asked for a postponement of the elections in those areas, but the Commission denied this despite documented incidents of election-related violence. But just as there are conflict areas, there are an almost equal number of barangays where peace is expected to prevail. There will be no contest in those barangays as the candidates will run unopposed. While this could taint the democratic process as the right of citizens to choose their leaders will be somehow restricted, it is still a welcome development. How does this work? This needs the intervention of the patriarchs of families, the elders of the village, and city or town executives. What is essential is to resort to what local tribes (among Maranaws) call “musawarah,” which is Arabic in origin, and “musyawarah,” which is the Malay word for consultation or dialogue. Contending candidates engage in dialogue to find common ground for agreement to avoid a socially, financially, and politically costly election. In the case of a barangay where one family numerically dominates, they choose by rotation from among the siblings or family leaders who will be the Punong Barangay. The other positions, like barangay councilor or kagawad, secretary, treasurer, etc., are equally divided among themselves. And there is an equitable distribution of the salaries and whatever largesse the barangay will receive from the government and local projects. In contested barangays, the town mayor offers a hefty sum to the party running against his chosen candidate and promises a monthly allowance and other assistance. By buying off the different bets, the mayor gets the full support of the barangay, with the Punong Barangay acting as his political operator when the mayoral elections come around. Experience tells us that the mayor, supported by most Punong Barangays, gets to perpetuate his dynastic family in power. This is also one way of settling “rido” or family feuds that are a side issue during elections. Through back channeling and having a common candidate and slate, families that for years were involved in “rido” are open to reconciliation. A Rappler report said about “149 barangays in Maguindanao del Sur’s 24 towns have unopposed bets for barangay chair.” And local leaders are still negotiating to have more unopposed candidates in more barangays. According to local leaders, this scheme is resorted to not necessarily for partisan considerations but for peace because election rivalries are the common cause of “rido.” This is happening also in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur and many other BARMM barangays. Through the efforts of provincial governors and city and town mayors, several barangays have candidates running unchallenged in October. Democrats might find this an assault on the freedom of the people to choose their leaders. They will claim that politicians manipulate the people to surrender their fundamental rights as citizens to perpetuate themselves in power and protect their dynasties. But what good is democracy if we have conflict and instability in the villages and one cannot sleep at night for fear of violence? In weighing which interest is preponderant — peace or freedom — pacifists will go for the former. This column supports the work of local leaders in BARMM to have familiar candidates for the coming elections so that lives will not be unnecessarily sacrificed on the altar of politics. amb_mac_lanto@yahoo.com The post Many barangay posts in BARMM uncontested appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
ASF invades Cocoro Island
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — The Provincial Veterinary Office here disclosed on Friday that the African swine fever has reached the region and caused an outbreak on Cocoro Island, a barangay in the fifth-class municipality of Magsaysay in the easternmost side of the province. Palawan PVO officer-in-charge Dr. Darius Mangcucang, in an interview, revealed that Cocoro has recorded approximately 300 swine mortalities as a result of African swine fever and confirmed that out of the six blood samples collected from the domesticated pigs that survived on Cocoro Island, five of them were positively identified as having ASF. The results were according to laboratory evaluations conducted by the Bureau of Animal Industry. He also stressed that measures have been put in place to isolate the area and prevent the disease from spreading as the PVO is already enacting measures to control the situation. Meantime, community leaders are taking steps to restrict the movement of pigs and pork products from the island, while surveillance is also focused on monitoring the transportation of pork into the town. “We can manage the situation on the island as long as there is cooperation from the community. The barangay officials are monitoring closely as they have received directives from their leaders,” Mangcucang said. As an alternative to culling, given that all domestic pigs on the island have already succumbed to ASF, Mangcucang said they already initiated a disinfection procedure and used lime on the burial sites. The method aims to confine the virus and is anticipated to last for approximately three months, according to his estimation. “The pigs might all be gone, there’s no need for culling anymore. What we’ll do instead is disinfection. We’ll place lime on the sites where the pigs were buried by the farmers and residents, in order to contain the virus,” Mangcucang said. The PVO, in collaboration with the Philippine National Police and local municipal authorities, has also established checkpoints in all entry areas to Magsaysay. He said their endeavors include continuous monitoring, gathering of blood samples, and conducting quarantine assessments. Governor Victorino Dennis Socrates, in a statement issued by the Provincial Information Office, assured the public of swift governmental response as collaborative endeavors with various government agencies are in motion to tackle the crisis while citizens are urged to adhere to guidelines to halt ASF’s progression to other parts of the province. “This incident is being closely monitored, and appropriate measures are being taken in collaboration with other government agencies, while simultaneously urging the public to adhere to the government’s implemented policies to prevent further spread of ASF to other parts of the province,” Socrates said. The PVO also appealed to residents to cooperate by refraining from purchasing meat products online and to avoid feeding pigs with potentially contaminated swill or uncooked food. In case of any suspicious pig deaths or symptoms, residents are urged to promptly inform the veterinary office or the Municipal Agriculture Office. The post ASF invades Cocoro Island appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
WFH applicable only during crisis — Concepcion
A manufacturing firm owner and the lead for the Jobs Committee of the Marcos Administration’s Private Sector Advisory Council, Joey Concepcion maintained that the work-from-home scheme is not applicable anymore, especially for a country that is currently reeling from economic uncertainties and inflationary crisis. During the Laging Handa Public Briefing on Monday, Concepcion said nothing will happen to the country’s economy if the work-from-home setup will still be entertained by employers. “Well, I have mixed views on that. If we continue working from home, what will happen to the Philippines? There will be less mobility. If there is less mobility, there is less consumption,” he said. In March 2023, online recruitment platform JobStreet in its “Future of Recruitment Report” said the Filipino workforce is more interested in not going back to the office at all than the global average. Concepcion stressed that WFH or hybrid set-up could kill businesses that count on the mobility of citizens, including ride-hailing apps, the rest in the transportation sector and the micro-entrepreneurs. The post WFH applicable only during crisis — Concepcion appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Russia skirts sanctions with digital ruble
Russia started testing its digital ruble Tuesday in a bid to limit the impact of international sanctions following its military offensive in Ukraine last year. Russia’s central bank told Agence France-Presse that 13 local banks and 600 individuals took part in the trial, making payments in digital ruble via a mobile app at 30 sales points in 11 Russian cities. The payments were without charge and with a minimal commission for businesses. The dollar-less payment system allows many Russian banks to continue transactions in lieu of the SWIFT system that banned them since last year. Most Russian banks have been banned from the main system used for international transactions, pushing Moscow to look for other ways to de-dollarize. Like cryptocurrencies, the digital ruble uses blockchain technology, which facilitates direct transactions through a decentralized database. The main difference lies in its status as a “central bank digital currency,” which is tightly controlled. The digital rubles are issued by the Russian central bank and stocked in electronic wallets, with the FSB national security service monitoring the system. According to researchers at the Atlantic Council, Russia has become the 21st country to enter the test phase for a digital currency. Social control Mikkel Morch, founder of crypto-focused investment fund ARK36, said the digital ruble will allow Russia to avoid banks where it faces restrictions, and that the blockchain is “much less easy to sanction and attack.” However, Morch said that digitizing the ruble would give authorities “immense control” over Russians. It could be used as “the ultimate social control tool,” he warned, giving the government the power to issue fines or freeze assets with “the click of a button.” “In the wrong hands, this data could be used to spy on citizens’ private transactions,” researchers from the Atlantic Council have warned. To convince wary Russians, authorities have promised its use will be voluntary. WITH AFP The post Russia skirts sanctions with digital ruble appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Safeguarding waters
As an archipelago consisting of over seven thousand islands, the Philippines is expected to hold high regard for the security and well-being of its citizens who traverse its waterways, may it be in the seas, rivers, or lakes. Laguna de Bay, the country’s largest freshwater inland lake, should be treated no differently. In the middle of the lake is Talim Island, which is part of Binangonan, Rizal. With over 40,000 inhabitants, the only method of getting to the island is via motorboat. Last 27 July, the worst tragedy struck one of the boats plying this route, claiming 27 innocent lives. Since then, a lot of finger-pointing has taken place between government offices and local officials. It is a question of who is ultimately liable — the Philippine Coast Guard or PCG, the Maritime Industry Authority or Marina, the local boat operators association Talim Island Passenger Motorboat and Patrons Association, or the boat owners and the boat captain. At the hearing of the Senate Committee on Public Services held last 8 August, it appeared that all of them were at fault. Chaired by Senator Grace Poe, the committee brought together all the stakeholders in this disaster, including the victim-survivors and the families of the deceased. In her opening statement, Senator Poe immediately pointed out the alleged violations, from the reported lack of a license of the boat captain to the absence of safety measures such as the completion of a passenger manifest and the mandatory wearing of life vests. Senator Poe was diplomatic in allowing the PCG and Marina to make their respective presentations, and for the Binangonan mayor and the passenger survivors to share their accounts. Senator Raffy Tulfo, who filed his own Senate resolution to investigate this matter, was sharp in questioning the PCG and Marina. Since the boat captain was already in the orange uniform of a detainee, Senator Tulfo asked why the liable officers of PCG and Marina were not in jail as well. The PCG was gracious enough to admit its shortcomings and negligence, and it was commended for that. The PCG’s performance in saving the lives of those involved in the Romblon boat sinking incident, which happened shortly after the one in Binangonan, was likewise recognized. As for Marina, the officers testified on the presence of laws and regulations that require boats and ships to maintain certain specifications to ensure their safety, but these were not being implemented. It became evident that boat measurements and materials were not being followed, and applicants for permits were allowed to cut corners by “bribing” officials with what is known as “pangiti.” The boat captain himself testified under oath that he gave the PCG officer bananas worth P100 and an additional P50 in cash to fast-track the issuance of his safety permits. All this boils down to a flawed system where we have the required laws and regulations to safely keep our waterways, but we lack the budget, manpower, and infrastructure to implement them. At the Binangonan port, for instance, there is no presence of authorities, such as the PCG, since there is no outpost in sight. I went to this port last weekend to inspect it and meet with the locals since my company was the insurer of the passengers’ personal accident policy of the subject boat. Despite the violations of the policy, our company, Milestone Guaranty and Assurance Corp., disbursed financial assistance to the victims of this tragedy, for humanitarian considerations. There is a need to strengthen the PCG and Marina to allow them to fulfill their mandates. We hope these would be highlighted in upcoming budget hearings to avoid more deaths on our shores. **** For comments, email him at darren.dejesus@gmail.com The post Safeguarding waters appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Contempt raps vs De Lima, Risa urged
Atty. Ferdinand Topacio filed a petition for indirect contempt against seven persons that include detained former Senator Leila de Lima, Senator Risa Hontiveros and Rep. Edcel Lagman in connection with their statements to the media relating to the last remaining drug case before the Muntinlupa court by the former lawmaker. Topacio, a member of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption and national chairman of the Citizens Crime Watch, filed the case yesterday before the Muntinlupa Office of the Clerk of Court against De Lima, Hontiveros, Lagman, Cristina Palabay, Renato Reyes and lawyers Filibon Tacardon, De Lima’s legal counsel, and Dino de Leon. He claimed the media statements and interviews of the said personalities regarding case 17-167 against De Lima, which is pending before the Muntinlupa RTC Branch 256, violated the sub judice rule that “restricts comments and disclosures pertaining to the judicial proceedings in order to avoid prejudging the issue, influencing the court, or obstructing the administration of justice.” Topacio said “The restriction applies to litigants and witnesses, the public in general, and most especially to members of the Bar and the Bench.” Under case 17-167, filed by the Department of Justice in 2017, De Lima and others are accused of conspiracy to commit illegal drug trading. Romeo Buenaventura, the judge who was handling the case recently inhibited himself from further hearing it. Before this, he denied the petitions for bail by De Lima and her co-accused. The petition stated that it is assailing specifically the contemptuous conduct of respondents in making public comments regarding the case of Atty. Leila de Lima which tends to impede, obstruct, or degrade the administration of justice. It also said the VACC “has been instrumental in the filing of the above-mentioned criminal case against respondent Leila M. de Lima which is pending before Regional Trial Court of Muntinlupa City.” “During the pendency of the above-mentioned case, respondents uttered several public statements which clearly tend to bring the court into disrepute or disrespect simply because a ruling was made contrary to what they want,” it added. The petition said that De Lima on her Facebook account, made a public comment regarding the denial of her bail which tends to challenge the wisdom of the ruling of the Honorable Court. Under Section 7 of Rule 71 of the Rules of Court, “If the respondent is adjudged guilty of indirect contempt committed against a Regional Trial Court or a court of equivalent or higher rank, he may be punished by a fine not exceeding thirty thousand pesos or imprisonment not exceeding six months, or both.” The post Contempt raps vs De Lima, Risa urged appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go wants responsible parties held accountable after NAIA power outage
Sen. Bong Go, a member of the Senate Committee on Public Services, has voiced his frustration and called for accountability as the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 experienced yet another power outage, causing inconvenience to passengers and raising concerns about the facility's operational reliability. In the wake of the power outage, Go emphasized the importance of holding responsible parties accountable for the recurring incidents at NAIA. "Bilang miyembro po ng (Senate Committee on) Public Services, alam ninyo, paulit-ulit ito eh. Dapat po ay merong managot dito at saka tuwing may brownout, asikasuhin ninyo po ang mga pasahero," said Go in an ambush interview after attending the launch of the 158th Malasakit Center in the country in Guagua, Pampanga, on Friday, June 9. The senator also criticized the lack of preparedness demonstrated by the airport management and urged the implementation of backup plans to prevent such incidents from severely disrupting operations. "Kaya kung palagi kayong nagbabrownout, sinabi ko noon dapat meron kayong backup plan. May genset kaagad kayo, may kagamitan kaagad kayo, automatic naman 'yun. Tayong nasa gobyerno, lalo na po ang airport, dapat maayos ang pasilidad ninyo," he said. Furthermore, he called for consistent maintenance of the airport's facilities to avoid technical issues that could lead to service disruptions. When questioned about the possibility of someone being terminated as a result of the issue, Go emphasized that the decision to take action lies within the authority of the department. "Alam ninyo, ang pagsisibak ay nasa prerogative po 'yan ng ating Department of Transportation... Mas alam ninyo po ang trabaho ninyo, ayaw ko pong turuan kayo sa inyong trabaho, ngunit sana po ay gawin ninyo po ang inyong trabaho," said Go. However, he urged the Department of Transportation to fulfill its responsibilities and effectively address the recurring issues at NAIA. He reminded airport authorities and government officials of their duty to provide quality public service and to prioritize the welfare and comfort of Filipino citizens and international travelers. "Mahiya tayo sa publiko, bayad tayo, binabayaran po tayo para magtrabaho, binabayaran po tayo para gawin po ang ating tungkulin at wag pong pahirapan ang Pilipino," he stressed. On Friday, NAIA Terminal 3 faced yet another power outage, attributed to a procedural lapse that occurred during an ongoing electrical audit. This incident follows a string of previous outages that disrupted operations on significant occasions such as Labor Day, Chinese Lunar New Year, and New Year's Day. Go pointed out that flight delays and cancellations have a domino effect, impacting both domestic and international travel. Such disruptions not only inconvenience passengers but also have economic implications. Delays in international flights can lead to missed connections and subsequent penalties for travelers, which can strain their finances, according to Go. The senator then emphasized the importance of providing proper meals, comfortable accommodations, and fair compensation to mitigate the negative impact on passengers. "Alam ninyo, public service tayo, bigyan po natin ng maayos na serbisyo (ang mga tao)," he emphasized. The post Bong Go wants responsible parties held accountable after NAIA power outage appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Comelec: More funds needed for early voting
More funding is needed for the conduct of early voting for vulnerable sectors, healthcare workers and lawyers, the Commission on Elections said on Tuesday in reaction to the passage of House Bill 7576, which seeks early voting for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, lawyers and healthcare workers. In a Viber message to reporters, Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said that an added budget could fund for the use of other voting centers outside schools which could prevent inconvenience among schoolchildren, and for the training and honoraria of additional teachers who will serve as electoral board members. “Comelec respectfully hopes for an adequate allocation of budget for the proper implementation (of early voting) if the bill has become law,” Laudiangco said. Garnering a resounding “Yes” vote in the Lower House on Monday, HB 7576 provides for an early voting schedule for the said sectors, as well as a nationwide registration for people belonging in these sectors. It does not clearly define, however, how “early” the voting should be among the said sectors. Comelec initially lobbied for early voting for vulnerable sectors – senior citizens, PWDs as well as indigenous peoples, although the said House Bill excluded the latter. Laudiangco said that the bill could benefit not just vulnerable sectors, but also workers such as lawyers and healthcare workers who are commonly on duty on polling day. “This will be a big help to the sector so that they could avoid falling in line with most of our kababayans and that they could vote more conveniently and much safer based on their situations,” Comelec Spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said in a message on Viber. However, he proposed that the period of registration within the sector should just be for the “manifestation of intent to avail of early voting,” separating itself from the act of registering as a voter under Republic Act 8189 or the Voters’ Registration Act of 1996. Up on the Senate floor, Senator Mark Villar filed a similar legislation through Senate Bill 1675, or the “Better Voting Accessibility for Seniors, PWDs, Pregnant Women and IPs,” with this one also covering members of indigenous communities. The said bill is currently pending before three committees in the Senate. The post Comelec: More funds needed for early voting appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pre-register to avoid vaccine wastage – Concepcion
Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion has reiterated his proposal to pre-register vaccinees to avoid wasting the vaccines against COVID-19......»»
US tells citizens to avoid Kabul airport due to security threats
The United States on Saturday urged its citizens in Afghanistan to avoid traveling to Kabul airport, citing "potential security threats" near its gates......»»
‘No change’ on Olympics, Japan says after US virus travel warning
A new US travel warning for Japan over virus risks will not affect this summer’s pandemic-postponed Olympic Games, the Japanese government and Tokyo 2020 organisers said Tuesday. The US State Department advisory released Monday urges citizens to avoid travel to Japan, where the borders are already closed to almost all foreigners. It cites government health […] The post ‘No change’ on Olympics, Japan says after US virus travel warning appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tokyo asks China to end COVID-19 anal swabs for Japanese
Japan has asked China to avoid using anal swabs to test its citizens for coronavirus, saying the method prompted complaints of "psychological distress"......»»
United States: The United States recommends its citizens to “avoid travel” to Tanzania due to the Coronavirus pandemic
The Tanzanian president confirmed there were no cases amid criticism of his administration Madrid, February 2 (Europe Press) – The US authorities have recommended their.....»»
Alex Gonzaga, her parents, and fiancé Mikee recover from Covid-19
Despite plans that have been cancelled, the actress is still grateful for many things Earlier today, Alex Gonzaga shared an intimate and very personal documentary video of how life was the past three weeks since they found out that she and her parents, fiancé Mikee, and one household help Sophie, were infected with Covid-19. She was contemplating if she should share how life was when Covid-19 hit them, and decided that she should, “so you can learn from our mistakes and to give you hope so that you know you can get better.” She started off by revealing that the virus infected their family because a member went out to buy food. The first one who got infected was her mom Pinty, and thankfully, both parents were asymptomatic. It was her and Mikee who had it worse, and Alex was able to document how she felt on a daily basis and put it out in her vlog. She started with day three where one can see her crying, “My plans were ruined. I wanted to get married with my family and a few friends, so I needed to change my plans. I also have a new show, but I couldn’t attend. For the next two weeks, I’ll be staying here at home.” On the fourth day, she admitted that she was emotional because so many of her plans didn’t push through, including attending the birthday of her one and only nephew Seve. “Right now, no one leaves the house,” she added that it’s also important to take lots of rest, drink fluids, and take Vitamin C. She also shared the symptoms she was experiencing that time such as feeling weak, slight fever (37.7C), sore throat, loss of appetite, clogged nose, and loss of taste. They also taped a sheet of plastic over on each of the rooms so that they would not leave their rooms. Both her parents are also staying in different rooms. Thankfully, her sister Toni and family, along with her friends, tested negative. On the fifth day, she didn’t have the appetite to eat and her mom suggested that she should go to the hospital but Mikee recommended to stay at home since things might worsen if she went to the hospital. She also started taking Melatonin, so that she can sleep better and get her much needed rest. True enough, on the sixth day, she woke up at around 10a.m. For the next few days, she added other ways to boost her immunity by eating more protein, opening the curtains and taking in the sun and savoring its warmth. She also kept an oxygenator by her side so she could check her oxygen level. On the eighth day, she was slightly back to normal except that she got tired more often. On the tenth day, she started getting emotional again, but felt very blessed. “God healed us, and my parents didn’t experience any symptoms, even if they’re senior citizens,” she continues. “And it just dawned on me that we survived Covid-19.” They had everyone, including the whole house staff, tested on the 15th day for Covid-19, with the negative results for everyone, even Mikee. It’s been three weeks and she shares in her vlog that she’s happy to be back and happy that they survived Covid-19 as a family. “You can survive Covid-19. Don’t panic. Consult with your doctor and really take care of your body. Boost your immune system. Drink your vitamins. Gargle with salt and water, and take lots of rest,” she reminds her viewers. “We should stop thinking about ourselves, we should really start thinking about others. It’s not about you, but the people around you. So that we can avoid infecting people during this pandemic.”.....»»
Chan allows minors, seniors to visit Lapu resorts, hotels
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Philippines – Minors and senior citizens in Lapu-Lapu City can now have fun under the sun. Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan announced on Saturday, October 17, that he will now allow these individuals, who have been in isolation for more than six months to avoid the risk of the coronavirus disease, to already leave […] The post Chan allows minors, seniors to visit Lapu resorts, hotels appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Lawmakers join academe in assailing anti-terrorism law before SC
“It was crafted in imprecise and vague language so much so that there is no certitude as to what acts the law actually prescribes, thus leaving citizens perplexed on what to avoid doing, even as its vagueness is conducive to conflicting interpretations and arbitrary enforcement.".....»»
Down Under Promotions supports ICC Bluehawks and BPBL
CEBU CITY, Philippines —The Sydney-bound Immaculada Concepcion College (ICC) Bluehawks senior men’s basketball team has earned the support of Down Under Promotions Sports and Events in their preparation for the Australian Chinese Basketball Association (ACBA). To recall, the ICC Bluehawks will represent the Philippines in the upcoming ACBA, which kicks off tomorrow. Besides the Philippines,.....»»