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RESPECT FOR LAW AND GOVERNMENT RESTORED DURING DUTERTE’S LEADERSHIP
Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Wednesday said that with the promises of real change delivered by the Duterte administration, respect for the law and the government has been restored.
In an interview, Secretary Andanar mentioned that President Rodrigo Duterte made clear accomplishments based on what he had promised in 2016, especially in maintaining law and order, anti-corruption, and poverty alleviation.
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“Nanumbalik ang respeto sa ating batas [We have restored respect for the law],” he said. “Yun po ay kakaibang legasiya that would differentiate the administration from the past administration [That’s the unique legacy that would differentiate the administration from the past administration],” he added as he cited President Duterte’s tough stance in dealing with businesses who are tax delinquent.
He said that the peace and order situation in the country has improved during the current administration, starting with its unrelenting campaign to eradicate illegal drugs.
“Bawat administrasyon may kanya-kanyang problema at pangangailangan na kailangan solusyunan. At nagkataon na sa panahon ni Presidente Digong ang kailangan solusyunan ay yung naglipanang droga sa ating lipunan [Each administration has different challenges to address. It just so happens that for President Duterte, it was the proliferation of illegal drugs that needed to be addressed],” he said.
PH domain remains intact during Duterte Admin
In a series of interviews he had on Wednesday, Secretary Andanar also said that there was no territory lost during the leadership of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
He went on to say the Philippine government continues to patrol WPS and assert its sovereignty and sovereign rights under the Philippine Constitution and international law.
“Patuloy po tayong nagbabantay, nagmamatyag sa West Philippine Sea at hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin po tayo naaagawan ng lupa o bato o feature sa panahon ni Pangulong Rodrigo Roa Duterte [We continue to patrol over the West Philippines Sea and up until now no land or features were taken away from us during the time of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte],” he said.
The PCOO chief cited the modernization efforts for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), which aims to capacitate our military in terms of equipment and personnel management as it carries out its mandate to protect the country, and to maintain peace and order.
He stressed that the interest of the people remain at the center of all the undertakings of the administration.
“Patuloy po ang ating independent foreign policy na ipinaglalaban po ng ating Pangulo na tayo ay aakto lamang base sa interes ng ating mga kababayan [Our independent foreign policy that our President promotes wherein we only act in the interest of our countrymen],”
“An example is the abrogated Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States which he retracted because the President has seen that it is a good way to maintain relationship,” he added.
Statement of Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar on the participation of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly High-Level General Debate
We in the PCOO commend and support President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in his call for a united international community that is for equality, peace, and stability for humanity’s survival during his speech at the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly’s High-Level General Debate.
Reiterating the notion of “us”, President Duterte has stressed in his speech the need to collectively respond to the myriad of crises we all face. It is only through united action and response to address the COVID-19 pandemic, unequal COVID-19 vaccine access, climate change, geopolitical instability, human rights issues, rising inequality, and all forms of injustices, among others, that we will be able to resolve the problems that we are facing right now.
Cooperation is truly one of the solutions to global issues where we must not spare any country or nation in the world.
This is why the Duterte administration has been at the forefront of responding and addressing to these issues through our programs, actions, and policies that undoubtedly contribute to global action.
We have pledged to contribute US$ 1 million to the COVAX Facility as our commitment to upholding equal access to COVID-19 vaccines for our collective recovery against the pandemic. This as we also recognize the unfortunate man-made drought of vaccines that continuously ravages most developing countries in their fight against the contagion.
In responding to the climate crisis and global warming, we have committed to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2030 as we have submitted our first Nationally Determined Contribution as part of our shared responsibility to protect and preserve the environment and our planet.
We continue to uphold freedom, justice, and equality throughout our last months in office to ensure that we provide the country a stable, comfortable, and secure life for all Filipinos.
In this regard, we have finalized our Joint Program on Human Rights with the United Nations to support our suppression of lawless elements, while upholding the human rights and the dignity of every Filipino. the Kafala system in the Middle East that has heavily impacted the life, security, and welfare of our Filipino migrant workers for the many years that they have been serving in the region.
The Duterte administration has also been in cooperation with ASEAN and our strategic partners to ensure that peace, security, and prosperity will be imposed on the South China Sea.
These are just among the vital and firm initiatives and commitments of the Duterte administration in addressing and responding to national, regional, and global challenges that have affected everyone.
We enjoin everyone to continue not just supporting these initiatives brought about by President Duterte and his administration, but also to take part in these collective causes as a global citizen for both humanity and Earth’s survival in the face of these difficulties and challenges.
September 18-24, 2021 | 41
Nat’l gov’t funding helps improve healthcare in Maripipi, Biliran
Aside from help in its COVID-19 response and vaccination drive, the healthcare system in Maripipi, Biliran is also expected to significantly improve with the help of national government funding to build a new hospital and health office for people in need.
Presidential Communications Secretary Martin M. Andanar interviewed Maripipi Mayor Joseph Canonoy Caingcoy today, September 21, during the Network Briefing News and talked about the government’s initiative to establish a new hospital and health office, citing that these would be essential and beneficial for the people of Maripipi.
“I am so happy na ang Maripipi, kahit isang small island, ay napapansin ng ating national government for the general interest of the people. [I am so happy that Maripipi, despite being a small island, is being noticed by our national government for the general interest of the people],” Mayor Caingcoy said.
He also said that the assistance of the government, through a P25 million peso funding, aims “for accessible, quality health care service to the people”.
As of now, the first building of the emergency care treatment hospital in the said town is already completed, while the second building will probably be finished before the year ends.
Mayor Caingcoy also shared that the hospital will house a female ward, male ward, pediatric ward, and isolation ward.
In addition, the new Rural Health Office, where policymaking meetings are to be held, is now operational as part of the aggressive fight against the spread of COVID-19.
“Mayroon kaming weekly meetings para ma-prevent namin ang Delta variant and para sa iba pang COVID-19 programs. [We have weekly meetings to prevent the Delta variant and for other COVID-19 programs],” he added. Maripipi LGU is also eyeing to construct an evacuation center and isolation facility for possible and suspected cases of COVID-19.
Other infrastructure projects in Maripipi are Maripipi Municipal Fitness Center, New Municipal Building, Maripipi Seaside Park, and ongoing road-widening projects.
For the vaccination program of the municipality, the island of Maripipi is at 24 percent out of its 70 percent target for population protection.
The local executive said that the main concern in the inoculation drive is the availability of COVID-19 vaccines.
Maganda ang aming pag-aadminister, only the availability of supply ang [kailangan]. [Our administration is good, only the availability of supply is [needed]],” Mayor Caingcoy said.
Secretary Andanar: Duterte admin upholds tough stance against corruption, open to probe on allegations
Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Saturday said that the Duterte administration remains tough on its campaign against corruption and is open to investigations, which proves its bid for transparency in government.
Secretary Andanar was referring to the motu propio investigations of the House of Representatives and the Senate in the past week regarding the alleged overpricing of purchased Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for medical frontliners last year.
“The national government accepted, welcomed the investigation which affected our COVID-19 response in a way that we proved that there is transparency. Because of the Senate and Congressional investigations, we have proven that democracy Caraga INFOCUS
is working,” he said in an interview. “It has become an avenue for the Duterte administration to show to the legislature and to the people that we have continued to uphold our tough stance against all forms of corruption,” he added.
Commission on Audit (COA) Chairman Michael Aguinaldo reiterated their agency’s clarification before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee that there was no incident of overpricing on Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp.’s transaction worth P8.68billion of PPE and other medical supplies for the Department of Health (DoH).
Andanar
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM), who facilitated the said purchase, had also previously denied the allegations, stressing their efforts to support transparency rather than join in on the politicking.
Secretary Andanar said that the purchase of the medical supplies was ethical and necessary given that there was an urgent need to protect the medical frontliners who are directly managing patients who are positive with COVID-19.
“We are all aware that cases of COVID-19 was rising during that time and our healthcare workers were in dire need of protection,” he said.
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Secretary Andanar: Implementation of Mandanas Ruling To aid in realizing potential countryside growth
Implementing the Supreme Court’s Mandanas Ruling in 2022, which will increase the share of national government tax revenue of local governments, will bolster development in the countryside, Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said on Friday.
The Supreme court ruling in July 2018 affirmed that LGUs are entitled to a “just share” of all national taxes collected by the government and not just those collected by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). This was supported by President Rodrigo Duterte when he signed Executive Order No. 138 last June 2021, which prepares LGUs and the national government on the Devolution Transition Plans (DTPs). The DTP will serve as the roadmap to ensure strategic and systematic actions as LGUs take full assumption of devolved functions and services. “The term ‘game changer’ has now become a cliché but really the Supreme Court’s Mandanas Ruling and President Duterte’s subsequent EO 138 are just that,” Secretary Andanar said during an episode of the Cabinet Report. |September 18-24, 2021
He reiterated PCOO’s commitment and support in decentralizing government by highlighting the potentials of LGUs, through their untapped and underdeveloped resources, which were featured in the Network Briefing News. “More than seeing the potential we need to empower them to act on it and that to me is what devolution brings--the power, the authority, the responsibility, and the resources to make what our people dream for themselves happen all across our 7,641 islands,” he said.
Shift of power, authority from NG to LGUs
According to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año, with much responsibility and power, LGUs are now in the position to chart the destiny of their people and their community. This will also allow the national government to shift to its oversight functions.
He said there will be a 38% increase in the allotment given to LGUs which translates to more or less P260 billion.
“The national government will be able to focus on macro and strategic priorities in addressing existing development issues. It will shift from rowing to steering, meaning focusing primarily on development policy, service delivery standards, capacity building, providing technical assistance, and LGU compliance monitoring” he said.
President Duterte: Senate hasn’t produced evidence to back corruption allegations
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 September 20, 2021. ROEMARI LIMOSNERO/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee has failed to produce evidence to support its corruption allegations against the government in the use of pandemic funds last year, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said on Monday.
“The simple fact is that the Blue Ribbon Committee has failed to produce anything to prove its accusation of corruption,” President Duterte said in his Talk to the People on COVID-19. Even Senator Richard Gordon, the committee chairman, conceded that there is no overpricing but still insists on pursuing a partisan inquiry, according to the President.
Even the Commission on Audit (COA) did not claim government money being lost to corruption in the Department of Health (DOH), he said, adding the state auditor did not find any malpractices such as overpricing and ghost deliveries during the procurement of medical supplies.
The administration, particularly the DOH, has already answered all the accusations and inquiries of the Blue Ribbon Committee with regard to the issue, President Duterte noted. He also called on the lawmakers participating the inquiry to stop
politicking and let the government, particularly Cabinet secretaries, to focus on their task of protecting the country and its citizens against COVID-19.
“The inquiry is being done at the expense of dragging government officials and compromising the government’s efforts against COVID-19 at the time when cases are at all-time high and thousands of our people getting sick and dying,” he said.
Gordon’s objective in continuing the probe is to tarnish the good reputation of the administration and to derail its COVID-19 response efforts, especially as the country gears towards the 2022 election, he said.
Meanwhile, President Duterte raised the possibility of the DOH investigating the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) testing being conducted by the Philippine Red Cross because of unusually high false positive results.
According to the President, he received information that 44 out of 49 or 89.79 percent of total hospital personnel who tested positive in PRC testing turned out negative in another molecular laboratory.
He added that “187 out of 213 or 87.79 percent of the Presidential Security Group personnel tested positive in the PRC Manila Laboratory but tested negative in their confirmatory test.” Officials of the Department of Finance reported similar experience when they tested positive in PRC testing facilities but eventually had negative results on their confirmatory tests.
“Because of this information, then maybe the DOH must investigate this matter. You could be putting more people at risk. You could be falsely adding to the total positive cases per day of this country,” President Duterte said.
Philippine Red Cross is a humanitarian organization in the country that is committed on various social welfare services and promoting volunteerism currently chaired by Senator Gordon. PND
PH expects delivery of around 100 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine by end of
October also get 5,626,650 doses of the second batch of Pfizer vaccine, according to Galvez.
“We have now a steadier supply from Sinovac, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna, and COVAX,” said Galvez, who is also the chief implementer of the National Task Forces Against COVID-19.
The vaccine czar also stated that the government would negotiate with the Russian Direct Investment Fund to obtain supply of the single dose Sputnik Light jab.
The government has so far administered 41,414,015 doses, with 22,853,606 people receiving the first dose and 18,560,409 getting the full dose. It recorded an average daily dose of 405,669.
Galvez said the total number of people who have been vaccinated accounts for 24.06 percent of the 70 percent of the country’s target population and 16.84 percent of the overall population. PND
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Presidential Adviser on Peace Process and National Task Force against Coronavirus Disease-2019 (NTF COVID-19) chief implementer, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., gives an update to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during a meeting with the InterAgency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center in Matina, Davao City on September 20, 2021. ROEMARI LIMOSNERO/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
The Philippines expects to receive around 100 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines by the end of October, the country’s vaccine czar told President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Monday.
In a briefing, the country’s vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said the country has recorded the highest weekly volume with the delivery of at least 9.5 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines this week. doses from Sinovac; 2,774,400 from Pfizer, (including from COVAX facility), 961,000 doses from Moderna, 661,200 doses from AstraZeneca, and Sputnik V Component II from Russia.
This raises the country’s total vaccine inventory to 64,942,000. By the end of September or the first week of October, Galvez expects additional 22 million doses to arrive.
In the final week of September or first week of October, the country will
Laguna, Bataan to conclude cash subsidy distribution soon, says Interior chief
The government is concentrating handing over cash aid to the residents of Laguna and Bataan affected by the imposition of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) after completing the distribution of the assistance in the National Capital Region (NCR). In his report to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Monday, Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año said the distribution of the subsidy is 100 percent complete in Metro Manila and the government has disbursed the entire allocation of P11.2 billion. The distribution of the assistance is ongoing in Laguna, which, at this time, is 96.20 percent complete, according to Año. A total of 2,611,807 recipients has already received the cash aid.
Some 18 local government units (LGUs) in Laguna reported 100 percent accomplishment, and Año said they see the province completing the distribution next week.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año gives an update 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 September 20, 2021. ROEMARI LIMOSNERO/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
In Bataan, the distribution is 73.50 percent complete, with 513,235 beneficiaries receiving the assistance.
So far, only two Bataan municipalities have completed the distribution: Samal and Abucay, Año said.
The Interior chief also made a report on the government’s anti-illegal drug operations, in which, he said, P219,583,535 worth of shabu and marijuana were confiscated in four days of operation.
Año reported that authorities conducted 553 operations from September 14 to 18, resulting in the arrest of 845 personalities. Fourteen suspects surrendered while three died during the drug busts. PND
‘No one must be left behind towards recovery,’ says Bong Go as his team aids thousands of vulnerable residents in Tabogon and Medellin, Cebu
As part of his commitment to support the government’s COVID-19 response, the Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go conducted a relief operation in Tabogon and Medellin, Cebu from September 24 to 25 for the towns’ residents who have been hit hard by the pandemic.
In an interview, the residents described the serious impact the crisis has had on their lives by making it more difficult to find a job or earn a livelihood. Nevertheless, they expressed optimism that the opportunities would return once the crisis has passed.
“Napakalaki ng naging epekto ng pandemya sa amin. Halos bawat pamilya dito ay nawalan ng trabaho. Minsan umaabot ng tatlong trabaho at hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa din ito bumabalik. Dahil malapit kami sa dagat, maswerte ang aking pamilya at nakakahanap kami kahit papaano ng makain at maibenta,” shared Emma Tampus, 51, a seaweed farmer.
“Bilang hardinero, mahirap kasi hindi ka makalabas ng bahay basta-basta. Dahil senior citizen ako, hindi ako makapagtrabaho kaya nagtanim nalang ako ng gulay para ilako sa mga kapitbahay. Pakiusap ko, sana matulungan ang mga trabahador na gaya ko dito sa Medellin na walang pinagkakakitaan ngayon,” added Benjamin Ipi, 62.
The Senator’s team distributed meals, vitamins, masks, and face shields to a total of
4,916 solo parents and persons with disabilities at the Tabogon municipal gym and 314 microentrepreneurs at the Barangay Poblacion covered court in Medellin.
“Hindi po kayo pababayaan ng gobyernong palaging nagmamalasakit sa inyo. Ipaglalaban namin palagi ang kapakanan ng mga mahihirap lalo na yung mga wala nang matakbuhan. Magtulungan po tayo para masigurong walang maiiwan sa muling pagbangon ng ating bansa,” Go reiterated.
Selected beneficiaries received new pairs of shoes while some were given bicycles for their daily commute. Others were provided computer tablets so their children can study at home under the blended learning approach.
In addition, the Department of Social Welfare and Development provided qualified beneficiaries with financial or livelihood assistance under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program and Sustainable Livelihood Program, respectively.
The Department of Trade and Industry and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, on the other hand, committed to extend further aid upon completing their assessments to further alleviate their financial distress from the pandemic.
“Maraming salamat po sa mga programa ng gobyerno. Bibigyan po kayo ng puhunan, tuturuan po kayong magnegosyo, at tutulungan kayong palaguin ito. Palaguin niyo po ang inyong negosyo at dalhin niyo po ang inyong kita sa inyong pamilya,” said Go.
“Alam niyo, mas masarap ang pakiramdam kapag pinagpawisan at pinaghirapan niyo po ang inyong pagnenegosyo. Siguraduhin niyo lang po na gamitin niyo ang pera sa tama,” he added. Committee on Health, the Senator also offered to assist beneficiaries in need of medical care. He informed them that they may avail of medical assistance from the Malasakit Centers at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center and St. Anthony Mother & Child Hospital both in Cebu City, Talisay City District Hospital, LapuLapu City District Hospital, Eversley Childs Sanitarium and General Hospital in Mandaue City or Cebu Provincial Hospital in Carcar City.
First launched in Cebu City in 2018, the centers serve as a one-stop shop for the medical assistance programs offered by the government, specifically the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. The assistance covers laboratories, medicines, surgeries and other patient services and expenses.
“Kung may nararamdaman kayong sakit sa puso o ano man,
‘wag niyo na patagalin pa. Kadalasan ayaw ng mga Pilipino magpacheck-up dahil baka malaki ang gastusin sa ospital. Alam ko kung gaano ka hirap maging mahirap pero hindi niyo na kailangang magmakaawa para makahingi ng tulong sa gobyerno,” Go said in a video message.
“At kung may pasyente na hindi kayang operahan diyan ay tutulungan namin kayo makapunta sa Maynila. Kami na ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ang sasalo sa pampa-ospital ninyo pati pamasahe hanggang makauwi kayo,” he reassured.
In the end, Go recognized various officials for their support for the administration’s efforts to uplift the lives of Filipinos. Among these were 4th District Representative Janice Salimbangon, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Tabogon Mayor Zigfred Duterte and Vice Mayor Leonardo Arpon, and Medellin Mayor Joven Mondigo Jr. and Vice Mayor Juan Lim.
“Mga kaigsuonan na ko, magtinabangay lang ta. Kinahanglan nato ang kooperasyon sa matag usa. Sa mga gisunugan, ayaw mo kabalaka. Magtinabangay lang ta,” ended Go.
(“Mga kapatid ko, magtulungan lang tayo. Kailangan natin ang kooperasyon ng bawat isa. Sa mga nasunugan, huwag kayong magalala. Magtulungan lang tayo.”) As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go supported numerous infrastructure initiatives in Cebu. These include road improvements in Alcantara, Alcoy, Alegria, Asturias, Balamban, Boljoon, Borbon, Carmen, Madrilejos, Malabuyoc, Minglanilla, Moalboal, Pinamungahan, Sibonga, Sogod, Tabogon, Tabuelan, Carcar City and Naga City; construction of multipurpose buildings in Barili, Cordova, Ginatilan, Pilar, Tabogon, Cebu City and Talisay City; improvement of flood mitigation structures in Catmon and Tuburan; installation of street lights in Asturias, Compostela, and Daanbantayan; and acquisition of ambulance unit for Madrilejos and Naga City.
On September 23, Go’s team also provided emergency assistance to 82 families who were affected by a fire in Brgy. Sta. Cruz, Cebu City. All activities were carried out in batches and strict compliance with the health and safety protocols against COVID-19.
Struggling communities in Leyte receive support from Bong Go as his team visits Jaro, Santa Fe, Pastrana, and Tacloban City to boost COVID-19 recovery efforts
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go remained committed to support struggling communities amid the national health crisis as his team conducted another series of relief efforts in Jaro, Santa Fe, Pastrana, and Tacloban City in Leyte on Friday, September 24.
Go’s staff organized four separate distribution activities at Jaro Cultural Center, Santa Fe Municipal Gymnasium, Pastrana Covered Court, and Brgy. 54-A Hall in Tacloban City where they catered to a total of 1,741 beneficiaries, mostly composed of persons with disabilities, solo parents, transport workers, out-of-school youth, and displaced workers.
In his video message, Go appealed to the public to remain vigilant and compliant with necessary health precautions as there are growing numbers of COVID-19 cases caused by the Delta variant.
He then encouraged them to set aside their hesitancy and get inoculated immediately as soon as vaccines are rolled out in their area in order to attain population protection and herd immunity soon.
“Marami ang nahihirapan, maraming nagsara na negosyo, maraming nawalan ng trabaho. Kaya ang kinakailangan,
kooperasyon at disiplina ng ating mga kababayan. Pakiusap lang, magtulungan lang tayo at mahalin natin ang ating kapwa,” Go expressed.
“Sa ngayon naman po, binabalanse po ng ating gobyerno ang buhay, kalusugan, at ekonomiya. Importante po sa amin ni Pangulong Duterte ang buhay ng bawat tao,” he added.
Go’s team grouped the beneficiaries into smaller batches and proceeded to hand out meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins to each beneficiary. In addition, some residents received new pairs of shoes, computer tablets, and bicycles that they can use to conveniently travel to work or get their daily needs.
As part of the government’s commitment to help underprivileged communities cope with challenges caused by the pandemic, representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development gave the beneficiaries financial assistance. and Skills Development Authority conducted onsite evaluations wherein potential beneficiaries will be given livelihood and scholarship opportunities.
Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry and the Technical Education Lastly, the Department of Labor and Employment gave livelihood support to 241 beneficiaries from Jaro and Tacloban City through their Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers program.
“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa mahal na Presidente at kay Senator Bong Go sa tulong na natanggap namin at sana po ay marami pa pong tulong na dumating sa amin, lalo na sa mga katulad ko na totally blind,” Simplecio Antonio, 61, shared in an interview.
In line with his pledge to give Filipinos affordable quality health care services, Go mentioned in his message that there are five Malasakit Centers in the province that residents may visit if they need immediate medical care.
The center is a onestop shop that provides convenient access to the medical assistance programs of concerned agencies, namely the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstake Office. The centers are located at New Western Leyte Provincial Hospital in Baybay City; Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center in Tacloban City; Ormoc District Hospital in Ormoc City; Leyte Provincial Hospital and Governor Benjamin T. Romualdez General Hospital and Schistosomiasis Center, both in Palo.
“Mga kababayan ko, mayro’n na ho tayong 141 na Malasakit Center sa buong Pilipinas na handang tumulong po sa inyo. Tutulungan ho kayo hanggang maging zero balance po at wala na kayong babayaran sa inyong pagpapaospital. Lapitan n’yo lang po ang Malasakit Center, para po ‘yan sa Pilipino,” said Go.
The Senator then commended the local leaders of each community for exerting great efforts and making sure that their constituents get the necessary support they need to help them recover from the struggles caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Kailangan pong magtulungan tayo, magbayanihan po tayo, at magmalasakit po tayo sa ating kapwa Pilipino,” said Go.
“Salamat po sa inyong tulong sa panahong ito. Huwag n’yo pong pabayaan ang ating mga kababayang mahihirap po,” he ended.
Go, who also serves as the Vice Chair of Senate Committee on Finance, supported several infrastructure initiatives to help boost the economic opportunities of the province, including the construction of a multi-purpose building in Brgy. Macanin in Jaro; construction of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (NDRRM) building in Brgy. Jones in Pastrana; installation of streetlights, and construction of a multipurpose building in Sta. Fe; and the construction of Tacloban Airport and installation of road studs in Tacloban City.
Other projects the Senator supported in the province are the construction of multi-purpose buildings in Abuyog, Alangalang, Babatngon, Carigara, Dagami, Isabel, and La Paz; rehabilitation of public markets in Inopacan, and Mahaplag; construction of farm-to-market roads in Hilongos, Javier, Macarthur, Matalom, Mayorga, and San Miguel; flood control protection works in Alangalang, Javier, Tanauan, and Tolosa; acquisition of multi-purpose vehicles in Burauen, and Tolosa; and acquisition of dump trucks in Inopacan, Isabel, and Villaba.
Go’s outreach team also conducted similar distribution activities in the neighboring towns of Barugo, Tunga, Mayorga, Burauen, and Javier.
Unhampered public service delivery assured as Bong Go’s team helps indigent residents in Davao City facing hardships due to pandemic
As the COVID-19 crisis continues to disrupt the livelihoods of many Filipinos, an outreach team of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go provided aid to the residents of Davao City who are struggling to make ends meet.
Go called on the government to strengthen its programs that can help low-income households be better equipped to overcome poverty and thrive in a video message at relief activities in Barangays Acacia and Sasa on Friday, September 24. “Huwag po natin pabayaan ang mga apektadong Pilipino na nangangailangan ng tulong. Malaking parte ng bumubuhay sa ating ekonomiya ang mga maliit na negosyo at manggagawa kaya tulungan natin silang buhayin ang kanilang negosyo at iahon ang kanilang mga sarili habang nasa panahon ng krisis ang ating bansa,” said Go.
“Sa aking mga kababayan, ‘wag kayong mag-alala dahil malalampasan din natin ang pandemyang ito basta’t nagtutulungan at nagmamalasakit tayo. Gagawin namin ang lahat ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte sa abot ng aming makakaya para tulungan kayo,” he reassured.
His outreach team distributed meals, vitamins, masks and face shields to a total of 1,000 indigent residents at their respective barangay covered courts. The activities were held in small batches to ensure all health and safety protocols were strictly adhered to.
received new pairs of shoes while others were given bicycles so they can easily commute. Another set was provided computer tablets so their children can better participate in their school activities while under the blended learning set-up.
In addition, representatives of the Department of Social Welfare and Development were likewise present and distributed financial assistance to help alleviate the financial impacts of the pandemic.
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority offered training to qualified beneficiaries seeking to develop their skills in other sectors. The Department of Trade and Industry also conducted assessments of residents in need of livelihood support.
The Senator, who heads the Senate Committee on Heath, offered further assistance to those in need of medical attention. He advised them to visit the Malasakit Center located at the Southern Philippines Medical Center which is open to serve all poor and indigent patients seeking to avail aid from the government.
To streamline the processes for requesting medical assistance, the Malasakit Center brings together under one roof the offices of the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. It seeks to reduce a hospital bill to the lowest possible amount by covering various patient services and expenses.
The program was institutionalized under the Malasakit Centers Act, which Go principally authored and sponsored and President Duterte signed into law in December 2019.
On this note, Go took the opportunity to express his gratitude to various officials for their ongoing commitment, dedication and service. He thanked 2nd District Representative Vincent Garcia, Mayor Sara Duterte, Vice Mayor Sebastian Duterte, Councilor Che-Che Justol, Acacia Punong Barangay Marlito Laran and Sasa Punong Barangay Jerry Licarte, among others.
As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, he has supported an array of infrastructure initiatives to spur the economy, increase jobs, and create more services for the people of Davao City.
Among these are the construction of various multi-purpose buildings and local roads; rehabilitation of water systems, drainage systems, and flood control structures in different barangays throughout the city; as well as the construction of a 300-bed capacity infectious diseases building and acquisition of ambulances, among others.
The previous day, September 23, Go’s team also conducted similar activities at the Mandug Gymnasium and Callawa Elementary School where they distributed aid to 1,000 residents.
Over 43M Covid-19 doses administered in 6 months
The Philippines has already administered 43,088,582 doses of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines since the start of the national vaccination program in March.
The National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 reported on Friday that as of September 23, a total of 23,416,857 Filipinos are waiting to complete their full doses while 18,771,725 are already fully vaccinated, including the one-dose Johnson&Johnson jab.
Data showed that of the total fully vaccinated individuals nationwide, 2,223,434 are health care workers (A1); 432,498, senior citizens (A2); 6,233,256 adults with comorbidities (A3); 5,165,883, essential front-liners (A4); and 1,720,654, indigents (A5). Among the first-dose
FULL JAB. A medical front-liner administers the second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine at the Quezon City Hall on Friday (Sept. 24, 2021). A total of 23,416,857 Filipinos have completed their full doses as of September 23. (PNA photo by Rico H. Borja)
recipients are 2,529,340 from A1; 3,519,044, A2; 5,836,223, A3; 8,833,357, A4; and 2,698,893, A5.
On Thursday alone, the government utilized 417,420 doses -- 117,401 first shots and 300,019 second doses.
The average daily jabs administered in the last seven days slightly decreased to 367,105 doses, compared to 488,457 jabs during the previous week.
The Philippines has so far received 66,699,340 doses – procured, donated, and from the COVAX Facility.
The NTF also wants to raise its target vaccination coverage from 70 percent to 90 percent of the country’s eligible population. (PNA/Lade Jean Kabagani)
NTF eyes mid-October vax rollout for 12-17 age bracket
The National Task Force (NTF) against Covid-19 is proposing to open the vaccination campaign for minors aged 12 to 17 years old by midOctober.
In his report during President Rodrigo Duterte’s Talk to the People on Wednesday night, NTF chief and vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said the government can vaccinate about 12 million minors with the arrival of additional 20 million doses in the first week next month.
This is on top of over 23 million shots in the stockpile, he added, which will be enough to vaccinate 12 million minors aged 12 to 17.
Galvez, however, said minors with comorbidities and children of healthcare workers will be prioritized in the program.
“So we are proposing, Mr. President, to open up the vaccination for children by mid of October,” Galvez said. The NTF and the government’s vaccine cluster are also readying the vaccination expansion to the general public.
“We are also recommending na considering na malapit na po matapos ang ating vaccination target by December, by November po or even earlier, puwede Caraga INFOCUS
VACCINATION OF MINORS. National Task Force (NTF) against Covid-2019 chief implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. updates President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members in Davao City on Sept. 22, 2021. Galvez said the NTF is proposing to open the vaccination for minors aged 12 to 17 years old by mid of October. (Presidential photo by Roemari Lismonero)
na po nating i-open ang general public (We are also recommending that considering that we are nearly hitting our vaccination target by December, maybe we can open the vaccination for the general public by November or earlier than that),” Galvez said. “If we will secure our family and secure our place of work, malaki po ang chances na bababa po ‘yung kaso natin (there’s a big chance to reduce our cases),” he said.
Apart from the pediatric vaccination, he said, the government has also prepared for the opening of the limited face-to-face classes.
“We will concentrate in fully vaccinating our teachers and school personnel,” he added.
Galvez, meanwhile, cited the need to address vaccine
hesitancy by using strategies on the “family approach.”
Galvez also noted that vaccine hesitancy is seen in the far-flung areas among social classes D and E.
As of Sept. 22, a total of 42,659,375 doses have already been administered nationwide, with 23,282,543 Filipinos received their first shots and 19,376,832 are fully vaccinated against the Covid-19. (PNA/Lade Jean Kabagani)
September 18-24, 2021 | 59
Purchase of Covid-19 supplies in adherence to Bayanihan 1: PRRD
The Duterte administration complied with Republic Act 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act (Bayanihan 1) when it procured emergency supplies at the start of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic in 2020, President Rodrigo Duterte said on Wednesday night.
Duterte made the statement in his taped Talk to the People, as he defended anew the government’s purchase of Covid-19 medical supplies.
“Para sa amin dito sa gobyerno, tapos na. Nagorder, na-deliver according to specifications, and then nagbayad tayo (For this government, we have already done our part. We ordered [the Covid-19 supplies, they were delivered, and then we paid). All [were done] in accordance with the guideline of the Bayanihan 1,” he said.
Duterte lamented that the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, chaired by |September 18-24, 2021
President Rodrigo Duterte (Screengrab from RTVM)
Senator Richard Gordon, is persistent in grilling the government over its decision to award Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp. the PHP8.68 billion worth of contracts for the procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) and testing kits.
Citing RA 11469, Duterte said the government is allowed to procure medical supplies “in most expeditious manner” when Covid-19 hit the country last year.
“What we followed was the emergency form of procurements stipulated under the Bayanihan 1, passed by no less than some of the people questioning it today, which exempted us from these procedures so that we can buy the supplies,” Duterte said. Duterte added that Congress was aware of the provision in Bayanihan 1 which authorizes the government to buy emergency supplies without the need to comply with procurement laws. “Congress knew of its urgency. Alam nila kailangan na kailangan ang mga supplies, mga medical PPEs and everything to protect the
front-liners, mga doctor, mga nurses. Alam nila na gaano kailangan na pabilisan (They knew that we really need the supplies, the medical PPE gears, and everything to protect the front-liners, doctors, and nurses. They know that we needed to act fast),” he said.
RA 11469 exempts the government from complying with RA 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act and other procurement laws to give way for the immediate purchase of medical supplies such as PPE sets, face masks, and face shields, that will be given to public and private health facilities attending to the needs of Covid-19 patients.
Failure to prove irregularities
Despite the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s efforts to malign the government amid its lengthy hearings, it failed to prove that there were irregularities in the procurement of Covid-19 medical supplies, Duterte said.
“After seven hearings of proving nothing -- no ghost deliveries, no illegal procedures -- the Senate blue Ribbon Committee continues to conduct their witch hunt,” he said. Duterte said it no longer came as a surprise that some senators were already tired of the “political circus” by members of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee who are trying hard to find fault with the government.
“Now, only a few senators attended and even fewer were participating in the proceedings,” he said. “Clearly, even other committee members and other senators do not mention it in public, [but they] are starting to lose interest in its useless political circus. Some of the committee members are trying hard, but again, in vain to find fault [with] the procurement process.”
Members of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, including Gordon, have questioned the government’s acquisition of PPE gears and other medical equipment at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic last year.
Since the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee conducted a series of hearings, Duterte has engaged in a word war with Gordon.
Duterte has also turned the tables on Gordon, who he said has committed irregularities as chairperson of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC). In his latest verbal tirades against Gordon, Duterte said the senator has a “dual personality” is “banned or prohibited by law.”
Hence, Gordon needs to choose between being a senator or a PRC chair, Duterte said.
“Under the law, you must give [up being] Red Cross [chairperson], kung gusto mong maging senador pa, o senador ka, hindi ka Red Cross (if you want to stay as a senator or you are a senator, but you are not a Red Cross chair). Pero para sa akin (But for me), you find two positions very lucrative,” he said. “I will insist that you give up one because you cannot be both.”
Duterte said he would also make sure that Gordon will face a case before the Office of the Ombudsman because of the PRC chair’s supposed failure to use the humanitarian organization’s money “in the right way.”
“Dapat noon pa, dinemanda ka na (A case should have been filed against you a long time ago),” he said. “So, I would like to inquire from the Ombudsman if there is a case filed against you.” (PNA/Ruth Abbey GitaCarlos)
September 18-24, 2021 | 61
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