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ANDANAR WILLING TO BE AMONG FIRST TO GET COVID-19 VACCINE
By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
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Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Wednesday expressed his willingness to be among the first to receive the vaccine against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). In an interview with dzXL-RMN, Andanar said he is ready to take the first jabs to encourage Filipinos to avail of the free Covid-19 vaccine once the government starts its mass immunization drive. “Willing din ako sumama doon sa una, dahil para naman kada labas natin, nangangampanya tayo para sa bakuna ay mayroon tayong maitatawag na walking the talk, ‘di ba? So, ako, no problem (I’m willing to join those who will receive the first vaccine shots so when we go on our information campaign, they can say we are walking the talk. So, I have no problem with that),” he said. Senator Christopher Lawrence Go has repeatedly called on Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. to take up the challenge to be the first persons to avail of the Covid-19 vaccine once it becomes available in the country. Andanar said he, along with other PCOO officials, may be among the first to get the Covid-19 vaccine to prove its efficacy and safety. “Ganoon din ang ating mga kasamahan sa PCOO, mga Undersecretary, siguro kailangan din nilang magpabakuna kaagad para makita ng ating mga kababayan, as communicators na iyong
mga nagsasalita, iyong mga ambassador ika nga, iyong mga nagpopromote ika nga ay sila ay nagbabakuna rin (Perhaps, our PCOO undersecretaries should also take the first Covid-19 vaccine shots so the public would be convinced that we as communicators who promote the vaccine are also ready to get inoculated),” he said. On January 13, President Rodrigo Duterte said he and other government officials are willing to be the last in line to get vaccinated against Covid-19 to give way to priority groups, such as health care workers, uniformed personnel, and the indigents. The Philippine government’s target is to start the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccination program in February. On Monday, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said about 63 percent of the country’s population, or 70 million people aged 18 years and above, are expected to be inoculated within the year.
Dominguez explained that between 57 million and 60 million Filipinos would secure the vaccines funded by the government, while the remaining 10 million to 13 million would be covered by local government units and the private sector. Allay public apprehensions Andanar said the government, through its “Explain, Explain, Explain” information campaign, aims to boost the public’s confidence in receiving the Covid-19 vaccine. This was after private polling firm Pulse Asia, in its survey conducted from November 23 to December 2 last year, found that 47 percent of Filipinos do not want to get vaccinated. Only 32 percent expressed willingness to receive the vaccine while the remaining 21 percent were still undecided. While he acknowledged that it is a “big challenge” to convince all Filipinos to join the government’s mass vaccination drive, Andanar said the PCOO would do its best to equip the public with the right information about the vaccines. “Sapagkat ayon kay Presidente ay kailangan talagang mabakunahan ang ating mga kababayan para tayo ay magkaroon ng isang lipunan na puwede nang ulit mangarap, puwedeng makipag-compete sa ibang ekonomiya (The President has said our fellow Filipinos need to get inoculated so we can build a society that can once again dream and compete with other economies),” he said. The PCOO and its attached agency, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), launched on January 19 the government’s “Explain, Explain, Explain” information campaign in Mandaue City, Cebu. In his keynote speech during the launch of the information drive, Andanar said the PCOO and the PIA would continue to “disseminate and reiterate the need to observe health protocols and precautionary measures, to dispel false information, and to advocate for preparedness and vigilance and harnessing solidarity through participatory governance.” (PNA)
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles (File photo)
NOGRALES HAS NO PROBLEM RECEIVING VACCINE FIRST
By Azer Parrocha Although President Rodrigo Duterte previously said that he and other government officials will be last to be vaccinated against coronavirus disease (Covid-19), Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles on Sunday said he has no problem getting shots to address vaccine hesitancy among Filipinos. In an interview over DZBB, Nograles said he is willing to receive Covid-19 shots but only if health experts advise members of the Cabinet to help boost confidence in vaccines. “Okay rin kami diyan pag sinabi ng mga experts sa amin na ‘O sampulan daw kayo’. Wala rin po kaming problema diyan para lang pataasin ang confidence ng mga magpapabakuna (We’re okay with it if experts ask us to get vaccines first. We have no problem doing that to boost confidence),” he said. However, Nograles explained that because of limited vaccine supply, government has already come up with a priority list which includes healthcare workers, teachers, social workers, other essential workers outside the health and education sector, overseas workers, and uniformed personnel. “Ang konteksto po nun is because number one, limited po yung supply ng vaccine. Number two, dahil limited yung supply ng vaccine, meron tayong priority list (The context there is number one, the supply of vaccine is limited. Number two, because the supply is limited, we have a priority list),” he said. He noted that Duterte and other
government officials will be last to make sure priority groups receive them first. In a speech last Jan. 13, Duterte declared that he and his Cabinet members will be the last to receive the vaccine. “Huli na kami. Kung may maiwan para sa amin, kay Bong [Go], kay Secretary [Delfin] Lorenzana, kung may maiwan, eh di para sa ‘tin. Unahin natin sila (We will be the last one. If there will be left for us, for Bong, for Secretary Lorenzana, then we will have them. Let’s prioritize them),” he said. Despite this declaration, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte is still willing to be the first to be inoculated to convince more Filipinos to get vaccinated. Duterte first expressed willingness to get injected in public with a vaccine that will be donated by the Russian government to the Philippines in August last year. On Tuesday, Roque explained that Duterte will be “taking the route” of United Kingdom’s Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Prince Philip, who were inoculated with vaccine doses in private. Roque added that the Palace will just make an announcement after Duterte’s vaccination. The Philippines is set to spend around PHP82.5 billion for the procurement of 148 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine from seven pharmaceutical firms, including China’s Sinovac and the United States’ Pfizer. The government has so far secured around 25 million doses of Sinovac vaccine, with the first 50,000 doses set to arrive next month. (PNA)
2K BACOLOD KIDS GET FREE MEALS FROM TF ZERO HUNGER PARTNERS
By Nanette Guadalquiver Some 2,000 kids in this city have availed of free meals from the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) McDonald’s Kindness Kitchen under the “Pilipinas Kontra Gutom” initiative of the government’s Task Force Zero Hunger. The ceremonial turn-over of meals to Mayor Evelio Leonardia was led by Task Force Zero Hunger chairman and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles and RMHC Executive Director Marie Angeles in a program held at the Bacolod Government Center on Monday. “Tulad ng laban natin against Covid, tulad ng laban natin para makakuha ng vaccine, itong laban sa kagutuman kailangan din po magsanib puwersa (Just like our fight against Covid and our fight to secure the vaccine, we also need to join forces in the fight against hunger). ‘Yan po ang pinakalearning na nakuha ko nang ako ay tinalaga ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte to lead the fight sa hunger,” Nograles said in his inspirational message. “We know that the problem brought by Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is the hunger problem,” he added. The city is the first beneficiary of McDonald’s Kindness Kitchen meals in the Visayas as children from 15 villages
JOINING FORCES AGAINST HUNGER. Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia (right) with Task Force Zero Hunger chairman and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles (2nd from right), Ronald McDonald House Charities Executive Director Marie Angeles (2nd from left), and McDonald’s Bacolod franchisees Andrew and Michelle Antoinette Valencia during the ceremonial turn-over of meals from the McDonald’s Kindness Kitchen at the Bacolod Government Center on Monday (Jan. 25, 2021). The activity is part of the “Pilipinas Kontra Gutom” initiative of the government’s Task Force Zero Hunger and its private partners. (PNA photo by Nanette L. Guadalquiver) each received a meal of chicken fillet with rice and bottled water. Some 100 beneficiaries in each of the 12 villages availed themselves of free meals. Three other villages had 200 beneficiaries each. Other recipients were those staying in St. Mary’s Home for the Aged, Holy Infant Nursery Foundation Inc., and the city’s quarantine center. Councilor Lady Gles GonzalesPallen, president of the Liga ang Mga Barangay, thanked the “Pilipinas Kontra Gutom” and the RMHC for their generosity. “From the barangay captains of the 15 barangays and the 2,000 children who are recipients of the Kindness Kitchen meals, from the bottom of our hearts, madamo gid nga salamat (thank you very much). We will forever be grateful for your support and love to Bacolod City,” she said. Aside from providing 2,000 meals distributed to various communities, the RMHC also provided meals to 100 local government unit (LGU) volunteers. McDonald’s has six stores in Bacolod, including the two franchise stores of couple Andrew and Michelle Antoinette Valencia of Bacolod CETUS Food Industries Inc. After launching the “Pilipinas Kontra Gutom” in November, Task Force Zero Hunger and its private partners have been collaborating with LGUs nationwide to distribute immediate reliefs for communities affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic and the recent typhoons. Its founding members include the country’s biggest corporations – CocaCola, Dole Philippines, J&J Philippines, McDonald’s, Metrobank, and San Miguel Corporation. They pledged to provide meals for identified communities through the Ronald McDonald House Charities’ McDonald’s Kindness Kitchen. As of Jan. 25, more than 400,000 meals have already been served across 33 areas. (PNA)
NOGRALES, ZERO HUNGER TASK FORCE, PILIPINAS KONTRA GUTOM LEAD PRIVATE SECTOR STRAT PLAN SESSION
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, head of the government’s Zero Hunger Task Force, led the holding of a strategic planning session with private sector stakeholders and organizers of Pilipinas Kontra Gutom (PKG) to concretize linkages and programs aimed at addressing hunger and malnutrition among Filipino children. The session was attended by reps of Task Force member agencies and non-government program partners. Different “work streams” were formed last week, with the planning ending on Wednesay, January 27, 2021. Nograles, recently designated adviser of the Scaling Up Nutrition Network, expressed optimism about the Duterte administration’s anti-hunger initiatives. “Our session and breakout groups were very productive. Working closely with our partners, we were able to agree on specific goals and set up concrete roadmaps
which we will implement this year as part of Pilipinas Kontra Gutom,” the Malacañang official said. The Cab Sec added that the new collaborative outputs would build on government efforts at raising agricultural productivity and incomes of farmers, improve access to safe, nutritious, affordable food items particularly to marginalized families, and eradicate all forms of malnutrition. “Our continuing mantra in achieving responsive government service is meaningful partnership with stakeholders. There’s a symbiotic relationship because we learn from our friends in the private sector. We are able to supplement our proprams using shared best practices. Nongovernment stakeholders in turn get access to our wide nationwide network and implementation mechanism.” “Kailangan natin magtulungan. Thinking and acting as one are the keys to successfully combating the threat of malnutrition and hunger,” the Cab Sec emphasized. During the strat plan session, the former legislator drew commitments from attendees to vigorously continue pursuing their shared goals, and expressed gratitude to the participants for being “active food and hunger warriors.” “We are all answering the call to service. Our aims are noble, our need to act is urgent. The Duterte administration is full-blast in this zero hunger effort. Let’s all make a positive difference this 2021 for the sake of our children and future generations,” Nograles stated.
IATF, NTF INSPECT MAKATI AND QC VACCINE ROLLOUT READINESS - NOGRALES
The local government units of Makati and Quezon City were visited by the Covid-19 Vaccine CODE Team last January 27 and 28, 2021, respectively, for discussions on their readiness for the government’s vaccination program rollout, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said on Friday. The Coordinated Operations to Defeat Epidemic (C.O.D.E.) Team was formed by the National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 and the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID). It is composed of Vaccine Czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., Health Secretary Francisco Duque, DILG Usec. Jonathan E. Malaya, DILG Asec. Marcelo Morales, DOH Dir. Aleli Annie Grace Sudiacal, DOH Dir. Ariel Valencia, PCOO-PIA Usec. Ramon Cualoping and other reps from national government agencies. Nograles, the IATF Co-Chair, explained during the visits that the Team’s aim was to synthesize Covid-19 synergies and program thrusts to better implement the comprehensive vaccination program. “We want proper coordination with our local governments to ensure the success of our vaccine roll-out. There needs to be full alignment of strategies, interventions and best practices because the national government wants no less than a
smooth implementation of this important program,” the Malacañang official stressed. Nograles thanked the head of the two LGUs, saying “We praise Mayor Abby Binay and Mayor Joy Belmonte, together with their vice mayors, city councilors and all city hall staff for their quick passage of the needed ordinances to support and implement vaccination.” The two cities have allocated P1 billion to purchase Covid vaccines for their constituents. The Cab Sec likewise assured that the national government would fill in and supplement whatever shortages there would be in the acquisition of vaccines, noting that “every Filipino -- whatever the economic status, whatever the age -- deserves to be treated and spared from this deadly scourge that has affected the lives of our citizens directly and indirectly.” “The vaccine roll-out is one of the most important programs of the Duterte administration. Perhaps the most comprehensive health initiative ever in our history. We require the unqualified cooperation of every sector in this nationwide campaign. First, we eradicate the virus. Then we heal our economy, stimulate commercial activity and generate jobs,” the former legislator from Davao emphasized.
PRC STARTS USE OF MILESTONE SYSTEM THAT WILL DEMOCRATIZE COVID TESTING – GORDON
The Philippine Red Cross on Monday reached another milestone with the use of the Saliva RT-PCR testing for COVID-19, which, Senator Richard J. Gordon said, will democratize testing and detection of the disease. At the official launching of the new testing system that the Department of Health recently approved for use in the Red Cross’ molecular laboratories, Gordon, PRC chairman and CEO, stressed that it is in line with the PRC’s mission of alleviating human suffering that prompted them to look for a cheaper, faster and non-invasive testing method. “The Philippine Red Cross is not a spectator. It is a diligent worker towards alleviating human suffering kaya ngayong mga panahon na ito, naghahanap kami ng paraan kung paano mapapawi ang kahirapan ng ating mga kababayan, hindi lang sa pera, sa paghahanap-buhay, sa mga ospital na nadadarang sa dami ng mga nagpupunta, ngunit lalo na sa ating mga kababyan natin na talagang hindi na makayanan ang sakit, ‘yung iba namamatay na lang. Ito ay talagang commitment namin sa Philippine Red Cross,” Gordon said. “The Philippine Red Cross has always been an active auxiliary partner of government, hindi siya government. And we are certainly following the fundamental principles that includes that we are independent and that we will also vow to alleviate human suffering and uplift human dignity. Today represents a milestone in the sense that we are democratizing the testing, binabaan natin ang presyo, binago
natin ang sistema. Naghahanap kami ng sistema na higit na makakatulong sa ating bansa,” he added. The PRC chairman reiterated the importance of testing in ensuring victory over COVID-19, an enemy that is not visible to the naked eye, adding that the saliva test will ramp up detection of infected people so they could be isolated, treated and reintegrated back into society. “Ang kalaban natin ay hindi nakikita. Di natin malalaman kung sino kalaban natin kung hindi natin makikita, that’s why testing is important. Kapag tayo’y nag-test maise-separate natin yung maysakit kaagad, maiisolate natin so we can prevent the spread after we detect. Then we can also treat – magagamot natin, lalo na kung maaga at pagkatapos, marireintegrate natin ‘yung mga taong nagkasakit sa ating lipunan,” he said.
GORDON SPONSORS COMMITTEE REPORT ON ANOTHER BREAK THROUGH BILL TO IMPROVE THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE
Aiming to improve the administration of justice in the country, Senator Richard J. Gordon on Wednesday sponsored before the plenary the committee report on a proposed measure that would ensure the protection and security of the members of the Bench and the entire judiciary. “Today, I am sponsoring another breakthrough bill for the judiciary. The killing of 34 judges killed over the years, and most of the killings have yet to be solved, shows the failure of the country to protect the magistrates of the land. Ito ay malaking sampal sa mukha ni Lady Justice. If our judges are not safe and cannot get justice for themselves, sino pa ang susunod sa batas? There is no rule of law,” he said in sponsoring substitute bill, Senate Bill No. 1947 or the “Judiciary Marshals Act. SBN 1947 is a consolidated bill composed of Gordon’s SBN 1181; Senate President Vicente’s Sotto III’s SBN 1255; SBN 1209 by Senators Panfilo Lacson and Leila De Lima; and Senator Ronaldo Dela Rosa’s SBN 1237. Other senator also asked to be made co-author of the bill.
Since 1999, there had been 34 judges killed and only 10% of these killings have been solved. The measure seeks the creation of the Judiciary Marshals which shall be primarily responsible for the security, safety, and protection of
the members, officials, personnel, and property of the Judiciary, including the integrity of the courts and their proceedings. “This is aimed to protect, defend, safeguard, watch over, provide security and ensure the safety of justices, judges, court officials and personnel, including their families, and halls of justice, courthouses, and other court buildings and properties,” the senator who chairs the Committee on Justice and Human Rights said. Gordon said the Judicial Marshals will also be tasked to conduct threat assessments and undertake investigations and forensic analysis of crimes and other offenses committed. It could also conduct investigations concerning allegations of irregularities, including graft and corruption, committed by justices, judges, court officials and personnel, as directed by the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice, or the Court Administrator; “This will send a strong message that you cannot just kill a judge. We must work together to ensure that our judicial system operates in a safe environment. Judges, witnesses, court personnel, and law enforcement must not have to face threats of violence when carrying out their duties. These protections are crucial to the preservation of the independence of our Judiciary so that it can continue to serve as a bulwark protecting individual rights and liberty,” Gordon stressed.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
GORDON PROPOSES BILL GRANTING POWER TO THE PRESIDENT TO DEFER SSS CONTRIBUTION INCREASE DURING NAT’L EMERGENCIES
CONTRIBUTED FILE PHOTO
Senator Richard J. Gordon, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Government Corporations and Public Enterprises, proposed a bill granting the President of the Republic the power to defer the increases in contributions of the Social Security System (SSS) in times of declared national emergency or state of calamity. “The President should be given the authority during times of national emergencies such as this pandemic to defer the payment of increased rates by the members of the SSS. Walang pambayad ang mga tao dahil may pandemya. Gusto nating matulungan ang mga nahihirapan,” Gordon said on Tuesday during the committee hearing on the proposed measure. “My position, therefore, would be to make the SSS law nimbler and leave the deferment of contribution increase for the President to decide, provided that there is a consultation with the SSS and affected stakeholders,” he stressed. The bill amending Section 4(a)(9) of R.A. No. 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018 states that deferment of the rise in contributions shall only be in effect for a limited period of six months, which may be extended for another six months. “We want to look into giving our people financial breathing space to be able to adjust to the on-going national emergency, while we also take into consideration SSS’ financial viability. Ito ay karagdagang assistance para sa tao dahil sa batas na ginawa natin, sa RA 11199, mayroon na rin tayong financial breathing space para sa mga nawalan ng trabaho ngayong pandemic tulad ng unemployment benefit na nagkakahalaga ng Php 20,000. With many businesses closing and employees losing their jobs, people need every bit of help they can get,” said Gordon. He also pointed out that while deferring the increase in contributions is the fastest way to respond to the problem, the SSS can lobby and appeal to the President anytime.
PRC TARGETS NATIONWIDE SALIVA TEST ROLL OUT BY FEB. 1
Senator Richard J. Gordon, chairman and CEO of the Philippine Red Cross, disclosed that they are targeting a nationwide roll out by February 1 of the saliva RT-PCR test that the Department of Health gave the green light to last week. Following the DOH’s approval of the use of saliva as an alternative specimen to the nasopharyngeal swab for RT-PCR testing in PRC’s laboratories, the PRC officially launched the new system last Monday. “Our goal is to go nationwide by Feb. 1. Today, we opened our machines in Manila and Mandaluyong for saliva test,” the PRC chief said. Gordon also cautioned that testing is still very important even when the national vaccination program is rolled out since an inoculated person could still be a carrier and could be infectious. “You cannot do away with testing. Kahit na meron ka ng vaccine, kailangang magte-test ka. Kailangan may proteksyon ka pa ding face mask, kailangan may proteksyon ka din ng hugas kamay at distancing because even if you get the vaccine, you could still be a carrier. Pangalagaan natin ang mga sarili natin para hindi tayo makakasakit ng ating mga mahal sa buhay,” he stressed. Medical experts said studies have shown that the COVID vaccine inhibits progression to a severe case of the disease for an inoculated individual. However, there is no evidence that it could inhibit transmission to another individual. Gordon said it is also convenient because the patient can even collect the specimen sample while at home and send it to the PRC laboratory. Patients can also call PRC’s COVID hotline – 1158 to make reservations or book online at https:// book.redcross1158.c0m/. The Philippine Red Cross saliva RT-PCR test uses the same system as the system previously used with the nasopharyngeal swab samples, the only difference being the method of collection of the sample specimen. Instead of having a swab inserted into one’s nostrils and throat, one may now simply deposit 1.5 ml to 2 ml of saliva through a straw into a container. The specimen then undergoes testing in the RT-PCR machines. The new saliva collected system has the advantage of being far more comfortable than the swab system, which most patients find painful. It is also more cost efficient, making more affordable for the population. Additionally, processing of the sample in the testing machine takes less time, allowing for release of results in approximately 6 to 12 hours. To date, only the Red Cross saliva RT-PCR test has been approved by the DOH as a saliva based test.
GORDON LAUDS LOCSIN FOR FILING GORDON LAUDS LOCSIN FOR FILING DIPLOMATIC PROTESTS AGAINST CHINA’S DIPLOMATIC PROTESTS AGAINST CHINA’S AGGRESSIVENESS AT WEST PHILIPPINE SEA AGGRESSIVENESS AT WEST PHILIPPINE SEA
Senator Richard J. Gordon commended Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on Wednesday for filing diplomatic complaints against China’s aggression at the disputed West Philippine Sea.
“I commend Secretary Locsin for taking a very important and valiant action by standing up for our rights. He did right by our country, and we support him wholeheartedly,” said Gordon. In a Twitter post on January 27, Locsin wrote that “At 5:17 pm today, the Chinese embassy received two diplomatic protests: 1. On the pointing of a radar gun at a Philippine Navy ship in PH waters & 2. Declaring parts of Philippine territory as part of Hainan province – both violations of international law & Philippine sovereignty.” Gordon has been consistently urging the government to take a firm position on dealing with the maritime dispute between the Philippines and China. At the Plenary on Tuesday, he raised concern over the enactment of a new Chinese law that allows the Chinese Coast Guard to “take all necessary measures, including the use of weapons when national sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction are being illegally infringed upon by foreign organizations or individuals at sea.” “When another country claims the oceans surrounding us, which we claim, even threatens to demolish our fishing boats or fishing boats of any country that get to that ocean or that sea, this is a serious cause for concern. This is a shot in the bow of all the claimants in the territories,” said Gordon.
SENATE TO SENATE TO CONDUCT PROBE CONDUCT PROBE ON SPATE OF ON SPATE OF KILLINGS IN RP KILLINGS IN RP
The Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, chaired by Senator Richard J. Gordon, is set to conduct a public hearing on the series of killings in the country today. On January 18, Gordon delivered a privilege speech at the Plenary and condemned the continued acts of violence perpetrated by criminals including ridingin-tandem gunmen. Gordon, who has always stood up against the killings in the country, also called for immediate action to end the assassinations, and appealed to arrest and bring the perpetrators to justice. “One killing is one too many. Alas, there are too many. They have no qualms shooting people in front of their family. They are not even afraid to shoot them in front of their children,” he said in his speech. Gordon noted that there have been 19 people killed from January 1 up to date composed mostly of civilians based on the news monitoring of his office. Some of these killings happened in broad daylight and some took place at their own homes. The killings of mother-son Sonya and Frank Gregorio in Tarlac on December 20, 2020, and barangay tanod Joseph Labonera in Floridablanca, Pampanga last January 4 were among the recent reported crimes which caused public outrage. Gordon stressed that there are too many killing incidents but very few cases are being solved and pointed out that that these assassinations will not stop if the public, especially the government, will not act on it. Aside from the Committee on Justice, the hearing will be jointly conducted by the Committees on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, and Finance. Among the resource persons who were invited are from the Supreme Court of the Philippines, Philippine National Police (PNP), National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM), Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) and other agencies.
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go called on Filipinos to unite against terrorism in remembrance of the 44 Special Action Force members of the Philippine National Police who paid the ultimate price for peace and security in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25, 2015. “Six years ago, our nation witnessed the death of 44 of our most gallant men in the Special Action Force, now widely known as the SAF 44. Through this ceremony, we remember their lives and their ultimate sacrifice that have helped make our country a safer place to live in,” Go said in a video message released on the day of the anniversary. “Huwag nating kalimutan ang serbisyo na ginawa ng apatnapu’tapat na miyembro ng SAF. Hindi matutumbasan ang sakripisyo na
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go called on Filipinos to unite against terrorism in remembrance of the 44 Special Action Force members of the Philippine National Police who paid the ultimate price for peace and security in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25, 2015.
kanilang ginawa para lang manatiling ligtas ang ating mga mamamayan at gawing mapayapa ang ating lipunan. Hindi rin natin mababayaran kailanman ang sakit na nararamdaman ng mga pamilya na kanilang naiwan,” he continued. President Rodrigo Duterte in Proclamation No. 167, signed February 2017, declared January 25 of every year a “Day of National Remembrance” of the Fallen 44 who will henceforth serve as a “constant reminder of the continuing sacrifices being made by our valiant uniformed men and women in the line of duty”. The Senator reaffirmed President Duterte’s commitment to honor the memory of the slain members of the police force by ensuring the welfare of the families they left behind. “Sa mga pamilyang naiwan ng ating SAF 44, hindi po namin kayo pababayaan at iiwan.
Asahan po ninyo ang patuloy na pagtulong at pag-alalay ng pamahalaan sa inyong lahat,” he vowed. The Senator also extended his sincerest gratitude to the PNP for the critical role they play in ensuring peace in communities nationwide, and he guaranteed his support to them as they continue to perform their duties for the nation. He asked the Filipinos to recall the daily sacrifices of the men and women of the PNP who are facing the same risks during these trying times as they take the lead in implementing the community quarantine protocols. “Kami ni Pangulong Duterte, sa abot ng aming makakaya, ay nandidito para sa inyong lahat,” he said.
“Inaasahan ko rin po na ang araw na ito ay magsisilbing inspirasyon sa ating mga mamamayan upang suportahan ang ating kapulisan. Tulungan natin silang sugpuin ang mga suliranin na hinaharap natin bilang isang bayan,” appealed Go.
To protect further their welfare, the Senator filed Senate Bill 393 in 2019 which seeks to provide free legal assistance to any officer or enlisted personnel of the PNP and Armed Forces of the Philippines who is facing charges arising from any incident related to the performance of his or her official duties. “Nasa frontline natin ang ating mga kapulisan at mga sundalo sa kampanya ng pamahalaan upang masiguro na ligtas ang ating mga mamamayan mula sa banta ng mga kriminal, lalo na ang mga drug syndicates at mga terorista,” he said. “Kailangan nating pagbutihin ang lahat na suportang legal na ibinibigay ng pamahalaan upang hindi maapektuhan ang over-all performance ng hanay ng mga pulis at sundalo,” explained Go. When Go as still the Special Assistant to the President, he had also personally sought support among lawmakers for the increase in salaries of the police, military, and other uniformed personnel, a campaign promise of the President, to make it “more commensurate with their critical role in maintaining national security and peace and order”. The Senator expressed confidence in the long-term impacts of these reforms on the work of the Philippine police and the future of the country. “Makikita niyo ngayon, ang mga pulis, ginagalang at nirerespeto na. Dati, takot na takot ako sa mga pulis noong nag-aaral ako sa Maynila. Pero ngayon, disiplinado na ang mga pulis at talagang ginagalang,” he said. “Patuloy ang modernization at reporma natin sa hanay ng ating kapulisan at kasundaluhan. Suportado namin kayo basta gawin niyo lang ang tama at nararapat para protektahan ang buhay at kapakanan ng bawat Pilipino,” he said. (OSBG)
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte presides over a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members prior to his talk to the people at the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center in Matina, Davao City on January 25, 2021. KARL ALONZO/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
PRESIDENT DUTERTE COULD BOOST PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN COVID-19 JAB, SAYS VACCINE CZAR
The government has already started its information drive to boost the public confidence in COVID-19 vaccines, vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. told President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Monday. As the country gears towards rolling out the COVID-19 vaccine, encouraging people to get the shot posed a challenge, Galvez said, blaming misinformation by anti-vaxxers on social media and the reported adverse effects of some vaccine brands being administered abroad. During a meeting in Davao City, Galvez underscored the importance of an information drive noting the President can help convince people to get inoculated. “Ito po ang medyo may problema po tayo na talagang dapat po pagtulungan po natin. Alam po namin na malaki po ang maitutulong ng ating Mayor, Presidente, Mr. President, kasi po talagang bumababa po ‘yung willingness at saka ‘yung uptake ng ating mga kababayan, Galvez told President Duterte. There were calls for
President Duterte, who is highly popular in the country, to publicly get the first COVID-19 jab to boost the confidence of Filipinos to get vaccinated. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque is also helping the government’s aggressive information dissemination campaign, Galvez said. Every Wednesday, the Department of Health (DOH) and the National Task Force Against COVID-19 (NTF) regularly appear in the Philippine Information Agency’s (PIA) Explain, Explain, Explain drive. The business sector is also assisting the government in convincing people to support the mass vaccination program, he added. “Nagawa na rin po natin ito noong during testing na --- at saka during ng nagkaroon tayo ng Ingat Angat Para Sa Lahat na naging maganda po ‘yung tinatawag nating, ‘yung improvement sa minimum health standard,” Galvez told the President. Majority of Filipinos showed disinterest in getting inoculated due to safety concerns, according to a recent survey. To boost public confidence in COVID-19 vaccine, some world leaders got vaccinated in public. Among them are leaders of US, Turkey, and Indonesia. PND
Presidential Adviser on Peace Process and National Task Force against Coronavirus Disease-2019 (NTF COVID-19) chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. gives updates to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center in Matina, Davao City on January 25, 2021. KARL ALONZO/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte talks to the people after holding a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center in Matina, Davao City on January 25, 2021. TOTO LOZANO/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
PRESIDENT DUTERTE: IT’S TOO RISKY TO ALLOW MINORS TO GO OUT
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Monday recalled a government decision last week allowing minors to go out in modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) areas, citing dangers posed by a new COVID-19 variant already detected in the country. In the decision of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID)) last week, minors aged 10 and up will be allowed in public places starting February 1. President Duterte said he is taking back the earlier decision as a precautionary measure to protect young people. “So balik ho kayo sa bahay muna and besides ‘yung 10 years old to 14... Itong medyo matanda na mahirap itong i-manage but itong 10, 11, 12 puwede na ‘yan sila sa TV. They can glue their attention sa TV the whole day,” President Duterte said during his weekly public address Monday night. “Pasensiya na
po kayo. Mine is just a precaution. Wala itong bisa… Takot lang ako kasi itong bagong strain strikes the young children,” he added. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fewer children have been sick with COVID-19 compared to adults, but with the new strain’s characteristics, everyone is vulnerable. Experts say children are superspreaders, manifesting no symptoms although they carry the virus.
The restriction may not be welcomed by the parents and children, but the President said sacrifices have to be made to protect public health particularly as the country awaits a vaccine rollout. And with the presence of the UK variant in the Philippines, the President made a renewed appeal to the public to strictly follow the government-mandated health protocols. “I’d like to end by saying that the only salvation, actually, for those who have not been sickened with COVID-19 and pending the rollout of the vaccine is really that you follow the protocol of --- imposed by government,” he said. “Pagka sinunod ninyo ‘yan, then you have great chances of not getting it or at least when you get it, there’s already the bakuna, then it will somehow mitigate, give you the relief,” he added. Also, during the meeting with the President, vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. reported that the government may proceed with the possible early rollout with vaccines coming from COVAX. He previously reported that the government is also set to receive its first delivery of COVID-19 vaccine from Chinese pharmaceutical company Sinovac this February. The Department of Health (DOH) has reported 1,581 additional coronavirus infections on Monday, bringing the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country to 514,996. There were 475,422 recoveries and 10,292 fatalities. PND
PNA FILE PHOTO
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his speech during a visit at Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Headquarters in Jolo, Sulu on January 22, 2021. The President also witnessed the ceremonial distribution of food packs, conferment of the Order of Lapu-Lapu with the rank of Kamagi to 23 soldiers and turned over a cheque to Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Gilbert Gapay. REY BANIQUET/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
PRESIDENT DUTERTE WANTS PAF’S HUEYS DECOMMISSIONED
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Friday, January 22, said he wants a complete decommissioning of all Huey helicopters in the Philippine Air Force’s inventory because of their frequent involvement in fatal crashes. “Marami pa ba ‘yang Huey na ‘yan? Naiwan? Hindi, palitan ko na sana. Wala ng... Maano na talaga ‘yan, luma na. Maski na sabihin mong --- maintenance,” President Duterte said in a speech during a camp visit in Camp Teodulfo Bautista in Jolo, Sulu. “Bibili ako ng mga helicopters --- para sa mga... Sayang ang buhay. At saka puwede pa naman natin remedyohan sa Bisaya. Eh kung may remedyo diyan, if it can be remedied, we will.” “I am not making any hard promises. But you can rest assured, I will try my best to look for money para palitan ko ‘yung mga luma na,” he added. The President told soldiers that he wants to procure at least six or seven new helicopters for the Air Force. It is saddening, he said, to hear soldiers losing their lives while doing their
duties. Seven members of the security forces were killed in an air accident involving a Huey chopper in Bukidnon last week. “Masaktan ka talaga. Kung wala kang koneksyon sa gobyerno, okay lang. But sa kagaya ko, ako ‘yung parang administrador ng bayan tapos ganoon ang nangyari, masakit para sa akin,” he said. “You just don’t know the pain that I suffer every time.” PAF grounded all of its Huey helicopters following the crash in Bukidnon. The UH-1H and UH-1D models, or Hueys, are Vietnam War-era helicopters that have been refurbished to serve as the PAF’s main workhorses. It was reported that the Bukidnon incident was the fourth Air Force rotorcraft to go down in six months, three involving Huey helicopters. Even prior to the President’s pronouncement, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) already has an existing procurement program to modernize PAF’s fleet of helicopters. Recently, it commissioned the first six of 16 Polish-made Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk helicopters ordered in 2019.
The remaining 10 units are expected to be delivered within the first quarter of 2021, defense officials said. The brand-new Black Hawk helicopters, manufactured by PZL Mielec, a Lockheed Martin/Sikorsky company in Poland, will provide PAF with sustained dayand-night tactical lift, transport, and searchand-rescue capabilities. The helicopters are being procured by the Philippine government under a $241.5 million government-togovernment contract to meet the Horizon 2 phase of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program (RAFPMP). PND
PRESIDENT DUTERTE HONORS SOLDIERS FIGHTING ISLAMIC MILITANTS IN SULU
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte hailed the heroism Friday of soldiers fighting Islamist extremists in Sulu, promising them of his government’s full support to ensure their welfare and the wellbeing of their families. “Today, I am deeply honored to join you in recognizing the extraordinary heroism of the officers and enlisted personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines who showed exemplary heroism in the face of danger,” President Duterte said in a speech during a visit at Camp Teodulfo Bautista in Jolo, Sulu.
“They will be conferred with the Order of Lapu-Lapu with the rank of Kamagi, which I hope will further inspire the rest of our men and women in the AFP to continue serving our country no matter the cost.” The President also commended the personnel of the Joint Task Force Sulu and the 11th Infantry Division for their recent gains against the
Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), saying their determination has greatly reduced the ASG’s strength in the past year.
And as the country marks the second year of the bombing of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel on January 27, he said the government’s presence is an assurance that “we will not just honor those who have perished in this tragedy”. “We will also do everything in our power to prevent similar acts of cowardice and violence so that our people will never experience them again,” he noted. The insurgency and terrorism that have been hounding the country for several decades hindered the nation’s growth, the President said, adding it’s the reason why he has high praises and respect for all those who risk their lives to maintain peace in the country. “As we march onwards this new year, I am hopeful that we will continue to eliminate these terrorist groups in Sulu for good. With your support, I remain confident that we will prevail over the challenges that confront us,” he said. “Be assured that the entire Filipino people is behind you as you secure genuine and lasting change for our motherland.” And as the government gears towards mass vaccinating its citizens, President Duterte assured the members of the security forces that they will get the first COVID-19 jab as well as their families. Aside from leading the conferment of the Order of Lapu-Lapu with the rank of Kamagi on 23 soldiers in Jolo, the President also witnessed the ceremonial distribution of food packs, and turned over a cheque to Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Gilbert Gapay. Accompanying the President were Sen. Christopher Lawrence Go and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. PND
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte poses for a photo with Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Gilbert Gapay after the turnover of cheque at Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Headquarters in Jolo, Sulu on January 22, 2021. Joining them are Senator Christopher Lawrence Go and National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. REY BANIQUET/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
Secretary Roque
PALACE MAINTAINS CURRENT AGE RESTRICTION
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr cited today, January 26, 2021, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s decision to maintain the current age restriction in view of the new coronavirus variant, saying that the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) is a policy-making body that serves as an extension of the President. Secretary Roque further stressed that it is the Chief Executive who ultimately decides on matters under the jurisdiction of the IATF, underscoring that “whatever the President decided prevails.” The Palace official said that the Chief Executive respected the decision of the Economic Team and the IATF on the relaxation of age restrictions. However, because of reports that the new variant may affect underaged children, President Duterte deemed to stop the implementation of the IATF recommendation and asked the policymaking body to study further the new variant. “Habang wala pa tayong masyadong alam tungkol sa new variant, stay home na muna, bagama’t sinabi nga ni Presidente naintindihan ko naman na kung bakit kinakailangan ganyan magdesisyon,” said Secretary Roque. The President’s spokesperson added that the President’s decision is rooted on the President being a father and grandfather as well. “Ang kanyang pangunahing concern ay pangalagaan ang
kalusugan ng ating mga kabataan. So yun lang po yun. Hanggang hindi pa tayo masyadong maraming alam sa bagong variant, stay home po ang mga bata,” said Sec. Roque. Roque, who is concurrent IATF spokesperson, also said that there is no issue with regard to the President revoking the IATF’s recommendation. “IATF was created by the President to assist him as recommendatory body. In fact, the IATF has no legislative foundation other than exercise of executive power,” Sec. Roque remarked. The Palace spokesman also underscored that the President also revoked then an IATF recommendation, the pilot face-to-face classes, and all because of the new variant of COVID-19. “So sa tingin ko naman po maiintindihan ng taumbayan kung bakit ganito ang desisyon ni Presidente because we dont know enough of this new variant,” Roque said. On maintaining the current age restrictions and its long-term effect on the economy, Roque said that it is best to wait for more information on the new variant and hope that the halting of the age restriction is not permanent. He also remarked that a vaccine against COVID-19 is the longterm solution to the problem. “Nandiyan na po ang bakuna ‘wag nating kalimutan po yan ‘no. Bakuna po yung solusyon, at any time in February magsisimula na po tayo,” Roque said. On another matter, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) President Dante Gierran asked the support and understanding of the public as the staterun agency continues to ensure and provide healthcare benefits for Filipinos. Atty. Gierran said that the PhilHealth has enough funds from collections and its reserved fund to continue its operations. Gierran also underscored the PhilHealth’s deferment of a contributions hike for its members given President Duterte’s directive to not increase members’ premium contributions at this time of pandemic. OPS-PCOO
PhilHealth President and CEO Dante Gierran (File photo)
Galvez cites LGUs’ crucial roles in nat’l vaccine roadmap
By Lade Jean Kabagani National Policy Against Covid-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. on Wednesday cited the crucial role of the local government units (LGUs) in the nationwide implementation of the Covid-19 vaccine roadmap. “You will be the grassroots implementers of our vaccine program,” Galvez said during the visit of the Covid-19 Coordinated Operations to Defeat Epidemic (CODE) team, led by the National Task Force (NTF) and the InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) in Taguig City. Galvez said the LGUs will be in-charge in the preparations of the master list of residents who will be prioritized for vaccination. LGUs should identify and prepare vaccination sites, he added. They are also tasked to provide vaccinators who will facilitate the immunization program in their respective localities. Galvez, meanwhile, lauded the Taguig’s proactive measures and responsive strategies to contain the further spread of the Covid-19 within communities. “Early this month, Taguig joined 38 other LGUs in signing a tripartite agreement with the national government and AstraZeneca to purchase Covid-19 vaccines,” he said. “Again, this was a demonstration of your city’s commitment not only to protect your people against the dreaded disease but also to help the national government achieve its goal of procuring safe and effective vaccines for all Filipinos.” He said Taguig City is ready to roll out the national vaccination program. “We also learned that Taguig has acquired its own cold storage facility, established a point-to-point logistics transport system, and is now preparing four mega quarantine vaccination centers and 40 community centers as the city gears up for the arrival of the covid-19 vaccines,” he said. On the other hand, Galvez reiterated that the government’s procured Covid-19 vaccines will undergo the stringent evaluation and selection
Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr.
process of the vaccine expert panel and Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “We guarantee that there will be utmost transparency and accountability in all our negotiations. We commit to disclose all the details of our transactions in due time,” he said. The government is still waiting to finalize its ongoing negotiations with seven pharmaceutical companies for the acquisition of about 148 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines, he added. Galvez earlier said premature details of the negotiations could not be disclosed due to the NonDisclosure Agreement (NDA) they have signed with the pharmaceutical firms.
The government is expecting the arrival of initial vaccines by February. “Part of this shipment are vaccines coming from the WHO [World Health Organizations] led Covax facility,” he said. Under the national vaccine roadmap, Galvez said the government targets to inoculate 50 to 70 million Filipinos this year. (PNA)
More Pinoys concerned over safety of Covid-19 jabs: church poll
By Ferdinand Patinio
Many Filipinos are concerned about the safety of the people who would be inoculated with vaccines against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), a church-based survey revealed on Wednesday. According to the Veritas Truth Survey (VTS) of church-run Radio Veritas, 67 percent of the respondents are concerned about the protection of the people against the possible side effects of the Covid-19 vaccines. It added that 17 percent are for the efficacy of the vaccine while 8 percent would like to know first the country that manufactured the vaccine. Only 6 percent would like to know testimonies of those who have received the vaccine and 2 percent are for the purpose or use of the vaccine. The VTS was conducted from Jan. 4 to 22 through text and online data gathering from 1,200 respondents in the country. The respondents were asked, “What is your primary (Top 1) consideration when deciding on whether or not you would be vaccinated against Covid-19?” Bro. Clifford Sorita, VTS chief strategist, said the government should provide basic information and a clear explanation to the people on the vaccination program against Covid-19. “To build trust and confidence in our vaccination efforts, the government should provide the public with easily understandable scientifically-based information and ensure everyone’s concerns are addressed easily and often,” he said in a statement. Meanwhile, Radio Veritas president Fr. Anton Pascual cited the importance of compliance with bioethics and upholding the welfare of the less fortunate in the vaccination drive against Covid-19. (PNA)
EDITORIAL BOARD
Executive Editor ABNER M. CAGA
Associate Editor FRYAN E. ABKILAN Managing Editor NORA CL MOLDE Copy Editor VENUS LIM GARCIA Layout Artists RONNIE E. MADANGUIT JOHN CHARLES B. MALAZARTE Contributors JENNIFER P. GAITANO
Agusan del Sur NIDA GRACE B. TRANQUILAN
Surigao del Sur SUSIL D. RAGAS
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Regional Office
RAYMOND APLAYA RUTH ABBEY GITA-CARLOS JOHN CUADRASAL KAREN KEI V. DECAMOTAN ANGEL LYN F. GAVIOLA NANETTE GUADALQUIVER NC NUSOG LADE JEAN KABAGANI 1LT. ROEL T. MAGLALANG SHENA MAE PABIA AZER PARROCHA , RAMIL L. PASCO FERDINAND PATINIO GREG TATARO, JR. RTWPB CARAGA, PMO-PPA SURIGAO DILG-LIBJO, LPP, MINDA DXJS RP TANDAG CMO OFFICER, 23IB PA AGUSAN UP, LGU ADN. PCOO, PNA, OSBG, PND
Business Managers
ZARINA O. LASTRA MARIESH F. CELEDEÑA MAY AMOR O. ALABADO
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