PHILIPPINES’ POPULATION GROWTH LOWEST IN 70 YEARS DUE TO COVID-19
Population growth in the Philippines is projected to have slowed down to just 0.3 per cent in 2021, the slowest in over 70 years, as Filipinos delayed having children amid the Covid-19 pandemic, a government agency said Thursday.
An estimated 324,000 babies were born last year, the lowest number since the period between 1946 and 1947, when the country's population grew by 254,000 babies, the Commission on Population and Development said.
At the end of 2021, the country's total population was estimated at 109,991,095, 2 million lower than earlier projections based on a 1.63 per cent population growth rate, the commission said.
The decrease was due to more Filipinos practicing family planning amid the Covid-19 crisis and the economic crunch resulting from lockdowns, said Juan Perez III, head of the commission.
"Filipinos remain prudent by continuing to delay having children or forming families during the combined economic crisis and Covid-19 health emergency," he said in a statement.
DUTERTE BACKED PDP-LABAN FACTION ADOPTS SARA AS VP BET
MANILA — The PDP-Laban faction backed by President Rodrigo Duterte said on Friday it adopted his daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio as its vice presidential bet in the May elections.
Duterte earlier opposed his daughter's vice presidential run, given her previous lead in surveys on his possible successors. He called her running-mate, former senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., a "weak leader."
The PDP-Laban faction supported by Duterte and led by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi was left without a standard-bearer after the President's close aide Sen. Christopher Go backed out of the presidential race.
Go was originally supposed to run for vice president.
Duterte-Carpio is a member of Lakas–CMD.
MORE AREAS PLACED UNDER COVID ALERT LEVEL 4, ALERT LEVEL 3
MANILA - The government on Thursday approved the recommendation to place more areas under COVID-19 Alert Level 4 and Alert Level 3 until the end of the month amid a spike in new coronavirus infections.
According to Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, 4 more provinces were placed under Alert Level 4 starting Friday:
Kalinga
Ifugao
Mountain Province
Northern Samar
Other areas were placed under Alert Level 3:
Luzon
- Apayao
- Puerto Princesa City
- Masbate
Visayas
- Siquijor
Mindanao
- Zamboanga del Norte
- Zamboanga Sibugay
- Lanao del Norte
- Davao de Oro
- Davao Oriental
- North Cotabato
- Sarangani
- Sultan Kudarat
- Surigao del Norte
- Maguindanao
- Basilan
The Philippines is currently experiencing a fresh wave of COVID-19 infections most likely driven by the omicron variant.
On Thursday, the Department of Health confirmed over 31,000 new COVID-19 cases, pushing active infections to more than 275,000.
'DUTERTE CALLS HIM POTHEAD': ATIENZA SAYS WON'T WORK WITH MARCOS IF THEY WIN
MANILA - Vice presidential candidate Lito Atienza said Friday he would not be able to work alongside presidential aspirant Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. should they win their respective races.
Atienza said he would rather give way to the next vice presidential candidate with the most votes than serve alongside Marcos, the son of dictator Ferdinand Marcos.
"Iba po ang ugali ni Bongbong eh. Sabi nga ng kanyang sariling ama, nung siya'y lumalaki pa lamang bilang isang batang lalaki ay tamad," the lawmaker and former Manila mayor told ABS-CBN's Teleradyo.
"There are great big chances I would not serve with him, even President (Rodrigo) Duterte calls him pothead. Biro mo babantayan ko pa ang aking president. Siguro yung sumusunod sa'kin yun ang ating paglingkurin. Wala po akong gagawing iba kundi bantayan ang presidente. Lugi na naman ang bayan."
Atienza also asked Marcos' spokesperson, lawyer Vic Rodriguez to participate in a debate against him and prove that Martial Law had good effects on the country.
"If you prove me wrong, I will retire from politics altogether and apologize to the nation. But if I prove you wrong and I'm able to prove Marcos indeed abused the Filipino people, kaya siya tinatawag na the biggest crook in the world... Nakakahiya ang biggest thief in the world ay Pilipino," he said.
GOVERNMENT WORKERS ENTITLED TO PAID QUARANTINE LEAVES – CSC
MANILA — The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has expanded its rule on paid “excused absences” to cover government workers who will be required to undergo quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19 or for being a close contact of an infected person.
In a Memorandum Circular dated Jan. 18, the CSC said failure to report for work in instances that government employees are required to undergo isolation or treatment after getting infected with the virus or being identified as “close contacts of a suspect, probable or confirmed cases of COVID-19 while in the performance of their official functions” should be considered as excused absence.
“Excused absence refers to the period when a government worker is not obligated to go to work due to required quarantine period, but are entitled to pay,” the CSC said.
The commission said government workers may be required to adopt a work-from-home arrangement depending on the nature of their job.
No vacation leaves for BI employees
Meanwhile, Bureau of Immigration personnel at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) are prohibited from going on vacation until the end of the month amid the rising cases of COVID-19 among BI employees, an official said on Wednesday.
Port operations division chief Carlos Capulong said the policy started last Dec. 16, but was extended until Jan. 31 after more BI officers at the NAIA tested positive for the virus.
Capulong said the directive was necessary to ensure unhampered airport operations.
‘NUMBER OF PREGNANT WOMEN CONTRACTING COVID-19 INCREASING’
MANILA — Doctors are seeing a remarkable rise in the number of pregnant women getting infected with the coronavirus disease in the last several weeks.
This was confirmed by both the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS) and the Philippine Society of Maternal and Fetal Medicine (PSMFM) in a virtual briefing yesterday.
“Speaking from my personal experience in the last 10 weeks, all my patients are COVID positive,” said Dr. Carmela Madrigal-Dy, PSMFM president.
Dr. Maria Julieta Germar, POGS Clinical Consensus and Working Group chair, said there is no official data yet, but many of their admitted pregnant patients at the Philippine General Hospital in Manila tested positive for the infection since the start of the year.
“More and more of them are positive, but many of them are what’s called ‘incidental positive’ – they felt no symptoms or had a mild symptom like a cold then tested positive,” Germar said.?She also clarified that most of the pregnant women who tested positive for COVID-19 were confined in the hospital due to other medical reasons.
Dr. Marilyn Dee, POGS president, said hospitals are requiring pregnant women to get tested for COVID-19 and, surprisingly, many of them turned out positive.
Because of this development, doctors are encouraging pregnant and lactating women to get themselves vaccinated and boosted for their own and their babies’ protection.
Except for the Russia-made Sputnik V, all available vaccines against COVID-19 are safe for pregnant and lactating women, doctors said.
UNVACCINATED ACOSTA HITS BACK AT DRILON'S CALL TO BAR HER FROM ATTENDING WORK IN-PERSON
MANILA- Public Attorney's Office (PAO) chief Persida Acosta hit back at Senator Franklin Drilon on Thursday after he said she should be barred from going to work physically due to not being vaccinated against COVID-19.
Acosta said that Drilon should not attack her personally, but instead go after Republic Act 11525, or the COVID-19 Vaccination Program Act of 2021.
According to Acosta, the law acknowledged the experimental nature of COVID-19 vaccines, mandated the creation of a national vaccine indemnity fund, and rendered vaccinators and vaccine manufacturers immune from suit and liability.
She said that under the law, vaccine cards should not be considered an additional mandatory requirement for educational, employment, and other similar government transactions.
"Provided further that the vaccine cards shall not be considered as an additional mandatory requirement for educational, employment and other similar government transaction. Walang mandatory vaccination," Acosta said. "Batas ho ito eh. Republic Act 11525. Bakit ako po ang kanilang pinepersonal? Eh di atakihin nila ‘tong batas na ito."
"Eh Kongreso po ang gumawa nitong Republic Act 11525? Hindi naman ako. Wala akong pirma dito."
She said it was up to a person whether they should get vaccinated against COVID-19. She also said that vaccines were still under Emergency Use Authorization, and that they should be given a Certificate of Product Registration (CPR) first before they are made mandatory.
2 BUCOR OFFICERS RELIEVED OVER PRISON BREAK
MANILA — The Bureau of Corrections relieved officers manning the New Bilibid Prison’s Maximum Security Compound over the escape of four inmates earlier this week.
In a statement, the bureau said Director General Gerald Bantag ordered the relief of CSupt. Arnold Guzman, superintendent of the NBP Maximum Security Compound, and CInsp. Israel Basi, NBP Commander of Guards.
“They were relieved of their position and are now under the Directorate for Administration while investigation is still ongoing regarding the escape incident aforementioned,” the bureau added.
Following this, the bureau said CSupt. Roy Villasi will take over as acting NBP Maximum Security Compound superintendent while the new Commander of the Guards is CInsp. Reynaldo Tuguinay.
The escape happened weeks after a deadly riot erupted at the Bilibid where three Persons Deprived of Liberty died and 14 were injured. In both incidents, inmates were armed.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct a probe into the incidents. He also said he will recommend to the Office of the President to impose disciplinary action on BuCor officials who may be found guilty of gross neglect of duty.
PAL SAYS DOMESTIC, INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS CONTINUE DESPITE OMICRON
MANILA - Philippine Airlines on Friday assured passengers it continues to operate both local and international flights to serve the demand.
"Philippine Airlines continues to operate its international and domestic routes to serve your flight needs," PAL said in an advisory.
However, it reminded passengers that adjustments could be made in compliance with government-mandated travel or arrival restrictions.
Passengers can check for changes in the PAL official website.
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COVID SPIKES IN TYPHOON-HIT BOHOL A MONTH AFTER ODETTE: GOV
MANILA - A month after the onslaught of Typhoon Odette, Bohol remains in dire need of help even as COVID-19 cases climb in the province, its governor said Friday.
Bohol Gov. Arthur Yap said the homes of some 280,000 people were damaged during the typhoon and they are "just surviving on tarpaulin, shades, and recycled materials."
Rebuilding of homes is estimated to cost P4 billion to P8 billion.
"With COVID-19, we're still in this pandemic and you got the rains at this time of year and it’s cold. We're very conscious at this point in time we don’t want to add another layer of problems," he told ANC's Headstart.
Active COVID-19 cases in Bohol has risen to 616 from 12 last Dec. 16, Yap said.
GLOBE LAUNCHES ECO-SIM MADE OF RECYCLED REFRIGERATOR WASTE
MANILA - Globe Telecom on Friday said it launched the first-ever eco-SIM cards in Asia made of recycled refrigerator waste.
The deployment, which started in November 2021 for select postpaid mobile customers, was launched in a bid to boost environmental sustainability, the Ayala-led telco said in a statement.
Globe said it tapped advanced technology firm Thales for the eco-SIM cards which are made of 100 percent recycled materials including polystyrene waste from refrigerator, Globe said.
THALES AND ITS ECO-SIM TECHNOLOGY IS HELPING GLOBE MEET ITS E-WASTE GOALS, IT SAID.
“This partnership with the Thales Group not only enables us to come up with a solution for our telco business, but it also gives our customers the opportunity to step up and choose to live more sustainably,” Globe’s Chief Sustainability Officer and SVP for Corporate Communications Yoly Crisanto said.
Globe said Thales' eco-sim was developed in partnership with Veolia and has a "neutral carbon footprint."
"The Eco-SIM card is small, but it has a big impact on plastic and polymer waste and is another example of how we innovate to drive change," Thales Digital Identity & Security Head of Mobile Connectivity Solutions for Asia Jon Cahilig said.
RYZA CENON, KIM ATIENZA OFFER TO BAIL OUT LOLO NARDING ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY STEALING MANGOES
MANILA — Actress Ryza Cenon offered to pay the P6,000 bail of 80-year-old man "Lolo Narding" Floro, who had gone viral on social media today after being arrested and detained for a week for allegedly stealing around 10 kilograms of mangoes from a neighbor in Asingan, Pangasinan.
According to the Public Information Office of Asingan, Lolo Narding’s arrest was based on a warrant issued by the 7th Municipal Circuit Trial Court (MCTC) of Asingan-San Manuel last December 20.
The neighbor apparently refused to accept Lolo Narding’s payment, and insisted on having him jailed instead and have him pay the bail worth P6,000. Floro was arrested after a “manhunt operation” conducted at around 5 p.m. on January 13 in Barangay Bantog as stated in the spot report of Asingan PNP.
“Pinapitas ko ’yung isang puno ng mangga wala pang sampung kilo, ang alam ko sakop namin. Noong binakuran nila, sinakop naman na nila pero tanim ko naman ’yun,” the PIO quoted Floro as saying.
“Ang gusto ko sana (makipagkasundo), maliit lang naman kasi na bagay, noong ibibigay ko ‘yung bayad ayaw nilang tanggapin, ang sabi nila bayaran ko ng anim na libo,” the Asingan PIO further quoted Floro as saying in a Facebook post on Wednesday, January 18.
Ryza volunteered to pay the bail so the man can go home, but apparently her handler, Caryl Ann Paraico, couldn't get a hold of anyone from Asingan Police on Wednesday night. The actress already asked help from PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) to get in touch with the authorities.
According to reports, Lolo Narding remains in the custody of Asingan PNP.
Other celebrities also expressed their dismay. Kim Atienza also offered to pay the bail. He commented on The Philippine Star’s Facebook post saying, “I would like to pay for his bail and legal services. How may I get in touch with Lolo? This makes my blood boil. Back to you guys. seriously.”
ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE
ZAIJIAN JARANILLA EXCITED TO PLAY MODERN DING IN 'DARNA' SERIES
MANILA -- Young actor Zaijian Jaranilla is excited to play the role of Ding in ABS-CBN's much-awaited fantasy drama “Mars Ravelo’s Darna: The TV Series.”
In the series, which will be directed by acclaimed filmmaker Chito S. Roño, Jaranilla plays Narda’s brother and Darna’s sidekick.
"Sa Darna, 13 (years old) din 'yung first stage, tapos lalaki rin. Ang galing nakakagawa pa ako ng mga ganoong role," Jaranilla said. "Sobrang excited, kasi ako lang 'yung Ding na matanda. Lahat ng mga Ding, hindi ba bata? Tapos nakakasakay sa likod ni Darna. Eh, iba na naman 'yung panahon ngayon. So feeling ko modern 'yung atake ng show."
But before "Darna," Jaranilla will once again showcase his acting prowess in the upcoming series "The Broken Marriage Vow," where he plays the only son of Dr. Jill (Jodi Sta. Maria) and David Ilustre (Zanjoe Marudo), who is caught between his parents’ tug of war.
"Grabe po 'yung pressure. Kasi hindi pa nagsisimula 'yung show namin parang pinag-uusapan na nila. Pero confident ako at proud ako kasi ang ganda po nang ginawa namin. Hindi na rin po ako makapaghintay na ipakita sa kanila 'yung resulta nang natapos namin na show na yung ini-expect nila ay pakiramdam ko mahihigitan pa namin," Jaranilla said.
Directed by Concepcion Macatuno, "The Broken Marriage Vow" will premiere on Monday, January 24, at 8:40 p.m.
SPORTS
NBA SCORES JAN 19
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Nets28-16 33 41 23 22 119
Wizards23-22 28 34 24 32 118
CAPITAL ONE ARENA, WASHINGTON, DC
SCORING LEADERS
K. Irving BKN
30 PTS 3 REB 7 AST
B. Beal WAS
23 PTS 4 REB 9 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Magic8-38 21 36 23 30 110
76ers26-18 25 22 47 29 123
WELLS FARGO CENTER, PHILADELPHIA, PA
SCORING LEADERS
M. Bamba ORL
32 PTS 4 REB 2 AST
J. Embiid PHI
50 PTS 12 REB 2 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Hornets25-20 25 31 30 25 111
Celtics23-23 27 21 26 28 102
TD GARDEN , BOSTON, MA
SCORING LEADERS
T. Rozier CHA
28 PTS 4 REB 10 AST
D. Schroder BOS
24 PTS 7 REB 5 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Timberwolves22-23 42 31 20 29 122
Hawks19-25 26 35 45 28 134
STATE FARM ARENA, ATLANTA, GA
SCORING LEADERS
D. Russell MIN
31 PTS 2 REB 5 AST
T. Young ATL
37 PTS 5 REB 14 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Trail Blazers18-26 26 30 24 12 92
Heat29-16 23 35 20 26 104
FTX ARENA, MIAMI, FL
SCORING LEADERS
A. Simons POR
27 PTS 3 REB 7 AST
C. Martin MIA
26 PTS 8 REB 2 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Cavaliers27-19 29 20 29 26 104
Bulls28-15 24 34 29 30 117
UNITED CENTER, CHICAGO, IL
SCORING LEADERS
L. Markkanen CLE
28 PTS 7 REBD. DeRozan CHI
30 PTS 2 REB 7 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Grizzlies31-16 30 17 40 27 114
Bucks28-19 36 25 35 30 126
FISERV FORUM, MILWAUKEE, WI
SCORING LEADERS
J. Morant MEM
33 PTS 8 REB 14 AST
G. Antetokounmpo MIL
33 PTS 15 REB 7 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Thunder14-30 22 29 27 18 96
Spurs17-28 32 37 37 12 118
AT&T CENTER, SAN ANTONIO, TX
SCORING LEADERS
A. Wiggins OKC
19 PTS 8 REB 1 AST
D. Murray SA
23 PTS 10 REB 14 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Raptors21-21 31 23 22 22 98
Mavericks26-19 27 28 28 19 102
AMERICAN AIRLINES CENTER, DALLAS, TX
SCORING LEADERS
P. Siakam TOR
20 PTS 8 REB 3 AST
L. Doncic DAL
41 PTS 14 REB 7 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Rockets14-32 36 21 26 33 116
Jazz29-16 27 35 19 30 111
VIVINT ARENA, SALT LAKE CITY, UT
SCORING LEADERS
G. Mathews HOU
23 PTS 4 REB 2 AST
B. Bogdanovic UTA
29 PTS 5 REB 1 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Pistons11-33 33 33 39 28 133
Kings18-29 26 45 32 28 131
GOLDEN 1 CENTER, SACRAMENTO, CA
SCORING LEADERS
S. Bey DET
30 PTS 7 REB 3 AST
T. Davis SAC
35 PTS 6 REB 3 AST
FINAL/OT
1 2 3 4 OT T
Clippers22-24 25 34 22 33 14 128
Nuggets23-20 29 18 34 33 16 130
BALL ARENA, DENVER, CO
SCORING LEADERS
I. Zubac LAC
32 PTS 10 REB 3 AST
N. Jokic DEN
49 PTS 14 REB 10 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Pacers16-29 23 27 26 35 111
Lakers22-23 32 24 24 24 104
CRYPTO.COM ARENA, LOS ANGELES, CA
SCORING LEADERS
C. LeVert IND
30 PTS 8 REB 2 AST
L. James LAL
30 PTS 12 REB 5 AST
INDICATORS
FOREX $1 = P 51.34
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Almost all unhappiness in life comes from the tendency to blame someone else. - Brian Tracy
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