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MANILA – The number of overseas Filipinos diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) has reached 1,185 as 63 new cases were recorded on Friday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported.

"Of the 43 countries and regions with confirmed Covid-19 cases among overseas Filipinos, the DFA reports today 63 new cases, giving a total of almost 1,200 confirmed cases (410 DOH IHR [Department of Health International Health Regulations] verified) across the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East/Africa," DFA Assistant Secretary Eduardo Meñez said.

Compared to the previous figures, Meñez said the rates of new confirmed cases at 5.61 percent and new deaths at 9.62 percent are higher than the rate of confirmed recoveries at 4.25 percent.

As of Friday, the recoveries have increased to 319 and the death toll to 177, two of whom were recorded in Asia and the Pacific, 59 in Europe, 13 in the Middle East/Africa, and 103 in the Americas.

The department assured it would continue providing assistance to overseas Filipinos as needed.

"With today's pronouncement extending the ECQ (enhanced community quarantine) in NCR (National Capital Region) and several 'high-risk' areas in the country, the DFA, through its Foreign Service Posts, continues to partner with local health authorities and agencies as they continue to implement measures to 'flatten the curve' of the Covid-19 pandemic, in cooperation with our nationals abroad," Meñez said. (PNA)  



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MANILA – Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go on Friday appealed to businesses and investors to support his proposed "Balik Probinsya" program which primarily aims to mitigate and resolve long-standing issues in urban areas, especially Metro Manila, spurring rural development after the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) crisis is over.

"Sa mga negosyante po, sana ay magbukas kayo ng mga factory, planta, o ano pa mang job opportunities sa mga kababayan nating Pilipino na gusto na pong manatili sa kanilang mga probinsya (To businessmen, please open factories, plants or any job opportunities to our fellow Filipinos who already wish to stay in their provinces)," Go said, noting that investments in the countryside will attract more people to eventually go back to the provinces.

"This would also lead to rural development," he added.

He said the proposal also has the added benefit of reuniting families that have been separated for a long time due to jobs that require employees to relocate to business districts.

With the proposed "Balik Probinsya" program, the chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography noted that the government can also facilitate the decongestion of the metropolis, which will eventually help solve perennial issues of overpopulation, heavy traffic, and pollution, as well as in preparing for future possible disease outbreaks, other crises, and natural disasters.

"Decongesting urban areas will mitigate and resolve long-standing issues that accelerate the spread of diseases like Covid-19 due to highly dense communities resulting in a faster rate of transmission, poor sanitation, overburdened health care facilities, and inefficiencies in the delivery of services," he said.

The Balik Probinsya program is one of the long-term solutions proposed by Go to current problems that have adversely affected the country's ability to respond to the Covid-19 health crisis.

The program aims to assist Filipino families who wish to relocate to the provinces after the state of public health emergency and the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) measures are lifted.

The program includes providing incentives and livelihood opportunities to those who wish to go back to their respective provinces when the Covid-19 outbreak has been finally controlled.

Go said once this proposal becomes a national priority, its implementation will result to the more efficient delivery of public goods and services that can benefit all regions and would also lead to equitable development all throughout the country.

The Balik Probinsya program has already garnered the full support of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), with Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez assuring Friday that the government would provide incentives for businesses that will open in the provinces.

He said the government will also provide financial assistance to those who seek to open micro, small or medium enterprises in the provinces.

Meanwhile, Go said the government must be ready to provide the public with the means and incentives to go back to the provinces for good once the Covid-19 crisis is resolved.

While admitting that this will not be an easy feat given the massive preparations needed to be undertaken to implement the move in such limited time, he stressed that decongesting Metro Manila and other metropolitan areas have to be done immediately to put an end to recurring problems.

"Magtulungan at magbayanihan po tayo para malampasan ang krisis na ito. Sa bawat problema nating hinaharap, oportunidad rin ito na magkaroon ng mas maayos at mas matatag na bansa (Let us help and cooperate with each other to overcome this crisis. For every problem we face, there is also the opportunity to have a more progressive and stronger nation)," Go said. (PNA)



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MANILA – The Philippine Army (PA) on Friday sought the help of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to look into the case of a former soldier who was shot and killed by a police officer at a quarantine checkpoint in Barangay Pasong Putik in Quezon City.

In a letter addressed to NBI OIC-director Eric Distor, PA chief Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay requested an impartial investigation in view of the apparent conflicting claims of police operatives involved, witness accounts, and materials available from open sources, to include video footages of the incident.

Gapay said apparent pre-judgment by police investigators prompted the PA to seek help from the NBI so that justice may be served for retired Cpl. Winston Ragos and his family.

The incident, he said, has also raised awareness and concern on the plight of soldiers suffering from mental health disorders incurred during their military service.

Gapay ordered the PA staff to review existing policies and programs dealing with combat stress, trauma risk management, and other health concerns related to mental health.

He added that assistance to Ragos' family is now being facilitated.

Gapay also reiterated that the Army puts a premium on the well-being of its personnel, active or retired, especially those who have left the service with "scars of war" and those who suffered mental challenges in the line of duty like of Ragos, who was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

"What happened to Cpl. Ragos was unfortunate but an avoidable event. Let his death serve as an awakening on the plight of other soldiers who are being plagued by the traumas of war," he said.

"The Army assures the family of Ragos that it will extend to them the assistance they need," Gapay said.

He also ordered to look for the other retired soldiers out there suffering from the same conditions as Ragos, for the provision of appropriate assistance.

"The Philippine Army prioritizes taking care of our troops and sustaining the wellbeing of our soldiers and their families," Gapay added. (PNA)



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MANILA – The joint circular between government agencies for the seizure of goods from smugglers, profiteers, and hoarders has been finalized, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said Friday.

In a press statement, Justice Undersecretary and spokesperson Markk Perete said the Departments of Justice, Trade and Industry, Health, Interior and Local Government, and Agriculture, as well as the Bureau of Customs, have finalized the joint circular for the seizure, forfeiture, and disposition of basic or prime commodities, and health products and other goods necessary to address the coronavirus disease 2019 (CoVid-19), and articles of prime necessity pending preliminary investigation or trial.

The circular deputizes the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and other law enforcement agencies to conduct operations against persons and establishments violating the Price Act or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), and to confiscate goods from said persons or establishments.

The goods will be turned over to either the DTI, DOH, DA, or DOH, as the case may be, which shall then initiate summary proceedings for the seizure of the goods.

Under the circular upon presentation of substantial evidence that the goods were imported, held or otherwise possessed by the person or establishment in violation of the Price Act or the CMTA, the goods will be formally seized and thereafter either forfeited in favor of the government or disposed of in accordance with the law.

In cases where the law requires the holding of a public auction or sale as a mode of disposition, the government is given the preference to purchase the goods at the existing suggested retail price (SRP).

In the absence of an SRP, the purchase will be at the market price. When permitted by law, an outright donation to the government shall be resorted to.

The joint circular likewise required law enforcers and the agency conducting seizure proceedings to strictly follow rules on the inventory of confiscated goods so as to avoid compromising the criminal prosecution where such goods are originally supposed to be used as evidence.

It likewise directs prosecutors to cause the transfer of custody of these goods to the appropriate agency for seizure.

To guarantee the safety of goods and medical supplies, consultation with the Food and Drug Administration and other regulatory agencies is required prior to the seizure of confiscated goods.

The joint circular has been issued to ensure that prime commodities, especially medical supplies and personal protective equipment, seized from persons and establishments engaged in illegal importation, hoarding, price manipulation, and fraudulent practices are made immediately available for use by hospitals and medical facilities. (PNA)



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MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday condoled with the bereaved families of those who were killed in a mass shooting in Nova Scotia, Canada that happened between April 18 and April 19 (local time).

"The Department of Foreign Affairs is deeply saddened to hear of the shooting that took place this weekend in the province of Nova Scotia, Canada," the agency said in a statement.

"The Filipino people extend their heartfelt condolences to the families and communities suffering from this incident, and join all Canadians in mourning the loss of innocent lives," it added.

The incident, dubbed as the "worst shooting in Canadian history", took place in a number of sites as the killer reportedly drove several kilometers setting fires and shooting his "neighbors and strangers". The gunman, identified as Gabriel Wortman, disguised as a police officer in uniform and killed 22 people.

According to local news, he evaded local authorities for more than 12 hours before he was shot dead outside a gas station in Enfield, Nova Scotia. (PNA)



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MANILA – The number of overseas Filipinos diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) has reached 1,185 as 63 new cases were recorded on Friday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported.

"Of the 43 countries and regions with confirmed Covid-19 cases among overseas Filipinos, the DFA reports today 63 new cases, giving a total of almost 1,200 confirmed cases (410 DOH IHR [Department of Health International Health Regulations] verified) across the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East/Africa," DFA Assistant Secretary Eduardo Meñez said.

Compared to the previous figures, Meñez said the rates of new confirmed cases at 5.61 percent and new deaths at 9.62 percent are higher than the rate of confirmed recoveries at 4.25 percent.

As of Friday, the recoveries have increased to 319 and the death toll to 177, two of whom were recorded in Asia and the Pacific, 59 in Europe, 13 in the Middle East/Africa, and 103 in the Americas.

The department assured it would continue providing assistance to overseas Filipinos as needed.

"With today's pronouncement extending the ECQ (enhanced community quarantine) in NCR (National Capital Region) and several 'high-risk' areas in the country, the DFA, through its Foreign Service Posts, continues to partner with local health authorities and agencies as they continue to implement measures to 'flatten the curve' of the Covid-19 pandemic, in cooperation with our nationals abroad," Meñez said. (PNA)  



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MANILA – The number of overseas Filipinos diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) has reached 1,185 as 63 new cases were recorded on Friday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported.

"Of the 43 countries and regions with confirmed Covid-19 cases among overseas Filipinos, the DFA reports today 63 new cases, giving a total of almost 1,200 confirmed cases (410 DOH IHR [Department of Health International Health Regulations] verified) across the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East/Africa," DFA Assistant Secretary Eduardo Meñez said.

Compared to the previous figures, Meñez said the rates of new confirmed cases at 5.61 percent and new deaths at 9.62 percent are higher than the rate of confirmed recoveries at 4.25 percent.

As of Friday, the recoveries have increased to 319 and the death toll to 177, two of whom were recorded in Asia and the Pacific, 59 in Europe, 13 in the Middle East/Africa, and 103 in the Americas.

The department assured it would continue providing assistance to overseas Filipinos as needed.

"With today's pronouncement extending the ECQ (enhanced community quarantine) in NCR (National Capital Region) and several 'high-risk' areas in the country, the DFA, through its Foreign Service Posts, continues to partner with local health authorities and agencies as they continue to implement measures to 'flatten the curve' of the Covid-19 pandemic, in cooperation with our nationals abroad," Meñez said. (PNA)  



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MANILA – Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go on Friday appealed to businesses and investors to support his proposed "Balik Probinsya" program which primarily aims to mitigate and resolve long-standing issues in urban areas, especially Metro Manila, spurring rural development after the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) crisis is over.

"Sa mga negosyante po, sana ay magbukas kayo ng mga factory, planta, o ano pa mang job opportunities sa mga kababayan nating Pilipino na gusto na pong manatili sa kanilang mga probinsya (To businessmen, please open factories, plants or any job opportunities to our fellow Filipinos who already wish to stay in their provinces)," Go said, noting that investments in the countryside will attract more people to eventually go back to the provinces.

"This would also lead to rural development," he added.

He said the proposal also has the added benefit of reuniting families that have been separated for a long time due to jobs that require employees to relocate to business districts.

With the proposed "Balik Probinsya" program, the chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography noted that the government can also facilitate the decongestion of the metropolis, which will eventually help solve perennial issues of overpopulation, heavy traffic, and pollution, as well as in preparing for future possible disease outbreaks, other crises, and natural disasters.

"Decongesting urban areas will mitigate and resolve long-standing issues that accelerate the spread of diseases like Covid-19 due to highly dense communities resulting in a faster rate of transmission, poor sanitation, overburdened health care facilities, and inefficiencies in the delivery of services," he said.

The Balik Probinsya program is one of the long-term solutions proposed by Go to current problems that have adversely affected the country's ability to respond to the Covid-19 health crisis.

The program aims to assist Filipino families who wish to relocate to the provinces after the state of public health emergency and the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) measures are lifted.

The program includes providing incentives and livelihood opportunities to those who wish to go back to their respective provinces when the Covid-19 outbreak has been finally controlled.

Go said once this proposal becomes a national priority, its implementation will result to the more efficient delivery of public goods and services that can benefit all regions and would also lead to equitable development all throughout the country.

The Balik Probinsya program has already garnered the full support of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), with Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez assuring Friday that the government would provide incentives for businesses that will open in the provinces.

He said the government will also provide financial assistance to those who seek to open micro, small or medium enterprises in the provinces.

Meanwhile, Go said the government must be ready to provide the public with the means and incentives to go back to the provinces for good once the Covid-19 crisis is resolved.

While admitting that this will not be an easy feat given the massive preparations needed to be undertaken to implement the move in such limited time, he stressed that decongesting Metro Manila and other metropolitan areas have to be done immediately to put an end to recurring problems.

"Magtulungan at magbayanihan po tayo para malampasan ang krisis na ito. Sa bawat problema nating hinaharap, oportunidad rin ito na magkaroon ng mas maayos at mas matatag na bansa (Let us help and cooperate with each other to overcome this crisis. For every problem we face, there is also the opportunity to have a more progressive and stronger nation)," Go said. (PNA)



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KAPATAGAN, Lanao del Sur--The local government unit (LGU) here has enlisted the help of 235 reservists of the Army's 1006th Community Defense Center (CDC) and 10th Regional Community Defense Group (RCDG) as a support group in its relief distribution.

Kapatagan Mayor Raidah Maglangit said on Friday the reservists have also been tapped to implement the enhanced community quarantine to contain the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

Maglangit said the town's Army reservists, including herself, have been the LGU's partners in Covid-19 response since the start of the crisis.

"When we trained reservists in 2018, we did not think that there would be crisis like this. It just happened that we thought of preparing for calamities so that it would not be difficult for us to do the response and relief operations," said Maglangit, currently the designated commander of Charlie Company of 1006th Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion.

"The reservists are big help especially in filling up the few numbers of policemen. The Marines also have bigger areas to serve so we cannot really depend on them when it comes to relief operations," she added.

According to the mayor, she had no difficulty in enlisting the help of her fellow reservists as most of them are LGU employees whom she convinced to train in 2018.

"I encouraged them to join so that we will be all together in our response and relief operations," Maglangit said.

The municipality finished its first round of food relief distribution on Thursday, covering all the town's 15 barangays with 5,380 households.

Reservists helped distribute the food packs consisting five kilos of rice, five sardines, sugar and coffee.

The second round of distribution of food packs is scheduled next week.

As of Thursday, Kapatagan has no Covid-19 case although it is monitoring four persons after they traveled in areas with confirmed cases of the disease. (PNA)

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MANILA — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD1.5-billion loan to help the Philippine government fund its coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) response program and strengthen the country's health care system in its fight against the pandemic.

 

"This assistance is our largest budget support loan to the Philippines ever and reflects our strong commitment to providing cornerstone assistance swiftly and effectively to help the country mitigate the pandemic's devastating impact on Filipinos, particularly the poor and vulnerable, including women," ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa said in a statement Friday.

 

Asakawa said the most vulnerable are developing countries, especially those with densely populated cities such as the Philippines, amid the global pandemic.

 

"We commend the government for its leadership and clear actions in containing the spread of Covid-19, including scaling up its health response, enforcing an enhanced community quarantine in Luzon to save lives, and rolling out subsidy programs to affected segments of the population," he said.

 

The Philippines was among the first set of countries to implement strict social distancing measures through its enhanced community quarantine when it temporarily shuttered schools, government, and private businesses, while closing the borders on the entire Luzon island, where the capital Manila is located, starting 16 March. 

 

The Luzon region accounts for 50 percent of the Philippines' total population and generates more than 70 percent of gross domestic product. 

 

These measures have been effective in slowing the spread of the disease in the local community.

 

"We thank the ADB under the leadership of President Masatsugu Asakawa for swiftly responding to the Philippines' call for funding support in this time of crisis. We thank the bank as well for streamlining its operations to quickly deliver its assistance and for tripling the size of its response package from USD6.5 billion to USD20 billion to help developing member countries combat Covid-19," Philippine Finance Secretary and ADB Governor Carlos Dominguez said.

 

ADB's Covid-19 Active Response and Expenditure Support (CARES) Program will support the government's measures to help its citizens overcome the health, economic, and social costs of the pandemic by helping finance the country's Covid-19 response programs. 

 

Government actions include increased funding for social protection, especially for women who are primary household and family caregivers; small business relief assistance; and wider health measures to stop the spread of Covid-19 in the country.

 

The government's Covid-19 relief package includes well-designed and targeted support to Filipino families, including a PHP205 billion (USD4 billion) emergency subsidy program covering 18 million families engaged in the informal sector and a PHP51-billion small business wage subsidy to provide a lifeline for 3.4 million workers in the formal sector. 

 

These programs cover 85 percent of all Filipino families.

 

The CARES Program will establish a country engagement framework focused on supporting policy dialogue with the government as it implements its fiscal response program and bounce back strategy. 

 

ADB coordinated with other development partners in preparing the CARES Program for the Philippines.

 

The new financing is part of ADB's USD20-billion expanded assistance for developing member countries' Covid-19 response, which was announced on April 13.  

 

It also builds on the USD5-million grant approved on March 18 to deliver nutritious food baskets to up to 140,000 vulnerable households in Metro Manila and neighboring areas, in collaboration with the government and the private sector.

 

On March 13, ADB approved a USD3-million grant to help the Philippine government purchase emergency medical supplies and set up a new laboratory that will increase the country's Covid-19 testing capacity by 3,000 tests per day. 

 

The new laboratory is expected to be fully functional by mid-May 2020. ADB is also preparing additional financing for social protection and health projects in April and May this year, respectively. (PR)



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GENERAL SANTOS CITY – The city government has activated reporting hotlines for abuse and discrimination against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) front-liners and patients.

City Administrator Arnel Zapatos said in an advisory on Friday that the move was in line with Ordinance 31 or the "Anti-Covid-19 Discrimination Ordinance of General Santos City."

Passed by the City Council on April 14, the measure took effect on Monday.

Zapatos said the ordinance prohibits any form of abuse or discrimination against medical front-liners and other health care workers, as well as individuals who were identified as suspect, probable or confirmed Covid-19 patients.

Residents may report cases of abuse and discrimination against any Covid-19 front-liner or patient using dedicated hotlines, he said, assuring that the reports would immediately be acted on.

City Councilor Jose Edmar Yumang, co-author of the ordinance, said in an interview that the measure aims to protect front-liners and patients from verbal and physical abuses, as well as other discriminatory acts.

Yumang said these include harassment, public humiliation, and actions that could trigger bias and stigma against Covid-19 front-liners and patients.

"It covers the spreading of unfounded reports or posts in the print and social media," he said, adding that any public disclosure of the identities of suspected patients without authorization from the Department of Health and other related agencies is considered a violation of the ordinance.

Violators may face an outright fine of PHP5,000 and/or imprisonment of eight months to one year, depending on the court.

If the violator is an "unauthorized public officer", Yumang said the maximum penalty provided in the ordinance would be imposed.

The penalty also applies to public officers who fail to render proper assistance to suspected Covid-19 patients and front-liners who will seek movement clearance. (PNA)

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DAVAO CITY – Davao Oriental's lone city has welcomed the announcement of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) that it will soon downgrade to general community quarantine (GCQ) the existing enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in the city, as ordered by President Rodrigo Duterte Friday morning.

"The people of Mati welcomes the Palace directive placing the province of Davao Oriental under the General Community Quarantine. This is the new normal and we will abide by whatever guidelines the national government will impose. We have been under community quarantine for more than a month now and this GCQ declaration is our much-needed breather," Mayor Michelle Rabat said in a statement.

Nevertheless, Rabat said residents should still adhere to health measures in place even while on GCQ to prevent the spread of the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in the city.

"Keep wearing your face masks, maintain social distancing, frequently wash your hands, disinfect your homes. The war against Covid-19 is far from over," Rabat said.

Malacañang ordered the downgrading of quarantine measures on provinces that have not exhibited an increase in the number of Covid-19 infections.

In Davao Region, the provinces of Davao Occidental, Davao del Sur, and Davao Oriental were included in the downgrade order, while the provinces of Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, and Davao City will remain under ECQ.

According to Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, the GCQ "will be the new normal".

Under GCQ, Roque said every resident must still "observe social distancing, wear face masks, practice frequent handwashing and other health measures".

Areas under GCQ may allow workers in certain sectors to resume working in phases.

"Young people, senior citizens, and those with high health risks would stay at home," Roque said.

For GCQ areas, restricted mall opening covering non-leisure shops would be allowed. There will be mandatory temperature checks, mandatory wearing of masks, mandatory alcohol use. A limited number of people, particularly those aged 21 to 59, with identification cards and not looking sickly, would be allowed in establishments.

Priority and essential construction projects would likewise be allowed to resume, subject to minimum health standards, physical distancing, and barracks for workers.

Public transport modes would likewise be allowed to operate at reduced capacity. Local government units (LGUs) would enforce curfew at night for non-workers, Roque said. (PNA)

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DAGUPAN CITY —The city government here confirmed on Friday an additional four new coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) patients, bringing the total cases in the city to 11.

 

The Dagupan City Public Information Office (PIO) posted on its Facebook page that the laboratory test results received by the city government from the Baguio General Hospital indicated that the new cases are three medical front-liners and a 37-year-old woman.

 

"The medical front-liners work at the Region 1 Medical Center (R1MC), where they were exposed to Covid-19 cases being treated there. The 37-year-old woman, a resident of Barangay Bonuan Boquig, has a travel history to Mabini town Pangasinan, which she reached by foot," the post stated.

 

The PIO added the Department of Health and the City Health Office had begun conducting contact tracing.

 

Of the total 11 cases in the city, eight were medical front-liners.

 

"Mayor Marc Brian Lim reiterated his appeal to city residents to stay home and strictly follow quarantine rules," the PIO said.

 

Lim extended the extreme enhanced community quarantine (EECQ) in the city after President Rodrigo Duterte earlier extended the ECQ in Pangasinan until May 15, the post added.

 

The additional four new cases in Dagupan City ended the zero new cases trend in Pangasinan since April 15 when the number of confirmed cases remained at 36.

 

Of the total number of cases in the province, 23 have already recovered, while nine patients have died.

 

In a previous radio interview, Provincial Health Office chief, Dr. Anna Ma. Teresa de Guzman, attributed the big recovery rate in Pangasinan to the better treatment procedures by front-liners in the health sector and also to the early consultation of patients.

 

"The people of Pangasinan should follow home quarantine regulations, including social distancing strictly and to always wear face masks in public," she said.

 

De Guzman added the four remaining cases admitted to the hospitals are in stable condition with a strong chance to recover.

 

Two of the remaining cases are from Urdaneta City and one is from Laoac town, who are all confined at the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital in San Carlos City. The other patient from Dagupan City is currently confined at the Region 1 Medical Center.

 

The latest recovered patients in the province are a male from Rosales town and a female from Bayambang town.

 

The 49-year-old male from Rosales town was admitted at the PPH on April 5, while the 31-year-old female from Bayambang town was confined at her home since March 17.

 

There are a total of 230 suspect cases in the province as of 7 p.m. April 23. 

 

Of the total number, 164 have already recovered from the symptoms, while 44 have died, and 22 are still admitted to the hospitals.

 

The PHO confirmed that out of the 44 suspect cases who died, 37 have tested negative for Covid-19 while five are awaiting test results and one whose specimen was not collected.

 

Pangasinan is among the high-risk areas that will remain under ECQ until May 15. (PNA)



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MANILA – The Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Thursday night said it will continue all flights to support the government's campaign to contain the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak.

Air Force spokesperson Maj. Aristides Galang made the remark when asked whether PAF efforts to airlift and transport personal protection equipment (PPE) and other medical supplies are sustainable.

While such flights are under the jurisdiction of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, he said PAF assistance to this initiative will continue.

"Basta tuloy tuloy (ang) lipad ng PAF (PAF flights will continue)," Galang said in a message to the Philippine News Agency.

Earlier, the PAF said its aircraft and personnel performed significant accomplishments in support of the government's efforts to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.

This includes the deployment of its various aircraft for the airlifting of assorted medical supplies, PPE, and other needed items in various parts of the country.

Aircraft tapped for such missions include the Lockheed C-130, Airbus Military C-295, and NC-212i cargo planes along with its UH-IH helicopters and SF-260 trainer aircraft. (PNA)



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MANILA -- San Miguel Corporation has set aside PHP150 million worth of poultry products from its inventory to be given to poor communities mostly in areas where it operates, bringing its total contribution to help address challenges brought about by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic to PHP1.147 billion to date.

 

In ramping up its response to the crisis, the conglomerate continues to leverage its portfolio, capabilities and resources to bring immediate tangible assistance to the most affected communities, businesses and those on the frontline of the fight.

 

"With the resources that we have, we are in a position to help and provide essential relief, especially to our neighbors, in these difficult times. To use these resources well and put them to good use is the right and responsible thing to do," SMC president and COO Ramon S. Ang said in a statement.

 

SMC's most recent effort to distribute fresh poultry products to disadvantaged communities mostly in areas surrounding its facilities, pushed the company's total food donations to about PHP390.7 million consisting of canned goods, fresh meats, biscuits, breads, coffee, milk, and flour. 

 

"Many families do not have the means to earn a living right now, so food is really a concern. By helping our LGUs (local government units) and partner non-profit and charitable organizations bring food to those who need it, we hope that the most vulnerable families will have one less thing to worry about, especially since we are all mandated to stay in our homes," he added.

 

On top of its own food products, the company has also distributed some 1.1 million kilos of rice worth an estimated PHP38.4 million, as part of its food donation drive. 

 

It has also donated over 15,000 bags of flour to LGUs for their local bakers, who make these into affordable and free breads for their communities.

 

The company also reported that its ongoing donations of disinfectant alcohol to hospitals, government agencies and installations, and local governments, from its repurposed liquor facilities nationwide, has reached over 1 million liters amounting to PHP83.3 million.

 

Since before the start of the enhanced community quarantine, the company had been reconfiguring operations at its Ginebra San Miguel Inc. facilities nationwide to produce 70 percent ethyl alcohol, all of which are donated to the fight against Covid-19.

 

The company has also donated PHP15.37 million worth of its own brand of powder disinfectant Protect Plus Gold, produced by its San Miguel Animal Health Care, a unit under San Miguel Foods, Inc, to various LGUs and hospitals.

 

Meanwhile, its support for medical front-liners also recently got a big boost, with the arrival of close to 54,000 sets of medical-grade personal protective equipment (PPE) it acquired from China, and the first 10,000 locally-made, medical-grade PPE produced by the Confederation of Wearable Exporters of the Philippines (CONWEP).

 

The sets of PPE are part of a PHP500-million fund the company pledged to buy medical equipment and supplies needed by medical front liners and hospitals.

 

The PPE from China were distributed to over a hundred hospitals and the Office of Civil Defense, while the 10,000 locally-produced ones were donated to the Philippine General Hospital, the primary medical facility for Covid-19.

 

The company further said it donated life-saving ventilators to at least five public hospitals.

 

SMC's assistance to medical practitioners also extends to free use of expressways operated by its subsidiary, SMC Infrastructure.  

 

As of April 21, free toll for medical workers had amounted to PHP5.1 million, with 5,191 front-liners availing of the toll-free RFID stickers.

 

Other donations from the San Miguel Group include PHP100 million from Ang and family for Project Ugnayan, a coalition of private companies assisting the government in the fight against Covid-19; PHP5.3 million worth of fuel donated by SMC Infrastructure and Petron for the MMDA and DOTr's "Libreng Sakay" program for medical front-liners; PHP5 million for the construction of emergency quarantine facilities within military camps, and another PHP3.8 million in various assistance from Petron. (PR)



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MANILA – The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas' (BSP) program to encourage people to use digital payment platforms got a boost during the ongoing enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in most parts of the country.

 

Data from the central bank showed that transactions using PESONet and InstaPay visibly increased compared before the ECQ due to restrictions in movement of people outside of their houses.

 

"To efficiently and safely make payments, the business entities with obligations to pay during this period used EFT (electronic fund transfer) services, particularly, the PESONet," a central bank bulletin showed.

 

InstaPay and PESONet are real-time electronic payment systems under the National Retail Payment System (NRPS). 

 

InstaPay offers consumers a safe, affordable, and real-time electronic payment option for up to PHP50,000 per transaction without limit in a day. 

 

Charges may apply to the one sending the fund and the one receiving it depending on the financial institutions they will tap.

 

PESONet, on the other hand, is a batch EFT credit payment scheme for business-to-business as well as people-to-business transactions like credit salaries to employees' existing accounts.

 

These e-payment options are posting bigger jumps since the ECQ was declared over mainland Luzon last March 16.

 

The quarantine was supposed to end last April 12 but was extended to April 30 to ensure the initial gains will not be wasted. The government has yet to announce whether this deadline will be further extended or modified.

 

Before the ECQ, the value of PESONet transactions amounted to about PHP6 billion daily but surpassed PHP6 billion in most days since March 17 until April 2, 2020.

 

Value of InstaPay transactions are also generally higher during the ECQ although there were days that the daily value was lower than before the quarantine period.

 

"The PESONet volume did not grow along with the PESONet value due to the adverse economic impact of the ECQ on salaried individuals who are also users of PESONet," the bulletin said.

 

As a consequence of increased digital payment transactions, both the cheque payments and automated teller machines (ATMs) withdrawals declined.

 

Before the ECQ, the value of daily cheque transactions surpassed PHP150 billion daily but this averaged to about PHP50 billion to PHP75 billion from March 17 until April 2.

 

Minimum daily value of ATM withdrawals from March 2 until March 16 is about PHP3 billion, with the highest at nearly PHP9 billion.

 

The daily transactions from March 17 to April 2 is about PHP3 billion to PHP4 billion, with the highest at about PHP5 billion.

 

The bulletin said cheques "which are predominantly used by business entities substantially declined in volume and value" because of lower business transactions during the ECQ.

 

"ATM withdrawals were on downtrend, reflecting the unfavorable effect of work suspension on millions of workers in Luzon and other regions," it said.

 

It added people were inclined to use the InstaPay service which is a more convenient and safer means to make low-value payments during the ECQ.

 

"Instead of heavily relying on ATMs, many depositors resorted to using InstaPay. The behavior-changing quarantine sustained the upward trend in InstaPay volume and value," it said.

 

Meanwhile, the bulletin said ATM withdrawals and InstaPay demonstrate similar characteristics.

 

The volume and value of transactions jump on a pay day and Fridays when people anticipate weekend expenses, it said.

 

It added that volume and value of transactions are high on weekdays than on weekends "as work, household and other expenses are funded on weekdays while only household expenses are incurred on weekends."

 

It also cited the "high volume and value on Mondays when people are accustomed to doing personal and business transactions at the start of the week."

 

On Wednesday, BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno urged the public to utilize e-payment platforms during the ECQ to help in the government's bid to address the rise of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) and lessen transmission.

 

"Fees for these services have been waived by authorized financial institutions during the ECQ period," he said.

 

As of end-March this year, the BSP said there are 45 financial institutions that offer InstaPay service while 56 financial institutions provide PESONet service.

 

The BSP targets to increase the value of e-payment transactions in the country to account for 30 percent of the total by 2020, while volume is aimed to account for 20 percent of the total



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ANKARA – China has decided to donate an additional USD30 million in cash to the World Health Organization to support its global fight against the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), an official said Thursday.

The decision announced by Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Hua Chunying on Twitter came amid growing criticism against the global health body led by US President Donald Trump.

Chunying said the donation would support WHO's fight against the global pandemic "in particular strengthening developing countries' health systems."

She also noted that Beijing had already donated USD20 million to the organization on March 11.

"At this crucial moment, supporting WHO is supporting Multilateralism and Global Solidarity," Chunying tweeted.

Trump had cut US financial support to the organization, criticizing its late warnings against the coronavirus pandemic that infected over 2.6 million people across the globe and killing more than 183,000.

WHO rejected the accusations and its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he hoped that "the freezing of the funding will be reconsidered and that the US will once again support WHO." (Anadolu)



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MANILA -- The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) will provide additional life insurance coverage to a total of 27,682 frontline workers of the government nationwide who are putting their lives at risk in the fight against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). 

 

This was announced Thursday by Rolando Ledesma Macasaet, President and General Manager of the state pension fund. 

 

"The GSIS Board of Trustees, headed by our Chairman, former Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin, recently approved the establishment of the Bayanihan Fund for Frontliners (BFF), which entitles the survivors of government front-liners who died of Covid-19 to receive an additional PHP500,000 in insurance benefits," Macasaet said. 

 

He said the amount is on top of the PHP1-million death benefit to be provided by the government under the Bayanihan to Heal as One Law and the regular life insurance benefit from GSIS. 

 

As GSIS members, government frontline workers are automatically covered by the Enhanced Life Program (ELP) of GSIS which, upon the member's demise, entitles his or her legal heirs to an insurance benefit equivalent to 150 percent of the annual salary of the member. 

 

In addition to this, the same survivors will also receive PHP500,000 under the BFF program. 

 

"For instance, the legal heirs of a government nurse who earns PHP30,000 a month will receive PHP540,000 (150 percent of the member's annual salary) in insurance benefits from GSIS upon his or her death," Macasaet said.

 

On top of this, the BFF program will pay his or her survivors an additional amount of PHP500,000 for a total of PHP1.04 million, he added.  

 

"This is to show our appreciation for the courage, heroism and selfless dedication of our frontline workers in government. We hope that this will somewhat help assuage the grief felt by the families left behind by these heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country," Macasaet said. 

 

Aside from doctors and nurses, the BFF program will cover other GSIS members involved in providing healthcare and assistance to Covid-19 patients, such as cardiovascular technologists (ECG, ultrasound), medical technologists, radiologists/X-ray technicians, pulmo-therapists, pulmonologists, nursing aides, pharmacists, ambulance drivers, administrative staff, housekeeping/janitors and security guards, among others. 

 

The BFF insurance cover will be effective from March 1 to December 31, 2020. (PR)



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MANILA – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has denied the requests of the alcohol beverage industry and automotive dealers to allow the reopening of some of their operations as their businesses now struggle with the enhanced community quarantine.

 

In separate letters, DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) does not include the alcohol beverage and automotive industries in the list of sectors providing essential products and services that are allowed to operate during the quarantine period.

 

"This is mainly due to the urgent need to limit the movement of people to stop the spread of Covid-19, which is the essence of having the ECQ. Thus, if ever there would be exemptions, it must be limited to these very essential products that people cannot live without," Lopez said in his response to the Philippine Automotive Dealers Association (PADA).

 

This is also the same reason the trade chief provided to the Center for Alcohol Research and Development Foundation (CARD).

 

PADA asked DTI to allow its industry to operate on a skeletal workforce basis, specifically for after-sales services.

 

On the other hand, CARD urged the government to lift the "liquor ban" being implemented during the enhanced community quarantine, and suggested imposing less stringent measures like "partial ban on sale and purchase of alcoholic beverages".

 

"The alcohol beverage as an industry provides revenue to the government through the taxation of alcoholic beverages and the provision of labor and employment, which effect, trickles down to the marginalized sectors of the community," CARD said in its letter to Lopez.

 

For the lifting of the liquor ban, Lopez said such a policy was decided by local government units (LGUs).

 

"The alcohol ban was decided by some local government units on their own to prevent social gatherings as people are supposed to stay at home to prevent the spread of Covid-19. LGUs are responsible for the overall welfare of their communities," Lopez added. (PNA)

 



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MANILA – The companies of tycoon Andrew Tan under its holding firm Alliance Global Group, Inc. (AGI) have already donated over PHP603 million to various efforts in the country's fight against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

 

Since the start of the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon last March 17, the group has instituted projects to help both the government and other organizations in protecting Filipinos from the spread of the virus. 

 

These include the PHP100-million donation to Project Ugnayan, which was used to distribute food vouchers to thousands of urban poor families in Metro Manila; PHP250 million worth of disinfectant alcohol distributed to various hospitals, local government units (LGUs), government agencies, and organizations throughout the country; and PHP60-million donation of Megaworld Corporation to Philippine Red Cross for the purchase of four brand new Covid-19 test laboratories that can conduct around 10,000 tests per day. 

 

The AGI also provided PHP65-million donation to various LGUs and non-government organizations for programs related to Covid-19; PHP125 million worth of personal protective equipment (PPE) gears for medical front-liners and grocery bags for poor communities in Metro Manila by Resorts World Manila and its various partners; and PHP3 million worth of food and groceries for healthcare and security front-liners and construction workers, as well as free transport for medical workers by Megaworld Corporation and Megaworld Foundation.

 

It likewise distributed over 100,000 meals to healthcare front-liners, government workers, and urban poor families through McDonald's Philippines' Kindness Kitchen; and supported retail partners through waiving of rental charges in various Megaworld Lifestyle Malls

 

"Along with our healthcare front-liners, our government takes the toughest job in saving more lives against the virus. Our companies are here to support all efforts, and we are continuously looking for ways on how and where we can further extend help and support," Kevin Andrew L. Tan, chief executive officer at Alliance Global Group, Inc. said in a statement. (PR)

 



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MANILA -- San Miguel Corporation has set aside PHP150 million worth of poultry products from its inventory to be given to poor communities mostly in areas where it operates, bringing its total contribution to help address challenges brought about by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic to PHP1.147 billion to date.

 

In ramping up its response to the crisis, the conglomerate continues to leverage its portfolio, capabilities and resources to bring immediate tangible assistance to the most affected communities, businesses and those on the frontline of the fight.

 

"With the resources that we have, we are in a position to help and provide essential relief, especially to our neighbors, in these difficult times. To use these resources well and put them to good use is the right and responsible thing to do," SMC president and COO Ramon S. Ang said in a statement.

 

SMC's most recent effort to distribute fresh poultry products to disadvantaged communities mostly in areas surrounding its facilities, pushed the company's total food donations to about PHP390.7 million consisting of canned goods, fresh meats, biscuits, breads, coffee, milk, and flour. 

 

"Many families do not have the means to earn a living right now, so food is really a concern. By helping our LGUs (local government units) and partner non-profit and charitable organizations bring food to those who need it, we hope that the most vulnerable families will have one less thing to worry about, especially since we are all mandated to stay in our homes," he added.

 

On top of its own food products, the company has also distributed some 1.1 million kilos of rice worth an estimated PHP38.4 million, as part of its food donation drive. 

 

It has also donated over 15,000 bags of flour to LGUs for their local bakers, who make these into affordable and free breads for their communities.

 

The company also reported that its ongoing donations of disinfectant alcohol to hospitals, government agencies and installations, and local governments, from its repurposed liquor facilities nationwide, has reached over 1 million liters amounting to PHP83.3 million.

 

Since before the start of the enhanced community quarantine, the company had been reconfiguring operations at its Ginebra San Miguel Inc. facilities nationwide to produce 70 percent ethyl alcohol, all of which are donated to the fight against Covid-19.

 

The company has also donated PHP15.37 million worth of its own brand of powder disinfectant Protect Plus Gold, produced by its San Miguel Animal Health Care, a unit under San Miguel Foods, Inc, to various LGUs and hospitals.

 

Meanwhile, its support for medical front-liners also recently got a big boost, with the arrival of close to 54,000 sets of medical-grade personal protective equipment (PPE) it acquired from China, and the first 10,000 locally-made, medical-grade PPE produced by the Confederation of Wearable Exporters of the Philippines (CONWEP).

 

The sets of PPE are part of a PHP500-million fund the company pledged to buy medical equipment and supplies needed by medical front liners and hospitals.

 

The PPE from China were distributed to over a hundred hospitals and the Office of Civil Defense, while the 10,000 locally-produced ones were donated to the Philippine General Hospital, the primary medical facility for Covid-19.

 

The company further said it donated life-saving ventilators to at least five public hospitals.

 

SMC's assistance to medical practitioners also extends to free use of expressways operated by its subsidiary, SMC Infrastructure.  

 

As of April 21, free toll for medical workers had amounted to PHP5.1 million, with 5,191 front-liners availing of the toll-free RFID stickers.

 

Other donations from the San Miguel Group include PHP100 million from Ang and family for Project Ugnayan, a coalition of private companies assisting the government in the fight against Covid-19; PHP5.3 million worth of fuel donated by SMC Infrastructure and Petron for the MMDA and DOTr's "Libreng Sakay" program for medical front-liners; PHP5 million for the construction of emergency quarantine facilities within military camps, and another PHP3.8 million in various assistance from Petron. (PR)

 



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MANILA – The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas' (BSP) program to encourage people to use digital payment platforms got a boost during the ongoing enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in most parts of the country.

 

Data from the central bank showed that transactions using PESONet and InstaPay visibly increased compared before the ECQ due to restrictions in movement of people outside of their houses.

 

"To efficiently and safely make payments, the business entities with obligations to pay during this period used EFT (electronic fund transfer) services, particularly, the PESONet," a central bank bulletin showed.

 

InstaPay and PESONet are real-time electronic payment systems under the National Retail Payment System (NRPS). 

 

InstaPay offers consumers a safe, affordable, and real-time electronic payment option for up to PHP50,000 per transaction without limit in a day. 

 

Charges may apply to the one sending the fund and the one receiving it depending on the financial institutions they will tap.

 

PESONet, on the other hand, is a batch EFT credit payment scheme for business-to-business as well as people-to-business transactions like credit salaries to employees' existing accounts.

 

These e-payment options are posting bigger jumps since the ECQ was declared over mainland Luzon last March 16.

 

The quarantine was supposed to end last April 12 but was extended to April 30 to ensure the initial gains will not be wasted. The government has yet to announce whether this deadline will be further extended or modified.

 

Before the ECQ, the value of PESONet transactions amounted to about PHP6 billion daily but surpassed PHP6 billion in most days since March 17 until April 2, 2020.

 

Value of InstaPay transactions are also generally higher during the ECQ although there were days that the daily value was lower than before the quarantine period.

 

"The PESONet volume did not grow along with the PESONet value due to the adverse economic impact of the ECQ on salaried individuals who are also users of PESONet," the bulletin said.

 

As a consequence of increased digital payment transactions, both the cheque payments and automated teller machines (ATMs) withdrawals declined.

 

Before the ECQ, the value of daily cheque transactions surpassed PHP150 billion daily but this averaged to about PHP50 billion to PHP75 billion from March 17 until April 2.

 

Minimum daily value of ATM withdrawals from March 2 until March 16 is about PHP3 billion, with the highest at nearly PHP9 billion.

 

The daily transactions from March 17 to April 2 is about PHP3 billion to PHP4 billion, with the highest at about PHP5 billion.

 

The bulletin said cheques "which are predominantly used by business entities substantially declined in volume and value" because of lower business transactions during the ECQ.

 

"ATM withdrawals were on downtrend, reflecting the unfavorable effect of work suspension on millions of workers in Luzon and other regions," it said.

 

It added people were inclined to use the InstaPay service which is a more convenient and safer means to make low-value payments during the ECQ.

 

"Instead of heavily relying on ATMs, many depositors resorted to using InstaPay. The behavior-changing quarantine sustained the upward trend in InstaPay volume and value," it said.

 

Meanwhile, the bulletin said ATM withdrawals and InstaPay demonstrate similar characteristics.

 

The volume and value of transactions jump on a pay day and Fridays when people anticipate weekend expenses, it said.

 

It added that volume and value of transactions are high on weekdays than on weekends "as work, household and other expenses are funded on weekdays while only household expenses are incurred on weekends."

 

It also cited the "high volume and value on Mondays when people are accustomed to doing personal and business transactions at the start of the week."

 

On Wednesday, BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno urged the public to utilize e-payment platforms during the ECQ to help in the government's bid to address the rise of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) and lessen transmission.

 

"Fees for these services have been waived by authorized financial institutions during the ECQ period," he said.

 

As of end-March this year, the BSP said there are 45 financial institutions that offer InstaPay service while 56 financial institutions provide PESONet service.

 

The BSP targets to increase the value of e-payment transactions in the country to account for 30 percent of the total by 2020, while volume is aimed to account for 20 percent of the total. (PNA)



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TACLOBAN CITY – At least 21 local health workers of Tarangnan, Samar were tested on Wednesday for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) after three of their co-workers were found positive for the infection.

These health workers are employed by the rural health unit and community hospital. The Department of Health (DOH) asked them to monitor their health status, stay at home, and strictly isolate themselves if they manifest symptoms related to Covid-19 while waiting for the test result.

Both health facilities have temporarily stopped its regular operation after the DOH announced on Monday that the region's 6th Covid-19 positive is a 60-year-old woman, a kitchen staff of Tarangnan Community Hospital, the workplace of the region's 3rd and 4th infected persons.

The three patients reportedly had contacts with other health workers assigned in the town.

In a statement issued Wednesday, Tarangnan Mayor Arnel Tan asked residents with health concerns to get hold of rural health midwives and nurses deployed by DOH in their respective communities.

"We have no idea on the specific date on the re-opening these health facilities. I still have to talk to the governor," Tan said. The town's community hospital is supervised by the Samar provincial government.

The news of local transmission has rocked the town of Tarangnan, a fourth-class town in Samar province with a population of 25,000 in 41 villages. The town is located 129 kilometers north of Tacloban City, the regional capital of Eastern Visayas.

It was on April 7 that the health department confirmed that a nurse and an administrative staff of Tarangnan Community Hospital were positive for Covid-19 after catching the virus from a patient in nearby Calbayog City, the region's second infected person.

Their respective villages were placed under total lockdown for 15 days until Tuesday. The village of the town's third Covid-19 patient also faced the same fate since Monday afternoon.

The first two patients were discharged from the hospital on Tuesday and are now undergoing strict home isolation for 14 days.

"Those who recovered and their family members are not allowed to leave their homes. The local government has been providing their essential needs," Tan said.

Since the health crisis, Samar has already recorded four cases of Covid-19 -- one from Calbayog City and three from Tarangnan town. Three of them have recovered.

The region's 5th case is from Burauen town, the first positive case in Leyte province. She has been recovering at EVRMC.

The first confirmed Covid-19 patient in Eastern Visayas is from Catarman, Northern Samar. She has already recovered and completed the 14-day home isolation after confinement. (PNA)



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BALANGA CITY, Bataan – The chief of the government-run Bataan General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) here said on Tuesday that 55 of their workers tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) and the number is still expected to rise once laboratory tests are released.

Latest report showed there are 81 confirmed Covid-19 cases in the province with 15 recovered and four dead.

"Nakalulungkot man pong sabihin nitong mga nakaraang araw, biglaan ang pagtaas ng bilang ng confirmed positive health workers sa BGHMC dahil halos sabay-sabay na lumabas ang resulta ng confirmatory test na isinagawa sa kanila (It is sad to say that in the past days, the number of confirmed positive Covid-19 health workers at BGHMC abruptly increased because the results of their confirmatory tests were released simultaneously)," Dr. Glory Baltazar said in a statement.

She said hospital workers who reported for work from April 1 to the present have been subjected to laboratory examination.

At present, Baltazar said there are more than 700 hospital health workers who have undergone testing. Of the total number, 230 turned negative while more than 400 are still awaiting results.

"Ang patuloy na tumitingin sa mga Covid cases ay regular at mas madalas ang testing (Those who are continuously looking after Covid-19 cases are tested regularly more often)," the hospital chief said.

Baltazar said contact tracing showed that the spread of Covid–19 at BGHMC started when a male patient underwent emergency surgical procedure on the first week of April.

She said the surgeon was asymptomatic when subjected to Covid-19 test on April 5 but when the result was known on April 10, the doctor was found positive of the virus.

From then on, she said, all with direct contact to health workers confirmed Covid-19 positive and the operated patient underwent testing.

She said the hospital workers were divided into two groups. The first group was composed of those without direct contact with workers who turned positive and with no symptom of the virus. The second group comprised those with direct contact to those who were infected but also without symptom.

She said the hospital workers were further grouped into low, medium and high risk.

Nine hospital workers with mild symptoms were quarantined at the Bataan People's Center in Balanga City.

Some 100 health workers billeted in hotels continued with their hospital duties because the result of their confirmatory test was negative, she said.

The provincial government under Gov. Albert Garcia has taken care of the food, hotel, transportation and security of all hospital workers, both quarantined and those continuously working.

She also said that BGHMC has no shortage of personal protective equipment, medical supplies and even hospital beds. A 20-bed state-of-the-art mobile hospital was set up in the hospital compound.

Baltazar said 200 doctors, nurses and other hospital staff who were tested negative of the virus and have no direct contact with those confirmed positive continue serving patients at the BGHMC. (PNA)

 



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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Northern Mindanao police officers have contributed over PHP8.5 million from their salaries to help government combat the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

The contributions are part of the Philippine National Police's "Bayanihan Fund Challenge" to raise PHP200 million from police personnel in response to President Rodrigo R Duterte's call for unity against Covid-19, said Brig. Gen Rolando B. Anduyan, Police Regional Office-10 (PRO-10) director.

Anduyan made it clear that the contributions are "strictly voluntary" and each police personnel may choose the amount of their donation.

The initiative, he added, does not authorize automatic salary deduction or the use of funds sourced from the PNP appropriations.

Anduyan said the money voluntarily collected by PRO-10 will be turned over to the PNP Director for Comptrollership, the unit primarily responsible for the project, which in turn will turn the funds to the national treasury or to any of appropriate government agency.

As of Tuesday, April 21, PRO-10 said it has collected PHP1,583,000 from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion personnel; PHP987,700 from the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office; PHP120,000 from COCPO field training program; PHP120,000 from the Iligan City Police Office;

Misamis Occidental Police Provincial Office, PHP1,013,000; Misamis Occidental field training program, PHP100,000; Lanao del Norte PPO, PHP1,073,000; Lanao del Norte field training program, PHP100,000; Camiguin PPO, PHP259,000; Bukidnon PPO, PHP1,248,000; Misamis Oriental PPO, P707,200.

PRO-10 regional headquarters personnel, meanwhile, donated PHP1,114,420.

"PRO-10 under my leadership will always support the Bayanihan Fund Challenge of our organization under the leadership of PGen (Archie) Gamboa (PNP chief) to help the Filipino people who are suffering for this unexpected pandemic. I felt it in my bones, since I have seen the hardship of our Filipino people in the region and this noble activity will surely help a lot to our government in addressing the concerns of our country in these trying times," Anduyan said. (PNA)

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COTABATO CITY -- The island-provinces of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have so far registered "zero" 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) positive cases, the BARMM health ministry said Wednesday.

"The island-provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi (BaSulTa) have no confirmed positive cases of Covid-19 since the pandemic started in January," said Dr. Saffrullah Dipatuan, BARMM health minister, during a virtual press briefing here.

Dipatuan said while the BaSulTa has a total of 127 suspected cases, none tested positive for Covid-19.

"We have recorded a total of 235 suspected cases in the entire region but only 12 of the patients remain under strict monitoring and subject for PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing," Dipatuan said.

Recently, the two suspected deaths in Sulu tested negative for Covid-19, according to the Sulu Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO).

"There are more municipalities in the region with no recorded cases. Among these are municipalities in Lanao del Sur," Dipatuan said.

Out of Lanao del Sur's 40 municipalities, he said only Kapatagan, Balabagan, Malabang, Picong, Saguiaran, Piagapo, and Marawi City are the areas where suspected cases of Covid-19 are still present.

"The same case with Maguindanao, not even ten percent of its total number of municipalities are affected, the province only has one positive and 19 suspected cases," Dipatuan added.

However, despite these notable developments in the said BARMM areas, the minister stressed there is still no reason to be complacent.

"We should remain on guard as we suspect that many of our suspected Covid-19 patients are hiding the truth due to fear that they have contracted the disease," Dipatuan said.

Dipatuan emphasized that individuals who went to events with known Covid-19 cases--such as the Tabligh gathering in Malaysia and cockfight derby in Davao City--should not be afraid to seek help from authorities.

"Help us, as you might pass the disease to your other family members if you keep on denying the truth," he said.

Meanwhile, the region's health minister acknowledged the efforts of the Bangsamoro Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) in containing and preventing the further spread of the virus.

"The continuing decline in the number of Covid-19 cases has been a positive fortification on the region's IATF that continuously executes its responsibilities, including relief good operations throughout its area of responsibility," Dipatuan said.

As of Tuesday, a total of nine Covid-19 confirmed cases are recorded in the BARMM—eight from several towns of Lanao del Sur and Marawi City, and one from Maguindanao – with both provinces situated in mainland Mindanao. (PNA)

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MANILA – Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto on Wednesday said the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys), commonly known as national ID system, is beneficial in emergency response and crisis management such as the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

"Contact tracing will be much easier with the national ID system," Sotto said in a virtual press conference hosted by the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP).

In Pasig, Sotto said the local government uses the list of the city's registered voters as it provides complete data of the residents who are given emergency assistance amid the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine.

Sotto, however, said the problem is the unregistered voters but living in the city.

"I don't think that's right, because if you are a voter you get benefits but if you are not a voter you don't get benefits," he said.

He said national ID system will address the problem of identifying the recipients of the government assistance as it provides complete information of the beneficiaries.

Sotto said he personally supports the national ID implementation despite fear of "privacy issue".

"I think a lot of fear is misplaced, and I would really support the national ID system. We would be able to implement the crisis management and address the issues much easier," he said.

"As long as it [national ID] is secured, and it's encrypted properly and all the necessary security measures are in there, there will be no problem in the privacy," he added.

In August 2018, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act (RA) 11055 or the PhilSys Act which mandates the issuance of national identification cards (IDs) to all Filipino citizens.

The law also aims to create a single official identification card for all citizens that would interconnect government-issued IDs.

On Tuesday, newly-appointed acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua said the government aims to have five million Filipinos enrolled into the PhilSys ID this year and possibly complete the registration of the entire population by 2022.

He said accelerating the implementation of the national ID system is among the "marching orders" of Malacañang to him upon his appointment as acting secretary of NEDA.

He added that Congress passed the National ID Law which will allow the country to implement its social welfare programs more effectively and efficiently in the near future. (PNA)



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GENEVA – The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) a global emergency, the highest level of alert, at the right time, its Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said here Wednesday.

"Looking back, I think we declared an emergency, at the right time... when the rest of the world had enough time to respond," Tedros told a virtual press briefing.

On Jan. 30, the WHO chief declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), sending the highest level of alarm to the world.

"This is more than two months and 21 days ago, close to three months from now," when "there were only 82 cases and no death" outside China, he recalled.

At that time, what was reported from Europe is 10 cases -- five from France, one from Finland, and four from Germany, while no case had been reported yet in Africa, he added, suggesting it was possible to cut transmission chains.

"It is not just one director general who just comes out and declares a global emergency," Tedros explained. "We have experts, representing all over the world, coming together and discussing."

The PHEIC declaration came after a closed-door meeting of the Emergency Committee on the same day, when health experts from around the world were convinced and reached the consensus that the criteria of global emergency were met.

"And that consensus led to a declaration of global emergency from the WHO, which I announced it myself," Tedros said.

His remarks came after the United States announced last week a decision to halt its funding to the WHO, which President Donald Trump accused of "severely mismanaging and covering up the spread of the coronavirus."

On the same occasion, Michael Ryan, executive director of the WHO Health Emergencies Program, explained that "technically the WHO raised its highest level of alert under international law" when it declared the PHEIC on Jan. 30.

He referred to the International Health Regulations 2005, an international legal agreement between all WHO member states.

While the WHO did characterize the Covid-19 as a "pandemic" on March 11, Ryan underlined that "the characterization of the disease as a pandemic in itself has no basis, other than a description of the event at that time, as regards how many countries were affected." (Xinhua)



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MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday urged Filipino Muslims to shun "misguided ideologies" ahead of the start of the holy month of Ramadan, which will take place amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

In his Ramadan message, Duterte reminded the Muslim faithful that to achieve progress, they must forgo misplaced beliefs as they embark on a spiritual journey of reflection and contemplation.

"As you embody the religious insights and epiphanies you have gleaned from this undertaking, may you be moved to advance our collective resolve to eschew misguided ideologies so that we may achieve a truly progressive and inclusive society," he said.

Duterte hoped that Filipino Muslims would be inspired by the text written in the Quran to lead a "life of purity and clarity."

"As you read the revelations of Allah with renewed dedication and vigor, may the sacred text inspire you to further lead a life of purity and clarity," he said.

He was also hopeful that their devotion and sacrifices will reaffirm their commitment to foster unity and solidarity regardless of faith or creed.

Since marking Islam's holy month will be done amid the Covid-19 threat, Duterte wished that they would achieve peace amid the health crisis.

"Let this occasion give us peace amidst the adversity and challenges we face each day," he said.

He also wished all Filipino Muslims a "solemn and blessed" occasion.

As the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Luzon and parts of Visayas and Mindanao continue, mosques remain closed, but Muslims continue to get together in their own homes.

They are also live-streaming daily prayers, weekly sermons, and recitations of the Quran.

The ECQ is expected to lapse on April 30, but Duterte has yet to decide on whether to lift, extend, or modify quarantine measures in place.

During Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn to sunset.

The end of Ramadan is celebrated as Eid al-Fit'r or the feast of breaking the fast, one of Islam's two major holidays aside from Eid'l Adha or the feast of sacrifice. (PNA)



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MANILA – The 2GO Group, Inc. (2GO) has waived the operational fee for two of the company's ships used as quarantine facilities for repatriated overseas Filipino workers.

In a statement on Thursday, 2GO chairman, Dennis Uy, said the firm "had no plans of accepting" the Department of Transportation's (DOTr) offer to pay a PHP35 million fee for the operation of the quarantine ships as it was meant as a donation to help in the nation's response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

"To set the record straight, actual cost to operate the two vessels as quarantine facilities is at PHP260 million. But this was intended to be a donation," he said.

While he is not the sole owner or the majority shareholder of 2GO, Uy said he instructed the company to waive the payment from the DOTr and if necessary, charge the ships' operational cost to his personal funds.

The statement came after Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, in a Laging Handa briefing on Wednesday, said the use of 2GO's ships would cost the government PHP35 million, compared to the original rental fee for the two ships of PHP120 million each for two months.

Following Tugade's remark, the cost of the ships drew the ire of netizens.

In response to online critics, Uy agreed that "we as Filipinos, whether in private or in government, have to work together, jointly make the necessary sacrifice, stand together to safeguard the lives and safety of our countrymen" and apologized for those offended by the former operational cost of the ships.

In a statement, the DOTr welcomed the waiving of fees and thanked Uy.

It clarified that while the PHP35 million fee was earlier decided through a negotiating panel with executives of 2GO, Uy was not involved in the decision.

"It is therefore unfortunate and deplorable that Mr. Dennis Uy was unfairly dragged by media and was at the receiving end of negative commentaries when he was never part of the discussion and was not even mentioned by Secretary Tugade in his interview," the department said.

Since the start of operations of the quarantine ships, the government has made no actual payment of rent, DOTr Assistant Secretary Goddes Hope Libiran said.

The negotiated price of PHP35 million was to cover the costs to operate the vessels, such as fuel, electricity, water, maintenance, supplies, and salaries of its crew and hotel staff, she said. (PNA)



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MANILA – The Philippine Embassy in Seoul reported Thursday that one of the four Filipinos with coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in South Korea recovered and has been discharged from the hospital.

The three remaining Filipino patients are undergoing treatment.

"Sila po ngayon ay pinangangalagaan sa Korean hospital ng mga Korean medical authorities at nakikipag-ugnayan po ang embassy sa kanila at mino-monitor po natin ang kanilang kalagayan (They are being taken care of by Korean hospital authorities and the embassy is coordinating with them to monitor the Filipinos' situation)," Embassy chargé d'affaires Christian de Jesus said during the Laging Handa briefing.

As of January 2020, there are approximately 58,429 Filipinos in South Korea.

De Jesus said the number of new Covid-19 infections in South Korea has decreased since a mass testing campaign was launched.

"Sa loob po ng isang linggo, malaki po ang improvement ng pagbaba ng number of confirmed cases of Covid-19. Kahapon walo ang naitala na bagong cases, ibig sabihin po nito patuloy na nag-i-improve ang situwasyon sa Korea (Within the week, there had been a huge improvement on the decrease of new Covid-19 cases. Yesterday, eight new cases were reported meaning the situation here continues to improve)," he added.

Based on the April 22 data of the World Health Organization, South Korea has 10,694 confirmed Covid-19 cases, 238 of whom have died. (PNA)



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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security for Region 10 (CORDS 10) and Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar has extended aid to media workers in the regions of Northern Mindanao and Caraga.

Personnel from the Philippine Information Agency Region 10 (PIA 10) on Wednesday facilitated the delivery of half of the intended 1,000 packs of rice to Butuan City, while the remaining 500 packs are allocated for Region 10.

"At this time of health emergency due to the Covid-19 disease, we recognize the need to extend a helping hand to our fellowmen and give assistance in any way we can," Andanar said in a statement.

Andanar said the efforts of front-line media workers in delivering timely and accurate information to the public at this time of crisis is well-recognized, as they also suffer from the impact of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak in the country.

"We also recognize the invaluable service of all media members in this concerted fight against the Covid-19 disease," he said. "They are front-liners who are working hard to keep the public informed and updated, at a time where reliable and vetted information is much needed in order to allay the fears and concerns of the people. We pray for the continued safety and well-being of our fellow media."

He also reminded the public to remain indoors in order to stay safe and as their display of appreciation for the efforts of front-line workers in battling the pandemic.

"May we all continue to show compassion to those in need and appreciation for those in the front-lines. By staying home and keeping safe, everybody's efforts will not be in vain," he said.

Andanar is the head of the Laging Handa communications crisis center, which currently provides Covid-19 related updates, news, and information. He likewise hosts the Laging Handa Network Briefing, Laging Handa Public Briefing. He also has special Covid-19 coverage programs on Cabinet Report, Mediaman's Mancave Podcast and on PTV's Alerto. (PCOO-PR)



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MANILA – To help ensure food security during the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic and beyond, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is supporting a proposal of publicly-listed AgriNurture, Inc. (ANI) to boost corn production and introduce its "BigMa" rice-corn blend to Filipino consumers as a healthier alternative.

In a letter to ANI president and CEO Antonio Tiu, Agriculture Secretary William Dar said the DA is favorably endorsing and committing funds and technical assistance to make the company's "BigMa" project a reality.

"Your proposal to produce and promote the 'BigMa' (Rice-Corn Blend) in the Visayas and Mindanao areas, and eventually in other regions of the country, is very laudable. This is a timely initiative as a food resiliency intervention amid this Covid-19 period and beyond," Dar said in his letter to Tiu.

Aside from funding support, the agri chief said the DA will mobilize its Regional Field Offices (RFOs) and collaborate with the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) partner for the detailed planning and implementation of ANI's proposal.

The DA earlier said it is eyeing portions of vast ancestral lands nationwide to be transformed into food production areas.

"In this time of crisis, we need practical strategies that can produce immediate results. Thus, we are calling on our fellow countrymen, the indigenous peoples (IPs) to transform part if not most of their idle ancestral lands into vegetable and high value crop farms," Dar said.

Meanwhile, Tiu welcomed DA's favorable endorsement of ANI's BigMa project.

He said the rice-corn blend has been a staple food in many areas, particularly Visayas and Mindanao.

With the perennial rice shortage and as different rice exporting countries limit their shipments, Tiu said rice blended with corn grits is a very good substitute.

Aside from being healthier and more affordable, he said corn is cheaper to produce and requires less water to grow compared to rice.

With a similar four-month cycle, Tiu said corn -- unlike rice -- can be planted anywhere without having to wait for the rainy season.

"Corn is 20 percent cheaper to produce and easier to grow and scale up since the Philippines lacks good water sources. While corn's traditional yield is only three tons per hectare, ANI plans to use hybrid corn seeds to double the yield," he said.

Tiu added that with the expected food crisis, now is the perfect time to promote a Visayan staple to other parts of the country in order to bring down the per capita consumption of rice.

Planting corn for blending purposes with rice will also spur economic activities in areas with lots of idle labor and unirrigated farmlands.

"ANI is partnering with indigenous peoples to help them plant corn and make their idle labor and lands more productive," he said.

ANI recently launched the BigMa rice corn blend through its aniexpress.1ani.com.ph online App.

Currently, the Philippines is producing 19 million metric tons (MT) of palay but only 8 million MT of corn annually. (PNA)  

 



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MANILA – The Puerto Princesa, Palawan-based Western Command (Wescom) on Thursday confirmed that a China People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessel pointed its gun control director at the BRP Conrado Yap off the vicinity off Rizal Reef Detachment, Kalayaan Island Group in February.

"The Western Command confirms that the incident happened on February 17, 2020 through the report received from the Joint Task Force West (JTFW) and as revealed by the Commanding Officer of BRP Conrado Yap (PS-39)," Wescom head, Vice Admiral Rene Medina said in a press statement.

Based on reports from JTFW, the BRP Conrado Yap left Puerto Princesa Pier on February 15 to conduct territorial defense operations and sovereignty patrol at Malampaya Natural Gas to Power Project and at the Kalayaan Island Group in the West Philippine Sea.

While en route to the Rizal Reef Detachment, the ship's crew detected on radar a gray-colored vessel, prompting the Filipino naval craft to issue a radio challenge.

At this point, the other ship responded by saying "the Chinese government has (immutable) sovereignty over the South China Sea, its islands and its adjacent waters".

BRP Conrado Yap again challenged the vessel and then instructed to proceed directly to its next destination to which the Chinese ship repeated its earlier response and maintained its course and speed.

"Significantly, PS-39 was able to identify the said vessel as PLAN Vessel bearing a bow number 514 (corvette). There, PS-39 was able to visually observed that the gun control director, an equipment that gives information in obtaining a fire control solution of said PLAN vessel was directed towards PS-39. This gun control director can be used to designate and track targets and makes all the main guns ready to fire in under a second," Medina said.

While BRP Conrado Yap does not have electronic support measures to confirm that the gun control director was directed at it, Medina said visual identification confirmed this hostile intent of the Chinese vessel.

"This hostile act on the part of (the) Chinese government and encroachment within the Philippines' EEZ is perceived as a clear violation of international law and Philippine sovereignty," Medina said.

While the ships were able to continue their respective voyage after that incident, he said Wescom has reported this incident to higher headquarters.

"The Western Command as the AFP's primary unit in the West Philippine Sea will continue to perform its duty and will never be intimidated nor let our guards down in protecting the sovereignty and integrity of the Philippines and will support any future capability upgrade of our ships patrolling our Philippine Waters," Medina said.

The incident prompted Manila, through the Department of Foreign Affairs to file diplomatic protests against Beijing on Wednesday.

"At 5:17 p.m. today (Wednesday), the Chinese embassy received 2 diplomatic protests: 1. on the pointing of a radar gun at a Philippine Navy ship in Philippine waters and 2. declaring parts of Philippine territory as part of Hainan province," Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said in a Twitter post. (PNA)



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MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Thursday said it will evaluate foreigners for temporary release or deportation to decongest its detention facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

"Yes, they will be evaluated if qualified for temporary liberty and/or deportation," BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said in a Viber message.

She said the evaluation will begin next week, but so far, they have identified high-risk detainees.

"The evaluation will start next week. So far, we have three pregnant detainees (who are considered high risk). The recommendation on the rest of the inmates will be tackled next week," she added.

She said the basis for release or deportation of foreigners will depend "on the merits of the case, as well as vulnerabilities of the ward."

On Wednesday, the BI reported that two women detainees were already released on bail, while one has already been deported. It, however, did not reveal their identities.

Currently, over 400 foreigners are staying at the BI's detention facility which has a capacity of 140 people.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente has ordered to decongest the facility after observing that overcrowding exposes both the inmates and their guards to the risk of getting infected with the virus. (PNA)



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MANILA – Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Thursday urged local government units (LGUs) to implement 'best practices' on the distribution of cash aid from the government's social amelioration program (SAP) to families affected by the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

Año said he still prefers the house-to-house distribution of cash assistance to ensure that people will not leave their homes.

However, if LGUs decide to set up distribution points, marked chairs can be used to ensure that physical distancing is strictly implemented.

"Kahit na wala na itong ECQ sa buong taon na ito, hanggang wala pang tinatawag nating vaccine, ito na yung bagong buhay natin [Even if there is no ECQ for the rest of the year, while there is no vaccine, this will be our new life]," Año said in a radio interview.

He added that LGUs' actions on this matter are continuously monitored.

Año said his agency is constantly giving feedback to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regarding the issues on the distribution of assistance to the residents.

On Wednesday, Año bared that 29 village chiefs have received show-cause orders for failure to properly enforce quarantine rules such as non-observance of social distancing rules in their areas and allowing mass gatherings.

He said village chiefs are legally liable in properly implementing the ECQ as mandated by Republic Act No. 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act which orders LGUs to fully cooperate in the cohesive implementation of the national policy to address Covid-19.

Meanwhile, Año also asked LGUs to allow the passage of vehicles ferrying returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) on their way to designated quarantine areas.

Under the guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID), returning OFWs should undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine before they are allowed to return to their residence to prevent possible Covid-19 transmission.

"Unang-una, hindi dapat hinarang ng mga residente o LGU yan dahil yan ay matagal nang resolution sa IATF na ang ating OFW dapat ay unhampered yan (First of all, residents or LGUs must not block them because the IATF has earlier issued a resolution stating that the passage of our OFWs must be unhampered)," Año said.

Some OFWs from three countries were prevented to go to their designated quarantine facilities in Batangas amid the ECQ in Luzon.

Año said the memorandum was issued by DILG-Calabarzon director Noel Bartolabac is already enough basis to let the OFWs pass through and reach their destination.

"Supposedly, the rule is that the governor and the municipal mayor should coordinate with all LGUs where these OFWs will pass through. Maybe they were not informed. They should be escorted by the police so they won't be blocked. They must have forgotten about it," he said in Filipino. (PNA)



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MANILA – The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) directed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and concerned agencies to recommend protocols for the possible partial lifting of the public transport ban amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

In a virtual presser on Thursday, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said this was among the new guidelines approved by the IATF.

In cooperation with the Departments of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Tourism (DOT), and Health (DOH), Roque said the DOTr will have to come up with guidelines for the possible lifting of the public transport ban subject to existing guidelines on social-distancing, isolation, and quarantine.

"Inatasan na po ang DOTr kasama po ang DILG, DOT, DOH, at Bureau of Quarantine na pag-aralan na po at magrekomenda na ng mga protocol sa posibleng pagbukas po ng ating transportasyon (The DOTr, in cooperation with DILG, DOT, DOH, and BOQ to study and recommend protocols on the possible resumption of transportation) via air, land, and sea travel as modes of transportation subject to existing protocols and guidelines on social distancing, isolation, and quarantine," he said.

In a Laging Handa public briefing on Wednesday, Transport Secretary Art Tugade said a partial lifting of the public transport ban is being eyed for personnel of essential services.

Tugade specifically said the IATF-EID is considering the limited operation of public utility buses (PUB) and trains in certain areas, based on studies presented by National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Karl Chua.

He said aside from certain PUBs, the IATF-EID is eyeing the resumption of limited operation of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1), LRT-2, Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3), and the Philippine National Railways (PNR).

However, he clarified that should there be a partial resumption of transport operations, basic social distancing principles will have to be enforced not only inside public utility vehicles (PUVs) but also while passengers are waiting in line.

RapidPass

To decongest checkpoints amid the ECQ implementation, Roque also reminded the police and military to apply the RapidPass system, a virtual identification system that makes use of QR code technology, "prospectively."

"Ibig sabihin lahat po ng ini-isyung ID ng IATF ay patuloy pa rin po kikilalanin (This means that all IDs being issued by the IATF will be recognized)," he said.

He said enrolment for the RapidPass system could be done voluntarily and shall cover private sector entities or individuals.

The RapidPass System was developed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Information and Communications Technology, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, and DEVCON Community of Technology experts (DCTx), a non-profit digital solutions developer.

He also urged law enforcement authorities to ensure that movement of cargo vehicles as well as vehicles of public utility companies, business process outsourcing, and export-oriented establishments are unhampered with or without RapidSystem.

Qualified entities and individuals may apply for RapidPasses on the website rapidpass.ph. Once their application is verified and approved, they will receive a QR code, which they can either print or save on their device.

They may present their control number to the checkpoint personnel along with a valid ID to facilitate faster travel. (PNA)



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MANILA – The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) on Thursday reported that 304 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) have received cash assistance worth over PHP3 million.

On a Facebook post, the OWWA said its Region 4-A office announced that as of Wednesday, the beneficiaries availed of the Department of Labor and Employment-Abot Kamay ang Pagtulong (DOLE-AKAP) program amounting to PHP3.040 million.

Of the number, 131 are land-based workers while 173 are sea-based OFWs.

Each assisted Filipino worker received a one-time cash aid of PHP10,000 (USD200).

The DOLE-AKAP program was designed to help displaced land-based and sea-based workers, and returning workers.

Undocumented OFWs who were displaced from their jobs due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic are also covered.

OFWs who are affected by the enhanced community quarantine are advised to file their applications online.

The OWWA and DOLE are continuously evaluating and processing all applications.

Meanwhile, the DOLE Calabarzon reported that a total of 57,739 workers from 1,476 establishments received more than PHP288 million in cash aid.

On a post on its Facebook account, it said that a total of PHP288,695,000.00 was provided to the said number of workers as of Wednesday, under the Covid-19 Adjustment Measure Program (CAMP) of the agency.

The CAMP provides a one-time cash subsidy of PHP5,000.00 to formal sector workers affected by the pandemic.

Meanwhile, a total of 14,279 informal sector workers from 1,435 barangays have benefited from Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD)-Barangay ko, Bahay Ko (BKBK) program by the DOLE.

A total of PHP57.116 million cash assistance was released to pay for the jobs provided by these workers.

Beneficiaries are given temporary jobs for 10 days in their barangays. Their compensation is based on the prevailing minimum wage in the region. (PNA)



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MANILA – The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has approved the proposed free hotel accommodations for medical front-liners treating coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases in the country, Malacañang said Thursday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the IATF-EID directed the Department of Tourism (DOT) to help health workers find a hotel that will serve as their temporary shelter amid the country's fight against Covid-19 pandemic.

"Inaatasan ng inter-agency ang Department of Tourism na mag-bigay po ng hotel rooms kung saan pwedeng tumira ang ating health workers, ang ating front-liners (The inter-agency is directing the Department of Tourism to provide hotel rooms where our health workers, our front-liners can stay)," Roque said in a virtual presser.

DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat was tasked to make an inventory of available hotel rooms for health workers, Roque said.

The latest move came since mass public transportation has been suspended in the entire Luzon following the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

In March, the IATF-EID ordered the Department of Transportation to provide free shuttle services to health workers during the ECQ period.

Roque said medical workers deserve to get free temporary housing.

"Napakaliit na bagay naman po ito na ibibigay natin sa ating mga front-liner dahil sa kanilang sakripisyo (Providing front-liners a hotel accommodation is just a small thing compared to their sacrifices)," he said.

Roque said the IATF-EID also tasked the National Task Force's Task Group for Resource Management and Logistics to compile the logistical requirements for health and emergency front-liners.

The Department of Health reported Wednesday that some 1,062 health workers in the country have contracted Covid-19.

Roque said the government would ensure the strict enforcement of infectious operational protocols to protect healthcare workers in the country.

"Talagang nababahala po ang gobyerno dahil kung tuluyang magkakasakit ang mga front-liner natin, sino po ang mag-aalaga sa atin (The government is really alarmed because if all of our front-liners get infected with Covid-19, who would take care of us)?" he said.

Roque said the government would ramp up the production of personal protective equipment to make sure that medical front-liners are safe from the novel coronavirus.

He added that the government would hire more healthcare personnel to reduce the risk of medical front-liners of getting Covid-19.

As of Wednesday, the Philippines has 6,710 confirmed Covid-19 infections, with 446 fatalities and 693 deaths. (PNA)



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MANILA – The government can discontinue handing out financial aid to persons found to be engaging in illegal drugs, gambling and other unlawful activities, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said Thursday.

In a press statement, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said the cash aid given by the government through the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) to households in dire need may be viewed as a donation subject to a condition that the amount should be used to buy food and other essentials to help the recipient during a calamity or emergency.

"(W)hen the recipient violates this condition and spends the money for something else, or worse, for something illegal, the donation is forfeited and he becomes morally obligated to return the money given. In addition, he makes himself ineligible to receive any further act of generosity from the giver," Guevarra said.

There have been reports of illegal cockfighting as well as the purchase of illegal drugs in communities where financial aid has been distributed by the government amid the enhanced community quarantine due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Guevarra said the SAP is subject to certain conditions just like the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

For instance, minor children of the 4Ps recipient family should be sent to school and if this is not complied with, the cash assistance is discontinued.

He, however, conceded that requiring the return of the money by those who chose to use it for illegal activities instead of necessities is unlikely.

"(We can) forget about refunds. Malabo na yan. Mahirap nga yung tao eh (It is unlikely since the person is poor). Moral obligations are based on universal principles of human relations," he said. (PNA)



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MANILA – Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar on Thursday assured the public that the country has adequate supplies of food, including rice, until June amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

During a virtual presser of the Food Security Task Force, Dar said the country has rice stocks sufficient to last for 84 days.

Dar noted that the projected ending stock in June 2020 is good for 111 days for chicken, 12 days for fish, and eight days for pork.

The supply outlook for other crops, on the other hand, is seen to last until 147 days for corn, 28 days for vegetables, and 21 days for garlic and onion.

Dar said aside from ensuring food sufficiency during the Covid-19 emergency, the DA would also provide adequate support to boost local food production.

"Nais po namin siguruhin na meron tayong sapat na suplay ng pagkain at itaas pa ang produksyon ng mga ito, kabilang ang bigas, karne, isda at gulay (We want to ensure that we have sufficient supply of food and we want to increase the production of these major staples, including rice, meat, fish, and vegetables)," Dar said.

"Para mapalakas pa ang local production makakaasa po ng mga ayuda at programa sa sektor ng sakahan at pangisdaan (To strengthen local production, assistance and program for the agriculture and fisheries sector are in place)," he added.

Under the government's social amelioration program, the DA will distribute PHP5,000-cash subsidy to 600,000 rice farmers to help augment their needs amid the enhanced community quarantine.

Dar said that 40 percent of the target for the financial subsidy for rice farmers, or around 234,586 beneficiaries, are ready to receive their payout.

The PHP5,000-cash subsidy is part of the DA's initiatives to assist small rice farmers, who plant one hectare or less, located in 24 provinces not covered by the Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA) program.

Meanwhile, under the RFFA, 597,505 beneficiaries will receive unconditional cash transfer worth PHP5,000. (PNA)



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MANILA – To ensure the health and safety of all overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who wish to return home, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has ordered a sub-task unit to prepare protocols for the management and surveillance of repatriates.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made this remark a week after the IATF established the National Task Force - Sub-Task Unit (STU) for the repatriation of OFWs amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

"Yung (The) National Task Force - Sub Task Group for Repatriation of Overseas Filipino Workers ay naatasan nang gumawa ng protocols para po sa management and surveillance ng mga repatriated land-based and sea-based OFWs pag dumating na po sila sa ating bayan at matapos po ng mandated quarantine period (The NTF-ST group has been directed to craft protocols for the management and surveillance of repatriated land- and sea-based OFWs returning to our country after the mandated quarantine period)," Roque said in a virtual presser.

Under current Covid-19 protocol, repatriates will temporarily stay in Manila to undergo mandatory quarantine before returning to their respective hometowns.

Repatriates could also be tested using rapid anti-body tests after they enter quarantine facilities and undergo the 14-day quarantine.

The arrangement for the accommodations is provided for in Republic Act 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act of 2020.

Costs of the accommodation may be shouldered by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), other national government agencies, the OFWs' recruiting agencies, or the OFWs themselves, as may be applicable.

During their quarantine, the OFWs are confined to their assigned single-occupancy, fully furnished rooms, complete with sanitation and hygiene kits, as cleared by authorized personnel of the Department of Health - Bureau of Quarantine (DOH-BOQ).

The STU is composed of the OWWA as chair, and the departments of labor, health, foreign affairs, interior, tourism, and transportation as members.

Members of the unit also include the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Bureau of Quarantine, and other agencies as may be determined by the National Task Force against Covid-19.

About 18,000 OFWs have been repatriated since February, the Department of Foreign Affairs has said.

As of Monday, it said a total of 984 Filipinos abroad have tested positive for Covid-19. These cases include 140 deaths, 259 recoveries, and 585 who are still undergoing treatment, it added.

The Philippines has 6,599 confirmed cases, including 437 deaths and 654 recoveries.

Global cases have reached about 2.6 million while more than 180,000 have died and 784,000 have recovered. (PNA)



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MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is hoping that the shooting of a former soldier by a police officer at a quarantine checkpoint in Quezon City will not cause animosity between the military and the police.

"At this time when both the AFP and the PNP (Philippine National Police) are working closely against this threat of Covid-19 (coronavirus disease) pandemic, we would not want this incident to cause animosity between the two organizations," said AFP spokesperson Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo in a statement on Thursday.

He was referring to the fatal shooting of retired Corporal Winston Ragos who allegedly tried to draw a gun on M/Sgt. Daniel Florendo in Barangay Pasong Putik on Tuesday following a heated spat.

"We agree that the action taken by the policeman concerned was his judgment call but as to whether he made the right judgment and whether his actions are appropriate is his alone and does not reflect the PNP as an organization," Arevalo said.

He said AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Felimon Santos, Jr., is calling for sobriety and asked military personnel not to further exacerbate the situation.

"Suffice it to say that there is going to be an investigation and appropriate criminal and administrative charges and penalties will be meted as may be warranted," Arevalo said.

In January 2017, Ragos was given a complete disability discharge from his military service, complete with pension and other assistance, after being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

He was discharged with the rank of Corporal. His last unit assignment was with the 31st Infantry Battalion, a field unit of the Camarines Sur-based 9th Infantry Division.

"Records indicate that he might have acquired his condition during a heavy firefight when a detachment he mans was attacked and was nearly subdued," Arevalo said. (PNA)



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MANILA – The Joint Task Force Corona Virus Shield (JTF CV Shield) on Thursday reminded law enforcers to keep fake quarantine passes used by unauthorized persons attempting to go out of their homes amid the enhanced community quarantine.

"We have instructed our commanders on the ground not to tear these fake quarantine passes. If these are indeed fake, we can use these to file appropriate charges against those who are using it," JTF CV Shield commander, Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said in a Laging Handa briefing.

He added that scanners will be distributed to various quarantine control points (QCPs) in Metro Manila for the implementation of the Rapid Pass System to ease long queues of private and non-cargo vehicles.

"All 180 QCPs will have scanners starting today (Thursday) or tomorrow (Friday). We will also allot special lanes for cargo vehicles as well as for non-cargo vehicles with Rapid Pass holders and those ferrying health workers," he said.

Eleazar said this in line with efforts to expand the Rapid Pass System, an online identification system using QR codes to expedite the movement of health workers and other front-liners amid the enhanced community quarantine.

Under the measure, policemen manning the QCPs would just scan the QR codes via the scanning machines that are connected to the Rapid Pass System database.

The process also lessens the physical contact between law enforcers manning the checkpoints and the front-liners to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

Eleazar, however, clarified that the implementation of the Rapid Pass System is not yet mandatory at this moment since identification cards and other documents that could be presented by an Authorized Person Outside Residence (APOR) will still be honored at the QCPs.

Under the Rapid Pass System, each individual included on the list of the APOR would be given a QR Code that would reflect the basic information of the bearer once scanned at the QCPs.

The basic personal information that would reflect from the Rapid Pass System are based on the online application submitted by the front-liners and other persons exempted from the home quarantine.

The QR Code is sent through electronic mail once the application is approved. The owner of the QR code could save it to his smartphones or print it and place it on identification cards attached to the lanyard for easy access at the QCPs.

"We have to clarify that the QR code must be for each APOR and not for vehicles. For example, if the vehicle has three occupants including the driver, all of them must show individual QR codes. The vehicle has no bearing on us. It is the people inside that we are checking," he added.

To ensure that the QR code is not shared with other people, the code would reflect the photo of the approved applicant on the scanning machine.

The scanners are connected to the Rapid Pass System main database to ensure regular updates of the approved APOR applicants.

"We encourage all APOR to apply for a Rapid Pass. You can check them online. Eventually, this is what we will do, regardless if the quarantine will be extended or there will be a modified quarantine. This will be the new norm," he added. (PNA)



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MANILA – The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) on Thursday said it has referred to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) a male person deprived of liberty (PDL) who has tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

In a statement, the BuCor said the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City is assessing its implementation of operational plans after the patient from the national penitentiary's Medium Security Compound was checked at the NBP Hospital on April 17 and was referred to the RITM on the same day.

As a precautionary measure, the BuCor did contact tracing and has put 40 PDLs in isolated areas.

Meanwhile, medical staff members who attended to the patient are also considered as suspect cases and are now under quarantine.

The BuCor added that PDLs earlier identified as having been exposed to the patient and who were subsequently isolated were finally transferred to the bigger quarantine area at "Site Harry" where they will be monitored more effectively while waiting to be tested for Covid-19.

Prison medical staff members are now providing focused medical care to all suspect cases.

Justice Undersecretary Markk Perete, meanwhile, said the quarantine area within the NBP has already been set up with 300 beds.

"We are coordinating with DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) for the construction of a bigger quarantine area just in case there is a need for it," Perete said.

He added that the Department of Health has committed an initial 10,000 test kits for PDLs. (PNA)



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MANILA – The results of the 2019 Bar examinations will be released on April 29, the Supreme Court (SC) said Thursday.

In a notice, Bar Confidant and Deputy Clerk of Court Rosita M.R. Nacional said the results of the examinations will be uploaded on the high court's website after an en banc session.

"In light of the government's call for social distancing to prevent the spread of the (coronavirus disease 2019) outbreak, everyone is advised to stay home in their respective homes and check the results online," Nacional said.

No visitors will be allowed to enter the SC compound on the said date and the list of bar passers will not be displayed in the court premises, it added.

It also advised would-be passers to wait for further announcements regarding the "clearance procedure, oath-taking ceremony and roll-signing".

Out of a total of 8,304 who initially applied to take the grueling four-week examinations for aspiring lawyers last November, only 7,699 completed the examinations after nine applications were denied and 50 withdrew before the exams.

The 2019 Bar examinations is chaired by Associate Justice Estela Perlas-Bernabe. (PNA)



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MANILA – Deputy Speaker Michael Romero on Thursday urged the government to start mass registration for the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys), commonly known as national ID system, within 60 days or not later than June 30 this year.

In a statement, Romero said the national ID's last digits could be used to determine who can go out of their homes for quarantine, where the ID is already the quarantine pass for the containment measures of the government against the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

"I suggest further that the mass registration starts in the smaller local government units (LGUs) of Metro Manila such as Pateros, San Juan, and Marikina. Mass registration could also be done in select barangays of Quezon City and Manila. Afterward, sign-ups can expand to other LGUs," Romero said.

Romero said the current design of PhilSys can only be used to ascertain the identity of recipients of Covid-19 cash grants and other assistance.

He noted that there is no income, employment, or other status information authorized to be collected for the PhilSys, so it cannot be used for targeting or qualifying aid recipients.

"When Acting NEDA (National Economic and Development Authority) Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua goes into the details of the National ID, I am sure he will discover that it has serious data limitations," Romero said.

"To be partly useful for qualifying beneficiaries as it is designed now in RA (Republic Act) 11055, the National ID still has to be used in combination with other databases," he added.

Romero cited that the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has already procured registration kits, established government partnerships for the card production and data centers, and achieved other substantial advancements in the procurement of systems.

He said the PSA would also make due adjustments to its registration protocols in light of Covid-19 and bank on its pre-registration system for an orderly registration as it is open to the public.

The government is scheduled to pilot-test the national ID system in May or June this year to about 14 to 15 million Filipinos and to roll it out by July 2021 to cover about 50 million persons.

Republic Act 11055, otherwise known as the Philippine Identification System Act, mandates that all Filipinos, as well as resident aliens in the country, be issued a national ID that will have basic information to be sourced from PSA data. The cards will be given for free.

In October 2019, the PSA and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) inked a memorandum of agreement that tasked the latter to produce within three years 116 million blank cards for the PhilSys that will have security features, which officials said are better than those used in making passports.

BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said the government-to-government pact is better than involving the private sector to address any issue that usually arises when losing bidders question the final decision on a contract.

The national ID program costs about PHP30 billion.

Diokno said the costs of production for what he called foundational ID will be about PHP3.4 billion, or around PHP30 per card. (PNA)

 



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MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte's decision on the fate of Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) will be based on "science," Malacañang said on Thursday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made the statement, as he stressed that Duterte is expected to decide anytime today with regards to the implementation of ECQ in Luzon.

"Inaasahan po natin na ang Presidente ay magde-desisyon sang-ayon po sa siyensiya (We are expecting that the President will make a decision based on science)," Roque said in a virtual presser aired on state-run PTV-4.

Roque said Duterte would meet with select members of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) on Thursday afternoon to discuss the possible total lifting, partial lifting, or another extension of ECQ in Luzon.

Duterte is expected to hold a meeting with Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr., Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, and acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua, Roque said.

Roque, for the first time, also presented the IATF-EID's recommendations to Duterte.

He said the IATF-EID submitted a framework that should be considered by Duterte when deciding on ECQ's fate in Luzon.

Roque said Duterte should assess what establishments can resume operations, who can go out to work, and what modes of public transportation can be allowed to operate.

"Hindi po natin pupwedeng ibig sabihin na indefinite ang ating ECQ dahil kinakailangan naman, magkaroon ng hanapbuhay ang ating mga mamamayan (We cannot say that the ECQ implementation is indefinite because our fellow Filipinos also need to go to work)," he said.

Roque emphasized that Duterte should also weigh the number of people who might get infected with Covid-19, the duration of infection, its peak, the total number of infected individuals, the number of severe and critical cases, the number of deaths, and health gains.

Citing the findings of IATF-EID, Roque said people aged 60 and above, as well as those aged 20 and below, are more vulnerable to Covid-19.

He said it was proposed that ECQ be extended in areas with 70 percent critical care utilization rate.

He added that the IATF-EID recommended the imposition of ECQ in areas with critical care utilization rate of 30 percent to 70 percent, as well as the lifting of ECQ in areas with less than 30 percent critical care utilization rate.

"Ang ninanais po natin, kung magkakaroon ng relaxation or lifting ng ECQ, dapat sapat ang kakayahan ng ating health sector na magbigay ng medical attention sa lahat ng posibleng magkasakit ng Covid-19 (What we want is health sector in areas where ECQ will be relaxed or lifted is ready to give medical attention to those who might acquire Covid-19)," Roque said.

The Luzon-wide ECQ was supposed to end on April 12 but was extended until April 30 to stop the further transmission of Covid-19.

Roque guaranteed that Duterte's decision would be favorable to all Filipinos.

"Naniniwala po ako na ang desisyon niya (Duterte) ay magiging base doon sa pinaka-importanteng karapatan sa lahat, ang karapatang mabuhay (I am confident that his decision would be based on the most important right of all, the right to live)," he said. (PNA)



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MANILA – As the country starts experiencing the scorching heat, a hydrologist from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Metro Manila residents should conserve water.

 

In a phone interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Thursday, Edgar dela Cruz said the heat and less rainfall during the dry season would affect the water level in the three dams that are main sources of Metro Manila's water supply – the Ipo, Angat, and La Mesa dams.

 

"When the wet season arrives, that would help in increasing the water level in these dams," dela Cruz said.

 

PAGASA climate monitoring chief Analiza Solis earlier said the Philippines only observes two seasons – the dry season when rain showers are greatly reduced and when the public could expect higher temperatures; and wet season, which usually begins in June.

 

For this year, PAGASA declared the onset of the dry season last March 20.

 

Meanwhile, dela Cruz said water levels in the Ipo and Angat dams were normal as of Thursday.

 

Angat Dam's water level reached 191.99 m., while Ipo Dam's water level measured 100.61 m., he said, adding that these levels are normal.

 

"For today, the normal water level for Angat Dam should be 187.33 m., so there is an excess of 4.55 m., which means we have a little excess to use for the coming days," dela Cruz said.

 

He noted that water concessionaires prefer a 101-m. water level for Ipo Dam, so its water level of 100.61 m. on Thursday "is okay."

 

However, La Mesa Dam's water level was recorded at 76.79 m. on Thursday, according to dela Cruz.

 

He earlier said that La Mesa Dam's water level should be at least 78 m. to 79 m.

 

Despite the below-normal level, dela Cruz said it is still manageable and could not be considered as "abnormal". (PNA)  



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MANILA – Foreigners are free to return to their respective home countries if they cannot follow the quarantine protocols imposed by the Philippine government to fight coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), Malacañang said on Thursday.

In a virtual presser aired on state-run PTV-4, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said foreign nationals only have the option to either follow the quarantine rules or leave the Philippines.

Roque stressed that President Rodrigo Duterte wants strict enforcement of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in areas with confirmed Covid-19 cases.

He said everyone must observe strict home quarantine amid the implementation of ECQ in the entire Luzon and some parts of Visayas and Mindanao.

"Ang ECQ, ipapatupad sa lahat – sa mayaman, sa mahirap, sa Pilipino o sa dayuhan. Kung ayaw niyong tumupad diyan, lalung-lalo na mga dayuhan, umalis na kayo ng Pilipinas, you are free to go (ECQ must be followed by everyone – the rich, the poor, Filipinos and foreigners. Violators, especially foreigners, are free to go and leave the Philippines)," he said.

On Sunday, four members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) entered the premises of Pacific Plaza Towers in Taguig City to check the condominium's compliance with quarantine guidelines.

The PNP personnel inspected the high-end residential condominium after receiving reports that some of its residents were violating the quarantine protocols.

Roque said police officers went to the condominium after some residents of Pacific Plaza complained against some foreigners who are living there and still gathering in common areas like swimming pool despite the strict implementation of ECQ.

"Ibig sabihin po, meron pong nag-sumbong sa pulis na naging dahilan kaya pumasok po sila sa Pacific Plaza (Meaning, there are some who complained to the police officers, prompting them to inspect Pacific Plaza)," he said.

"At ang reklamo ay meron daw ilang mga residente, ilang mga dayuhang mayayaman na nagpupumilit at lumalabag sa ECQ (The complaint is some residents, including rich foreigners, are violating ECQ)," he said.

Duterte earlier placed the entire Luzon under ECQ until April 30 to arrest the spread of Covid-19.

Quarantine violators will face a two-month jail sentence or a fine of PHP10,000 up to PHP1 million, or both, according to Republic Act 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.

Duterte is poised to decide Thursday on whether ECQ in Luzon will be lifted, modified, or extended after April 30. (PNA)



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MANILA – A lawmaker at the House of Representatives on Thursday said adopting a decision tool with minimum health standards as a guide will lead to "more logical, science-based approaches" in considering plans of lifting quarantine measures.

House ways and means committee chair Joey Salceda commended the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases for its proposed decision tool that would primarily take into consideration minimum health standards in recommending whether to lift, modify, or extend restrictions under the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon.

"The health outcomes will decide everything. Any temporary recovery that takes place when we lift the ECQ prematurely is illusory. We need sustained recovery because certainty is the foundation of lasting economic recovery. That's why I support the decision tool that the IATF is adopting," Salceda said.

"My team will continue to support the IATF's efforts to understand the science and the economics of the pandemic. Summarized, my advice to the IATF is that the better the health outcomes, the faster and the broader the recovery," Salceda added.

Meanwhile, House Minority Leader Bienvenido Abante Jr. suggested that the government should continue strictly implementing the ECQ in Metro Manila and other areas with a high concentration of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases while isolating areas that have recently recorded zero community transmissions.

"There are 27 provinces that today have zero cases of Covid-19 and one of our priorities should be to ensure that we prevent the disease from spreading there," Abante said.

"Perhaps we can consider lifting the ECQ in these provinces so businesses can reopen and residents there can go back to work," he added.

Abante said this would require restricting movement in and out of areas with Covid-19 to vehicles transporting cargo and essential goods.

"Given the high rate of transmission in some parts of Metro Manila, we need to extend the ECQ in NCR (National Capital Region) and strictly implement it so no one comes in and goes out," he said.

He said that in areas within NCR with minimal cases, a modified ECQ may be adopted so that business establishments and industries can open at least three days a week.

He said the ECQ "must go hand in hand with efforts to immediately distribute subsidies to underprivileged families."

"Our people want to cooperate with the ECQ, but without livelihoods, they must be given financial support and essential goods to tide them over while we work to contain the outbreak," he said.

President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to decide on whether to extend the ECQ after meeting experts and members of the IATF on Thursday. (PNA)

 



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MANILA – As the country rolls out effective health and political responses to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) crisis, Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go on Thursday said it is high time for the national government to begin considering long-term actions in preparation for the "new normal" after the pandemic is over.

"Aside from responding to the immediate needs of the people, such as health care and social assistance at this time of crisis, the government must also put importance on long-term solutions to current problems that have adversely affected the country's ability to respond to the Covid-19 health crisis," he said.

The chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography said that among the most important steps that the government can take is to decongest Metro Manila and other metropolitan areas to lessen the chances of a resurgence of the disease, or the spread of another pandemic.

He pointed out that the high density of communities in Metro Manila amplifies the spread of infectious diseases, such as Covid-19, and also slows down the efficiency of the government to assist all affected constituents.

Go pointed out that the lack of urban planning and rural development has contributed to the spread of the virus in congested areas and has also affected the distribution of resources in different parts of the country.

"The effort to decongest Metro Manila is becoming relevant now more than ever as the country struggles to contain the further spread of Covid-19," he said.

"Ngayon, mas nararamdaman natin ang matagal nang pinupunto ng Pangulo na kailangan talaga i-develop ang iba pang probinsiya para mabawasan ang tao sa Metro Manila. Masyadong masikip dito, mabilis kumalat ang sakit. Masyado ring maraming tao, hirap na hirap tayong maalagaan lahat ng apektado," Go said.

(We could better appreciate what President Rodrigo Duterte has been long advocating, that we really needed to develop the other provinces to decongest Metro Manila. It is too crowded here, diseases can quickly spread. There are also a lot of people, it is very difficult to tend to everyone affected.)

Go proposes a "Balik-Probinsya" program that aims to assist Filipino families who wish to relocate to the provinces after the state of public health emergency and the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) measures are lifted.

The program includes providing incentives and livelihood opportunities to Filipinos who wish to go back to their respective provinces when the Covid-19 outbreak has been finally controlled.

"If this move becomes a national priority, it would require the government to provide transportation and livelihood options to those who have agreed to go back to their provinces for good," he said.

Upon implementation, this strategy will also require local government units (LGUs) to enforce necessary quarantine measures and mass testing for Covid-19 to ensure that those who will be relocated will not be carriers of the disease.

Go said this move would also make it easier for national agencies and LGUs to provide assistance to Filipino families when necessary since government resources will be scattered and equitably distributed to the regions.

"In effect, it will unburden overpopulated LGUs and would also result in additional resources for the countryside," he said.

He said several local government officials have already echoed this recommendation as the number of informal settlers in urban areas continues to grow.

This problem has been more pronounced when Covid-19 hit the country.

"Nakikita na rin ng ibang mga LGUs na nahihirapan na silang alagaan ang lahat sa panahon ngayon ng Covid-19. Gusto na rin nilang umuwi ang mga informal settlers sa kanilang mga probinsya (Other LGUs are beginning to realize the difficulty of taking care of their constituents in this time of crisis. They also wanted informal settlers to return to their provinces)," Go said.

He admitted however that this will not be an easy feat given the massive preparations needed to be undertaken to implement the move in such limited time.

He said decongesting Metro Manila and other metropolitan areas has to be done immediately to put an end to recurring problems such as worsening traffic, uneven development, poor sanitation, poor health care, and overpopulation in urban areas.

"Kung hindi natin ito aksyunan agad, hindi matatapos ang problema natin at lalong hindi mararamdaman ang development sa probinsya (If we do not immediately act on this, the problem will persist and development would not be achieved in the provinces)," Go said.

Go also encourages investors to bring their businesses to the province to spur development in the countryside, as gainful employment opportunities will now be already available where they live.

"Hahanapan natin ng paraan upang ganahan ang mga negosyanteng mag-invest o mag-expand sa mga probinsya para naroon na rin ang trabaho at hindi na kailangan ng mga Pilipino doon na magpunta pa sa Metro Manila at lumayo sa kanilang mga pamilya," he said.

(We will find ways to encourage businessmen to invest or expand in the provinces so that employment opportunities are already there and Filipinos do not have to go to Metro Manila and be separated from their families.)

"Kami po ni Pangulong Duterte ay probinsiyano rin. Taga-Davao po kami. Doon po kami lumaki at tulad ng ibang mga probinsyano, doon rin namin nais bumalik pagkatapos ng aming pagseserbisyo sa bayan (President Duterte and I are from the province. We are both from Davao. We grew up there, and like other people from the provinces, that is where we wanted to go back after our stint in public service)," Go said.

Meanwhile, Go urged government agencies and private donors to add fruits, vegetables, and other fresh agri-fishery products to relief packs being distributed to communities, instead of only processed and canned goods.

He said such move not only provides better nutrition to Filipino families and boost their immune system against Covid-19 and other diseases but also protects the welfare of Filipino farmers and make farm produce available to poor communities amid the ongoing ECQ.

"Hindi tayo mabubuhay lang sa instant noodles at mga delata. Bigyan rin natin ng sariwang gulay at prutas ang mga apektadong tao. Napapabuti na natin ang kanilang kalusugan, natutulungan pa natin ang ating mga magsasaka (We cannot live on instant noodles alone. We should also give affected families fresh vegetables and fruits. We not only improving their health, but we are also helping our farmers)," Go said.

hee urged the Department of Agriculture (DA) to continuously lead in facilitating and catalyzing partnerships with commercial and institutional buyers to source out agricultural produce directly from farmers and fishermen, including LGUs, for their food pack distribution programs.

To date, the DA has institutionalized the Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita, a marketing strategy of the DA that links the farmers to direct buyers and to the consumers.

With programs like Kadiwa on Wheels, Kadiwa Online, Oh My Gulay, and IsDA on the GO, the food accessibility and affordability challenges posed by the ECQ can be immediately addressed.

The Bayanihan to Heal as One Act has also authorized the government to resort to more expedient procurement processes because of the urgent need to purchase goods and services amid the Covid-19 health emergency.

The LGUs, other government agencies, and institutional buyers are encouraged to directly negotiate with farmer-cooperatives and associations.

"Now, more than ever, let us do what we can to help Filipinos in need. Let us support our farmers and ensure that our people are not hungry. Pinilit po natin silang manatili sa bahay, siguraduhin nating may sapat silang pagkain para mabuhay ng matiwasay (We forced them to stay at home, we must now ensure that they have enough food to live in security)," Go said. (PNA)



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MANILA – A prelate on Thursday called on decision-makers on the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to also determine whether or not churches could reopen.

In a Facebook post, Manila Archdiocese apostolic administrator, Bishop Broderick Pabillo, said religious services are essential services.

"So when the decision-makers consider the essential services to be allowed, they should also consider the opening of the churches and its services as important. After five weeks of quarantine, decision-makers are now talking about the lifting of the lockdown, either completely, or in a mitigated way, or only in some areas. The signs of God in their lives are very important for the people," Pabillo said in the post titled "Religious Services are Essential Services."

He said people have turned to online Masses and church services during the ECQ for their spiritual nourishment.

"They find in them great comfort and strength to carry on," Pabillo added.

He said that should churches be allowed to open, they are ready to implement precautionary measures to ensure the safety of the faithful. 

"Of course, necessary precautions should be taken, like the proper social distancing and the sanitation practices to be done in the churches. We cannot also just go back to the old practices as before. Many things will also change in the way we do our services in the church. This is already taken as a given," Pabillo said.

He, however, said that allowing the people to go back to church "to thank the Lord, to ask for his protection, and implore his help, are deemed very important by the people."

"So if we want to reassure the people that we shall overcome, that we are on the way to victory in our fight against the virus, let us allow the people the opportunity to express their faith within our churches," Pabillo said.

The ECQ was implemented in March to stop the further spread of Covid-19.

As of Thursday, the Philippines recorded 6,981 confirmed infections, with 722 recoveries and 462 deaths. (PNA)

 



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MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday assured that health and safety precautions are undertaken for the transfer of female persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) from the Correctional Institute for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City to the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) patient care center (PCC) in Muntinlupa City.

"(W)e (would) like to assure the local government of Muntinlupa and the city residents that all precautions and protocols have been complied with (regarding) the transportation of the individuals from CIW," Justice Undersecretary and spokesperson Markk Perete said in a statement.

He said the Department of Health (DOH) has committed an initial 10,000 test kits for PDLs and the first batch of mass testing will be conducted at the CIW and New Bilibid Prison.

Perete said medical personnel in penal farms and colonies have been augmented and coordination with the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines is also in place to augment BuCor security personnel.

He added that the quarantine facility within the NBP was constructed following standards set by the World Health Organization and the DOH and its management will comply with stringent health protocols.

"We, therefore, solicit their utmost understanding and help to minimize the risk of infection in all communities, including the communities in our penal farms and colonies. We are confident that everyone shares our concern in promoting and protecting the health and well-being of every Filipino, including our brethren who are in prison," Perete said. (PNA)



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MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday assured that health and safety precautions are undertaken for the transfer of female persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) from the Correctional Institute for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City to the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) patient care center (PCC) in Muntinlupa City.

"(W)e (would) like to assure the local government of Muntinlupa and the city residents that all precautions and protocols have been complied with (regarding) the transportation of the individuals from CIW," Justice Undersecretary and spokesperson Markk Perete said in a statement.

He said the Department of Health (DOH) has committed an initial 10,000 test kits for PDLs and the first batch of mass testing will be conducted at the CIW and New Bilibid Prison.

Perete said medical personnel in penal farms and colonies have been augmented and coordination with the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines is also in place to augment BuCor security personnel.

He added that the quarantine facility within the NBP was constructed following standards set by the World Health Organization and the DOH and its management will comply with stringent health protocols.

"We, therefore, solicit their utmost understanding and help to minimize the risk of infection in all communities, including the communities in our penal farms and colonies. We are confident that everyone shares our concern in promoting and protecting the health and well-being of every Filipino, including our brethren who are in prison," Perete said. (PNA)



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MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday reported 12 more recoveries among overseas Filipinos infected with the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), bringing the total to 307.

"Based on the latest figures, the rate of new recoveries at 4.07 percent remains higher than the rate of new deaths at 1.89 percent," DFA Assistant Secretary Eduardo Meñez said.

Of the 1,122 confirmed cases across the Americas, Asia, and the Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East/Africa, the DFA said 653 are undergoing treatment while 162 have died.

At least 90 of the deaths were reported in the Americas, two in Asia and the Pacific, 57 in Europe, and 13 in Middle East/Africa.

In a statement, Meñez assured that the DFA continues to monitor the situation of Filipinos abroad amid the coronavirus crisis.

"The DFA, through its Foreign Service Posts, continues to monitor the status of our nationals abroad and remains proactive in rallying the support and cooperation of our people in observing measures against Covid-19. Together we heal as one," he said. (PNA)



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MANILA – Members of the Communist Party of the Philippines' (CPP) armed wing, the New People's Army (NPA), proved that they are indeed "bandits," when they attacked government troops in Davao City amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said on Thursday.

Roque issued the statement in a virtual presser aired on state-run PTV-4, a day after NPA members attacked the 16th Infantry Battalion troops in Sitio Kapihan in Malabog village in Paquibato District in Davao City.

"Ito po ay nagpapatunay talaga na bandido po itong NPA. Kung hindi ba naman sila bandido, sa panahon na dapat nagkakaisa dahil ang kalaban natin ay sakit na Covid-19, eh bakit sila aatake pa sa ating puwersa ng gobyerno (This proves that this NPA [rebels] are bandits. If they are not bandits, why will they attack the government forces at the time we are united in the fight against Covid-19)," Roque said.

Two soldiers from the 16th Infantry Battalion were wounded when NPA rebels launched an offensive in Paquibato District on Wednesday.

Roque was dismayed that NPA guerillas preferred to wage a war against the state forces rather than help the government in its fight against Covid-19.

He also lamented that the communist insurgents are targeting soldiers who are helping in the distribution of emergency subsidies to poor families affected by the implementation of an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

He said NPA bandits should be ashamed of themselves for attacking the government troops despite the current situation in the country.

"Mantakin niyo naman iyan, kung hindi bandido yung mga iyan, ang pinag-interesan pa, yung nagibibigay ng ayuda sa mga nagugutom dahil sa ECQ. Mahiya po kayo CPP-NPA (Imagine, if they are not bandits, why would they attack those who are giving assistance to the needy people? Be ashamed of yourselves, members of CPP-NPA)," Roque said.

Not sincere

The latest attack came even after the CPP-NPA extended its ceasefire until April 30 to "prioritize the fight against the pandemic and ensure the safety, health and well-being of everyone."

Roque, however, cast doubt on the sincerity of CPP-NPA members.

"Napakahirap namang paniwalaang ang sinseridad ng CPP-NPA. Samantalang habang sinasabi nilang gusto nilang magkaroon ng unilateral ceasefire, wala pong tigil ang kanilang pag-atake sa ating mga sundalo (It's hard to believe the CPP-NPA 's sincerity. While they are saying they want to have a unilateral ceasefire, they keep on attacking the soldiers)," he said.

Roque said NPA bandits should desist from attacking the government forces amid the health crisis.

He also appealed for their cooperation to ensure the successful fight against Covid-19 which already infected 6,710 people in the country.

"Sa panahon na dapat nagkakaisa dahil ang kalaban natin ay sakit na Covid-19, bakit sila ay aatake pa sa ating pwersa ng gobyerno...? Tumulong na lang po kayo (In this time that we should work together because our enemy is Covid-19, why are they attacking government forces? They should instead help the government)," Roque said.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terror group by the Philippines, the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. (PNA)



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MANILA – Malacañang warned Thursday that criminal charges would be lodged against people faking their identities to get identification cards (IDs) issued by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious disease (IATF-EID).

"Ang parusa po, well, pwede pong falsification iyan (They might face criminal case for falsification of public documents)," Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a virtual presser aired on state-run PTV-4.

He issued the statement, following reports that some individuals are pretending to be media practitioners to get IATF ID.

Roque said it should be clear that media practitioners are those who are raising public awareness about current events.

"Basta sila po (As long as) they impart information regularly to the public, whether or not they are paid, then they should be considered journalists," he said.

The IATF-EID earlier issued IDs to front-liners who are allowed to leave their homes amid the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

The ECQ was imposed in the entire Luzon to combat coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), which has already infected 6,981 persons in the country.

Exempted from work stoppage during ECQ period are health workers, soldiers, policemen, media practitioners, and other persons rendering basic services.

However, some people are taking advantage of the Covid-19 crisis by selling fake quarantine passes.

On Tuesday, Roque said President Rodrigo Duterte already ordered the immediate arrest of those behind the sale of fake IDs that purportedly serve as quarantine pass amid Luzon-wide ECQ.

Under Republic Act 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, people who commit unlawful acts during ECQ period will face one-year imprisonment or a fine of PHP10,000 up to PHP1 million, or both. (PNA)



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MANILA – The Philippines will continue to defend its sovereign rights at the West Philippine Sea (WPS) even as it grapples with the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) health crisis, Malacañang said on Thursday.

In a virtual presser, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque expressed support for the move of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to file two diplomatic protests against China for violating international law and Philippine sovereignty.

"Yung filing of diplomatic protest, ginagawa po 'yan basta kinakailangan gawin. Ke Covid, ke wala, tayo po ay mananatili na poprotektahan at itataguyod ang ating national territory at ang ating sovereign rights (The filing of diplomatic protest, we will file them if they need to be filed. With or without Covid, we will continue to protect and defend our national territory and sovereign rights)," Roque said.

On Wednesday afternoon, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said the Philippines filed two protests against China for pointing a radar gun at a Philippine Navy ship and declaring a Philippine territory as part of Hainan province near the Philippine-occupied Rizal Reef in the Kalayaan Island Group on Feb. 17.

Roque defended the government's move amid criticism questioning the timing of the filing of two diplomatic protests amid the pandemic.

"Kung kinakailangan mag protesta gagawin po natin 'yan (If there is a need to file a protest, we will do that). We need to do the correct thing even if it's unpopular. Hindi po popularity contest kung anong dapat gawin ng DFA pagdating po sa usaping national territory (What the DFA does when it comes to national territory should not be a popularity contest)," he said.

He said he has not heard of reports of reclamation in the disputed territories but expressed hope China would fulfill its promise to stop reclamation activities in the disputed waters.

"Wala po akong nakalap na balita na gumagawa po sila ng mga bagong imprastraktura pero uulitin ko po na ang pangako po ng Tsina na tayo po ay umaasa na tutuparin nila, wala pong bagong reclamation na gagawin (I have not heard of reports that they're constructing new infrastructure but I am hopeful that China will fulfill its promise that there should be no further reclamation activities)," he said.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague, Netherlands invalidated China's nine-dash line, a geographical marker Beijing invoked to assert its extensive claims in the strategic waters.

The tribunal decided in favor of the Philippines' arbitration case filed against China in 2013 but Beijing rejected it as null and void.

No proof China violated international law

Roque, meanwhile, shrugged off Senator Risa Hontiveros' call asking China to shoulder Philippine expenses in responding to the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said there is "no proof" that China should be liable to pay reparations to injured states over its failure to promptly notify the world of the outbreak as required by the International Health Regulations of the World Health Organization (WHO).

"Bilang isang propesor din ng international law, yung issue po ng state responsibility depende po 'yan kung mapapatunayan na merong nilabag na obligasyon ang Tsina either be it treaty-based or customary-based na obligasyon sa international law (As a professor of international law, the issue of state responsibility will depend on whether there is proof that China violated obligations either be it treaty-based or customary-based obligations in international law)," he said.

Roque also pointed out that China would most likely reject any possible arbitration to take place concerning the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Ang pinaka importanteng katanungan, sinong tribunal ang magdedesisyun ng ganyan dahil ang world court po, ang International Court of Justice, ay may hurisdiksyon lang 'yan sa mga bansa na tumanggap ng hurisdiksyon ng korteng ito at hindi po tinatanggap ng Tsina ang hurisdiksyon ng ICJ at hindi rin tingin ko papayag ang Tsina sa kahit na anong arbitration (The most important question is which tribunal would make the decision because the International Court of Justice only has jurisdiction in states that accept their jurisdiction and China doesn't. I think China would not allow any arbitration)," he said.

Asked if the Philippines would hold China accountable for Covid-19, Roque said it would depend on whether there is enough evidence.

"Depende kung merong napatunayang paglabag sa obligasyon ang Tsina. Sa ngayon po, wala pa akong nalalaman na paglabag ng obligason ng Tsina (It would depend on whether there is proof that China violated international obligations. At present, I do not know of any obligation violated by China)," he said.

Hontiveros said China should pay the Philippines' Covid-19 response as reparation for the country's losses due to China's damage of Philippine reef ecosystems for over six years now, estimated at over PHP200 billion.

She said the money, which is past due, could go to government efforts in fighting the pandemic.

The Chinese Embassy, however, dismissed Hontiveros' statement as "ridiculously absurd and irresponsible" as China and the Philippines are both working to curb transmission of the highly-infectious disease. (PNA)

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MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte is grateful that most Filipinos appreciate the government's efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in the country, Malacañang said on Thursday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque issued the statement after results of April 6 to 8 survey by global polling firm Gallup International Association bared that 80 percent of Filipinos are convinced that the Duterte administration is handling the Covid-19 crisis "well."

"Nagpapasalamat po ang Pangulo dahil 80 porsiyento po ng lahat ng Pilipino ay may opinion na maganda naman ang pag-hawak ng ating gobyerno dito sa issue ng Covid-19 (The President is grateful because 80 percent of Filipinos believed that the government handles the Covid-19 issue well)," Roque said in a virtual presser aired on state-run PTV-4.

The entire Luzon and several areas in Visayas and Mindanao with Covid-19 infections have been placed under an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to stop the contagion in the country.

The ECQ means people are barred from leaving their homes unless they need to access basic needs and are exempted from the quarantine protocols.

Gallup International's poll also found that 86 percent are willing to "sacrifice" some of their human rights, "if it helps prevent the spread of the virus."

It also revealed that 88 percent are "afraid" that he or his family member may acquire the new coronavirus.

Roque assured the public that Duterte would do his best to stop the further transmission of Covid-19 in the country.

"Asahan niyo po na kung anuman ang magiging desisyon ng Presidente eh a-addressin po niya itong ating kinatatakutan na baka tayo ay magkasakit (Expect that whatever the President's decision will be, he will consider our fear of getting sick)," he said.

Roque also ensured that Duterte would come up with a "best" decision when it comes to the ECQ's fate.

"Naiinitindihan po niya (Duterte) na napakahirap ng ECQ at gagawin po niya ang pinakamagaling para dito sa sambayanang Pilipinas (He understands that we are in difficult situation following the ECQ. And he will consider what's best for his fellow countrymen)," he said.

Duterte, through Republic Act 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, was granted special powers to address the Covid-19 pandemic in the country.

The Philippines has so far 6,710 confirmed Covid-19 cases.

Some 693 infected individuals have recovered from the coronavirus disease while 446 Covid-19 patients died. (PNA)



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MANILA — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Thursday said it has adopted the recommendation of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to include eligible families of barangay health workers, daycare workers, and tanods as target beneficiaries of the emergency subsidy under the Bayanihan Fund: Tulong Laban sa COVID-19 Social Amelioration Program (SAP) of the government.

DSWD, in a news release, said based on its consultation with DILG, barangay workers -- while considered as government workers who are generally excluded from SAP -- are part of sub-minimum wage-earners, defined as those who earn a wage below the prescribed minimum and are the sole income-earner of their family.

As such, they may be considered to receive the assistance and are now excluded from government workers who are ineligible for SAP. 

DSWD has already directed SAP implementers nationwide to include the eligible families of the barangay workers as target beneficiaries of the cash subsidy, subject to assessment and under the guidelines of the program. 

Barangay workers, DSWD said, play a critical role in the government's response efforts to contain the Covid-19 pandemic, working as front-liners in delivering aid to residents in need in their communities.

DSWD, in coordination with other concerned agencies, continues to deliver the emergency cash subsidy provided for under Republic Act 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, which amounts to PHP5,000 to PHP8,000 to support low-income families or those in the subsistence economy or workers in the informal economy, and with members belonging to the vulnerable sector, who are deemed to be the most affected by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. (PR)



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MANILA – International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) terminals across its portfolio, both individually and collectively, and in unity with its host communities in the fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, have contributed about PHP350 million to national and local government agencies, immediate communities, employees, and port stakeholders.

 

Enrique Razon Jr., ICTSI Chairman and President, said "aside from being a health crisis, the pandemic is causing a toll on the economic and social condition of most everyone. Through our individual and collaborative efforts, we hope to somehow reduce and limit the economic and health impact of the virus on our local communities and employees." 

 

Foremost for the Group was to ensure the safety and protection of its employees who keep the ports open and running so that food, medical supplies and equipment along with basic necessities are delivered unhampered. 

 

Following strict protocols and measures dictated by the World Health Organization, International Maritime Organization and local governments, terminals are sanitized and disinfected to make for a safe working environment.  

 

All employees are given personal protective equipment (PPE) and health and food aid aside from their expanded wage and bonus programs. 

 

Rapid Covid-19 test kits have been deployed at a number of large facilities.

 

Also across its portfolio, ICTSI has continuously donated PPE, ventilators and test kits to private and government healthcare facilities, disinfectants to healthcare workers, and food and other critical supplies to truckers, other stakeholders, and vulnerable communities. 

 

Logistical support was also given to hospitals as well as psychological support for those in need of it.

 

ICTSI was among the first to respond to the call of the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), of which it is a member, for the business community to band together for Project Ugnayan, a feeding program for the economically vulnerable in the Philippine capital and neighboring provinces with a PHP100 million donation.  

 

In just a couple of weeks, the project has been able to help about 1.5 million families or 7.5 million individuals.

 

The ICTSI Foundation has likewise provided aid to provincial hospitals, as well as to the often neglected sectors of society -- the elderly and the indigenous people located close to terminal facilities.

 

Outside of the ICTSI Group, Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, Inc. to date has donated PHP600 million of PPE, disinfectants, ventilators and other critical supplies to government and private hospitals in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.  

 

The Razon group has also retrofitted the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Rizal Stadium and the Philippine General Hospital to become Covid-19 treatment facilities.  

 

Moreover, PHP100 million was donated for relief operations for the marginalized sector. (PR)



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MANILA – The Philippines is interested to participate in Russia-led clinical trials for a coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccine, Russian Ambassador to Manila Igor Khovaev said Thursday night.

"The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) of the Philippines has approached the Embassy with a proposal to participate in clinical trials for vaccine development through partnership with a competent Russian institution," he told the Philippine News Agency, referring to the State Research Center for Virology and Biotechnology VECTOR.

According to Khovaev, the Novosibirsk-based institute has so far achieved "promising results" in the development of a Covid-19 vaccine.

"We recommended the DOST to get in touch with the said Center," he said.

Khovaev also said Russian pharmaceutical company Polysan has offered to donate "an unlimited supply" of Cycloferon for Covid-19 patients in the Philippines.

He said the medicine "has proven effective against a wide variety of viral infections" and that the same drug was given to Indonesia early April.

"We officially conveyed the relevant offer to the Philippine partners. As far as I know, it has been under consideration," he said.

Khovaev stressed these efforts reflect the improving ties between Russia and the Philippines.

"Trials and challenges may not be particularly pleasurable but apart from all hardships and ordeals, the Covid-19 crisis provides us with new opportunities," he said.

"I am happy and proud to state that the cooperation and friendship between Russians and Filipinos is a real fact, not propaganda. Our partnership based on common humane values has endured a stiff test with flying colors, thereby creating unprecedented preconditions for developing and strengthening a fruitful collaboration in the post coronavirus period," he added. (PNA)



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MANILA – Malacañang on Thursday disputed claims that President Rodrigo Duterte's tough stance against the enhanced community quarantine violators resulted in the killing of a former soldier by a police officer at a checkpoint in Quezon City.

In a virtual presser, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made this reaction after human rights watchdog Karapatan said Duterte's "shoot them dead" orders and threats of a martial law-like takeover emboldened the military and police to kill.

Roque clarified anew that Duterte never directed authorities to "kill" violators of ECQ rules amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

Last April 3, Duterte said the police and the military are only authorized to shoot anyone who resorts to violence during an arrest.

"Wala pong relasyon ito sa kahit anong sinabi ng Presidente at hindi po sinabi ng pulis na siya po ay pinatutupad ang isang order ng Presidente (This is not related, no matter what the President says and the police officer did not say that he was implementing the President's order)," Roque said.

He said critics should not immediately relate Duterte's pronouncement as a basis to shoot troublemakers dead.

"Huwag po nating bigyan ng interpretasyon ang bagay na ito na wala naman pong basehan at all (Let's not give interpretations to things that have no basis at all). If at all, it's a speculation, it's a conjecture, it is not factual," he said.

Reports showed that at about 2:30 p. m. Tuesday, retired soldier Winston Ragos, who allegedly violated quarantine guidelines, was shot dead by Police Master Sgt. Daniel Florendo Jr. for allegedly attempting to pull out a gun from his bag.

Florendo and four police trainees from the Highway Patrol Group were manning the checkpoint on Maligaya Drive in Brgy. Pasong Putik when Ragos approached the policemen and started shouting and intimidating them, the report said.

The police officers asked Ramos to return home but the victim allegedly attempted to pull out a .38 caliber hand gun from his sling bag which prompted the suspect to shoot Ragos, it added.

In a statement, the Quezon City government said its police department is thoroughly investigating the incident, saying the cops involved will be given a chance to explain their side.

The victim's family was quoted in reports as saying he was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and schizophrenia.

Under Philippine National Police (PNP) operational procedures, during confrontation with an armed offender, "only such necessary and reasonable force should be applied as would be sufficient to overcome the resistance put up by the offender; subdue the clear and imminent danger posed by him; or justice the force or act under the principles of self-defense, defense of relative or defense of stranger." (PNA)



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MANILA – Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque will take the lead in the government's information dissemination on the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

Roque confirmed this in a virtual presser, explaining that Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea authorized only him and Heath Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire to speak on behalf of the government.

"Nagkaroon na po ng pag-utos ang ating (There is an order from our) Executive Secretary that information sharing will now be centralized through the Office of the Presidential Spokesperson," he said.

He said he had no knowledge on the basis of Medialdea's decision.

"The memo said po that the only authorized person to speak on behalf of government are, number one, the Presidential Spokesperson; and number two, Usec. Vergeire of the DOH for health-related matters," he said.

After taking his oath on April 14, Roque returned to the Cabinet succeeding former Presidential Spokesperson and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo.

Asked why Roque was reappointed, Panelo said "the present crisis requires a new tack in messaging."

Before Roque's reappointment, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles held daily virtual pressers to update the public on new revised guidelines under the enhanced community quarantine.

Nograles is also currently spokesperson for the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.

He was last seen at Willie Revillame's online show "Tutok To Win sa Wowowin" on Wednesday.

Vergeire regularly holds virtual pressers for health-related matters such as updated numbers of Covid-19 cases, deaths, and recoveries, and contact-tracing, isolating, and mass testing efforts.

Aside from Nograles, Presidential Peace Adviser and National Task Force (NTF) Covid-19 chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. also holds day-end virtual pressers at least thrice a week.

State-run PTV-4 also hosts a daily Laging Handa public briefer that invites officials from both the public and private sector as well as regular citizens to speak about matters concerning the government's Covid-19 response. (PNA)



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MANILA – The Russian Embassy in Manila on Thursday night thanked the Philippine government for helping repatriate some 650 Russian nationals affected by the community quarantine imposed in different parts of the country,

"No Embassy in the world has its own boats or airplanes. Therefore, we owe a debt of gratitude to the Philippine Government because the Department of National Defense (DND) and Hon. Secretary Carlito Galvez shouldered the flights and ships that took our compatriots from Davao, General Santos, Cagayan de Oro, Dumaguete, Camiguin, Siquijor and many other places to the evacuation airports," he told the Philippine News Agency.

Due to the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), domestic flights have been suspended, leaving a number of Filipino and foreign tourists stranded in different parts of the country.

Khovaev said two special flights, operated by Russian air companies, repatriated 650 of their nationals.

The first one took off from the Mactan Cebu International Airport on March 26, while the other from the Kalibo International Airport on March 31.

Aside with Galvez, Khovaev also conveyed Russia's gratitude to DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr., and the local governments for facilitating the Russians' evacuation.

Spirit of friendship

He also recalled the rescue of Capt. Alexander Solodyannikov who was given urgent medical aid despite the ECQ.

The Russian seafarer reportedly suffered "an attack of an unknown respiratory syndrome" onboard the tanker Asphalt Transporter while en route to Australia. He was eventually diagnosed with asthma in a hospital in Metro Manila.

"Just like the evacuation of Russian tourists, the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) was a great help in coordinating the transfer of the seriously ill Captain from Mindanao to Manila. I am pleased to say that Mr. Solodyannikov, A.V. is currently in no danger. His condition was treated in a highly professional way," Khovaev said.

Solodyannikov has been discharged from the hospital and is waiting for his repatriation flight in a Metro Manila hotel.

Khovaev said the rescue is a "striking example of bilateral cooperation under crisis conditions in the spirit of friendship and partnership" between Manila and Moscow.

"Once again, I sincerely thank Hon. Secretary Teodoro Locsin and Hon. Secretary Carlito Galvez for their help with this rescue operation. Speed was of the essence in this particular case and we would have never managed to secure necessary permissions without their endorsements," he said. (PNA)



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MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte is grateful that most Filipinos appreciate the government's efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in the country, Malacañang said on Thursday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque issued the statement after results of April 6 to 8 survey by global polling firm Gallup International Association bared that 80 percent of Filipinos are convinced that the Duterte administration is handling the Covid-19 crisis "well."

"Nagpapasalamat po ang Pangulo dahil 80 porsiyento po ng lahat ng Pilipino ay may opinion na maganda naman ang pag-hawak ng ating gobyerno dito sa issue ng Covid-19 (The President is grateful because 80 percent of Filipinos believed that the government handles the Covid-19 issue well)," Roque said in a virtual presser aired on state-run PTV-4.

The entire Luzon and several areas in Visayas and Mindanao with Covid-19 infections have been placed under an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to stop the contagion in the country.

The ECQ means people are barred from leaving their homes unless they need to access basic needs and are exempted from the quarantine protocols.

Gallup International's poll also found that 86 percent are willing to "sacrifice" some of their human rights, "if it helps prevent the spread of the virus."

It also revealed that 88 percent are "afraid" that he or his family member may acquire the new coronavirus.

Roque assured the public that Duterte would do his best to stop the further transmission of Covid-19 in the country.

"Asahan niyo po na kung anuman ang magiging desisyon ng Presidente eh a-addressin po niya itong ating kinatatakutan na baka tayo ay magkasakit (Expect that whatever the President's decision will be, he will consider our fear of getting sick)," he said.

Roque also ensured that Duterte would come up with a "best" decision when it comes to the ECQ's fate.

"Naiinitindihan po niya (Duterte) na napakahirap ng ECQ at gagawin po niya ang pinakamagaling para dito sa sambayanang Pilipinas (He understands that we are in difficult situation following the ECQ. And he will consider what's best for his fellow countrymen)," he said.

Duterte, through Republic Act 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, was granted special powers to address the Covid-19 pandemic in the country.

The Philippines has so far 6,710 confirmed Covid-19 cases.

Some 693 infected individuals have recovered from the coronavirus disease while 446 Covid-19 patients died. (PNA)



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MANILA — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Thursday said it has adopted the recommendation of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to include eligible families of barangay health workers, daycare workers, and tanods as target beneficiaries of the emergency subsidy under the Bayanihan Fund: Tulong Laban sa COVID-19 Social Amelioration Program (SAP) of the government.

DSWD, in a news release, said based on its consultation with DILG, barangay workers -- while considered as government workers who are generally excluded from SAP -- are part of sub-minimum wage-earners, defined as those who earn a wage below the prescribed minimum and are the sole income-earner of their family.

As such, they may be considered to receive the assistance and are now excluded from government workers who are ineligible for SAP. 

DSWD has already directed SAP implementers nationwide to include the eligible families of the barangay workers as target beneficiaries of the cash subsidy, subject to assessment and under the guidelines of the program. 

Barangay workers, DSWD said, play a critical role in the government's response efforts to contain the Covid-19 pandemic, working as front-liners in delivering aid to residents in need in their communities.

DSWD, in coordination with other concerned agencies, continues to deliver the emergency cash subsidy provided for under Republic Act 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, which amounts to PHP5,000 to PHP8,000 to support low-income families or those in the subsistence economy or workers in the informal economy, and with members belonging to the vulnerable sector, who are deemed to be the most affected by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. (PR



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MANILA – International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) terminals across its portfolio, both individually and collectively, and in unity with its host communities in the fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, have contributed about PHP350 million to national and local government agencies, immediate communities, employees, and port stakeholders.

 

Enrique Razon Jr., ICTSI Chairman and President, said "aside from being a health crisis, the pandemic is causing a toll on the economic and social condition of most everyone. Through our individual and collaborative efforts, we hope to somehow reduce and limit the economic and health impact of the virus on our local communities and employees." 

 

Foremost for the Group was to ensure the safety and protection of its employees who keep the ports open and running so that food, medical supplies and equipment along with basic necessities are delivered unhampered. 

 

Following strict protocols and measures dictated by the World Health Organization, International Maritime Organization and local governments, terminals are sanitized and disinfected to make for a safe working environment.  

 

All employees are given personal protective equipment (PPE) and health and food aid aside from their expanded wage and bonus programs. 

 

Rapid Covid-19 test kits have been deployed at a number of large facilities.

 

Also across its portfolio, ICTSI has continuously donated PPE, ventilators and test kits to private and government healthcare facilities, disinfectants to healthcare workers, and food and other critical supplies to truckers, other stakeholders, and vulnerable communities. 

 

Logistical support was also given to hospitals as well as psychological support for those in need of it.

 

ICTSI was among the first to respond to the call of the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), of which it is a member, for the business community to band together for Project Ugnayan, a feeding program for the economically vulnerable in the Philippine capital and neighboring provinces with a PHP100 million donation.  

 

In just a couple of weeks, the project has been able to help about 1.5 million families or 7.5 million individuals.

 

The ICTSI Foundation has likewise provided aid to provincial hospitals, as well as to the often neglected sectors of society -- the elderly and the indigenous people located close to terminal facilities.

 

Outside of the ICTSI Group, Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, Inc. to date has donated PHP600 million of PPE, disinfectants, ventilators and other critical supplies to government and private hospitals in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.  

 

The Razon group has also retrofitted the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Rizal Stadium and the Philippine General Hospital to become Covid-19 treatment facilities.  

 

Moreover, PHP100 million was donated for relief operations for the marginalized sector. (PR



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MANILA – The Philippines is interested to participate in Russia-led clinical trials for a coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccine, Russian Ambassador to Manila Igor Khovaev said Thursday night.

"The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) of the Philippines has approached the Embassy with a proposal to participate in clinical trials for vaccine development through partnership with a competent Russian institution," he told the Philippine News Agency, referring to the State Research Center for Virology and Biotechnology VECTOR.

According to Khovaev, the Novosibirsk-based institute has so far achieved "promising results" in the development of a Covid-19 vaccine.

"We recommended the DOST to get in touch with the said Center," he said.

Khovaev also said Russian pharmaceutical company Polysan has offered to donate "an unlimited supply" of Cycloferon for Covid-19 patients in the Philippines.

He said the medicine "has proven effective against a wide variety of viral infections" and that the same drug was given to Indonesia early April.

"We officially conveyed the relevant offer to the Philippine partners. As far as I know, it has been under consideration," he said.

Khovaev stressed these efforts reflect the improving ties between Russia and the Philippines.

"Trials and challenges may not be particularly pleasurable but apart from all hardships and ordeals, the Covid-19 crisis provides us with new opportunities," he said.

"I am happy and proud to state that the cooperation and friendship between Russians and Filipinos is a real fact, not propaganda. Our partnership based on common humane values has endured a stiff test with flying colors, thereby creating unprecedented preconditions for developing and strengthening a fruitful collaboration in the post coronavirus period," he added. (PNA)



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MANILA – Malacañang on Thursday disputed claims that President Rodrigo Duterte's tough stance against the enhanced community quarantine violators resulted in the killing of a former soldier by a police officer at a checkpoint in Quezon City.

In a virtual presser, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made this reaction after human rights watchdog Karapatan said Duterte's "shoot them dead" orders and threats of a martial law-like takeover emboldened the military and police to kill.

Roque clarified anew that Duterte never directed authorities to "kill" violators of ECQ rules amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

Last April 3, Duterte said the police and the military are only authorized to shoot anyone who resorts to violence during an arrest.

"Wala pong relasyon ito sa kahit anong sinabi ng Presidente at hindi po sinabi ng pulis na siya po ay pinatutupad ang isang order ng Presidente (This is not related, no matter what the President says and the police officer did not say that he was implementing the President's order)," Roque said.

He said critics should not immediately relate Duterte's pronouncement as a basis to shoot troublemakers dead.

"Huwag po nating bigyan ng interpretasyon ang bagay na ito na wala naman pong basehan at all (Let's not give interpretations to things that have no basis at all). If at all, it's a speculation, it's a conjecture, it is not factual," he said.

Reports showed that at about 2:30 p. m. Tuesday, retired soldier Winston Ragos, who allegedly violated quarantine guidelines, was shot dead by Police Master Sgt. Daniel Florendo Jr. for allegedly attempting to pull out a gun from his bag.

Florendo and four police trainees from the Highway Patrol Group were manning the checkpoint on Maligaya Drive in Brgy. Pasong Putik when Ragos approached the policemen and started shouting and intimidating them, the report said.

The police officers asked Ramos to return home but the victim allegedly attempted to pull out a .38 caliber hand gun from his sling bag which prompted the suspect to shoot Ragos, it added.

In a statement, the Quezon City government said its police department is thoroughly investigating the incident, saying the cops involved will be given a chance to explain their side.

The victim's family was quoted in reports as saying he was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and schizophrenia.

Under Philippine National Police (PNP) operational procedures, during confrontation with an armed offender, "only such necessary and reasonable force should be applied as would be sufficient to overcome the resistance put up by the offender; subdue the clear and imminent danger posed by him; or justice the force or act under the principles of self-defense, defense of relative or defense of stranger." (PNA)



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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The local government unit here has vowed to go after those involved in authorized reproduction of Barangay Exit Passes (BEPs), as part of the broader strategies to strengthen existing community quarantine measures.

This came after two residents in Barangay Bayanga were held by police for allegedly duplicating the BEP on Thursday.

Authorities warned violators will be charged with falsification of public documents and violation of Executive Order No. 062-2020 that mandates the use of BEP as a containment measure against Covid-19.

Antonio Resma, city's Regulatory Compliance Board (RCB) chief, said a pregnant woman was arrested on Wednesday for also allegedly using a fake exit pass.

He said they were conducting random inspection in Sitio Calaanan, Barangay Canitoan, when the woman caught the RCB's attention.

"We asked for her barangay exit pass, but what she showed us was a photocopy and not the original one," Resma said.

BEP allows residents to go out of their houses to buy essential items such as food or medicine. It can also be used by residents when they transact business at financial establishments such as banks or money-transfer outlets, and government offices outside their barangay.

Those who are sick, pregnant, or elderly are not allowed to use the BEP, nor are they permitted to go out except in emergency or medical situations.

Maj. Aldren Baculio, the Bulua police commander, said the person who photocopied the exit pass seized from the woman will be held liable for falsification of public documents.

Mayor Oscar Moreno earlier underscored the importance of limiting the movement of people and transportation in the city, saying this was one of the more effective ways "to beat the coronavirus."

"We can flatten the curve by staying home," Moreno said.

 Maj. Evan Viñas, city police spokesperson, said in a separate interview that since the BEP was implemented on April 20, dozens have been caught without an exit pass.

On April 21, Viñas said 113 persons were nabbed for failing to present a BEP or wear a face mask, which was made compulsory by the city government.

Viñas said that since the curfew was implemented on March 19, some 2,700 persons have been arrested.

He said quarantine violators are reprimanded and are ordered to watch a video documentary on the coronavirus as part of the information campaign of the government.

"We want them to be aware of the risks of the coronavirus so that they will abide by the laws the government has set to fight the virus," he said. (PNA)

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ZAMBOANGA CITY – The local Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on 2019 coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) here started implementing a quarantine pass scheme Thursday to further limit the number of people in public areas.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar issued Executive Order No. 563-2020, which seeks to implement the use of quarantine pass following observation that the number of people and vehicles--mostly private-owned--swelled in numbers after the Holy Week observance.

Salazar said the considerable number of people and motorists on the road has even caused traffic jams in major thoroughfares leading to the city proper.

She said the quarantine pass system is based on the April 18 advisory of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) that encouraged local government units to schedule or cluster communities or barangays whose residents "may be allowed to go out."

The city government has so far issued a total of 219,692 quarantine passes, which has two categories.

Holders of quarantine pass "A" are allowed to go out on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays while "B" is on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. No quarantine pass is issued for Sunday.

"The number of quarantine passes issued to barangays is based on the 2015 census with the projection for 2020," Salazar said.

She assured they will validate claims from several families complaining they have not received their quarantine pass.

"If we issue more passes, it will defeat the purpose of the executive order," she said, adding some barangay officials may have not properly carried out the instructions concerning the issuance of quarantine pass.

"This order (E.O. 563-2020) will be implemented with the full force of the law," she said, adding she expects the full cooperation of the public. (PNA)

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MANILA – The Philippines is interested to participate in Russia-led clinical trials for a coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccine, Russian Ambassador to Manila Igor Khovaev said Thursday night.

"The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) of the Philippines has approached the Embassy with a proposal to participate in clinical trials for vaccine development through partnership with a competent Russian institution," he told the Philippine News Agency, referring to the State Research Center for Virology and Biotechnology VECTOR.

According to Khovaev, the Novosibirsk-based institute has so far achieved "promising results" in the development of a Covid-19 vaccine.

"We recommended the DOST to get in touch with the said Center," he said.

Khovaev also said Russian pharmaceutical company Polysan has offered to donate "an unlimited supply" of Cycloferon for Covid-19 patients in the Philippines.

He said the medicine "has proven effective against a wide variety of viral infections" and that the same drug was given to Indonesia early April.

"We officially conveyed the relevant offer to the Philippine partners. As far as I know, it has been under consideration," he said.

Khovaev stressed these efforts reflect the improving ties between Russia and the Philippines.

"Trials and challenges may not be particularly pleasurable but apart from all hardships and ordeals, the Covid-19 crisis provides us with new opportunities," he said.

"I am happy and proud to state that the cooperation and friendship between Russians and Filipinos is a real fact, not propaganda. Our partnership based on common humane values has endured a stiff test with flying colors, thereby creating unprecedented preconditions for developing and strengthening a fruitful collaboration in the post coronavirus period," he added. (PNA)



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MANILA – Malacañang on Thursday disputed claims that President Rodrigo Duterte's tough stance against the enhanced community quarantine violators resulted in the killing of a former soldier by a police officer at a checkpoint in Quezon City.

In a virtual presser, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made this reaction after human rights watchdog Karapatan said Duterte's "shoot them dead" orders and threats of a martial law-like takeover emboldened the military and police to kill.

Roque clarified anew that Duterte never directed authorities to "kill" violators of ECQ rules amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

Last April 3, Duterte said the police and the military are only authorized to shoot anyone who resorts to violence during an arrest.

"Wala pong relasyon ito sa kahit anong sinabi ng Presidente at hindi po sinabi ng pulis na siya po ay pinatutupad ang isang order ng Presidente (This is not related, no matter what the President says and the police officer did not say that he was implementing the President's order)," Roque said.

He said critics should not immediately relate Duterte's pronouncement as a basis to shoot troublemakers dead.

"Huwag po nating bigyan ng interpretasyon ang bagay na ito na wala naman pong basehan at all (Let's not give interpretations to things that have no basis at all). If at all, it's a speculation, it's a conjecture, it is not factual," he said.

Reports showed that at about 2:30 p. m. Tuesday, retired soldier Winston Ragos, who allegedly violated quarantine guidelines, was shot dead by Police Master Sgt. Daniel Florendo Jr. for allegedly attempting to pull out a gun from his bag.

Florendo and four police trainees from the Highway Patrol Group were manning the checkpoint on Maligaya Drive in Brgy. Pasong Putik when Ragos approached the policemen and started shouting and intimidating them, the report said.

The police officers asked Ramos to return home but the victim allegedly attempted to pull out a .38 caliber hand gun from his sling bag which prompted the suspect to shoot Ragos, it added.

In a statement, the Quezon City government said its police department is thoroughly investigating the incident, saying the cops involved will be given a chance to explain their side.

The victim's family was quoted in reports as saying he was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and schizophrenia.

Under Philippine National Police (PNP) operational procedures, during confrontation with an armed offender, "only such necessary and reasonable force should be applied as would be sufficient to overcome the resistance put up by the offender; subdue the clear and imminent danger posed by him; or justice the force or act under the principles of self-defense, defense of relative or defense of stranger." (PNA)



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ANKARA – China has decided to donate an additional USD30 million in cash to the World Health Organization to support its global fight against the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), an official said Thursday.

The decision announced by Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Hua Chunying on Twitter came amid growing criticism against the global health body led by US President Donald Trump.

Chunying said the donation would support WHO's fight against the global pandemic "in particular strengthening developing countries' health systems."

She also noted that Beijing had already donated USD20 million to the organization on March 11.

"At this crucial moment, supporting WHO is supporting Multilateralism and Global Solidarity," Chunying tweeted.

Trump had cut US financial support to the organization, criticizing its late warnings against the coronavirus pandemic that infected over 2.6 million people across the globe and killing more than 183,000.

WHO rejected the accusations and its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he hoped that "the freezing of the funding will be reconsidered and that the US will once again support WHO." (Anadolu)



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MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday reported 12 more recoveries among overseas Filipinos infected with the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), bringing the total to 307.

"Based on the latest figures, the rate of new recoveries at 4.07 percent remains higher than the rate of new deaths at 1.89 percent," DFA Assistant Secretary Eduardo Meñez said.

Of the 1,122 confirmed cases across the Americas, Asia, and the Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East/Africa, the DFA said 653 are undergoing treatment while 162 have died.

At least 90 of the deaths were reported in the Americas, two in Asia and the Pacific, 57 in Europe, and 13 in Middle East/Africa.

In a statement, Meñez assured that the DFA continues to monitor the situation of Filipinos abroad amid the coronavirus crisis.

"The DFA, through its Foreign Service Posts, continues to monitor the status of our nationals abroad and remains proactive in rallying the support and cooperation of our people in observing measures against Covid-19. Together we heal as one," he said. (PNA)



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MANILA – Members of the Communist Party of the Philippines' (CPP) armed wing, the New People's Army (NPA), proved that they are indeed "bandits," when they attacked government troops in Davao City amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said on Thursday.

Roque issued the statement in a virtual presser aired on state-run PTV-4, a day after NPA members attacked the 16th Infantry Battalion troops in Sitio Kapihan in Malabog village in Paquibato District in Davao City.

"Ito po ay nagpapatunay talaga na bandido po itong NPA. Kung hindi ba naman sila bandido, sa panahon na dapat nagkakaisa dahil ang kalaban natin ay sakit na Covid-19, eh bakit sila aatake pa sa ating puwersa ng gobyerno (This proves that this NPA [rebels] are bandits. If they are not bandits, why will they attack the government forces at the time we are united in the fight against Covid-19)," Roque said.

Two soldiers from the 16th Infantry Battalion were wounded when NPA rebels launched an offensive in Paquibato District on Wednesday.

Roque was dismayed that NPA guerillas preferred to wage a war against the state forces rather than help the government in its fight against Covid-19.

He also lamented that the communist insurgents are targeting soldiers who are helping in the distribution of emergency subsidies to poor families affected by the implementation of an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

He said NPA bandits should be ashamed of themselves for attacking the government troops despite the current situation in the country.

"Mantakin niyo naman iyan, kung hindi bandido yung mga iyan, ang pinag-interesan pa, yung nagibibigay ng ayuda sa mga nagugutom dahil sa ECQ. Mahiya po kayo CPP-NPA (Imagine, if they are not bandits, why would they attack those who are giving assistance to the needy people? Be ashamed of yourselves, members of CPP-NPA)," Roque said.

Not sincere

The latest attack came even after the CPP-NPA extended its ceasefire until April 30 to "prioritize the fight against the pandemic and ensure the safety, health and well-being of everyone."

Roque, however, cast doubt on the sincerity of CPP-NPA members.

"Napakahirap namang paniwalaang ang sinseridad ng CPP-NPA. Samantalang habang sinasabi nilang gusto nilang magkaroon ng unilateral ceasefire, wala pong tigil ang kanilang pag-atake sa ating mga sundalo (It's hard to believe the CPP-NPA 's sincerity. While they are saying they want to have a unilateral ceasefire, they keep on attacking the soldiers)," he said.

Roque said NPA bandits should desist from attacking the government forces amid the health crisis.

He also appealed for their cooperation to ensure the successful fight against Covid-19 which already infected 6,710 people in the country.

"Sa panahon na dapat nagkakaisa dahil ang kalaban natin ay sakit na Covid-19, bakit sila ay aatake pa sa ating pwersa ng gobyerno...? Tumulong na lang po kayo (In this time that we should work together because our enemy is Covid-19, why are they attacking government forces? They should instead help the government)," Roque said.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terror group by the Philippines, the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. (PNA)



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MANILA – The Philippines will continue to defend its sovereign rights at the West Philippine Sea (WPS) even as it grapples with the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) health crisis, Malacañang said on Thursday.

In a virtual presser, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque expressed support for the move of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to file two diplomatic protests against China for violating international law and Philippine sovereignty.

"Yung filing of diplomatic protest, ginagawa po 'yan basta kinakailangan gawin. Ke Covid, ke wala, tayo po ay mananatili na poprotektahan at itataguyod ang ating national territory at ang ating sovereign rights (The filing of diplomatic protest, we will file them if they need to be filed. With or without Covid, we will continue to protect and defend our national territory and sovereign rights)," Roque said.

On Wednesday afternoon, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said the Philippines filed two protests against China for pointing a radar gun at a Philippine Navy ship and declaring a Philippine territory as part of Hainan province near the Philippine-occupied Rizal Reef in the Kalayaan Island Group on Feb. 17.

Roque defended the government's move amid criticism questioning the timing of the filing of two diplomatic protests amid the pandemic.

"Kung kinakailangan mag protesta gagawin po natin 'yan (If there is a need to file a protest, we will do that). We need to do the correct thing even if it's unpopular. Hindi po popularity contest kung anong dapat gawin ng DFA pagdating po sa usaping national territory (What the DFA does when it comes to national territory should not be a popularity contest)," he said.

He said he has not heard of reports of reclamation in the disputed territories but expressed hope China would fulfill its promise to stop reclamation activities in the disputed waters.

"Wala po akong nakalap na balita na gumagawa po sila ng mga bagong imprastraktura pero uulitin ko po na ang pangako po ng Tsina na tayo po ay umaasa na tutuparin nila, wala pong bagong reclamation na gagawin (I have not heard of reports that they're constructing new infrastructure but I am hopeful that China will fulfill its promise that there should be no further reclamation activities)," he said.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague, Netherlands invalidated China's nine-dash line, a geographical marker Beijing invoked to assert its extensive claims in the strategic waters.

The tribunal decided in favor of the Philippines' arbitration case filed against China in 2013 but Beijing rejected it as null and void.

No proof China violated international law

Roque, meanwhile, shrugged off Senator Risa Hontiveros' call asking China to shoulder Philippine expenses in responding to the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said there is "no proof" that China should be liable to pay reparations to injured states over its failure to promptly notify the world of the outbreak as required by the International Health Regulations of the World Health Organization (WHO).

"Bilang isang propesor din ng international law, yung issue po ng state responsibility depende po 'yan kung mapapatunayan na merong nilabag na obligasyon ang Tsina either be it treaty-based or customary-based na obligasyon sa international law (As a professor of international law, the issue of state responsibility will depend on whether there is proof that China violated obligations either be it treaty-based or customary-based obligations in international law)," he said.

Roque also pointed out that China would most likely reject any possible arbitration to take place concerning the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Ang pinaka importanteng katanungan, sinong tribunal ang magdedesisyun ng ganyan dahil ang world court po, ang International Court of Justice, ay may hurisdiksyon lang 'yan sa mga bansa na tumanggap ng hurisdiksyon ng korteng ito at hindi po tinatanggap ng Tsina ang hurisdiksyon ng ICJ at hindi rin tingin ko papayag ang Tsina sa kahit na anong arbitration (The most important question is which tribunal would make the decision because the International Court of Justice only has jurisdiction in states that accept their jurisdiction and China doesn't. I think China would not allow any arbitration)," he said.

Asked if the Philippines would hold China accountable for Covid-19, Roque said it would depend on whether there is enough evidence.

"Depende kung merong napatunayang paglabag sa obligasyon ang Tsina. Sa ngayon po, wala pa akong nalalaman na paglabag ng obligason ng Tsina (It would depend on whether there is proof that China violated international obligations. At present, I do not know of any obligation violated by China)," he said.

Hontiveros said China should pay the Philippines' Covid-19 response as reparation for the country's losses due to China's damage of Philippine reef ecosystems for over six years now, estimated at over PHP200 billion.

She said the money, which is past due, could go to government efforts in fighting the pandemic.

The Chinese Embassy, however, dismissed Hontiveros' statement as "ridiculously absurd and irresponsible" as China and the Philippines are both working to curb transmission of the highly-infectious disease. (PNA)



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MANILA – International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) terminals across its portfolio, both individually and collectively, and in unity with its host communities in the fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, have contributed about PHP350 million to national and local government agencies, immediate communities, employees, and port stakeholders.

 

Enrique Razon Jr., ICTSI Chairman and President, said "aside from being a health crisis, the pandemic is causing a toll on the economic and social condition of most everyone. Through our individual and collaborative efforts, we hope to somehow reduce and limit the economic and health impact of the virus on our local communities and employees." 

 

Foremost for the Group was to ensure the safety and protection of its employees who keep the ports open and running so that food, medical supplies and equipment along with basic necessities are delivered unhampered. 

 

Following strict protocols and measures dictated by the World Health Organization, International Maritime Organization and local governments, terminals are sanitized and disinfected to make for a safe working environment.  

 

All employees are given personal protective equipment (PPE) and health and food aid aside from their expanded wage and bonus programs. 

 

Rapid Covid-19 test kits have been deployed at a number of large facilities.

 

Also across its portfolio, ICTSI has continuously donated PPE, ventilators and test kits to private and government healthcare facilities, disinfectants to healthcare workers, and food and other critical supplies to truckers, other stakeholders, and vulnerable communities. 

 

Logistical support was also given to hospitals as well as psychological support for those in need of it.

 

ICTSI was among the first to respond to the call of the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), of which it is a member, for the business community to band together for Project Ugnayan, a feeding program for the economically vulnerable in the Philippine capital and neighboring provinces with a PHP100 million donation.  

 

In just a couple of weeks, the project has been able to help about 1.5 million families or 7.5 million individuals.

 

The ICTSI Foundation has likewise provided aid to provincial hospitals, as well as to the often neglected sectors of society -- the elderly and the indigenous people located close to terminal facilities.

 

Outside of the ICTSI Group, Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, Inc. to date has donated PHP600 million of PPE, disinfectants, ventilators and other critical supplies to government and private hospitals in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.  

 

The Razon group has also retrofitted the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Rizal Stadium and the Philippine General Hospital to become Covid-19 treatment facilities.  

 

Moreover, PHP100 million was donated for relief operations for the marginalized sector. (PR)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY – The local Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on 2019 coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) here started implementing a quarantine pass scheme Thursday to further limit the number of people in public areas.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar issued Executive Order No. 563-2020, which seeks to implement the use of quarantine pass following observation that the number of people and vehicles--mostly private-owned--swelled in numbers after the Holy Week observance.

Salazar said the considerable number of people and motorists on the road has even caused traffic jams in major thoroughfares leading to the city proper.

She said the quarantine pass system is based on the April 18 advisory of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) that encouraged local government units to schedule or cluster communities or barangays whose residents "may be allowed to go out."

The city government has so far issued a total of 219,692 quarantine passes, which has two categories.

Holders of quarantine pass "A" are allowed to go out on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays while "B" is on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. No quarantine pass is issued for Sunday.

"The number of quarantine passes issued to barangays is based on the 2015 census with the projection for 2020," Salazar said.

She assured they will validate claims from several families complaining they have not received their quarantine pass.

"If we issue more passes, it will defeat the purpose of the executive order," she said, adding some barangay officials may have not properly carried out the instructions concerning the issuance of quarantine pass.

"This order (E.O. 563-2020) will be implemented with the full force of the law," she said, adding she expects the full cooperation of the public. (PNA)

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