The South China Sea can be best described as a trouble-filled paradise. It possesses assets such as rich fishing grounds being enjoyed by people from the countries surrounding it for generations, beautiful tourism-worthy chains of islands and reefs that generate revenue and employment, and potential oil and natural gas reserves that can be tapped by countries around it for their economic well-being. However, it is these same assets that form the main reason for the diverse and complex territorial disputes involving Brunei, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.
FOR a 98 percent predominantly Catholic country, we seem to be at odds with the current leadership just because some do not like him physically, detest his presidential style and speech, wardrobe, demeanor and what have you. Some would pray to high heavens that he passes away on the whiff of a story, rumor, innuendo about his temporary inability to face the public for a nationwide address that is ill-prepared and badly edited. Or that he fails in handling a once-in-a-lifetime curve ball which is Covid-19.
It's time to divide the house between optimists and negatives. What type do you want to be identified with? Your choice!
Can potential candidates for the presidency measure up to the following traits: brave, love for the Philippines, concern for Filipinos, responsible/fulfills sworn duties and sincere? If so, then voters are looking for someone like the incumbent who has a 65 percent approval rating and 55 percent trust in this quarter.
We need citizen engagement and private sector participation in the fight against COVID-19. This is a tried and tested formula in crisis situations.
From Day 1 in dealing with Covid-19, everything boils down to risks. Risk management is the process of minimizing or mitigating the risk.
We are now on “ECQ, Season Two,” and it is up to us if we want another round of tough community quarantine classifications and lockdowns to be enforced or we are going move towards re-open of the economy and going on with lives safely by following basic health and safety protocols, and by being responsible for ourselves, our loved ones and our community.
The Philippines recently celebrated the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Christianity in the country this year. Almost at the same time, the country experienced a sharp increase in infections and deaths due to relaxed policies and complacency.
In this era of coronavirus pandemic, national governments will have to give way to the principle of subsidiarity more and more or they cannot solve the problems attendant to Covid-19.
Life today is filled with so much struggle and discomfort. We must adapt instead of complain because the situation calls for a change in lifestyle and perspective. We have no choice if we want to survive and fight to live for another day.
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reiterated that regulations and other policies directed in monitoring prices of basic commodities are in place to protect consumers against businesses taking advantage of the pandemic.
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go appealed to financial institutions to extend assistance to debtors in the form of grace periods and similar activities to lighten the load of those heavily affected by business disruptions due to COVID-19.
China firmly supports and upholds the multilateral efforts of international organizations to help the Philippines and other economies in need to tackle the challenges posed by COVID-19.
In a statement made by Senate President Vicente Sotto III, he said that the Department of Health (DOH) should effectively strategize on resources and procedures in hiring contact tracers.
House Bill No. 6709 or the proposed “COVID-19 Unemployment Reduction Economic Stimulus (CURES) Act of 2020 authored by Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano has been approved by the Defeat COVID-19 Committee Social Amelioration Cluster.
The declaration of a national state of emergency has resulted into the temporary deployment ban on Filipino healthcare workers such as doctors, nurses, and allied health professions. Sen. Joel Villanueva suggests the agencies should tap into the pool of professions and provide them with opportunities locally.
Two bills were approved at the House of Representatives which includes a supplementary budget for mass testing, support of businesses, financial institutions, and the government infrastructure programs.
Chokepoints in the release of quarantine certificates have led to extended isolation in government quarantine facilities. Legislators criticized involved agencies on the inefficiency of carrying out protocols.
PRRD addressed the issue on the DOH’s procured PPEs and that everything that occurred was to his discretion. As PRRD instructed, he advised that everything must be done – whatever means necessary.
China will stand firmly with the Philippine people till the day of final victory. In this process, Chinese businesses will continue to contribute to the new era partnership evolving between the two countries.
Several programs were discussed by the Committee on Trade and Industry-- the House Defeat COVID-19 Committee (DCC) Economic Stimulus Package Cluster, and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to aid restart MSME operations in the country.
MANILA – The results of the third run of the NCR COVID-19 Online Panel Survey conducted by PUBLiCUS Asia, Inc. in partnership with Kantar suggest that unemployment caused by the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila could be growing over time, even as the national government announced a second extension of the Metro Manila ECQ until May 30, 2020.
MANILA – The results of the third run of the NCR COVID-19 Online Panel Survey conducted by PUBLiCUS Asia, Inc. in partnership with Kantar show particularly high disapproval among respondents for the COVID-19 aid provided to the Philippines by China, especially when compared to perceptions on aid provided by other international allies.
House Bills authored by several legislators seek to strengthen the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the modernization of Higher Education Institutes (HEIs).
Given that quarantine measures will soon be lifted in several areas in the Philippines, Senate Committee on Public Services Chairperson Senator Grace Poe highlighted the safety of the riding public and the prevention of COVID-19 transmission in the use of public transportation.
Addressing the nation, the President reminded the public that the COVID-19 is very lethal. Acquiring the virus at this current point in time, without a vaccine, can most likely result in death, the President reiterated. He reminded everyone to follow guidelines and stay safe.
MANILA – Roughly three out of every four Metro Manila residents who participated in the third run of the NCR COVID-19 Online Panel Survey conducted by PUBLiCUS Asia, Inc. support a second extension of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila beyond its scheduled end on May 15, 2020.
Senator Richard Gordon praised the efforts by Metro Manila LGUs to conduct COVID-19 testing among their constituents.
Addressing the nation, Monday night, the President encouraged everyone to help each other in these grueling times. Also, in line with the zero-tolerance policy on corruption, a P30,000 bounty is offered to those that would report corruptive practices by local officials.
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