US chief medical advisor urges more support for Filipino scientists, institutions
Dr. Anthony Fauci gave the keynote address at the 43rd annual scientific meeting of the National Academy of Science and Technology Tuesday morning. .....»»
Jollibee invests $28 million in beverage tech firm
Filipino-owned Asian food conglomerate Jollibee Foods Corp. is investing $28 million for a 10 percent stake in beverage technology company Botrista Inc. to support the growth of its coffee and tea business......»»
Cebu topnotcher shares secret to success: Strong support system of family, friends
CEBU CITY, Philippines — A good support system of family and friends is Elijah Cabase’s secret to his placing 5th in the March 2024 Medical Technologists Licensure Examinations (MTLE). This 23-year-old University of Cebu-Banilad alumnus said that he was not even expecting to pass because he described himself as a confessed procrastinator — or one.....»»
Philippine scientists harassed by China helicopter
Another case of harassment at sea by the Chinese has been reported – this time near Pag-Asa Island last Saturday – involving a helicopter, which hovered dangerously close to a group of Filipino scientists doing research work on a sand bar called Sandy Cay, causing minor injuries......»»
Philippine scientists harassed by China helicoper
Another case of harassment at sea by the Chinese has been reported – this time near Pag-Asa Island last Saturday – involving a helicopter, which hovered dangerously close to a group of Filipino scientists doing research work on a sand bar called Sandy Cay, causing minor injuries......»»
Scientists group condemns harassment of researchers near Pag-asa Island
The Advocates of Science and Technology for the People condemned the harassment of Filipino marine scientists who were conducting research at sandbars near Philippine-occupied Pag-asa Island. .....»»
Just seven of 116 SUCs offer medicine programs — lawmaker
House Minority Leader Rep. Marcelino Libanan (4PS Partylist) said that Congress should allot more funding to support "highly advanced" SUCs in establishing their own medical schools to subsidize the schooling of aspiring doctors......»»
Ukraine military to collapse without U.S. aid, experts warn
Defense and national security experts are sounding the alarm on the cutting of United States assistance to Ukraine’s military after the US Congress passed a stopgap budget law without funding for Kyiv. “It would be devastating for the Ukrainians” if US aid is halted, Mark Cancian, a senior advisor at the national security think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies, said. “The Ukrainian military would weaken and then ultimately perhaps collapse,” though it “might be able to just hold on on the defensive,” Cancian said. The United States has committed more than $43 billion in security aid since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 — over half the total from all Western donors. It has supplied a vast arsenal to help Kyiv fight to regain territory seized by Russia, ranging from small arms ammunition and artillery rounds to vehicles, sophisticated rocket launchers, tanks and mine-clearing equipment. “Militaries in conflict need a continuous flow of weapons and supplies and munitions to replace what’s destroyed and gets used up,” Cancian said. The European Union is prepared to stand by Ukraine “for as long as it takes” and the EU’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell reiterated this during the gathering of the bloc’s foreign ministers in Kyiv on Monday. Dozens of countries — especially in Europe — have provided military aid to Ukraine, and while they could increase support, picking up all the slack left by Washington would be a major long-term challenge. It would require a “years and decades-long effort to get Europe to a place where (it) could fully replace the US as a kind of military power, or a defense industrial power,” James Black, assistant director of the defense and security research group at RAND Europe, said. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin — who played a key role in forging an international coalition to back Ukraine, and then in coordinating assistance — called over the weekend for Congress to take action. Lawmakers should make good on “America’s commitment to provide urgently needed assistance to the people of Ukraine as they fight to defend their own country against the forces of tyranny,” Austin said in a statement. “America must live up to its word and continue to lead.” WITH AFP The post Ukraine military to collapse without U.S. aid, experts warn appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
How secret are CIFs?
Confidential and intelligence funds have been the buzzword since the budget season started in late August. It snowballed after Vice President Sara Z. Duterte was pressed to explain how the Office of the Vice President spent the P125-million Confidential and Intelligence Fund (transferred from the Office of the President contingent fund). As it became a highly debated topic — legislators like Senator Risa Hontiveros and Makabayan bloc members in the Lower House sought disclosure on the use of confidential funds to the public. Close to wrapping up the budget deliberations last week, the OVP and the Department of Education may lose their CIF requests in the 2024 budget as several solons agreed to realign them to the security operations of agencies that need them most. In a nutshell, arguments were in favor of transparency and against it. The decision will ultimately depend on the specific circumstances and the policies in practice. CIFs typically refer to discretionary funds allocated for specific purposes within an organization or government agency. Usually intended for confidential or sensitive activities requiring secrecy or discretion, the purpose of secret funds varies widely depending on the organization. Still, some common examples include intelligence gathering, covert operations, paying confidential informants, and other clandestine activities. Regarding national security, using CIFs may be related to sensitive national security matters. Disclosing details about these activities could compromise ongoing operations or endanger the individuals involved. Former National Security Advisor Hermogenes Esperon Jr.’s explanation of where CIFs are used is clear enough. CIFs are not exclusive to the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police. Civilian agencies also use them for counter-intelligence — protection of personal documents and communications; and intelligence operations — use of human intelligence, technical intelligence, and other ways of collecting information. The CIFs, the former AFP chief said, are significant in maintaining the people’s allegiance to the government and safeguarding against potential espionage and threats from within the state. Equally appalling as the laxity of some government agencies in recruiting people who are supposed to be fit for the job, whose loyalty is to the people and not to overthrow the government, is the recruitment of young students and out-of-school youth to the communist cause. It, therefore, coheres that teachers’ loyalty to the Department of Education and their commitment to enhancing learning capabilities and development of the youth should be beyond doubt. Who needs teachers who lead in recruiting young minds to be radicalized? Imposing a mandatory disclosure on the use of CIFs is synonymous with informing enemies of the state of the government’s plans against them, which could potentially impede the efficacy of specific operations. It pays to understand that some security endeavors necessitate a certain degree of secrecy to accomplish goals. As long as the allocation, management, and purposes of CIFs are subject to specific laws, regulations, and internal policies, there should be no fear of misuse, corruption, or unethical behavior by those entrusted with managing the funds. The last time we checked, the dictionary had not made revisions to the definition of confidential. It still is an adjective that means “intended to be kept secret or restricted to the use of a particular person, group, or class.” The post How secret are CIFs? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Former Starbucks CEO Schultz steps down from board
Starbucks said Wednesday its former chief executive Howard Schultz will step down from the coffee chain's board of directors "as part of a planned transition." Schultz, who ended his third stint as CEO in March, helped transform the brand from a small coffee shop into an international chain over the decades. "I look forward to supporting this next generation of leaders to steward Starbucks into the future as a customer, supporter, and advocate in my role as chairman emeritus," the longtime Starbucks leader said in a statement. In 2017, Schultz stepped aside as chief executive after his second tenure, handing the reins to Kevin Johnson. He later announced his retirement from the company and weighed a run for US president. When Johnson left in 2022 after five years at the helm, Schultz returned as interim CEO, before Laxman Narasimhan took over the position in March this year. In the company's statement on Wednesday, it also announced that Wei Zhang, most recently a senior advisor to Alibaba Group, has been elected to the board of directors effective 1 October. Starbucks has in recent times come under fire over its confrontational approach to unionization, with Schultz defending against allegations it had violated US labor laws in countering the campaign. In a hearing convened by progressive Senator Bernie Sanders earlier this year, Schultz said he was unaware of instances where workers were fired or relocated to other stores because of union activity. Today, the Seattle-based corporation has more than 36,000 stores in 86 markets globally, according to the company. The post Former Starbucks CEO Schultz steps down from board appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM names Rosalia de Leon as Monetary Board member
Malacañang on Saturday announced that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed National Treasurer Rosalia de Leon as a member of the Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Marcos cited de Leon’s expertise and dedication to serving the finance sector in the country. De Leon, who has served three presidents as national treasurer, played a “critical role” in developing effective borrowing strategies and implementing credit enhancements to ensure access to the most cost-effective financing options. Marcos believes de Leon’s expertise in shaping monetary policies and managing foreign reserves can contribute to the stability of the country’s banking system. "I am profoundly honored to be entrusted with this prestigious role as a Monetary Board member of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas,” De Leon said. "I recognize the significant impact my decisions in this role can have on the lives of our fellow Filipinos. I am committed to working towards financial stability, fostering growth, and contributing to the overall well-being of our nation,” she added. De Leon, meanwhile, has expressed unwavering commitment to helping the country’s growth and diversification of the domestic capital market. The Palace cited de Leon’s distinguished career at the Department of Finance where she has served in various roles including director and undersecretary for the International Finance Group, as well as chief-of-staff. “As the Undersecretary for the IFG, she successfully oversaw various significant transactions, including the issuance of Global Peso Notes and several Liability Management Exercises,” the Palace said in its statement. “These exercises effectively reduced the Philippine government’s funding costs, extended maturity profiles, and converted foreign exchange liabilities into local currency,” it added. De Leon also held the role of alternate executive director at the World Bank Group in Washington DC, representing Brazil, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Haiti, Panama, the Philippines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. She was also a former advisor to the executive director of the Asian Development Bank. De Leon obtained her Master of Arts in Development Economics from Williams College in Massachusetts, United States of America. The post PBBM names Rosalia de Leon as Monetary Board member appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Forming strategic partnerships with upcoming projects
Federal Land strives to make a difference in the Philippine real estate landscape with developments that embody its vision of a brighter and more sustainable future in collaboration with Nomura Real Estate Global, Inc. Federal Land NRE Global, Inc.’s commitment to redefining urban living manifests through its upcoming three noteworthy projects: [caption id="attachment_178444" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] MET Park in Pasay lounge. | PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF FEDERAL LAND[/caption] Riverpark Cavite Located in Cavite, this residential neighborhood within Federal Land’s Riverpark community introduces a Japanese-inspired haven tailored to starting families. Riverpark Cavite embraces lot sizes ranging from 300 to 527 sqm. This residential enclave harmonizes the aesthetics of Japanese design with contemporary family requirements. Riverpark Cavite is expected to be completed within two to three years with its horizontal arrangement. [caption id="attachment_178442" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Tom Mirasol, Federal Land chief operating officer and president; Yusuke Hirano, FNG vice chairman; Ar. Gilbert Berba, FNG head of Urban Planning and Design Group; and Yasuhiro Ohira, FNG Senior Management advisor.[/caption] Met Park Pasay Nestled in the bustling Bay Area, Met Park Pasay reimagines modern living with a youthful and balanced touch. This mixed-use neighborhood offers various sizes catering to diverse lifestyles, from compact studio units at 31 to 32 sqm to spacious three-bedroom penthouses at 152 to 220 sqm. The Observatory Mandaluyong Situated in Mandaluyong City, The Observatory presents a modern retreat in a strategically advantageous locale. With unit sizes spanning from compact studios at 26 to 33 sqm to expansive penthouses at 155 to 202 sqm, The Observatory caters to diverse preferences, integrating modernity with an inviting retreat, promising a holistic urban living experience. The Observatory is targeted to be done in five to six years. [caption id="attachment_178441" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] THE Observatory in Mandaluyong.[/caption] “These projects are just the beginning of plans to realize in the next 30 years. Our focus is on creating milestone developments that will continue to integrate Japanese inspiration with the Filipino sensibility, differentiated by the coming together of cultures resulting in smart and sustainable cities that aim to create value in townships. That is the promise of excellence — one we are confident to deliver,” Thomas Mirasol, Federal Land chief operating officer and president, said. At the core of these developments are brand pillars brought by the union of Federal Land, Inc. and Nomura Real Estate Development Co., Ltd.: 1. Japanese: From project concept and design, the seamless integration of nature into the development, to the Japanese cultural trait of putting clients at the forefront, FNG prioritizes the creation of spaces that cater to the diverse needs of modern urban dwellers; 2. Innovation: FNG integrates Japanese innovation into its projects through well-thought-of design, architecture and features; and 3. Collaboration: FNG will continue to forge partnerships with local and global brands, companies and individuals to enhance the lives of its future communities. Federal Land, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of GT Capital Holdings, a listed major Philippine conglomerate whose investment holdings include Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (Metrobank), Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation, Toyota Manila Bay Corporation, Toyota Financial Services Philippines Corporation, Sumisho Motor Finance Corporation, GT Capital Auto and Mobility Holdings, Inc., JBA Philippines, Inc., Premium Warranty Services Philippines, Inc., Philippine AXA Life Insurance Corporation and Metro Pacific Investments Corporation. The post Forming strategic partnerships with upcoming projects appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Teddy Boy named special envoy to China
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Teodoro “Teddy Boy” Locsin Jr. as the President’s Special Envoy to the People’s Republic of China for Special Concerns, the Presidential Communications Office announced on Wednesday in a Facebook post. Locsin’s recent appointment came amid the resurgence of tensions in the West Philippine Sea between China and the Philippines. In a Viber message to Palace reporters, Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said Marcos appointed Locsin to boost the bilateral relations between the two countries. Locsin, who is the Foreign Affairs Secretary of then-President Rodrigo R. Duterte from 17 October to 30 June 2022, takes on the new task “in a concurrent position” as the Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The Chief Executive appointed Locsin UK ambassador with jurisdiction over Ireland, Isle of Man, Bailiwick of Jersey, and Bailiwick of Guernsey on 30 August 2022. During his tenure, he frequently lodged numerous diplomatic complaints and occasionally used the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to criticize China. The newly-appointed special envoy is the son and namesake of Teodoro Locsin Sr., a journalist who was imprisoned during the 1970s for criticizing President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., the father of now President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Following the overthrow of Marcos Sr. in 1986, the younger Locsin became the speechwriter and legal advisor to President Corazon Aquino. Subsequently, he wrote speeches for Presidents Joseph Estrada and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. He was elected Makati 1st District representative in 2001, a seat he held until 2010. Holding a master’s degree in law from Harvard University, Locsin is a lawyer and a media figure. The post Teddy Boy named special envoy to China appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
50% chance 2023 will be warmest year on record — NOAA
There is a nearly 50 percent probability that 2023 will be the warmest year ever recorded and next year could be even hotter, US government climate experts said Monday. "2023 to date has been the third warmest on record," National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) chief scientist Sarah Kapnick told reporters. "It is virtually certain -- over 99 percent chance -- that 2023 will rank among the five warmest years on record with a nearly 50 percent probability that 2023 will rank warmest on record," Kapnick said. Gavin Schmidt, director of the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, said next year could be even hotter than this year because of the Pacific warming phenomenon known as El Nino. "The biggest impact of El Nino will actually occur in 2024," Schmidt said. "So we're anticipating that not only is 2023 going to be exceptionally warm and possibly a record warm year, but we anticipate that 2024 will be warmer still." The European Union's climate observatory Copernicus reported last week that July was the hottest month ever recorded on Earth, and NOAA figures released on Monday were in line with the EU data. "The average global surface temperature in July was 2.02 degrees Fahrenheit (1.12 degrees Celsius) above average, ranking it as the warmest July in NOAA's 174-year record," NOAA said. NOAA also said that global ocean surface temperatures hit a record high in July for a fourth consecutive month, as El Nino conditions that emerged in June continued. Kate Calvin, NASA's chief scientist and senior climate advisor, said "climate change is having impacts on people and ecosystems all around the world. "Along with changes in temperature, we're experiencing other changes in climate like sea level rise, declines in Arctic sea ice, wildfires, heavy precipitation events, and more," Calvin said. Bill Nelson, the administrator of the US space agency, said it is "self-evident that the Earth is heating up. "Mother Nature is sending us a message," Nelson said. "And that message is we better act now, before it's too late to save our climate, in other words, to save our planet." The post 50% chance 2023 will be warmest year on record — NOAA appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
InLife CISO Noel Perdigon hailed as GRC Leader of the Year
Insular Life’s Chief Information Security Officer Noel Andres M. Perdigon recently received the GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) Leader of the Year Award at the PhilSec Awards 2023. Perdigon heads both InLife’s Information Security and Data Privacy Division and Enterprise Risk Management Division, and is also the company’s Lead Sustainability Officer for InLife’s Environmental, Social and Governance initiatives. According to the award organizers, the GRC Leader of the Year Award is given “to the most outstanding professional who displayed sheer magnificence in the field of Governance, Risk, and Compliance and through his competence enabled the best-in-class security for his organization, while also keeping it on the right track for growth & scalability.” GRC is defined as “a blanket term used to describe the strategies and technologies used to manage an organization’s compliance with regulatory mandates and corporate governance standards.” In his acceptance speech, Perdigon underscored the importance of cybersecurity and preparedness. "Give a man a zero day, and he will have access for a day; but give a man the privilege to phish and he will have access for a lifetime. We have to be vigilant, we have to create the culture of being security-aware, and live it every day, so that there will be no zero days and phishing to haunt us,” he said. Aside from the GRC Leader of the Year, four other awardees in the field of cybersecurity were given the following awards: Cyber Woman of the Year, CISO of the Year, Digital Leader of the Year and Security Practitioner of the Year (Private Sector). The Jury was composed of distinguished thought leaders in the cybersecurity space, among them Armed Forces Of The Philippines Philippine Army Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Francel Margareth Taborlupa, National ICT Confederation of The Philippines president Mary Joy Abueg, Department Of Information And Communications Technology Advisor and Former Assistant Secretary Allan S. Cabanlong, Philippine Army Signal Regiment Deputy Regiment Commander Col. Joey Fontiveros and Women In Security Alliance Philippines chairman and president Mel Migrino. The PhilSec Awards 2023, the country’s foremost cybersecurity awards program, was held at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila on 6 July 2023. Perdigon was also a featured speaker in the fireside chat entitled “Implementing Information Security Governance and Risk Management to Protect Digital Enterprises”, together with National Police College Chief IT Officer Elizalde Duran. Held during the Philsec 2023 Cybersecurity Summit on 4 and 5 July 2023, the two speakers’ discussion centered on the topic of “Implementing Information Security Governance and Risk Management to Protect Digital Enterprises.” They also discussed the draft National Cybersecurity Plan 2023-2028 of the DICT, and the future public and private sector collaboration through the possible establishment of Cyber Fusion Centers already operational in other countries. They also talked about fostering cyber resilience and promoting a cybersecurity-educated society. The post InLife CISO Noel Perdigon hailed as GRC Leader of the Year appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
China declines meeting with US defense chief: Pentagon
Beijing has declined a US invitation for a meeting in Singapore between Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Chinese counterpart Li Shangfu, the Pentagon said Monday. "Overnight, the PRC informed the US that they have declined our early May invitation for Secretary Austin to meet with PRC Minister of National Defense Li Shangfu in Singapore this week," Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Pat Ryder said in a statement, referring to the People's Republic of China. "The PRC's concerning unwillingness to engage in meaningful military-to-military discussions will not diminish (the Defense Department's) commitment to seeking open lines of communication with the People's Liberation Army," Ryder said. A senior US defense official described the declined invitation as "just the latest in a litany of excuses," saying that since 2021, China has "declined or failed to respond to over a dozen requests from the Department of Defense for key leader engagements, multiple requests for standing dialogues, and nearly ten working-level engagements." Li was sanctioned by the US government in 2018 for buying Russian weapons, but the Pentagon says that does not prevent Austin from conducting official business with him. Austin is due to travel to Singapore later this week to attend the Shangri-La Dialogue, a defense summit where he met Li's predecessor Wei Fenghe last June. Austin and Wei met again in Cambodia later in 2022, but tensions between Washington and Beijing soared this year over issues including Taiwan and an alleged Chinese spy balloon that was shot down by a US warplane after traversing the country. Austin and other US officials have been working to shore up alliances and partnerships in Asia as part of efforts to counter increasingly assertive moves by Beijing, but there have also been tentative signs that the two sides were working to lower the temperature. US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi in Vienna earlier this month, and President Joe Biden recently said ties between Washington and Beijing should thaw "very shortly," citing the spy balloon incident as a factor that had boosted tensions. The post China declines meeting with US defense chief: Pentagon appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
New Phl brand resonates with DOT
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco addressed the country branding “We Give the World our Best” as introduced by the Office of the Presidential Advisor on Creative Communications. The ad, which highlighted the work of Filipino nurses, was launched in the United Kingdom. Addressing the concern of some who may have confused the ad published by the OPACC with the new tourism brand, Frasco clarified that “the DOT will subsequently come out with a tourism brand for the Philippines aligned with the country brand, and enhancing the present tagline.” “There is a sea of opinions about this. But I would like to remind our fellow Filipinos that the statement ‘We give the world our best’ is a statement of fact. Is it not true that our Filipino workers all over the world have shown nothing less than a devotion to duty, commitment to responsibility, a willingness to go the extra mile, to serve with love and compassion? We are Filipinos. We give the world our best,” Frasco said. Having been a former local chief executive and former president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines, the DOT chief detailed how she would go from town to town to attend festivals. In these festivals, the secretary said, she would always see how the communities and the local government units would all give their best preparations for their guests “because that is the nature of being a Filipino”. “And that is why we fully support the campaign of our President to put forth to the world that the Philippines has no intention of putting out nothing less than the best. And that idea is translated further into what we have to offer in the Philippines. We have the best beaches, the best sites, the best nature destinations. And we have the best tour guides.” “That translates to everything that permeates our sense of hospitality and service as a tourism industry.” The post New Phl brand resonates with DOT appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DoT to ‘enhance’ new tourism tagline
After Senator Nancy Binay raised concerns about the “disconnected messaging” of the Marcos administration’s tourism advertising campaign, “We give the world the best—Philippines,” Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the tagline will be further enhanced. "The DOT will subsequently come out with a tourism brand for the Philippines aligned with the country brand, and enhancing the present tagline,” said Frasco. During the Department of Tourism lunch reception for tourism frontliners on Thursday, Frasco talked about the country branding "We Give the World our Best" which was introduced by the Office of the Presidential Advisor on Creative Communications. The campaign, launched in the United Kingdom, highlighted the work of Filipino nurses. "There is a sea of opinions about this. But I would like to remind our fellow Filipinos that the statement 'We give the world our best' is a statement of fact. Do you not agree? Is it not true that our Filipino workers all over the world have shown nothing less than a devotion to duty, commitment to responsibility, and a willingness to go the extra mile, to serve with love and compassion? We are Filipinos. We give the world our best," Frasco said. As a former local chief executive and former President of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines, the DOT chief recalled how she would go from town to town to attend festivals. On those festivals, she said, she always saw how communities and local government units gave their best preparations for their guests, "because that is the nature of being a Filipino". "And that is why we fully support the campaign of our President to put forth to the world that the Philippines has no intention of putting out nothing less than the best. And that idea is translated further into what we have to offer in the Philippines. We have the best beaches, the best sites, the best nature destinations. And we have the best tour guides," she stressed. Further, she said, "That translates to everything that permeates our sense of hospitality and service as a tourism industry. 'We give the world our best' is a statement of fact. It is a rallying call. And it is aspirational for those who may still face a host of challenges and through government intervention will finally have the opportunity to be developed and fully maximized." Binay on Wednesday said that although she appreciates the initiative and the effort to give the Philippines the needed boost in the global market, there seems to be a disconnect in messaging. “Is the ad intended to encourage tourists to visit the country? Is it aimed to encourage more foreign investments? Or is it meant for hospitals abroad to hire our nurses? This is really vague,” Binay, who chairs the Senate Committee on Tourism, said in a statement on Wednesday. The lawmaker highlighted the need to emphasize who is the intended audience of the released advertising campaign. The post DoT to ‘enhance’ new tourism tagline appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
US chief medical advisor urges more support for Filipino scientists, institutions
Dr. Anthony Fauci gave the keynote address at the 43rd annual scientific meeting of the National Academy of Science and Technology Tuesday morning. .....»»
Biden medical advisor recommends double masking as COVID-19 new variants prevention
Fauci is the director of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and chief medical advisor to US President Joe Biden. .....»»
What next for Trump? Golf, Twitter and maybe another run?
When networks projected he had lost his bid for reelection to Joe Biden, President Donald Trump was playing golf. He’ll soon have plenty more time to enjoy the links if he so desires. US President Donald Trump (Photo by MANDEL NGAN / AFP/ MANILA BULLETIN) But if there’s one constant for Trump, it is his love of the limelight and few expect this most unusual of presidents to pursue a traditional post-White House life of public reticence, reflective memoir-writing and occasional charitable events. He will lose the keys to the White House but not his login on Twitter, where Trump and his itchy fingers could still wield powerful control over his Republican Party. Some allies have already spoken of Trump planning a rematch in 2024. Only one other president, Grover Cleveland, has served non-consecutive terms, winning in 1892 after narrowly losing reelection four years earlier. Former White House chief of staff Mark Mulvaney said with understatement that Trump — who has refused to concede and made unsubstantiated claims of widespread fraud — “doesn’t like losing.” “I would absolutely expect the president to stay involved in politics and would absolutely put him on the shortlist of people who are likely to run in 2024,” he told an Irish think tank. “He’s a very high-energy 74-year-old.” Trump’s children have made clear that they are still demanding loyalty from Republicans. “The total lack of action from virtually all of the ‘2024 GOP hopefuls’ is pretty amazing,” Donald Trump Jr. tweeted on Thursday. He called out by name Senator Lindsey Graham, a former Trump critic turned supporter who coasted to reelection. Hours afterward, Graham was on Trump’s favorite Fox News show pledging money for the president’s legal defense and repeating unsubstantiated accusations of election irregularities. – Trump TV? – The thrice-married New York-born hotel developer and television celebrity has made no secret that he longs for some comforts of his pre-White House days. “I had a nice life. I had the greatest life,” Trump said in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in his final campaign rally. His main product to fund that lifestyle has been his own name. According to his disgraced former lawyer Michael Cohen, the 2016 presidential run itself was conceived as a “branding opportunity” — until he unexpectedly won. Trump had rebuilt his public profile in the 2000s as the host of reality TV series “Celebrity Apprentice” following a string of bankruptcies. The president has hinted about seeking to start a “Trump TV” brand as he has increasingly complained about Fox News, accusing the channel that helped fuel his rise of being insufficiently right-wing. Viewers, he tweeted, “want an alternative now. So do I!” And no one can deny Trump has the gift of the gab. At his innumerable rallies, he held large crowds in a kind of mesmerized attention with stream-of-consciousness shifts from conspiracy theories to jokes to pet peeves, like his peculiarly passionate criticism of feeble water pressure in bathroom faucets. And he has a potential readymade vehicle for the project in the form of openly Trump-supporting cable channels One America News and NewsMax TV — current minnows that a Trump takeover could turn into giants. – Prison, or a road trip? – No less plausible is a scenario where Trump is embroiled in serious legal problems. Prosecutors in New York are already probing Trump’s hush money payment to a porn star, his tangled business dealings and mysterious accounting practices. Then there are those old rape and other sexual assault allegations. As president, Trump is largely protected from prosecution. Some have speculated that he may again challenge accepted norms by trying to issue a pre-emptive pardon to himself. Eight Trump associates, including men who served as his campaign managers, lawyer and national security advisor, have already been indicted or imprisoned for serious crimes including over the 2016 campaign’s links to Russia. Or, just maybe, Trump will want to get away from it all. However implausible this sounds, he has dropped a few hints. In June at the White House he mused about taking a road trip in an RV with his former model wife Melania. Less romantic but equally heartfelt, he paused mid-speech during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania to admire parked trucks. “Nice trucks,” the president said. “You think I could hop into one of them and drive it away? I’d love to do it, just drive the hell out of here. Just get the hell out of this.”.....»»