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
Friday, April 30, 2021
Private sector ready to provide over 500,000 Filipinos 2nd doses of AstraZeneca shots
Vivienne Gulla, ABS-CBN News
The country's private sector is prepared to provide government a portion of its COVID-19 vaccine orders if jabs from the COVAX facility won't arrive on time for the second inoculation of Filipinos who received their first shots.
Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion said the private sector will be able to provide for more than 500,000 Filipinos if AstraZeneca jabs from the UN-led initiative won't arrive in June.
The rollout of AstraZeneca jabs in the Philippines began in March. The Food and Drug Administration has recommended a 4-12 week interval between the first and the second doses.
“Their worry is that if COVAX does not deliver sometime May, what will happen to their doses?” Concepcion said at a virtual summit.
“They requested and asked me if we can help them with 500,000 doses for those who took already their first dose. Of course, we said yes, we will support them. That is if the vaccines of AstraZeneca from COVAX do not arrive in May or June,” he added.
Concepcion said that according to AstraZeneca, it will begin its shipment in June, which consists of around 6 million doses purchased by the private sector, and 11 million doses purchased by local government units.
“What I can say with certainty is that the AstraZeneca vaccines are sure to arrive without any delay anymore,” he noted.
Despite delays in vaccine arrivals due to global supply issues, vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. is “confident” the Philippines will be able to achieve herd immunity against COVID-19 by yearend with the help of the private sector.
“For this year, our country is expecting the arrival of at least 148 million doses from seven manufacturers in our vaccine portfolio,” Galvez said, noting that the figure does not cover doses from the COVAX facility.
According to ABS-CBN'S Data Analytics Head Edson Guido, with the current pace of COVID-19 vaccinations, it would take more than a decade for the government to reach its target of inoculating 70 million Filipinos.
But Galvez reiterated that once the bulk of vaccines start to arrive in the country in the middle of the year, the Philippines can “significantly scale up vaccinations”.
As of April 29, the Philippines has received only over 4 million vaccine doses. Of this, 3.5 million are made by Chinese vaccine manufacturer Sinovac, while the remaining 525,600 doses are made by British-Swedish pharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca.
The Philippines needs at least 140 million doses of vaccines to achieve herd immunity.
The country has one of Asia's worst COVID-19 outbreaks and has been slower than most of its Southeast Asian neighbors in securing vaccine supplies.
Lolo binaril ang apo dahil umano sa alitan sa chainsaw
(UPDATED) - Huli ang isang 85 anyos na lalaki sa umano'y pamamaril ng kaniyang 27 anyos na apo sa loob ng kanilang bahay sa bayan ng Sta. Fe sa probinsiyang ito, Huwebes.
Ayon sa imbestigasyon ng New Corella police, nag-away umano ang dalawa dahil pinalitan umano ng biktima ang guide bar ng chainsaw ng kaniyang lolo.
Sa kaliwang balikat binaril ng suspek ang kaniyang apo gamit ang .357 revolver.
Isinugod sa ospital ang biktima habang agad ring sumuko sa mga awtoridad ang suspek na posibleng humarap sa kasong homicide.
Nakumpiska rin ng mga pulisya ang apat na bala ng baril mula sa suspek. -- Ulat ni Chrislen Bulosan
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/30/21/lolo-binaril-ang-apo-dahil-umano-sa-alitan-sa-chainsaw
LGUs allowed to tap reserved Sinovac 2nd dose for new vaccine recipients
Kristine Sabillo, ABS-CBN News
The Department of Health is now allowing local government units to use their reserved 2nd dose of COVID-19 vaccines to increase the number of those being vaccinated.
“That was part of the discussions and instructions whatever you reserved for the 2nd dose, you can use it as a 1st dose for the other constituents because we will be providing you with additional vaccines,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire told Taguig Mayor Lino Cayetano during a briefing.
Cayetano said this was good news as the city’s vaccination sites were already running out of vaccines to administer.
“Napakalaki ng epekto nun,” Cayetano said. “Magsasara na in 2 days yung vaccination center kung hindi nagbigay ng announcement yung DOH.
(That will have a huge effect. Our vaccination centers would have closed in 2 days if the DOH did not give that announcement.)
He said the 10,000 to 15,000 Sinovac vaccines that they have reserved for the 2nd dose can now be given to new vaccine recipients.
Cayetano said the regional director of the DOH told them a few days ago that they can already use up 50% of the reserved doses.
Unlike AstraZeneca, which has an interval of 12 weeks between the 1st and 2nd dose, Sinovac only has an interval of 4 weeks for its 2nd dose. This is why local government units had to reserve the doses to make sure vaccine recipients will get their jabs on time. However, with additional vaccines received by the country this week, the government is confident it will be able to replenish the 2nd doses.
Vergeire said the move was already discussed with Metro Manila mayors and the vaccine cluster of the InterAgency Task Force for COVID-19.
“This has already been given approval,” she said, adding that a portion of the reserved doses can be used up to ensure that the vaccination program is not halted.
The Philippines received an additional 500,000 doses from Sinovac this week. This increased the number of vaccines sent to the Philippines to 4 million. Most of it are from Sinovac and only 525,000 are from AstraZeneca.
Mga manggagawa, grupo sanib-puwersa sa lansangan sa Labor Day 2021
Lulusob sa lansangan ang mga manggagawa at sari-saring labor groups sa Sabado para gunitain ang Labor Day at iprotesta ang anila'y hindi sapat na alalay sa mga trabahanteng Pinoy.
Liwasang Bonifacio sa Maynila ang napiling venue ng Kilusang Mayo Uno, sa Mendiola ang Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino, at People Power Monument naman ang Nagkaisa Labor Coalition.
Pero sa hapon, magsasanib-puwersa ang lahat sa isang online rally.
Ang panawagan nila ay trabaho, ayuda, bakuna, karapatan at kasarinlan.
"Hindi bababa sa 20 milyon ang naapektuhan ng mahigit isang taong lockdown sa iba’t ibang kaparaanan. Katulad ng mass layoff at retrenchment, extended floating status," ani Nice Coronacio ng Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa.
"Ang karapatan ng manggagawa ay balewala. Sila'y sinusupil at dinadahas. Ang pangakong wakasan ang ENDO ay nahulog sa presidential veto," ani Rene Magtubo, chairperson ng Partido Manggagawa.
"Hindi lang sinusuko ang West Philippine Sea sa China kundi ang karapatan ng ating mga mangingisda sa kanilang kabuhayan," sabi naman ni Deobel Deocares ng Alliance of General Unions, Institutions and Labor Associations.
Ayon naman sa Department of Labor and Employment, naiintindihan nila ang hinaing ng mga manggagawa.
"Alam ko na napakalaki ang pinagdadaanan nila, ang dami-dami nating mga kababayan na nawalan ng trabaho, merong trabaho pero kulang ang trabaho, meron talaga na wala nang trabaho. Kaya big challenge ito… Pero kahit papano ginagawan namin ng paraan na makarating ang kaunting tulong sa ating mga manggagawa," ani Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III.
Nananawagan naman ang grupong Bayan Muna kay Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na magpatawag ng isang special session sa Kongreso para maaprubahan agad ang mga panukala para sa P10,000 ayuda at P100 daily wage subsidy.
Ayon kay Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate, dahil hindi napigilan ng pamahalaan ang pagtaas ng presyo ng mga bilihin, karapatdapat lang ibalik sa mga manggagawa ang nawalang halaga ng sahod, para mabuhay din ang ekonomiya lalo’t ilang trilyong piso na ang inutang ng bansa.
— Ulat ni Zen Hernandez, ABS-CBN News
The Spiritual Laws Of Giving And Receiving
Jesus answered, “The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same.” Luke 3:11
Scientists have clearly defined laws that govern our physical world‑‑laws that have been in operation since creation. Those laws are subject neither to the ideas or philosophies of humankind. For example, Sir Isaac Newton articulated the law of gravitation, showing that the gravitational pull of something is inversely proportioned to the mass of the attracting object. The law of gravity has nothing to do with how I feel, or what I think, or whether or not governments should pass laws disallowing the force of gravity. It’s there and its force cannot be legislated or countermanded.
In the realm of the spiritual, there are also certain laws or principles that operate just as certainly, though they may be more difficult to define or illustrate. For example, one day Jesus talked about the law of giving and receiving. This was not really what He called it. He did not say, “All right, folks, today I am going to explain the law of giving and receiving, which is the key to getting rich.” Instead, He spoke in parables or stories, and often demonstrated His truths with incidents from everyday living.
Jesus defined a spiritual law that is totally contrary to human logic, yet what He said can be demonstrated as lucidly as the laws of sowing and reaping. If you sow seed, you will reap a harvest. What Jesus talked about, however, has been widely abused, misinterpreted and used for selfish gain, yet the fact that people have twisted and perverted the truth doesn’t change it.
Jesus said, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38).
A paraphrase puts it like this, “For if you give, you will get. Your gift will return to you in full and overflowing measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use to give‑‑large or small‑‑will be used to measure what is given back to you.”
Strange mathematics‑‑this principle that Jesus used. Give away what you have to gain more of the very same substance? The interesting thing about this giving‑ receiving principle is that it is not restricted to money. It also includes your time as a volunteer, your willingness to listen to someone, sharing your abilities and many other things.
I will never forget the time I was in a tribal area of the Philippines, and after I spoke, the person in charge opened the meeting for questions. It was a long, slow and laborious task because the question was in Ifugao which was translated into Ilocano which then was translated into English so I could understand, then whatever I said had to be reverse-translated. It was almost midnight when the interpreter said, “See that fellow over there. He is asking, ‘Why should I who have so little give to God who has so much?'”
I took a closer look at the man. He sat on his haunches, a worn t-shirt on his back, and shoeless. I was taken by surprise by the question because I hadn’t even mentioned money or giving. Wow! What a question. It deserved an answer. I said, “There are three reasons. 1. Giving is a response of obedience to what God asks. Then I added, 2. It is a means of receiving a blessing from God which can come many ways (quoting what Jesus said), and then I said, 3. You can pool what you have and send someone over the mountain into the next valley to share the Gospel with them. That’s what the law of giving is about.
Resource reading: 2 Kings 4:1-37.
https://www.guidelines.org/devotional/the-spiritual-laws-of-giving-and-receiving/
Mag-ama na dating miyembro ng CAFGU, patay sa pamamaril sa Davao de Oro
Patay sa pamamaril nitong Huwebes ng gabi ang isang mag-ama sa kanilang bahay sa bayan ng Maco, Davao de Oro, ayon sa pulisya.
Natagpuan ng pulisya sa labas ng bahay sa Purok 1, Barangay Concepcion ang bangkay ni Arman Demecillo Sr., 49 taong gulang.
Nasa kusina naman daw ang bangkay ng anak nitong si Arman Demecillo Jr., 26 taong gulang.
Mga miyembro daw ang dalawa ng Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU), ayon sa pulisya.
Batay sa inisyal na imbestigasyon ng pulisya, nakaupo lang umano sa silya ang ama na biktima sa labas ng kanilang bahay habang nakaupo rin sa balkonahe ang anak nito.
Tatlong lalaki umano ang dumaan at huminto sa kanilang pamamahay na nakasuot ng bonnet, itim na t-shirt, at long pants. Lulan daw ang mga ito ng isang motorsiklo.
Sa hindi malinaw na kadahilanan, binaril umano ng isa sa mga suspek ang ama, habang nakatakbo pa hanggang sa kusina ang anak at doon na binaril.
Nagtamo ng tama sa iba't ibang bahagi ng katawan ang dalawang biktima na naging sanhi ng kanilang pagpanaw.
Nagsagawa na ng hot pursuit operation ang pulisya habang inaalam pa ang motibo sa krimen.
- Ulat ni Hernel Tocmo
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/30/21/mag-ama-cafgu-patay-pamamaril-davao-de-oro
Carpio hinamon si Duterte: Aminin ang totoo ukol sa West PH Sea
Muling nagkasagutan sina Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte at si retired Supreme Court senior associate Justice Antonio Carpio hinggil sa isyu ng West Philippine Sea.
Miyerkoles ng gabi, pinatutsadahan ni Duterte si Carpio at sinisi ito sa umano'y pagkawala ng kontrol ng Pilipinas sa karagatang inaangkin ng Tsina.
"If you're bright, why did we lose the West Philippine Sea?" ani Duterte.
Hindi ito pinalampas ni Carpio at sumagot nitong Biyernes.
Pinaalala niya na kahit miyembro siya ng hudikatura noong panahon ni dating Pangulong Noynoy Aquino, hinimok niya ang administrasyon na ipaglaban ang karapatan ng bansa sa West Philippine Sea na nauwi sa pagkakapanalo ng Pilipinas sa arbitral tribunal noong 2016.
Pero paalala ni Carpio, hindi nga ba si Duterte ang nagsantabi sa naturang tagumpay kapalit ng $22 bilyon na pangakong utang at ayuda ng China.
Pero hanggang ngayon, wala pang 5 porsyento nito ang natutuloy.
Dagdag pa ni Carpio, si Duterte ang nagsabing hindi na magpapatrolya ang Navy sa West Philippine Sea at siya rin ang nakipagkasundo kay Chinese President Xi Jinping na payagan ang Chinese fishermen na mangisda sa karagatan ng Pilipinas.
Binanggit din ni Carpio ang pag-amin ng Pangulo na inutil siya sa pagtatanggol sa West Philippine Sea at ang makailang beses na pagsabi ng Pangulo na hawak na ito ng Tsina, bagay na tinututulan ni Carpio dahil maliit na porsiyento lang umano ng West Philippine Sea ang inokupa ng mga Tsino.
"Shout out to President Duterte that China is not in possession of the West Philippine Sea. Shout out loud so that President Duterte will wake up from his sleep under the kulambo and admit to the nation the truth — that China is not in possession of the West Philippine Sea," ani Carpio.
Noong Huwebes ay pinaliwanag ni dating Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario kung tungkol saan ang paninisi ng Pangulo sa dating administrasyon dahil sa pag-atras umano nito ng barko ng Pilipinas kaya naagaw ang Scarborough shoal noong 2012.
"[T]here was an agreement with China in settling an impasse in 2012 which was brokered by the United States. It involved the withdrawal of all ships on both sides by a certain hour... We withdrew our one ship while China deceitfully breached our agreement by not withdrawing their 30 or more ships," ani Del Rosario.
Mungkahi naman ni Carpio ang patuloy na pagpapatrolya ng Navy at Coast Guard sa West Philippine Sea.
"President Duterte cannot really stop the Philippine Navy and Coast Guard from doing their duty under the Constitution. I salute our Navy and Coast Guard for defending our sovereignty and sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea against all odds," ani Carpio.
Sang-ayon si House national defense and security panel vice chair Rep. Ruffy Biazon sa patuloy na pagpapatrolya sa West Philippine Sea.
"Admittedly naman di natin kaya sa resources na araw-araw ang patrolya at dami ng mga vessel. We have to accept that fact. Pero kinakailangan kung di man natin madaan sa frequency, idaan natin sa consistency. Hindi man araw-araw pero kung tuloy-tuloy tayong maglalayag diyan, ang matitigas na salita natin masusundan ng aksiyon," ani Biazon.
Pero noong Miyerkoles lang, sinabi ni Duterte na hindi niya puwedeng giyerahin ang Tsina dahil sa utang na loob nito sa mga bakuna.
Kaya tingin ni Carpio, ang susunod na administrasyon na ang magpapatuloy ng laban para sa West Philippine Sea.
— Ulat ni Mike Navallo, ABS-CBN
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/30/21/carpio-hinamon-duterte-aminin-totoo-west-ph-sea
Herd immunity maaaring 2022 pa kung maaantala ang COVID-19 vaccines: Duque
Aminado ang pinuno ng Department of Health (DOH) na posibleng umabot ng hanggang unang quarter ng 2022 bago maabot ng Pilipinas ang herd community kontra coronavirus disease (COVID-19), sa harap ng nararanasan umanong kakulangan ng bakuna.
Sa loob kasi ng halos 2 buwang pagbabakuna na umarangkada noong Marso, halos 247,000 pa lang o wala pa sa isang porsiyento ng target na 70 milyong Pilipino ang nakakakumpleto ng required 2 doses ng COVID-19 vaccines.
Samantala, higit 1.5 milyong Pinoy naman o mahigit 2 porsiyento ng target ang nakatanggap ng unang dose ng bakuna.
"Worst case scenario, siguro until about the first quarter of 2022… If the vaccines don’t come as expected. Kasi marami 'yan. We have Pfizer, they said it was gonna come through the COVAX February… Tomorrow May na tayo. Wala pa rin. Why? Talagang nako-corner ng mayayamang bansa ang kanilang bakuna. Sila ang gumagawa eh," ani Duque.
Dagdag pa niya: "Ang layo pa n'ung biyahe ng bakunahan sa Pilipinas…. For obvious reasons. Hindi pa naman talaga sapat ang bakuna. Its not a funding problem. We have the money. With multilateral loan agreements."
Nanawagan naman ang ilang grupo ng mga negosyante na pabilisin na ang kampanya para mabakunahan ang publiko kontra COVID-19.
"The PCCI (Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry) together with the Philippine business community have consistently called for the speeding up of the procurement process and rollout of vaccines to ensure the safety of the citizenry, boosting of consumer confidence and for the recovery of our economy," ani PCCI President Benedicto Yujuico.
"The sooner vaccination is carried out throughout the country, the sooner we can revive our economic confidence, rebuild businesses and further open up the economy," dagdag pa ni Dr. Henry Lim Bon Liong, President ng Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc.
Pero sa kabila ng kakulangan sa global supply ng COVID-19 vaccines, naniniwala si Galvez na puwede pa ring maabot ang target na makapagpabakuna ng 70 milyong Pinoy ngayong 2021 para makamit ang herd immunity - sa tulong ng pribadong sektor.
"This year, our country is expecting the arrival of at least 148 million doses from 7 manufacturers in our vaccine portfolio," ani Galvez.
Nakikipag-usap na ang bansa sa iba't ibang vaccine manufacturers at may mga hakbang na rin ang Department of Science and Technology tungo sa posibilidad na magkaroon ng kapasidad ang bansa na mag-manufacture ng sariling bakuna.
Ayon kay Philippine Ambassador to Russia Carlos Sorreta, umalis na ang bakunang gawa ng Russia, ang Sputnik V ng Gamaleya, mula sa Moscow at inaasahang darating sa Pilipinas sa Sabado.
Dalawang beses naudlot ang delivery ng bakuna sa Pilipinas na nakatakda sana nitong Abril dahil sa umano'y logistical issues. Higit 2 milyon pang Sputnik V vaccines ang inaasahang darating sa Mayo.
Samantala, inaasahang darating ang 15,000 na bakuna ng Sputnik V sa bansa sa Sabado.
-- Ulat ni Vivienne Gulla, ABS-CBN News
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/30/21/herd-immunity-2022-kung-maaantala-covid-19-vaccines-duque
DFA reports 32 new COVID-19 cases among Pinoys abroad
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Friday 32 more Filipinos abroad were infected with COVID-19, bringing the total number of Pinoys who caught the virus outside the country to 18,357.
Recoveries increased by 38 to 11,721. This is the highest number of recoveries in a single day so far in over 2 weeks, data collated by ABS-CBN News showed.
For the second straight day, meanwhile, the DFA recorded no new fatalities due to the virus.
The death toll among Filipinos abroad stood at 1,145.
In the Philippines, more than 1.037 million Filipinos have already been infected with the respiratory disease, almost 74,000 of which are active cases.
More than 17,200 have also died because of the virus.
The new coronavirus is believed to have first emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019.
Pagdadagdag ng critical care facilities vs COVID-19 umarangkada
Umarangkada na ang pagpapatayo ng mga modular facility para matugunan ang mga tumataas na kaso ng severe coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Pormal na binuksan ngayong Biyernes ang modular facility sa Batangas Medical Center na itinayo ng Department of Public Works and Highways noong Nobyembre.
"Ito 'yung parang response natin lalong lalo na sa pandemic kasi alam naman natin na talagang kinukulang tayo lalong lalo na sa ICU (Intensive Care Unit) na mga pasyenteng nangangailangan ng severe or critical care management,” ani treatment czar Leopoldo Vega.
Ayon sa medical chief ng ospital na si Dr. Ramoncito Magnaye, ilang beses silang nag-100 percent capacity nitong nakaraang tatlong linggo. Galing sa iba pang lugar gaya ng Metro Manila, ibang bahagi ng Calabarzon at Mindoro ang tinanggap nila noon na pasyente.
"The problem sometimes is when you are in the middle of the day and there are many patients coming in, now you only have to juggle the patients, meaning allocation of room becomes problematic,” ani Magnaye.
Ayon kay Vega, aabot sa 300 critical care beds ang target nilang idagdag para mapunan ang kakulangan sa gamutan ng mga pasyenteng nasa malubhang kondisyon.
Higit 60 porsiyento ng 2,805 intensive care beds ang okupado ngayon sa buong bansa.
May 10 ICU beds ang modular facility sa Batangas at 21 regular isolation beds na maaaring i-convert na ICU.
Operational na rin ang modular hospital sa National Kidney Transplant Institute na may kapasidad na 20 pasyente kada araw. Bukod sa 110 bed capacity modular hospital sa Quezon Institue, may Lung Center modular hospital din na may 16 na kama, at Dr. Jose Rodriguez Hospital na may 22 na kama.
Magtatayo rin ng modular facility sa Southern Medical Center, Las Piñas General Hospital, V. Luna Medical Hospital, Ospital ng Maynila, at Pasig City General Hospital.
Binuksan din ang 52 bed facility sa San Juan para sa mga asymptomatic at mild COVID-19 patients - na ikaapat sa siyudad.
May emergency hiring na rin ang DOH na 10,500 health workers kung saan 3,500 ang ilalaan sa Metro Manila.
Hirit naman ng Alliance of Health Workers (AHW), ibigay na rin dapat sa frontline at direct patient care workers ang umano’y libo-libo pang bukas na plantilla position sa DOH.
"Sinabi nga natin sa ating Department of Health, kay Sec Duque, na i-convert ito ng mga health workers ng direct patient care para 'yung mga health workers natin na mga contractuals ay automatic sana magkaroon ng security of tenure," ani AHW President Robert Mendoza.
-- Ulat ni Ina Reformina, ABS-CBN News
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/30/21/pagdadagdag-critical-care-facilities-covid-19-umarangkada
Pagdadagdag ng critical care facilities vs COVID-19 umarangkada
Umarangkada na ang pagpapatayo ng mga modular facility para matugunan ang mga tumataas na kaso ng severe coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Pormal na binuksan ngayong Biyernes ang modular facility sa Batangas Medical Center na itinayo ng Department of Public Works and Highways noong Nobyembre.
"Ito 'yung parang response natin lalong lalo na sa pandemic kasi alam naman natin na talagang kinukulang tayo lalong lalo na sa ICU (Intensive Care Unit) na mga pasyenteng nangangailangan ng severe or critical care management,” ani treatment czar Leopoldo Vega.
Ayon sa medical chief ng ospital na si Dr. Ramoncito Magnaye, ilang beses silang nag-100 percent capacity nitong nakaraang tatlong linggo. Galing sa iba pang lugar gaya ng Metro Manila, ibang bahagi ng Calabarzon at Mindoro ang tinanggap nila noon na pasyente.
"The problem sometimes is when you are in the middle of the day and there are many patients coming in, now you only have to juggle the patients, meaning allocation of room becomes problematic,” ani Magnaye.
Ayon kay Vega, aabot sa 300 critical care beds ang target nilang idagdag para mapunan ang kakulangan sa gamutan ng mga pasyenteng nasa malubhang kondisyon.
Higit 60 porsiyento ng 2,805 intensive care beds ang okupado ngayon sa buong bansa.
May 10 ICU beds ang modular facility sa Batangas at 21 regular isolation beds na maaaring i-convert na ICU.
Operational na rin ang modular hospital sa National Kidney Transplant Institute na may kapasidad na 20 pasyente kada araw. Bukod sa 110 bed capacity modular hospital sa Quezon Institue, may Lung Center modular hospital din na may 16 na kama, at Dr. Jose Rodriguez Hospital na may 22 na kama.
Magtatayo rin ng modular facility sa Southern Medical Center, Las Piñas General Hospital, V. Luna Medical Hospital, Ospital ng Maynila, at Pasig City General Hospital.
Binuksan din ang 52 bed facility sa San Juan para sa mga asymptomatic at mild COVID-19 patients - na ikaapat sa siyudad.
May emergency hiring na rin ang DOH na 10,500 health workers kung saan 3,500 ang ilalaan sa Metro Manila.
Hirit naman ng Alliance of Health Workers (AHW), ibigay na rin dapat sa frontline at direct patient care workers ang umano’y libo-libo pang bukas na plantilla position sa DOH.
"Sinabi nga natin sa ating Department of Health, kay Sec Duque, na i-convert ito ng mga health workers ng direct patient care para 'yung mga health workers natin na mga contractuals ay automatic sana magkaroon ng security of tenure," ani AHW President Robert Mendoza.
-- Ulat ni Ina Reformina, ABS-CBN News
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/30/21/pagdadagdag-critical-care-facilities-covid-19-umarangkada
Mga Pinoy sa India todo-ingat sa gitna ng COVID-19 crisis
Walang patid pa rin ang pagtaas ng bilang ng mga nagpopositibo sa COVID-19 sa India kaya ibayong pag-iingat ang ginagawa ng mga Pinoy doon.
Gaya ni Marthy Bermejo na kasalukuyang work from home mula nang magpatupad ng lockdown sa Bangalore.
"Pag lumalabas ako, kailagan dala-dalawa ang mask ko, nag-face shield din ako. Ang mga officemate ko ganoon din ang ginagawa nila. Mostly sa mga local, hindi mo makikita sa kanila 'yan kasi they are not-well informed kumbaga," ani Bermejo.
Kuwento ni Bermejo, naging kampante ang India isang taon mula nang magsimula ang pandemya.
Bago mangyari ang second wave ng mga kaso, pinayagan ang mga religious at political events sa India.
"Hindi nila na-anticipate ito eh, kasi festival 'tsaka one year from lockdown, one year from coronavirus bumaba naman ang mga cases nila but unfortunately ang second wave na sinasabi nila hindi na-anticipate, naging kalma sila, hindi nila napaghandaan," ani Bermejo.
Gayunman, mahalaga ayon kay Bermejo ang hindi mag-panic at gawin ang kaukulang pag-iingat. Nagparehistro na rin siya para magpabakuna sa kompanyang pinapasukan.
Nitong Biyernes, umabot sa higit 386,000 ang mga bagong kaso ng COVID-19 habang halos 3,500 ang bilang ng nasawi.
Tatlong araw na magsasara ang mga vaccination center sa Mumbai dahil kapos ang supply ng bakuna.
Sa kabila nito, tuloy ang buhos ng tulong mula sa ibang bansa.
Dumating mula UAE ang mga ventilator at oxygen masks.
Dumating din ang mga oxygen cylinder na ipinadala ng pamahalaan ng Thailand at mga relief supply mula Amerika.
—Ulat ni Willard Cheng, ABS-CBN News
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/30/21/pinoy-india-todo-ingat-covid-19-crisis