DUTERTE, CLOSE TO TEARS, WARNS OF BLEAK MONTHS AHEAD
MANILA — Weeks after saying that Filipinos will prevail over the pandemic, President Duterte warned of “bleak months” ahead and admitted that he is having a hard time addressing the COVID crisis amid the continuous infection surge and limited vaccine supply.
Duterte said the pandemic is taking most of his time and likened his situation to passing through purgatory.
“I’m having a hard time. I’m grappling with the issue of COVID. It takes most of my time actually. More than any other papers, it’s the COVID that is taking my time or most of my time looking for ways, checking what is happening outside,” Duterte said during a pre-recorded public address on Monday, his first since placing Metro Manila and the nearby provinces of Laguna, Cavite, Rizal and Bulacan on lockdown.
“Hay buhay. Kung alam lang ninyo... Para akong dumadaan ng purgatoryo ngayon at this time hanggang hindi matulungan ang lahat ng Pilipino (Oh, life. If you only knew... I’m like passing through purgatory at this time until I am able to help all Filipinos),” he added.
Duterte said among the problems that the government has to deal with is the difficulty in accessing COVID vaccines, something that he said makes him want to cry.
He said the problem stemmed from the fact that the Philippines is not a vaccine-producing country.
“That is how hard it is para makakuha lang talaga tayo... Gusto ko na ngang umiyak sa harap ninyo pero naubos na ang luha ko (That is how hard it is for us to get vaccines... I want to cry in front of you but I have run out of tears),” Duterte said.
He admitted there is no assurance yet that the 1.2 million vaccine doses scheduled to arrive in April would be delivered on time.
“That’s how difficult the situation in the world is... We want to buy, we have money, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank said, ‘OK, we will lend you.’ The money is made available to us. I suppose that is what the bank has told our people. The problem is it’s not enough,” Duterte said.
“So we expect a very, not really a dark future, but we expect bleak months... baka mahawa ka nga eh. Ang problema mahawa ka (You might get infected. The problem is if you get infected),” he added.
Duterte appealed for patience and understanding from the public, saying the government is working to secure more vaccines despite the tight global supply.
“Now, we are really doing our very best, the best of our best talent (to get) the vaccine from anywhere to reduce the transmission,” the President said.
WHO CHIEF: DATA WITHHELD FROM WHO TEAM PROBING COVID-19 ORIGINS IN CHINA
GENEVA/ZURICH—Data was withheld from World Health Organization investigators who travelled to China to research the origins of the coronavirus epidemic, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Tuesday.
The United States, the European Union and other Western countries immediately called for China to give "full access" to independent experts to all data about the original outbreak in late 2019.
In its final report, written jointly with Chinese scientists, a WHO-led team that spent four weeks in and around Wuhan in January and February said the virus had probably been transmitted from bats to humans through another animal, and that a lab leak was "extremely unlikely" as a cause.
One of the team’s investigators has already said China refused to give raw data on early COVID-19 cases to the WHO-led team, potentially complicating efforts to understand how the global pandemic began.
"In my discussions with the team, they expressed the difficulties they encountered in accessing raw data," Tedros said. "I expect future collaborative studies to include more timely and comprehensive data sharing."
The inability of the WHO mission to conclude yet where or how the virus began spreading in people means that tensions will continue over how the pandemic started - and whether China has helped efforts to find out or, as the United States has alleged, hindered them.
"The international expert study on the source of the SARS-CoV-2 virus was significantly delayed and lacked access to complete, original data and samples," Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Israel, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Korea, Slovenia, Britain, the United States and the European Union said in a joint statement.
WHO OFFICIAL WARNS VS IVERMECTIN USE ON HUMANS TO TREAT COVID-19
MANILA - The WHO representative to the Philippines has warned against the use of Ivermectin on humans against COVID-19, saying it lacks stringent clinical trials to prove its efficacy.
Speaking before the House Committee on Health on Tuesday, Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe, WHO representative to the Philippines, said extra caution should be made as several doctors in the country have prescribed the use of the veterinary anti-parasitic drug to COVID-19 patients, including several congressmen who contracted the virus.
Abeyasinghe pointed out there has been a number of small-scale studies following a study in Australia using almost a thousand times dosage normally used in humans. But all these trials, including those done in several countries, were statistically insignificant.“The issue with Ivermectin is that based on that initial study and the currently available data it is not strong enough for us to advocate the use of Ivermectin for treatment or prevention of COVID,” he said.
This also happened when the WHO did solidarity trials on the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine, according to Abeyasinghe.
“We had a similar situation in the hydroxychloroquine a few months ago, if you remember, and then when WHO did the details in the solidarity trials, it was conclusively shown that hydroxychloroquine not of them had any efficacy in reducing the severity or in protecting COVID-19 infection,” he said.
He cited the conclusion by the European Medical Association and the US FDA, which both recommended that Ivermectin does not and cannot be used for treatment against COVID, based on existing data.
'WE NEED A TIMEOUT': OCTA RESEARCH BACKS 1-WEEK ECQ EXTENSION IN NCR PLUS
MANILA - A public health expert said Wednesday he supports the call to extend the enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila and 4 surrounding provinces to curb fresh COVID-19 outbreaks that were placing strain on the country's health care and contact tracing systems.
"We need a timeout to refresh our contact tracing [and] to build new isolation and quarantine facilities. This will allow us to exit the lockdown with decreasing but still high numbers that we can manage properly without risking another surge," Fr. Nicanor Austriaco of OCTA Research Team told ANC.
Hospitals in the capital region and the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal have reached critical level in COVID-19 bed occupancy.
On Monday, the country's daily coronavirus infections hit another record high after it passed 10,000 for the first time since the pandemic began. The Philippines has 124,680 active cases or patients deemed infectious, the highest among Southeast Asian nations.
For the molecular biologist, it would take another week to see the full effect of the renewed hard lockdown measure in the country's case count and health-care utilization rate. The ECQ took effect on March 29 and will end on April 4.
"We, my colleagues and I in OCTA, are in support of the other experts who would like the government to extend this for at least 1 more week because it will take 14 days to starve the virus from new victims by isolating people from each other," added Austriaco, who teaches biology and theology at the Providence College in the US.
FILIPINAS OUT OF LABOR FORCE BLOCK PHILIPPINES' GENDER EQUALITY ADVANCE
MANILA — The Philippines slid by a notch in a global ranking of gender equality after headways to bring more Filipinas to the labor force got stunted while the pandemic wiped out gains in closing gender gaps around the world.
Out of 156 countries, the Philippines inched down to the 17th spot in this year’s Global Gender Gap Report released by the World Economic Forum on Wednesday. Part of the decline can be explained by having more countries surveyed from just about 144 to 145 in most recent years.
That said, the country has also stopped improving its gender equality levels. The Philippines was found to have closed 78.4% of its overall gender gap, similar with 2019, but down from a peak of 80% in 2018.
This stagnation has, in effect, precipitated a downtrend in rankings after other nations advanced and improved their positions. In the maiden report in 2006, the Philippines was sixth in the world for gender equality.
In its latest report, the WEF, the Geneva-based business organization, found that less than half of Filipino women are in the job market, discouraged to find a job by a still-wide wage and income disparities with men. On this front, the gender gap had only been closed by 65.3%.
“Women should be incentivized to participate more in the broader labour force,” WEF said.
In public office, WEF said only 36.2% of gap has been bridged so far in terms of political empowerment despite having a woman president for over 15 of the past 50 years. “There are still too few seats in the parliament held by women (28%) and even fewer women among ministers (13%),” the report found.
On a positive note, the Philippines virtually closed both educational attainment and health and survival gaps, but also remains among 18 countries that have narrowed at least 79.5% of their economic participation and opportunity gaps between men and women. More Filipinas sit in company boardrooms, WEF found.
“This result is due in part to the fact that the Philippines is one of the few countries that has closed at the same time its gender gap in senior roles, and in professional and technical roles,” WEF explained.
SCHOOLS TO USE DROP BOXES, ONLINE PLATFORMS IN EARLY REGISTRATION
MANILA — Public schools are using drop boxes and online platforms in the conduct of early registration for the next academic year, the Department of Education said Wednesday.
The department is holding early registration for incoming Kindergarten, Grades 1, 7, and 11 students in public elementary and secondary schools until April 30 to prepare for School Year 2021 to 2022.
Education Undersecretary Jesus Mateo said in-person early registration would only be allowed in areas under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ), the least strictest among the government's 4 lockdown levels.
School division superintendents, however, may still implement full remote early registration in MGCQ areas, depending on the area's risk assessment level, Mateo said.
"Early registration forms will be available in barangay halls and other public spaces. An early registration drop-box will be made available for parents or guardians to collect and submit the forms in these identified places," he said.
Remote registration can be done through online platforms or by calling the school.
VIDEO SHOWS FIL-AM WOMAN ATTACKED ON NEW YORK STREET
New York police were searching Tuesday for a man who violently attacked a Filipino-American woman as bystanders seemingly looked on without intervening, the latest incident of anti-Asian violence in the United States.
The attack, which took place on a sidewalk in broad daylight in Midtown Manhattan on Monday, was caught on CCTV footage from inside an adjacent building.
In the video, posted online by police, the man can be seen walking up to the 65-year-old woman and kicking her in the stomach, knocking her to the ground.
He then kicks her several times in the head before walking away.
The video also shows a man, who appears to be a delivery worker, watching the attack unfold from inside the building.
He is then joined by two other men, one of whom closes the door rather than coming to the woman's aid as the assailant walks away.
The attacker has not been identified and police have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
The victim, whose identity has not been released, was hospitalized with multiple injuries, including a broken pelvis.
She was in a stable condition Tuesday, police said.
The NYPD has stepped up its presence in neighborhoods with high Asian immigrant populations while volunteer groups have formed safety patrols.
THE REST
========
PNP HITS 2,245 ACTIVE COVID-19 CASES
MANILA — The number of active COVID-19 cases in the Philippine National Police reached 2,245 yesterday after 234 more PNP personnel tested positive for the virus.
PNP deputy chief for administration Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said 83 of the new patients are from Metro Manila, including 14 at Camp Crame.
Three of the new cases are assigned at the office of PNP chief Gen Debold Sinas, who recently recovered from his bout with COVID-19.
Eighty-six are from various administrative and operational support units in the PNP while the remaining 65 are assigned at different police regional offices nationwide.
Eleazar said there are 140 active COVID-19 cases at Camp Crame, which is considered the police camp with the most number of cases in the country.
‘NAUBOS NA ANG LUHA’? ANGEL LOCSIN TELLS DUTERTE TO TACKLE ‘CONCRETE SOLUTIONS, NOT EMOTIONS’ IN NATIONAL ADDRESS
MANILA—Actress and philanthropist Angel Locsin urged President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday to talk about “concrete solutions” to the coronavirus pandemic, instead of using his televised national address as a venue for emotional “ranting.”
Locsin was referring specifically to a portion of Duterte’s March 29 address, where he mentioned wanting to cry but being “out of tears” amid the record-high surge of COVID-19 cases in the country. He also compared the undertaking to “purgatory.”
“Gusto ko na nga umiyak sa harap ninyo pero naubos na ang luha ko. Hay, buhay. Kung alam lang ninyo… Para akong dumadaan ng purgatory ngayon, at this time,” Duterte said.
Sharing an image quoting Duterte through Instagram Stories, Locsin wrote, “With all due respect to your feelings for our countrymen, sir, it’s concrete solutions not emotions that we need to hear from you right now.
“Millions of Filipinos wait for you to address the nation. I know your time is precious, but so is ours. Especially now that every step matters.
“You can rant and share with your closest friends but not when addressing the nation. Thank you very much, sir. Please stay safe.”
FROM HOSPITAL BED, COVID-STRICKEN ERAP SAYS HE'S OK, THANKS PUBLIC FOR PRAYERS
MANILA - Deposed Philippine president Joseph "Erap" Estrada on Tuesday afternoon expressed his gratitude for those who wished his speedy recovery from COVID-19, as he continued to recuperate in a hospital.
In a video released by Estrada's son, former senator Jinggoy Estrada, the former chief executive, connected to what seemed to be an oxygen tank, could be seen pausing to catch his breath while addressing the public.
The 83-year-old actor-turned-politician said he is in good condition, and told the public to be careful not to catch the virus. He was hospitalized late Sunday.
"Magandang hapon, mga kababayan. Maraming salamat sa inyong mga dasal at ako ay nasa maayos na kalagayan. 'Wag kayong mag-alala, malakas ako, kayo ay mag-ingat din. Kayo ay stay healthy rin. Magandang hapon ulit," Estrada said.
ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE
CLAIRE DELA FUENTE DIES OF CARDIAC ARREST
MANILA — Original Pilipino Music (OPM) veteran singer Claire dela Fuente passed away Tuesday due to cardiac arrest. She was 63.
In a report by ABS-CBN, the OPM icon’s death was confirmed by her son Gigo.
“She died from cardiac arrest, believed to be a result of her stress and anxiety. My mom has anxiety, hypertension and diabetes and her tendency to worry, to stress a lot led her to weaken and in her sleep, her heart gave up,” Gigo said.
Gigo added that Claire was admitted in the hospital after testing positive for COVID-19.
Claire rose to fame in the late 1970s with her jukebox hit "Sayang."
Apart from being the "Karen Carpenter of the Philippines," she was given the moniker "Asia's Sweetest Voice." Her first album was recorded in 1977 and became the biggest seller that time.
Apart from "Sayang," she was also known for hits like "Minsan-Minsan" and "Nakaw na Pag-ibig."
Recently, Claire defended her son Gregorio de Guzman after being dragged into the controversial case of flight attendant Christine Dacera.
SPORTS
NBA SCORES MARCH 29
1 2 3 4 T
Pacers 21-24 28 30 34 32 124
Wizards 17-28 24 33 38 37 132
SCORING LEADERS
D. Sabonis IND
35 PTS, 11 REB, 6 AST
R. Westbrook WAS
35 PTS, 14 REB, 21 AST
1 2 3 4 T
Pelicans 21-25 32 32 24 27 115
Celtics 23-24 27 28 26 28 109
SCORING LEADERS
Z. Williamson NO
28 PTS, 8 REB, 3 AST
J. Tatum BOS
34 PTS, 9 REB, 5 AST
1 2 3 4 T
Timberwolves 11-36 25 27 25 30 107
Nets 32-15 37 24 26 25 112
SCORING LEADERS
K. Towns MIN
31 PTS, 12 REB, 5 AST
J. Harden BKN
38 PTS, 11 REB, 13 AST
1 2 3 4 T
Heat 23-24 21 15 39 23 98
Knicks 24-23 16 27 21 24 88
Highlights: Heat at Knicks
1:47
SCORING LEADERS
J. Butler MIA
27 PTS, 5 REB, 6 AST
J. Randle NY
22 PTS, 8 REB, 3 AST
1 2 3 4 T
Raptors 18-29 27 23 25 29 104
Pistons 13-33 35 31 26 26 118
SCORING LEADERS
F. VanVleet TOR
22 PTS, 5 REB, 1 AST
S. Bey DET
19 PTS, 3 REB, 4 AST
1 2 3 4 T
Grizzlies 22-22 23 34 33 30 120
Rockets 13-33 27 30 34 19 110
SCORING LEADERS
J. Valanciunas MEM
30 PTS, 15 REB, 1 AST
K. Olynyk HOU
25 PTS, 9 REB, 2 AST
1 2 3 4 T
Mavericks 24-21 33 38 29 27 127
Thunder 19-27 24 39 20 23 106
SCORING LEADERS
L. Doncic DAL
25 PTS, 3 REB, 7 AST
A. Pokusevski OKC
21 PTS, 6 REB, 2 AST
1 2 3 4 T
Kings 22-25 27 41 29 35 132
Spurs 23-21 31 29 31 24 115
SCORING LEADERS
D. Fox SAC
24 PTS, 3 REB, 5 AST
D. Murray SA
23 PTS, 8 REB, 7 AST
1 2 3 4 T
Cavaliers 17-30 18 16 18 23 75
Jazz 35-11 27 26 37 24 114
SCORING LEADERS
C. Sexton CLE
20 PTS, 3 REB, 2 AST
D. Mitchell UTA
19 PTS, 2 REB, 4 AST
1 2 3 4 T
Bulls 19-26 29 31 25 17 102
Warriors 23-24 34 31 31 20 116
SCORING LEADERS
N. Vucevic CHI
21 PTS, 9 REB, 6 AST
S. Curry GS
32 PTS, 5 REB, 6 AST
1 2 3 4 T
Bucks 29-17 38 17 31 19 105
Clippers 32-16 26 31 39 33 129
SCORING LEADERS
G. Antetokounmpo MIL
32 PTS, 6 REB, 3 AST
M. Morris LAC
25 PTS, 5 REB, 3 AST
INDICATORS
FOREX $1 = P 48.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
The greatest discovery of any generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitude. - William James
Comments (0)