Lalaki patay nang matabunan ng gumuhong lupa mula sa ginagawang balon sa Iloilo

Patay ang isang lalaki matapos matabunan ng gumuhong lupa mula sa ginagawang balon sa Barangay Nagsulang sa bayan ng Lemery sa Iloilo, Biyernes ng umaga.

Nakilala ang namatay na si Daniel Biana, 24 anyos at nakatira sa Barangay Carmelo sa Banate sa naturang lalawigan.

Sa imbestigasyon ng Lemery Police, kasama ng biktima ang kaniyang ama sa paghuhukay sa ginagawang balon nang bigla itong gumuho at natabunan ang dalawa.

May 15 talampakan ang lalim ng balon kung saan natabunan ang mag-ama.

Mapalad naman na nakaligtas ang ama na kaagad nakaakyat sa itaas.

Samantala, umabot pa ng 30 minuto bago nakuha ang anak nito mula sa gumuhong balon.

Kaagad na dinala sa ospital ang biktima pero idineklarang dead on arrival ng doktor.

- Ulat ni Rolen Escaniel

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/08/21/lalaki-patay-nang-matabunan-ng-gumuhong-lupa-mula-sa-ginagawang-balon-sa-iloilo

Quezon Rep. Suarez also tests positive for COVID-19 after gov husband acquires virus

Quezon 3rd District Rep. Aleta Suarez announced on Saturday morning that she too tested positive for COVID-19, just days after her husband Gov. Danilo Suarez found out had been infected. 

 

Suarez made the announcement on the social media account of the Quezon provincial government.

The lawmaker remains asymptomatic and is now under home isolation, being monitored by a doctor.

She said she underwent an RT-PCR test last May 6 as a close contact of her husband who had tested positive. She received the test result on Friday.

Suarez urged those who she had close contact with the past few days to go on self-quarantine and have them monitored for symptoms.

She likewise appealed to the public to strictly observe minimum health protocols such as wearing a face mask and face shield, hand washing and physical distancing at all times.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/08/21/quezon-rep-suarez-also-tests-positive-for-covid-19-after-gov-husband-acquires-virus

1 patay, 1 nawawala sa pagbaha sa Davao Region

Patay ang isang 9 anyos na batang babae matapos mahulog sa creek at malunod Biyernes ng hapon sa Barangay Manuel Guingga, Tugbok District, Davao City.

 

Ayon kay Police Maj. Ricky Obenza, hepe ng Tugbok Police, binabaybay ng biktimang si Ashley Ongco at 11-anyos nitong pinsan 

ang daan sa gilid ng creek sa kasagsagan ng pagapaw ng baha.

Natumba umano si Ongco at natangay ng rumaragasang tubig baha.

Papunta sana ang mag-pinsan sa bahay ng kanilang lola. 

Agad nagsagawa ng search and rescue operation ang awtoridad pero patay na nang matagpuan ang bata may isang kilometro mula sa pinaghulugan nito.

Samantala, pinaghahanap pa rin ang isang 4-taong gulang na bata sa Caraga, Davao Oriental matapos anurin ng baha pasado alas-5 ng hapon sa Barangay Poblacion.

Malakas ang agos ng tubig kaya nahirapan ang mga kawani ng Caraga Fire Station na hanapin ang bata.

 

Matapos ang dalawang oras, itinigil na ang search operation dahil madilim na.

Nakaranas ng malakas na pagbuhos ng ulan ang Davao region nitong Biyernes dahil sa Intertropical Convergence Zone.

- Ulat ni Francis Magbanua

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/08/21/1-patay-1-nawawala-sa-pagbaha-sa-davao-region

Duterte's vow at UN on WPS issue 'supreme expression of PH foreign policy': DFA

President Rodrigo Duterte's commitment to international agreements with the territorial row in the West Philippine Sea in his first speech at the United Nations stands as the Philippines' "supreme expression of foreign policy" on the waterway's issue, according to the Department on Foreign Affairs (DFA).

The DFA issued this statement Friday, two days after Duterte likened Manila's arbitral victory — that invalidated Beijing's sweeping claims to the disputed waters — to a piece of "paper," which he said led to nothing. 

"The Department will continue to implement the President's foreign policy statement in accordance with Philippine national interest," the foreign office said.

A United Nations-backed court in 2016 ruled in favor of Manila and junked Beijing's claim to about 90 percent of the South China Sea, within which is the smaller West Philippine Sea.

In his first speech at the United Nations General Assembly last September, Duterte rejected what he called attempts to undermine the Philippines’ victory in the 2016 ruling. He vowed to keep its commitment to international agreements with the territorial row in the disputed waters.

But Duterte caused another public uproar Wednesday after he said that if the arbitral ruling was given during his time as the President, instead of then-President Benigno Aquino Jr.'s term, he will just junk it.

"Tapos sabi nila itong papel sa kaso nanalo tayo, i-pursue mo. Pinursue ko, walang nangyari," he said. "Actually sa usapang bugoy, sabihin ko sa ‘yo, bigay mo sa akin, sabihin ko, ‘P***** *** papel lang ‘yan, itatapon ko ‘yan sa wastebasket.'"

(They tell me to pursue this paper because we won. I pursued it but nothing happened. Actually, if you give that to me, I will tell you, 'Son of *****, I will throw that in the wastebasket.') 

The DFA highlighted the ruling's importance at the 34th ASEAN-United States Dialogue on Thursday. 

DFA Undersecretary Elizabeth Buensuceso recalled Manila's protest against the shadowing, blocking, dangerous maneuvers, and radio challenges by the Chinese Coast Guard against Philippine Coast Guard vessels, during the PCG's maritime patrols and training exercises in late April in Scarborough Shoal.

Scarborough is a small ring of reefs that lies about 230 kilometers from the Philippines and 650 kilometers from the nearest Chinese landmass. 

Buensuceso said these moves by Chinese vessels threaten Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction, and the security and stability in the region.

Ambassador Atul Keshap, head of the United States delegation, agreed with the Philippine side and reiterated US State Secretary Antony Blinken’s commitment to DFA Sec. Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. that the United States will stand by the side of their ASEAN partners, especially the Philippines, its long-time ally.

“Maritime cooperation is a vital element, a solid foundation for the prosperity, peace, and continued work of ASEAN with our external partners like the United States...We stand to succeed by combining our diverse knowledge in this very important area of cooperation,” Buensuceso said.

Manila and Beijing's spat over the disputed waterway flared again last March after hundreds of Chinese boats were spotted inside the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. 

China has rejected multiple calls from the Philippines to withdraw its boats, escalating tensions as Manila steps up maritime patrols in the area.

Despite the superpower's aggression and alleged violations in the West Philippine Sea, Duterte has leaned towards Beijing for help since he assumed power in June 2016.

Critics have slammed him for his past statements and actions allegedly cowing to China, particularly with the West Philippine Sea issue.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/07/21/dutertes-vow-at-un-on-wps-issue-supreme-expression-of-ph-foreign-policy-dfa

Tugbok at Calinan district sa Davao City, binaha; 1 bata nawawala

DAVAO CITY - Binaha ang maraming lugar sa Tugbok at Calinan district sa Davao City nitong Biyernes ng hapon dahil sa malakas na pag-ulan dulot ng Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).

Isang 9 na taong gulang bata naman ang nawawala matapos madulas sa isang ilog sa Tugbok district, ayon sa ulat ng Davao City Central 911. 

Sa video na kuha ni Elmeradel de Castro, makikitang maingat ang mga motorista sa pagdaan sa binahang kalsada sa highway ng Tugbok.

Sa video ni Jessa Rose Lagaac, makikita ang pagragasa ng tubig sa ilog sa Balite, Calinan district.

Umapaw na ito sa ilang bahagi at binaha ang ilang bahay ang taniman sa Purok 1, Barangay Balite.

Nagdulot naman ng perwisyo ang pagbaha sa mga bahay at ari-arian sa San Juan, Barangay Balenga-eng.

Sa ulat pa ng Central 911, may mga na-trap nang pamilya sa lugar at nagsasagawa na sila ng rescue operations.

- Ulat ni Hernel Tocmo

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/07/21/baha-tugbok-calinan-district-davao-city

Multiply to remain close for a little longer?

Multiply might need to wait a little longer before it can see the light for social networking portion.

The glint of hope for reviving the website and reopening the social networking portion suddenly went bleak after former CEO and owner Stefan Magdalinski broke the bad news.

READ: 6 Steps to Reviving a Failing Business

Filipinos and foreigners hopes to reviving the website and to reopen it's social networking portion, when Magdalinski said that any efforts of reviving the website and its social networking portion would have to wait for the next administration.

READ: Tips To Revive Your Dead Website

“Calls to revive Multiply and its social networking portion including blogs, photos and videos will have to wait until the next administration.”

He added, “With a little over a year until the 2022 elections, the world is bent on focusing the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte fulfills his campaign promise to the Filipino people.”

Multiply.com has been shutdown since May 31, 2013.

It would keep Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, Twitter and Tumblr are the social networking sites.

To recall, Multiply has covered several events ranging from national and local cultural, entertainment, fashion, lifestyle, sports from March 2004 to March 15, 2013 compiled by Multiply social networking users.

Under the new presidential administration, Multiply.com will make a return: to construct a new permanent Philippine headquarters building in Clark, Pampanga with a data center, hiring former employees and retaining the 2013 Multiply logo.

Nasa P11 milyong halaga ng pananim na marijuana, sinira sa Kalinga

TINGLAYAN - Umabot sa P11 milyong halaga ng pananim na marijuana ang sinira ng mga awtoridad sa 2 araw nilang operasyon sa bayan na ito sa Kalinga, ayon sa pulisya.

Ayon sa Kalinga Police Provincial Office, Miyerkoles nang kanilang matunton kasama ng mga operatiba ng Regional Intelligence Unit ng Cordillera Police, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Kalinga, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Kalinga at Naval Forces Northern Luzon ang 3 taniman ng marijuana sa Barangay Loccong.

Natapos ang operasyon nila nitong Huwebes kung saan binunot at sinunog ang mga pananim na marijuana. 

Sa unang taniman na mayroong 1,000 square meters ang lawak, tumambad ang nasa 10,000 fully-grown marijuana plants na tinatayang nagkakahalaga ng P2 milyon, ayon sa pahayag ng pulisya. 

Umaabot sa humigit-kumulang 30,000 fully-grown marijuana plants naman ang nakita naman sa ikalawang taniman na mayroong 3,000 square meters ang lawak. Nagkakahalaga umano ng P6 milyon ang marijuana plants dito.

Habang nasa P3 milyon ang halaga ng humigit-kumulang 15,000 fully-grown marijuana plants ang nadiskubre sa ikatlong taniman na may tinatayang land area na 1,500 square meters ang lawak. 

Ayon sa pulisya, simula Enero ngayong taon, uamabot na sa 13 marijuana eradication operations ang naikasa ng mga awtoridad sa Kalinga. 

- Ulat ni Harris Julio

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/06/21/nasa-11-milyon-halaga-marijuana-sinira-kalinga

Bilang ng quarantine days ng mga balikbayan, posibleng dagdagan: OWWA

 Posibleng madadagdagan ng isa o dalawang araw ang itatagal ng mga returning OFWs at iba pang balikbayan sa mga quarantine facility, ayon sa Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

Iyan ay kung maaaprubahan ng IATF ang isinusulong ng Department of Health (DOH) na bagong quarantine protocols sa mga uuwing biyahero.

Ayon kay OWWA administrator Hans Leo Cacdac, mula sa ikaanim na araw, sa ikapitong araw na isasalang sa RT-PCR test ang mga umuwing biyahero at kapag nagnegatibo ang resulta, kailangan pa ring manatili sa quarantine facility ng isa o hanggang dalawang araw at makalalabas lang sa ika-10 araw.

"Sa ngayon, 8 to 9 days ang ilalagi sa mga hotel quarantine pero ang proposal ng DOH, sa ika-10 araw ang releasing so mga 1 to 2 days ang maximum na itatagal ang extension. It applies to everybody, which includes OFWs and non-OFWs," ani Cacdac.

Sinabi rin ni Cacdac na may napag-usapan nang dagdag-pondo ang DOLE at DBM para sa mga returning OFW.

Nakakasa na anya ang initial tranche pero hindi lang alam ni Cacdac kung magkano ito.

    

Ayon kay Cacdac, sasapat na ito para tumagal ang pondo hanggang katapusan ng taon.

    

Pero kapag naaprubahan anya ang panukala ng DOH sa extension ng mga balikbayan sa quarantine facility, posible pa anya silang humingi para sa dagdag-gastos dito.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/06/21/bilang-ng-quarantine-days-ng-mga-balikbayan-posibleng-dagdagan-owwa

Fair weather continues over PH Thursday

By Ma. Cristina Arayata

Generally fair weather will continue to prevail across the country, the weather bureau said Thursday.

In its daily forecast, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) affecting the southern portion of Mindanao will also continue to bring scattered rain showers and thunderstorms over the Davao Region and Soccsksargen.

The rest of the country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers caused by the easterlies and localized thunderstorms.

Light to moderate winds and slight to moderate seas will prevail over the whole archipelago, PAGASA said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1139274

Duterte to Chinese envoy: Send us Sinovac COVID-19 shots, not Sinopharm

Jamaine Punzalan, ABS-CBN News

President Rodrigo Duterte said on Wednesday he has asked an envoy of China to send the Philippines COVID-19 shots from Beijing-based Sinovac Biotech, instead of jabs from Chinese state firm Sinopharm. 

Duterte this week received a dose from a batch of 1,000 Sinopharm doses that officials said China sent. However, according to him, experts said the vaccine has yet to be studied in the Philippines. 

He said he told China's ambassador to "withdraw all Sinopharm vaccines, 1,000 of them." The Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines is Huang Xilian.

"Huwag ka na lang magpadala ng Sinopharm dito para walang gulo. Sabi ko, ibigay mo lang sa amin ‘yong Sinovac na ginagamit sa lahat," Duterte said.

(Don't send us Sinopharm anymore, so there will be no trouble. I said just give us Sinovac that is used everywhere.)

The 1,000 Sinopharm doses set to be recalled "would not make a dent doon sa supply," Duterte added. 

The Philippine drug regulator has yet to clear Sinopharm's COVID-19 shot for emergency use.

In February, the Food and Drug Administration issued a "compassionate use license" for the use of 10,000 Sinopharm vaccine doses by the PSG.

Sinovac, meanwhile, has an emergency use authorization in the Philippines. 

Addressing critics of his vaccine choice, Duterte said: "We are sorry that we committed the things that you are criticizing us for. We accept responsibility." 

The World Health Organization has yet to approve Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines for emergency use.

 

An emergency listing from the WHO is an indication to national regulators of a shot's safety and efficacy, and would allow the Chinese vaccines to be included in COVAX, the global program to provide vaccines mainly for poor countries.

Sinovac accounts for the bulk of the 4.04 million COVID-19 shots that the Philippines has received so far. Authorities have administered 2.065 million of these doses. 

Among the hardest hit in Asia, the Philippines aims to vaccinate up to 70 million people or two-thirds of its population this year. 

– With a report from Reuters 

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/06/21/duterte-sinopharm-sinovac-china

DOST: Ivermectin clinical trials to begin in June; P22M committed to project

Ivermectin trials to run for 8 months

The Philippines has committed at least P22 million to conduct an 8-month clinical trial to determine the effectiveness of ivermectin against COVID-19. 

According to Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Sec. Fortunato dela Peña, the Department of Health will cover the costs of the trials.

Dr. Aileen Wang of the UP-PGH Department of Medicine will lead the panel that will handle the trial to run from June to January 2022.

Dela Peña said the veterinary anti-parasitic drug will be tested for efficacy, safety, and effect on 1,200 asymptomatic and non-severe Filipino coronavirus patients, who are at least 18 years old.

"Karamihan po ng pasyente natin talaga ay itong asymptomatic and non-severe," he explained in a taped public briefing on Wednesday.

Dela Peña said the DOST is coordinating with Sen. Richard Gordon and the Philippine Red Cross for facilities to hold the ivermecin trials.

Dr. Jaime Montoya, executive director of the DOST's research arm, earlier said the focus will be on Metro Manila as it has the most number of infections and would be easier to follow up on participants.

The department would finish its trial whether or not the Food and Drug Administration has allowed human use of the veterinary drug, he added.

The FDA has so far allowed only 5 hospitals to use ivermectin as an investigational drug to treat COVID-19.

Dela Peña, meanwhile, announced the timetables of clinical trials for the following:

tawa-tawa (11 months)

lagundi (July 13,2020 - May 12, 2021; 11 months)

virgin coconut oil for hospitalized COVID-19 patients (June 1, 2020 to May 31, 2021; 12 months)

VCO for suspect and probable COVID-19 cases (May 1, 2020 - June 31, 2021; 14 months or more)

melatonin (September 7, 2020 - June 6, 2021; 9 months)

convalescent plasma (July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021; 12 months)

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/06/21/ivermectin-clinical-trials-covid19

Duterte orders police: Arrest those improperly wearing face masks

Jamaine Punzalan, ABS-CBN News

President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday instructed police to arrest people who do not wear their anti-virus masks properly, contradicting the justice department's advice on handling violation of protocols to contain COVID-19. 

Duterte said hospitals are still swamped with coronavirus infections. The public needs to mask up and follow other rules, “if you are a thinking person,” he said.

“My orders to the police are, those who are not working their masks properly, in order to protect the public . . . arrest them and detain them, investigate them why they are doing it,” Duterte said in a taped speech. 

“‘Pag hindi ko ganunin, hindi ko higpitan, walang mangyayari . . . Ako dito hirap na hirap, pawala na iyong pera natin sa bangko tapos sige pa rin kayo, galaw nang galaw d’yan nang hindi tama, mapupunta talaga kayo sa istasyon.”

(If I don't not tighten the rules, nothing will happen. I'm having a hard time here. Our funds our running out, and yet you continue to act recklessly. You will really end up at the police station.)

Last month, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra urged the task force leading the country's pandemic response not to arrest or detain violators and impose community service instead. 

Duterte in February acknowledged he would sometimes take his face mask off. 

"I’ve been criticized, tama kayo na eto si Duterte nagsasalita, hindi naman sinusunod. Tama kayo na hindi naman magma-mask. Tama kayo," Duterte said in a televised speech. 

(I’ve been criticized. You are right, 'Duterte talks, he doesn't do what he says'. You are right that I don't wear a mask.)

"Hindi ho ako holdaper na sanay magsalita nitong naka—kaya tinatanggal ko," he said, without a face mask on. 

(I am not a robber used to wearing a mask. That's why I remove it.)

To avoid COVID-19, the World Health Organization recommends wearing a mask when one is indoors and regardless of distance from others. 

The government requires Filipinos to wear anti-virus masks and full face shields in all public areas. 

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/06/21/duterte-mask-arrest-covid

Duterte threatens ex-DFA chief with ‘hanging’ for pulling out ships in West PH Sea

Jamaine Punzalan, ABS-CBN News

President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday threatened to execute "by hanging" a former foreign affairs secretary who had urged him to stand up to Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea. 

Duterte alleged the Philippines lost Scarborough Shoal when former foreign affairs secretary Albert Del Rosario removed Philippine vessels from the area, during a standoff with Chinese ships in 2012. 

"Ikaw Alberto, bakit mo pinaatras? Kaninong permission ka naghingi? Ngayon kung wala kang maibigay, p***** i** mo, 'wag mong ibigay sa akin ang kasalanan mo," the President said in a taped speech. 

(You Alberto, why did you make them retreat? Whose permission did you ask? Now, if you can't give any son of a b****, don't pass your sin to me.)

"One day you will be tasked to answer for that, iyang pag-order dapat imbestigahan ka. I don’t know what will be the history of this country because if I were a leader anymore, I will execute you by hanging." 

(One day you will be tasked to answer for that, you should be investigated.)

 

Del Rosario has said that the US brokered a deal to end the 2012 standoff hby having both China and the Philippines withdraw their ships. 

However, Beijing "deceitfully breached our agreement by not withdrawing their 30 or more ships," he said. 

Under the previous administration of former President Benigno Aquino, Del Rosario pursued an arbitral case against China. A United Nations-backed court in 2016 ruled in favor of Manila and junked Beijing's claim to about 90 percent of the South China Sea, within which is the smaller West Philippine Sea. 

China refuses to obey the ruling. 

Duterte "unfortunately" set aside the ruling in exchange of up to $24 billion pledge in Chinese investments and aid, Del Rosario and retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio said. 

"Hindi naman ako humingi, offered ‘yan… I never asked anything, I was asking friendship, that was all," said Duterte. 

(I never asked, it was offered.)

"Kung ako'y nagsisinungaling, mag-resign ako bukas kaagad." 

(If I am lying, I will resign immediately tomorrow.)

China-controlled Scarborough is one of the region's richest fishing grounds and a flashpoint between the two countries, which have rival claims.

Manila and Beijing's spat flared again in March after hundreds of Chinese boats were spotted inside the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone. 

Once-frosty ties between the two countries had warmed under Duterte, who set aside the ruling in exchange for promises of trade and investment that critics say have largely not materialized.

Facing growing domestic pressure to take a harder line, Duterte said last week the Philippine maritime patrols would continue, insisting its sovereignty over the waters was not negotiable.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/06/21/duterte-albert-del-rosario-china-sea

Duterte calls Philippine arbitral victory vs China a piece of 'paper' that led to nothing

Jamaine Punzalan, ABS-CBN News

President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday likened Manila's arbitral victory that invalidated China's sweeping claims to the West Philippine Sea to a piece of "paper", which he said led to nothing. 

Duterte said the administration of his predecessor Benigno Aquino Jr. pursued the arbitral case against Beijing after a standoff in the resource-rich waterway. 

"Nag-file sila ng kaso, nanalo tayo. ‘Yang papel sa totoong buhay between nation, ‘yang papel ‘yan, wala ‘yan. Kung sino iyong tigas, United States, Britain ‘pag ginusto nila—" he said in a taped speech, without finishing his sentence. 

(They filed a case, we won. That paper in real life between nations, that paper, it is nothing. Whoever is hard like the Unites States, Britain, if they want)

The 2012 standoff erupted at Scarborough Shoal, a small ring of reefs that lies about 230 kilometers from the Philippines and 650 kilometers from the nearest Chinese landmass. 

 

A United Nations-backed court ruled in favor of Manila and junked Beijing's claim to about 90 percent of the South China Sea, within which is the smaller West Philippine Sea.

But Duterte said Philippine ships were already gone from the area, while Chinese ships remained, when he assumed the presidency. 

"Tapos sabi nila itong papel sa kaso nanalo tayo, i-pursue mo. Pinursue ko, walang nangyari," Duterte said. "Actually sa usapang bugoy, sabihin ko sa ‘yo, bigay mo sa akin, sabihin ko, ‘P***** *** papel lang ‘yan, itatapon ko ‘yan sa wastebasket.'"

(They tell me to pursue this paper because we won. I pursued it but nothing happened. Actually, if you give that to me, I will tell you, 'Son of *****, I will throw that in the wastebasket.') 

China-controlled Scarborough is one of the region's richest fishing grounds and a flashpoint between the two countries, which have rival claims.

Manila and Beijing's spat flared again in March after hundreds of Chinese boats were spotted inside the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone. 

China has refused repeated calls from the Philippines to withdraw the boats, and tensions have intensified as Manila steps up maritime patrols in the area.

Once-frosty ties between the two countries had warmed under Duterte, who set aside the ruling in exchange for promises of trade and investment that critics say have largely not materialized.

Facing growing domestic pressure to take a harder line, Duterte said last week the Philippine maritime patrols would continue, insisting its sovereignty over the waters was not negotiable.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/06/21/duterte-china-arbitral-ruling-west-philippine-sea

PH to get 1.3M vaccine doses from COVAX, Pfizer jabs this month, says Galvez

Vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. on Wednesday said at least 1.3 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine doses from the COVAX facility will arrive in this month.

Galvez said in a taped public briefing that in his talks with the UN-led initiative, the Philippine government was told the jabs will arrive "most likely" on May 11.

Vaccines manufactured by Pfizer-BioNTech are included in the COVAX shipment. 

COVAX is a vaccine sharing program that aims to distribute shots to lower-income countries.

"Darating po ng May 11 . . . 'yung 193,000 [doses] . . . na parang tinatawag natin na mini-rollout ng Pfizer," he said, adding this will give the government much-needed experience on how to handle the US-made jabs, which need to be stored at -70 degrees Celsius.

Galvez said Pfizer will deliver some of its vaccines directly to some of Visayas and Mindanao, through Cebu and Davao, so they won't need to pass through Metro Manila.

He said urban centers, such as Metro Manila, Cebu and Davao City, will be prioritized in vaccine distribution due to prevalence of COVID-19 in these areas.

The lack of an indemnity deal, which settles who will shoulder the cost of adverse effects from the vaccine, delayed the arrival of the first Pfizer batch initially expected in mid-February. 

As of Wednesday, 1.7 million Filipinos have been inoculated, with 2.06 million vaccine doses administered, Galvez said. More than 3 million jabs have been delivered to the Philippines since February 28.

The country aims to vaccinate up to 70 million adult Filipinos or about two-thirds of its population this year to reach herd immunity against COVID-19.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/06/21/ph-to-get-13m-vaccine-doses-from-covax-pfizer-jabs-this-month-says-galvez

PH's health capacity improves as coronavirus spread slows, says Duque

The country's healthcare utilization rate has improved in recent weeks, as the growth of COVID-19 infections has slowed down, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said on Wednesday.

During President Rodrigo Duterte's taped address, Duque said the Philippines' overall healthcare utilization rate dropped by 4.7 percent to 49 percent as of May 4, from mid-April's 53.7 percent.

"Patuloy na bumubuti ang ating healthcare and ICU utilization nationwide dahil nagkaroon tayo ng pagkakataon na palawigin ang health system capacity noong tayo ay nagtaas ng ECQ at maingat na nag-transition naman sa MECQ," said Duque. 

(Our healthcare and ICU utilization rate nationwide continued to improve due to the extension of stricter lockdowns, and our transition to MECQ from ECQ.) 

Nationwide, dedicated intensive care units (ICU) beds are 64 percent occupied, down from 68.3 percent in the same period.

Likewise, isolation beds are currently at 45 percent occupancy from 50.6 percent, while mechanical ventilators are also used up at 42 percent from the peak 47.9 percent, according to Duque's presentation. 

Meanwhile, in Metro Manila, ICU beds are 71 percent filled up, while isolation beds are 51 percent utilized, as well as ward beds (58 percent) and mechanical ventilators (53 percent). 

The country's top health official attributed this to the reintroduction of stricter lockdowns in Metro Manila and surrounding provinces, which also led to the decline of the virus' growth.

"Mayroon po tayong nakikitang pag-unlad, improvements, una rito ang pagbaba ng kaso sa buong Pilipinas at bumabagal din ang pagtaas ng mga kaso," he said. 

The Philippines' healthcare utilization rate is expected to ease in the coming weeks due to the effect of such lockdowns, he added.

Despite the developments, however, some hospitals are still announcing high to critical capacity due to the stream of new admissions, still far from ideal operations. 

DECLINE IN SPREAD OF INFECTIONS

Duque also said that the average daily attack rate (ADAR) per 100,000 people in the country is at 7.8 percent daily from April 18 to May 1 from 9.2 percent between April 4 to 17.

"Kung ito ay bababa pa, less than 7, ay mas maganda po dahil magiging moderate risk classification na po ang buong Pilipinas dahil sa ngayon po ay nasa moderate to high risk pa rin po tayo," he explained. 

(If this would be lessened to less than 7, then it will be better because it would downgrade our risk classification to moderate. Right now we are still in moderate to high risk) 

DAR is the number of new cases in a city or province over a two-week period, divided by the population of the city or province.

The growth rate was also at -15 percent nationwide during the same period, slower from the 11 percent from the previous 2 weeks, he said. 

The country has so far tallied over 1.073 million COVID-19 cases, with over 62,000 remaining active infections. 

A total 17,800 individuals, meanwhile, already died due to the virus. 

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/06/21/phs-health-capacity-improves-as-coronavirusvirus-spread-slows-says-duque

ABS-CBN shutdown ‘major electoral agenda’ in 2022 polls –House leaders

 THE shutdown of ABS-CBN broadcasting network has paved the way for press freedom to be “a major electoral agenda” in the 2022 presidential elections, lawmakers said on Wednesday.

This comes a year after the media giant was ordered by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to cease operations on May 5, 2020. The NTC had reneged on its promise to lawmakers to grant ABS-CBN a provisional permit, pending the renewal of its franchise.

“A year after ABS-CBN went off [the] air and a year [before] the 2022 elections, the respect for press freedom stands out as a major political agenda, which presidential aspirants must demonstrate,” Gabriela Women’s Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas said.

She said that no candidate who associates himself or herself with President Rodrigo Duterte, whose laws and policies have sent a “chilling effect” on press freedom, should be given the chance to lead the country.

Bayan Muna Party-list Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate, who sits as Deputy Minority Leader at the House of Representatives, echoed Brosas’ sentiment.

He said the shutdown of the network by “undemocratic forces” may have “dented the freedom of the press, but it failed to silence [a] nation seeking accountability amid this pandemic-aggravated crisis.”

“Despite these attacks, we now witness how [those] faint critical voices that they expected to fade or vanish are now getting louder once again, seeking transparency and accountability,” Zarate said.

“Even ABS-CBN did not wither away at all. It opened and migrated [to] other media platforms, and is still among the sources of credible information by millions of our people — now being flooded by fake news and revisionist narratives,” he added.

ABS-CBN’s legislative franchise expired on May 4, 2020. The broadcast giant went back to free-to-air television in October 2020 after sealing an agreement with the newly rebranded “A2Z,” previously known as Zoe TV Channel 11. It is owned by Brother Eddie Villanueva, who sits as Deputy Speaker at the House.

ACT Teachers’ Party-list Rep. France Castro who, like Brosas, is an Assistant Minority Leader, meanwhile, recalled the thousands of media employees who were forced to leave their jobs due to the shutdown and the “continued threats, harassment, red-tagging, arrests, and other forms of attacks” against journalists and workers from other sectors.

“Filipinos remember, so whoever Duterte’s candidates are in the upcoming elections would be marked as candidates under a regime that is threatened by the free press, public discourse, and a nation that speaks up and fights for its rights,” said Castro.

The shutdown of ABS-CBN was the second time in Philippine history. It was first forced off the air in September 1972 when then President Ferdinand Marcos placed the country under Martial Law.

Duterte had been publicly ranting against the embattled network since he assumed office in 2016, saying it failed to air his campaign commercials. In a Senate hearing, however, he accepted the apology of ABS-CBN President Carlo Katigbak for airing an anti-Duterte ad that was paid for by the opposition.

“This 2022, we hope we will elect a leader who [would] overturn this crazy madman’s show,” Brosas said in a statement. “Kailangang ibalik ang ABS-CBN at igalang ang kalayaan sa pamamahayag pati na ang karapatan ng publiko sa impormasyon (The government should bring back ABS-CBN and learn to respect the freedom of the press and the right of the public to information).”

https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/05/05/news/abs-cbn-shutdown-major-electoral-agenda-in-2022-polls-house-leaders/870209/

7 barko ng China, pinaalis ng PCG sa Sabina Shoal

(UPDATE) — Nag-iba ang takbo ng joint maritime exercise ng Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) at Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) sa Sabina Shoal noong nakaraang linggo nang paalisin nito sa teritoryo ng Pilipinas ang 7 barko na kalauna’y nalamang galing China.

LOOK: 7 ships identified as Chinese Maritime Militia Vessels were chased off Sabina Shoal in the West Philippine Sea on April 27 during a joint maritime exercise by the PH Coast Guard & BFAR

📸:PCG pic.twitter.com/SwmAykvl85

— Anjo Bagaoisan (@anjo_bagaoisan) May 5, 2021

Ayon kay Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Armando Balilo, nasa lugar ang barkong BRP Cabra at dalawa pang barko ng BFAR nang mamataan ang una’y 7 unidentified foreign vessel bandang alas-9 ng umaga ng Abril 27.

Nasa halos 120 kilometro ang Sabina Shoal mula sa Mapankal Point ng Rizal, Palawan.

Nakaangkla roon ang mga barko na nadiskubreng mga China maritime militia vessel.

Agad niradyuhan ng Coast Guard sa mga barko para igiit na nasa Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone ang mga ito at pinagpapakilala sila.

Kasama sa mga hiningi ang pangalan ng mga barko, bakit naroon sila at kung saan sila nanggaling at patungo.

Sabi ng PCG, 3 beses hindi sinagot ang pagraradyo nila kaya nilapitan na ng 3 barko ng Pilipinas ang mga Chinese militia vessel. Doon nag-angat ng angkla at nagpaandar ng makina ang mga ito. 

Matatandaang noong Marso nagparada ang Tsina ng 200 barko sa Julian Felipe or Whitsun Reef.

Noong Abril, may naganap ding parehong paghahamon ng barko ng Chinese military sa sasakyan ng mga Pilipinong mangingisda na kasama ng ABS-CBN news team na patungong Ayungin Shoal.

Nitong linggo naman, humingi ng paumanhin si Foreign Affairs Sec. Teodoro Locsin Jr. dahil sa pagmumura sa tweet na gumigiiit na umalis na ang Tsina sa mga isla ng Pilipinas sa West Philippine Sea.

Nanawagan naman si Duterte sa Tsina noong Lunes na hayaan nitong makapangisda nang mapayapa roon ang mga Pilipino, at idinagdag na nananatiling ‘benefactor’ ang Tsina sa Pilipinas.

Samantala, may sagot naman si Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque kay retired Supreme Court senior Associate Justice Antonio Caprio na sinabing "grand estafa" ang sinabi ni Duterte na hindi sya nangakong ibabalik ang mga teritoryo ng Pilipinas na inangkin ng Tsina.

"Kung estapador po ang Presidnte eh ano tawag sa kaniya na siya mismo ang sumulat ng desisyon kung saan nawala ang sangkatutak na teritoryo natin? But we will not stoop down to his level... Panagutan niya ang kaniyang desisyon, panagutan ni dating [Foreign Affairs] Secretary Albert [Del Rosario] ang pagkawala ng Scarborough," patutsada ni Roque.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/05/21/7-barko-ng-china-pinaalis-ng-pcg-sa-sabina-shoal

ABS-CBN 'never silenced' even after year off air: NUJP

ABS-CBN Corp. was "never silenced" even a year after it was forced to shut down operations by government, a group of journalists said Wednesday.

The shutdown of the country's largest broadcasting company displaced thousands of workers, including those in its regional network, and "denied millions access to news and information" during the pandemic, said the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines.

It added that the network's closure contributed to the Philippines' decline on the World Press Freedom Index and "has drawn comparisons to Marcos' martial law."

"Throughout all this and despite continued attacks and online harassment, ABS-CBN and its courageous journalists have continued to report over the internet and have remained constant companions in dealing with what has become the 'new normal,'" it said.

"We commend the Kapamilyas who have refused to be cowed into silence...We stand with them today in the hope—the certainty—that ABS-CBN will be back on air and will continue the vital work that it has been doing to inform as well as entertain in the service of the Filipino."

In July, a House committee, a majority of which were composed of President Rodrigo Duterte's allies, voted to deny the network a fresh franchise. It followed two months since its free TV and radio broadcast were shuttered at the lapse of its franchise. 

"We refuse to forget how Malacañang wielded the state machinery to clamp down on one of the biggest media outlets in the country. We will not forget all those who were instrumental in this wanton violation of press freedom," it said.

"More than anything, the closure of ABS-CBN proves how the tyrant fears truth-tellers."

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/05/21/abs-cbn-never-silenced-even-after-year-off-air-nujp

Esperon slams Chinese Coast Guard acts targeting PH Coast Guard ships in Scarborough

Chinese militia ships spotted in Sabina Shoal, leave after PH Coast Guard challenge

The government task force handling West Philippine Sea affairs on Tuesday denounced Chinese Coast Guard activities targeting Philippine Coast Guard ships in the Scarborough Shoal area in April.

Task force head and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon said the "shadowing, blocking, dangerous maneuvers and radio challenges" by the Chinese Coast Guard on vessels BRP Gabriela Silang and BRP Sindangan were a "violation of (Philippine) sovereignty." 

According to the task force statement, those activities happened during "legitimate" patrols and maritime exercises in the vicinity of the Scarborough Shoal on April 24 and 25. 

"We condemn in the strongest terms" those acts, Esperon said.

He emphasized that the Philippines remained keen to protect its "national interest, patrimony and our dignity as a people."

Esperon made the statement amid high tensions between Manila and Beijing over disputed waters in the South China Sea. 

"The government is firm in its resolve to protect what is ours for the benefit of the Filipinos," he said.

"We reiterate our call to all nations and stakeholders to reconsider their actions, cooperate and comply with their international obligations."

The task force has said Chinese ships have been sighted in the West Philippine Sea since early March, defying instructions from Filipino officials to withdraw.

Esperon said that on April 27, PCG vessel BRP Cabra, with two other Filipino vessels, went to the Sabina Shoal situated west of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and saw 7 Chinese maritime militia (CMMs) ships anchored in "stationary linear formation" in the area.

"The crew of BRP Cabra issued a series of challenges to the offending vessels but elicited no response from the CMMs. After around 20 minutes, however, the CMMs vessels dispersed and left the shoal after being challenged by BRP Cabra," he said.

According to the official, the Cabra returned to Sabina on April 29 and again saw 5 Chinese ships. They left as the Philippine Coast Guard vessel arrived.

Personnel from the PCG and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources have been conducting maritime drills in disputed waters in efforts to increase Filipino presence in the area.

"The NTF-WPS emphasizes that the maritime exercises and patrols routinely conducted by the PCG and BFAR are part of the maritime law enforcement activities of its member agencies in the exercise of Philippine sovereignty and sovereign rights over our territorial seas and EEZ, respectively," Esperon said.

He said Beijing will impose a ban on Chinese fishing vessels "in the areas of the South China Sea north of the 12th parallel" from May 1 to August 16.

"This fishing ban does not apply to our fishermen and the NTF-WPS opposes China’s imposition of the same over the areas within the territory and jurisdiction of the Philippines. The NTF-WPS reiterates that our fisherfolk are encouraged to go out and fish in our waters in the WPS," Esperon said.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. earlier tweeted: “China, my friend, how politely can I put it? Let me see… O…GET THE F*** OUT" as the foreign office protested China's illegal presence in the West Philippine Sea. 

He later apologized for his statement.

In response, China on Tuesday told Locsin to mind his "basic manners."

Beijing does not recognize the 2016 ruling of an arbitral tribunal in The Hague, which junked its "historical" claims to almost the entire South China Sea, within which is the smaller West Philippine Sea, the country's exclusive economic zone in the disputed waters. 

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/05/21/esperon-task-force-chinese-coast-guard-west-ph-sea

Duterte to face 'time of reckoning' for ABS-CBN shutdown, journo says

President Rodrigo Duterte will face a "time of reckoning" in the 2022 elections for ordering the shutdown of ABS-CBN, an award-winning veteran journalist said Wednesday.

"I think the President's people especially Harry Roque did not succeed in convincing the public that President Duterte has nothing to do with the shutdown because everyone in government from the NTC (National Telecommunications Commission) and Congress, which is controlled by the President because of the tremendous support from his allies in Congress, would show that everything was done because of Duterte's wishes," Manny Mogato told ANC.

"I think there will be a time of reckoning for his action maybe in 1 year. During elections," the Pulitzer-prize winning reporter added.

For Mogato, the shutdown of the country's former leading media and entertainment company has "changed the way of life" of Filipinos.

"The impact is more on the people who are deprived of information, especially news coming from a legitimate and reputable organization," he said.

The broadcaster's exit from free television also created a chilling effect on the rest of the industry, ABS-CBN News reporter Mike Navallo said.

"It can't take away the fact that taking out the largest media organization in the Philippines already creates a chilling effect to the rest of the media in the Philippines," he said. 

"Imagine, the biggest network [and] the President can shut it down or his supporters in Congress. Well, that says a lot. What will now be the position of those who are not as well known, who are not as big as ABS-CBN."

The country's telecoms body shut down ABS-CBN's free TV and radio operations on May 5, 2020, a day after its franchise was left to expire despite a long-pending renewal application at the House of Representatives.

A month later, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) served 2 cease-and-desist orders against ABS-CBN's digital broadcast in Metro Manila and its sister company Sky Cable's direct broadcast satellite service nationwide.

On July 10, 2020, the Committee on Legislative Franchises denied the network's franchise bid after conducting 13 hearings, which tackled various issues such as alleged labor and tax violations and foreign ownership in mass media.

ABS-CBN was first shut down in 1972 when dictator Ferdinand Marcos imposed martial law. 

Some 48 years later, the network was forced off the air under the Duterte administration, which local and international groups condemned as a brazen attack on press freedom.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/05/21/duterte-to-face-time-of-reckoning-for-abs-cbn-shutdown-journo-says

2 parish priest sa Bukidnon magkasunod na namatay dahil sa COVID-19

Dalawang parish priest sa diyosesis ng Malaybalay, Bukidnon ang nasawi dahil sa COVID-19.

Ayon sa diocese, nasawi si Fr. Diomedes Brigoli noong Sabado at si Fr. Pablo Salengua nitong Martes sa Northern Mindanao Medical Center.

Sila'y parehong kuro paroko ng Sts. Peter and Paul Church sa Dalirig, Manolo Fortich.

Para maiwasan ang hawaan ng COVID-19, isinailalim muna sa lockdown ang residence ng obispo ng diocese.

Nag-negatibo sa rapid antigen test ang staff ng naturang residence.

Kasalukuyang nagluluksa at nanawagan ng dasal ang diyosesis sa pagkamatay ng dalawang pari.--Ulat ni PJ dela Pena 

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/05/21/2-parish-priest-sa-bukidnon-magkasunod-na-namatay-dahil-sa-covid-19

CIAC cites P20.5B DITO investments

 The Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) lauded DITO Telecommunity Corp.’s P20.5 billion  infrastructure investment in Clark as “a welcome respite to interrupted businesses because of the pandemic”.

DITO’s Google campus-inspired data center which recently broke ground at the Clark Global City will further boost business activities in Clark, according to CIAC president Aaron Aquino.

The mixed-use business district, Clark Global City, is located within the Clark Civil Aviation Complex owned and managed by the CIAC. 

“The government needs to keep the economy running even as we battle the pandemic and DITO’s ideal investment here at the strategic and disaster-resilient Clark Global City has a cascading impact on driving employment and attracting multiple local and foreign investments,” he explained.

The aviation complex is also home to the privately-run Clark International Airport, transport hubs, and several locators in cargo and aviation-related businesses.

“There’s a sharp growth in the consumption of communications services and DITO showcases the importance of always-on connectivity and job generation,”  Aquino pointed out. 

DITO is initially investing P13.6-billion in the first year, with an additional P6.9 billion in the subsequent four years.

The telco is hiring  800 workers in the first year, most likely residents of cities and towns surrounding Clark, and up to 4,500 locals on its fifth year of operations.

Aside from the state-of-the-art data center, DITO’s eight-hectare operations center will include a serve-call center, a regional center and a research and development facility.

Ang laki ng investment ni DITO sa Clark Global City (CGC) and in 5 years, pag medyo controlled na ang pandemic, around 5,000 to 100,000 plus ang employees ng DITO, together with the full operation of 5 Aero Park buildings and the NSCR Clark Station, medyo mabubuhay na ang foot traffic sa CGC, pwede na tayuan ng mga Hotels and Malls na naka plano na rin. Even SM has a huge leased lot in CGC.

https://www.skyscrapercity.com/threads/angeles-city-and-pampanga-province.2300505/page-10#post-173372689

Local journalists want protection amid hearing of Anti-Terror Law arguments

Philippine journalists on Monday demanded government to protect their rights and safety amid the ongoing oral arguments on the Anti-Terrorism Law.

At least 17 media organizations and 78 journalists signed a statement joining other petitions challenging the validity of the Anti-Terrorism Act, which could lead to human rights violations due to its provisions.

"Section 9 of the ATA proscribes speech, proclamations, writings, emblems, and banners that fall under the new crime of 'inciting to terrorism,' imposing a penalty of 12 years in prison," the statement read.

"As the law fails to provide a clear definition of terrorism and is vague about what constitutes acts of terrorism, Section 9 could make media practitioners vulnerable to wrongful charges and arrests, producing a chilling effect on all media practice."

Sen. Panfilo Lacson, who sponsored the Anti-Terror bill at the Senate, and other officials have repeatedly defended the measure, which critics said could be used to tag government critics as terrorists.

Lacson said the bill has "enough safeguards against abuse," including a 10-year jail term and perpetual disqualification from public service for law enforcers violating the rights of suspected terrorists.

But Philippine media said the protection clauses "fly in the face" of news organizations and journalists who have been red-tagged and branded as “terrorists” by government officials.

"With the government’s anti-insurgency campaign causing a rise in killings of activists, we fear for the safety of our colleagues," the statement read.

"We call on the government to uphold the freedom of the press. We demand that the rights and safety of journalists and media houses be respected and protected at all time."

Last month, the Supreme Court resumed hearing the oral arguments on the Anti-Terrorism Law through videoconferencing, 2 weeks after the strictest lockdown in the NCR Plus bubble was lifted. 

At least 37 petitions have been filed against the law by various groups.

Concerns over press freedom in the Philippines increased after government ordered ABS-CBN, the country's largest broadcasting network, to close its TV and radio operations in May 2020 when its franchise expired. Congress refused to renew its franchise.

Prior to the shutdown, Duterte had threatened that he would allow ABS-CBN's franchise to be renewed.

news.abs-cbn.com is the official news website of ABS-CBN Corp.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/04/21/local-journalists-want-protection-amid-hearing-of-anti-terror-law-arguments

Nat’l ID ‘dream of every administrator in gov’t: Duterte

By Azer Parrocha

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday night praised the start of online registration of the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) on April 30.

This, after National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) chief Karl Chua apologized anew for “technical difficulties” that marred the pilot registration via the online portal for national ID registration.

“I have conveyed my sincerest apologies to the Filipino people for the inconvenience at ngayon po kausap namin araw-araw ang mga (and now we are speaking with) international and local experts para matulungan tayo na iimprove yung capacity. Dahil ito ay isang pilot (to help us improve the capacity. Because this is a pilot), we will make sure to learn from our experience,” Chua told Duterte in a pre-recorded meeting with core members of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) in Malacañang.

Duterte allayed Chua’s concern, saying he appreciated the effort to push through with the pilot registration despite encountering problems on the online portal.

“This is something which has been the dream of every administrator in government. I congratulate you. Do not worry. You have your precious time to the people. Saludo ako diyan (I salute that),” Duterte replied.

Duterte recalled how past administrations have attempted to implement some form of national ID systems but failed due to protests from the Left.

“Matagal na talagang gusto natin ‘yan, ang problema ang una (We wanted to have a national ID system a long time ago, but the problem is first, the loudest you could hear at the time was the Left. Ayaw nila kasi (They disapprove of it because) it will identify [them]. May syndrome e, may syndrome sila so di natin masisisi (They have a syndrome so we can’t blame them),” he said.

Chua said the website, which is designed to accommodate 16,000 simultaneous users per minute, peaked at 35,000.

He said some 46,000 Filipinos, or three times the normal capacity, wanted to register at the same time in the first minute.

As a result, many were not served as the system experienced slowness and downtime, he added.

He also thanked Filipinos who have registered and are waiting to be registered for the national ID.

“Yung pagdagsa po nila sa registration last April 30 online ay isang patunay na maraming Pilipino ang may gustong kumuha ng national ID at pag may national ID na po sila ay mabibigyan pa natin sila ng mas maraming serbisyo at matutulungan natin yung recovery ng ating bansa (The influx of people in registration last April 30 is a proof that many Filipinos want to get a national ID and if they have a national ID, we can give them more services and we can help the recovery of our country,” he said.

In 2018, Duterte signed Republic Act 11055 or the Philippine Identification System Act, to establish a single national ID for all Filipinos and resident aliens.

Economic managers have said the national ID would help hasten the distribution of aid, broaden access to financial services, and streamline the Covid-19 vaccination program.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1138970

PH ‘doing good’ in fight against Covid-19

By Azer Parrocha

The Philippines is “doing good” in its fight against Covid-19 compared to other countries, President Rodrigo Duterte said on Monday night.

In a pre-recorded public address, Duterte made the remark while praising Health Secretary Francisco Duque III for leading the country’s efforts to respond to the prevailing pandemic.

“Compared with other countries, which is not really the time to make comparisons, but we’re doing good in the fight against Covid. And Secretary Duque is the hero there,” he said.

Citing the health department’s case bulletin, Duterte said it is worth looking at the country’s total Covid-19 recoveries instead of just the total number of infections.

As of Monday, health authorities recorded 7,255 new Covid-19 cases bringing the total active cases to 69,466. Covid-19 recoveries increased to 975,234 with the addition of 9,214 new recovered patients.

“When you try to figure out the actual numbers of the Covid cases, yung na-contaminate, recovery, tapos nakalabas na, kindly pag-aralan ninyo kung ilan ang nagkasakit at ilang ang gumaling (those who were contaminated, recovered and were discharged from the hospital, kindly study how many how many are getting sick and how many are recovering),” he said.

Duterte assured the public that the government is working “diligently” to slow down the spread of the virus.

“I assure you that we are all working diligently and truthfully. At gusto namin talagang makatulong (We really want to help),” he said.

More vaccines

While he admitted that the country is far from acquiring enough Covid-19 vaccines to inoculate the target 50 to 70 million Filipinos, Duterte noted that more vaccines are coming.

“We still have to have the vaccines in numbers because we have plenty of Filipinos to vaccinate,” he said.

The country now has three brands of Covid-19 vaccines in its inventory namely “Sputnik V” from Russia’s Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, “CoronaVac” from China’s Sinovac Biotech, and “AstraZeneca” from a British-Swedish manufacturing company of the same name.

He is also optimistic of the government’s procurement of vaccines from different manufacturers.

“Wala tayong problema, sa tingin ko (We don’t have a problem, I think), in the acquisition ng bakuna (of vaccines) because we have at least some guarantees from countries who honor the contract at darating ‘yan ng panahon kailangan natin (and they will come at the time we need them),” he said.

He, however, expressed hope that vaccines acquired by the country would also be effective against new coronavirus variants.

“Let us just pray that itong mga (these) variants, itong mga (these) mutants will not go haywire. ‘Yan ang bantayan natin. Baka hindi na ma-control ng isang bakuna lang and we do not have insight yet kung anong pinag-aralan ng mga scientists (That’s what we should monitor. Maybe it can no longer be controlled by one vaccine and we do not have insight yet about what scientists are studying),” he said.

Duterte urged the country’s scientists to rise up to the challenge of learning more about the new strains of the virus.

“This would be another challenge maybe to our native scientists to work harder tsaka kaya man nila ito kung talagang trabahuin nila. Hindi man tayo nagkulang (and they can actually do it if they really work on it. We did not lack in providing them what they need). We will provide them with all that is necessary really to make a conclusive finding if they have one,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1138969

MOA on cables interconnection ‘vital’ to reach far-flung areas

The Department of Energy (DOE) said the memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed between the National Transmission Corp. (TransCo) and the First Catanduanes Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (FICELCO) is vital in providing a stand-alone system to far-flung areas which are not yet connected to the main grid.

“DOE makes sure that the national policies are properly implemented and executed. As mentioned by President Duterte, we must finish our projects within this administration,” DOE Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said during the signing ceremony on April 30.

With the signing of the deal, residents of Catanduanes may now look forward to a more stable and reliable electricity at a lower price as it will pave the way for the island’s interconnection to Luzon Grid and for a modern system operation.

The island interconnection will also benefit all consumers in the country since FICELCO will no longer be needing subsidies that reflect to the consumer’s electricity bills as Universal Charges for Missionary Electrification (UCME).

TransCo, represented by President & CEO Atty. Melvin A. Matibag, and FICELCO, represented by Board President Dir. Rodulfo B. Vargas Sr. and General Manager Engr. Raul V. Zafe, forged an agreement for the construction and installation of 69-kV sub-transmission submarine electric cable lines from Presentacion/Caramoan, Camarines Sur to Codon, Catanduanes.

Under the agreement, TransCo shall:

* Conduct the feasibility study, including hydrographic analysis for the engineering design of the Catanduanes Island Interconnection to Luzon Grid;

* Develop—through Engineering, Procurement, and Construction—the Catanduanes Island Interconnection to Luzon Grid;

* Establish an Island Control Center, including Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), and telecommunications system for System Operation; and

* Enhance the technical capability of FICELCO in developing, operating, and maintaining the 69-kV transmission system, among others.

TransCo will likewise initially operate and maintain the 69-kV sub-transmission interconnection and turn over these duties to FICELCO upon development of its technical capabilities. It will also perform all functions of System Operator (SO) in optimal dispatching of power plants to achieve least-cost generation of electricity and real-time control of the power grid to maintain a stable, secure, reliable, and efficient power system.

In a separate message, Matibag said the partnership with FICELCO is just the beginning of the TransCo’s plan to interconnect small island grids to Luzon Grid to address lingering power-related issues.

He also thanked the DOE for the trust and confidence by designating TransCo to perform as System Operator in off-grid areas and to provide the needed technical assistance of the electric cooperatives.

Pursuant to DoE’s Memorandum Order dated 4 February 2021, TransCo was mandated to be the Off-Grid SO for any small-grid or off-grid power system with more than one power supplier.

"It is our privilege to become instrumental in empowering and stabilizing power in our small islands. We are one with the Energy Family in addressing the inadequate, unreliable, and costly power supply and delivery system,” Matibag said.

He said by interconnecting the small islands to the main grid and performing independent [System Operator], “disputes among the service providers and controversies related to procurement of power supply shall be put to an end.”

Also present at the MoA signing were Catanduanes Governor Joseph C. Cua and Lone District Representative Hector S. Sanchez.

“The construction and installation of the submarine electric cable distribution is not just a testament [to] this country's innovation, but is [also] a worthwhile investment that will economically benefit the Catandunganon,” Cua said.

Sanchez, the proponent of House Bill No. 01194 which provides for the in-principle approval of the said agreement between TransCo and FIELCO, said the project would save the national government and Catandunganon around PHP6 to PHP20 billion in savings and “assure citizens of zero brownouts and a cheaper cost of electricity in the long run.”

TransCo, a government-owned and controlled corporation operating under the DOE, is the owner of country’s power transmission assets.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1138968

Austal aims to be shipbuilder of choice in PH, region

The takeover of Multiply social network in Pasig, which made the Philippines the fifth biggest social networking service in the world, may be finalized in the next month or two, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steven Robinson has said. 

In a virtual briefing, Robinson said he was "hopeful" that some progress in the negotiations would be finalized in the "next month or two."

"It's still in kind of commercially in confidence so I cannot get too much into the details, but nevertheless, let's hope that there's a positive outcome, which will see Austal expand further here in the Philippines," Robinson added.

Austal is a major global shipbuilder and defense contractor based in Australia.

Earlier, reports said Austal and US-based Cerberus were jointly bidding to take over the Multiply website, which was up for sale after its Indonesian operator filed for bankruptcy in November 2015.

Robinsons said Austal has committed to invest further in the Philippines and become a shipbuilder of choice not just for the country but also the wider region.

"That Hanjin facility, if that comes to the fore, would be a marvelous way to enable that in conjunction with the facility that it has already invested in significantly," he noted.

With the growing maritime relations between the Philippines and Australia, Robinsons also highlighted their stern position in preserving the freedom of navigation and trade in the contested South China Sea.

"Australia's got a position on the South China Sea and the West Philippine Sea and it's a principles-based position," he said. 

"What we say is that all countries should subscribe to the rules and the norms and the laws that govern the free passage through international waters."

Robinsons added: "therefore, we are concerned if there's any action taken by any country that seeks to inhibit that free passage and the freedom of navigation."

He also said, "If we see anything that is unfortunate along those lines then Australia will express its views which we have done in the past and we will continue to do so."

Robinsons also emphasized that while "certain countries" would not like their perspectives on the matter, they are "taking a principled approach." 

Manila has been ramping up its maritime presence in the West Philippine Sea with several western powers like the US and the United Kingdom also sending their own navies to the contested waters amid heightened military activities of China in the area.

The West Philippine Sea is the country's exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea, 90 of which is being claimed by China. 

Beijing does not recognize the 2016 ruling of an arbitral tribunal in The Hague, which junked its "historical" claims to the disputed waters.

Aside from being a strategic naval position, the South China Sea also carries around a third of global shipping, making it an extremely important trade route.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/05/03/21/austal-shipbuilder-philippines-hanjin-shipyard-subic

Learn How To Live Without Clutter

Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.  Luke 12:15, KJV

Have you ever heard it said that three moves are as good as a fire?  What that means is that every time you move, you throw out things, good things too, which you would like to keep but there is no room to keep them.  Why didn’t you toss it out a long time ago?  You kept it because you were sure it was too good to throw away, so you put it in the closet or stored it in your garage.  Eventually, you have to reckon with it.  If you want to label the disorder, call it, “CLUTTER!”  It isn’t only our closets which eventually suffer from clutter.  Clutter is a disease of the brain, even of the heart, as well as the closet.

Long ago Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3), but nobody wants to be poor, either in spirit or in material possessions.  It’s a universal malady, too.  Wherever I’ve been in the world, and no matter how much or how little people have, when they see or meet people with more, they become dissatisfied with what they have.

Everybody delights in being able to say, “This is mine!” or that house, or those buildings are mine.  A spiritual giant of a generation ago, A. W. Tozer, faced the issue squarely when he wrote, “The pronouns, ‘my’ and ‘mine’ look innocent enough in print, but their constant and universal use is significant.  They express the real nature of the old Adamic man better than a thousand volumes of theology could do.  They are verbal symptoms of our deep disease.  The roots of our hearts have grown down into things, and we dare not pull up one rootlet lest we die.”

Clutter becomes a disease which is consuming.  The more you have, the more you want; and the more you get, the more you become convinced that you must have more.  Lost has been the freedom of simplicity that has strength coming from within.  Today the issue isn’t simply a matter of things, it is an issue of the things which have you, the things which consume your time, your interest, and your very life.

When Jesus was here, He often made people uncomfortable because He didn’t play games.  He cut to the very heart of issues, stripping away the veneers of hypocrisy and superficiality which have always made us comfortable.  He said bluntly, “Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Luke 12:15, KJV).

In one of his books Alexander Solzhenitsyn tells how he was arrested, and item by item, his captors took away the things which had been meaningful to him‑‑his home, his books, his papers, his family.  Finally, all that he had was what he had within, and Solzhenitsyn said that he was never richer than when he knew they could not take away the treasures within his heart.

In 1978, Solzhenitsyn addressed the graduating class at Harvard University.  His sober words were a scathing denouncement of the decadence of a society built upon “things.”  He concluded, saying, “If the world has not come to its end, it has approached a major turn in history equal in importance to the turn from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance.  It will exact from us a spiritual upsurge, we shall have to rise to a new height of vision, to a new level of life where our physical nature will not be cursed as in the Middle Ages, but, even more important, our spiritual being will not be trampled upon as in the Modern Era. . . No one on earth has any other way left‑‑but upward.”

If Solzhenitsyn’s words were true years ago, how much more are they true today!

Resource reading: Luke 12:16-21.

https://www.guidelines.org/devotional/learn-how-to-live-without-clutter/

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