Thursday, June 23, 2022

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Lorenzana supports shutting down of CPP-related websites

Posted: 23 Jun 2022 03:32 AM PDT

DEFENSE Secretary Delfin Lorenzana expressed support to the move of National Security Adviser (NSA) Hermogenes Esperon to ask the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to block websites that have links to the communist terrorist group.Lorenzana maintained that they are just protecting the public, especially of the youth, from disinformation against the government." We are not against free speech. In fact, we encourage and protect it," he said."Mabawasan 'yung disinformation and prevent the recruitment of more youths. They are so gullible and susceptible to propaganda and disinformation," he added.Lorenzana said this will contribute to the government's effort to defeat the communist terrorist group New People's Army (NPA).Ending insurgency was one of the priority programs of the Duterte administration.The Community Party of the Philippines denounced what they tagged as "Marcos Anti-Democracy (MAD) internet firewall."In a statement, Marco Valbuena, the chief information officer of CPP, said it was the government's desperate bid to censor online criticisms and dissent against incoming President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos.It is also aimed at suppressing progressive, patriotic and revolutionary journalism and literature which exposes the ills of the ruling system.Valbuena said that out of the over 20 websites Esperon requested to be taken down, only seven were actually affiliated to the CPP and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines.He said the others were websites of local cause-oriented groups, alternative news and international organizations."In behalf of all the oppressed and exploited classes and sectors, the CPP asserts the intrinsic right of people of whatever affiliation-social, political, ideological, national, cultural or gender-based-to express their ideas and views, and promote patriotic, progressive, anti-imperialist and revolutionary programs as alternative to the ruling pro-imperialist, reactionary, fascist and militarist agenda of the ruling system," said Valbuena. (SunStar Philippines)

Marcos renominates Nograles as CSC chairman

Posted: 23 Jun 2022 03:25 AM PDT

INCOMING President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has appointed outgoing Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello as the chairperson of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office.Marcos also wants former Cabinet secretary Karlo Nograles to stay in the Civil Service Commission (CSC).President Rodrigo Duterte appointed Nograles as the chairman of the CSC in March.Nograles, however, failed to get the approval of the Commission on Appointments (CA).Officials needed the approval of the CA in order to keep their posts for a fixed seven-year term. (SunStar Philippines)

DILG holds next move vs Cebu’s face mask protocol

Posted: 23 Jun 2022 03:22 AM PDT

DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año said on Thursday, June 23, 2022, they are putting on hold any possible move against Cebu's face mask protocol until they come up with the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the ordinance.Año said he discussed the matter through a phone call with Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia."Maganda naman sapagkat nagseek kami ng compromise or common solution for this issue at maganda kasi very much cooperative ang bawat isa, kaya nagpapasalamat din tayo sa Provincial Government and Governor Gwen and we took note on the ordinance by the provincial council," he said in an interview with reporters."Doon sa Section 4, meron nakalagay doon na magkacraft sila ng IRR bago iimplement 'yung ordinance. So ngayon ay kasalukuyan nagcacraft sila ng IRR doon to rationalize the wearing of face mask at aantayin natin 'yung resulta ng IRR bago tayo magbibigay ng panibagong guidance," he added.The Cebu Provincial Board earlier passed an ordinance making the wearing of face masks in open and well-ventilated areas in the province optional.It was based on the executive order issued by Garcia lifting the mandatory face mask rule, in contrast to the minimum health protocols set by the Inter-Agency Task Force amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.Last week, Año gave the Cebu Provincial Board until a three-day ultimatum to rectify their face mask protocol or they will exhaust all legal remedies against them. (SunStar Philippines)

Jaime Bautista is the next DOTr chief

Posted: 23 Jun 2022 12:46 AM PDT

PRESIDENT-ELECT Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has picked former Philippine Airlines (PAL) president Jaime Bautista as the secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) during his administration, incoming executive secretary Vic Rodriguez said on Thursday, June 23, 2022.Bautista was PAL's president and chief operating officer from 2004 to 2019.As a protégé of business tycoon Lucio Tan, he served in various executive capacities in the Lucio Tan group for 39 years, the last 24 years for Philippine Airlines and its subsidiaries.He also served as independent director of the Belle Corporation, Premium Leisure Corporation, and Nickel Asia Corporation.He was also a former executive and director in Macroasia Corporation, Macroasia Services Corporation, Macroasia Airport Services Corporation, Macroasia Properties Development Corporation and ETON Properties Philippines Inc.Bautista will replace DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade.Marcos also appointed former Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) Deputy Administrator Cesar Chavez as DOTr undersecretary for rails.Lawyer Cheloy Garafil was designated as Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board chairman, while Christopher Pastrana, the chairman of Archipelago Philippines Ferries Corporation, has been named the incoming general manager of the Philippine Ports Authority. (SunStar Philippines)

Incoming BIR chief commits collection of Marcoses’ tax liability

Posted: 23 Jun 2022 12:43 AM PDT

INCOMING Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) secretary Lilia Guillermo has committed to collect the unpaid estate taxes of the family of President-elect Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.In a television interview on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, Guillermo said she is yet to review the documents pertaining to the Marcoses' tax liabilities reportedly amounting to over P200 billion.She said they also have not yet discussed the matter.Nevertheless, Guillermo said Marcos should serve as a "role model" in paying taxes."Alam mo ang sasabihin ko lang naman sa kanya kung saka-sakaling I have to collect or BIR has to collect, sabihin ko sa kanya this amount, hindi naman po talaga kayo ang magbabayad, it's the estate," said Guillermo."'Puwede ho ba maging role model kayo?' 'Yun ang magiging ano eh. The Marcoses will now pay their taxes because nag-comply sa batas. It came from the Supreme Court, it's final and executory so, 'yun lang naman ang sasabihin ko sa kanya pero I should have the correct data," she added.Guillermo is the current assistant governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.Her appointment to lead the country's top collection agency was announced last week.Guillermo said estate tax payment, which will come from the family of late president Ferdinand Marcos Sr., will help in the collections of the BIR."We have to convert those properties to cash para madagdag sa tax collections ng BIR. Give me the time to go over the documents. How much are we talking about? Hindi ko alam kung talagang P200 billion 'yan, and maybe if that's really the amount, imagine it will help really in the collections of BIR," she said.In 1997, the Supreme Court ruled with finality a Court of Appeals decision indicating that the clan owed P23 billion in estate tax.It has ballooned to P203 billion due to penalties and surcharges over the years that it was left unpaid.Last year, the BIR sent a letter to the Marcoses demanding for the payment of their tax liabilities.In April, a month ahead of the national and local elections, Senator Aquilino Pimentel III filed a resolution seeking the conduct of investigation over the BIR's failure to collect the estate tax obligation of the family, which could have helped the country amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.Pimentel said he would refile the resolution in the 19th Congress.On Wednesday, June 22, Pimentel welcomed Guillermo's commitment, saying the BIR may start by collecting the principal P23-billion tax liability while the interest may be collected later on. (SunStar Philippines)

COA flags unused OCD funds for Covid-19 response

Posted: 22 Jun 2022 10:57 PM PDT

THE Commission on Audit (COA) has flagged the Office of Civil Defense's (OCD) slow implementation of projects related to the country's response in the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.In its 2021 audit report, the COA noted the slow construction of Covid-19 quarantine and isolation facilities in various local government units (LGUs) that "deprived the intended beneficiaries of the needed facilities to curtail the spread of the virus during the pandemic."It said the OCD, as the head of the National Task Force, got P4.5 billion under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act for the construction and maintenance of facilities intended to cater to individuals undergoing isolation amid the pandemic.COA said the OCD transferred a total of P713,529,293.39 to 24 LGUs in six regions, in which P335,293,700 was for operational requirements of two LGUs while the remaining amount was for the construction of quarantine and isolation facilities in the 22 other LGUs.But only four out of the 22 LGUs were able to complete the construction of the isolation facilities as of report date, it said.The other LGUs reported a physical and financial accomplishment ranging from one to 90 percent.COA said the failure of the LGUs to complete the projects within the deadline will result in the termination of the projects and reversion of the fund to the national treasury.In response, the OCD assured its consistent efforts to ensure the timely implementation of the programs and projects through the issuance of memoranda for the guidance of the implementing arms.It cited the various issues that caused the delay such as the procurement process that was affected by surges and varying community quarantine and classifications, identifying site location, weather and other documentary requirements.In a statement, the OCD said 15 facility construction projects have already been completed.It said facility construction status of Magsaysay, Palawan is now at 85 percent; Taytay, Palawan is at 90 percent; Santa Cruz, Marinduque at 97 percent; Torrijos, Marinduque at 99 percent; Libacao, Aklan at 47 percent; Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat at 90 percent; and Municipality of Malungon, Sarangani at 96 percent completion."To sum, the total fund provided by OCD for LGU facility construction/conversion projects and support to LGU isolation facilities is P769,529,293.39, with P605,229,143.58 or 79 percent fully utilized/obligated and P164,300,149.81 or 21 percent unutilized/reverted to the National Treasury," the OCD said.The COA also noted the low utilization rate of funds transferred to OCD regional offices for its humanitarian and disaster relief operation and Covid-19 response which "deprived the government and the intended users of the benefit that could be derived therefrom."The OCD was allotted P500 million from the General Appropriations Act for 2021 as its Quick Response Fund (QRF) or as stand-by fund to be used for rehabilitation and relief programs and projects.The COA said of the P1,854,051,059 QRF received by the OCD in 2021, P1,814,884,577.78 or 97.89 percent were utilized.However, while the OCD presented a high utilization rate, the COA found that its regional offices only utilized 74.17 percent of the total funds transferred to them.Among the regions with utilization rate lower than 50 percent were Region 10 (Northern Mindanao) with 38.23 percent, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) with 47.54 percent, and Central Visayas with 47.73 percent.Regions 1 (Ilocos), 4B (Mimaropa) and 7 (Central Visayas) also registered a low utilization rate on the fund transferred to them for Covid-19 response."The [regional offices] claimed that the low utilization of the fund was primarily due to the late downgrading of funds from the [central office], incomplete technical specifications and/or details on the proposed procurement as well as lack of technical experience of the Regional Bids and Awards Committee," COA said."However, these issues could have been avoided had the agency judiciously planned its procurement projects," it added.The OCD noted, however, that the use of QRF is demand driven, which means that with the decreasing number of Covid-19 cases, the use of the funds would also go down."OCD has been working closely with the COA during the entire pandemic period to ensure that there is proper spending of public funds. All COA recommendations are welcomed, examined, responded to and complied with," it said. (SunStar Philippines)

7 dead during service of arrest warrant in Maguindanao

Posted: 22 Jun 2022 07:26 PM PDT

SEVEN people were killed during the service of an arrest warrant in Rajah Buayan in Maguindanao on Wednesday dawn, June 22, 2022.The Bangsamoro Police Regional Office said in a report that police operatives were serving an arrest warrant against Turkey Utto Utap, Katendeg Mustapha and several of their "cohorts" around 4 a.m. in Barangay Mileb when a firefight ensued.The suspects have standing arrest warrants for frustrated murder issued by a Cotabato Court in January 2021 and robbery with homicide issued by the same court in September 2021."Upon [the] arrival of the operating team, suspects fired upon which resulted in the wounding of [Patrolman] Benjamin Dalimbang Laguialam," police said."At that juncture, the operating team immediately retaliated which resulted in the death of Turkey Utto Utap and six of his cohorts," it added.Laguialam was brought to Cotabato Regional Medical Center for treatment.Five other individuals were arrested during the operation. Charges are being prepared against them.Recovered from the suspects were various firearms and ammunition. (SunStar Philippines)

'It's terrible:' Philadelphia mayor sorry for slain Filipino

Posted: 22 Jun 2022 07:16 PM PDT

THE mayor of Philadelphia expressed shock and sorrow over the killing of a Filipino lawyer who was shot in the city over the weekend and is offering a $20,000 reward for information that will lead to the arrest of the shooter, a senior Philippine diplomat said Wednesday, June 22.John Albert Laylo and his mother were heading to the airport to board a flight early Saturday when someone in a nearby car fired several rounds into their Uber at a red light near the University of Pennsylvania, police said. Laylo was hit in the back of the head and died Sunday in a hospital."I am sorry. It's terrible," Philippine Consul General Elmer Cato quoted Mayor Jim Kenney as telling him in a meeting at Philadelphia City Hall in an apology for Laylo's family and the Philippines. The mayor told him a $20,000 reward was being offered for any information that will lead to the arrest of the gunman, he said.The victim's mother, Leah Laylo, "told me to convey to the mayor her anguish, her anger and her demand for justice" and Kenney gave his assurance "that everything will be done to bring whoever is responsible for the death of her son to justice," Cato told The Associated Press."I also conveyed the great importance the Philippine government places on this case and the hope that authorities would do everything they can to solve the case," he said.Laylo, 35, had last worked for a private company in Manila, Cato said. He had also served as a legislative staffer for opposition Sen. Leila de Lima from 2016 to 2018 then left to take up graduate studies. De Lima earlier expressed hope a suspect would immediately be held to account "for the brutal and senseless act."In Cato's meeting with Kenney, who was with two police officials involved in the investigation of the shooting, "we were told it is mostly likely a case of mistaken identity," Cato said without elaborating. He added police were analyzing video footage that showed some vehicles, including a black Cadillac, near the car carrying Laylo and his mother shortly before or around the time of the attack.Kenney expressed his concern over the proliferation of guns that has led to deadly shootings in the US, Cato said.In tweets earlier this week, Kenney said he was appalled by the "senseless" shooting. "Every act of gun violence is an unspeakable tragedy," he wrote, while also calling for anyone with information about the shooting to contact police.Philadelphia, along with other large US cities, is experiencing a surge in gun violence. In one notable episode June 4, a gun melee in the South Street entertainment district, about 3 miles (5 kilometers) from the shooting that killed Laylo, left three people dead and several others injured.Laylo's mother, who was slightly injured by glass fragments during the shooting, posted to Facebook that she and her son had been on vacation together. She shared snapshots of her and her son touring sites in New York, Washington and Philadelphia.The victim's remains may be flown back to the Philippines on Tuesday, Cato said. (AP)

RITM can now detect Monkeypox virus

Posted: 22 Jun 2022 02:37 AM PDT

THE Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) has upgraded its capacity for the detection of Monkeypox cases, it said on Wednesday, June 22, 2022.In a statement, the RITM said that as part of the national preparedness and response against monkeypox, they optimized their real-time PCR assay."The RTM technical team is currently optimizing a second PCR assay for differentiating the Monkeypox Virus clade," it said."The Institute reiterates that only cases satisfying the definition of suspect Monkeypox and complying with all procedures for referral including documentary requirements shall be processed," it added.The RITM said the DOH is organizing a training/orientation on the clinical approach to skin lesions, as well as collection, handling, and transport of samples from skin lesions, to guide all Disease Reporting Units (DRUs) and Epidemiology and Surveillance Units (ESUs).Monkeypox virus has so far been detected in Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States of America (USA) and Singapore.According to the World Health Organization, monkeypox is transmitted through lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as bedding.It has an incubation of around six to 13 days but this could also range from five to 21 days.Among the symptoms of the infection were headache, fever, swollen lymph nodes, body pains and weakness. (SunStar Philippines)

Esperon wants CPP-affiliated websites taken down

Posted: 22 Jun 2022 02:26 AM PDT

NATIONAL Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon has asked the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to block websites affiliated to and are supporting the terrorist organizations, particularly the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).The websites included in Esperon's request are the following:* National Democratic Front of the Philippines - https://ndfp.org/* Jose Maria Sison - https://josemariasison.org/* The Official Publication of the NDF - https://liberation.ndfp.org/* Philippine Revolution Web Central - https://cpp.ph/* Bulatlat - https://bulatlat.com/* Hiyaw - https://hiyaw.net/* PRWC Newsroom - https://prwcinfo.wordpress.com/* Revolutionary Council of Trade Unions - https://rctundfp.wordpress.com/* Compatriots-Revolutionary Organization of Overseas Filipino and their Families - https://compatriotsndf.wordpress.com/* Save Our Schools Network - https://saveourschoolsnetwork.wordpress.com/* UMA Pilipinas - https://umapilipinas.wordpress.com/* Rural Missionaries of the Philippines - https://ruralmissionaries.wordpress.com/, https://rmp-national.weebly.com/* Pamalakaya Pilipinas - https://pamalakayaweb.wordpress.com/, https://angpamalakaya.org/* Amihan National Federation of Peasant Women - https://amihanwomen.org/* Bayan - https://bagongalyansangmakabayan.org/* Arkibong Bayan - https://www.arkibongbayan.org/* International League of People Struggle - https://ilps.info/* Pinoy Weekly - https://pinoyweekly.org/* Counter Punch - https://www.counterpunch.org/* International Action Center - https://www.iacenter.org/* Monthly Review - https://www.monthlyreview.org/* Peoples' March - https://www.people-march.blogspot.com/* Taga-Ilog News - https://blog-by-taga-ilog-news.blogspot.com/* Partisan-News - https://partisan-news.blogspot.com/* People Resist News - https://peopleresist.net/"Indeed, the activities, in terms of recruitment, funding and propaganda, of these Communist Terrorist organizations should be stopped," the NSA said in a letter addressed to NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba."Recently, social networking sites Facebook and Twitter have already started cracking down accounts and pages belonging to the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTG). They have established pervasive online presence through their websites that they continually use to publish propaganda and misinformation campaigns in order to malign the Philippine government, recruit new members, and to solicit funds from local and international sources," it added.As of Wednesday, June 22, majority of the websites mentioned are already inaccessible.Pamalakaya condemned the NSA's request."We denounce this attack against public's freedom of information and speech. This desperate move comes from Duterte's security cluster, headed by red-tagger Esperon. Down since last night, our website is the Filipino fishers' major platform to amplify legitimate issues and calls," it said in a Twitter post.Bulatlat, an independent media outfit, also condemned Esperon's move, which it tagged as a "brazen violation" of their right to publish, press freedom and freedom of expression in the country.In a statement, presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar said Esperon is just doing his job."The recent move of the National Telecommunications Commission to block certain websites is upon the request of the National Security Council in performance of its mandate," he said."Legal remedies are available to any party, including online media outfit Bulatlat, affected by this action," he added. (SunStar Philippines)

14 regions exceed dengue epidemic threshold

Posted: 22 Jun 2022 02:16 AM PDT

THE Department of Health (DOH) has recorded an exceeding dengue epidemic threshold in 14 regions in the country, DOH spokesperson Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said on Wednesday, June 22, 2022.Vergeire said they have recorded a total of 39,705 cases of dengue from January 1 to June 4, with 202 fatalities.She said it is 31 percent higher than the dengue cases recorded in the same period in 2021.Vergeire said most of the cases were reported in Central Visayas, Central Luzon and Zamboanga Peninsula.Of the fatalities, 29 were recorded in January, 36 in February, 34 in March, 43 in April, 48 in May, and two in June.Vergeire reminded the public of the preventive measures against dengue, especially by maintaining their surroundings clean from stored water that may serve as mosquito nests.She also advised the public to follow the 4S strategy, which is to search and destroy breeding places, secure self-protection, seek early consultation, and support fogging or spraying in hotspot areas. (SunStar Philippines)

Booster dose rollout starts for immunocompromised teens

Posted: 22 Jun 2022 12:58 AM PDT

THE Department of Health (DOH) said on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, that immunocompromised adolescents aged 12 to 17 years old can already get their booster shots 28 days after their second dose of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccines.DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said these individuals are those undergoing cancer treatment, had an organ or stem cell transplant in the past two years, those with moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency and advanced or untreated HIV infection, undergoing active treatment for high dose corticosteroid or other drug, dialysis patients, those living with autoimmune disease and treatment with specific immune suppressive medications, individuals diagnosed and considered to be immunocompromised such as those experiencing malnutrition.She said the administration of booster doses for the said population will be conducted in selected hospitals.Vergeire said there were more than 238,000 immunocompromised youths within the said age group who were already fully vaccinated. They were among the over 9.4 million teens who were already fully vaccinated.For the non-immunocompromised teens, she said the roll out of booster doses will be launched after a few days.Vergeire said booster doses for non-immunocompromised adolescents may be given five months after they received their second dose.She said the administration of booster doses to immunocompromised individuals of the said age group went ahead as an organizational strategy to ensure that the rollout will be done in an orderly manner.The Food and Drug Administration has approved the administration of Pfizer vaccines as booster doses for the said population on June 14. It was later approved by the Health Technology Assessment Council on June 16."So please get the jab done para balik eskwela na tayo na talagang maigi sa kanilang physical at mental health," said Vergeire.The Inter-Agency Task Force earlier allowed the conduct of face-to-face classes in areas under Alert Level 1.Vergerie said booster doses will strengthen the child's protection against Covid-19, especially as they are expected to go back to school."They have been in lockdown for more than two years already. This is the time for us to let them go back to school, have their interactions with other people, classmates, and their teachers," she said."Para di rin po matigil ang kanilang pagaaral, sila po ang inaasahan ng ating bayan," she added. (SunStar Philippines)

DOH monitors ‘notable’ spike of Covid-19 cases

Posted: 21 Jun 2022 11:34 PM PDT

THE Department of Health (DOH) has noted a "notable increase" in coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases in the country but its healthcare utilization rate remains at low-risk classification.DOH spokesperson Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, that the country logged 3,198 cases from June 14 to 20, or an average of 456 daily cases, which is closely similar to the number of infections reported in the third week of February, when the country is experiencing a surge brought about by the Omicron variant.But she said the country's average daily attack rate remains at low risk, at less than one percent per 100,000 population.Vergeire said there is a sharp increase of cases in the National Capital Region (NCR), where the average daily cases in the recent week already went over 200.In a radio interview on Wednesday, June 22, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said Covid-19 cases in NCR may reach as high as 2,000 during the peak of the projected surge based on the study conducted by the Australian Tuberculosis Modelling Network."But after that peak sometime in July, siguro by mid-July or end of July, babalik 'yan, magpa-plateau na 'yan doon sa 800 to about 1,200," he said.Vergeire said they also monitored a slight increase in cases in the rest of Luzon and Visayas, but the number remained less than 80 cases per day over the past week.She said cases in Mindanao remain to be plateauing with small increases but still at less than 40 average daily cases in the last seven days."With this, the national positivity rate has increased to 3.1 percent similar to rates in the first half of March this year," said Vergeire.She said, though, that the country's health care utilization rate remains at low risk with 14.61 percent to 17.82 percent occupancy.Out of the total of 5,413 admissions as of June 19, Vergeire said 1,098 were asymptomatic, 2,038 were mild, 1,723 were moderate and only 367 were severe and 187 were critical.Vergeire said the increase in cases may be attributed to the increase in mobility following the easing of quarantine status, the detection of highly transmissible Omicron subvariant and the waning immunity from previous infection or from Covid-19 vaccine.She said there is no need for the public to panic, but the uptick in cases calls for the strict adherence to minimum public health protocols, as well as for the strengthening of vaccination drives in the communities. (SunStar Philippines)

BA.5 subvariant cases in Philippines rise to 43

Posted: 21 Jun 2022 11:14 PM PDT

THE Department of Health (DOH) has detected 32 more cases of the highly transmissible Omicron subvariant BA.5, bringing the total case to 43, DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said on Wednesday, June 22, 2022.Vergeire said out of the 32 new BA.5 cases, 21 were from Region 6 (Western Visayas), four each from Region 4A (Calabarzon) and National Capital Region (NCR), and three from Region 3 (Central Luzon)."Sa mga kaso sa Region 6, siyam ay mula sa isang workplace cluster at tatlo naman ay mula sa household cluster," she said.She said 30 of them were fully vaccinated, one partially vaccinated, while the vaccination status of the other case is still being verified."At the moment, exposure of individuals is still unknown and travel histories are being verified," said Vergeire.She said 22 of the 32 individuals experienced mild symptoms, five were asymptomatic, and the other five are still being verified.Vergeire said 16 of them have already been tagged as recovered, 14 are still undergoing isolation while the quarantine status of the two others are also still being verified.Despite the increase in the detection of cases BA.5, Vergeire said it cannot be ruled yet that there is already a community transmission of these subvariant, as well as the BA.2.12.1 in which the country already had 42 cases."We cannot say that for now, tulad ng lagi naming sinasabi, we need scientific evidence for us to say there is community transmission happening...Ang community transmission ay hindi na natin nakikita na meron pagkaka-link ang bawat kaso. Dito po na nangyayari o nadedetect sa ating bansa o sa bawat lugar sa ating bansa. Sa ngayon, we are still seeing the link of these cases, although tama rin naman ang obserbasyon na nakikita natin na mukhang dumadami," said Vergeire."But the link is still there but of course, we need further review of all of these cases so that we can be able to determine what type of transmission already is happening," she said.Vergeire said instead of focusing on terminologies and classifications, the public should be more aware and vigilant on how they are going to protect themselves and families from contracting the virus.She noted the importance of the strict compliance to the minimum public health protocols, as well as the immediate isolation should symptoms of Covid-19 manifest. (SunStar Philippines)

DILG: Fate of Cebu’s face mask protocol depends on Malacañang

Posted: 21 Jun 2022 04:30 AM PDT

DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary for barangay affairs Martin Diño said Tuesday, June 21, 2022, that the fate of the ordinance established by Cebu Provincial Government will depend on the decision of Malacañang.Diño maintained that all barangays in the country should follow the law, particularly on the implementation of preventive protocols amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic."Tayo naman susunod lang tayo sa batas na ginawa ng ating Kongreso at Senado, ito 'yung Bayanihan Act para sa paglaban natin sa Covid-19. Itong batas na ginawa ay hanggang September. Ito ay ipipanapatupad sa utos ng Pangulo," he said in a Laging Handa public briefing."Pero kung 'yan ang kagustuhan ni Governor Gwen, tignan na lang natin kung ano ang tinatadhana ng batas at tignan natin kung ano ang magiging kapasyahan ng Malacañang tungol dito sa ginawa na ordinansa ng Cebu," he added.DILG Secretary Eduardo Año has given the Cebu Provincial Government until over the weekend to "amend, rectify or adjust" its newly passed ordinance that made the wearing of face masks in open and well-ventilated areas in the province optional.He said they will exhaust all legal remedies, as ordered by the Office of the President, if Cebu will refuse to heed their call.Año said the Cebu face mask protocol deviates the provisions of several laws, such as the Republic Act 11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act, as well as the Executive Order 151 of President Rodrigo Duterte that adopts the guidelines on the implementation of the Alert Level system in the country amid the pandemic.The DILG, however, has yet to issue a statement on its next move as the Cebu Provincial Government has firmly stood its ground.SunStar also tried to reach out to Año and DILG spokesperson Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya but they have not responded yet. (SunStar Philippines)

Año commends PNP for sustained achievement over the past 6 years

Posted: 19 Jun 2022 10:52 PM PDT

OUTGOING interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Monday, June 20, 2022, expressed gratitude to the Philippine National Police (PNP) for its "tireless service and sacrifice" to the Filipinos despite conflicting challenges, as he bid them goodbye 10 days before his schedule to step down from post.Año said the "extraordinary" courage and commitment of the police force, especially during the strengthened conduct of campaigns, such as against illegal gambling, loose firearms, private armed groups, wanted persons, communist terrorist groups, local terrorist groups, kidnap for ransom and illegal drugs under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, reflected in the continuous decrease of crime volume in the country."Much gratitude to you for not yielding to backbreaking responsibilities but instead continuing to embrace far-ranging roles -- including responding to health emergencies and extending helping hands during calamities," he said in his speech during the flag raising ceremony in Camp Crame."And for relentlessly rising to be a vanguard of safety and security despite the prevailing peace spoilers and amid the host of other social ills, we give you our sincerest appreciation. As well, thank you for keeping me driven, diligent, trustworthy, and strong-willed through it all," he added.Año also honored the 307 troops of the PNP who died in line of their duties. Of the 307, 56 were killed in anti-drug war, 160 in anti-criminality campaigns and 91 in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism drives.These troops include Staff Master Sergeant Jason Magno, who was killed after using his body to cover a grenade thrown by a suspect in a school in Misamis Oriental in November 2019.Año also commended former PNP chiefs Ronald dela Rosa, Oscar Albayalde, Archie Gamboa, Camilo Cascolan, Debold Sinas, Guillermo Eleazar and Dionardo Carlos, as well as PNP officer-in-charge Lieutenant General Vicente Danao Jr. for working with him hand-in-hand all throughout his leadership and for steering the PNP to a right direction beneficial for the Filipino people.DILG is an executive department of the national government that is responsible for promoting peace and order, ensuring public safety and strengthening local government capability for the delivery of basic services to the people.Among its attached agencies are the PNP Bureau of Fire Protection and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.As he walks down to his last few days, Año reminded policemen to continue to uphold the sanctity of the Philippine Constitution and rule of law and to not let any amount of money get in their way for an honest performance of their duties and responsibilities."Keep in mind that no amount of money or any material in the world can and should measure up to your integrity as a police officer. Temptations will be plenty and will be difficult to resist, but remember that people's respect grows from the honesty that you demonstrate and maintain when no one is watching," said Año."Huwag na huwag ninyong ipagpapalit ang inyong integridad sa kahit anumang bagay na sisira sa inyong reputasyon at siguradong babagabag sa inyong konsensiya," he added.He also urged cops to serve as a good example and inspiration for people to follow.He asked the police force to rally behind the incoming administration of President-elect Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and DILG secretary-designate Benhur Abalos."Hangad ko rin na maipakita at maipagkaloob ninyo sa kanila ang parehong respeto at suportang inialay ninyo sa aking pagkakaupo. In return, I am very optimistic that the incoming administration will also channel their backing and commitment to continually steer our beloved Philippines into safer, more peaceful and more progressive horizons," said Año."Thank you very much to all of you. I will also be keeping a watchful and guarded eye on your leadership and service in the years to come -- but then as a private citizen," he added. (SunStar Philippines)

Malacañang urges Pinoys to rally behind incoming VP Sara Duterte

Posted: 19 Jun 2022 12:07 AM PDT

MALACAÑANG urged on Sunday, June 19, 2022, Filipinos to rally behind outgoing Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio as she takes her oath as the 15th Vice President of the country.On behalf of President Rodrigo Duterte, Malacañang, through acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar, expressed gratitude to the Filipino people for bestowing their trust and support to the incoming Vice President."As we previously articulated, let us stand behind Vice President-elect Duterte-Carpio and all other newly elected leaders as they embark on the responsibilities and challenges of their offices and fulfill their mandate of delivering genuine change to our beloved country," Andanar said in a statement.Duterte-Carpio is set to take her oath before Supreme Court Associate Justice Ramon Paul Hernando in Davao City on Sunday afternoon.In an interview with reporters, she said that her speech will be short and would "just be [about] rallying the entire country to what we should do and focus on."She said her mother, Elizabeth Zimmerman, will hold the Bible during the event.Duterte-Carpio said his father, outgoing President Duterte and incoming President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. also committed to be present in her inauguration.Duterte-Carpio had 32,208,417 votes or 61.53 percent of the total votes based on the final tally of the joint Congress committee that served as the National Board of Canvassers for the two top government posts. (SunStar Philippines)

Año: Cebu ordinance on optional wearing of face mask 'defective'

Posted: 14 Jun 2022 07:23 PM PDT

DEPARTMENT of Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año said Tuesday, June 14, 2022 that the ordinance passed by the Cebu Provincial Council, which makes the wearing of face masks optional in open and well-ventilated areas in the province, has "no legal basis and considered defective."Related story: Optional wearing of masks in open areas now law in Cebu Año said he is consulting his legal team for the course of legal action against Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and her order lifting the mandatory wearing of face masks in the province."The EO (Executive Order) 151 of PRRD (President Rodrigo Roa Duterte) and IATF (Inter Agency Task Force) Guidelines shall prevail over the EO of [Governor] Garcia and the ordinance passed by the Cebu Provincial Council," he said in a Viber message to SunStar on late Tuesday evening, June 14, 2022."The Ordinance has no legal basis and considered defective because it is not only consistent but also contradicts the national policies embodied in EO 151, EO 168 and IATF Guidelines," he added.The EO 151 which approves the nationwide implementation of the Alert Level System for Covid-19 response as recommended by the IATF was signed by Duterte on November 11, 2021.The IATF resolution highlighted the maintenance of Minimum Public Health Standards (MPHS), consistent with the Department of Health Administrative order No. 2021-0043 which includes the mandatory wearing of face masks, especially in public areas in places under Alert Levels one to five.The EO 168 on the other hand was signed by late President Benigno Aquino III in 2014 institutionalize the creation of an IATF for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (EID) in anticipation to any epidemics and pandemic in the country.Among the functions of the IATF based on EO 168 is to adopt measures to strengthen the Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases Program of the DOH or its equivalent in other local health units and to formulate, develop, implement, and oversee the EID Preparedness Manual for the prevention and control of EID.On Tuesday, the Cebu Provincial Board has passed an ordinance adopting Garcia's EO 16 which makes the wearing of face masks in the province no longer mandatory, in contrary to the protocols set by the IATF to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).Garcia stood her ground despite criticisms from concerned government officials as well as the risk of getting reprimanded by the DILG.Following the issuance of Garcia's EO 16 on Thursday, June 8, Año ordered police personnel to continue to apprehend and arrest, if necessary, those not wearing face masks in public spaces in the province.The DOH earlier said it is not yet time for the country to lift the mandatory wearing of face masks especially that several cases of the highly transmissible Omicron subvariant have been detected in the country which may result to the resurgence of Covid-19 cases. (SunStar Philippines)
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