Saturday, May 1, 2021
P1.4 milyong halaga ng shabu nakumpiska sa buy-bust sa Zamboanga City
Tatlo ang arestado sa isinagawang buy-bust operation sa Barangay Manicahan sa nasabing lungsod, Sabado ng umaga, kung saan P1.4 milyong halaga ng shabu ang nasabat.
Pawang residente ng Basilan ang mga suspek.
Ayon sa hepe ng Labuan Police Station na si Maj. Sonny Boy Perez, nasabat sa tatlo ang tatlong malalaking pakete ng hinihinilang shabu na nagkakahalaga ng P1.4 milyong.
Kasong paglabag sa Republic Act 9165 o Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 ang isasampa laban sa mga suspek.
- Ulat ni Leizel Lacastesantos
Esperon says consulting senators amid calls to censure, remove Parlade
Angela Coloma, ABS-CBN News
National Security Adviser Secretary Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said he is currently consulting with some senators, as some members of the chamber appealed for the censure and sacking of Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade as spokesperson of the country's anti-insurgency task force.
This followed his remarks linking some legislators and private individuals to communist groups, even calling senators "stupid."
In a public press briefing, Esperon said he has coordinated with Sen. Panfilo Lacson, who earlier urged him to look at constitutional provisions vis-a-vis Parlade's appointment.
Lacson had said an active member of the military like Parlade is barred from holding a civilian post, such as his role in the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTC-ELCAC).
Esperon also wants to send a letter addressed to Senate President Vicente Sotto III. He also wished to consult Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa on the matter.
These senators have expressed support for the controversial Anti-Terror Act - which led to the crafting of the NTF-ELCAC— but there have been fears among local and international rights groups that this may be abused by officials.
"May ginagawa akong sulat na dapat kahapon ko matatapos pero dahil may bagong development ibibigay ko 'yon kay Senate president. Dadalhin ko rin yon kay Sen. Bato, dahil hindi siya pumipirma sa call of resignation. May mga kakausapin din akong senador sa sulat tungkol sa subject," Esperon said, adding that the letter won't be publicized.
(I am currently writing a letter. Originally, I planned to finish this yesterday but since there is a new development I will give this to Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III. I will also bring this to Sen. Bato because he did not sign on the call of resignation. I will also talk to other senators about the subject.)
Several senators earlier pushed to defund NTF-ELCAC for 2022 as Parlade accused some community pantry organizers of being communist supporters.
They also urged Malacañang to remove Parlade from the office after he likened a community pantry organizer's efforts to "Satan giving apple to Eve."
Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon later released a resolution denouncing Parlade's remarks, with a mix of opposition and pro-administration senators backing the move. Sotto had also urged the national government to defund NTF-ELCAC anew, if they were not going to remove Parlade from the post.
Asked about a timeframe, Esperon, who sits as the NTF-ELCAC vice chair, said his office was more focused on answering the sentiments of senators, adding that they are also pursuing legal remedies to study the matter.
"Wala naman kaming deadline na binigay sa sarili namin. Ang objective namin ay kung paano mabigyan ng karampatang tugon ang sentiments ng senado at sasabihin din namin ang aming tugon dahil parang nadadamay 'yung pondo ng NTF-ELCAC daw," Esperon said.
(We do not have a deadline for ourselves. Our objectives at the moment are centered on how we can promptly answer the sentiments of the Senate. We will eventually give our stance because they are saying that the funds for the NTF-ELCAC are being affected.)
Andanar hails Filipino workers’ perseverance, resilience
By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar on Saturday lauded the Filipino workers’ perseverance and resilience, especially amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
In his message on Labor Day, Andanar thanked the Filipino workers, including the “hardworking and life-saving” front-liners and “industrious” essential workers.
“The Filipino labor force truly (exemplifies) hard work, perseverance, ingenuity, resilience, grit, and determination – traits that have become more apparent during this global health crisis, which has halted traditional work operations not only in the Philippines, but throughout the world,” he said.
Andanar assured them that the Duterte government would continue to push for labor policies and programs for their benefit.
“Their impactful contributions to nation-building and to our Covid-19 response have always been valued, respected, and appreciated, which is why the Duterte administration has continued to implement and execute programs and measures that promote their protection and well-being,” he said.
Andanar said the selflessness and dedication of Filipino workers serving on the front lines, both in the country and abroad, should be honored and remembered.
He said the Covid-19 front-liners’ commitment to their profession, despite the risks, helps Filipinos endure the challenges they are currently facing amid the pandemic.
Andanar also thanked the members of the media who he said should also be considered front-liners for their continued coverage of important events and delivery of “needed and life-saving information.”
“May the sacrifice, determination, and bravery of our Filipino front-line workers be an inspiration to us all,” he said. “We wish everyone the strength of character and the best of health today and for the days to come.”
Andanar called on his fellow Filipinos to show appreciation for the workers’ efforts by following all health protocols and measures imposed by the government.
He assured that the government is focused on implementing its mass vaccination program against Covid-19 for everyone to “heal and recover as one nation.”
Inoculation of locals, OFWs starts in Manila
By Ferdinand Patinio
National and local government officials led by Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre Bello III held the simultaneous symbolic vaccination for 5,000 minimum wage workers and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as part of the Labor Day celebration on Saturday in Manila.
The inoculation of local and overseas workers is under the Priority Group A4 of the National Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) Vaccine Deployment Plan.
Bello urged the workers to be vaccinated since it is the best solution to fight Covid-19.
“Please do not avoid the vaccine, this vaccine is the best way to fight Covid. Do not waste this opportunity, it’s free, at no charge,” he said during the opening of the vaccination program in Manila held at Palacio de Manila.
Of the 5,000, a total of 3,000 OFWs will be vaccinated while 2,000 local workers will be inoculated.
The DOLE has prepared a master list of the vaccine recipients to ensure equitable representation of the labor sector in the simultaneous symbolic vaccination.
Aside from Manila, the other vaccination sites in the National Capital Region (NCR) are Lakeshore Hub in Taguig City, and Quezon City Covered Walk along Elliptical Road in Diliman, Quezon City.
Among those present during the program are Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority chief Isidro Lapeña, and Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso.
On Labor Day, Duterte vows ‘strong, thriving’ workforce
By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday promised Filipino workers that his administration would double its efforts to keep them “strong and thriving.”
In his Labor Day message, Duterte vowed to uphold and protect the security of tenure and rights of Filipinos working in the country and overseas.
“To all Filipino workers here and abroad, let me assure you that this administration will endeavor to work as vigorously as you have in creating an environment where security of tenure, statutory labor standards, and workers' rights are not only upheld and protected but also cherished as the foundations of a strong and thriving workforce,” he said.
The President made the vow as he recognized the hard work of the labor sector, especially the front-line health and essential workers, amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
He saluted Covid-19 front-liners for their resolve to fulfill their duties despite the threat posed by the virus.
“On behalf of a grateful nation, I express my deepest gratitude to our hardworking health care workers and essential front-liners for their unwavering commitment in ensuring the unhampered delivery of goods and services that continue to sustain our communities and industries during these difficult times,” Duterte said.
As the country celebrates Labor Day, he called on his fellow Filipinos to “rebuild a stronger and more resilient society that we can proudly leave behind to succeeding generations of Filipinos.”
“This year, we honor our Filipino workers who – fueled not just by the desire to support their families and advance their careers – have tirelessly toiled these past several months to ensure that our society will continue to function in the face of an unprecedented health crisis that crippled industries across the world,” he said.
The Duterte government is set to present on Saturday afternoon its employment recovery plan to enable Filipino workers to cope with the adverse impact of Covid-19.
Duterte is also expected to sign an executive order establishing the National Employment Recovery Strategy (NERS) 2021-2022, which aims to create a policy environment that encourages the generation and improved access of employment, and improves the employability and productivity of workers.
The NERS also aims to take advantage of the opportunities in the labor market under the new normal and provide support to existing and emerging businesses.
DILG warns public vs fake Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Saturday warned the public against buying fake Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines that could now be present in the market.
This, after the World Health Organization issued a global medical product alert on a fake COVID-19 vaccine first discovered in Mexico, which “deliberately and fraudulently misrepresents its identity, composition or source.”
“While there is no information yet on the presence of the fake vaccines in the country, LGUs should exercise increased diligence as these fake vaccines may be dangerous to the health of those who get inoculated,” said DILG Secretary Eduardo Año.
The fake COVID-19 vaccine with product name “BNT162b2” claims to be manufactured by pharmaceutical company Pfizer BioNTech. It nears lot number “783201” and has an expiry date of “AUG 24.”
Laboratory analysis of the product’s content is still being conducted by the WHO.
“Ngayong marami na namang kaso ng COVID-19, ang kailangan natin ay pag-iingat at proteksyon laban sa sakit na ito sa pamamagitan ng mga bakuna at hindi dagdag na problema na maaaring idulot ng pekeng bakuna,” said Año.
(With an increasing number of COVID-19 cases, we need to be vigilant and protected against this disease through vaccination and not add to problems that this fake vaccine may cause.)
Año also directed police to provide necessary assistance in investigating and confiscating fake COVID-19 vaccines, if found.
He also called on the public to report any information on the presence or use of BNT162b2 in the country to the National Task Force Vaccine Cluster through the e-mail address c19vaccineopcen@gmail.com or mobile number +639178237310.
The Philippines still has a limited supply of COVID-19 vaccines, with 4.025 million doses so far reaching the country, and 1.8 million of the target 70 million inoculated.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/01/21/dilg-warns-public-vs-fake-pfizer-covid-19-vaccine
COVID-free Batanes still closed to tourists, says governor
Aleta Nieva Nishimori, ABS-CBN News
Tourists may have to wait a little more before they could visit Batanes, one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations.
This, as the province remains closed to tourists despite having no more active COVID-19 cases, as the virus surge continues in other parts of the country, said Batanes Gov. Marilou Cayco.
Batanes' most recent COVID-19 patient recovered in April.
“Sa ngayon po, dahil sa patuloy na paglobo ng COVID cases sa ating bansa mananatlii pa ring sarado ang Batanes sa mga turista at non-essential travel. Ito rin kasi ang pangkalahatang sentimyento ng mga Ivatan,” said Cayco.
(For now, due to the rising number of COVID cases in the country, Batanes will remain closed to tourists and non-essential travel. This is also the overall sentiment of Ivatans.)
Cayco attributed their success in preventing community transmission of COVID-19 to the strict implementation of the 14-day quarantine period for all those arriving in the province.
Batanes, known for its picturesque sights and peaceful atmosphere, has recorded a total of just 10 COVID-cases, and all have recovered.
“Hinihiling ko sa national IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force) na sana maintindihan kami dito sa Batanes kung bakit kami ganung kahigpit sa pagpasok ng mga LSI (locally stranded individual) at mga APOR (authorized personnel outside of residence) dahil isa lang po ang aming hospital at kulang kami ng medical personnel. Wala pa po kaming testing laboratory dito,” she said.
(I hope that IATF would understand why we are very strict with the entry of LSI and APOR because we only have one hospital, we lack medical personnel, and we don’t have a testing laboratory yet.)
Meanwhile, the governor said they continue to provide assistance to workers and establishments affected by the pandemic.
“Patuloy kami sa pagbibigay ng ayuda gaya ng pansamantalang trabaho, livelihood assistance at microfinance assistance sa mga nawalan ng trabaho o displaced workers at mga nawalan ng hanap-buhay gaya ng hotels, restaurants, fishermen at farmers po," she said.
"Tinutugunan namin ang kanilang pangangailangan po dahil sa epekto ng pandemyang ito,” she said.
(We continue to provide help like temporary jobs and livelihood assistance and microfinance assistance to displaced workers and those who lost their livelihood like hotels, restaurants, fishermen and farmers. We try to address their needs due to the effects of the pandemic.)
Batanes is among provinces in the country under modified general community quarantine, the least stringent among the restriction levels.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/01/21/batanes-still-closed-to-tourists-covid
Labor Day: Duterte honors frontliners, Robredo seeks 'concrete action' to address labor issues
The country’s top officials on Saturday marked Labor Day honoring the Filipino worker in the face of unprecedented challenges amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with President Rodrigo Duterte assuring an improved work environment and Vice President Leni Robredo seeking action on long-running labor issues.
In his Labor Day message, Duterte made special mention of health care workers and essential frontliners “for their unwavering commitment in ensuring the unhampered delivery of goods and services that continue to sustain our communities and industries during these difficult times.”
“Today, we find new meaning in our annual commemoration of Labor Day. This year, we honor our Filipino workers who— fueled not just by the desire to support their families and advance their careers— have tirelessly toiled these past several months to ensure that our society will continue to function in the face of an unprecedented health crisis that crippled industries around the world,” he said.
Addressing Filipino workers, including those overseas, Duterte said his administration “will endeavor to work as vigorously as you have” to ensure a safe and stable work environment, where workers’ rights “are not only upheld and protected but also cherished as the foundations of a strong and thriving workforce.”
Robredo, meanwhile, recognized contributions of Filipino workers to society and throughout history.
She said marking Labor Day should not just be about praising and acknowledging the sacrifice of Filipino workers, but also taking “concrete action” to address issues long hounding the Philippine workforce.
These include contractual labor, abuse of migrant and local workers, and struggles wrought by the pandemic, from limits to public transportation to joblessness.
“Ipinakita sa atin ng pandemya: Ang manggagawang Pilipino ang lakas ng ating ekonomiya. Sama-sama nating itaguyod ang kanilang mga karapatan at kapakanan, at sama-sama tayong sumulong sa mas ligtas, mas patas, at mas makataong mundo para sa bawat manggagawa at bawat Pilipino,” she said.
(The pandemic has shown us: The Filipino worker is the strength of our economy. Together, let us uphold their rights and welfare and move forward to a safer, more equal and more humane environment for every worker and every Filipino.)
The COVID-19 pandemic has crippled the Philippine economy leading to record-level unemployment, with 4.2 million Filipinos jobless as of February 2021.
With the surge in cases forcing the resumption of stricter lockdowns, shuttering businesses anew, an estimated 1.5 million lost their jobs in March, according to the trade department.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/01/21/duterte-robredo-labor-day-message
Tuguegarao City extends MECQ until May 7
The local government of Tuguegarao City extended for another week the enforcement of the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) due to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases.
Executive Order no. 64 signed by Mayor Jefferson Soriano placed the city under extended MECQ from Saturday, May 1, until Friday, May 7, 2021.
President Rodrigo Duterte earlier placed the entire Cagayan province under general community quarantine until May 14.
Under Soriano's EO, restaurants are allowed to operate indoor dine-in services at 10 percent capacity while beauty salons, barbershops and nail spas are likewise permitted to resume operations at 30 percent seating capacity.
All staff in such establishments and along with clients shall wear face masks at all times.
As of Friday, Tuguegarao City has logged 4,394 total confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 1,088 active infections.
The local government appealed to its residents to strictly follow minimum health protocols to prevent the spread of the virus.
Several parts of the country, including the NCR Plus bubble (Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan and Rizal) remain under MECQ as COVID-19 cases continued to rise in hotspots.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/01/21/tuguegarao-city-extends-mecq-until-may-7
Mga doktor, pharmacist nabulabog sa pamimigay ng ivermectin ng 2 mambabatas
Maraming pumuna sa social media sa pamimigay ng ivermectin capsules nina Anakalusugan Rep. Mike Defensor, Sagip Rep. Rodante Marcoleta, at 4 na doctor sa mga residente ng Quezon City, sa kabila ng mga babala ng eksperto.
Sabi ng Philippine Pharmacists Association (PPhA), maaaring may paglabag sa Philippine Pharmacy Act ang ginawa ng mga mambabatas dahil may ilang reseta ang mga doktor na wala ang kanilang pangalan o kanilang license number.
"Ang mga pharmacist ay di nagdi-dispense po ng gamot basta-basta kapag may ganoong prescription na violative o erroneous. So wala ring pangalan or kung ano mang establishment or hospital kung anuman. Walang hahawakan ang mga pasyente kung sakaling may mangyaring di kanais nais sa kanila," ani Gilda Saljay, presidente ng PPhA.
Dagdag pa ni Saljay, eksklusibong responsibilidad ng isang pharmacist ang compounding na ginagawa kung may valid prescription mula sa doktor para sa isang pasyente kaya hindi puwedeng mag-compound ng para sa maramihan.
Mas mainam aniyang hintayin na lang ang resulta ng pag-aaral sa ivermectin bago ito irekomenda sa tao.
"Di po sya puwedeng gawin para sa karamihan o mag-compound ng madami para sa karamihan. Otherwise ito po ay di na compounding, ito po ay tinatawag na naming manufacturing. So for a drug under compassionate special permit, di pa puwedeng mag-manufacture dahil wala pa itong lisensiya o certificate of product registration. So di pa siya registered ng FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for human use so bawal mag-mass manufacture nito," ani Saljay.
Naniniwala naman si Dr. Maricar Limpin, vice president ng Philippine College of Physicians, na accountable o may pananagutan ang mga mambabatas, mga doktor at posible rin ang FDA sakaling magkaroon ng adverse effects sa mga nakatanggap ng ivermectin na ipinamigay sa Quezon City.
"They should be held accountable for whatever problems na posibleng mangyari because of that particular activity," ani Limpin.
Sinabi ni Health Secretary Francisco Duque na dapat imbestigahan ng FDA ang nangyaring pamimigay ng ivermectin.
"Of course I'm alarmed and concerned if indeed that is verified and true... 'Yung doktor na andu'n na nag-prescribe would be held liable in accordance with our statutes, and PRC laws," ani Duque.
Kinumpirma ng FDA na tinitingnan na ng kanilang Regulatory Enforcement Unit at Pharmacovigilance Unit ang ginawa ng mga mambabatas.
—Ulat ni Zandro Ochona, ABS-CBN News
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/30/21/doktor-pharmacist-nabulabog-pamimigay-ivermectin
