Sunday, March 28, 2021
Batangas lawmaker tests positive for COVID-19
Batangas 2nd District Rep. Raneo Abu has confirmed that he tested positive for COVID-19.
In a post on his Facebook page, Abu said that his March 25 swab test showed a positive result the next day.
"Sa parehas namang araw ay agad akong nagtungo sa isang isolation facility upang magpagaling kahit ako ay asymptomatic. Ito ay aking ginawa bilang pagtalima sa ipinatutupad na regulasyon ng IATF at ng Department of Health (DOH),” he said.
(That same day, I immediately went to an isolation facility to recuperate even though I am asymptomatic. I did this to follow IATF and DOH regulations.)
OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF CONGRESSMAN RANEO E.ABU Bilang pag-iingat sa banta ng COVID-19,ang aming buong opisina at ang...
Posted by Congressman Raneo E. Abu on Saturday, March 27, 2021
He also said that while he tested positive, his daughter Dr. Reina Abu got a negative result.
Abu's Facebook post was confirmed by his congressional office.
Abu is the 4th congressman to publicly disclose testing positive for COVID-19 this year, after House Majority Leader Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez, Anak Kalusugan Rep. Mike Defensor and Negros Oriental 1st District Rep. Jocelyn Sy Limkaichong.
Last year, Representatives Bernardita Ramos of Sorosogon and Francisco Datol of Senior Citizens Party List died of complications due to COVID-19.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/28/21/batangas-lawmaker-tests-positive-for-covid-19
Philippines to increase presence in West Philippine Sea - Lorenzana
The Philippines will increase its presence in the West Philippine Sea, the Department of National Defense said Saturday, amid continued calls for Chinese vessels to withdraw from the disputed waters.
“We are ready to defend our national sovereignty and protect the marine resources of the Philippines,” Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in a statement on Saturday.
“There will be an increased presence of the Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard ships to conduct sovereignty patrols and protect our fishermen in the West Philippine Sea.”
Currently, he said, a Philippine navy ship and the Philippine Coast Guard are monitoring activities at the Julian Felipe Reef, where over 220 Chinese maritime militia vessels were reportedly anchored. The Air Force also deploys jet aircraft there daily.
Other agencies such as the Bureau of Aquatic and Fisheries Resources are also helping with efforts at the West Philippine Sea and the Kalayaan Island Group.
The country’s calls for the foreign vessels to leave the Julian Felipe Reef have already been communicated to the Chinese ambassador, Lorenzana said.
“I assure our people that we are addressing the situation. We stand by our position calling for the immediate withdrawal of Chinese vessels in the Julian Felipe Reef, which was communicated to the Chinese Ambassador.”
Earlier this week, the military said it had deployed navy ships to the West Philippine Sea, but not in the reef where Chinese militia ships were seen to avoid confrontation.
Recently, the United States, Japan, Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada have expressed concern over the presence of the vessels in the nearby disputed waters, and called their appearance a move to “intimidate and threaten” the Philippines, as well as undermine regional stability.
China’s foreign ministry on March 22 claimed the vessels were “fishing boats” sheltering from poor weather.
DFA suspends operations in Aseana, other consular officers
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is temporarily shutting down its operations in its office in Aseana in Paranaque City, and other consular offices.
This is in response to Malacanang's order to put the greater Metro Manila under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) from March 29 until April 4.
"In view of the announcement on the implementation of Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) from 29 March to 04 April 2021 in the National Capital Region and in the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal and Laguna, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will close its office located in ASEANA Business Park in Parañaque City as well as its Consular Offices in Metro Manila, Antipolo, Dasmarinas, San Pablo, and Malolos on 29 – 31 March 2021," the DFA said in a statement Saturday.
Those affected by the temporary closure will be accommodated on the following dates:
If your original confirmed appointment schedule falls on the following dates: Revised appointment schedule:
29 March 5 - 8 April
30 March 12 -16 April
31 March 19 -23 April
Passport applicants are advised to print out the new email, the application form with their original appointment schedule indicated, the e-receipt and supporting documents. Applicants are advised to submit the documents during their new appointment schedule.
"For authentication applicants, please print out the new email with your new schedule and bring your documents for authentication on your new appointment date," said the DFA.
The DFA said the schedules may still be subject to changes.
Those who wish to visit the Consular Office on dates not included in the given schedule the DFA advises to email any of the following:
-DFA ASEANA
Passport
passportconcerns@dfa.gov.ph
Authentication
oca.authentication@dfa.gov.ph
-CO NCR NORTH (Novaliches)
ncrnovaliches.so@dfa.gov.ph
-CO NCR NORTHEAST (Cubao Ali Mall)
ncrnortheast.so@dfa.gov.ph
Passport
dfancrne.processing@gmail.com
Authentication
dfancrne.authentication@gmail.com
-CO NCR EAST (SM Megamall)
Passport
ncreast.so@dfa.gov.ph
Authentication
authenticationncre@gmail.com
-CO NCR CENTRAL (Galleria)
ncrcentral.so@dfa.gov.ph
-CO NCR WEST (SM Manila)
ncrwest.so@dfa.gov.ph
Passport
dfancrwest.passport@gmail.com
Authentication
dfancrwest.authentication@gmail.com
-CO NCR SOUTH (Alabang)
Passport
ncrsouth.passport@gmail.com
Authentication
ncrsouth.authenticaiton@gmail.com
-CO ANTIPOLO
antipolo.co@dfa.gov.ph
info.coantipolo@gmail.com
-CO DASMARINAS
rco-dasma@oca.dfa.gov.ph
dfa.co.dasmarinas@gmail.com
-CO MALOLOS
malolos.co@dfa.gov.ph
malolos.gc@gmail.com
-CO SAN PABLO
sanpablo.co@dfa.gov.ph
Passport applicants may also call the following numbers:
02 8234 3488
0977 353 3942
0915 360 7410
0966 410 8465 (Authentication Concerns)
"Kindly wait for the Consular Office to confirm your requested schedule before proceeding with your appointment," said the DFA.
"All applicants are required to have masks and face shields on and will be subjected to temperature checks prior to entry, among other public health measures to be implemented by the Consular Office."
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/28/21/dfa-suspends-operations-in-aseana-other-consular-officers
Saturday, March 27, 2021
'Perfect': Matteo Guidicelli describes 31st birthday celebration with family
“Perfect!”
This was how Matteo Guidicelli described his 31st birthday which he spent in an undisclosed beach destination.
On Instagram, he shared a photo of his complete family including his wife Sarah Geronimo where they can be seen striking a pose by the shore.
“Celebrated my 31st birthday with the Family. Perfect. To everyone out there, Thank you very much for all the greetings! And please stay safe,” he wrote in the caption.
Guidicelli turned 31 on March 26. He made his birthday post on the same day that his wife is set to hold the “Tala: The Film Concert” marking her first full-length performance after her joint concert with Regine Velasquez, “Unified,” in February 2020.
On Saturday, photos of him and Geronimo made the rounds online showing them attending a groundbreaking ceremony.
The celebrity couple was spotted leading the event in a series of photos uploaded by Tassels Events and Party Needs. However, photos of Geronimo and Guidicelli have since been removed from the post.
"Couldn't be happier to witness and assist a groundbreaking ceremony. Our Tala hearts are shining!” the caption said, still hinting at the presence of the “Tala” singer and Guidicelli.
Government told to consider MECQ, beef up mass testing to slow down COVID-19 surge
The government must consider placing COVID-19 hotspots under lockdown anew, a health expert said, as the number of daily new cases soared to a record-high of 9,838.
Former COVID-19 task force adviser Tony Leachon proposed the implementation of a modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ), the second highest of quarantine levels for two weeks, while running at least 50,000 tests per day, to halt the increase in coronavirus cases.
He also called for better contact tracing, improved protection for healthcare workers, and the creation of satellite clinics for patients who can't access health facilities.
Most hospitals in the capital region already reported full capacity for COVID-19.
Leachon said the government should have a plan of action and urgently decide on ways on how to control the uptick in cases.
"Leaders will [need to] step up to the plate. Hindi tayo puwedeng walang mangyari dito," he said in a video broadcast on his Facebook page.
Leachon also lamented the government decision to allow church services this coming Holy Week, as this could further increase COVID-19 cases.
"Sana hindi muna kahit Holy Week kasi pwede naman online. God is present anywhere...kahit 10 percent capacity, parishioners [will come] from different areas, iba-iba ang level of hygienic measures," he added.
"Hindi tama po na magpalabas tayo," he added.
On Friday, Malacañang reversed an earlier announcement for Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal—which government called "NCR Plus" bubble area—and allowed limited religious gatherings from April 1 to 4. Under the new rule, churches can hold a program only once a day, while observing a 10 percent capacity to control crowds.
Leachon said the government must also speed up vaccination, especially in the National Capital Region, Region 4A, and Central Luzon, where COVID-19 cases are rising uncontrollably.
SK chairman sa Isabela, timbog sa pagtutulak umano ng marijuana
Arestado sa isang buy-bust operation ang isang chairman ng Sangguniang Kabataan sa Cabatuan, Isabela nitong Biyernes ng umaga.
Kinilala ang nahuli na si Joren Palomeno, 24, na SK chairman ng Barangay Centro.
Ayon sa Cabatuan Police, naaktuhan umano nila ang suspek na nagbebenta ng isang sachet na may lamang marijuana sa pulis na nagpanggap bilang poseur-buyer kapalit ng P500.
Nang kapkapan ang suspek ay nakakuha pa umano ang mga awtoridad ng dalawang sachet ng marijuana at ang cellphone na gamit nito sa transaksyon.
Minamanmanan na ang suspek na kabilang umano sa listahan ng high value target, ayon sa pulisya.
Sinampahan na ang suspek ng reklamong paglabag sa Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.--Ulat ni Harris Julio
Friday, March 26, 2021
Guidelines To Impact Your Grandchildren
The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off–for all whom the Lord our God will call. Acts 2:39
A gray-haired woman in her 60s walked down the aisle of a plane, stopped by an empty seat and asked the person sitting next do it, “Excuse me, do you have any grandchildren?” When the very surprised person responded, “Yes, I do!” the woman moved on down the aisle. Asking the same question, the person next to the empty seat stammered, “No, but we wish we did.” Sitting down the woman said, “Wonderful! Now I will tell you about mine!”
That’s the way grandparents are, but in a disconnected world where families are often fragmented and separated by distance, it’s getting harder and harder for a grandparent to interface with grandchildren. You can do it, however, and in the next three minutes I’ll give you six ways to impact your children’s children.
Guideline 1: Make your life a living testimony of God’s grace. For years on my television program I would ask a final question, “How would you like to be remembered after you are gone?” Answers were diverse but there is one thing for sure: you will be remembered one way or another. My grandfather was stingy and frugal but grandmother was generous. Her oatmeal cookies and fried chicken were world-class. When I studied in the university she would write, including some money that grandfather never knew about. How will you be remembered?
Guideline 2: Be involved in their lives. Here’s a seldom considered scientific fact: phone lines run both ways. Older folks often sit by the phone waiting for it to ring, moaning and complaining that nobody calls. Hey, friend, why not call or text your kids or grandkids every week? If you have several grandchildren, program their telephone numbers on your phone and ask, “How are you doing? Any special needs I can help with? What’s going on in your life?” Don’t think you are bothering them; you’re keeping a relationship alive.
Guideline 3: Take inventory of the spiritual heritage you are leaving behind. My father-in-law, Guy Duffield, was one of the godliest men I ever knew. On the night God took him home, he asked me to read Psalm 71, which says, “Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come.” “Have I done that, Harold?” he asked. If anyone ever did, he had done just that.
Guideline 4: Record your testimony of the redeeming grace of God. Write letters, even ones for your unborn grandchildren, video or record your life story, tell future generations what God has done in your life. Tell your story. Yes, they want to know.
Guideline 5: Surround your grandchildren with a fence of prayer. What you cannot do, God can and will. Trust Him. At times grandkids ignore your advice but they cannot escape your prayers. Yes, you can make a difference by praying.
Guideline 6: Set your house in order. And what does that mean? Time allows only two thoughts: First, make peace with your enemies. Don’t carry to your grave bitterness, harsh thoughts, and angry memories. Forgive.
An old gentleman 90 years old was told, “I hear you have no enemies at all.” “Yes, that’s right.” “And what’s your secret?” “I outlived them all,” he said. In reality few people do. Bitterness kills, but forgiveness neutralizes.
Then this final thought: “Do your giving while you are living so you are knowing where it’s going.” Dig a well for a village in Africa. Support an orphan in Russia. Send a grandchild to Bible School. Help your church; establish a foundation that will use your money wisely; but don’t leave your estate to that greedy grand nephew who calls only to find out how soon the undertaker may come for you.
Scripture reading: Deuteronomy 6:1-8
https://www.guidelines.org/devotional/guidelines-to-impact-your-grandchildren/
NEW RECORD HIGH: PH reports 9,838 more COVID-19 cases, total breaches 700,000-mark
COVID-19 cases in the Philippines breached the 700,000-mark on Friday with another record-high 9,838 newly-reported infections, as the capital region's coronavirus wards continued to see a stream of fresh admissions.
The day's tally, which does not include data from 7 laboratories, pushed the country's cumulative cases to 702,856.
The Philippines' active cases, still an all-time high, also breached the 100,000-mark. The remaining active infections in the country stood at 109,018.
COVID-related fatalities rose to 13,149 with 54 additional deaths, according to the Department of Health (DOH).
The agency also logged 663 more recoveries, bringing the total number of patients who have recuperated from the disease to 580,689.
Based on the DOH's latest bulletin, the utilization rate of intensive care unit (ICU) beds already reached high to critical risk levels with some 72 percent already occupied.
The country's treatment czar earlier said that more modular units would be created in Metro Manila and nearby provinces to serve COVID-19 patients amid the surge of new infections.
To stem the virus spread, the National Capital Region and the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal, the "NCR Plus" bubble, were placed under general community quarantine with additional specific restrictions from March 22 until April 4, with movement going in and out of the zone barred.
Limited religious gatherings for the Holy Week, however, was allowed.
Thursday, March 25, 2021
Is Everyone Really Special?
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost. Luke 19:10
A sign over a mirror in a public school reads, “You are now looking at the most special person in the world.” The message is part of a program designed to build self-esteem in children, and there is no questioning the fact that some kids suffer from a lack of self-esteem. At times parents disparage the achievements of their kids—like, “Why can’t you do as well in school as your sister?” Or, “You’re dumb,” or “Get up, you lazy girl.” Or, “You’ll never amount to anything when you do that sort of thing.”
Tell a child something often enough and loudly enough, and he’ll grow up believing it. But to tell a child, “You are the most special person in the world” is going about a proper thing in the wrong way. Why? Special people expect special privileges and don’t have to follow the rules. They go to the head of the line, or push their way to the front, thinking, “Why not? I’m special.” They expect teachers and administrators to treat them differently. Why? “I’m special,” which means, “You can’t treat me like all the other kids.”
And when they become adults, they often find out what they are not prepared for: life doesn’t give you special breaks and privileges just because you think the world owes you a living. It is one thing to convey the message to a child that you are loved, even that you are unique, that being different is not being better than anyone or inferior to anyone. But the message that you are the most special person in the world tells a child something that reality doesn’t support.
The fact is that every person is unique. Unless you are an identical twin there is no one in the world like you, and even if you are an identical twin no one thinks your thoughts, or feels what you feel, or sees what you do. To be special means that you stand out from the crowd, you are different, or you expect to be treated better than others.
Question: Are you special to God? Does He consider every person to be special? How would you answer that question? In all probability you feel so inadequate and so far removed from what God expects of you, you think you wouldn’t even get a second glance from heaven. OK, that question will get us nowhere fast. But here’s the right one to ask: “Am I important to God?” and there is no ambiguity in the answer because the entire Bible shouts aloud: “Yes, you are important to Him!” God has no throw-away lists. The door to the throne room is open, and Christ is that door. He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no person comes to the father but through me” (John 14:6).
When you read the New Testament, you find account after account of Jesus taking time for the people that the world never considered “special” by a long shot – Zacchaeus, a man who earned his living the shady way, the woman at the well, a prostitute caught in the very act of adultery, and so forth. Jesus had time for them, reflecting the values of His father—and they have time for you.
There’s a vast difference between being “special” and being important. Have we gone overboard in striving to help kids have a healthy sense of self-esteem? It may well be that we’ve gone about the right thing the wrong way. Helping them to know their value in the sight of God, giving them the love that says, “You are important to me, and I’ll be there for you” is important, but conveying the message that “you are special” say many, works the wrong way.
Scripture reading: Psalms 139:1-18
https://www.guidelines.org/devotional/is-everyone-really-special/
Capiz's Cardinal Advincula is Manila's new archbishop
Pope Francis has appointed Capiz's Jose Fuerte Cardinal Advincula as the new archbishop of Manila.
The appointment was made public on Thursday at 12 p.m., Rome time (7 pm in Manila).
It was in November last year when the pope elevated Advincula as a cardinal, becoming the ninth Filipino "prince of the Church."
He will succeed Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle who is now the prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/25/21/capizs-cardinal-advincula-is-manilas-new-archbishop
Magsasaka patay matapos pagbabarilin sa Capiz
Patay ang isang magsasaka matapos pagbabarilin ng tatlong hindi pa nakikilalang salarin sa Barangay Astorga, sa bayan ng Dumarao, Capiz, Miyerkoles ng gabi.
Dead on arrival sa pagamutan ang biktima na si Jessie Jarlo, 55 anyos at residente ng lugar.
Sa imbestigasyon ng Dumarao Police, pauwi na ang biktima kasama ang misis nito nang harangin at pagbabarilin ang biktima ng tatlong salarin na nakasuot ng itim na damit at naka-bonnet.
Nagtamo ng 9 na tama ng bala ang biktima.
Nakuha sa lugar ang mga basyo ng bala ng hinihinalang kalibre .45 na baril.
Patuloy pa ang pagtukoy ng awtoridad sa mga salarin at ang motibo sa krimen.
- Ulat ni Rolen Escaniel
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/25/21/magsasaka-patay-matapos-pagbabarilin-sa-capiz
Korte Suprema, Senado kinondena ang mga pagpatay sa mga abogado
Kasunod ng pagkondena ng Korte Suprema sa mga pagpatay sa mga abogado, ipinasa naman ng Senado ang resolusyon para hilingin kay Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na kumilos din para pigilan ang mga pagpaslang.
Inihain ang resolusyon ng 8 abogadong senador.
"Resolved, further, to urge the president to undertake the necessary steps in ensuring the safety of the members of the legal profession by laying out definitive solutions and actions to address such rampant violence and killings, including the prompt, impartial and efficient investigation and prosecution of the cases," sabi sa Senate Resolution No. 691.
Sa opisyal na datos mula sa Department of Justice, 54 na abugado na ang napapatay sa ilalim ng Duterte administration, pero 5 kaso pa lang ang nakakarating sa korte.
"The failure to condemn, investigate and prosecute these, and bring perpetrators to justice is an act of injustice in itself. We therefore condemn in the strongest sense, these killings of and acts of violence, against members of the bar and bench. To not act or speak is an act of injustice in itself," sabi ni Senate Minority Leader Sen. Franklin Drilon.
Bago nito, naglabas noong Martes ang Korte Suprema ng isang pambihirang pahayag na kinokondena rin ang mga pagpaslang.
"The court condemns in the strongest sense, every instance where a lawyer is threatened or killed and where a judge is threatened and unfairly labeled... To threaten our judges and our lawyers is no less than an assault on the judiciary. To assault the judiciary is to shake the very bedrock on which the rule of law stands. This cannot be allowed in a civilized society like ours. This cannot go undenounced on the court’s watch," sabi ng mga mahistrado sa isang pahayag na binasa ni SC spokesman Brian Keith Hosaka.
Sa pahayag ng Korte Suprema, kabilang sa mga gagawin nila ay ang pagpapanukala na gumamit ng mga body camera ang mga pulis sa paghain ng search at arrest warrant.
Rerepasuhin din nila ang panuntunan sa writ of amparo at habeas data na maaaring gamitin para humingi ng saklolo sa SC kapag may banta sa buhay, kalayaan at seguridad.
Ikinatuwa ni retired Supreme Court senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio ang naging hakbang ng korte.
"I’m very happy with what the Supreme Court has stated. I think the Supreme Court is taking seriously its duty to enforce Constitutional rights. It's a special duty entrusted to the Supreme Court," sabi ni Carpio.
Para sa Commission on Human Rights, dapat suportahan ng buong gobyerno ang mga hakbang ng Korte Suprema para masigurong gumagana ang mga sistema ng hustisya sa bansa at maproteksyunan ang mga karapatan ng taumbayan.
"Ultimately, to assault the legal profession—hence, an assault to the judiciary—is to assault the established check and balance in the government enshrined in the Constitution. It is in the best interest of the entire government to support these courses of action from the Supreme Court to ensure that a functional justice system in the country remains and that protection of our rights can be assured, especially at a time when human rights are constantly threatened and challenged," ani CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia.
Pero si Sen. Leila de Lima, ikinalulungkot, at nagtataka, kung bakit umano hinintay pa ng SC na maraming abogado ang mapatay bago ito nagsalita.
"It is unfortunate that so many lawyers had to die before the Supreme Court acted. The question is, will Duterte listen or will he continue to instruct our police to ignore human rights. In the first place, it is the Supreme Court itself who said that he is immune from suit, and that anyone he attacks is without recourse in law. Duterte is a monster that SC helped create," ani De Lima.
Pero para sa National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL), hindi man agaran kumilos ang Korte, ang importante, umaksyon na ito.
"[I] do not want to redirect the discussion there... This is a big step, by itself. It’s a standalone big step that is most welcome to us who are under attack. It’s better than nothing," sabi ni NUPL president Edre Olalia.
Gayunman, dagdag ng NUPL, kailangang masigurong may safeguards ang paggamit ng body cameras.
Hiling naman ng Philippine National Police, makonsidera rin sana ang kanilang kalagayan lalo't posibleng di angkop ang panuntunang ilabas ng SC kumpara sa nangyayaring sitwasyon sa operasyon.
Maglalabas din daw ang PNP ng sariling patakaran sa paggamit ng body cameras.