‘Walang personalan’, Zambo brgy kap warns ‘pisonet’ curfew violators

 

 

A local barangay chief here is adamant for total compliance to minimum health protocols and warns persistent violators that they will be apprehended without reservation by barangay police. This as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the city, especially in his barangay.

Los Eli Angeles, barangay chair of Sta. Maria shared his concern over his Facebook page yesterday.

“Hende ya gyt se amo, poreso con el operators tan operate na nuay mas ya na lugar y ora hende came para d amon maga sacrificio y esfuerzo kuhi… trabaho lng gyt este de maga tanods y brgy officials nuay personalan,” Angeles posted on his Facebook account.

(This is seriously wrong. To the operators [of “PisoNets”] who are already abusing and operating beyond the allowed hours, we will continue our operations and sacrifices to apprehend you. This is purely work, and nothing personal.)

Angeles was referring to PisoNet operators (mini establishments that allow use of internet) who were repeatedly violating curfew and health protocols amidst the rising cases of COVID-19 infections in barangay Sta. Maria. The barangay chief reiterated that he will no longer entertain appeals or justifications from the violators to operate as the barangay officials had already done its part in informing the residents on its ordinances.

“They already know the ordinance,” he added.

The official expressed his concern that there are many parents that still allow their children to go out especially at the PisoNets. Angeles blames these unnecessary gatherings in public places as contributory to the rising COVID-19 cases in the barangay.

“PisoNets are only allowed to operate for educational purposes but if they operate beyond the allowable hours and even beyond curfew hours, this cannot be tolerated,” Angeles said.

Angeles called on his constituents, especially parents to be more responsible during this time of the pandemic. On the other hand, he acknowledged the efforts of the barangay officials including the barangay tanods and other volunteers in doing their part to prevent the spread of COVID-19, while keeping the community safe. (RVC/DIS/PIA9-ZAMSULTA, photo courtesy of Los Eli Angeles’ Facebook)

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NEDA hopeful Zamboanga economy to ‘bounce back’

 

 

Given the pandemic and its effect to the regional economy in Zamboanga Peninsula, the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) here believes that there may still be a “positive economic growth” in 2020.

 

NEDA-9 regional director Phlorita Ridao said “we have around 16,000 establishments that closed from March to May”. However, as quarantine measures were eased later on, more and more of these establishments resumed either full or partial operations, she added.

“While there might have been a slowdown, we are hopeful to be able to recover in 2021,” she added. Dir. Ridao explained that the main driver may be the agriculture sector, since it was not so much affected by the pandemic.

Prior to the pandemic, the region’s economy, accounted at Php396.9-billion in 2019 grew by 4.6 percent from 2018’s figure of Php379.4-billion, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported recently.

According to the 2019 Report on the Economic Performance of Zamboanga Peninsula, the region’s economy has been on steady growth for the past two years prior to the pandemic. In 2018, the region demonstrated a growth rate of 6.3 percent, from Php358.8-billion in 2017 to Php379.4-billion in 2018.

PSA-9 Regional Director Mewchun Pamaran explained the main economic drivers that have had significant growth as compared to 2018’s figures are “wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles at 7.0 percent, education at 20.3 percent and financial and insurance activities at 20.3 percent”.

Moreover, “household final consumption expenditure accelerated to 7.3 percent in 2019, compared with the 5.8 percent growth during the previous period”.

Meanwhile, exports grew 8.3 percent, while imports also grew to 28.7 percent, the report added.

Among the region’s industries that exhibited growth include agriculture, forestry and fishing, manufacturing, electricity, steam, water and waste management, accommodation and food services, information and communication, real estate and ownership of dwellings, professional and business services, public administration and defense, compulsory social activities, human health and social work activities. However, those that registered negative growth are mining and quarrying, construction and transportation and storage.

The economic figures for 2020 will be made available in the summer of 2021 yet, said PSA-9 information officer Ric Mark Anthony Garcia. (RVC/DIS/PIA9-ZAMSULTA)

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Pagadian launches grand campaign vs COVID-19

 

In an effort to strengthen the local government's campaign against the deadly Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the Pagadian City Emergency Operations Center (EOC) officially launched the 'one-time, big-time campaign' through a motorcade in the major thoroughfares in the city, recently.

National Government Agencies, local government units and Non-Government Organizations, business sectors, fraternities, and civic organizations participated in the motorcade.

The grand campaign dubbed 'Hugpong Amping Pagadianons’ (United We Care Pagadianons) aimed to disseminate important information to the public to prevent the spread of infectious and deadly COVID-19.

Under the campaign, the EOC informed the public of the great need for strict adherence to health protocols implemented by the Department of Health (DOH) such as: wearing a face mask and face shield, washing hands and use of sanitizer, and observing a meter distance.

While the motorcade is condcuted in the city, the  barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials in the 54 barangays simultaneously conducted a public awareness campaign by distributing flyers, leaflets and checklists on minimum health protocols.

 

According to Audrey Cabato, EOC executive officer, the 'one-time, big-time campaign' revived the Bayanihan spirit which was initiated by the local government in March this year when the national government implemented the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) nationwide.

Under the campaign, Cabato said the composite team will visit all business establishments to monitor whether establishments are embracing the new normal by observing health protocols.

The team will also assess whether the establishments were equipped with hand sanitizer, footbath, log book, health declaration form, and observance of the 1-meter sitting arrangement.

The EOC marker will be immediately set up by the team in the establishment announcing that it was visited by the team and strictly adhered to health protocols.

Cabato believes that through this campaign, the EOC will educate everyone in the city that COVID-19 is a real disease and not a joke, and that people can prevent the spread of the virus through active participation and cooperation of all. 

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Zambo Sibugay rolls out BP2 Program

 

 

About 105 Sibugaynons and their families have already enrolled in the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Program (BP2) as of November 24, 2020, revealed Engr. Romel Duran of the Provincial Local Economic and Investment Promotions Office during the recent inter-agency meeting (2nd Technical Working Group (TWG) meeting) held for the purpose at the SB Session Hall, Provincial Capitol, Ipil, this province.

Duran said, the enrollees are Sibugaynons who are locally stranded individuals and returning OFWs currently living in different areas of the country, who have indicated their desire to come home to Zamboanga Sibugay and avail of the program amidst COVID 19.

 

According to Duran, the target beneficiaries have two options in availing of the program. First option would be to avail of the housing project including the complete livelihood package, and the second option would be to avail of the livelihood package only.

He said, in order to avail of the BP2 program, concerned individuals need to apply at the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) where they are currently located,  and from there,  they will be guided in the steps and requirements in order to qualify.

Meanwhile, Board Member Jessie Lagas, the chairman for Infrastructure, Land Use, Housing, Rural and Urban Development Committee of Zamboanga Sibugay disclosed that the governemnt through the National Housing Authority (NHA) has set aside a Php60M budget for the  construction of 300 housing units for the  implementation of BP2 in the province. Said housing project will be situated at Culasian Agro-Industrial Part located in the Municipality of Titay.

It can be recalled,  the Culasian Agro-Industrial Park was first known as the Culasian Eco-Tourism Park which has a land area of 409 hectares, part of the timberland of Zamboanga Sibugay, which was placed under the management of the Provincial Government by virtue of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed between then Gov. George T. Hofer, MD and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). A revision of the MOA is expected in the coming days, after the TWG has decided on the additional details and use of the area, to accommodate the BP2 Program and other programs of the province.

Aside from the housing program for the BP2 beneficiaries, 150 hectares will also be allocated for the agro-economic zone, 120 hectares for the eco-tourism park, 20 hectares for E-Clip beneficiaries, nursery for hybrid crops, livestock area, built-up area for a park, school and church, provincial jail, demo farm and place for other national agencies that are implementing programs in the area.

The Provincial Government of Zamboanga Sibugay is still waiting for additional applicants for the BP2 Program.

Meanwhile, Board Member Bella Chiong Javier wanted to expedite the land development and set a target time frame to finally fully-implement the program. Initially, the TWG is targeting to start accommodating BP2 beneficiaries in the first quarter of 2021.

A site visitation is scheduled on December 8, 2020. (RVC/JPA/DS/PIA9-Zamboanga Sibugay)

 

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City sets virtual switch- on of Christmas lights

 

– The Zamboanga city  government is set to hold a virtual switch-on ceremony for the Christmas display at the century-old city hall on December 1, in keeping with the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) health protocols.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said the virtual event seeks to prevent people from gathering and avoid health risks posed by Covid-19.

“We will have a meaningful and safe Christmas celebration this year, and we remind people always to practice the minimum safety protocols,” Salazar said Saturday.

Salazar reminded residents always to practice minimum safety protocols such as safe physical distancing and the wearing of face masks and face shields in public places.

Rene dela Cruz, City General Services Office (CGSO) chief, earlier said this year’s allocation for the Christmas decorations had been reduced to PHP2 million, from the PHP3 million budget last year.

“The Christmas decors for this year are simple ones unlike that of the previous years,” dela Cruz said, adding that: “We recycled some of the decorations last year with some modifications.”

Aside from the city hall building, the local government traditionally adorns the public plazas such as Pershing, Plaza Rizal, Plaza del Pilar with Christmas lanterns.

Meanwhile, Salazar called on the public to patronize the Christmas lanterns produced by the inmates or people deprived of liberty at the Zamboanga City Reformatory Center.

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DA-9 gives compost facilities to 11 Zamboamga towns

 

The Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) has turned over close to PHP1 million composting facilities to 11 municipalities in the region in line with its mandate on safety and effective use of soil and water resources.

“These MLGUs (Municipal Local Government Units) support organic agriculture and acquire potentials in organic farming, and organic fertilizer production,” Department of Agriculture Region 9 executive director Ran Donn Cedeño said in a statement Saturday.

Cedeño said the recipient municipalities are Tabina, Tukuran, Midsalip, Dumalinao and San Pablo, in Zamboanga del Sur; Rizal, Manuel Roxas, La Libertad and Siayan, in Zamboanga del Norte; and, Alicia and Olutanga in Zamboanga Sibugay.

The distribution of composting facilities, which started Tuesday until Friday, was made through the Department of Agriculture-Organic Agriculture Program (DA-OAP) and High-Value Crops Development Program, he added.

Cedeño said the composting facility package for biodegradable waste comprises a shredder machine with a rotary composter worth PHP954,240.

“As the new operators of these pieces of machinery, let us use these safely and appropriately with the goal of keeping it operational for a long time,” Cedeño told the beneficiaries.

Roger Principe, the BSWM regional soil and water area coordinator, also encouraged the recipients to use the composting facilities in their respective waste management systems, particularly in market waste disposal.

“This will help your community in two ways: First, in minimizing its market waste and second, in utilizing these wastes as substrates for fertilizer in farming activities,” Principe said.

Janice Legaspi, the DA-OAP regional focal person, urged the beneficiaries to venture into organic farming and involve themselves in its advocacy in their respective towns. 

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Cops nab NPA, HVI; seize P2.8-M shabu

Policemen have arrested a communist New People’s Army (NPA) combatant and a high-value individual (HVI) in separate anti-drug operations in the region, officials said Friday.

Brig. Gen. Jesus Cambay Jr., Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) director, said NPA rebel Marlon Barol Narciso, who is also listed as an HVI, was arrested by the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit-9 (RDEU-9) in a buy-bust operation on Thursday in Barangay Bigong, Tigbao, Zamboanga del Sur.

Narciso, 33, yielded some PHP6,800 worth of suspected shabu, PHP1,000 marked money, a homemade pistol, ammunition, and other pieces of evidence.

Meanwhile, police identified the other captured HVI as Nadzmin Misba, 27, who was arrested by the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) in a buy-bust operation Thursday evening in Barangay Talon-Talon here.

Capt. Edwin Duco, PRO-9 information officer, said authorities confiscated from Misba's possession some 200 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated value of PHP2.8 million, and other pieces of evidence.

Duco said charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 will be filed against the arrested suspects.

Cambay said additional charges for violation of the Republic Act No. 10591, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, will be filed against Narciso

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Bayan Muna solon's kid killed in NPA clash

 

The daughter of Bayan Muna Party-list Rep. Eufemia Campos Cullamat was killed in an encounter in the hinterlands of Barangay San Isidro, Marihatag, Surigao del Sur on Saturday afternoon, according to a report from the Army’s 3rd Special Forcer Battalion (3SFBn) on Sunday.

1Lt. Krisjuper Andreo J. Punsalan, civil-military operation (CMO) officer of 3SFBn, identified the solon’s daughter as Jevilyn Campos Cullamat alias “Ka Reb”, 22, a member of the Sandatahan Yunit Pampropaganda (SYP) of Guerrilla Front (GF) 19 of the Northeastern Regional Committee (NEMRC) of the New People’s Army (NPA).

The Army also recovered three AK-47 rifles, one M14 rifle, one M653 5.56 caliber rifle, five backpacks that contain war materiel and subversive documents at the encounter site.

“Our troops were conducting security operations after receiving reports from civilians of the presence of armed men in the vicinity of San Isidro,” Punsalan told Philippine News Agency Sunday.

He added that the encounter lasted for about 45 minutes before the NPA rebels retreated, leaving behind the dead body of Cullamat.

“We already talked to the family this Sunday. The older children of Rep. Cullamat were already at the funeral parlor in Barobo, Surigao del Sur and confirmed that the dead body was their younger sister, Jevilyn,” Punsalan said.

Pursuit operation is still ongoing in the area to track down the remaining companions of Cullamat, a number of whom were also wounded during the encounter, he added.

Punsalan said nine former rebels (FRs) also confirmed that the slain rebel was Jevilyn Cullamat.

The FRs, he added, also reported that Jevilyn Cullamat was a student of NPA-linked schools Tribal Filipino Program of Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS) and the Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development (ALCADEV) in the area.

In a statement Sunday, 3SFBn commander Lt. Col. Joey Baybayan, said the security operation and its outcome is timely and significant that may shed light on the continuing NPA exploitation and recruitment of indigenous peoples (IP) communities in Surigao del Sur.

“Two months earlier, the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) conducted tactical offensives to instill fear among civilians. The series of attacks on civilian soft targets and destruction of civilian properties only indicate that they are desperate and on the losing end while the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) is gaining ground deep within the heart of conflict-affected IP communities in Andap Valley,” Baybayan said.

Andap Valley is among the identified conflict-affected areas in the province of Surigao del Sur due to the presence of the NPA.

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

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Zambo City exceeds nat'l vaccination rate

 

The City Health Office has exceeded the national vaccination rate in the month-long Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA) despite the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Corazon Pagotaisidro, City Health Office immunization program coordinator, said Thursday they managed to vaccinate 79,979 children, representing a 98.39 percent accomplishment rate.

In comparison, Pagotaisidro said the national target vaccination rate is only 95 percent of the eligible population.

The City Health Office had targeted the vaccination of 81,290 children aged nine months up to 5 years old regardless of the immunization status from Oct. 26 to Nov. 25.

Dr. Fatima Virginia Alamia, national immunization program medical coordinator of the City Health Office, said the supplemental immunization activity aims to protect the children from Measles-Rubella and its complications.

Measles is a highly communicable viral illness transmitted through direct contact with nasal or throat secretion of an infected person or by articles freshly soiled with nose and throat secretion. 

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JTF Covid Shield eyes stricter protocols this yuletide season

 

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año has ordered the Joint Task Force (JTF) Covid Shield to be stricter in enforcing health protocols to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) amid the anticipated influx of shoppers in commercial areas this holiday season.

Año disclosed that police focal persons will be tapped in every barangay to monitor the observance of quarantine measures.

“Lalo ngayong Pasko ano, kailangan natin na mas maraming magbabantay (Especially this Christmas, we need more men to be on guard (against minimum health standard violators),’’ he said in a radio interview on Sunday.

Año also warned that malls with rampant quarantine violations will be closed down as the country continues its uphill battle against Covid-19.

He revealed that the Philippine National Police (PNP), Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez and other concerned groups have held dialogues with mall operators regarding the strict enforcement of the minimum health standards inside their establishments.

As huge crowds are expected during the approaching yuletide season, mall owners are constantly briefed on the urgency of enforcing quarantine protocols inside their premises.

Año emphasized that donning face shields is a must indoors aside from face masks.

He acknowledged that the public, bloggers and other social media users and the members of the press can help boost the country’s fight against Covid-19 by reporting to proper authorities malls that have rampant violations of the minimum health standards.

In the case of Divisoria in Manila, Año said it remains a huge challenge for authorities to enforce the minimum health protocols as mammoth crowds are starting to flock to the area.

He observed that shoppers, after months of being under restricted movement due to the pandemic, are very eager to do their Christmas shopping.

Año said he has asked local government units and the PNP to deploy additional enforcers in convergence areas like “tiangge" (flea market), wet markets, malls and the like to implement the health and safety standards against Covid-19.

The DILG chief expressed fear that easing quarantine protocols this holiday season will result in a spike of Covid-19 cases.

He cited the case in Europe where there is a reported second wave of infections far worse than the initial one.

“Sa Britain halimbawa, magla-lock down sila aabot hanggang Marso next year yung lockdown nila kasi umaabot sila ng matataas (In Britain for instance they will have a lockdown up to March next year because they reached a high number of Covid-19 cases),” Año said.

He noted that last week, Secretary Carlito Galvez, chief implementer of the National Action Plan Against COVID-19, confirmed that Metro Manila mayors have agreed for the region to remain under the general community quarantine until the end of December, which will be recommended to the President on November 30. 

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Año opposes holding face-to-face classes

 

 Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año on Sunday opposed proposals to resume the holding of face-to-face classes in schools at this time, saying it might cause a spike in coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases.

This, after some lawmakers expressed the desire for the reopening of schools in some areas of the country with minimal or no cases of Covid-19.

“Kapag sinabi mong face-to-face na 'yung mga estudyante, you're talking of millions of students, so wala ka nang kontrol diyan kapag sinabi mong face-to-face. Kapag sinabi mo namang selected, ano naman ang criteria mo? (When you say face-to-face (classes) of the students, you’re dealing with millions of students, so we have no control over it when you say face-to-face. But when you say selected, what are the criteria?),’’ Año said in a radio interview.

He also pointed out that President Rodrigo Duterte had already pronounced that face-to-face classes would not be allowed until the end of this year.

“So sundin natin ang utos ng Pangulo. By January naman, marami naman tayong pagbabago diyan (Let us follow the order of the President. By January, there would be numerous changes),’’ he added.

In a Senate hearing last week, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, who chairs the Committee on Basic Education, expressed support to the proposed localized and limited face-to-face learning workshops to ease the burden of parents who are having difficulty teaching their children at home.

He said if massage parlors have already been allowed to operate, schools must also be allowed to open for limited face-to-face classes, as he noted that the Covid-19 situation is getting better in some areas of the country.

Senators Imee Marcos and Nancy Binay also noted that cockpit arenas and tourism sites have also now reopened.

Despite these arguments, Año still opposed the holding of “physical classes’’, saying the enforcement of the minimum health standards will be extremely difficult to control in schools.

Last October, DepEd started its preparations for the limited face-to-face classes in areas with no reported Covid-19 infections.

Public school classes nationwide resumed on Oct. 5 under the DepEd's Blended Learning Program, with about 22.5 million learners studying through the use of modules, radio, television, and the internet. 

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GSIS pensioners to get P3-B Christmas cash gift - Dec. 1

 

State pension fund Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) announced it will start to release a total of PHP3.3 billion in Christmas cash gift to a total of 330,496 old-age and disability pensioners starting Dec. 1.

“Every year, our pensioners look forward to receiving the cash gift which they call their Christmas bonus. Thus, we made sure that the cash gift will be credited to their electronic card (eCard) before Christmas this year to somehow relieve them of the additional financial expenses during the Christmas season,” GSIS President and General Manager Rolando Ledesma Macasaet said in a press release on Sunday.

Qualified pensioners who received a Christmas cash gift of PHP10,000 in 2019 will be granted an amount equivalent to their one-month pension up to a maximum of PHP10,000.

Pensioners whose 2019 Christmas cash gift was above PHP10,000 will similarly receive one-month pension up to a maximum of PHP12,600. Pensioners who resumed their regular monthly pension after Dec. 31, 2019 (after the five-year guaranteed period) will be given one-month pension up to a maximum of PHP10,000.

Eligible to receive the Christmas cash gift are old-age and disability pensioners under Republic Act 8291, Presidential Decree 1146, and RA 660 who are receiving their regular monthly pensions and who are still living as of 30 November 2020.

Old-age and disability pensioners whose pensions were suspended before the Annual Pensioners Information Revalidation (APIR) requirement was temporarily lifted in March 2020 and are still on suspended status as of Dec. 1, 2020 will also receive the cash gift, provided they activate their status with GSIS on or before June 30, 2021.

Not eligible for the Christmas cash gift are survivorship pensioners, dependent pensioners, pensioners under RA 7699 (Portability Law), and those receiving pro-rata pension.

New pensioners from 2016 to 2020 who availed of immediate pension under RA 8291 are also not yet entitled to receive the cash gift. They will start receiving their Christmas cash gift five years after their retirement date.

Those who availed of a five-year lump sum and who will resume their regularly monthly pension after Dec. 31, 2020 are also not eligible for the benefit.

Likewise, GSIS members who resigned or separated from government service before reaching 60 years old and who started receiving their regular monthly pension between 2016 and 2020 will only receive the cash gift five years after regularly receiving their pension.

For details, interested parties may visit the GSIS website, www.gsis.gov.ph; GSIS Facebook account, @gsis.ph; email gsiscares@gsis.gov.ph; or call the GSIS Contact Center at 8847-4747 (if in Metro Manila), 1-800-8-847-4747 (for Globe and TM subscribers), and 1-800-10-847-4747 (for Smart, Sun, and Talk ‘N Text subscribers). (PR)

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Soldier dies, another hurt in Lanao Sur air mishap

 

 

A soldier died and another was wounded when their rescue helicopter made an emergency landing Thursday in Lanao del Sur due to inclement weather, a military official said.

Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, 1st Infantry Division commander, on Friday said the fatality was among the four soldiers who sustained wounds in an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion in Madalum, Lanao del Sur.

The other wounded soldier, Ponio said, was part of the helicopter's rescue crew.

Ponio did not identify the fatality but said he belongs to the Army's 55th Infantry Battalion (IB) that pursued the group of Abu Zacaria, a sub-leader of Owayda Benito Marohomsar, also known as Abu Dar, one of the planners of the 2017 Marawi siege.

Ponio said the helicopter was sent to extricate the four wounded soldiers from the blast site and take them to a hospital for treatment.

However, he said the pilot was forced to make an emergency landing around 5 p.m. Thursday in Madalum, Lanao del Sur due to bad weather.

The impact could have killed one of the four injured soldiers, he said, adding that the rest of the troops aboard the aircraft were safe.

Ponio expressed his condolences to the families and friends of the “hero trooper”.

“We have done everything just to save our wounded soldier the fastest way we can through our air assets. Unfortunately, the incident happened,” he said.

“Rest assured that the benefits of the fallen trooper will be taken cared and the financial or other assistance will be given to his immediate family,” he added.

All wounded troopers are being treated in the hospital and “all are in stable condition,” the military official said.

Brig. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo, commander of the Army's 103rd Infantry Brigade, said another rescue chopper also made an emergency landing in the same area on Friday morning. (PNA)

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Solon seeks ban on expiry dates of prepaid internet, load credits

 

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian called on colleagues to have the bill seeking to lift the validity period of prepaid load credits for phones and internet services tackled in the Senate.

“The harsh reality in this era of coronavirus pandemic is that we rely on information and communication technologies (ICT) in our daily life. And for those with limited resources, every peso counts. Forfeiture of unused prepaid load credits due to expiration period is somehow unconscionable under the current situation,” Gatchalian said in a news release on Sunday.

He said such policy is unwarranted as subscribers should be made to consume the load credits and avail of the services they have paid for.

“To restrict them due to expiration periods is rather anti-consumer. Unlike in other goods that are edible and have efficacy, this kind of commodity depends on the subscribers’ usage and they should be given the choice whether or not to make full use of the services,” Gatchalian said.

The vice chairman of the Senate economic affairs committee said it’s high time that such policy imposed by public telecommunications entities (PTEs) and ICT providers be subject to a review.

Gatchalian, in filing of Senate Bill 365 or the Prepaid Load Forever Act, is proposing to prohibit all PTEs and ICT providers from imposing an expiration date on the validity period of prepaid load credits, regardless of the amount involved, unless fully consumed.

Covered in the senator’s proposal are prepaid cards and electronic loads for services that offer voice, short messaging system (SMS) or text, mobile data, value added services (VAS) and those loaded to devices that make use of the internet such as tablets, Wi-Fi dongles or mobile hotspots.

“Sa panahon ngayon na iginagapang ng karamihan ang arawang gastusin at ginagawa na ang lahat ng paraan ng pagtitipid, nararapat lamang na tulungan natin silang mapagaan ang kanilang mga pasanin (During this time that many of people struggles to earn and save money, it is proper that we lessen their burden),” Gatchalian said.

The proposed bill imposes a fine that ranges from PHP100,000 to as much as PHP2 million and imprisonment of two to six years plus an immediate revocation of license to engage in business will be meted against those who will violate the acts covered in the bill.

Currently, prepaid load credits worth PHP300 have one-year validity while those with higher value have a longer expiration period.

“The ICT devices have played an essential role in dealing with the challenges that have emerged within a socially distanced environment. In continuing our daily grind under the new normal, we’re highly dependent on telecommunication and ICT services. For ordinary folks, losing their load credits paid by their hard-earned money is a big deal. They should be afforded with the services they have paid for,” Gatchalian said. (PR)

 

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Tiamzon couple's conviction, a 'triumph' of PH justice system

 

 

 Malacanang on Friday hailed as a "triumph" of the Philippine justice system the conviction of Benito and Wilma Tiamzon for kidnapping and serious illegal detention of four military personnel in 1988.

"We respect the decision of the Quezon City court convicting Benito and Wilma Tiamzon for a crime that happened in 1988," Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.

"The long arm of the law has finally caught up with the Tiamzon couple. We, therefore, consider this latest court decision as a triumph of the justice system. It clearly shows that the wheels of justice continue to grind," he added.

The Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 216, in a decision issued Nov. 27., found the couple guilty beyond reasonable doubt for the crime of kidnapping and serious illegal detention and sentenced them to "reclusion perpetua", which spans 20 to 40 years in prison.

READ: Tiamzon couple gets 40 years for kidnapping, illegal detention

In a separate statement, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo said the court's decision is a "positive development" towards the elimination of all forms of criminality in the country through a fair and just trial, and under a thriving democracy and independent Judiciary.

"Let this be a reminder to everyone that the Philippines is a republican and democratic country that is governed by the rule of law. The enemies of society and of the government who seek to undermine the integrity of the social order and of the nation’s lawful institutions shall answer for their misdeeds," he said.

"Those who seek to reform the social and political structure must do so in accordance with existing laws. Otherwise, they shall be accountable and punished accordingly," he added.

The Tiamzons, both consultants of the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front (CPP-NDF), walked free in 2016 after being granted bail to attend and participate in a formal peace negotiation in Oslo, Norway.

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More rains likely across PH 'til May 2021 as La Niña strengthens

 

The country may expect more rain until early next year due to the further strengthening of La Niña, according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) climate monitoring chief, Analiza Solis on Friday.

The further strengthening of La Niña from December 2020 to January 2021 may likely continue until May, she said, adding that the eastern part of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao are most likely to experience rains.

"There is an increased likelihood of above-normal rainfall conditions that could lead to adverse impacts such as heavy rainfall, floods, landslides in highly vulnerable areas," Solis noted.

The weather bureau forecast a few tropical cyclones that may hit or develop in the country in the next months.

"There may be no typhoons, but the northeast monsoon will also trigger rains," she said.

Based on Solis' presentation, PAGASA is expecting one or two tropical cyclones in December 2020, and zero or at least one tropical cyclone each month from January to May 2021.

Chief of PAGASA's weather division, Esperanza Cayanan, said PAGASA has forecast two low pressure areas (LPA) to form near or within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) from November 26 to December 2.

These LPAs, Cayanan said, have a low chance to develop into a tropical cyclone.

"The first LPA will directly exit PAR after formation, while the second LPA will likely move towards the Philippine landmass. So there is no active tropical cyclone threat during this forecast period," she said.

From December 3 to December 9, Cayanan said the LPA is still unlikely to develop into a tropical cyclone and is forecast to traverse the Visayas - southern Luzon area.

"Another LPA may form in the Western Pacific. It may enter PAR, but less likely to develop into a tropical cyclone," she said.

The third LPA may make landfall in Samar - southern Luzon area and may traverse the Visayas while moving towards the West Philippine Sea.

While there is no tropical cyclone threat in the forecast period, Cayanan noted that changes in the forecast will be closely monitored

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Anti-corruption task force to evaluate all complaints next week

 

 

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday said it would start sorting complaints received by the task force on corruption next week.

"All complaints so far received by the task force against corruption secretariat are now being screened and evaluated. I will call a meeting of the main task force next week to identify which of these complaints will be the subject of special investigating teams," Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra told reporters when asked on the status of the complaints including those involving government officials and employees who are not part of the executive department.

The DOJ chief said a "general" update on the cases will be released next week on the cases.

"I do not wish to give special attention to any particular class of potential respondents," Guevarra said.

On Wednesday, Guevarra said he received instructions on going after public officials, who do not belong to the executive department, in the course of the investigations into corruption allegations.

"The President (Rodrigo Duterte) stated that if the involvement of a member of Congress, for instance, is germane to the anomalous transaction, then the latter’s inclusion in criminal charges will have to be endorsed to the Office of the Ombudsman through the Secretary of Justice," Guevarra said in a message to reporters.

Guevarra added that "when it comes to criminal investigation and prosecution, no one is exempt, except those enjoying immunity from suit during their tenure".

"The rule is different in administrative cases. the President has neither supervision nor control over other branches of the government and therefore may not investigate them for misconduct, dishonesty, and the like, as he (Duterte) correctly pointed out," he added.

In a public address on Monday night, President Rodrigo Duterte said he would refer to the Office of the Ombudsman information he received about some members of the House of Representatives who allegedly received kickbacks from project contractors.

Duterte bared that he received a list of lawmakers who were allegedly involved in corruption in projects in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

He said the list was given to him by Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) Commissioner Greco Belgica.

However, he refused to investigate and name these lawmakers saying he has no jurisdiction over members of a co-equal branch of government. 

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PNP to tightly watch churches, shopping hubs for holiday season

 

The Philippine National Police (PNP) will strictly implement minimum health protocols in public places and other areas of convergence for the holiday season, to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

PNP spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Ildebrandi Usana, said people would usually visit shopping centers and churches during the season as quarantine restrictions were eased.

"We really are expecting that there is a rise in public convergence especially during the Misa de Gallo (or Simbang Gabi). But the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases) guidelines must be complied with. There is a need for us to communicate time and again with our people for them to avoid crowded areas (like) churches, malls, and some tiangges (mini markets)," Usana said in a Laging Handa press briefing.

He added that police officers would have to be more visible in requiring people to observe minimum health protocols.

Usana said the management of the churches should also ensure that health standards are being followed during their activities this Christmas season.

For his part, PNP deputy chief for operations, Lt. Gen. Cesar Hawthorne Binag said they support the local government units (LGUs) in the implementation of the measure.

"Whatever safety and security protocols are being enforced in their (LGUs) areas, the Joint Task Force Covid Shield and the PNP would support them," he said in a separate TV interview.

Earlier, Davao City has implemented a granular lockdown after it was placed under general community quarantine due to rising Covid-19 cases.

Binag said that they were now monitoring the areas of convergence, as physical distancing must be implemented in shopping hubs and markets such as Divisoria.

With more relaxed restrictions in some areas, the number of personnel was doubled to add more visibility. These personnel have two duties, which are the enforcement and information drive, Binag pointed out.

Earlier, PNP chief, Gen. Debold Sinas, said the number of people attending the Misa De Gallo, including those in Camp Crame, should be controlled.

Under rules of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID), religious gatherings are allowed at 30-percent capacity in areas under the general community quarantine (GCQ).

Sinas said the PNP will strictly enforce the “no-caroling” and “no Christmas party” policy to avoid mass gatherings. 

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Lose weight or face sanctions, PNP warns

 

 

Police officers who fail to comply with the required body mass index (BMI) would face sanctions, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Friday. 

Their BMI would be monitored every month, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Ildebrandi Usana said.

"Kung sino man po ang hindi nakaka-comply sa ganitong panuntunan, meron pong epekto ito sa kanilang schooling, promotion, and even placement sa iba't ibang mga units, assignments (Those who fail to comply with the policy would see the effects on their schooling, promotion, and even placement in different units or assignments}," Usana said in a Laging Handa briefing.

He noted that there is a standing policy on the physical fitness of police officers, saying they should be fit to fulfill their duties.

"We do not want our police officers to be affected or afflicted with diseases as a result of non-compliance with exercise requirements," Usana said.

PNP Chief, Gen. Debold Sinas, recently announced the resumption of BMI monitoring among police personnel as a preventive measure against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Sinas said they are imposing a four-minute exercise for all PNP personnel in the morning and again in the afternoon.

“It (monitoring of BMI) was suspended before I became the Chief PNP because of Covid-19. Now, I talked with the new DHRDD (Directorate for Human Resource Doctrine Development) chief because obesity causes diabetes, heart disease, which are comorbidities for Covid-19,” he said.

The BMI depends on a person’s height. A high BMI can indicate high body fatness, which may lead to health problems, although studies show it is not diagnostic of the body fatness or health of an individual.

For most adults, an ideal BMI ranges from 18.5 to 24.9. A range of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight while those having 30 and above are considered obese. 

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Balikbayans, families allowed to enter PH starting Dec. 7

Balikbayans or former Filipino citizens including their spouses and children who are travelling with them, may enter the Philippines starting December 7, Malacañang announced Friday.

Also permitted is the entry of Filipino citizens’ foreign spouses and children who are also with them regardless of age.

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) Resolution No. 85, signed on November 26, states that starting Dec. 7, they are allowed to enter the country provided they pre-booked a quarantine facility and undergo Covid-19 testing at a laboratory operating at the airport.

"They, too, must be subject to the maximum capacity of inbound passengers at the port and date of entry," it said.

The Bureau of Immigration is directed to formulate guidelines to ensure the policy's smooth implementation.

The Department of Tourism (DOT), meanwhile, was tasked to issue separate guidelines to provide sufficient accommodation for these foreign nationals taking into account the release of test results.

For the DOT, the IATF's move was a welcome development for the travel industry, which was among the industries hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic following suspensions in international flights.

“This not only bodes well for our ailing industry but is good tidings for our kababayans who have been clamoring to be reunited with their loved ones from abroad, especially this yuletide season,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.

The tourism chief said balikbayans or former Filipino citizens are considered as a viable source market to the country's tourism sector, particularly the second and third generation dependents who have yet to discover their parents’ roots.

"The Filipino diaspora to date, has reached about 10 million. That is why we deem important the Filipino communities abroad as staunch partners in driving visitors to the Philippines,” she said in a statement

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AFP leadership dev't hub adapts to changes, crises

 

The officers and enlisted personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Leadership Development Center (AFPLDC) have adapted quickly to changes and crises.

"Despite being only on its second year, the men and women behind the AFPLDC have adapted swiftly to the drastic changes in this time of rampant crises,” AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Gilbert Gapay said in his speech at the second founding anniversary of the AFPLDC in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Thursday.

Gapay said this is a great achievement as the AFPLDC is tasked to support the security sector in "reporting the efforts of the defense establishment in developing professional, moral, and ethical AFP leaders."

With the theme “Leading The Way Towards Filipino Military Leadership”, the AFPLDC, which is under the AFP Education, Training and Doctrine Command (AFPETDC), aims to continue with the mandate of nurturing military leaders whose attributes represent the best of the Filipino.

The AFPLDC is led by Navy Capt. Andro Val Abayon while the AFPETDC is commanded by Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, who is also AFP spokesperson.

“Your anniversary theme not only underscores your exemplary performance and stellar achievements in the past year but also sets the tone for the jumpstart for this center to grab opportunities to further refine your method of operations in the coming years,” Gapay said.

He also congratulated the entire leadership and staff of the AFPETDC and AFPLDC and urged them to put their best foot forward. 

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Texts to 8888 Citizens’ Complaint Center free to Smart, Sun users

Subscribers of both Smart and Sun networks can now submit their complaints or grievances to the government for free by texting the Citizens’ Complaint Center (CCC) at 8888.

In a statement on Thursday, PLDT, together with its mobile subsidiary Smart and PLDT Enterprise, announced its partnership with the Office of the President-Broadcast Messaging Division for the relaunch of the 8888 Short Messaging System (SMS) service platform.

The 8888 SMS system serves as an additional communication channel for the public to send their complaints or grievances on red tape or corruption in any government agency.

"We at PLDT and Smart fully support the government's efforts in addressing the concerns of our countrymen through this initiative and we would like to thank the Office of the President for their trust," said Al Panlilio, PLDT chief revenue officer and Smart president and CEO.

PLDT and Smart provided the SMS platform of the 8888 hotline, available 24/7.

Earlier, Globe Telecom announced its support for the 8888 SMS service platform and ensured that its users will be able to access the new complaint channel. (PNA)

 

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