Senate hasn’t produced evidence to back corruption allegations 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 Duterte said. “The simple fact is Continue on page 5
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Why I Agreed to Run with Isko as his VP By Doc Willie Ong Dear Friends, First, I apologize if you are shocked by my decision. I also had a hard time believing at first. For those who know me, my only goal in life is to help as many people as
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I can. When I was 17, our high school teacher asked us what our goal was in 25 years. I wrote that I wanted to help thousands of people, maybe even a million if I get lucky. So I became a doctor, an in-
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ternist and a cardiologist. But I was not happy locked in a clinic seeing only a handful of patients, while many poor Filipinos suffer. I knew there were more lives I Continue on page 3
Sept 27-Oct 3, 2021
Suporta sa ‘Isko – Doc Willie’ tandem bumuhos
B
UMUHOS ANG suporta ng publiko at mga pulitiko kay Manila Mayor Isko Moreno at Doc Willie Ong matapos nilang i-anunsyo ang kandidatura para sa pagka-Pangulo at Bise-Presidente. “Pormal ko na pong araw ang aking aplikasyon inanunsyo ngayong Continue on page 2
Get tested for Covid or go to jail THE DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government has warned individuals who refused
to get tested despite being exposed to Covid-19 and said they could be Continue on page 2
Thank you President Duterte, DICT: Sulu Guv SULU – Governor Sakur Tan has thanked President Rodrigo Duterte for his unwavering
peace and development efforts in Sulu province following the recent Continue on page 6
Senator looks into Pharmally connection of ex-Duterte’s adviser
Use of face shields limited to ‘high risk activities’
President Rodrigo Duterte (PCOO)
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PRESIDENT DUTERTE has finally agreed to forego the wearing of face shields outdoors, but said Filipinos will only need to wear them on top of face masks in enclosed and crowded places for added protection against the deadly Covid-19, especially now with the Delta variant of the deadly respiratory virus. Lawmakers and other groups have previously Continue on page 2
Eastern Mindanao
SENATOR RISA Hontiveros revealed that Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corporation executive Mohit Dargani has worked as a Special Assistant to former Presidential Economic Adviser Michael Yang, a Davao City-based
Chinese businessman. During a recent Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing, Hontiveros showed a LinkedIn profile of Dargani, in which he labels himself as “Special Assistant at the Office of the Presidential Economic
Adviser.” “Bakit lahat ng mga may-ari ng Pharmally may koneksyon kay Michael Yang? Si Linconn Ong nakatrabaho na niya bilang translator di umano sa meeting ng Continue on page 3
He scrounged for food as a boy. Now, he hopes to be next president of the Philippines HE ONCE scavenged through garbage heaps to help feed his family in one of Manila's most dis-
Western Mindanao
tressed slums. But today, Isko Moreno has launched himself on a bid to rule the Philippines.
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Moreno, the Manila City mayor and former actor, announced Continue on page 5
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Sept 27-Oct 3, 2021
Suporta sa ‘Isko – Doc Willie’ tandem bumuhos
Continued from page 1 para sa pinakamataas na posisyon sa pamahalaan, ang maging Pangulo ng bawat Pilipino. Ako po ay buong kababaang loob na humaharap sa inyo kasama ang aking partner na si Doc Willie Ong upang maghandog sa inyo ng isang Bilis Kilos na serbisyo. Samahan niyo po kami sa laban na ito. Sama sama tayo tungo sa Bagong Pilipinas. Pilipinas, God first!,” ani Isko. Marami na rin mga mga mambabatas mula sa partido ni Pangulong Duterte na PDP-Laban at iba pa ang nagpahayag ng kanilang suporta kina Isko at Doc Willie, at maging mga mayors at gobernador ay nagpahiwatig na rin ng
kanilang suporta sa dalawa, kabilang sa mga ito ay si dating Senador Serge Osmeña, at mag-asawang sina Senador Protempore Ralph Recto at House Deputy Speaker Vilma Santos. Matapos ng anunsyo nina Isko at Doc Willie ay nagsimula na rin ang atake ng mga trolls laban sa kanila, ngunit binalewala lamang ito ng dalawa. “Isko is really from the poor. He is not a rich-poor man like (Presidente) Digong. Digong came from upper middle class family in Davao. Although he pretends to be poor, he’s not poor. Isko was really poor, but he made himself. He went to school, he went to different institutions in the
United States to study further. He made something out of himself. He’s going to be a pretty good candidate,” ani Osmeña. Sinabi naman ni Recto na: “Mayor Isko has the training, skills, experience and leadership to be an outstanding president. He has shown this as mayor of Manila most especially during this pandemic. He is young, energetic and implements his programs quickly in ‘Bilis Kilos’ fashion.” At ayon naman kay Santos: “We will support him. Mayor Isko is an inspiring and God-loving leader and we can see his drive to serve the Filipino people with a heart, hope and action. With what he
Use of face shields limited to ‘high risk activities’ Continued from page 1 called on Duterte saying using face shields are not necessary. This was also echoed by Health Undersecretary Leopoldo Vega, who said using face shields outdoors may no longer be necessary, especially in areas where the risk of infection is low. Even the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States does not recommend face shields for the general public, especially as a substitute for face masks. The agency, however, does advise health care workers to wear them or some other form of eye protection along with face masks, especially in areas that are experiencing moderate to substantial spread of Cocis-19. Now, Duterte said the country’s top medical experts from the Technical Advisory Group recommend the use of face shields in situations considered “high risk activities” such as those in closed areas, crowded places and individuals who have close contact with Covid-19 patients. “Ang limitasyon, ang face shields gamitin mo Three Cs: closed whatever facility, ospital o basta magkadikit-dikit; crowded, ganoon rin, it’s a crowded room tapos closed lahat, mas delikado; and saka ang close contact, kung magkadikit-dikit ang tao. So diyan applicable pa rin ang face
shield. Iyon ang recommendation. Labas sa tatlong limitations, puwede na hindi na gumamit. Eh iyon ang recommendation, ‘yun ang masunod,” he said. According to Duterte, the inconvenience of wearing a face shield is miniscule compared to the added protection that it offers against Covid-19, especially against the deadly Delta variant. “Ngayon, sabi ko takot ako sa — lalo na ‘yung pagdating ng Covid D(elta variant). I got so scared that I ordered the re-imposition of the face shields. Ang akin naman nito sabi ko any — maski gaano kaliit ‘yung contributing factor niya to avoid Covid, okay na lang,” he said. Apart from using face shields, face masks and maintaining social distancing, Duterte also reminded Filipinos to get inoculated as soon as the vaccines are available in their locality. But he was quick to discourage individuals, as well as local governments, from choosingCovid-19 vaccine brands, noting the limited global supply of vaccines. But even Duterte’s daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Carpio said the government should consider buying Western vaccines instead of China’s Sinovac and Sinopharm due to their low public acceptability. “We come up with the resolution (informing
the IATF) because this has become a huge challenge in vaccination rollout. We have a moral responsibility to let the IATF know what is happening on the ground. If possible, we shift our purchases to Moderna and Pfizer because this will help in the rollout of the vaccination program,” Carpio said. Duterte said there is no need to prefer a particular vaccine brand because all vaccines procured by the country and approved by regulators have been proven safe and effective, adding that vaccine efficacy is based on stringent medical research and procedures. He also ordered vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. to ensure fair and equal distribution of vaccine brands across the country “Because if you give the Pfizer to one city, sabihin ng iba kami pala dito sa ibang city? Kulang ng supply. Hindi puwede ‘yan. Sabi ko pareho ‘yan lahat, huwag kayong mamili kung anong nandiyan ipadala sa inyo and specifically my order to Sec Galvez na wag niya do it purposefully to give Pfizer sa — haluin mo ‘yan lahat. Huwag kayong mamili,” he said.” The Philippines has received more than 66 million coronavirus vaccines through government and private sector procurements as well as donations from China, United States, and the World Health Organization-led COVAX facility. (Mindanao Examiner)
did to Manila, especially during this pandemic, we saw his focus and sincerity as a leader.” Nangako naman si Isko na gagawin ang lahat para sa ikabubuti ng bansa at ng mamamayan. “I do not run on promises. I run on prototypes. While I believe in the power of examples, I also recognize the need for constant innovation. I may not give you a perfect government but together, we can make it better,” ani Isko. “Naniniwala kami ni Doc Willie Ong sa kakayahan ng mga kabataan. Sila ay makakapagbigay ng bagong kaalaman at pamamaraan para mas maging epektibo at kapaki-pakinabang ang pamahalaan. Para sa mga kabataan, pumasok kayo sa gobyerno at maging kaagapay sa pagtaguyod ng Bilis Kilos na serbisyo,” dagdag pa nito.
Sinabi ni Isko na dapat ay magkaisa ang lahat ng mga Pilipino upang muling ibangon ang bansa mula sa kayurakan at pagkakahati-hati. “Alisin na natin ang pagkakahati-hati sa ating bansa. Ang ating bansa ngayon ay nahahati sa iba't ibang kulay pulitika. Alisin na natin ito, hindi tayo dilaw, pula o anumang kulay. Tayo ay Pilipino, kulay moreno. Ang inyo pong lingkod kasama ang aking partner na si Doc Willie Ong ay naglalayong isulong ang isang bansang nagkakaisa,” wika pa nito. Inamin rin ni Isko na galing ito sa hirap, mula magbabasura hanggang sa pasukin ang iba’t-ibang trabaho at maging artista at ngayon mayor ng Maynila, at nagsikap upang maabot ang mga pangarap sa buhay. “I have pulled myself
out of the gutter. Hindi po ako pinanganak nang may gintong kutsara sa bibig. Mula ako sa isang pamilyang nakipagsapalaran sa Maynila. Ang tatay ko pong tubong Antique, isang istibador sa Pier. Ang nanay ko naman pong tubong Samar, isang labandera sa Tondo. Mahirap man ang naging buhay, hindi ito naging hadlang sa amin para makaahon mula sa aming kinalagyan. Sana po maging inspirasyon ito sa bawat Pilipino. Patuloy tayong mangarap. Patuloy tayong magsikap. Hindi sumusuko ang Pilipino sa anumang hamon sa buhay,” salaysay pa nito. Umusbong na rin sa iba’t-ibang bahagi ng Mindanao ang mga grupong sumusuporta kay Isko at Doc Willie at maging sa social media ay aktibo na rin. (Mindanao Examiner)
Get tested for Covid or go to jail Continued from page 1 punished by law if they do not cooperate with authorities. Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said they have been receiving reports that many people refuse Covid-19 screening for fear of temporarily disrupting their work and thus lose their source of income. Año said those who were exposed or had close contact with infected individuals may also get the virus and endanger their families and co-workers. “Sa ganoon po at kung sakali mahawaan niya ang kanyang pamilya, mayroon pong mga hospital diyan at gagastos sila ng aabot sa milyon, at ang masama pa ay kung mamamatay ang mga ito, mas nakakatakot po. Mas matipid pa din at mas epektibo kung magpa-swab test sila. Anyway magbibigay naman po ng assistance ang ating LGUs at DSWD,” Año said.
He said the aim of the government’s granular lockdown is to find people who may have the virus and isolate them. “Let me remind the public that refusal to cooperate with the authorities is punishable under RA 11332. Violators could face a P50,000 fine and six-month jail time.” “Kaya kailangan po, pina-pakiusapan natin ang ating mga kababayan, kung kayo po ay close contact or exposed, kailangan po tayong magpa-test. Otherwise po, mag-self quarantine tayo ng 14 days at huwag natin itong lalabagin. Ito po ang paraan para matigil natin ang transmission at talagang tuluyang magapi natin ang pandemic,” Año said. RA 11332 is the Law on Reporting of Communicable Diseases. The Act which provides policies and prescribing procedures on surveillance and response to notifiable diseases, epidemics, and health events of public health concern. (Mindanao Examiner)
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Why I Agreed to Run with Isko as his VP By Doc Willie Ong Continued from page 1 could save. For 28 years now, my wife Dra Liza and I have been doing charity work. And through Facebook and YouTube, we have been giving free medical advice online. In my charity work, we visited the slum areas and this changed me. The poor’s makeshift houses are hot, oppressive, with a prevailing hopelessness. With this heartache, I saw many ways we can improve the health sector in our country. And I saw the need for a doctor in government. That is why I ran in 2019 for the Senate with little money or backing. Despite being labeled as a nuisance by some, I just bore the humiliation and continued on. My goal is to help the poor and sick, no matter what it takes. After faring well but losing in 2019 (I ranked #18 despite a budget of only Php 581,000), I went back to charity work as if nothing happened. There were more lives to save. No complaints, no regrets. So in these past 3 years, we have helped as much as we can in private. I was 99% sure that I would not
Senator looks into Pharmally connection of ex-Duterte’s adviser Continued from page 1 Pharmally kasama si President Duterte noong 2017. At ngayon, napag-alaman natin pati si Dargani nakatrabaho rin niya. The Pharmally-Michael Yang relationship seems to run deep,” Hontiveros said. In the last hearing, the Senate revealed the luxury cars owned by Pharmally executives and in line with this, Hontiveros said she supports Senator Leila de Lima’s call for the Anti-Money Laundering Council to freeze and investigate the assets of Pharmally executives. “Nakakasuklam na lantaran ang mga Lamborghini at Porsche nila habang nalulugmok sa kahirapan ang ating mga kababayan,” Hontiveros said. Pharmally executives Huang Tzu Yen and Linconn Ong had said in an earlier hearing that Yang helped finance or guarantee the purchase of supplies and equipment from their suppliers in China. But Yang denied financing the controversial
firm and claimed during the hearing that it was the money of his friends that financed Pharmally. “This must have been a big risk on Yang’s part and on the part of his mysterious friends, reputational, financial, or otherwise. Why was he so sure that the Pharmally crew would be able to pay their suppliers in China? Bakit ang lakas ng loob?” Hontiveros asked. “Ang nakakabahala sa lahat ng ito ay parang ipinaubaya ng PSDBM ang ating Covid-19 response sa friends of friends of friends ng mga dayuhang tulad ni Michael Yang. Bakit malapit na kaibigan ang turing ng PS-DBM sa kanila habang parang mortal na kaaway ang turing nila sa aming mga Senador? We should be on team Philippines, not team Michael Yang,” she added. President Rodrigo Duterte insisted the government’s contract with Pharmally for the purchase of medical equipment was above board and there were no over-
pricing and ghost deliveries. “There was no overpricing which some senators are so desperately trying to establish. Ayun. Everything was delivered. There were no ghost deliveries as some senators are also implying. Wala naman talaga kayong makuha. Even if we continue to hear this case until kingdom come, I do not think that you will get anything there, except that you want to dance before the bar of public opinion so that you will be noticed and maybe try to impress the voters in this coming election that you are an intellectual,” he said. Duterte also cited the testimony of Commission on Audit Chairman Michael Aguinaldo during a separate inquiry by the House of Representatives, which refuted the overpricing allegations of some senators. The President has previously said that the government’s purchase of face masks and face shields, which legislators
have questioned for allegedly being expensive, was free of corruption. He also asserted that his Cabinet members are “all clean” in response to charges of corruption leveled by the Senate, which is investigating contracts entered into by the government. “I would be lying if I say there is no corruption. In some other offices now, agencies, departments, there are. But I’m making you this guarantee, ‘yong Cabinet members ko wala ‘yan. Puro malinis ‘yan,” he said. Senators have been investigating the alleged overpricing in the administration’s purchase of medical supplies at the height of the pandemic last year. “Kayong mga lahat sa Senate — do not investigate programs which are on-going. You will derail it, you will delay it by your incessant penchant for investigating government offices. Gusto ninyo lahat pakialaman na lang,” Duterte said. (Mindanao Examiner)
run, because I grew tired of politics. Fast forward to August 2021, I was all set to push through with more charity work, online teaching and giving inspiration in a private capacity. Seeing Covid ravage our land, seeing depressed viber posts, my faith wavered because I could not see any light at the end of the tunnel. At the same time, I was also focused on my Mom who had a stroke two months back and was admitted in the hospital for severe pneumonia. I could still hear her say, “I can’t breathe, I can’t breathe” and we could not do anything. Then, out of the blue, I got a call from Lito Banayo, saying Mayor Isko wants me for his Senate slate. I was tired. I have said “no” probably 10 times already to different kind and well-meaning politicians. And I was sure I will say “no” to him. When I met Mayor Isko, I was brutally honest as always. I laid all my cards explaining why I am declining his kind offer. I don’t want a troubled life. I have done my part. I have sacrificed as much as I can. But Mayor Isko was persistent. More than 2 hours passed and I was the one to ask for a time out. I said I was helping a lot already. Isko said it was not enough. I said I wanted to show the public that despite good survey ratings, I refused to run. Isko blurted it was my pride talking. I said I only wanted to help the poor outside, pointing at the Mayor’s window. And this is where Isko animatedly stood up and said, “Okay, if this is what you want, to help the poor. If you join my ticket, I will put you in the Senate Committee of Health and I, as President, will back you up 100%.” Still, I begged off. He’s still a politician, right? As we parted, Isko said, “Even if you don’t join my ticket, I will still seek your help if I become President.” Hmmm… I was disturbed in the next few days. Isko said he works so well with a doctor by his side like vice mayor and doctor Honey Lacuna. That is why he bought Remdesivir and Tocilizumab. Isko showed me the new hospitals he built. The free CT-Scans, portable X-rays and dialysis centers. Two days before my mom passed, Lito Banayo calls again, that was
September 9. He said that Isko has changed his mind after talking to me. Isko now wants me to be his Vice President. And since Covid will be here till 2024 and more pandemics may be coming, Isko wants me by his side to tide the country through the pandemic. Is he serious? I had zero ratings as VP. I could hear the bashers typing. I had sleepless nights, tumbling and troubled. My mom was near the end already. And on the day she passed, I had decided. There will be no political negotiations, no requests on my part should I accept this. As my mom was to be buried, Lito called again. And he was trying to convince me again with statistics and numbers. I said, let’s not talk about numbers for I have decided already. Lito paused uncomfortably. “Yes, I agree to be Isko’s Vice President. But I will do it my way. I will not bash anyone. I will not follow any script. I am ready to sacrifice... Use me as you will…” And this is where I broke down crying. In a haze, I could hear Lito’s voice cracking too. I said, “Our country needs hope and healing. Millions of lives are waiting. Let’s do this.” So what made me join Isko and trust him? He was the one who gave me the green light to help manage our country’s health problems. Together, he said we will help millions like what I dreamed. He has done it in Manila with a doctor as his partner. But even with all these, I am not naïve. Some people change when they win. But my gut feeling… and my fervent prayer is that God protects him and protects our people. If Isko wins, I have promised to devote the next 6 years to doing what I can inside his government. I am afraid, but I will try my best. There will be ups and downs with Covid for sure. But all decisions will be borne from a pure heart and a pure love for our people. A few months back, I thought God has forgotten our country. With Isko, I cling to the hope that God has a plan for us. He will wipe away every tear. And there will be tears of happiness in the future. With these, I remain. - Doc Willie
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Sept 27-Oct 3, 2021
Sulu Pictures in the News Sulu provincial government at work. This is where your taxes go. (Photos from the Office of the Provincial Governor, Jaques Tutong, Task Force Covid-19, and Jolo Municipal Government, Rep. Shernee Tambut)
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Sept 27-Oct 3, 2021
He scrounged for food as a boy. Now, he hopes to be next president of the Philippines
Senate hasn’t produced evidence to back corruption allegations Continued from page 1 that the Blue Ribbon Committee has failed to produce anything to prove its accusation of corruption,” he said during a recent virtual presser where he insulted Senator Richard Gordon, who chairs the committee; and other senators questioning the government’s controversial deal with Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp. following a report released by the Commission on Audit (COA). But Duterte said even the COA did not claim government money being lost to corruption in the Department of Health (DOH), adding the state auditor did not find any malpractices such as overpricing and ghost deliveries during the procurement of medical supplies. The DOH has already answered all the accusations and inquiries of the Blue Ribbon Committee with regard to the issue, according to Duterte and 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 of-
ficials and compromising the government’s efforts against Covid-19 at a time when cases are at alltime high and thousands of our people are getting sick and dying. Nandito, instead of working overtime, nandito si Secretary Galvez; nandito si Secretary Duque; nandito si Director General when they are supposed to do their homework kasi maraming mga, well, questions and doubts about maraming medisina, even the Ivermectin,” Duterte said. Duterte said Gordon’s objective in continuing the probe is to tarnish the reputation of his administration and to derail its Covid-19 response efforts, especially as the country gears towards the 2022 election. The President also got back at Gordon and accused him of corruption. He also raised the possibility of the DOH investigating the RT-PCR testing being conducted by the Philippine Red Cross because of unusually high false positive results. According to Duterte, 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 a 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,” Duterte said. “Ilan ‘yung nadagdag doon sa positive sa isang araw, daily attack, na negative? Nasali na doon sa numero na napakarami na ang nagkasakit. How sure are we now in our figures in the veracity and truthfulness of the test combined eh marami man rin nagpunta diyan sa Red Cross?” he added. Gordon is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Philippine Red Cross, a humanitarian organization in the country that is committed to various social welfare services and promoting volunteerism. (Mindanao Examiner)
Continued from page 1 Wednesday he's running to succeed President Rodrigo Duterte, whose term ends in June 2022. Moreno's entry into the race has sparked attention because of his relative meteoric rise and his potential to upset a growing field of contenders who are vying for the highest office. In 2019, Moreno defeated the incumbent – a former Philippine president – to become mayor of Manila City, population 1.8 million. Manila City is the country's capital and one of the sixteen different municipalities that make up greater Manila. The 46-year-old is now the third high-profile aspirant to enter the race after Philippine boxing legend Manny Pacquiao and Panfilo Lacson, a former national police chief. The polling group Pulse Asia released a public opinion survey in July showing Moreno a strong contender, the second choice to become the country's next leader behind Duterte's daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, who has said she won't run but observers expect that could change. Moreno, born Francisco Domagoso, is more popularly known as Isko Moreno, his screen name from his days as an actor. His official Manila City bio says that in 1993, "the fair-skinned Domagoso caught the attention of Filipino talent scout Wowie Roxas who was attending a funeral in Tondo," Domagoso's home village. He changed his name and entered show business propelled by youth and good looks. His district as mayor is both posh and impoverished. It encompasses Old Manila with its Cathedral Spanish-era Intramuros fort, and the president's Malacañang Palace. The district is also home to Tondo, the hard-scrab-
ble neighborhood where he grew up an only child hauling trash, and scrounging for food that his mother is said to have "repurposed" into family dinners. His father was a stevedore on the nearby docks. The next president faces myriad challenges Duterte's successor stands to inherit weighty problems: the pandemic, a battered economy, long-entrenched poverty and decades-long insurgencies waged by communists and Muslim rebel groups. In announcing his presidential bid, Moreno said were he to win the May 9, 2022 election, he would combat COVID-19, which has killed 37,000 in the Philippines, battle on behalf of the poor, and promote democracy. He chose as his running Willie Ong, who made an unsuccessful bid for the Senate in 2019. A cardiologist, Ong has a huge social media base, and provides medical advice to Filipinos on a Facebook account that has more than 16 million followers. "It's politically unorthodox, but it makes sense," Moreno said of his choice for running mate. If elected, Moreno says he'll focus on resuscitating the economy while his vice president would focus on the pandemic. Moreno has grown more critical of Duterte Moreno had been a supporter of President Duterte, and has been criticized for his silence on Duterte's bloody war on drugs in which police operations have killed thousands, mostly poor Filipinos, many of them in the slums of Manila. But in the last year, Moreno began to criticize the 76-year-old president amid a worsening pandemic, which in turn provoked Duterte to mock Moreno's former life as an actor. Moreno has also
condemned the emerging corruption allegations involving the Duterte government's procuring of pandemic-related goods and equipment at inflated prices. As he appealed to Filipinos for support Wednesday, Moreno took a swipe at Duterte's often crude public pronouncements. "Yes, I grew up being poor," Moreno said. "But I have never been bad-mannered. Although I've lived in the trash, not once did I become foulmouthed." For his part President Duterte, who cannot seek a second term under the country's constitution, has confirmed he will run for the vice presidency, a move his critics say is merely a bid to extend his time in power in the hope of avoiding a legal reckoning over his human rights record. The International Criminal Court, which Duterte scorns, has launched a formal investigation into possible crimes against humanity in connection with the government's drug war. According to some analysts, as a candidate Moreno is perceived by the Duterte family as perhaps its toughest rival. In his brief time as mayor, he has also earned praise for cleaning up the streets and building new housing for the poor. Moreno's rags-to-riches story is also seen as inspirational, and his relative youth offers the promise of generational change in a country where 48% of the population of nearly 110 million people are under the age of 25. "Isko resonates with the 'regular guy' image of Duterte minus the cursing and misogyny," says Jean Encinas-Franco, an associate professor of political science at the University of the Philippines. "He is also telegenic and youthful. Hence, it is easy to package him as representing change." (Julie McCarthy / NPR)
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Sept 27-Oct 3, 2021
Thank you President Duterte, DICT: Sulu Guv
A provincial government photo shows Maria Theresa Camba, the DICT’s head of Field Operations Office of Mindanao Cluster 1, led provincial government officials in the launching of the projects. Also in the photo is Bertrand Chio, head of the Provincial Planning Office; and other DICT staffs and Army Col. Lambert Jonathan Gesolgon. Continued from page 1 launching of the “Free Wi-Fi for All” and the Tech4ED Center projects. Tech4ED refers to Technology for Education, Employment, Entrepreneurs and Economic Development under the Department of Information Communication and Technology (DICT). “Nagpapasalamat tayo unang-una kay Presidente Duterte dahil sa patuloy na pagtulong ni Presidente sa atin dito sa Sulu at ngayon narito na ang DICT at tayo ay tinulungan. Malaking tulong ito sa amin at lalo pa na mahirap ang Internet connection dito sa aming probinsya at marami rin matutulungan na mga tao ang Tech4ERD (center). Malaki ang pasasalamat namin kay President Duterte at sa DICT,” Tan said. Maria Theresa Camba, the DICT’s head of Field Operations Office of Mindanao Cluster 1, led provincial government officials in the launching of the projects. The Mindanao Cluster 1 covers the Zamboanga Peninsula region and the provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. Camba said all 19 municipal halls in Sulu are already connected to the In-
ternet. “Sulu’s connectivity rate is better than the national average,” she said, referring to the priority DICT has given the province in terms of Free Wi-Fi provision. She said the Tech4Ed Center at the Mindanao State University here now provides digital training on graphic design courses, social media marketing and other online literacy courses. “We also provided a total of 123 computer package assistance to schools and local governments in Sulu,” Camba said. Professor Charisma Ututaum, president of the Sulu State College, said that DICT’s Free Wi-Fi project has provided new avenues for their institution and helped amplify their courses and access to online libraries, including online transactions and ensuring responsive innovations, thus providing opportunities for everyone. Bertrand Chio, head of the Provincial Planning Office, also thanked the DICT. He said the projects will have a big impact not only in education and governance, but the economy as well as online business now is the new normal due to the Covid-19 pandemic. (Mindanao Examiner)
Gordon gains more support for leading fight vs. govt. corruption MORE GROUPS and institutions are standing behind Senator Richard Gordon for leading the Senate's Blue Ribbon investigation into the alleged irregularities in the government procurement of medical supplies and equipment to address the Covid-19 pandemic. Various alumni of the University of the Philippines have recently launched an online petition denouncing what they call the unjust persecution of Gordon and the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) by Duterte and his allies. “We stand by and support Sen. Richard ‘Dick’ Gordon in his bold and courageous crusade to unmask the perverse and rapacious theft of the nation's coffers, and to hold accountable those responsible for the same,” they said in the petition. They also challenged Duterte to file criminal cases against the personalities involved in the alleged anomaly and allow the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee which Gordon chairs do its job unhampered and free
from any threat. The Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) Classes of 1957, 1961 and 1965 also issued a strong statement to express their full support behind Gordon for fearlessly calling for public officials to live up to decency in governance. “It is time to draw the line and demand from our elected officials to put first the interest of Filipinos, especially the medical frontliners, the marginalized and the millions now forced out-of-work by the pandemic, and hardworking small Filipino businessmen now struggling to survive and to keep their workers from starving,” they said. Other AdMU alumni also lauded Gordon for “his courageous efforts in weeding out scalawags who have allegedly stolen billions of our taxpayers’ money while thousands of fellow men, women and children are suffering and dying from this deadly pandemic.” They also expressed gratitude and appreciation for Gordon’s tireless and unselfish efforts in leading the
Philippine Red Cross in responding to the needs and demands of the public, especially during the protracted pandemic. The De La Salle University alumni of grade school, high school and college classes of 1961, 1965 and 1970, also conveyed their support for the Blue Ribbon’s recent investigation, and lauded Gordon and other senators. “Senators Richard Gordon, Risa Hontiveros, Franklin Drilon, Panfilo Lacson, Kiko Pangilinan and Ralph Recto: at this crucial moment in our history, you embody the La Sallian mission of promoting and defending the aspirations of the poor and authentic social justice,” said in their statement. Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon and other senators commended Gordon’s courage for investigating the alleged irregular procurement of medical supplies and equipment that the government granted to a favoured Chinese supplier, Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corporation. (Mindanao Examiner)
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Across : 1. She, in Madrid 5. Set 8. Jungle animals 12. Reporter ___ Lane 13. “___ Maria” 14. Mall event 15. Protestant denomination 17. Emerald ___ 18. Forfeited the throne 20. Map feature 24. Snaky swimmer 25. Whatever 26. Certain steaks (hyph.) 28. Court divider 30. Actress ___ Bullock 31. ___ Salad 35. Bro or sis 36. Guarantee 37. Overhead trains 40. Chunk of eternity 42. Sharply inclined 43. Significant event 46. Mind 47. Very cute 52. Lumber source 53. Precious stone 54. Fibber 55. Has brunch 56. Compass reading (abbr.) 57. Perimeter Down : 1. House extension 2. Baseball’s ___ Gehrig 3. Illuminated 4. Fire leftover 5. Apparel 6. Dodge 7. Indulgence 8. Japan’s continent 9. Ziti, e.g. 10. Comic ___ DeGeneres 11. Shabby 16. Restaurants 19. Detergent 20. That thing’s 21. Pistons’ league (abbr.) 22. Male descendant 23. Outcomes
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HEALTH
Sakit Sa Puso Sa Kababaihan Ni Dr. Willie T. Ong
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ng sakit sa puso ay ang pangunahing sanhi ng pagkamatay sa mundo. Dati rati ay iniisip natin na ang mga lalaki lamang ang madalas nagkakasakit sa puso. Pero ayon sa bagong datos, dumarami na ang mga babaeng inaatake sa puso. Bakit ito nangyayari? Heto ang mga dahilan: 1. Kapag ang babae ay nag-menopause o lampas na sa edad 50, tumataas na ang tsansa niyang magkasakit sa puso. Ito ay dahil nawawala na ang proteksyon na ibinibigay ng estrogen hormones. Kapag wala nang regla ang babae, bumababa na ang kanyang estrogen hormones. Sa katunayan, kapag lumampas na sa edad 65, may pagkakataon na mas marami pang babae ang inaatake sa puso kumpara sa lalaki.
2. Iba ang sintomas ng atake sa puso (heart attack) sa lalaki kumpara sa babae. Sa mga lalaki, nakakaramdam sila ng paninikip ng dibdib. Ngunit sa mga babae, ang sintomas nila ay kakaiba tulad ng hirap sa paghinga, pagsusuka, pagkahilo at pagkawala ng malay. Minsan ay hindi sumasakit ang dibdib ng mga babaeng inaatake sa puso. Dahil dito, dapat ay maging maagap at dalhin agad ang pasyente sa ospital kapag may ganitong sintomas. 3. Mas maraming babae ang matataba kumpara sa lalaki. Ayon sa pagsusuri, 31% ng mga kababaihan edad 50 hanggang 65 ang sobra sa timbang o overweight. Kung ikukumpara sa mga lalaki, 4.3% lang ang matataba. Nakakagulat hindi ba? Marahil ito ay dahil inuubos ng mga nanay ang tiring pagkain sa bahay. Bukod sa mga
nabanggit, may mga risk factors na parehong nakikita sa kalalakihan at kababaihan. Tataas ang tsansa mong magkasakit sa puso kung ikaw ay mayroon ng mga sumusunod: high blood pressure, mataas ang cholesterol, may diabetes, naninigarilyo, kulang sa ehersisyo at may lahi ng sakit sa puso. Tandaan: Nakamamatay ang sakit sa puso. Ingatan ang iyong puso sa pamamagitan ng tamang pamumuhay at pag-inom ng maintenance na gamot kung kinakailangan. Good luck po.
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OPINION Organic Kopi Luwak or Civet Pacman’s presidential bid coffee isn’t really pricey KIDAPAWAN CITY Coffee lovers in the Philippines may now enjoy the best and the most expensive coffee in the world - Kopi Luwak - but not as pricey as every connoisseurs think. Kopi Luwak is a coffee that consists of partially digested coffee cherries, which have been eaten and defecated by the Asian palm civet. The cherries are fermented as they pass through a civet’s intestines, and after being defecated with other fecal matter, they are collected. In Manila, a kilogram of Civet coffee sells for as high as P15,000 and over $500 dollars abroad. But Kopi Luwak can now be enjoyed by every coffee lovers for as low as P150 for a 16 oz. cup that comes with a drip bag, ground organic Civet coffee beans, two packets of brown sugar and a stirrer in a beautiful Kraft paper bag – thanks to the Mindanao Civet Coffee seller in Zamboanga City. The new market player in the coffee business, although small, is now offering affordable organic Kopi Luwak – sourced and picked by farmers from the highlands of Mindanao, cleaned and dried and roasted to perfection to give coffee
triggers mixed reactions by Mario O. Feliciano Jr.
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lovers that distinct aroma of Civet coffee berries – chocolaty and nutty and smooth bodied brewed drink. Mindanao Civet Coffee, which started as a home reseller of coffee beans, now offers organic Kopi Luwak in 250 grams ground Civet coffee and 250 grams Civet coffee beans – all medium roasted to perfection. Kopi Luwak is also available now in 3rd Cup Café at LM Metro Hotel in Zamboanga City, and re-
sellers in Luzon, Cebu and other parts of Mindanao. The Mindanao Civet Coffee is a favorite among travellers and tourists and coffee connoisseurs. And for those who wanted the perfect gift for all occasions, Kopi Luwak is the best choice. And those who are interested to resell or perhaps enjoy a daily hot cup or cold brew of Kopi Luwak may call the Mindanao Civet Coffee at this mobile number 09153976197. (AJC)
OXING ICON Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao finally announced his presidential bid to run in next year’s presidential and local elections under PDP-Laban, a party now embroiled in its own political intramurals, thus, eventually, causing its split into two separate wings: Pacquiao wing vs. Cusi wing. Pacquiao said he’s a fighter and that he remains a fighter outside and inside the ring. His announcement to run for President come May 2022 elections, fueled mixed reactions amongst our political pundits. The anti-Pacquiao-for-President claimed he’s too raw for the presidency to address the country’s various problems that come in many enormous sizes, and forms, both manmade and by nature, in these days. Others who claimed they’re all-out for him, rebuked those opposing his presidential ambition. “We’re tired of all of them, so why not try Pacquiao as our next President? He might be the one capable of addressing our country’s many problems, as his platform is to fight poverty and corruption in the country. For one thing, he came from the poorest-of-the-poor bracket in our society. So, he knows how the poor feel about the miseries of living lurked in poverty.” Other presidential wannabes are Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, Bong-
bong Marcos, Sen. Ping Lacson, Sen. Dick Gordon, VP Leni Robredo, former Sen. Antonio Trillanes, Sen. Bong Go, and last but not least, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio. Pick your choice, buddy. In the Covid front, the active infections in Zamboanga City continue to surge and are now over 1,000 active cases. The top 20 barangays with the most number of active Covid-19 infections are the following: Tetuan, Santa Maria, Tumaga, Pamucutan, Guiwan, Tugbungan, Putik, Divisoria, Mercedes, Baliwasan, Canelar, Ayala, San Roque, Talon-Talon, Calarian, Lunzuran, Lumbangan, Pasonanca, Malagutay and Cabaluay. Again, the City Government is continually reminding the whole populace to strictly follow what there’s to simply follow to the letter, as its minimum health protocols - wear face mask and face shield, observe physical distancing, wash hands, bring a sanitizer or a bottle of alcohol; avoid crowds, stay home if nothing to do outside, practice proper hygiene. Question: How protected are we from all dangers in life, if only we believe in our Lord Jesus Christ? Answer: The Lord said: “If God is for us, who can be against us? See you folks, on my next episode. God bless us all! (jayfeliciano2@yahoo.com)
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DOT launches online course for teachers
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HE DEPARTMENT of Tourism (DOT) has launched a 120-hour “Online Master TESOL Certification Course” for teachers of “English as Second Language” (ESL) in an effort to provide them the current and appropriate teaching methodologies. said the DOT implementTESOL refers to “Teach- Covid-19 pandemic. “ESL schools around the ed programs in partnership ing English to Speakers of Other Languages” and DOT country have been forced to with the British Council to Secretary Berna Puyat said close down temporarily or help them develop a workthe course is open to 200 permanently, leaving thou- ing understanding of effecteachers. She said the cer- sands of its teaching and tive online teaching theories tification course for TESOL non-teaching staff unem- and strategies to support the will be held from Septem- ployed. Before the pandemic, transition from face-to-face the ESL market was a signifi- to online instruction. ber 27 to October 10. “The Department of The course, she added, cant contributor to the counis one of the initiatives of try's tourism industry. It has Tourism will continue to the DOT, through the Office seen the growth of various identify and provide other of Product and Market De- destinations of the country capacity building programs velopment to support and like Cebu, Manila, Baguio, to assist the ESL teachers in sustain the country’s ESL Iloilo, Bacolod, Clark, Subic navigating the online world of teaching while waiting for and Davao,” she said. industry. To ensure that ESL the re-opening of the indusPuyat said like other industries, the country’s ESL teachers would be able to try. This training program industry is faced with an carry on with their profes- is also expected to further unprecedented crisis, with sion and resume the service enhance the qualification of classes disrupted by the to the source markets, Puyat our English teachers,” she
Police order probe into drug deal with prisoners
PNP General Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar CEBU City - National Police Chief, General Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar, has ordered a thorough investigation into the claim of two arrested drug suspects here that they were allegedly dealing clandestinely with prisoners at the Cebu City Jail. Elezar said the duo
ARMM
Benjie Lupian, 42; and Bryan Osabel, 35, who were recently arrested in a sting operation, admitted to police investigators that they were selling illegal drugs to the prisoners. The pair did not say how they manage to sell or sneak illegal drugs into the jail facility.
Police said Lupian was arrested in the village of Duljo Fatima after authorities seized 1,040 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated market value of P7 million from him; while Osabel was nabbed after being caught with 501 grams of illegal drugs worth P3 million. “Ang pagkakasangkot ng mga nakakulong na drug traffickers sa transaksyon ng iligal na droga ay nagpapatunay lamang kung gaano kalalim ang operasyon ng sindikato ng droga sa ating bansa,” said Eleazar. “Inatasan ko na ang RD, PRO7, na masusing imbestigahan ang bagay na ito. Kung totoo man, kailangang matukoy natin kung sino-sino ang kasabwat upang tapusin na ang operasyon ng sindikatong ito,” he added. There was no immediate statement from jail officials about the allegations of Lupian and Osabel. (Cebu Examiner)
Eastern Mindanao
Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat (Department of Tourism FB) said. Puyat said the Chomsky Language Training Center, established in 2018 to provide internationally-aligned and globally-recognized training programs to ESL teachers in the Philippines, will conduct the certification course. She said the entry qualifications for the applicants are the following: • At least one year of ESL teaching: Face-to-face/
online (without TESOL certificate) • Certificate of Employment • CEFR Level = B2 (via British Council ‘My English Score’) or any Proof of English language proficiency level equivalent to CEFR B2 (i.e.: IELTS, TOEIC/TOEFL, OET). Puyat said successful graduates of this certification course will be registered with
the American Licensing Authority of International English Language Teaching, an online database that serves as a reference for employers to validate the TESOL Certificate of ESL teacher applicants. “Registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested participants may register thru this link: https://bit.ly/37oI0sa,” she said. (Cebu Examiner)
LGUs told to prep vax masterlist for children CEBU CITY – Health authorities in Central Visayas told local governments to prepare for the Covid-19 vaccination of children ages 12 to 17 years old, especially those with comorbidities, as mass vaccination continues against the deadly respiratory disease. Dr. Mary Jean Loreche, chief pathologist of the Department of Health, said the start of inoculation will depend on two factors - the timely cascading of the guidelines from the national government and the availability of vaccine supply for the age group. “It really depends on supply availability and the
Western Mindanao
guidelines that the experts’ panel and technical working group will come up with. However, the national government through (Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr.) has assured us that they are including these age groups in the expanded planning for making vaccines available to our pediatric population,” Loreche told the Philippine News Agency. She said the guidelines will determine under which category the pediatric population will be inoculated, but pointed out that minors who are 12 years old and above who have comorbidities could receive their vaccine under the A3 category.
Cebu
The Philippine Pediatric Society also said that recent media reports of children affected with severe Covid-19 has caused much concern in the country and the issue of vaccinating the pediatric age group has again come up. The Department of Health has previously said that the increase in Covid-19 cases is being experienced in all age groups and not just in children. Moreover, the recent increase in overall cases may be driven in part by the Delta variant, which is known to be more contagious. (John Rey Saavedra)
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