PH READY TO OFFER FACILITIES TO US IF RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR 'SPILLS' TO ASIA, SAYS ENVOY

 

 

 

MANILA- President Rodrigo Duterte is ready to offer Philippine facilities to the United States (US) for its use if tensions between Russian and Ukraine spills over to the Asian region, the country's ambassador to Washington has said.

 

Philippine Ambassador to US Jose Manuel Romualdez said Duterte made the statement when he met with him last week in Manila while discussing US' invitation for ASEAN leaders to visit Washington for a special summit.

 

Duterte mentioned the invitation during his speech in Ilocos Sur last week, but he did not say anything about accepting the invitation.

 

“He says he might not be able to go (to the US) but to give them the assurance that if ever it is needed, the Philippines is ready to offer... whatever facilities, or whatever things that the United States will need, being a major, our number one ally, in using the facilities in the Philippines, without any restrictions,” Romualdez told reporters in a roundtable interview.

 

Romualdez cited the Mutual Defense Treaty between the Philippines and the US in explaining the President’s statement.

 

The treaty obligates both sides to help each other in case of external aggression.

 

“He says if they are asking for the support of the Philippines, he was very clear if push comes to shove, the Philippines would be ready to be part of the effort especially if this Ukranian crisis spills over to the Asian region, he offered that the Philippines would be ready to open its doors, especially to our ally the United States, in using our facilities, any facilities that they may need,” he said.

 

Romualdez said the facilities that may be opened for US may include those in Subic, Zambales and Clark in Pampanga.

 

The envoy added that ASEAN ambassadors in the US are meeting with the White House National Security Council this week to discuss sanctions imposed by the US on Russian oil and other economic sanctions.

 

“I’m pretty sure that the President meant this to be an emergency situation where let’s pray that it doesn’t happen but if this spreads to our part, in the Asian region, for some reason or the other, the President obviously sees the need for us to make a choice," Romualdez explained.

 

 

 

 

 

WHO: ANOTHER COVID-19 WAVE 'INEVITABLE', FILIPINOS URGED TO STAY VIGILANT

 

 

 

MANILA - Filipinos should remain vigilant against another "inevitable" COVID-19 surge, a World Health Organization official said on Friday, which marked the second anniversary of the declaration of the coronavirus pandemic.

 

The public needs to "remain on alert" as virus surges in other parts of the world might result in a new variant, said Dr. Rajendra Prasav Yadav, acting WHO Representative to the Philippines.

 

The WHO has yet to determine whether the "deltacron" variant, a combination of the delta and omicron variants, is more dangerous or transmissible, Yadav said.

 

"When we start lowering our guards and masks, this is a disaster because we’re seeing the vaccination pace slow down considerably in the past few days. It is too early to declare victory against the virus. We need to remain vigilant and continue to exercise caution," he told ABS-CBN's Teleradyo.

 

"We are seeing a huge surge in cases in the Western Pacific region... When we have surge of cases anywhere in the world we have risk of developing a new variant of concern and as we know from our past experience such variant can come to the Philippines so we have to remain on our guards," he added.

 

Living with the pandemic does not mean becoming passive as another wave of infections is "inevitable," Yadav said.

 

"We have to be actively careful, stay alert and get ready for the next wave, which I think is inevitable. As the vaccine-induced immunity and natural immunity wanes, it’s very likely we’ll have another wave. We’ll have to live with the virus, but cautiously," he said.

 

"The WHO and all of us respect people's rights to engage in civic activities like elections. At the same time we have to advise these rallies or gatherings need to happen in outdoor areas, not stadiums which are enclosed," he said.

 

"We advised those immunocompromised, the elderly to stay home. They need to watch these events online if possible."

 

 

 

 

 

PH 'READY' FOR NEW VARIANT, ADJUSTS COVID JABS TARGET TO FEND OFF MUTATIONS: VACCINE OFFICIAL

 

 

 

MANILA - The Philippines "should be ready" to face another variant of concern as it increased its target number of jabs to fend off mutations, a health official said Friday after the World Health Organization identified "deltacron" or a combination of the delta and omicron variants.

 

The Philippine Genome Center is monitoring developments on the new variant of concern, Health Secretary Francisco Duque earlier said.

 

"Based on our experience in the past and many experiences we have gathered throughout the response, we should be ready to face another variant of concern," Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje told ANC's Headstart.

 

Government has adjusted to 90 million its target population to be inoculated against COVID-19 by end of second quarter or before President Rodrigo Duterte steps down, according to Cabotaje, head of the National Vaccination Operations Center (NVOC).

 

"Last year it was 70 percent which was 70 million but we need to increase it because of the variants," she said.

 

Authorities on Thursday launched the fourth round of the "national vaccination days" which aims to administer 1.8 million jabs particularly for the elderly, those who have yet to receive their second dose, and those who still do not have their booster shots, Cabotaje earlier said.

 

 

 

 

 

DOH: FILIPINOS HESITANT TO GET SPUTNIK V COVID-19 JABS DUE TO DELIVERY DELAYS

 

 

 

MANILA — Some Filipinos are reluctant to be vaccinated with Russia’s Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccines following delayed deliveries last year, a health official said Friday.

 

Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje said there is a problem with the use of and preference for the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Gamaleya Research Institute in the country.

 

“Initially there was a good uptake of Gamaleya. But we had the problem middle and late last year when the second doses did not arrive on time and took several months before they arrived,” Cabotaje, who heads the National Vaccination Operations Center, said in an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel.

 

“The citizens are now hesitant to get their Gamaleya shots thinking they might not get their second shot,” she added.

 

The Sputnik V jab consists of two different components of the vaccine. Government officials earlier said that delays in delivery will not compromise the efficacy of shots.

 

Cabotaje also said some Filipinos do not want to receive the Sputnik V vaccine because several nations do not recognize the Russian-made jab.

 

According to the health official, the government has completed its orders from the Russian drugmaker. “We are not expecting and we have not procured any additional Gamaleya vaccines.”

 

 

 

 

 

NEW POLL COMMISSIONER INHIBITS FROM MARCOS CASES

 

 

 

MANILA — Newly appointed Elections Commissioner George Garcia has informed the poll body that he will take no part in the pending cases involving presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

 

Garcia wrote to the Office of the Clerk of Commission that he will inhibit from deliberations of at least six cases involving Marcos, whom he lawyered for in the candidate’s poll protest in 2016.

 

The poll commissioner said this is “in keeping with [his] firm commitment and to ensure fairness in the resolution of the cases pending before this Commission.”

 

“The public’s confidence in this Commission should not be eroded by any semblance of bias or prejudice. As a newly appointed Commissioner it is my duty to avoid impropriety,” he added.

 

The veteran elections lawyer also earlier said he will recuse from cases involving his former clients, which also include Sen. Grace Poe and even former presidents Joseph Estrada and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Most recently, he had been part of the legal team of Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, who is also a presidential candidate.

 

Garcia assumed office at the poll body on Thursday, while Comelec chief Saidamen Pangarungan and Aimee Neri also took office earlier this week. President Rodrigo Duterte’s three recent appointments complete the seven-member Comelec en banc.

 

Appeals on junked legal challenges against Marcos’ presidential bid are currently pending before the Comelec en banc. Proceedings in these cases are also expected to reach the Supreme Court.

 

Comelec chief Pangarungan, in his message on Tuesday, said the "sanctity of the vote" shall be the Commission’s guiding principle.

 

"We will honor and protect the Constitution in every decision we pen, in every program and project we undertake, and even in every single vote we count," he added.

 

 

 

 

 

BSP BACKS FISCAL INTERVENTIONS TO CUSHION IMPACT OF RUSSIA-UKRAINE CRISIS

 

 

 

MANILA - Continued social protection efforts and supply-side management are among the government measures that can cushion the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine to the country's inflation and economic recovery, the central bank said Friday

 

Global crude oil prices skyrocketed since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered military operations targetting Kyiv and other major cities in Ukraine.

 

This week, gasoline prices in the Philippines rose by as much as P3 while diesel prices increased by as much as P5, after global benchmarks Brent crude, WTI and Dubai crude soared to above $100 per barrel.

 

Wheat prices followed since Russia and Ukraine are major importers of the commodity which is milled into flour.

 

Social protection measures "could help alleviate the impact of rising crude oil prices" on the transportation and agriculture sector, the BSP said in a statement.

 

The government has also approved a P3 billion fuel subsidy and other discounts as drivers and farmers reel from the impact of soaring oil prices.

 

Meanwhile, sustaining efforts to ensure adequate domestic food supply could mitigate the supply-side pressure on inflation, it added.

 

Further efforts to facilitate "further relaxation" of mobility restrictions could also boost economic recovery, the BSP said.

 

Metro Manila and other areas are under Alert Level 1 until March 15 while experts are exploring the possibility of easing further to Alert Level 0.

 

The Russia - Ukraine crisis could also create uncertainty on global trade and investments, financial markets and market confidence, the BSP said.

 

"In this regard, the BSP supports the National Government’s initiatives to implement appropriate fiscal interventions to cushion the economy from increased upside risks to inflation and to safeguard the momentum of economic recovery," it said.

 

"The BSP remains vigilant over the possible implications of the unfolding Ukraine-Russia conflict on the Philippine economy," it added.

 

 

 

 

 

IT-BPO WORKERS OPPOSE GOV'T RETURN-TO-OFFICE ORDER

 

 

 

MANILA — Workers in the information technology – business process outsourcing industry slammed the government’s decision to stand pat on making them return to their offices beginning April 1, calling this “inconsiderate, insensitive and inhumane.”

 

“This is … certainly not how you treat the new economic frontliners of the country,” said an IT-BPO coalition backing the presidential candidacy of Vice President Leni Robredo and her running mate Sen. Kiko Pangilinan.

 

They stressed that the country is not completely out of the woods of the pandemic as they said that the situation remains “volatile” with them expecting surges, new coronavirus variants and the waning efficacy of vaccines and boosters.

 

They asked if the government has long-term plans for testing and vaccination in the workplace, health insurance and other measures to protect on-site workers and public transport commuters.

 

“Sending us to work on-site without safety nets or a strategic plan is irresponsible and dangerous,” the coalition said.

 

Besides, they added, they “thrived” in the hybrid work model which allowed them to contribute to the economy, generate new jobs and expand business even as other sectors were adversely impacted by the pandemic.

 

“Without hybrid working, we will endanger our hard-fought jobs,” they said, noting that more companies and countries recognize that this model is the future of work. “Forcing us to return to our physical offices would erode our competitive advantage. It may just kill the goose that lays the golden egg.”

 

They also raised the inadequacy of public transportation, saying this saps their energy, reduces their productivity and affects their mental health and physical wellbeing.

 

The government has given IT-BPO companies located in economic zones that grant tax perks only until March 31 to implement remote work for 90% of their workforce, when the industry wanted this to be extended to September 12.

 

Companies that would violate the return-to-office order would risk having their tax breaks curtailed, a punishment that could potentially hurt their business and derail their recovery from the pandemic.

 

 

 

 

 

CAVITE JUDGE NAMED COURT OF APPEALS JUSTICE

 

 

 

MANILA — President Duterte, 15 months after promoting Court of Appeals Associate Justice Remedios Salazar-Fernando to CA presiding justice, appointed a Cavite judge as her replacement.

 

On March 8, Duterte appointed Imus, Cavite Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 22 Judge Mary Charlene Hernandez-Azura as CA associate justice, vice Salazar, who was named CA presiding justice on Nov. 24, 2020.

 

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea sent Azura’s appointment papers to Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo on March 9.

 

“Kindly notify and furnish the appointee with her appointment letter within seven days from receipt hereof,” Medialdea said.

 

The President also appointed Taguig City Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 115 Judge Juan Jose Enriquez III as Makati City RTC Branch 149 judge.

 

 

 

 

 

THE REST

 

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MRT-3 RETURNS TO PRE-PANDEMIC PASSENGER VOLUME

 

 

 

MANILA — The volume of passengers at the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) has returned to levels before the pandemic after the government allowed full capacity for all forms of public transport, including trains.

 

Based on the rail line’s ridership tally on Wednesday, 233,845 passengers boarded MRT-3 trains – close to the 234,614 commuters recorded on March 11, 2020, days before the government imposed a lockdown in Luzon and prohibited all forms of mass transport.

 

The government restored mass transport services in June 2020, but with limited seating capacity.

 

The MRT-3 enforced limited capacity that started with 10 percent then gradually increased to 70 percent as quarantine restrictions eased.

 

As the government lowered the COVID-19 alert level status in Metro Manila to the most relaxed Alert Level 1 at the start of March, MRT-3 trains can now carry 1,182 passengers per trip.

 

 

 

 

 

BIRD FLU: CEBU BANS POULTRY FROM LUZON

 

 

 

CEBU — Poultry and related products from Luzon are banned in Cebu City to prevent the spread of avian influenza or bird flu.

 

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama ordered the ban on Wednesday after Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia issued an executive order prohibiting the entry of all poultry, wild birds, day-old chicks, semen, fresh eggs, embryonated eggs, manure and other poultry by-products from Luzon for 45 days starting March 8.

 

Rama expressed hope that the cities of Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue would adopt similar measures.

 

Dr. Jessica Maribojoc, head of the city’s Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries, said the city government sent a letter to the regional quarantine office regarding the ban.

 

Maribojoc cited confirmed reports by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) of avian flu cases in Luzon.

 

She said they immediately informed groceries and public markets and issued guidelines, especially on eggs and balut.

 

 

 

 

 

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

 

 

 

 

 

GERALD ANDERSON SHARES BIRTHDAY MESSAGE FOR GIRLFRIEND JULIA BARRETTO

 

 

 

MANILA -- Actor Gerald Anderson took to social media on Thursday to share his birthday greeting for his girlfriend, actress Julia Barretto, who turned 25.

 

"This day in 1997 God sent us an Angel. Happy Birthday Baby," Anderson wrote on Instagram.

 

In the comment section of his post, Barretto wrote: "Thank you my love.. I love life with you."

 

Just a few days ago, it was Barretto who greeted Anderson happy birthday as the actor turned 33.

 

Anderson confirmed his romantic relationship with Barretto at around this time last year, ending more than a year of speculation.

 

Aside from Anderson, Barretto's father Dennis Padilla also turned to social media to share his birthday greeting for his daughter.

 

Barretto is one of Padilla’s three children with his former wife Marjorie Barretto.

 

 

 

 

 

SPORTS

 

 

 

 

 

NBA SCORES MAR 9

 

 

 

 

 

FINAL

 

1          2          3          4          T

 

Celtics40-27      29        23        35        28        115

 

Hornets32-35    22        26        30        23        101

 

SPECTRUM CENTER, CHARLOTTE, NC

 

SCORING LEADERS

 

J. Tatum BOS

 

44 PTS 5 REB 3 AST

 

P. Washington CHA

 

17 PTS 4 REB 1 AST

 

 

 

FINAL

 

1          2          3          4          T

 

Bulls40-26         25        28        31        30        114

 

Pistons18-48     26        30        35        17        108

 

LITTLE CAESARS ARENA, DETROIT, MI

 

SCORING LEADERS

 

            D. DeRozan CHI

 

36 PTS 8 REB 4 AST

 

            C. Cunningham DET

 

22 PTS 4 REB 6 AST

 

 

 

FINAL

 

1          2          3          4          T

 

Suns53-13        29        28        34        20        111

 

Heat44-23         27        28        19        16        90

 

FTX ARENA, MIAMI, FL

 

SCORING LEADERS

 

D. Booker PHO

 

23 PTS 8 REB 9 AST

 

D. Robinson MIA

 

22 PTS 3 REB 2 AST

 

 

 

FINAL

 

1          2          3          4          T

 

Hawks31-34      26        28        32        29        115

 

Bucks42-25       37        31        25        31        124

 

FISERV FORUM, MILWAUKEE, WI

 

SCORING LEADERS

 

T. Young ATL

 

27 PTS 3 REB 11 AST

 

G. Antetokounmpo MIL

 

43 PTS 12 REB 5 AST

 

 

 

FINAL/OT

 

1          2          3          4          OT       T

 

Lakers28-37      38        25        35        22        10        130

 

Rockets17-49    32        36        29        23        19        139

 

TOYOTA CENTER, HOUSTON, TX

 

SCORING LEADERS

 

R. Westbrook LAL

 

30 PTS 8 REB 6 AST

 

J. Green HOU

 

32 PTS 3 REB 3 AST

 

 

 

FINAL

 

1          2          3          4          T

 

Thunder20-46   21        26        32        23        102

 

Timberwolves38-29       32        42        27        31        132

 

TARGET CENTER, MINNEAPOLIS, MN

 

SCORING LEADERS

 

            A. Wiggins OKC

 

25 PTS 9 REB 5 AST

 

            M. Beasley MIN

 

33 PTS 5 REB 1 AST

 

 

 

FINAL

 

1          2          3          4          T

 

Magic17-50       30        26        25        27        108

 

Pelicans27-39   17        24        32        29        102

 

SMOOTHIE KING CENTER, NEW ORLEANS, LA

 

SCORING LEADERS

 

            C. Anthony ORL

 

19 PTS 1 REB 5 AST

 

            C. McCollum NO

 

32 PTS 4 REB 8 AST

 

 

 

FINAL

 

1          2          3          4          T

 

Knicks28-38      31        30        22        24        107

 

Mavericks40-26 17        17        31        12        77

 

AMERICAN AIRLINES CENTER, DALLAS, TX

 

SCORING LEADERS

 

            J. Randle NY

 

26 PTS 8 REB 5 AST

 

            L. Doncic DAL

 

31 PTS 6 REB 4 AST

 

 

 

FINAL

 

1          2          3          4          T

 

Raptors35-30    34        24        33        28        119

 

Spurs25-41       29        32        23        20        104

 

AT&T CENTER, SAN ANTONIO, TX

 

SCORING LEADERS

 

            F. VanVleet TOR

 

26 PTS 6 REB 2 AST

 

            K. Johnson SA

 

27 PTS 8 REB 1 AST

 

 

 

FINAL

 

1          2          3          4          T

 

Nuggets40-26   32        31        17        26        106

 

Kings24-44       29        22        26        23        100

 

GOLDEN 1 CENTER, SACRAMENTO, CA

 

SCORING LEADERS

 

            N. Jokic DEN

 

38 PTS 18 REB 7 AST

 

            D. Fox SAC

 

32 PTS 5 REB 10 AST

 

 

 

FINAL

 

1          2          3          4          T

 

Trail Blazers25-40         15        20        14        36        85

 

Jazz41-24         33        30        33        27        123

 

VIVINT ARENA, SALT LAKE CITY, UT

 

SCORING LEADERS

 

            T. Watford POR

 

22 PTS 3 REB

 

            B. Bogdanovic UTA

 

27 PTS 4 REB 2 AST

 

 

 

FINAL

 

1          2          3          4          T

 

Wizards29-35    29        26        30        24        109

 

Clippers35-33    28        29        26        32        115

 

CRYPTO.COM ARENA, LOS ANGELES, CA

 

SCORING LEADERS

 

            K. Porzingis WAS

 

19 PTS 1 REB 3 AST

 

            R. Jackson LAC

 

31 PTS 3 REB 7 AST

 

 

 

 

 

INDICATORS

 

 

 

FOREX $1 = P 52.15

 

 

 

 

 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

 

 

 

We know what we are, but know not what we may be. - William Shakespeare