Monday, April 12, 2021
Suspek sa tangkang pagpatay, arestado sa Cagayan matapos ang 9 na taong pagtatago
Dalawang wanted na suspek ang arestado sa magkahiwalay na operasyon ng mga pulis sa Cagayan at Nueva Ecija ntong Lunes.
Arestado sa Cagayan ang isang lalaking 9 na taong nagtago mula sa batas.
Itinuturing na ika-6 na most wanted sa bayan ng Moncada sa Tarlac ang 50 anyos na suspek na naaresto sa Abulug, Cagayan. May kaso siyang frustrated murder.
Samantala, arestado rin sa San Isidro, Nueva Ecija ang ika-3 most wanted sa bayan.
Arestado ang 30 anyos na suspek sa kasong qualified theft.
- ulat ni Gracie Rutao
Waiting For God When You’re Impatient
The Lord is good unto them that wait for Him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD. Lamentations 3:25-26, KJV
Island shrouded in heavy fog–am going on,” was Richard Haliburton’s last radio message before he sailed into oblivion. Haliburton was a flamboyant adventurer and explorer who was attempting to sail from Hong Kong to San Francisco in a Chinese junk. He intended to stop in Taiwan for supplies, but when he approached the island, he could not see light and assumed that it was shrouded in fog. It was not but Haliburton did not know that. The lights had been blanketed in a practice air-raid drill, and sailing on was his last mistake. He was lost at sea. Richard Haliburton’s impatience cost him his life. Had he only waited for guidance, he would have made his destination. James McConkey was right when he wrote, “Haste is the parent of 9/10ths of our mistakes…”
But waiting seems to be so contrary to the path of progress. Today we are generally convinced that doing anything is better than doing nothing. Waiting, however, is not doing nothing. It is positive action that prepares for the right choice in the future. It is awaiting God’s timing which saves us from tragic mistakes. “There is an appointed time for everything,” wrote Solomon in the book of Ecclesiastes. Awaiting the right time is never easy, but as Martin Luther wrote, “He who waits on God wastes no time.”
I do not know about you, friend, but waiting has never been one of those virtues with which I was born. Perhaps, you, like me, have found that learning to wait is a rather painful experience. One of the great differences between the way we think and the way that God thinks is that His thinking is not influenced by time; consequently, God is never in a hurry to do anything. We are not like that, and we have to learn to live on His timetable–not ours. Reading through the pages of Scripture, you will find that God has always had to teach His children to learn to wait for timing. David, Solomon, Job, Micah, Isaiah, the Apostle Paul, all wrote about the importance of waiting and thought of it as positive–not negative. When God’s people were overthrown by the forces of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, many thought that God had turned His back on them and forsaken them. Yet God said, “I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).
Waiting on God’s timing–is not wasted time but running ahead of God’s timing can bring ruin. It brings our restless hearts into conformity with the divine and prepares us for what He has before us. Jeremiah, the prophet, wrote, “The Lord is good unto them that wait for Him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD,” (Lamentations 3:25-26, KJV). Friend, what is your hurry? If the doors have not opened, then keep knocking, but await the Lord’s timing. When He sets before you an open door, no one can close it.
Waiting demands that we acknowledge the fact that God is fully in control. “They that wait on the Lord…,” wrote Isaiah, “shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31, KJV). May God teach us the value of learning to wait, of learning to trust Him to work out the details of the future; and may He forgive us our restless impatience. Yes, there is a time for everything under the sun.
Resource reading: Isaiah 40:25-31.
https://www.guidelines.org/devotional/waiting-for-god-when-youre-impatient/
Vico Sotto urges public to be wary of fake news on social media
Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto on Monday urged his constituents to stay vigilant against misleading information on social media after photos of his 2017 surgery recently resurfaced online.
"Tuwing may nababasa tayo sa social media, magdalawang-isip po tayo... Baka edited yan. Baka fake yung quote. Baka inimbento lang yan. Baka wala sa tamang konteksto. Baka may nag-repost lang, pero luma na pala," the mayor said in a Facebook live video.
(Every time we read something on social media, we should think twice... It might be edited. It might be a fake quote. It might just be fabricated. It might be taken out of context. Or, maybe it came from an old post.)
"Kailangan, ganun po 'yung pag-iisip natin sa Facebook kasi grabe po talaga... 'Yung iba harmless. Pero yung iba, may masasaktan, harmful na po," he said.
(We have to think that way while on Facebook because it's really bad... Some are harmless. But others may hurt others, might be harmful.)
Sotto gave the statement after receiving messages from several people, including relatives, telling him to get well soon.
"Maraming nagge-get well soon sa akin. Wala naman akong sakit. 'Yun pala, may nag-post nung 2017, ni hindi pa ako mayor noon, noong inoperahan ako sa tuhod," he said.
(A lot of people were telling me to get well soon. But I'm not even sick. It turns out, there was a post from 2017, I was not even a mayor then, when I had a knee surgery.)
"2017 pa po yun. Magaling na magaling na po ako," he said.
(That was way back in 2017. I have recovered already.)
Aside from the old post about the surgery that stemmed from a basketball injury, Sotto said there were also fake quote cards claiming that he prefers to have a social worker as his girlfriend.
"Medyo harmless. Wala namang nangyaring masama," he said.
(It's a bit harmless. No untoward incident happened.)
"Ang masama po niyan, paano kung hindi na harmless? Paano kung nahaluan na ng pulitika? Paano 'pag nahaluan na ng tungkol sa bakuna na fake news?" he said.
(But what if it's already harmful? What if it is already dipped in politics? What if it's already fake news about vaccines?)
Last year, Sotto told Pasig authorities to arrest Pasigueños who commit fraud especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mga economic frontliner susunod nang babakunahan vs COVID-19
Araw-araw humaharap sa publiko si Kimberly Sandigan, kahera sa isang supermarket, kaya naman natuwa siya nang mabalitaang ang mga tulad niya ay mabibigyan ng prayoridad para sa COVID-19 vaccine.
"Dahil po sa ganitong trabahong ito, araw-araw kong nakakasalamuha iba’t ibang tao at para din po proteksiyon sa sarili ko at pangalawa, po may inuuwian akong 2 bata," sabi ni Sandigan.
Pero ang kasamahang security guard ni Sandigan na si John Michael Acedera ay hindi kumbinsido ukol sa pagbabakuna.
"Wala pa po akong desisyon makapagbakuna," aniya.
Ayon sa gobyerno, matapos bakunahan ang health workers, senior citizens at mga taong may sakit o comorbidities, susunod na ang mga nasa A4 priority group.
"Next is economic sectors that are needed to ensure security, consumer and worker safety, and those working in priority government projects, in particular, itong ating COVID response," paliwanag ni National Economic and Development Authority Undersecretary Rose Edillon.
Ayon sa NEDA, kasama sa sektor ang mga mahihirapang dumistansiya sa ibang tao, lalo't hindi sila sa opisina nagtatrabaho.
Kabilang sa A4 priority group ang mga nagtatrabaho sa commuter transport at frontline government workers kabilang ang pulis, social workers, at jail personnel.
Kasama rin ang mga vendor sa mga palengke at manggagawa sa grocery at supermarket pati mga nagma-manufacture ng pagkain, inumin, gamot at gamit pangmedikal.
Nariyan din ang mga frontliner sa fast food service at iba pang frontliner sa gobyerno at financial services tulad ng mga bangko at money remittance.
Bibigyang prayoridad din ang mga nagtuturo sa mga pangmedikal na educational institution at mga nasa laboratoryo, nagtatrabaho sa mga hotel, mga pari at iba pang religious leader.
Kasama rin ang mga construction worker sa government infrastructure project, security guard sa nasabing mga establisimyento, at overseas Filipino worker na made-deploy sa loob nang 2 buwan.
Ayon kay Edillon, baka mabakunahan na ang mga nasa A4 sa susunod na buwan.
"I think the best case scenario, we can start in May. But it can also be in June," sabi ni Edillon.
Ayon naman kay Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, dapat naghahanda na rin ang mga ahensiya, kompanya at organisasyong sakop nito.
"Ang mga workers ng A4 just needs to be given by their establishments this certificate of eligibility," ani Vergeire.
"Hinihikayat natin lahat ng sinasabi ni Usec Rose na kasama sa category na yan i-masterlist niyo na ang mga empleyado ninyo," dagdag niya.
Bukod sa certificate of eligibility, hinihikayat din ng gobyerno ang mga kompanya na magkaroon ng maayos na schedule upang hindi magsabay-sabay ang mga empleyado at mabigyan ng sapat na panahon para magpahinga habang nag-oobserba sa posibleng adverse effects.
Mainam din umanong mabigyan ng suporta ng kompanya ang mga empleyado pagdating sa transportasyon papunta sa vaccination sites.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/12/21/economic-frontliner-susunod-babakunahan-covid-19
Pinoy boat 'inobserbahan lang, di hinabol' ng China coast guard: AFP-WESCOM Pinoy boat 'inobserbahan lang, di hinabol' ng China coast guard: AFP-WESCOM
Naniniwala ang Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Command (WESCOM) na hindi naman hinabol ng Chinese vessels ang bangkang Pinoy sa West Philippine Sea na nakuhanan noong isang linggo ng ABS-CBN News.
Sa video ng insidente, nakalagay sa GPS tracking kung gaano kabilis ang takbo ng lantsang Pinoy para umiwas sa China coast guard pero halos 1 oras pa rin itong binuntutan.
Sabi ni AFP Western Command commander Vice Admiral Ramil Roberto Enriquez, inobserbahan lang ng mga Tsino ang Pinoy.
"Kung talagang hinabol kayo no'n, madali niya kayong inabutan... Inoobserbahan lang kayo no'n," aniya.
Katwiran ni Enriquez, mula 2019, wala pang hinabol na barko ang China coast guard sa Ayungin shoal. Naghinala lang daw marahil ang China coast guard dahil hindi sumagot sa radyo ang kapitan.
"If we follow the dictum of 'flight is an admission of guilt,' bigla kayong umalis eh," dagdag ni Enriquez.
Normal lang din daw ang ganitong kilos ng China coast guard sa West Philippine Sea at nakakalusot naman daw ang mga mangingisda papasok ng Ayungin kung sanay na sila sa kilos ng China.
Pero ayon kay maritime law expert Jay Batongbacal, hindi puwedeng isisi sa Pilipinong crew ang paghabol sa kaniya ng China sa loob ng exclusive economic zone ng Pilipinas.
"Nakakatawa namang isipin na hindi kayo hinabol. Isang oras kayong binuntutan, anong tawag mo doon? Hinabol kayo. Hindi porke di kayo inabutan eh hindi na kayo hinabol... 'Yung pagsita niya ay hindi ito dapat tanggapin, wala siyang karapatang magpatrolya sa lugar na iyan," ani Batongbacal.
Pero pag-amin ng WESCOM, ito ang unang pagkakataong nagpakita sa liwanag ang mga Houbei type 22 missile attack craft at unang beses na nakitang naglayag papalapit ng mainland Palawan.
"This is the first time, kaya gusto naming malaman 'yung exact locations kung saan nangyari 'yung paghabol sa inyo because this is the first time they have openly showed the Chinese Houbei class east of Ayungin," sabi ni Enriquez.
Hindi bababa sa 20 minuto hinabol at binuntutan ng missile boat ang pauwing lantsang Pinoy.
—Ulat ni Chiara Zambrano, ABS-CBN News
Duterte signs law dividing Rizal's second district into three
By CONSUELO MARQUEZ, GMA News
President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday signed into law a measure seeking to reapportion of the second legislative district of Rizal into three, which will take effect in the 2022 polls.
Under Republic Act 11533, the following areas will remain with the second district:
- Cardona
- Baras
- Tanay
- Morong
- Jala-Jala
- Pililia
- Teresa
San Mateo will be comprise the third legislative district while Rodriguez will be the fourth.
The first district will still be made up of the following local government units:
- Angono
- Binangonan
- Cainta
- Taytay
Also under the measure, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) will create implementing rules and regulations within 30 days after the effectivity of the law.
The law will be effective at least 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or newspaper of general circulation. --NB, GMA News
PhilSys Step 1 registration draws 28M
By Lade Jean Kabagani
Amid the public health crisis, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) was able to accommodate more than 28 million Filipinos who participated in the Step 1 registration phase for the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys).
The data include some 17.3 million individuals who signed up for PhilSys this year.
The PSA initially rolled out the PhilSys mass registration to targeted low-income Filipinos in October last year.
Maria Loreta Umandap, a PhilSys registrant from Quezon province, said she is looking forward to easier access to government and banking services.
"Malaking tulong po talaga ito para sa amin dahil, example na lang po ang nanay ko. Siya po kahit pwede po siyang mag-apply sa ibang benefit, hindi po siya makapag-apply kasi nga po kulang lagi siya ng ID (It would be a huge help for us. An example is my mother who may be qualified to apply for other benefits but usually can’t because she lacks identification)," she told PSA.
Step 1 registration for PhilSys involves the collection of demographic information such as full name, gender, date, and place of birth, blood type, and address.
The Step 2 process includes the validation of supporting documents and capture of biometric information.
Through the PhilSys, the government aims to promote ease of doing business as it will help uniquely identify each registered person at a national scale with a high level of assurance, eliminate identity fraud, and strengthen the integrity of functional identification registries.
The PSA earlier guaranteed that all information stored in the PhilSys registry will be secured and protected.
It said the national identification (ID) or the PhilID will serve as valid proof of identity in both government and private transactions.
Once an individual is done with Steps 1 and 2, the PhilID card will be issued in Step 3.
The PhilID, a non-transferable card, contains all records collected and encoded.
The national ID is free for all Filipinos.
Through PhilSys, the Philippines can move away from inefficient and expensive physical documents, processes, and credentials.
Signed into law by President Rodrigo R. Duterte in August 2018, Republic Act 11055, or the Philippine Identification System Act, aims to establish a single national ID for all Filipinos and resident aliens.
The national ID shall be a valid proof of identity that shall be a means of simplifying public and private transactions, enrolment in schools, and the opening of bank accounts.
It will also boost efficiency, especially in dealing with government services where people will only need to present the ID during transactions.
Duterte signs law dividing Rizal’s 2nd district into 3
By Azer Parrocha
The second legislative district of Rizal will be divided into three districts in time for the elections under a new law signed by President Rodrigo Duterte.
Duterte signed Republic Act (R.A.) No. 11533 or “An Act Reappropriating the Second Legislative District of the Province of Rizal Into Three Legislative Districts” on March 25, 2021.
Under R.A. 11533, Rizal’s three legislative districts will be in effect in time for the 2022 national and local elections.
The new law states that Rizal’s second district will retain the municipalities of Cardona, Baras, Tanay, Morong, Jala-Jala, Pililla, and Teresa.
It will establish the municipality of San Mateo as the third legislative district and the municipality of Rodriguez as the fourth legislative district of Rizal province.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will issue the necessary implementing rules and regulations within 30 days after the effectivity of the Act.
All laws, rules, and regulations which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.
This Act will take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.
Duterte signed the bill into law after it was approved on third and final reading in the Senate.
Senator Francis Tolentino, the sponsor of the bill, expressed hope that the measure would “help the local government units involved to better respond to the needs of the people and also help facilitate in the long-term rehabilitation and the capacity building efforts of the province following this pandemic”.
He said the qualifications for the reapportionment have been met given that the new second district has a population of 449,103, the new third district has a population of 252,527 while the new fourth district has a population of 369,222.
Under the Constitution, a locality with at least 250,000 residents is entitled to one representative in the House of Representatives.
The House of Representatives passed a similar measure on June 1, 2020.
Lawyers on A4 vax priority list
By Benjamin Pulta
Lawyers, judges, and other employees in the justice sector are included in priority category A4 of the government's vaccination plan, Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Menardo Guevarra said on Monday.
The A4 category includes non-medical frontline personnel in essential sectors both public and private, uniformed personnel, those with high levels of interaction with or exposure to the public, and workers in priority government projects.
"Judges, prosecutors, public attorneys, and similar individuals directly involved in the dispensation of justice have been included by the Inter-Agency Task Force in priority A4 of the national vaccination program," Guevarra said in a statement.
Guevarra made the clarification following the request of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, through its national president, Domingo Cayosa, to include lawyers on the A4 list.
National Task Force Against Covid 19 chief implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. also said the A4 and A5 (indigents) recipients may be inoculated by May.
The list of justice sector beneficiaries will be determined by the Department of Justice, IBP and clerks of court.
Ilang LGU sinimulan nang magbakuna ng seniors gamit ang Sinovac vaccines
Ilan pang local government unit (LGU) sa Metro Manila ang nagsimula nang magbakuna ng kanilang senior citizens gamit ang COVID-19 vaccines ng Chinese pharmaceutical company na Sinovac.
Pinayagan kamakailan ng gobyerno ang paggamit ng CoronaVac, ang bakunang gawa ng Sinovac, para sa senior citizens dahil ligtas naman umano ito. Mayroon ding kakulangan sa supply ng AstraZeneca vaccines na ginagamit para sa mga matatanda.
Sa Pasay City, bukod sa senior citizens, pati ang mga may comorbidity o iba pang sakit ay binakunahan din ngayong Lunes gamit ang Sinovac vaccines.
Kasama rito ang senior citizen na si Leticia Linsangan, na nag-positibo sa COVID-19 noong Agosto.
"Natakot ako sa una noong magka-COVID kami. Nawalan kami ng pang-amoy 2 araw," kuwento ni Linsangan, na pumila sa Juan Sumulong Elementary School para magpabakuna.
Nagpabakuna rin ang 59 anyos na dialysis patient na si Giordano de Leon.
"Proteksiyon lang, pero dapat ingat pa rin tayo. Face maks, face shield, tuloy-tuloy lang," sabi ni De Leon.
Sa kabuuan, may 14,938 nang nabakunahan sa Pasay City, kasama ang 5,112 na may comorbidities.
Umpisa na rin ng pagbabakuna sa seniors gamit ang Sinovac sa Quezon City at San Juan City.
Sa Quezon City, madalas na nakararanas ng high blood ang mga senior citizen kaya naaantala ang pagbabakuna sa kanila, sabi ng mga doktor at nurse sa mga vaccination site.
Hinihintay muna umanong kumalma o bumaba ang blood pressure ng mga senior bago sila bigyan ng bakuna.
Tuloy-tuloy rin ang pagbabakuna sa senior citizens sa Caloocan at Malabon.
Sa Navotas, binakunahan rin kontra COVID-19 si Mayor Toby Tiangco gamit ang CoronaVac sa San Jose Academy.
Sa kaniyang pahayag, nanawagan si Tiangco sa ibang taga-Navotas na magparehistro na para sa vaccination program.
May 3,618 frontliners, senior citizens at may comorbidities nang naturukan kontra COVID-19 sa Navotas, sabi ni Tiangco.
Umarangkada ang pagbabakuna sa kabila ng pahayag ng pinuno ng China Centers for Disease Control na wala umanong mataas na protection rate ang mga bakunang gawa sa China.
Pero ayon kay Food and Drug Administration Director General Eric Domingo, 100 porsiyentong epektibo naman ang Sinovac vaccine sa severe cases ng COVID-19.
-- May ulat nina Jeck Batallones, Zyann Ambrosio at Jorge Carino, ABS-CBN News
Courts in MECQ areas ordered physically closed until April 18
By Benjamin Pulta
The Supreme Court (SC) has directed the physical closure of courts in the provinces of Abra and Quirino and Santiago City in Isabela until April 18 after the areas were placed under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).
SC Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez issued the closure order, as directed by Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, to help curb the increase in Covid-19 infections.
“Considering that the City of Santiago, and the provinces of Quirino and Abra have been placed under MECQ, together with Metro Manila, and the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal, where the courts and judicial offices shall remain physically closed until 18 April 2021, and upon approval of Chief Justice Gesmundo, the provision of Administrative Circular No. 21-2021, dated 10 April 2021, shall extend to and cover the courts in the City of Santiago, and the provinces of Quirino and Abra,” the order read.
The MECQ is in effect until April 30.
The courts can still be reached through telephone calls and email and will continue to operate through videoconferencing.
“Judges may conduct fully remote videoconferencing hearings on pending cases and other matters, whether urgent or not, regardless of their physical location and without prior permission from the Office of the Court Administrator,” the SC stated.
During this time, filing and service of pleadings and motions would be suspended and shall resume after seven calendar days, counted from the first day of the physical reopening of the relevant court.
DOLE releases P1-B cash aid for 240K tourism workers
By Ferdinand Patinio
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Monday reported that it has initially released over PHP1 billion for the payment of financial assistance to almost 240,000 workers in the tourism sector affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said some 239,713 applications from workers from over 10,000 establishments and groups have been approved.
“As of today, around 239,713 beneficiaries from 10,401 tourism establishments, organizations, and associations are approved for payment, amounting to PHP1.198 billion,” he said during the virtual awarding of cash assistance to workers affected by Covid-19 in the National Capital Region (NCR) Plus.
The payment has already been remitted to payment centers.
The financial assistance is part of the Covid-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP) for the Tourism Sector under the Recover as One Act (Bayanihan 2).
The total approved applications are 369,900 from 14,294 establishments, organizations, and associations nationwide.
On the other hand, there are also 13,123 workers in the tourism sector that applied individually and were also approved to receive the one-time cash assistance of PHP5,000.
“We encourage more affected tourism workers to apply for the assistance, especially those affected by the enhanced community quarantine to Metro Manila, and the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal,” he said.
“The Labor Department, in cooperation with the DOT (Department of Tourism) will continuously provide assistance to our beloved workers in the tourism sector. We will never falter despite the increasing odds brought by this pandemic,” the DOLE chief added.
So far, the total number of applications received is 761,808 workers from 18,360 establishments.
On the other hand, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat reported that tourism sector workers in NCR Plus numbering 67,347 have benefitted from the program, in the amount of PPH336.74 million.
On Monday, cash assistance certificates amounting to PHP41.255 million were also awarded to 8,251 individuals from 35 tourism establishments, groups, and organizations.
“We are hopeful that this financial assistance will provide some relief to our most affected stakeholders and tourism workers during these difficult times,” she said.
Duterte seeks ‘best effort’ for quick aid distribution
By Azer Parrocha
President Rodrigo Duterte is expecting local government officials to give their “best efforts” in ensuring the speedy distribution of cash assistance to families in NCR Plus (Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan, and Rizal) which were recently under a two-week enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), Malacañang said on Monday.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made this remark after Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chair Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. sought an extension in the distribution of emergency subsidy after the quarantine status in NCR Plus was downgraded to modified ECQ (MECQ) from April 12 to 30.
Abalos said he would write a letter to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) seeking more time to distribute assistance to qualified beneficiaries.
“Susulat nga kami sa DILG in the next few days para humingi po ng palugit hinggil po rito (We will write to the DILG in the next few days to seek for an extension),” he said in a virtual presser.
Abalos said the 15-day timeline for distributing assistance was too short especially since local governments were also trying to avoid beneficiaries from gathering in one area as a precaution against Covid-19.
“Sa obserbasyon po namin talagang mahihirapan na matapos iyong sinasabing 15 days kasi we also have to balance eh. Kung bibilisan mo baka magsiksikan po ang tao, talagang nandoon po iyong—kinakailangan ibinabahay-bahay mo iyan eh pero kung ibabahay-bahay mo naman, hahaba naman ang panahon (Our observation is that it would be difficult to finish the 15-day distribution because we also have to balance. If we hurry, people might crowd together—we need to go house to house but if we go house to house, it will take more time),” he added.
Roque acknowledged Abalos’ efforts to speed up the distribution process while maintaining physical distancing.
“Sa panig naman po ng Presidente, ang hinihingi lang niya ay best effort at naiintindihan naman po ng Presidente na mayroong pandemya at kinakailangan ma-avoid natin, maiwasan iyong pagtipun-tipon (On the part of the President, he is only asking for best effort and he understands that there is a pandemic and that we need to avoid gatherings),” he said.
However, he emphasized the need to provide assistance to beneficiaries at the soonest possible time.
“So wala naman pong magiging problema pero ang pakiusap na rin ay sa lalong mabilis na panahon eh sana po ma-distribute (So there’s no problem but our appeal is that the assistance would be distributed as soon as possible),” he added.
Almost 23 million beneficiaries from low-income households in the National Capital Region (NCR) Plus are expected to benefit from the government's social amelioration program.
Each qualified resident may receive cash or in-kind assistance of PHP1,000 each or up to a maximum of PHP4,000 for a family.
Solon urges distribution of care kits to Covid-19 patients
By Filane Mikee Cervantes
A party-list lawmaker on Monday stressed the need for hospitals and health centers to have standard coronavirus disease (Covid-19) at-home care kits for patients who cannot be accommodated due to the lack of available facilities.
ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Rowena Taduran said the Covid-19 kit should include the standard medicines that are given to mild to moderate Covid patients who cannot be immediately admitted to the hospital or quarantine facility due to lack of availability.
“I have received reports of people waiting for their turn to be seen or admitted in hospitals. May mga pang-number 200 sa pila, may naghihintay na lang sa kanilang sasakyan (There are about 200 people waiting in queue, while others are waiting in their cars). Why not give them a kit containing the standard medicines for Covid-19 that they can immediately use for treatment? Don’t just send them home or turn them away,” Taduran said.
Taduran also called on barangay (village) leaders to facilitate the transfer of patients to available hospitals.
She said all villages should have stand-by oxygen tanks and refills, as well as ambulances or any vehicles which could help transport ill patients in their communities.
“The Barangay Health Emergency Response Team should coordinate with the One Hospital Command Center for the transfer of patients who cannot be accommodated in NCR (National Capital Region) hospitals,” she said.
She expressed concern over the worsening Covid-19 situation in NCR, with a great number of families being hit by the virus.
“Paano pa ang mga walang-wala sa buhay? Walang mapuntahan at walang makapitan. Kaya dapat lang na magtulungan na tayo at magkaroon ng maayos na sistema sa pagbibigay ng tulong (What about those people who really have nothing in life? No one to ask for help or hold on to. That’s why we should help one another and have an effective system to give help),” she said.
Department of Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the government has expanded the healthcare system capacity with additional 164 intensive care unit beds, 2,000 isolation beds and 700 ward beds during the implementation of the two-week enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila and four nearby provinces.
During the ECQ implementation from March 29 to April 11, she said the local government units were instructed to strengthen incident command centers where triaging is being done to break the chain that people go directly to the hospitals and to further decongest the hospitals.
Vergeire noted that the country’s contact tracing capacity has also improved during ECQ implementation.
She said the decline in the number of Covid-19 cases is expected to be seen only after 10 to 14 days from the time the ECQ ended on April 11.
On Sunday, President Rodrigo Duterte approved the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases to place NCR Plus (Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal) and three other areas under modified ECQ from April 12 to 30.
Discounted RT-PCR tests for tourists still suspended
By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz
The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) has extended its suspension of endorsements for a 50 percent reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test subsidy for approved domestic tourists until April 30.
In a statement on Monday, the TPB said the suspension comes after the recent declaration from Malacañang putting the entire National Capital Region (NCR), Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal (NCR plus) under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).
It said endorsements to its partner hospitals -- the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (PGH) and the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) -- will resume on April 28.
However, it said the UP-PGH is closed for RT-PCR testing of outpatients every Sunday while endorsements at the PCMC are only for previously approved applicants prior to March 5.
“The aforementioned endorsement dates are for those scheduled to depart on 01 May 2021 onwards,” the TPB said.
For tourists whose flights are rescheduled, it advised sending their updated flights and hotel bookings to phtravel@tpb.gov.ph for those with endorsements at UP-PGH and to phtravel_pcmc@tpb.gov.ph for those with endorsements at PCMC.
It said rescheduling will be subject to the availability of slots for UP-PGH due to the hospital’s maximum capacity of 150 approved applicants per day.
On March 22, the TPB suspended its endorsement for subsidized RT-PCR tests for domestic tourists following the suspension of leisure travel in and out of NCR plus.
Roque hospitalization due to low oxygen level
By Azer Parrocha
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Monday said his Covid-19 symptoms were treated while confined at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) due to low oxygen level.
In a virtual presser, Roque said he initially underwent home quarantine until his oxygen level started dropping.
“I started my isolation at home, but my oxygen level fell to 90,” he said.
Health experts say that normal oxygen levels usually range from 95 to 100 percent while oxygen levels under 90 are considered low.
However, Roque's confinement at the PGH was criticized while others have to wait in line.
Roque assured that all medical needs of Filipinos will be given attention under Republic Act No. 11223 or the Universal Health Care Law.
“Ang aking assurance lang, sa administrasyon po ni Presidente Duterte, lahat ng mayroong pangangailangang medikal eh mabibigyan po ng tulong at iyan na rin naman po ay dahil din doon sa ating sinulong na Universal Health Care noong 17th Congress (My assurance is that under the administration of President Duterte, all persons who have medical needs will be given assistance and that is also because of the universal health care law I championed in the 17th Congress),” he said.
Since his confinement at PGH, Roque has been able to hold two virtual news briefings.
He earlier said he will be able to discharge his duties as spokesperson despite requiring hospital treatment for Covid-19.
Roque said this should send a message to Filipinos that they should not allow themselves to be defeated by the virus.
"Kahit tayo ay nakaconfine ngayon sa hospital, dahil kaya ko magtrabaho, minabuti ko na pong i-discharge ang aking mga katungukulin dahil ito rin po ang aking mensahe sa ating kababayan na kailangan talaga, bagama't tayo ay matitisod sa Covid, huwag po tayo magpapadapa (Though I am confined in the hospital because I can still work, I decided to just discharge my duties and also because this is my message to our countrymen: though we may slip due to Covid, let's not allow ourselves to fall),” he said.
On Sunday, President Rodrigo Duterte has placed NCR Plus (Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal) under the less restrictive modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) from April 12 to April 30.
Roque said Duterte made this decision after more public and private hospitals committed to provide rooms and beds dedicated to Covid-19 patients.
Duterte doesn’t need to prove he’s working
By Azer Parrocha
President Rodrigo Duterte does not need to prove that he is working because the nation believes that he is on top of the Covid-19 situation, Malacañang said on Monday.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made this statement amid criticism over photos released by Senator Christopher “Bong” Go that show Duterte jogging and playing golf in his official residence in Malacañan Palace to dispel speculations over the state of his health.
Duterte decided to skip his regular talk to the nation last week after over a hundred of his close-in security detail contracted Covid-19.
Netizens demanded “proof of work”, instead of “proof of life” from the Duterte administration as Filipinos continue to struggle from the impact of prevailing health crisis.
Roque said the President does not need to “brag” about being busy in carrying out his presidential duties since his mind is occupied by thoughts about the country and people 24/7.
“Ang Presidente walang iniisip kundi yung mga problema ng bayan. May mga iba kasi nagpapakita lang pag sila'y nagpapatrabaho para lang pagpapakita purposes. Pero alam naman natin na ang Presidente natin 24/7 ang kaniyang pag-iisip ay nasa bayan po (The President does not think about anything else except the problems of the country. There are some showing they’re working just for the sake of showing that they’re working. But we know that the President is thinking about the nation 24/7),” he said in a virtual presser.
Despite being out of the public eye, Roque said Duterte continued to oversee the government’s Covid-19 response efforts, including vaccine procurement and rollout.
“The President made all the decisions he needs to make particularly on the quarantine classifications. Patuloy din ang kaniyang pag-supervise dito sa acquisition ng mga bakuna at pagsisigurado na ang bakuna ay naro-rollout at the soonest time possible (He also continues to supervise the acquisition of vaccines and ensures that vaccines are rolled out the soonest possible time),” he said.
He noted that it was not Duterte’s style to show “proof of work” just to please anyone.
“So ang assumption niyo po kinakailangan magpakita para patunay na nagta-trabaho ang Presidente. Hindi po ganun ang istilo ng ating Presidente. Hindi na po niya kinakailangan ipagmayabang sa publiko na siya ay nagtatrabaho (So your assumption is he needs to prove he’s working? That’s not the President’s style. He doesn’t need to brag to the public about working),” he added.
Roque said Filipinos believe that Duterte continues to discharge his duties as the country’s highest elected official.
“At ang taumbayan naman ay naniniwala naman po na talagang on top of the situation ang President even if hindi niya pinangangalandakan ito sa taumbayan (The people believe that the President is on top of the situation even if he doesn’t brag about them),” he added.
Asked why Duterte did not announce the country’s new quarantine classifications despite the availability of teleconference programs like Zoom, Roque said the announcement of quarantine classifications was usually his job.
“E ako naman po talaga yung nag-aanunsyo ng mga classifications after he approves them…Talaga ako naman po nag-aanunsyo niyan except lang kung yung simula ng buwan coincides with the talk to the people on a Monday (I’m the one who announces classifications after he approves them. I’m the one who does announcements except if the start of the month coincides with the talk to the people on a Monday),” he said.
He said Duterte is set to hold his regular talk to the people after meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members on Monday night.
“This confirms that PRRD will hold his talk to the people tonight. I will join online,” Roque said in a text message.
Roque also turned down calls for Duterte to release a medical bulletin, insisting that these papers are only being released if the President is sick.
“A medical bulletin is only given when the President is sick and he is not sick,” he said.
PH coronavirus recoveries rise to 703,625
By Ma. Teresa Montemayor
At least 267 more patients have recovered from the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), pushing the country's overall recovery count to 703,625 as of Monday.
In its latest case bulletin, the Department of Health (DOH) said those who have beaten the illness account for 80.3 percent of the Philippines' total case tally which has reached 876,225.
The agency also reported 11,378 new confirmed cases and 204 new deaths.
These figures brought the overall tally of active cases to 157,451 and the death toll to 15,149.
The DOH said about 97 percent of the active cases are mild, 1.7 percent are asymptomatic, 0.5 percent are severe, 0.32 percent are moderate, and 0.5 percent are in critical condition.
"There were 21 duplicates removed from the total case count as 12 of these are recoveries. Moreover, 34 cases previously tagged as recovered were reclassified as deaths after final validation,” it said.
DOH data on April 11 showed that 19.5 percent of 27,378 who were tested turned out positive for Covid-19.
Six laboratories were not able to submit their data to the Covid-19 Document Repository System on April 11.
To date, 65 percent of 1,900 intensive care unit beds, 50 percent of 13,500 isolation beds, 52 percent of 6,000 ward beds, and 44 percent of 2,000 ventilators dedicated to patients with Covid-19 are in use nationwide.
Meanwhile, 86 percent of 700 intensive care unit beds, 69 percent of 3,800 isolation beds, 57 percent of 2,200 ward beds, and 58 percent of 800 ventilators dedicated to patients with Covid-19 are used in the National Capital Region.
The public is reminded to stay at home and to observe minimum health standards when going out.
The DOH urged those experiencing Covid-19 symptoms to immediately isolate and contact the Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams.
Salceda seeks deficit-neutral ways to fund Bayanihan 3
By Filane Mikee Cervantes
The chairman of the House ways and means committee on Monday said the proposed Bayanihan to Arise as One Act (Bayanihan 3) would be funded in a way that does not increase the country’s deficit.
Albay Rep. Joey Salceda said he is working with the Department of Finance to find revenue sources for the third Bayanihan measure and ensure that it would be “deficit-neutral”.
Salceda said the question of funding could be solved by increasing the mandatory dividend remittance of government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) from 50 percent to 70 percent temporarily.
“This will require an amendment of RA 7656 or the Dividends Law. This is probably worth PHP70 billion,” Salceda said.
He also proposed to allow the DOF to make capital withdrawals from “obese” GOCCs.
“There are GOCCs that have accumulated more retained earnings over the years than they can deploy, especially now. Authorizing a distribution in excess of dividends, in favor of the government, would allow us to mobilize sleeping money for Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) response without hurting our overall fiscal standing,” he said.
He explained that the Bayanihan 3 will be principally composed of lifeline measures aimed at immediately alleviating poverty.
“We can’t do full-blown stimulus just yet because we have not yet maximized mobility. When the velocity of money is slow, it is unwise to infuse liquidity for growth. But we need to feed our people. So, actually, Bayanihan 3 will not be stimulus, but mainly lifeline,” Salceda said.
According to Salceda, the current draft of the technical working group (TWG) on Bayanihan 3 includes PHP108 billion for universal basic income of PHP1,000 per head, with another PHP108 billion in standby funds; PHP12 billion in direct funding for assistance for individuals in crisis situations (AICS) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and PHP3 billion for Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients (MAIP).
“Stimulus will be much more effective later, when we begin returning to normalcy. Our top priority now is to keep our people alive,” he said.
He said the DOF would soon endorse the passage of taxes on offsite cockpit betting operations or e-sabong, and Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO), which could also be sources of funding for the third Bayanihan measure.
He noted that the House of Representatives has already passed its versions of these reforms, while the Senate is likely to pass the bill on POGO taxes as soon as the session resumes, and will discuss the bill on e-sabong taxes soon.
“Secretary Dominguez supports the POGO taxes. He is also inclined to endorsing the e-sabong tax, but wants a study on the matter. I have already asked the Committee secretariat to supply the necessary materials so his staff can run the numbers,” Salceda said.
Drive-thru Covid shots available soon in Nayong Pilipino
A mega vaccination drive-through facility is being built inside a Nayong Filipino Foundation (NPF) property in Parañaque City.
The Department of Tourism (DOT), in a statement on Monday, welcomed the move of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF-EID) to construct a “free and temporary” vaccination center on a vacant lot of NPF.
“This is expected to be a game changer in the vaccination program. The facility, which will be a public-private partnership, is expected to vaccinate at least 12,000 people a day,” the DOT said in a statement on Monday.
The IATF-EID authorized the National Task Force Against Covid-19 (NTF) to enter into an agreement with the NPF, a DOT-attached agency, to ensure the project’s immediate execution.
“The temporary use of the NPF property affirms the DOT’s continuing commitment to support the vaccination program, consistent with its earlier endorsement and approval as well by the NTF of allowing tourism front-liners to be on the priority list,” the DOT said.
The facility’s construction is expected to be finished in 40 days.
Nayong Pilipino Parañaque, near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2, originally housed a cultural theme park that opened in 1970.
The park has since been transferred to Clark, Pampanga as the original location will be used for NAIA’s expansion.
PH, US start 36th 'Balikatan' exercises
By Priam Nepomuceno
The 36th iteration of the annual "Balikatan" exercises between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the US military formally started on Monday.
"The 36th iteration of Balikatan (BK 36-2021) kicks off today 12 April, to last until 23 April 2021," AFP spokesperson Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said in a statement.
Arevalo, also commander of the AFP Education Training and Doctrine Command and this year’s exercise director, said last year's "Balikatan" exercises were canceled due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
He added that this year's "Balikatan" will be conducted with stringent health protocols in place and a reduced number of participants.
"This erstwhile annual event pushes through with fewer training events that will not entail face-to-face engagement. Further details to follow," Arevalo said.
The participants to the two-week maneuvers include 736 Filipino troops and 225 American forces.
“Against this backdrop and these challenges notwithstanding, the decrease is only in terms of number and never in the participating nations’ passion and desire to meet the steep objectives set forth in every exercise,” Arevalo said.
Meanwhile, Arevalo's US counterpart Col. Aaron Brunk reiterated the importance of the bilateral exercises.
“I am greatly honored to be here today and to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Philippine allies and friends. By training together, our militaries build upon each other and strengthen each other. May this exercise and this experience in the next couple of weeks add value to our partnership and our friendship,” he said.
AFP chief-of-staff, Gen. Cirilito Sobejana added that the two-week maneuvers will consist of "virtual and physical" exercises while minimal contact will be observed in physical exercises.
Chinese vaccines still prevent severe Covid-19, death: Palace
By Azer Parrocha
Despite the admission made by China's top disease control official that the efficacy of their country's Covid-19 vaccines is low, Malacañang is standing by the government’s purchase of China-made vaccines.
Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention director Gao Fu on Saturday admitted that China-made vaccines offer low protection against Covid-19.
“We will solve the issue that current vaccines don’t have very high protection rates,” Gao said at a conference in Chengdu.
He said China is considering mixing vaccines to boost their efficacy.
“It’s now under consideration whether we should use different vaccines from different technical lines for the immunization process," Gao said.
However, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque insisted that China-made vaccines still provide protection against severe Covid-19 and deaths.
Reports show that China currently has five vaccines in use in its mass immunization campaign with an efficacy rate that ranges from just over 50 percent to 79 percent, based on what the companies have said.
“Assuming na tama nga yung 50 percent efficacy rate, ang ini-explain naman ng mga doktor paulit-ulit na ‘yan (Assuming it’s correct that it only has a 50 percent efficacy rate, doctors have repeatedly explained) that’s still a guarantee against serious illness or even death because of Covid-19. And that’s why okay pa rin po siyang proteksyon (it is still okay for protection),” Roque said in a virtual Palace press briefing.
To date, the Philippines has secured some 25 million doses of "CoronaVac" Covid-19 vaccines developed by China's Sinovac BioTech.
President Rodrigo Duterte welcomed the arrival of the first batch of 1 million doses of the government-procured CoronaVac vaccine on March 29 while an additional 500,000 doses of CoronaVac arrived on April 11.
Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. said 1.5 million doses will arrive on April 22 and 29 and another 2 million in May.
China has also donated 1 million CoronaVac vaccines in two batches— 600,000 were delivered on Feb. 23 while 400,000 arrived on March 24.
On April 7, the Food and Drug Administration of the Philippines allowed the use of Sinovac's CoronaVac on senior citizens with "stringent evaluation" of a person's health and risks.
This, after the Vaccine Expert Panel (VEP) announced that it has recommended the use of CoronaVac on senior citizens due to lack of supply of UK’s AstraZeneca vaccines.
Health authorities said the decision to expand the use of CoronaVac had been approved “considering the limited availability of vaccines and the growing need to protect seniors amid the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in the country.”
As of Monday, a total of 1,007,356 Filipinos, mostly frontline medical workers, have been inoculated with the first dose of Covid-19 vaccines.
A total of 132,288 Filipinos have been administered with the second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.
AFP, JUSMAG PH tackle EEZ response in talks
By Priam Nepomuceno
The talks between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Joint US Military Advisory Group (JUSMAG)-Philippines on Monday focused on how the two militaries can respond to situations or events in the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
"The discussions centered on how the Philippine and the United States armed forces can manage and respond to the situation in the Philippine EEZ," said AFP spokesperson, Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, in a statement sent to reporters.
Arevalo was responding to questions regarding updates on the meeting of AFP chief-of-staff, Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, and JUSMAG-Philippines chief, Col. Stephen Ma.
Arevalo said the meeting between the two officials was "a fruitful engagement".
He added that both parties agreed to have subsequent meetings, he added.
On Sunday, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III held a telephone conversation where they discussed the situation in the West Philippine Sea and recent developments in regional security.
Department of National Defense (DND) spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said Lorenzana and Austin are looking forward to the conduct of Exercise "Balikatan" which was canceled last year due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
Austin reiterated the importance of the Visiting Forces Agreement and hopes that it would be continued.
"Secretary Lorenzana committed to discussing the matter with the President as the final approval lies with him," Andolong said in a statement.
Lorenzana likewise sought Austin's assistance to expedite the delivery of the Moderna vaccines the country has ordered.
"To which, Secretary Austin replied that he would look into the issue and bring it to the attention of the office concerned," Andolong added.
Customs clears 500K Sinovac doses purchased from China
By Ferdinand Patinio
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Monday reported that it has cleared 500,000 doses of Sinovac vaccines consigned to the Department of Health (DOH).
In a statement, the BOC-Port of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) said the vaccines underwent pre-arrival clearance process on Sunday through the NAIA One-Stop-Shop and were cleared for release within 15 minutes after arrival.
The vaccines arrived via Flight No. PR 361 from Beijing, China, at around 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Upon arrival, the shipment was immediately transferred to the Metropac facility in Marikina City to ensure the integrity and security of the vaccines prior to distribution across the nation.
For his part, Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero assured the immediate processing of vaccines in support of the Covid-19 vaccination program of the national government while protecting the border against fraudulent attempts to import unregistered vaccines and related medical goods.
The bureau has so far cleared and released over 3.02 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines imported by the Department of Health.
On the other hand, NAIA District Collector Carmelita Talusan said they continue to undertake active coordination and cooperation with concerned government agencies to further streamline and improve clearance processes of vaccines and related medical goods.
Kim Chiu regrets not finishing her studies
Kim Chiu admitted that one of her regrets in life is not being able to go to college.
“Isa ito sa mga regrets ko in life na hindi ako nakatungtong ng college,” she said in her most recent vlog where she answered the most searched questions about her on Google.
Nonetheless, the Kapamilya star believes everything happens for a reason and there’s a purpose as to why she was led to showbiz instead.
“Dito ako dinala. Masaya ako na napag-college ko 'yung tatlo sa mga kapatid ko and then nakapagtapos sila sa pag-aaral. I think it’s rewarding na for me. I think ito talaga 'yung tadhana,” she said.
But unknown to most people, Chiu said she once tried college when she attended the University of the Philippines Open University for two years.
“Kinuha ko 'yung business management. Sa UPOU, magkaklase lang ako online tapos kapag may recitation, magvi-video cam kami nung teacher dati. Dati pa pala uso na ang homeschooling talaga bago pa itong pandemic na ito but hindi ako nagtagal kasi hindi ko kinaya,” she said.
The actress said the demands of her job as an actress made it impossible for her to juggle both work and school at the same time.
“Ang daming assignments and projects tapos nagteteleserye pa ako and nag-a-'ASAP.' Though hindi ko naman sinisi 'yung mga projects na iyon because those are opportunities na hindi natin pwedeng palampasin. Ang pag-aaral I’m sure naman nandiyan lang iyan,” she said.
To this day, Chiu is not closing her doors as to the possibility of studying again.
“There is always a way and time na makabalik tayo sa pag-aaral and makakakuha tayo ng college degree. Soon. Hindi natin iyan iba-block. Let’s just look forward na matuloy ko 'yung college ko. Pero nag-expire na 'yata 'yung UPOU ko so back to one na ulit ako sa as a college girl,” she said.
Meanwhile, Chiu also opened up about her relationship with Xian Lim after she was asked whether they are still together.
“Oo naman, huwag naman hindi. Yes, we are still together and very much happy,” she said.
However, she vehemently denied that they have already tied the knot.
“We are not yet married. We are in a relationship. Wala pa kami doon. Let’s see. Not yet.”
https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/04/12/21/kim-chiu-regrets-not-finishing-her-studies
500 years of Christianity: 100 tumanggap ng Kumpil sa Mandaue City
Nasa 100 tao ang nagpakumpil sa National Shrine of St. Joseph Parish sa Mandaue City ngayong Lunes, ang pangalawang araw ng triduum o ang tatlong araw ng paghahanda para sa ika-500 taon ng kauna-unahang binyag sa Cebu.
Ang kumpil ay sakramentong nagtatalaga sa sinumang nabinyagan bilang kasapi ng simbahang Kristiyano.
Sa kaniyang homily, ipinaliwanag ni Archbishop John Du na sa sakramento ng kumpil, mapapalakas at mapapalaganap ang tatak ng Kristiyanismo, kaya hinikayat niya ang mga tumatanggap nito na maging mga misyonaryo.
May edad 12 hanggang 27 ang mga nagpakumpil, na galing sa 12 parokya sa Mandaue City at Cebu City.
Nitong Linggo, nasa 100 sanggol ang bininyagan sa Cebu bilang bahagi rin ng triduum.
Sa Abril 14 idaraos ang reenactment ng kauna-unahang binyag sa Cebu.
-- Ulat ni Vilma Andales
Harry Roque says ‘un-Christian’ to ask how he got hospital care, despite bed shortage
Palace spokesman Harry Roque said on Monday it was “un-Christian” for him to be questioned about how he secured hospital care during his second bout with COVID-19, as infections swamped facilities and forced other patients to wait in line for days.
Roque on Saturday said he was admitted to a hospital "at the right time since pneumonia was caught early on." He said that though he felt "better after only one vial of remdesivir and steroids," he would be confined until Thursday.
Asked how he secured a hospital room while some patients reportedly died while waiting for admission, Roque said, “With all due respect… I think that’s an un-Christian question.”
“Ang aking assurance lang, sa panahon ni President Duterte, lahat ng mayroong pangangailangang medikal, mabibigyan ng tulong,” he said in a press briefing.
(My only assurance is during the term of President Duterte, all those who have medical needs will be given help.)
The health department on Monday declined to comment on the alleged prioritization of Roque.
Roque did not say where he was confined in, although sources told ABS-CBN News he was seen at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH).
Roque first announced he tested positive for the coronavirus on March 15. He was found negative for the disease 10 days later.
It was unclear when he again contracted the virus, or whether he was suffering from further effects of his earlier illness.
The official was the fifth member of Duterte's Cabinet to contract the illness.
Roque previously underwent a heart procedure, which prompted him to withdraw his 2019 Senate bid. He has also said he was obese and diabetic.
People with health risks are more prone to developing severe symptoms of COVID-19.
The Philippines has tallied 864,868 COVID-19 cases, among the highest in Asia. Of these infections, 146,519 or 16.9 percent were active as of Sunday.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/12/21/harry-roque-covid-hospital-confinement-response
No VIP treatment in national vaccination rollout: Go
Local government units (LGUs), at the forefront of the country’s national vaccination program, must ensure efficient procedures in inoculation to include increase of venues and shorten waiting time.
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go issued the reminder as he wants LGUs to make vaccination centers accessible to all and make sure delays in the rollout are prevented.
“While we want to vaccinate as many people as we can, we still need to ensure their health and safety while they are in the process of getting vaccinated,” he said in a news release on Monday.
Go maintained that the order of priority must be strictly followed and no one should be given special treatment.
“Dapat sumunod tayo sa priority list na nilatag ng gobyerno para sundin rin po ng lahat ang ating mga patakaran. Ayaw ko na mayro'ng magpapa-VIP, lalong lalo na po dito sa pagbabakuna. Unahin muna natin ang mga front-liners. Tapusin muna natin silang mabakunahan (We should follow the priority list mandated by the government so everyone will go by the rules. I don’t like people who want to be treated as Very Important Persons, especially in the vaccination rollout. We should prioritize front-liners. Finish first the priority lists),” he emphasized.
“Kung tapos na po sila o nag-yield na ‘yung iba, ibig sabihin, ayaw nilang magpabakuna, saka na po bababa doon sa mga … A2, A3, senior citizens at itong mga may comorbidities (If the front-liners are done with the vaccination or if they will yield, then that’s the time that we go on to the next in line, like A2, A3, the senior citizens and with comorbidities),” he added.
If the priority list is followed, it will be faster to vaccinate the rest of the population and eventually achieve herd immunity, Go said.
“Dapat ma-consume na rin po 'yang mga (available na) bakuna para po maayos ang rollout... naka-spread all around the country, especially sa NCR Plus na talagang umaangat 'yung numero. So, dapat po'y bilisan natin ang pagbabakuna (We should use the available vaccines so the rollout will be efficient. It is already spread all over the country, especially in the National Capital Region Plus where cases are rising),” he continued.
Trust the experts
The chair of the Senate Committee on Health also encouraged the Department of Health, LGUs, and other concerned authorities to clearly communicate their vaccination protocols to avoid inconvenience.
“Dapat siguraduhin natin na (We should make sure) we are conducting the inoculation in an orderly manner, so we can ensure everyone’s health while they are receiving the vaccines. Our main goal right now is to flatten the curve and vaccinate as many Filipinos in accordance with the priority list,” he stressed.
Go encouraged the public to get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible. He urged everyone to educate themselves about the vaccines, particularly on safety and efficacy, and rely on verified information.
“Sabi ko nga, magtiwala kayo sa bakuna. Huwag kayong matakot sa bakuna. Matakot kayo sa Covid-19. Ang bakuna po ang tanging solusyon o susi natin dito para malampasan natin itong problemang ito … bakuna po ang tanging paraan na ma-attain po natin 'yung herd immunity sa community (Trust the vaccines. Don’t be afraid of getting vaccinated. It is Covid-19 that you should be fear most. Vaccines are the solutions to this pandemic, the only way to attain herd immunity),” explained Go.
He urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities to prevent the further spread of Covid-19.
“Magtiwala tayo na ginagawa ng gobyerno ang lahat para labanan ang pandemya na ito. Lahat ng ating ginagawa ay para sa kabutihan ninyo kaya patuloy lang tayong magmalasakit para hindi tayo magkasakit (Put your trust in the government. We are doing everything to make things better. Continue looking after one another),” he said.
“Tandaan natin na ang pagsunod sa patakaran ay makapagliligtas ng buhay natin at ng ating kapwa Pilipino (Remember that if we continue following protocols, we can save lives),” he continued.
'E-Konsulta' ng opisina ni VP Robredo 'di muna tatanggap ng mga request
Tigil muna ngayong Lunes ang online medical consultation project ng Office of the Vice President matapos bumuhos ang mga request mula sa publiko.
Sa isang Facebook post, sinabi ni Vice President Leni Robredo na suspendido muna ang serbisyo ng "Bayanihan E-Konsulta," na inilunsad niya noong nakaraang linggo, pero magpapatuloy naman ulit ito sa Martes.
“Ito po ay upang magbigay-daan sa pagtugon sa backlog dulot ng pagdagsa ng mga request, at sa pag-iimprove ng ating system para mas mapabuti ang ating serbisyo,” sabi ni Robredo.
Gamit ang Facebook at ang libre nitong data service, layon ng "Bayanihan E-Konsulta" na makatulong na maibsan ang hirap sa mga punuang ospital ngayong patuloy na dumarami ang kaso ng COVID-19 sa bansa.
Nitong Linggo, nakapagtala ang Pilipinas ng 11,681 dagdag na kaso ng COVID-19 para sa kabuuang 864,868 kumpirmadong kaso.
Mitoy Yonting at Giselle Sanchez, parte na ng 'Ang Probinsyano'
Balik sa pag-arte sa telebisyon sina Mitoy Yonting at Giselle Sanchez bilang pinakabagong mga cast member sa sikat na serye ng ABS-CBN na "FPJ's Ang Probinsyano."
Nitong Biyernes, ipinakilala na ang mga karakter nina Yonting at Sanchez bilang sina Teban at Pilar, mag-asawang tagapangalaga ng bahay na pag-aari ng isang koronel at misis nito.
Magkukrus ang landas ng dalawa at bida ng serye na si Cardo Dalisay (Coco Martin) matapos na magdesisyon si Cardo na magtago kasama ang kanyang bihag na si Lia sa bahay na binabantayan nina Teban at Pilar.
Matatandaang nagtagumpay si Cardo na masukol si Lia, isa sa mga miyembro ng Black Ops na responsable sa pagkamatay ng kanyang asawang si Alyanna.
Samantala, sa social media pages ng Dreamscape, ang produksiyon na may likha sa "FPJ's Ang Probinsyano," ay naglabas na rin ito ng promotional photos nina Sanchez at Yonting bilang parte ngayon ng sikat na serye.
Samantala, nagsimula na si Lily (Lorna Tolentino) sa kanyang plano na muling makontrol si Mariano, ang pekeng pangulo, matapos niyang hingin ang tulong ng kanyang pamangkin na si Cassandra (Maika Rivera).
Ipinakilala na ang karakter ni Cassandra noong nakaraang linggo.
Generally fair weather in PH Monday
By Ma. Cristina Arayata
Generally fair weather will prevail across the country, the weather bureau said on Monday.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecast the country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms caused by the easterlies.
Moderate to strong winds and moderate to rough seas will prevail over Luzon.
Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate with slight to moderate seas, PAGASA said.
Angeline Quinto, gumaling na sa COVID-19
Ibinahagi ni Angeline Quinto ang saya sa tuluyan niyang paggaling mula sa coronavirus (COVID-19).
Sa pinakabagong vlog ni Quinto, ipinakita ng mang-aawit ang negatibong resulta nang pinakahuli niyang RT-PCR test.
Ginawa ang swab test kay Quinto nito lamang Abril 8 at lumabas ang resulta kinabukasan.
"Negative, guys. Thank you, Lord. Puwede na akong lumabas (ng kwarto)," ani Quinto na nasorpresa sa dami ng mga nagpadala sa kanya ng pagkain at regalo.
"Para po sa mga nagtatanong, maayos na maayos na po ako. At dahil rin po 'yan sa mga tulong niyo, sa mga nagdasal para sa akin. So, sana kayo ay mag-ingat lagi. Ingatan niyo ang sarili niyo guys. Maraming-maraming salamat. God bless you and see you soon," ani Quinto.
Bago pa man sumailalim sa kanyang pinakahuling swab test ay nag-negatibo na si Quinto sa coronavirus noong Abril 5 nang may nagpadala sa kanya ng saliva-based RT-PCR kit.
Sa ika-13 araw ng quarantine ni Quinto, una nang nagpasalamat si Quinto sa lahat ng mga taong nagpakita sa kanya ng pagmamahal at suporta.
Sa nasabi ring vlog, ipinakita ni Quinto ang huling pitong araw ng kanyang quarantine.
Matatandaang nag-positibo si Quinto sa COVID-19 noong Marso 26, bagay na ipinaalam niya sa publiko sa pamamagitan ng kanyang vlog nitong Abril 1.
Si Quinto ay isa sa mga bituin ng pinakabagong serye ng ABS-CBN na "Huwag Kang Mangamba" na ipinapalabas naman pagkatapos ng FPJ's Ang Probinsyano."
https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/04/12/21/angeline-quinto-gumaling-na-sa-covid-19
'My happiness': Judy Ann shares birthday message for husband Ryan Agoncillo
Actress Judy Ann Santos shared her birthday message for her husband, actor-host Ryan Agoncillo, who turned 42 on April 10.
In an Instagram post, Santos shared snaps and a video of how they celebrate Agoncillo's birthday.
"My love.. my forever.. (wala ka naman ng choice) i love you... happy birthday.. my happiness," she wrote.
In the comment section of her post, Agoncillo expressed his love for his wife.
"Love you baby, " Agoncillo wrote.
Santos and Agoncillo were married in 2009 and are set to mark their 12th wedding anniversary on April 28. They have three children – Yohan, Lucho and Luna.
JC de Vera's daughter Lana turns 3
Lana Athena, the daughter of actor JC de Vera with his wife Rikkah Cruz, has turned 3.
De Vera posted on Instagram photos from their family's DIY intimate lunch party for Lana's special day.
In a previous exclusive interview with ABS-CBN News, de Vera shared how fatherhood changed him.
“Mas naging responsible ako in all aspects of life. Mas naging compassionate ako kasi meron akong daughter na,” he said at the time.
“Hindi lang puro trabaho na 'yung ginagawa ko. I now have my small family na kailangan kong buhayin. So ngayon mas naging dedicated talaga ako. Mas naging more energetic din dahil sa daughter ko. Lahat ng ginagawa ko is for them na, not anymore for me lang,” he added.
Just last month, de Vera revealed that he and Cruz were married in a civil ceremony back in 2018 before she gave birth to their baby girl.
De Vera said they were planning to have a church wedding in 2020 but this was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said the church wedding may push through this year since both of them are looking forward to a bigger celebration.
"Kailangan 'yung church. Hindi ko siya nada-digest na hanggang dun lang kami sa civil wedding. Gusto talaga namin sa church. 'Yung civil wedding dumaan lang. Mas gusto namin mag-prepare ng something really big," he added.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/04/12/21/jc-de-veras-daughter-lana-turns-3
KC Concepcion thankful for closer relationship with father Gabby
Actress KC Concepcion took to social media to express her appreciation for her relationship with her father, actor Gabby Concepcion.
Posting a photo of them together, KC thanked God for giving them the chance to make up for the lost time.
"Papa. Cool and down to earth, a joker, a guy’s guy, our #GirlDad - so much time lost, but so so much, regained," she wrote in the caption.
"I thank God for our phone calls, deep sea dates, nature explorations, talking til we fall asleep. Truly grateful to the universe for keeping our love alive."
Last week, KC celebrated her 36th birthday in Batangas with her father's family.
"Truly grateful for this family time together. No frills, just love," she wrote on Instagram at the time.
KC also posted photos of her with her half-sisters Samantha and Savannah.
"For those of you who don’t know, my parents married in their teens and unfortunately separated when I was a toddler. Today they have their own families, who are also my own... I keep close to my siblings, or at least I do my part to, and tbh giving importance and nurturing relationships between both my families can be tough -- always a balancing act. But I love them all and my life wouldn’t be complete without them," she wrote.
KC is the daughter of Gabby with former wife Sharon Cuneta. Sharon married Gabby in 1985 at the height of the popularity of their love team. Sharon remarried in 1996 to Sen. Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan, with whom she has three children.
5 arestado sa pagbebenta ng P100,000 pekeng sigarilyo
Arestado ang 5 lalaki na naglalako ng ilegal at pekeng sigarilyo sa mga sari-sari store sa bayan ng Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan.
Nasabat ang P100,000 halaga ng unbranded at unregistered na sigarilyo na nakasilid sa sidecar ng mga suspek. Ilan sa mga suspek ay mga tricycle driver.
--Ulat ni Lyza Aquino, ABS-CBN News
https://news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/04/12/21/5-arestado-sa-pagbebenta-ng-p100000-pekeng-sigarilyo
FDA says no reports yet of blood clotting linked to COVID vaccination
(UPDATE) - The Food and Drug Administration has yet to receive reports of blood clotting in those who have received AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine, the FDA chief said Monday.
The health department earlier suspended the use of AstraZeneca's vaccine on people aged 59 and below.
"So far po ang ating national adverse events following immunization committee sumulat kahapon na wala naman daw na any cases reported ng blood clotting na connected sa bakuna dito sa atin," FDA director general Eric Domingo told ABS-CBN's Teleradyo.
(So far our national adverse events following immunization committee have written to us yesterday and said there were no reported cases of blood clotting connected to our immunization program.)
The agency is awaiting recommendation from the country's vaccine expert panel and the World Health Organization for more updated information, Domingo said.
"Hindi naman natin tinigil sa senior citizen. Sabi lang natin 'yung 59 and below tingnan muna natin ang datos para lang may complete information ang magbabakuna at babakunahan," he said.
(We did not stop its use on senior citizens. We just wanted to look at more data on people aged 59 and below so our vaccinators and vaccinees have complete information.)
There will likely be additional indication on the use of the vaccine, said Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire.
"Ang mangyayari po dito, magkakaroon lang siguro ng extra indication or extra precaution with the use of AstraZeneca," she told ANC.
(What will happen is there will probably extra indication or precaution with the use of AstraZeneca.)
"Hindi ho natin tinitigil, nung nangyari 'yan sa ibang bansa sinabi ng mga eksperto and even the WHO the benefit still outweighs the risk. So ibig sabihin itutuloy pa rin, kailangan lang ho better guided ang mga gagamit."
(We will not stop its use, when it happened in other countries, experts and even the WHO said the benefit still outweighs the risk. So it means we will continue its use, we just need to be better guided.)
The Philippines, which began last month its vaccination drive, has distributed some 1.9 million doses of AstraZeneca and Sinovac. It aims to inoculate 50 to 70 million Filipinos by the end of the year to achieve herd immunity.
The country on Sunday reported 11,681 more COVID-19 cases, bringing its total to 864,868. Of this figure, 146,519 or 16.9 percent are active infections. It is forecast to reach 1 million virus cases by the end of the month, independent research group OCTA earlier said.
Recession drama 'Nomadland' wins best film at BAFTA awards
LONDON (Reuters) - US recession drama “Nomadland”, about a community of van dwellers, was the big winner at Britain’s BAFTA awards on Sunday, scooping best film and prizes for its Chinese-born director Chloe Zhao and leading actress Frances McDormand.
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts ceremony was held virtually over two nights, with nominees joining in by video, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
However film stars Hugh Grant and Priyanka Chopra Jonas appeared in person at London’s Royal Albert Hall while Renee Zellweger and Anna Kendrick joined from a Los Angeles studio to present the awards.
“Nomadland”, which has already picked up prizes this awards season, stars 63-year-old McDormand as a widow, who in the wake of the US economic recession, turns her van into a mobile home and sets out on the road, taking on seasonal jobs along the way.
“We would like to dedicate this award to the nomadic community who so generously welcomed us into their lives,” Zhao, who won the director category, said in her acceptance speech.
“Thank you for showing us that ageing is a beautiful part of life, a journey that we should all cherish and celebrate. How we treat our elders says a lot of about who we are as a society and we need to do better.”
“Nomadland” also won for cinematography.
Outstanding British film went to #MeToo revenge movie “Promising Young Woman”, which also won original screenplay.
The academy also paid tribute to Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth’s husband, who died on Friday, aged 99. Philip was named BAFTA’s first president in 1959. His grandson Prince William is BAFTA’s current president.
Following an outcry last year when BAFTA presented an all-white acting contenders list, more than half of this year’s 24 nominees were actors of colour.
Film veteran Anthony Hopkins won the leading actor category for portraying a man with dementia in “The Father”.
“I’m at a time in my life where I never expected to get this,” the 83-year-old told reporters of the award, adding his age had made making the movie “easy”.
Youn Yuh-jung won supporting actress for “Minari”, in which she plays a grandmother who travels from South Korea to the United States to look after her grandchildren.
The 73-year-old, who has won a Screen Actors Guild award and has been nominated for an Oscar for her performance, drew laughs in her acceptance speech when she jokingly said it was particularly meaningful to be recognised by “British people, known as very snobbish people”.
Daniel Kaluuya, who has swept this awards season for his portrayal of late Black Panther activist Fred Hampton in “Judas and the Black Messiah”, won supporting actor.
“Brokeback Mountain” and “Life of Pi” director Ang Lee received the BAFTA Fellowship, the academy’s top honour, for his contribution to film.
Reporting by Marie-Louise Gumuchian, Editing by Diane Craft
KTX review: 'General Admission' is a smart black comedy on showbiz scandals
Katja Majarais (Jasmine Curtis-Smith) was the star member of the Daisy Ocho, a group of sexy dancers on a crass noontime TV show Tawag ng Tanghalian. One day, she had her period while dancing on air, causing a red stain to be visible on her white costume. Katja's misfortune was the red-hot topic being tackled on mass media and social media. Her rival dancer Rose (Angelica Bianca Lapuz) even circulated a cruel gif of that awkward moment.
A famous fortune teller Madame Nora (Vangie Labalan) made a prediction on air that someone Katja loved will die in 24 hours. Was Madame referring to her boyfriend Carlito Sicat (JC de Vera), a once-popular child actor wanting to make a comeback? Rival TV talk show hosts Teri Miranda (Nanette Inventor) of "Tsismis 24/7" and Danny de Leon (Archie Adamos) of "Blgar Teleradyo" scramble to generate controversial content out of the situation.
Together with guest panelists psychology professor Dra. Wilfreda Limpin (Angelina Kanapi) and celebrity vlogger Tom Young (Bryan Sy), the hosts spin scandalous generalizations from pure speculations and silly exaggerations. They manipulate interviews with their leading questions, and put words into the guests' mouths. They even employ camera crews to follow subjects around and hidden cameras to catch sensitive moments.
So from a simple case of an embarrassing red stain on white shorts, the issue had spun off wildly into false accusations.of child abuse, secret affairs, pregnancy, abortion, homophobia, HIV, sexual harassment, and human rights violations. There were rallies from women's groups and LGBT groups, all taking advantage of the spotlight to highlight their advocacies. When someone was actually shot in public in the end, even more salacious confessions came out.
This smart black comedy was written by Dustin Celestino and directed by Jeffrey Hidalgo (who also appeared onscreen as a malicious TV director) as a commentary on the TV business nowadays, highlighting the callousness, the insensitivity and the ruthlessness of it all. Everything was about the sponsors, the money, the audience response, the ratings. Their focus was on sensationalizing the issues, and not the actual truth of the content.
It also showed how celebrities have become prisoners of their own public personas.
This review was originally published in the author's blog, "Fred Said."