Wednesday, July 20, 2022

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Technical issue, red lightning alert prevent CEB flight from taking off

Posted: 19 Jul 2022 04:49 AM PDT

CEBU Pacific clarified that Flight 5J 559 bound for Cebu from Manila encountered a technical issue and had to hold its position during a "red lightning alert" issued over Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) at 6:57 p.m. of July 16.The clarification was made after videos showing passengers of the flight complaining of hot temperature inside the cabin went viral on social media.In the video, passengers can be heard asking the flight crew to let them leave the plane, while others can be seen fanning themselves. Cebu Pacific Air Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines SunStar Cebu CDN Digital Posted by Kim Buendia on Saturday, July 16, 2022 In a statement sent to SunStar Tuesday, July 19, Cebu Pacific said flight and ground operations at the NAIA were suspended during that time to prevent untoward incidents."The flight crew requested immediate assistance to be towed back to the ramp and be given special consideration due to the warm cabin temperature. Cabin crew made necessary announcements and attended to passenger needs," said Cebu Pacific.It added that one of the passengers was assisted by the crew to check the passenger's blood pressure. He was brought to the Manila International Airport Authority's clinic and was released around 9 p.m."The passenger boarded the 3:30 a.m. Flight 5J 553 on July 17, from Manila and arrived Cebu at 5:32 a.m.," it said.Cebu Pacific said the aircraft was towed back to the ramp around 8 p.m. of July 16.The passengers were allowed to disembark the plane around 8:40 p.m. and "were provided snacks and refreshments."They were transferred to a different aircraft.The airline added that Flight 5J 559 proceeded to depart for Cebu at 10:22 p.m. and arrived at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport at 11:43 p.m."We regret any inconvenience the delay may have caused. We appeal for understanding as safety is our primary concern," Cebu Pacific said. (LMY)

Octa: Covid-19 positivity rate up in 5 areas in PH

Posted: 19 Jul 2022 01:31 AM PDT

THE Octa Research group noted Tuesday, July 19, 2022, the increase in coronavirus disease (Covid-19) positivity rate in five provinces in the country.Positivity rate refers to the number of people testing positive for coronavirus after getting tested.Octa fellow Dr. Guido David said that as of July 16, 2022, positivity rates were high in Aklan at 35 percent from 26.9 percent on July 9; Laguna at 22.6 percent from 18.1 percent; Nueva Ecija at 21 percent from 14 percent; Pampanga at 23.1 percent from 16.4 percent; and Tarlac at 27.6 percent from 16.7 percent.David said that Covid-19 cases in the country are on an uptrend, but he clarified that the increase is not alarming."Most of Calabarzon (Region 4A), except siguro Quezon, medyo nakitaan natin ng pagtaas ng kaso. Pero hindi naman ito alarming. We just want the public to be aware na mayroong konting pagtaas sa mga area na ito kaya kailangan ng pag-iingat natin," he said in a Laging Handa public briefing Tuesday, July 19.(We saw an increase in cases in most of Calabarzon, except Quezon. But this is not alarming. We just want the public to be aware that there was an increase, so we need to be vigilant.)"May decoupling -- ibig sabihin, kahit na medyo mataas yung cases, o mataas yung risk, ang binabantayan natin, ang healthcare utilization," he added.(There was decoupling, which means although there was an increase in cases, or the risk level, what we are monitoring is the healthcare utilization.)David said the country is expected to log around 2,000 daily cases in the next few days.In Metro Manila, he said the increase of cases may have already reached its peak and it will be on a downtrend already.He said the daily positivity rate in the National Capital Region as of July 17 was at 12 percent, two percent lower than it was on July 15."Ang ibig sabihin nito, kung magtuloy-tuloy ito, baka bumaba na 'yung trend natin sa Metro Manila, (pero) hindi pa sa buong bansa necessarily kasi may ibang regions pa na nagsisimula pa lang tumaas ang bilang ng kaso," said David.(If the trend continues, the cases might go down in Metro Manila, but not necessarily in all areas in the country because there are regions where cases are starting to increase.)David said the rise in Covid-19 cases in the country may be attributed to the presence of the highly transmissible Omicron subvariant, as well as the complacency of the public, noting that not everybody is observing the minimum health protocols.The Department of Health (DOH) recorded over 14,000 new Covid-19 cases over the past week and more than 2,000 daily fresh cases on Monday, July 18.The Philippines now has a total of 20,524 active cases. (SunStar Philippines)

Dengue cases up in 3 regions

Posted: 19 Jul 2022 01:09 AM PDT

THE Department of Health (DOH) has noted the rise in dengue cases in three regions -- Central Luzon, National Capital Region (NCR) and Central Visayas -- over the past month.From June 5 to July 2, the DOH said 16,324 dengue cases were recorded in the country.Twenty percent or 3,196 of these cases were from Central Luzon, 1,729 or 11 percent from NCR, and 1,703 or 10 percent were from Central Visayas.Since the start of 2022 until July 2, the Philippines registered a total of 65,190 dengue cases, 83 percent higher than the 35,715 dengue cases recorded during the same period in 2021.The DOH said Central Luzon had the most number of cases since January with 9,448 cases, followed by Central Visayas with 7,771 cases, and Zamboanga Peninsula with 5,708 cases.The number of fatality due to the disease from January was at 274 -- 36 in January, 32 in February, 39 in March, 46 in April, 63 in May and 58 in June.The DOH said that from June 5 to July 2, 13 out of the 17 regions in the country have exceeded their dengue epidemic threshold. This, however, was lower than it was during the previous month (May 5 to June 4) in which 15 regions exceeded epidemic threshold.It said that a "sustained increasing trend" in dengue cases was recorded in Central Luzon, Mimaropa, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Davao Region, Soccsksargen, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and Cordillera Administrative Region.Amid the increase in dengue cases in the country, the DOH earlier said that it is studying dengue vaccines, which may prevent the fatal effects of the disease.DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said at least 23 dengue vaccines were included in the emergency medicine list of the World Health Organization.The DOH also instructed hospitals to provide priority lanes for suspected dengue cases. (SunStar Philippines)

Marcos eyes G2G deals for fertilizer procurement

Posted: 18 Jul 2022 11:18 PM PDT

PRESIDENT Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said Monday, July 18, 2022, that he is willing to pursue a government-to-government (G2G) talks to curb the soaring prices of fertilizers.Marcos said if fertilizers, which are necessary as the government works to address the country's food security concerns, are availed through G2G deals, thus it is more likely that its prices will be lower."Gusto tayong tulungan, gusto tayong lapitan, eh 'di take advantage naman tayo, 'di ba. Sige bigyan niyo kami ng fertilizer na medyo maganda-ganda ang presyo. That's the whole point of G2G," he said in a meeting with officials of the Department of Agriculture in which he serves as the concurrent secretary.Marcos said he is looking into opening the matter with the governments of China, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, Malaysia and Russia.He said he can write them a letter saying that the Philippines has the intention to procure fertilizers from them.Marcos instructed the agriculture officials to provide data on the source and price of fertilizers, as well as the department's distribution plan during the planting season.Marcos decided to temporarily take the helm of the Department of Agriculture amid the looming food crisis in the country due to the prevailing coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic and the increasing oil prices caused by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine due to Russian invasion.He earlier vowed to provide long-term solutions to the problems hounding the country's agriculture sector as a key to building a strong economy. (SunStar Philippines)

DA to create farm-to-market road masterplan

Posted: 18 Jul 2022 10:31 PM PDT

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) will come up with a farm-to-market road (FMR) masterplan to empower rural communities and promote food security amid the looming crisis.In a meeting with agriculture officials, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., the concurrent secretary of the DA, said the FMR masterplan, which will serve as the government's guide, should include regional maps detailing the exact locations where the farm-to-market roads will be constructed.The plan includes the funding source, payment terms, as well as the timeframe for the completion of the project.Marcos said it should be studied thoroughly and will be presented to the country's economic managers."Kung sabihin nila saan ba ang areas na talagang kailangan nating buksan? We will go to Public Works. And also, what are the areas that we really want to open, that really need the FMR? Iyon ang unahin natin," he said during the meeting.Marcos said he wanted official development assistance-funded (ODA) projects to be constructed in priority areas identified by the government.He said the state-funded FMR projects, on the other hand, should be taken care of by the DA and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).It was also suggested that agricultural infrastructure should be climate-change resistant, such as projects that are not prone to landslides and other calamities.Marcos said the plan should prioritize areas with active agricultural production in a bid to address issues on supply chain."FMR is the first step to solve some of the supply chain problems. So unahin muna natin 'yung nagpo-produce," he said.In his earlier interviews, Marcos said as the head of the DA, he will go back to basics and rebuild the value chain of agriculture with urgency to address supply chain concerns.Meanwhile, Marcos reiterated during the meeting that the DA is not spared from the government's effort to "rightsize" government functions and streamline the bureaucracy to promote efficiency in public sector management. (SunStar Philippines)

OSG consults Marcos, agencies for comment on ICC drug-war probe

Posted: 18 Jul 2022 10:09 PM PDT

SOLICITOR General Menardo Guevarra said they are considering several options for the country's response to the possible reopening of the International Criminal Court's (ICC) probe into alleged crime against humanity amid the Duterte administration's war on drugs."The OSG (Office of the Solicitor General) is considering several options, such as challenging the jurisdiction of the ICC or the admissibility of the case, or continuing to leave our lines of communication with the ICC open," Guevarra said.Gueverra, the justice secretary under the Duterte administration, said they will consult President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., the Department of Justice (DOH) and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for the final course of action on the matter.Last week, the ICC "invited" the Philippine government to comment on the request of its prosecutor to reopen the drug war investigation and submit it by September 8.On June 14, 2021, then outgoing ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda asked ICC judges for an approval for the conduct of an official investigation on the alleged crime against humanity of murder amid Duterte's drug war.The ICC deferred the probe in November 2021 following the request of the Philippines on the basis that national authorities were investigating, or had already investigated the cases.In June, Khan requested for the reopening of the probe into the Philippine drug war after the government failed to provide any documentation to substantiate that the investigations are ongoing or complete, nor any details regarding concrete investigative or prosecutorial steps that have been taken.The former administration maintained that they will not participate in any of the proceedings, noting that the country has a fully functioning justice system.The ICC investigation will cover the killings committed in the country between July 1, 2016, when former President Rodrigo Duterte took office, and March 16, 2019, the day Duterte ordered the withdrawal of the country's membership from the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC. (SunStar Philippines)

Government reorganizes IATF

Posted: 18 Jul 2022 10:03 PM PDT

THE Department of Health (DOH) is reconstituting the member agencies of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) created for the management of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic, Malacañang said Tuesday, July 19, 2022.In a statement following a meeting between President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and DOH officials, Malacañang said the IATF will keep agencies "with relevant and intended functions."While the reorganization is ongoing, DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said they will streamline IATF meetings and processes for the issuance of clear directives to assist in the "safe reopening."DOH sits at the lead agency in the IATF.Vergeire said they will also utilize the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) platform in replacement of the National Task Force Against Covid-19 (NTF)."The platform will replace the National Task Force Against Covid-19 (NTF) to integrate it with the regular processes," she said."This will allow the IATF health expert groups to continue their work as they serve as the voice of science in the country," she added.Part of Marcos' priority programs is the reorganization of government agencies, particularly to remove redundant positions and processes in a bid to ensure the just allocation of government resources and a simplified internal management. (SunStar Philippines)

Frasco orders exploration, development of more tourism destinations

Posted: 18 Jul 2022 09:54 PM PDT

TOURISM Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco has instructed the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) to reach out to local government units (LGUs) across the country for the exploration and development of other tourism destinations.Frasco, who served as chairman of the Board of the TPB, met with the board's officers on Monday, July 18, 2022. Among the topics and issues discussed during the meeting were the ongoing programs and promotions of the agency and upcoming domestic and international activities.The Department of Tourism (DOT) said Frasco ordered the TPB to reach out to LGUs and exhaust all assistance on tourism-related requirements of respective regions, especially the "lesser-known and underdeveloped" destinations.It said Frasco wants to equalize opportunities for tourism marketing and promotion among all the regions.The secretary is also keen on strengthening projects and programs granted by the TPB to LGUs by exploring tourism areas and communities that could be further improved.Amid the administration's aspiration to improve digitalization programs especially in government offices, Frasco reiterated the need to maximize the use of Travel App 2.0.The application highlights the key and emerging tourist destinations in the country.Two years since the start of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic, the Philippines has reopened its borders to tourists in February to spur the economic recovery.The national government eased travel restrictions especially for foreign travelers and tourists, reviving the tourism sector, which has been among the sectors hardest hit by the pandemic.The DOT said Frasco also had a series of meetings with various operating units, in which among the topics discussed were the Tourism Regulation, Coordination, and Resource Generation on infrastructure development, incentives for accreditation, and manpower. (SunStar Philippines)

PH retains Covid Alert Level System

Posted: 18 Jul 2022 09:44 PM PDT

THE country will continue to observe the Alert Level System amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic until restrictions that are compatible with the current milder strains that afflict patients are being reclassified, Malacañang said Tuesday, July 19, 2022.On Monday, July 18, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. met again with health officials, including Department of Health (DOH) officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire, to discuss the country's Covid-19 response."To avoid confusion, we will retain the alert level system for now. We are however thinking, we are studying very closely, and we'll come to a decision very soon as to decoupling the restrictions from the alert levels," Marcos said during the meeting.Vergeire said the DOH targets to come up with new classification by the second week of August, the period suitable to loosen up to allay fears of the medical community and give them time to make Covid-19 cases more manageable.Earlier, Joey Concepcion, founder of Go Negosyo, said the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), which was formed by Marcos, recommended the shift to a traffic light restriction scheme to make restrictions easier for the public to understand.He said the traffic light approach only includes three classifications – green, which means go as cases are low; red, which means stop as cases are high; and yellow, which means be careful or vigilant as cases are increasing.Concepcion said they also recommended several metrics to consider for the lifting of the mandatory wearing of face masks.Vergeire said the country is experiencing an increase in Covid-19 cases due to the more transmissible Omicron BA.5 subvariant.She said cases may continue to rise if the public will be complacent against the observance of public health standards.On Monday, the DOH recorded 2,285 fresh Covid-19 cases, the new highest single-day tally since February, when the country experienced a surge due to the Omicron variant, the most transmissible but less infectious variant of Sars-CoV-2, which causes the Covid-19.The Philippines now has a total of 20,524 active cases.The DOH said average daily cases over the past week were at 2,091, 44 percent higher than the average daily cases logged during the previous week."With the emergence of new Covid-19 variants, the virus' immune-escaping mechanism also increased. Experts project that if eligible individuals do not take the jabs, the country will witness increased hospitalizations by September," said Vergeire."So that's why we really wanted to capture all of this eligible population bago dumating 'yung time na projection na sinasabing September," she added.As of July 18, 71,322,848 individuals or 91.32 percent of the government's target population are fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Among them were 267,096 senior citizens, who belong to the vulnerable population.The number of those who got their booster doses is still low at 15,592,533. (SunStar Philippines)

School uniform 'not mandatory'

Posted: 18 Jul 2022 03:37 AM PDT

STUDENTS are not required to wear uniform during the resumption of in-person classes, Education Secretary Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio said on Monday, July 18, 2022."Even before the pandemic, it is not a strict requirement for public schools to wear uniforms to avoid incurring additional costs to the families of our learners," she said in a statement."All the more that it will not be required this school year given the increasing prices and economic losses due to the pandemic," Duterte added.Earlier, the Department of Education announced that the opening of School Year 2022-2023 will start on August 22 and end on July 7, 2023.By November, all schools should have transitioned to a five-day per week in-person classes as blended or distance learning is no longer allowed. (SunStar Philippines)

Over 14,000 Covid-19 cases in Philippines from July 11-17

Posted: 18 Jul 2022 03:17 AM PDT

THE Department of Health (DOH) has recorded 14,640 fresh coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases over the past week, a 44 percent increase in new cases compared to those logged the previous week, the agency announced Monday, July 18, 2022.This translated to 2,091 daily average cases from July 11 to 17 from 1,467 from July 4 to July 10.The agency said one Covid-related death, which occurred in October 2021, was verified over the past week.As of July 17, the DOH said 589 individuals or 8.7 percent of the total Covid-19 admission were severe or critical.Out of the 2,630 intensive care units (ICU) beds in the country, 481 were occupied while 23.8 percent or 5,189 out of the 21,809 non-ICU beds were being utilized.Hospital utilization is the primary concern of the government in the management of Covid-19 pandemic. Once it reaches more than 50 percent utilization, mobility restrictions are expected to be put in place to prevent hospitals from being overwhelmed.The DOH said the country's health utilization rate remains at low risk.Meanwhile, the DOH said 71,322,848 individuals or 91.32 percent of the government's target population are now fully vaccinated against Covid-19. This includes 267,096 senior citizens who are among the vulnerable population.Individuals who had booster doses are at 15,592,533.Earlier, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. urged the public to get Covid-19 booster doses to strengthen their immunity against the virus. (SunStar Philippines)

Eco groups launch photo exhibit, zero waste bazaar for #PlasticFreeJuly

Posted: 18 Jul 2022 02:24 AM PDT

TO CELEBRATE #PlasticFreeJuly, Plastic-Free Pilipinas collaborators: EcoWaste Coalition, Greenpeace Philippines, Mother Earth Foundation, Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives, Health Care Without Harm together with Break Free from Plastic, Oceana Philippines International, and Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, launched on Monday, July 18, a photo exhibit and bazaar featuring art and eco-friendly stores to make plastic-free Pilipinas a reality."Plastic Free July is being celebrated to demonstrate to people that a life free from unnecessary plastic and disposable material is still possible and to continue pushing some simple actions that can be done to reduce our personal plastic footprint. This is a reminder that the Philippines without Plastics, is within our reach only if we go zero waste," said Aileen Lucero, national coordinator of EcoWaste Coalition.A photo exhibit showcasing plastic pollution in the Philippines from EcoWaste Coalition, Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives, Greenpeace Philippines, and Oceana Philippines International, highlighted the impacts of single-use disposable plastic in communities and the environment as a major source of pollution in the Philippines.These disposable plastic products come in various forms such as, but not limited to, sachet packs, bags, cutleries, cups, and PET bottles which are meant to be used only once, before being thrown away."The event not only features reusable alternatives to single-use plastics that we can use in our everyday lives, but also provides viable solutions for corporations to reduce their plastic production. A number of micro, small, and medium enterprises are already pioneering reuse and refill models and we firmly believe that bigger companies can follow their lead on plastic free solutions," said Marian Ledesma, zero waste campaigner of Greenpeace Philippines.The zero waste bazaar also featured viable alternatives to single-use plastic from the following merchants -- Candles by Ilka, The Bamboo Company, Armari Organics, and Sabon Express.Greenpeace Philippines and Oceana Philippines International will also have booths at the bazaar to heighten public awareness on single-use plastic production problems and showcase eco-friendly enterprises."Access to refillable, reusable and sustainable options in our communities is gaining ground and getting easy; aspiring entrepreneurs understand the need and are paving the way for adapting zero waste as a driving force for their businesses," said Archie Abellar, PH Zero Waste coordinator of Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives."Sustainability remains our main thrust at Megaworld Lifestyle Malls and we are honored to be part of this significant advocacy to preserve and protect Mother Earth. Through our Zero Waste Lifestyle initiative, we have enjoined our employees, retail partners and communities across our properties through a comprehensive waste collection and management program with the goal of minimizing carbon footprint and supporting recycling efforts for the benefit of communities and our partner organizations," said Graham Coates, head of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls.The photo exhibit and zero waste bazaar will run from July 18 to 20 at Uptown Mall, Bonifacio Global City. (PR)

DTI supports Vape Bill, says regulation is better than total ban

Posted: 18 Jul 2022 01:21 AM PDT

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has expressed support to the proposed "Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulations Act," also known as Vape bill, saying regulating these products is still better than totally banning it in the market.The DTI said, however, that the newly appointed secretary of the agency, Alfredo Pascual, is reviewing the department's position on the matter since it was issued by former secretary Ramon Lopez under the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte in February.Aside from saying that regulating the sale and distribution of the products is still better than a total ban, the DTI also said the measure will prevent the proliferation of illicit trade on such products.It said the bill will support industry and economic growth, noting that over two million Filipino farmers and laborers are dependent on the tobacco industry."The DTI believes that vape products can be utilized as an alternative or a helpful means to transition from consuming conventional tobacco products to less harmful tobacco products," the DTI said in its position paper."The DTI is steadfast in its support for effective science and evidence-based tobacco and related product control regulation, and believes that the most impactful way to curb consumption of tobacco products is through effective and reasonable regulation," it added.The agency said more funds through taxes will also be generated from the measure, which will be used to support the Universal Health Care program of the government.The consolidated Senate and House of Representative vape bills are about to lapse into a law on July 24.President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. may also veto the measure.The bill seeks to regulate the importation, manufacture, sale, packaging, distribution, use and communication of vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products, as well as novel tobacco products.It will give the DTI the power to order a recall or confiscation of non-compliant smoke-free products sold online and in physical stores.The agency's role under the bill is in line with its mandate to ensure the protection of consumers, as well as the balance between the interests of all stakeholders.The DTI also reiterated the role of the Department of Health (DOH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the implementation of the measure, citing that among its provision is that no vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine product or novel tobacco product shall have a medicinal or therapeutic claim on its marketing materials or packaging, or shall have an explicit risk statement unless such claims are approved by the FDA.Earlier, the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI), expressed support for the Vape Bill, saying it will protect the consumers from fake and substandard alternative cigarettes.FPI chairman Jesus Arranza said the measure will also make it difficult for unscrupulous, unregistered and non-taxpaying traders to peddle their smuggled goods.Former president of the Philippine Urological Association Dr. Telesforo Gana said the measure may also pave the way to those wanting to quit from using the traditional cigarettes.Other groups and personalities, however, maintained their stand against the Vape Bill.The DOH was among those urging the government to veto the measure, saying that it will place Filipino youth in particular "at undue risk of harmful and addictive substances associated with vape use, like alcohol, marijuana, and potentially other illicit drugs. (SunStar Philippines)

Philippines ends stay of foreign peacekeepers in the south

Posted: 18 Jul 2022 01:09 AM PDT

FOREIGN peacekeepers credited with helping ease years of bloody fighting between government forces and Muslim rebels have left the southern Philippines after officials decided to end their presence, but talks are underway to allow their possible return, officials and the rebels said Friday, July 15.Members of the Malaysia-led International Monitoring Team, or IMT, flew out of the southern region of Mindanao on June 30 after their authority to stay as ceasefire monitors, which must be renewed each year, was not extended by the then-outgoing administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.It remains to be seen whether new President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will authorize the return of the peacekeepers. Decades-long Muslim and communist insurgencies are among major problems he inherited after taking office on June 30 following a landslide victory.Deployed in 2004, the IMT initially consisted of armed peacekeeping forces from Malaysia, Brunei and Libya to help monitor the enforcement of a cease-fire agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the largest Muslim rebel group in the south, which signed a Malaysian-brokered peace deal with the government in 2014.The European Union, Japan, Norway and Indonesia later sent either armed troops or civilian experts to join the IMT, which also helped monitor humanitarian issues and efforts to rehabilitate war-battered communities. As fighting subsided considerably through the years, the 60-member IMT was gradually reduced. The last contingent of more than 20 peacekeepers left the south two weeks ago.In March, a Philippine government peace panel told the head of the foreign peacekeeping force, Major General Datuk Hamdan Ismail of Malaysia, that it no longer intends to extend the mandate of the IMT, two officials told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the issue publicly.With "practically zero skirmishes" between government forces and Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels in recent years, "the exercise of the roles and responsibilities of the IMT has been substantially diminished," the government panel told Hamdan in a letter, a copy of which was seen by the AP.In the past, deadly clashes wrought extensive damage to entire towns in the south and displaced tens of thousands of people.The Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila notified the countries involved in the peacekeeping force in May of the government's decision "to no longer renew the mandate of the IMT" after June 30 "in view of significant accomplishments in the peace process." It cited the enforcement of peace agreements, including the establishment of a new Muslim autonomous region, which is now being administered by former Muslim rebel commanders under a transition period."All the privileges and immunities granted to members of the IMT, including authority to stay based on currently valid visas and authority to bear firearms shall likewise cease," the Department of Foreign Affairs told the countries in separate diplomatic notes, a copy of which was seen by the AP.Philippine officials thanked Malaysia, Brunei, the EU and former member countries in the IMT for their help in restoring peace and fostering economic development in the south, home to the country's Muslim minority in the largely Roman Catholic nation.The rebels, however, objected to the government panel's decision and said that based on signed agreements, IMT forces should stay to safeguard the ceasefire agreement in the southern Philippines until "the full decommissioning" — a euphemism for the disarming and return to normal life — of all the 40,000 combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the two officials said.More than 12,000 Muslim rebels have been "decommissioned" and laid down about 2,000 firearms and other weapons so far. A new group of 14,000 rebels was undergoing the process when Duterte's term ended on June 30 and Marcos Jr. took office. The rest have not been disarmed."The agreement is for the IMT contingent to stay here until the last MILF combatant is decommissioned or until the exit agreement is signed," rebel peace panel chairman Mohagher Iqbal said, adding that the government and the rebels should jointly decide on the peacekeepers' presence and their terms of stay.Philippine officials have expressed openness to inviting the peacekeepers back but the government and the rebels have yet to finalize the details of any such agreement, Iqbal said. He expressed optimism that the issue would be resolved given the success the peace talks have reaped so far."The parties must subscribe to the agreements to be able to succeed," Iqbal said. (AP)

Former health secretaries renew calls to veto the vape bill

Posted: 17 Jul 2022 11:30 PM PDT

FORMER Health secretaries Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan and Dr. Esperanza Cabral appealed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to veto the Vape Regulation Bill (SB 2239) and fully implement existing regulatory provisions on such products contained in Republic Acts 11346 and 11467 that were passed in 2019 and 2020, respectively.The call is in light of the recent ruling of the Supreme Court (SC) affirming the authority of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over tobacco products.The Vape Regulation Bill is one of the bills that were submitted late in the former administration that was then inherited by Marcos Jr.The SC, in the case filed by the Philippine Tobacco Institute to question the authority of the FDA over tobacco products, ruled that Section 25 of Republic Act9711 clearly establishes that the law shall cover all health products, except for acts covered by special laws. Hence, matters not covered by special laws remain under the FDA's broad regulatory authority.Dr. Cabral underscored that for the longest time that the public health community continues to assert that DOH and the FDA have jurisdiction over tobacco and similar products such as vape products or e-cigarettes."The FDA and the DOH should have the final say on any and all products that impact people's health," Dr. Cabral said.For his part, Tan said this decision ultimately tells the public that the health experts in this country are the DOH and the FDA."Policy-makers and the public should listen to FDA and DOH instead of industry-backed groups claiming to be health experts but are actually peddling vapes," said Tan.Prior to stepping down as secretary of Health, Dr. Francisco Duque III also reiterated the agency's position against the Vape Bill and categorically stated that their "end goal" is that the vape bill will not be enacted into law.In an earlier statement, Duque also referred to the vape bill as a "Trojan horse" to the former administration.He said "the bill will achieve the opposite of its intended purpose of strengthening tobacco industry regulation as it relaxes the restrictions on the minimum age of access, flavorings, regulation, distribution, advertising, promotion, sale, and use of these products."Lawyer Alexander Padilla, former undersecretary of Health, is of the view that this is an opportunity for the DOH and FDA to assert its mandate over tobacco products and vapes."The broad powers of the FDA as affirmed by the Supreme Court should be used by the agency to consolidate the regulations for vapes and tobacco to ensure effective enforcement for the protection of public health," said Padilla.Former Civil Service commissioner Mary Ann Fernandez-Mendoza highlights the acknowledgement of the SC on the competence and mandate of the FDA "to ensure safety, efficacy, purity, and quality" health products which includes tobacco products because it negatively impacts health."This decision is important to improving good governance in our country as it rationalizes the functions of government agencies. To divide jurisdiction over tobacco and vapes that are harmful to health would mean that protection of public health will have to be compromised with other interests," Mendoza said. "If public health is compromised, like what the vape bill does, public health loses."Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (Seatca) Executive Director Dr. Ulysses Dorotheo likewise urged Marcos Jr. to veto the vape bill, citing the President's earlier veto of the Bulacan Airport special economic zone.In rejecting the House Bill 7575, which seeks the establishment of the Bulacan Airport City Special Economic Zone and Freeport in Bulakan town, Marcos noted that its provisions infringes on or conflict with other agencies' mandates and authorities.He also noted that the enrolled bill "lacks coherence with existing laws, rules, and regulations.""The President vetoed the bill (HB 7575) because it is not consistent with existing laws and fiscal reforms. The same is true with the vape bill. It is inconsistent with existing laws that already regulate these products by limiting flavors to menthol and tobacco, limiting access to those aged 21 years and above, and mandating the FDA to regulate these harmful products," Dr. Dorotheo said."The vape bill will weaken these regulations and is against the Marcos administrations' policy to provide better health and better life for Filipinos. We hope the President sees the inconsistency in the vape bill and vetoes it before July 24," he added.To date, there is still no news from the Office of the President on the fate of the vape bill. (PR)

ICC invites PH to comment on possible drug war probe reopening

Posted: 17 Jul 2022 10:24 PM PDT

A PRE-TRIAL chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has "invited" the Philippine government to comment on the request for resumption of investigation on alleged crimes against humanity in relation to President Rodrigo Duterte's drug war.In an order issued on July 14, 2022, the ICC pre-trial chamber 1 urged the government to "submit any additional observations" on the possible reopening of the probe by September 8.It also ordered the Victims Participation and Reparations Section to collect the views and concerns of the drug war victims or their legal representatives during the period.ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan was likewise instructed to submit any response to the observations of the Philippines by September 22.The ICC deferred the probe in November 2021 following the request of the Philippines on the basis that national authorities were investigating, or had already investigated the cases.In June, Khan requested for the reopening of the probe on the drug war in the Philippines after the government failed to provide any documentation to substantiate that the investigations are ongoing or complete, nor any details regarding concrete investigative or prosecutorial steps that have been taken.From July 2016 to May 31, 6,252 individuals were killed in the drug war under former President Duterte's administration.The ICC probe covers killings committed in the country between July 1, 2016, since Duterte took office, and March 16, 2019, the day Duterte ordered the withdrawal of the country's membership from the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC.Meanwhile, in a television interview, former chief of the Philippine National Police now Senator Ronald del Rosa reiterated that he will not participate in the conduct of any probe outside the country.Dela Rosa said the ICC probe is an insult to the country's justice system, which is fully functioning."Sila'y nakikinig lang sa mga biased na mga kalaban ng Duterte administration. In the first place, they've already shown their bias. Meron tayong korte dito. I am willing to face the court basta Filipino-skinned yung judge na magta-try sa akin, huwag yung mga puti na hindi alam ang problema natin dito. Hindi tayo magpapaalipin sa mga banyaga," he said. (SunStar Philippines)

Cop dead in Samar ‘NPA-perpetrated ambush’

Posted: 17 Jul 2022 10:15 PM PDT

A POLICEMAN was killed following an encounter with suspected members of the terrorist group New People's Army (NPA) in Samar on Saturday, July 16, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday, July 18, 2022.In a report reaching Camp Crame, the fatality was identified as Patrolman Mark Monge, 28, who was assigned at the 804th Maneuver Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 8.The report stated that troops were conducting combat operations in the boundary of Barangay San Nicolas in San Jose De Buan town and Barangay Mabuhay in Gandara where they encountered around 10 members of the terrorist group.The firefight lasted for about five minutes, with the NPA members withdrawing from the scene.In another report, the police said the troops were conducting "humanitarian activity" when they were " suddenly fired upon by the CTG (communist terrorist group) members from nowhere.""With the death of Pat Monge, we, in the PNP strongly condemn such treacherous act made by CTG members. We will not cease in chasing the perpetrators. The CTG is one of the roots of poverty in the hinterland areas of Eastern Visayas, and this has to end. We will be more intensified in our campaign against insurgency," Eastern Visayas Police Chief Brigadier General Bernard Banac said.In his speech during the flag raising ceremony in Camp Crame on Monday, PNP officer-in-charge Lieutenant General Vicente Danao Jr. said the policemen were distributing ayuda (financial assistance) simultaneously with the conduct of a medical mission in the area when they were "ambushed."Danao condemned the incident, as he reiterated strong disapproval of the possible revival of peace talks with the rebel group, as well as the granting of amnesty.On Friday, July 15, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac) said it recommended to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos to offer amnesty to members of the NPA."Nakakaiyak lang. Hindi naman sana anti-criminality operation 'yung ginawa ng mga bata doon. They are there to give assistance to the poorest of the poor pero unfortunately you ambushed them," he said."O tapos you are now talking about peace talks. Anong klaseng peace talks yan. Alam niyo kung puwede lang baligtarin ang gobyerno, ako ang aambush mismo sa inyo sa totoo lang. Nakakasama ng loob. Our people there are trying to give assistance to those who are in need, medical assistance in whatever capacity that they can do pero unfortunately, (someone sacrificed his life again)," he added.For her part, National Security Adviser Clarita Carlos earlier disagreed with the revival of the peace talks with the CTG. (SunStar Philippines)

P5 rollback on gasoline prices on July 19

Posted: 17 Jul 2022 10:05 PM PDT

PUMP prices of petroleum products will go down again on Tuesday, July 19, 2022.In an advisory, Shell and Seaoil said they will implement a P5 rollback on gasoline, P2 on diesel and P.70 on Kerosene.Petrogazz and Cleanfuel will implement the same price reduction on gasoline and diesel except kerosene, which they do not carry.Shell, Seoil and Petrogazz will implement the price adjustment at 6 a.m. of July 19, while Cleanfuel at 8:01 a.m. of the same day.The Department of Energy said the price reduction on fuel prices can be attributed to the lockdown in Shanghai, China, which may decrease the demand; interest hikes by various countries; and the threat of recession, which could cause demand destruction. (SunStar Philippines)

5 provinces seeing 'very high' Covid-19 positivity rates

Posted: 17 Jul 2022 04:59 AM PDT

FIVE provinces in the country registered "very high" positivity rates, while 10 others were at "high" levels, including the National Capital Region (NCR).Based on the July 15, 2022 data from the Octa Research, recording "very high" positivity rates were Aklan (31.9 percent), Tarlac (27.5 percent), Pampanga (23.5 percent), Nueva Ecija (22.9 percent), and Laguna (22.5 percent)."(There are) provinces where the positivity rate is very high, is above 20 percent," said Octa fellow Guido David.On the other hand, having "high" positivity rates were Cavite (19.5 percent), Rizal (18.6 percent), Antique (17.8 percent), Capiz (15.8 percent), Batangas (15.7 percent), Isabela (15.5 percent), Iloilo (14.7 percent), Pangasinan (14.1%), Metro Manila (12.6 percent) and Bulacan (11.4 percent)."NCR positivity rate as of July 15 was 12.6 percent, up from 10.9 percent, as of July 9," said David.The World Health Organization has set a five-percent threshold for positivity rate of Covid-19. (SunStar Philippines)

DOLE calls for calmness amid government rightsizing plans

Posted: 17 Jul 2022 01:32 AM PDT

THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Sunday, July 17, 2022, called on the public sector to maintain calmness amid plans of the Marcos administration to implement rightsizing in the government.Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said in a statement that the employees in the public sector should not equate the rightsizing plan to massive job losses."Let's be more positive with rightsizing, where the possibility of transferring or even hiring of more people by a government with lots of tasks to perform, is very high," Laguesma said."When you talk of streamlining, it's all about making work in a business easier and fruitful. I don't see downsizing of workforce in those definitions," he furthered.Last week, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman announced that at least 187 government agencies are set to undergo review as part of the government's streamlining efforts.President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said he is leaving it to the different agencies to determine how they would streamline their offices to generate savings for the government.Such a plan immediately triggered speculations of massive retrenchment among government workers.For its part, Laguesma said the DOLE will stick to its main mandate to promote the welfare of workers."Whatever happens, DOLE would always champion the security and safety of our workers, whether they are government servants or employees of private institutions," Laguesma said. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)

Extension of voter registration period 'very unlikely'

Posted: 17 Jul 2022 01:30 AM PDT

THE three-week voter registration period is not likely to be extended.This is the statement of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) heading into the final week of the voter registration period for the December 2022 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE)."In the matter of extension, it is very unlikely," said Acting Comelec Spokesman John Rex Laudiangco in a statement.He said this is because Republic Act No. 8189 prohibits any registration activities within 120 days before Election Day."This prohibition, counted from December 5, 2022, will start on August 7, 2022," he said.Laudiangco said after the July 23 deadline for voter registration, they still have to post/publish applications, receive opposition to applications, hold Election Registration Board hearings, cleanse multiple registrants, finalize Project of Precincts, and establish polling precincts"This is how limited our timelines are in order to comply with the laws," said Laudiangco.The voter registration period for the December 5 poll exercise was opened on July 4 and will run until July 23, 2022.Voter registration is open from Mondays to Saturdays, including holidays, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., in all city/municipal Offices of Election Officers. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)

'Very high' turnout seen in final voter registration week

Posted: 17 Jul 2022 01:22 AM PDT

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) is expecting a "very high" turnout in the final week of the voter registration for the December 2022 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).In a statement, Acting Comelec Spokesman John Rex Laudiangco said they expect the high turnout of applicants to continue in the last six days."Comelec had readily observed that the applicants' turn-out is very high," said Laudiangco."We expect that to continue this last week of registration," he added.Data from the Comelec-Election and Barangay Affairs Department (Ebad) show that there have been 1,307,593 new registrants nationwide from July 4 to 15.Including other forms applications, the running total stood at 1,805,272 individuals.Because of this, the poll body encouraged the public to apply early and not crowd the Offices of Election Officers (OEOs) in the last remaining days.They are also advised to check our schedules of off-site/satellite registrations, particularly in malls and other large venues, where more could be accommodated.In coming to the voter registration areas, applicants are urged to come with fully accomplished application forms.The public is also advised to bring acceptable proofs of identification.The voter registration period for the December 5 poll exercise was opened on July 4 and will run until July 23, 2022.Voter registration is open from Mondays to Saturdays, including holidays, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., in all city/municipal OEOs. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)

Malacañang declares status quo on alert level status

Posted: 16 Jul 2022 09:26 PM PDT

THE alert level status left by the Duterte administration will continue to prevail until further notice, Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said.Angeles said the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) is scheduled to review the matter on Monday, July 18, 2022.Pending the review, she said the different alert level status will remain.Majority of the areas in the country were under Alert Level 1, the lowest quarantine system the Philippines had ever reached amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.Under Alert Level 1, all sorts of restrictions have been lifted aside from the mandatory observance of minimum health protocols such as the wearing of face masks and maintenance of physical distancing.The Department of Health (DOH) earlier said that the country is experiencing anew increase in Covid-19 cases driven by the detection of more transmissible Omicron subvariant and the easing of restrictions on the mobility of people.Despite the increase in cases, the DOH said the country's national healthcare utilization rate remained at low risk, which meant that majority of the cases were asymptomatic to mild and home isolation will suffice.The agency attributed the low hospitalization risk to Covid-19 vaccination but noted that the public should get their booster doses to further strengthen their protection against the fatal effects of the virus. (SunStar Philippines)

DOTr to revive negotiations with China for railway project funding

Posted: 16 Jul 2022 09:21 PM PDT

PRESIDENT Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has ordered the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to revive its negotiation for the loan agreements with China for the funding of the three big-ticket railway projects of the government under the Build, Build, Build Program.In a statement on Saturday, July 16, 2022, DOTr Undersecretary Cesar Chavez said the matter was discussed during the cabinet meeting last Tuesday, which Marcos presided over via teleconference while he was still in isolation due to coronavirus disease (Covid-19) infection."There was a policy discussion on three China ODA Rail Projects in last Tuesday's Cabinet Meeting during which the President commented that as a matter of policy, we should encourage more investments in rail and that we should focus more on rail transport," Chavez said.The said projects were the Subic-Clark Railway Project worth P51 billion, the Philippine National Railways (PNR) South Long-Haul Project valued at P142 billion and the Mindanao Railway Project's Davao-Digos segment amounting to P83 billion.The PNR project, which was also called PNR Bicol Express, was awarded in January to the joint venture of China Railway Group Ltd., China Railway No. 3 Engineering Group Co. Ltd., and China Railway Engineering Consulting Group Co. Ltd. while the Subic-Clark project was awarded to China Harbour Engineering Co. in December 2020.The Davao-Digos Railway Project, however, failed to proceed after China was not able to submit a shortlist of contractors.Chavez earlier said the loan applications for the three said projects were withdrawn after the Chinese government failed to act on them following the request of President Rodrigo Duterte's administration.The negotiations for the projects started in 2018. The loan application was only valid until May 2022.He said former finance secretary Carlos Dominguez III also later canceled the loan application amid the transition to the new administration.Chavez said they are also looking at the possibility of opening the projects to the private sector "since the government thrust is towards public-private partnerships (PPP)." (SunStar Philippines)

1.2M apply to become registered voters 

Posted: 15 Jul 2022 10:44 PM PDT

TEN days after the start of the voter registration period for the December 2022 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) polls, more than 1.2 million individuals have already filed their applications to become registered voters.Data from the Commission on Elections (Comelec)-Election and Barangay Affairs Department (EBAD) showed that there were 1,209,888 new registrants nationwide, as of July 14.Broken down into types of voters, those 15 to 17 years old (SK voters) had 761,684 applicants; 18 to 30 years old (both SK and regular voters) with 383,836 applicants; and 31 years old and above (regular voters) with 64,368 applicants.Aside from new registrants, the Comelec also received 204,708 Applications for Transfer from Other Cities/Municipalities; 52,174 Applications for Transfer from within the same City/Municipality; 8,534 Applications for Transfer with Reactivation; 3,100 Applications for Transfer with Reactivation and Correction of Entries; 10,544 Applications for Transfer with Correction of Entries; and 55,643 Applications for Reactivation.The poll body also received 13,062 Applications for Reactivation with Correction of Entries; 36,583 Applications for Change of Names/Correction of Entries; 51 Applications for Inclusion of Record in the Book of Voters; 17 Applications for Reinstatement of Name in the List of Voters; and 3,480 Applications for Transfer from Overseas Voting to Local.The running total number of all types of applications, as of July 14, stood at 1,597,784 individuals.The Comelec said the high number of applications filed shows that Filipinos want to be able to cast their votes in the forthcoming village and youth polls."The number of applications received and processed so far manifests the height of the Filipinos' interest to participate in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections as well as in other elections," said Acting Comelec Spokesman John Rex Laudiangco in a recent statement.The voter registration period for the December 5 poll exercise was opened on July 4 and will run until July 23, 2022.Voter registration is open from Mondays to Saturdays, including holidays, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in all city/municipal Office of Election Officer. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)

FDA detects ethylene oxide in 1 Lucky Me! variant

Posted: 15 Jul 2022 10:39 PM PDT

ETHELYN oxide has been detected in one of the five variants of Lucky Me! brand noodle products manufactured locally, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).Based on FDA Advisory No. 2022-1293, the FDA said ethylene oxide was found in the Lucky Me! Pancit Canton Kalamansi variant at a level below the European Union (EU) acceptable level of 0.02 mg/kg'."In this regard, the FDA will study this matter to determine the appropriate risk management strategy in consultation with other government agencies, like the Department of Agriculture (DA)," said the FDA.On the other hand, the FDA reported that ethylene oxide was not detected in the submitted samples of Lucky Me! Pancit Canton Extra Hot Chili, Pancit Canton Regular, Pancit Canton Chilimans and Instant Mami Beef Regular."These Lucky Me! instant noodle variants are safe for consumption," said the FDA.It said the findings were the result of the precautionary measures taken by the FDA after several countries in the EU alerted the presence of ethylene oxide in Lucky Me! brand noodle products.Among them, the regulatory body said, is having the local manufacturer of Lucky Me! brand noodle products determine the levels of ethylene oxide in the food products.It must be noted that the affected batches containing ethylene oxide detected by European countries were manufactured in Thailand.The said products were not locally produced and were not distributed in the Philippines. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)

Philippines now seeing 1,700 Covid cases a day

Posted: 15 Jul 2022 05:15 AM PDT

CORONAVIRUS disease (Covid-19) cases in the Philippines continued to increase with over 1,700 new infections recorded on a daily basis.Based on the latest Covid-19 national situationer, the Department of Health (DOH) said the average daily cases for July 8 to 14 was at 1,751, which is higher by 40 percent than the 1,247 daily cases recorded on July 1 to 7."National case trend shows continuous increase (and is) now averaging more than 1,700 cases per day in the recent week," said the DOH."Most areas show sharp increase in Covid-19 cases," it added.This has resulted in a national weekly positivity rate increasing to 10.6 percent.Ten of the 17 regions in the country also registered positivity rates of above the five percent threshold set by the World Health Organization (WHO).These regions are the National Capital Region (NCR), Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, and Northern Mindanao.The NCR, in particular, has a weekly positivity rate of 13.0 percent.This corresponds to the continued increase in the average daily reported cases in Metro Manila, which were at 748 for July 8 to 14. This is 29 percent higher than the 582 cases recorded on July 1 to 7."The NCR is showing the steepest increase and is now showing almost at 750 cases per day," said the DOH.Despite the rising numbers, the DOH said the entire Philippines remains at "low risk" classification."National and most regions continue to show increases in cases but remain at low risk case classification with average daily attack rates at low risk," said the DOH."The healthcare utilization rates are also at low risk in all regions," it added.DOH data show that the national average daily attack rate is currently at 1.36 per 100,000 population.The Covid-19 bed and ICU bed utilization rates stand at 23.48 percent and 17.44 percent, respectively. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)

Marcos completes Covid-19 isolation

Posted: 15 Jul 2022 02:56 AM PDT

PRESIDENT Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is already out from his seven-day isolation after testing positive for coronavirus, Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said on Friday, July 15, 2022."Okay na po as of his doctor's findings yesterday (July 14). Tapos na rin po ang isolation niya," Angeles said in a message to reporters.([Marcos] is already okay according to the findings of his doctor yesterday. His isolation is also finished.)Marcos tested positive for coronavirus last week. It was his second time to contract the virus, the first was in 2020 during the onset of the pandemic.While in isolation Marcos presided over a Cabinet meeting via teleconference. (SunStar Philippines)

Magnitude 4.6 earthquake hits Zambales

Posted: 15 Jul 2022 02:48 AM PDT

A MAGNITUDE 4.6 earthquake hit the town of Masinloc in Zambales on Friday afternoon, July 15, 2022, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) confirmed.Phivolcs said the tectonic earthquake had a depth of 40 kilometers. It happened around 4:36 p.m.The tremor was felt at intensity 2 in Quezon City.Instrumental Intensity 4 was recorded in Iba, Zambales; 3 in Infanta, Pangasinan and Olongapo City; 2 un Gapan City, Dagupan City and Subic; and 1 in Plaridel, Malabon City, Pasig City, Quezon City, Navotas City, Metro Manila, San Jose in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija, Guagua in Pampanga, Basista in Bolinao Pangasinan, San Francisco in Quezon and Tarlac City. (SunStar Philippines)

Comelec clears eligibility of 14-year-old voter registration applicants

Posted: 15 Jul 2022 12:58 AM PDT

FOURTEEN-YEAR-OLD Filipinos may apply to become registered voters in the forthcoming Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) as long as they turn 15 on or before December 5.In a social media post, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Filipinos aged 14 years old are eligible to apply as SK voters if their next birthday falls on or before December 5, 2022."Not yet 15 years old during the voter registration period? But if you will be 15 years old on or before December 5, 2022, you are qualified to register as an SK voter," said the Comelec.Under Comelec Resolution 10798, applicants as SK voters must be Filipino citizens, at least 15 but not more than 30 years of age come Election Day, and is residing in the barangay for at least six months on or before December 5, 2022."Any person, who has not reached the required voting age or period of residence on the day of registration but will possess such qualifications on or before the December 5, 2022 Elections, may register as a voter," said the Comelec.It was back in July 4 when the voter registration period for the December 5 barangay and SK polls was opened. The registration will run until July 23, 2022.Based on the latest data of the Comelec, there are currently 571,740 applicants aged 15 to 17 years old looking to vote in the SK polls.Voter registration is open from Mondays to Saturdays, including holidays, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., in all city/municipal offices of election officer. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)

DOLE denounces 'money claims' using name of Laguesma

Posted: 15 Jul 2022 12:37 AM PDT

THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) condemned on Friday, July 15, the unauthorized use of the name of Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma in making money claims to unsuspecting businessmen and companies.In a public advisory, the DOLE said it denounces the acts of some unscrupulous individuals in using the name of Laguesma to demand money from employers."The DOLE warns the public against the modus of some unscrupulous individual or persons using the name of Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma in soliciting and demanding money from unsuspecting businessmen and companies," said DOLE."The labor department strongly condemns such nefarious acts that tend to put to bad light the DOLE and destroy the good name of the Labor Secretary," it added.Individuals and companies who may get similar claims are then encouraged to report them to the Department."DOLE strongly urges the public to report such illegal and illicit activities to the nearest DOLE Regional offices or call DOLE Hotline 13490," said DOLE.According to DOLE, the financial claims are being sent to companies supposedly in exchange for facilitating or getting favorable results on their pending or potential concerns with the DOLE.The money claims are allegedly being done through mobile phone calls to unsuspecting victims, instead of sending a letter. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)

DOH warns vs fake solicitation 'signed' by OIC

Posted: 15 Jul 2022 12:35 AM PDT

THE Department of Health (DOH) warned the public against unscrupulous individuals using the name of its newly named officer-in-charge (OIC), Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire.In a public advisory, the DOH denied that Vergeire has signed a document requesting for assistance and soliciting donations for the conduct of an alleged nationwide medical mission."The DOH has received reports on a fake document using the name of Undersecretary Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire, officer-in-charge of the Department," said the DOH."No agreement or document has been signed by the officer-in-charge," it added.The DOH urged the public to be vigilant against bogus documents using the name of the agency and its officials."Be vigilant in identifying these circulating fake and forged documents as these can cause misinformation. Worse, they are criminal," said the DOH.In the letter supposedly signed by Vergeire, the DOH is asking the public for donations for the medical mission it will conduct jointly with the Department of Education.The letter said the joint medical mission aims to "secure the health of our students in preparation for the upcoming face-to-face classes." (HDT/SunStar Philippines)

DOH to establish Covid-19 vax sites in schools

Posted: 15 Jul 2022 12:07 AM PDT

THE Department of Health (DOH) will establish coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccination sites in schools in a bid to strengthen the government's inoculation program, DOH officer-in-charge Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said on Friday, July 15, 2022.Vergeire said this is to encourage students and their parents to get inoculated against the virus amid the transition to full face-to-face classes."We are going to set up vaccination sites in schools... to further encourage not just children but also their mothers when they go to school and they bring their children there," she said in a television interview."They are there already and they might be more encouraged because 'yung access po ay binigay na natin sa kanila. Even teachers and those non-teaching personnel that have not been vaccinated yet baka mas ma-encourage natin," she added.Not a requirementShe reiterated, however, that Covid-19 vaccination is not a requirement to allow students to attend in-person classes.Starting November 2, 2022, public and private schools should have transitioned to a five-day in-person classes and ditch the conduct of blended or distance learning.The DepEd did not set a capacity for each class but reminded schools about the maintenance of physical distancing and other health protocols during the conduct of face-to-face classes.Health workers benefitsMeanwhile, aside from the strengthening of the government's Covid-19 vaccination program especially for the administration of booster doses to eligible population, Vergeire said President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. also ordered the prioritization of other programs related to the Covid-19 pandemic response, as well as the release of the benefits of the healthcare workers.Vergeire admitted that the agency is addressing the lack of funding for the additional benefits of the healthcare workers, but she said some funds have already been downloaded to DOH Centers for Health Development."The issues would really be transactional, compliance to requirements, non-signing of memorandum of agreement, liquidation of previous funds given to them," she said."The heads of the facility have to comply with the requirements so we can be able to release the funds to them...We have informed them of what they should be complying with," she added. (SunStar Philippines)

DOH studying dengue vaccines amid rise in cases

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 11:03 PM PDT

THE Department of Health (DOH) is studying dengue vaccines in a bid to curb the increasing cases of the disease in the country, DOH officer-in-charge Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said on Friday, July 15, 2022.In a television interview, Vergeire said there were at least 23 dengue vaccines included in the emergency medicine list of the World Health Organization."What we're doing here in the department would be gathering evidence, studying it, and once we have completed, that we'll be convening our experts," she said."So we will study this thoroughly para magkaroon tayo ng recommendation para sa'ting Presidente kung saka-sakali," she added.Discussions about the controversial Dengvaxia vaccine were reopened following the increase of dengue cases in the country.Vergeire earlier said that from January 1 to June 25, a total of 64,797 dengue cases have been recorded across the country.She said it was 90 percent higher than the number of cases recorded during the same period in 2021.Vergeire said all regions have exceeded the epidemic threshold, or the number of dengue cases in their respective areas during the same period last year, except for Ilocos and Caraga regions.Vergeire said the increasing cases of dengue are already "alarming."Infectious disease expert Dr. Edsel Salvaña said that the government should exhaust all efforts to further prevent the fatal effects of the disease.In a separate television interview on Friday, July 15, Salvaña maintained that Dengvaxia decreases the risk of severe dengue infection if used properly.Dengvaxia has been controversial after various claims that several children died after receiving the vaccine, which was part of the government's anti-dengue program, under the administration of late President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III.In 2017, the Food and Drug Administration ordered the suspension of the sale, distribution and marketing of Dengvaxia, as well as its withdrawal from the market.This was after Sanofi Pasteur Inc. said that the vaccine poses potential risk if administered to those who have never had dengue infection.Salvania said there is already a way now in the country to detect a prior dengue infection."The attributed risk from giving the dengue vaccine to someone who is seronegative is not any higher than the risk of severe dengue with a second natural infection. So it doesn't go beyond the actual risk if you had dengue once," he said. (SunStar Philippines)

DOJ: Lotilla’s nomination as energy secretary ‘valid, lawful’

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 10:57 PM PDT

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) sees nothing wrong in the re-appointment of Raphael Perpetuo Lotilla as secretary of the Department of Energy.In a statement, the DOJ said Lotilla's nomination for the post is "valid and lawful."After announcing Lotilla's nomination, Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said they are still clarifying his employment status, citing Section 8 of Republic Act 7638 or the Act Creating the Department of Energy that provides, "no officer, external auditor, accountant, or legal counsel of any private company or enterprise primarily engaged in the energy industry shall be eligible for appointment as Secretary within two years from his retirement, resignation, or separation therefrom."Lotilla, who served as the energy secretary from 2005 to 2007 during the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, is currently an independent director of Aboitiz Power and Enexor."In accordance with the subsequent laws, namely, the Revised Corporation Code, Securities Regulations Code, and the Code of Corporate Governance, an independent director is not an officer based on the nature, duties, functions and responsibilities vis-à-vis the corporation he serves. It is sui generis in character," the DOJ said."Even the articles and by-laws of Aboitiz Power Corporation and Ace Enexor where Lotilla served as an independent director adopt the statutory concept of an independent director. Thus, it is clear that an independent director like Lotilla does not fall within the proscription under Section 8 of RA 9638 against an officer, external auditor, accountant, or legal counsel of any private company or enterprise primarily engaged in the energy industry," it added. (SunStar Philippines)

DepEd: No required capacity during in-person classes

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 03:38 AM PDT

EDUCATION Secretary Vice President Sara Duterte said on Thursday, July 14, 2022, that they will not set a limit on the number of students allowed in a class during the conduct of face-to-face classes.Duterte said, though, that schools are required to ensure the maintenance of minimum health protocols among their students, teachers and staff, particularly the wearing of face masks and the observance of physical distancing.She said the DepEd has also set a guideline about eating especially in groups when the space in the school is limited."Hindi po kami naglagay ng exact size ng class dahil iba-iba po 'yung situation ng lahat ng mga schools natin. There are no schools na pare-pareho sila exactly sa kanilang classrooms and sa kanilang teachers," she said in an interview with reporters."Ang inilagay natin doon at in-approve din ng Pangulo during the Cabinet meeting is that physical distancing shall be implemented whenever possible...Naglagay lang din po kami doon ng guide about eating dahil ito po yung isa sa mga instances na nagtatanggal tayo ng mask, na eating together should be prohibited and kung limited yung spaces doon sa loob ng eskwelahan," she added.The DepEd earlier issued an order prohibiting the conduct of blended learning starting on November 2, 2022.The order states that by the said date, all public and private schools should have transitioned to the conduct of face-to-face classes five days per week.The DepEd set the opening of School Year 2022-2023 on August 222. It will end on July 7, 2023. (SunStar Philippines)

Malacañang employee dies after falling from building

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 01:19 AM PDT

A MALACAÑANG employee died after falling from the fourth floor of the Mabini Hall, Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said Thursday, January 14, 2022.Angeles identified the fatality as Mario Castro, an administrative aide of the Information Communications Technology Office under the deputy executive secretary for finance and accounting.Cruz-Angeles said investigation as to the cause of the incident is ongoing.She expressed sympathy to the bereaved family."Kasalukuyang iniimbestigahan ang kanyang pagkamatay at nagcocoordinate ang Presidential Security Group at ang PNP (Philippine National Police) Security Force Unit," said Angeles."May naiwang asawa at mga anak si Mr. Castro. Kami po ay nakikiramay sa kanyang pamilya," she added. (SunStar Philippines)

Vergeire assigned as DOH officer-in-charge

Posted: 13 Jul 2022 11:37 PM PDT

PRESIDENT Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has appointed Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire as officer-in-charge of the Department of Health (DOH), Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said in Thursday, July 14, 2022.Vergeire is the current spokesperson of the DOH amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.Angeles said former MRT administrator Mel Robles was nominated as the general manager of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. (SunStar Philippines)

15,000 security forces to be deployed during Marcos Sona

Posted: 13 Jul 2022 11:17 PM PDT

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) will field more or less 15,000 security personnel to ensure peace and order during the first State of the Nation Address (Sona) of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.Marcos will hold his first Sona at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on July 25.PNP Director for operations Major General Valeriano de Leon said on Thursday, July 14, 2022, that the security personnel consist of police, soldiers, those from the local government unit and other force multipliers tapped to ensure the security of the event.He said a multi-agency task force, which will oversee the overall implementation of security measures, will also be created.He said the task force will also be in coordination with other government agencies for the traffic rerouting, handling of protesters and other security issues."The security preparations would not be as stringent as the inauguration because this will be done in a closed building, but still, we have to be very careful about the surroundings, especially that Quezon City is a populated area," said De Leon.The official reiterated that protesters may only hold their programs in freedom parks."We expect rallyists to air their issues, but we encourage them to hold it at the right venue...There will be dialogue on this matter with them. We also have to respect their rights," said De Leon.He said policemen were instructed to exercise maximum tolerance in dealing with protesters to avoid unnecessary confrontation.De Leon appealed, however, to the protesters to give the new administration a chance to lay down the plans and to implement them in the next six years."Walang pang isang buwan na nakakaupo ang ating Pangulong Marcos, so we appeal to the protesters to first hear his plans and how they will be implemented," he said."Let us give the new administration under the leadership of President Marcos a chance to prove its capability to run the government well," he added. (SunStar Philippines)

Police commanders reminded to inspect ammunition storage areas regularly

Posted: 13 Jul 2022 10:36 PM PDT

PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) director for operations Major General Valeriano de Leon has reminded all regional directors to regularly inspect their respective ammunition storages following a fire that hit a military camp in Cagayan de Oro on Tuesday, July 12, 2022.De Leon said he instructed regional police heads and other commanders to exercise due diligence in storing firearms ammunition due to the dangers it poses especially when mishandled.This also includes storage areas for confiscated evidence such as firearms and ammunition."Our commanders should always make sure to check the weather condition and the temperature inside the storage areas. Moisture may develop inside and this can ignite the ammunition inside," he said."We have to be careful and responsible in handling this because we don't want any similar incident that happened in Cagayan de Oro City to happen in the police camps or any police offices. So the best way to ensure that this would not happen is to take regular preventive measures," he added.On July 12, 2022, a fire broke out in one of the buildings inside the ammunition complex in Camp Edilberto Evangelista in Barangay Patag.The fire reportedly stemmed from the explosion of various ammunition stored in the said building.Three civilians were injured due to the incident.De Leon said this should serve as a lesson to the PNP.He warned that those who would be found to be remising their responsibility of properly taking care of ammunition storage areas would be facing administrative cases."They would surely be facing administrative liability if they would not exercise due diligence because we have already reminded them through a memorandum issued from the National Headquarters," he said. (SunStar Philippines)
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