MILITARY SAYS TERROR THREAT IN PHILIPPINES 'MODERATE' AMID JAPAN'S WARNING

MANILA — Following Japan's warning of possible attack in six Southeast Asian countries, the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Wednesday said the current threat level in the country is "moderate."

The Japanese Embassy in Manila earlier confirmed that the Japanese government received information about possible terror attacks in the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Myanmar.

Philippine Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Demy Zagala said the military seriously takes all reports pertaining to security matters, especially terrorism.

"We constantly validate all reports on security matters and it is a continuous process. As per last review our threat level is moderate," Zagala tweeted Wednesday morning.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., meanwhile, said "it doesn't hurt to listen and take precautions" after Japan's warning.

"Japanese intelligence is focused on real threats and its information gathering capabilities are legendary," Locsin tweeted Tuesday night.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said it has not been officially informed about this matter, but noted that travel alerts of countries on their citizens are usually not notified to other countries.

"The Japanese government has received information about a possible terror attack, but we cannot give you any detailed background at the moment," the Japanese Embassy said in a statement.

METRO MANILA UNDER ALERT LEVEL 4 DUE TO HIGH REPRODUCTION NUMBER, HEALTH-CARE UTILIZATION

MANILA—Alert Level 4 will be enforced in the National Capital Region starting Sept. 16 due to its high reproduction number and health-care utilization rate, the chairman of the Metro Manila Council said Wednesday.

"Ang pinagbasehan ng ating DOH (Department of Health) 'yung ating reproduction rate, pati ang health-care utilization ng ating mga hospital dito sa NCR," Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez told Teleradyo.

The region's virus reproduction number, or the number infected by a single COVID-19 case, is currently at 1.42, independent group OCTA Research had said.

Latest data from the Department of Health also showed that ICU and ward beds in Metro Manila were at high-risk, with 79 percent and 74 percent utilized, respectively.

"Nasa 70 percent po 'yung ating health-care utilization rate. Critical po 'yan kaya po tayo Alert [Level] 4 sa buong Metro Manila," Olivarez said.

Starting Thursday, Metro Manila's 13.5 million people will be placed under Alert Level 4 in the government's new quarantine classification.

Under Level 4, outdoor or al fresco dine-in services will be permitted at 30 percent capacity. Indoor dine-in services will only be allowed at 10 percent capacity and can only cater to those fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Personal care services limited to barbershops, hair spas, nail spas, and beauty salons are allowed to operate also at 30 percent capacity if they operate in an outdoor setting. If they function indoors, only 10 percent of seating capacity is allowed.

Religious gatherings are allowed in the same condition, with all church workers required to be fully vaccinated.

DTI CHIEF SEES 200,000 JOBS RETURNING WITH NEW SYSTEM

MANILA — The pilot implementation of the COVID-19 alert level system in Metro Manila starting tomorrow is expected to generate P180 million a week in revenue and bring back about 200,000 jobs in restaurants and personal care service establishments, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said yesterday.

Lopez made the projections as the government task force against COVID-19 allowed restaurants and personal services such as barbershops, hair spas and beauty salons to operate at maximum 30 percent capacity.

“It’s really focused on these labor-intensive jobs. That’s the reason why we prioritized necessary basic services,” he said at a press briefing.

Lopez said more than two million people are working in the restaurant industry, almost half of them in Metro Manila.

“And if you look at their operations, the outdoor al fresco only accounts for about 10 percent and indoor (dine-in) 90 percent. Now, since outdoor dine-in was allowed at 30 percent, 30 percent of 10 percent is three percent. In the case of indoor, it is open at 10 percent; 10 percent of 90 percent is nine percent, so three plus nine is 12 percent of business,” Lopez explained.

“Now, you apply that in terms of revenue per week, the revenue per week of SME (small and medium enterprises) is P1.5 billion per week. So, applying 12 percent of that, around P180 million per week hopefully will return. Not much, but at least some may restart in these sectors,” he said.

Metro Manila will be under Alert Level 4 – the second highest of the five-level alert system – starting Thursday.

Alert Level 4 refers to areas where case counts are high and/or increasing. Total bed and intensive care unit utilization rates are also high in areas under Alert Level 4.

While some establishments have permanently closed, Lopez noted that many entrepreneurs have turned to “pandemic-proof” businesses to survive.

“So they venture into businesses which are not prohibited and have growth, like e-commerce, delivery service, everything that can be sold online,” he said.

DOJ ISSUES IMMIGRATION LOOKOUT ORDER VS MICHAEL YANG

MANILA - An immigration lookout bulletin order (ILBO) has been issued against former presidential economic adviser Michael Yang, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Tuesday.

Guevarra earlier in the day said an ILBO, which is not a hold departure order but only requires immigration officials to inform the Justice secretary if the subject attempts to leave the country through airports or seaports, will be issued against Yang, also known as Yang Hong Ming, upon the request of Senator Richard Gordon.

Yang, a Davao-based businessman, is among personalities senators want to ask questions about the government's transactions with Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp for the procurement last year of pandemic response supplies. The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, which Gordon chairs, is conducting the probe.

"In view of the gravity of the matters subject of investigation as the issue involved is of national interest, and the possibility that Mr. Yang may attempt to place himself beyond the reach of the legal processes by leaving the country, this Department deems the issuance of an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) against him prudent," the order read.

"It should be noted, however, that an ILBO is for monitoring purposes only and it is not, in and of itself, a sufficient prohibition for a subject's departure from the Philippines," it added.

Yang is reportedly staying at the Dusit Hotel in Davao City.

CA JUSTICE JAPAR DIMAAMPAO, KNOWN MUSLIM JURIST, APPOINTED TO SUPREME COURT

MANILA — Court of Appeals Associate Justice Japar Dimaampao, a known Muslim jurist and a magistrate who promised to adhere to “judicial activism,” has been appointed to the Supreme Court.

The SC Public Information Office confirmed President Rodrigo Duterte’s appointment of Dimaampao as the 191st associate justice of the high court. He is taking over the associate justice seat vacated when Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo assumed the top judge post.

Dimaampao hails from Marawi City, Lanao del Sur. He was born on Dec. 27, 1963 and is expected to serve the high court until 2033 or for more than 12 years.

He was a law professor, Bar reviewer and expert in taxation laws. Before joining the appellate court, he was a former prosecutor and judge of the Mandaluyong City regional trial court (RTC).

The new SC justice has consistently been included in shortlists for SC justices in the past years and has long had the support of the Muslim community in the country.

Dimaampao took his oath before Gesmundo at the Supreme Court later Tuesday.

NO TAKERS ON PGH’S CALL FOR NEW DOCTORS

MANILA — The spokesperson for the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) sounded the call for new doctors to apply and help the country’s premier COVID-19 referral center.

In an interview with One News’ “The Chiefs” on Monday, Dr. Jonas del Rosario lamented that their call for doctors to apply went unnoticed despite the rising number of patients there.

“We’re ready to hire new ones. So far, no takers as of last week,” Del Rosario said.

Twenty of the 25 volunteer doctors have not renewed their contracts, either to pursue subspecialty training or look for a lighter workload, he added.

Private hospitals in the country and those abroad also offer more competitive salaries, the PGH official said.

Del Rosario pleaded for the country’s doctors to help the PGH respond to the surge in cases.

“I’m calling on general practitioners, if you can spare some time, one month or even a few days, to help,” Del Rosario said.

“The salary is nothing compared with what you’re earning in private practice, but consider this as charity work. We are in a war. We really need soldiers,” he added.

Medical frontliners at PGH are “bracing” themselves for a surge in cases by sharing tasks and reassigning personnel from non-COVID wards, Del Rosario said.

PGH is also operating at full capacity, with 310 confined patients, at least 60 more waiting to be admitted in the emergency room, and at least 100 waiting in the hospital wings, Del Rosario said.

At least 150 nurses have also resigned from PGH since last year and replacing them took some time, Del Rosario said.

ROQUE BLASTS UP: MY CURRICULUM VITAE SPEAKS FOR ITSELF

MANILA — Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque on Wednesday hit back at officials of the University of the Philippines Diliman for objecting to his nomination to a United Nations advisory body.

In a statement, Roque said he possesses the qualifications to be considered for a seat in the International Law Commission.

"My curriculum vitae speaks for itself regarding my credentials in the field of public international law," he said.

While he respects the right of the UP Diliman Executive Committee to give their opinion, Roque denounced it as an attempt to "ignore and erase" his accomplishments due to difference in political views.

"I respect the right of the Committee and its members to proffer their opinion on my candidacy and I understand that my actions, especially in accepting a cabinet post as Spokesperson to the President will not please everyone," he said.

"However, the flimsy justification made to object to my nomination and election to the International Law Commission makes it clear that there are some sectors who will do everything to besmirch my good name, reputation and integrity simply because I do not subscribe to and share their same political beliefs."

UP officials opposed Roque's nomination in the ILC, saying the Cabinet member "has a very poor track record of promoting, defending, and fulfilling human rights and the rule of law, especially during the administration of President Rodrigo R. Duterte."

Roque is gunning to be among 8 Asia-Pacific nationals to be part of the 34-member ILC. Eleven individuals, including Roque, are nominated. The period for nomination closed in June.

ILC is an advisory body to the United Nations whose mandate is to "initiate studies and make recommendations for the purpose of... encouraging the progressive development of international law and its codification.”

An organization of human rights lawyers also wanted Roque remove from consideration for a seat in the commission.

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PHILIPPINES SEES 18,056 NEW COVID-19 CASES, 12 LABS WITHOUT DATA

MANILA — Health authorities on Tuesday posted 18,056 new coronavirus cases, bringing the Philippines' total to 2,266,066.

Today's figures saw active cases down by 2,623 from the 180,293 on September 14. The Department of Health said 12 laboratories did not turn in screening results.

"The relatively low cases today is due to lower laboratory output last Sunday, September 12," DOH added.

Active cases: 177,670 or 7.8% of the total

Recoveries: 20,542, bringing the number to 2,052,867

Deaths: 222, or now 35,529 in total

DINE-IN SERVICES IN METRO MANILA TO BE LIMITED FOR FULLY VACCINATED

99 percent of tourism workers vaccinated

MANILA - Dine-in services in Metro Manila will be limited for those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said Wednesday.

The capital region will be placed under alert level 4 beginning Thursday, which limits dine-in operations to 10 percent. Al-fresco dining, limited at 30 percent, allows unvaccinated persons, according to government guidelines.

"They should be asking for that so you should bring your vaccination card," she told ANC's Headstart.

"Ganon pag dine-in. 'Pag al fresco puwede namang vaccinated, unvaccinated but of course it’s always better kung vaccinated."

Ninety-nine percent of tourism workers in Metro Manila have been inoculated against COVID-19, according to Romulo-Puyat.

The agency has vaccinated all tourism workers in Baguio, while some 70 percent have been vaccinated in Boracay, she said. Vaccination is ongoing in tourist destinations nationwide, she added.

"We’re looking out not only for those who want to eat out but we’re also looking out for the safety of those who are working in hotels," she said.

"We want people to be vaccinated and ang maganda with tourism workers, no vaccination hesitancy. They want to be vaccinated.

Intramuros will be opened but only those aged 18 to 65 will be allowed, according to the tourism chief. Travel to areas under general community quarantine and modified GCQ will also be allowed, Romulo-Puyat said.

Staycation remains prohibited, she added.

"'Yun ang next ko. This is just a pilot and I'm confident because ang maganda rin sa hotels and DOT-accredited restaurants... strict sila sa safety protocols," she said.

"Paunti-unti (Little by little), I'm confident with all our hotels and restaurants, everything will be followed and that's the next I will push for, 'yung staycation. And then next no age restrictions."

MANILA: MEDICAL OXYGEN TANK SUPPLY STILL HIGH

MANILA — Manila’s medical oxygen tank reserves remain high, the city government said yesterday, belying talk of a shortage.

As of Sept. 13, there were 1,305 medical oxygen tanks deployed in six city-run hospitals and COVID field hospitals, according to the Manila health department.

MHD data also showed that all seven hospitals used 344 medical oxygen tanks and had 411 empty ones.

In a statement, Mayor Isko Moreno asked the public not to fall for fake news on social media.

Moreno issued the statement after a photo of him went viral on social media, with the caption stating, “Basta from Visayas and Mindanao hindi puwede papasukin sa Maynila (If they are from Visayas and Mindanao, they cannot enter Manila).”

The city public information office posted the original caption of the Sept. 6 photo, which quoted Moreno as calling on the government to buy anti-COVID drugs remdesivir and tocilizumab, not face shields.

Moreno said he cannot make such a statement about people from the Visayas and Mindanao since his goal is to unite Filipinos during this pandemic.

PANGASINAN LGUS RESET SCHOOL OPENING

SISON, Pangasinan — More mayors in this province have rescheduled the opening of classes in their area due to a spike in COVID-19 cases.

Eighteen local government units were added to the list yesterday after Mayors Julier Resuello of San Carlos City, Noel Anthony Geslani of Malasiqui, Simplicio Rosario of Binmaley, Jojo Callejo of Alcala, Joganie Rarang of Anda, Joseph Arman Bauzon of Calasiao, Priscilla Espino of Bugallon, Martin Raul Sison II of Urbiztondo and Ramil Ventanilla of Mangatarem moved the opening of classes to Oct. 4.

Uy said the town logged 98 active cases on Monday, which is significantly higher compared to last month.

He stressed the need to limit interactions to prevent transmission of the virus.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

'NAKAKAKILIG': JOHN ARCILLA HONORED TO BE ONE OF WORLD'S BEST ACTORS

MANILA -- John Arcilla is honored to be considered one of the world's best actors, following his win in the prestigious Venice International Film Festival.

Arcilla was named best actor for his performance in the movie "On The Job: The Missing 8."

"Kahit ano pa ang sabihin niyo sa akin, kinikilig ako sa idea na I am one of the best actors of the world," he added.

Arcilla went on to express hope that he will have more projects with global appeal, saying it has always been his dream to reach a wider audience.

"Kung natalo ko sila, [it means] I did something na nandoon na sa level na I can communicate to the global audience, that I can give a performance that everyone can relate to. And wow, you know what I mean? Wow! Nagawa ko 'yon, ganoon na pala ang nagagawa ko," he said.

"I am so happy. Sana dumami pa ang project ko na global 'yung appeal. Para tuloy-tuloy na ito because that's really my dream."

If given a chance, Arcilla wants to be the first Filipino villain of DC's "Batman."

"If I can be one of Batman's first Filipino villains, why not? Ang Filipino [ay] part na ng global community. We are already part, loved by the global community of the things that we can do," he said.

The Venice International Film Festival is the oldest film festival in the world and is counted among the three most prestigious, alongside Cannes and Berlin.

Arcilla is the first Southeast Asian talent to win best actor in Venice, in its 78-year history.

SPORTS

PBA: PHOENIX, GINEBRA FACE OFF IN CRUCIAL CLASH

Phoenix Super LPG and Barangay Ginebra will face off in a crucial match on Wednesday as they approach the homestretch of the round-robin eliminations phase of the PBA Philippine Cup.

The Fuel Masters are joint seventh with the NLEX Road Warriors at 4-5, barely up against the Gin Kings at 3-5.

Only the top 8 teams will move to the quarterfinal round and both teams must sweep their remaining games to advance.

"We still have a lot of things to work on as a team. Good thing about us is we have control of our destiny. So, we just have to grind it out in our last two games," said Phoenix coach Topex Robinson in the PBA website.

But they face big tests in their last two assignments against heavyweights Ginebra and San Miguel.

Expect Ginebra to start strong against the Fuel Masters especially after getting a heavy 67-88 beating from the TNT Tropang Giga Sunday.

Coach Tim Cone is aware they are in a must-win situation against Phoenix, Alaska Milk and the Meralco Bolts.

Phoenix will be relying on Jason Perkins, Justine Chua, Matthew Wright and RJ Jazul.

Wright believes they are peaking at the right time.

"I'm starting to see our team developing an identity, offensively and defensively. So I think we're moving on the right track and that's all I could really hope for," said Wright.

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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

To know what you know and what you do not know, that is true knowledge. – Confucius