Retards in the Government 220

It's your weekly compendium of foolishness and corruption in the Philippine government.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/08/13/21/coa-flags-dswd-over-unused-p780m-intended-for-cash-aid

A total of P780.71 million in funds given to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for cash assistance to pandemic-hit Filipinos was not utilized because of "insufficient validation process," denying aid to 139,300 qualified beneficiaries, a new Commission on Audit (COA) report showed. 

Government auditors noted in the 2020 report on the DSWD that its field offices in Regions 2, 7, 8 and the Cordillera Administrative Region reported unutilized amounts for the program intended for individuals whose livelihood and income sources were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The total amount could have been given instead to an estimated 139,300 beneficiaries who could have qualified under the government's social amelioration program (SAP).  

“Given the scarcity of government resources for COVID-19 expenses, there is a dire need to properly evaluate targeted beneficiaries through proper coordination and monitoring, and proper and efficient validation that could maximize the number of qualified beneficiaries who could benefit from the SAP,” the audit report said. 

In the same audit report, unliquidated SAP fund transfers from local government units amounted to P4.363 billion.

The DSWD did not distribute P780 million for aid because there was no sufficient validation process.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/799093/coa-flags-ltfrb-over-using-only-1-of-p5-5b-funds-for-drivers-assistance/story/

The Commission on Audit called out the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board for using only 1 percent of the P5.58 billion funds allocated to the benefit program for drivers amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In its 2020 report, COA said the LTFRB only used around P59 million of the P5.58 billion funds of the agency’s Service Contracting Program. 

“Delays in the implementation of the Service Contracting Program ranging from two  to 10 weeks as at December 31, 2020 resulted in the minimal fund utilization of only P59,720, 089 or 1.07%  of the total project fund,” the COA said. 

It added that this also delayed the intended benefits to the PUV drivers and operators, who are the beneficiaries of the program. 

Also, the state auditor also pointed out that only over 29,800 drivers or 49.79 percent of the 60,000 targeted driver participants were registered in the program as of the end of the year.

The LTFRB only used 1% of all its funds for drivers' assistance and less than half of the targeted participants were signed up by the end of 2020.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1473088/coa-also-scores-doh-wastage-of-meds-supplies

The Commission on Audit (COA) has found that the Department of Health (DOH) had procured P95.15 million worth of medicines and medical supplies that were not being used because they were either expired, soon to expire or were just held in warehouses.

This is a “recurring problem” that is resulting in “indiscriminate wastage of government funds and resources,” the COA said in its Aug. 11 audit report.

The latest COA report dealt another blow to the DOH which has come under criticism and scrutiny due to deficiencies in its use of a P67.323-billion fund for pandemic response.

The DOH has wasted p95.15 million in medical supplies some of which are jsut sitting in warehouses. This is also a recurring problem. Will it ever stop?

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1473706/dole-flagged-for-poor-covid-19-fund-control

“Insufficient internal control measures” in granting aid to workers affected by the pandemic have led to excessive payments, denied claims, and unclaimed cash aid in money remittance centers. 

These were among the issues raised in the 2020 report of the Commission on Audit (COA) on the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole). 

The COA looked into the Dole’s COVID-19 programs under Republic Act No. 11469, or the Bayanihan to Heal As One Act, such as the COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program (Camp), Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers #Barangay ko, Bahay ko (Tupad #BKBK), and Abot-Kamay ang Pagtulong (Akap). 

Camp and Akap involved the grant of P5,000 and P10,000 financial assistance to affected workers and displaced overseas Filipino workers, respectively. On the other hand, Tupad #BKBK provided a 10-day emergency employment for displaced workers. 

The Dole utilized P7.267 billion of its P7.310-billion allotment for the three aid programs, but state auditors observed several deficiencies, such as P1.023 million in multiple payments of cash aid. 

The excessive payments were given to 213 Camp, Akap and Tupad #BKBK beneficiaries in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Regions 1, 2, 3, 4A, 8 and 9, and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in South Korea. 

“The above excessive payments to the beneficiaries were mainly due to the lack of control measures in the processing of claims,” the COA said. 

It added: “The noted deficiencies could have been avoided had there been an available master list or database of beneficiaries with data of prior availments that can be accessed by the offices concerned and/or other control measures that could prevent such occurrence.”

Is there any government agency that does not have anomalies in the way it handled the COVID funds allowed to it?

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1474846/coa-to-owwa-why-purchase-napkins-from-construction-firm-not-drug-stores

The Commission on Audit (COA) has asked an Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) deputy administrator to explain why sanitary napkins were purchased from a construction and trading company and not drug stores near the Central Office. 

COA mentioned during its audit report of OWWA for 2020 that the regularity of the expenditures made by a certain deputy administrator worth P1.269 million is doubtful as the items were neither procured from reputable shops nor were they properly itemized. 

Part of the P1.269 million expenditures are hygiene kits, sanitary napkins, and thermal scanners worth P969,920, which were purchased from MRCJP Construction and Trading.  COA said that the company’s establishment or office cannot be found in the address stated in the Collection Receipt (CR) provided. 

COA stressed that a major drug store just sits near the vicinity of OWWA’s Central Office in Pasay City. 

“It is unlikely that these items were bought from a store which deals with construction supplies or hardware, considering that the Mercury Drugstore is just around the vicinity of the OWWA,” the Commission said. 

But aside from that, COA hinted at overpriced and too vague items: for example, the contents of the hygiene kits which was priced at P160 per kit was not indicated.  Also, COA noted that the napkins purchased — at around P10, P20, and P30 per piece — “are too costly” because small sari-sari stores sell these items at P8 to P10 each. 

“Out of the P2,011,441.90 covered by LR No. FM-OWWA 07-10.4, the propriety and regularity of the expenditures charged to the CA of a Deputy Administrator totaling ₱1,269,920.00 is doubtful due to the awarding of the procurement transactions not to reputable drugstores and supermarkets,” COA said. 

“This is an indication that OWWA’s resources were not expended in accordance with rules and regulations and is contrary to Section 2, PD No. 1445,” it added.

There are massive anomalies in the  OWWA's procurement of items.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/799834/coa-flags-dbm-procurement-service-over-p95-46m-covid-19-supplies/story/

State auditors have flagged the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) over its lack of a clear policy on handling inventories that led to P95.46 million worth of "slow-moving" COVID-19 supplies.

In its 2020 audit report, the Commission on Audit (COA) said PS-DBM placed orders for 113.95 million pieces of surgical masks and 1.32 million pieces of face shields on April and May 2020, a period when prices were “so high” because of high demand.

The masks were purchased from various suppliers for P13.50 to P27.72 per piece, while the face shields were bought for P120 each.

PS-DBM’s market surveys for the procurement were based on a Department of Health (DOH) circular dated March 2020 that stated the suggested retail price (SRP) was P28 for face masks and P120 for face shields.

COA said it requested and received a copy of a September 2020 DOH memorandum indicating that the updated SRP per piece was P2 to P4 for face masks and P26 to P50 for face shields.

In contrast, PS-DBM’s selling price per piece was P14.04 for face masks and P124.80 for face shields.

“There is a wide gap between the PS-DBM selling prices and DOH SRPs. As a result, surgical face masks and face shields are now slow-moving items in the warehouses of the RDs,” COA said.

State auditors also said many client agencies opted not to purchase from the PS-DBM due to its high selling price.

“If PS-DBM had delivered all of the items when the demand was high, these items could have been sold immediately at a selling price at par in the market in the total amount of P99.27 million,” COA said.

“It was only in September 2020 that DOH implemented the updated SRPs. From May 2020 to September 2020, the PS had the opportunity to sell items at par in the market, yet these items remained unsold at the end of the year,” it added.

The DBM bought face masks and face shields but was selling them at too high a price which meant many of the items remained unsold at the end of the year. This was a los of P99.7 million to the government.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/08/17/21/coa-flags-ppa-for-unnecessary-infinity-pool

The Commission on Audit has flagged the construction of a P10.835-million infinity pool and additional room in the Ports Management Office-Northern Luzon of the Philippine Ports Authority in San Fernando City, La Union. 

This as the PPA said Monday it has finished the renovation of its training facility in the city with "capacity-building initiatives to reduce cost" and with potential to earn revenue from rental fees.  

In COA's 2020 audit report on the PPA, government auditors said that the construction of the infinity pool and additional room in the Training Center Compound of the PPA was “unnecessary” as it had caused the demolition of a newly built canopy and perimeter fence, resulting in “improper and wasteful” spending of public funds.  

The auditors noted that the PPA is mandated to develop and operate a rationalized national port system in support of trade and national development.  

“If the construction of the said structures was a prerequisite for at least the PMO-NL to realize the institutional vision, prudence and diligence would dictate that these expenditures and structures were unnecessary as these seem neither justifiable nor responsive to the exigencies of the service,” the auditors said.  

The PPA management, as quoted in the audit report, justified to the auditors that the improvements were undertaken to increase customer influx that would result in higher non-traditional income.  

“During the exit conference, management reiterated the need for such structures to avoid incurring higher costs of conducting Port Executive Conference and health and wellness programs, meetings, trainings and conference in expensive hotels. It also restated the possible increase in income by raising the rental fees of its facilities,” the auditors said.  

The auditors however insisted that the TCC, while generating a gross income of around P700,000 for 2018, also incurred around P750,000 in electricity costs alone. 

The audit team stressed that it recognizes the purpose of having and maintaining a training center but that existing structures as well as other improvements done were deemed more than sufficient for the needs of the agency. 

“Despite the adequacy of the facilities and amenities, management still pursued the construction of new structures without any supporting feasibility study, and seemingly, without regard for value-for-money,” the auditor said. 

The Philippine Ports Authority built a pool and other rooms without doing a feasibility study. They say they can rent it out and recoup the costs but already electricity costs alone were more than the income earned.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/799661/coa-flags-deped-over-p8b-deficiencies-in-be-lcp-fund/story/

State auditors have flagged the Department of Education (DepEd) over deficiencies amounting to P8.136 billion in its Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP) amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Commission on Audit noted alleged lapses in budget utilization, flawed or delayed procurement and delivery of self-learning modules, and the non-compliance with Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act.

According to COA, the DepEd CO management explained that the processing of requesting sub-allotment release orders was prolonged due to delays of the program owners in requesting the downloading of funds.

“Besides, the process was also hampered because of the challenges brought up by the work arrangements adopted during this time of the pandemic,” it said.

Deficiencies in the DepEd's utilization of funds. Some of it due to the pandemic.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1475087/coa-doubts-if-winning-dict-bidder-can-legally-provide-laptops-as-it-is-a-construction-firm

The Commission on Audit (COA) doubts that a general construction company will be able to legally supply the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) with laptops and other computer gadgets. 

The company, Lex-Mar General Merchandise and Contractor, is the winning bidder in the procurement of various ICT gadgets totaling P170.2 million. 

The firm has no documents to show that it is engaged in the business of supplying information and communications technology gadgets, the COA pointed out in its Consolidated Management Letter addressed to DICT Secretary Gregorio Honasan II. 

There is no information about this in Lex-Mar’s Certificate of Registration with the Bureau of Internal Revenue and its Permit to Operate, according to the COA letter. 

Citing Lex-Mar’s financial statements, the COA letter to Honasan said the “primary purpose of the company is to engage in the business of general construction.” 

“Hence, it is doubtful whether the herein supplier has the legal capacity to engage in this kind of business,” it added. 

On top of this, the letter also pointed out that Lex-Mar was a sole proprietorship with current assets of around P44.57 million — way below the P170.2 million contract it signed with DICT.

The DICT signed a contracted with a constriction company to procure electronic gadgets!

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1475395/despite-coa-stand-eleazar-says-it-might-be-better-to-stop-sharing-audit-reports-to-media

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar believes that it might be better for the Commission on Audit (COA) to “revert” to old ways — when audit reports were not released to the media for reportage.

During Wednesday’s Kapihan sa Manila Bay, Eleazar made the comment in light of the recent deluge of COA reports that have allegedly tainted the reputation of various government agencies, especially the beleaguered Department of Health (DOH).

This also came a day after COA itself clarified that they are not making any press releases of audit reports; rather, such documents are made available on their website in compliance with existing laws.

(Recently we have observed that it really comes out in media outlets, and well we can say that if it really comes out, even though the intention of the COA is very good, but if you write it down in a story — we cannot blame our peers in the media — but if it is written down it seems the agencies already committed a sin.)

(But still, we think it would be best if we no longer have it aired to the media, like the previous situation where the reports would go straight to us.)

The government's reaction to the COA's report on the DOH's discrepancies has been varied. Some want answers from DOH Sec. Duque. Others, like Duterte, Eleazar, and Panelo want the COA to stop publishing their audits to the press. The thing is the COA does not do that. They publish their findings on their website. That means Eleazar was forced to retract this statement.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2021/08/19/2121106/pnp-chief-takes-back-coa-remarks-orders-cops-comply-audit-findings

The chief of the Philippine National Police took back his earlier remarks accusing the Commission on Audit of releasing audit reports to the media, and instead urged local police offices to cooperate with resident auditors. 

"It was made clear to me that the COA does not issue press statements and instead, posts its audit reports on its website as part of its Constitutional mandate for transparency," Police Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, PNP chief, said in a statement sent to reporters on Thursday.

"In a forum I attended yesterday, August 18, I categorically suggested that the Commission on Audit should stop releasing its audit reports to the media and instead revert to the old ways when all observations on budget spending are internally directed to the government agencies concerned...I stand corrected," Eleazar added.

Eleazar said he "learned" that the COA actually sent its observations to the PNP offices and "[gave] them enough time to review and correct" any observations before a report is published.

This comes after President Rodrigo Duterte, whose statements are routinely backed by the PNP, instructed government offices not to ignore audit findings by the COA after the latter flagged a number of government departments over unspent funds and other "deficiencies."

It's crazy how much the COA is maligned even though they are just doing their job. These reports show jsut how corrupt the government remains even under Duterte.

Coronavirus Lockdown: 700 Cops, Military men Deployed on Cebu City, Fil-AM Doctor Gets Own Barbie Doll, and More!

More news about how the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines is being handled by the public and the government.

Barbie has come along way since her debut decades ago. These days she's more of a cultural and political statement than an actual toy.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/hobbiesandactivities/799073/fil-am-doctor-gets-own-barbie-doll-for-her-work-against-covid-19/story/

It’s not every day that you get a Barbie doll designed to look exactly just like you, but for Dr. Audrey Sue Cruz, it has become a dream come true.

Cruz is one of the frontline workers honored by the fashion doll brand for “their life-saving accomplishments during the pandemic.”

As part of their #ThankYouHeroes program, Barbie released a collection of dolls to pay tribute to six frontline workers from around the world who “continue to rise up to serve their communities in this time of need and are inspiring current and future generations to follow their lead.”

On its Instagram stories, Barbie said it chose Cruz as a role model because she “treated COVID-19 patients and joined forces with other Asian-American physicians to fight racial bias and discrimination during the pandemic.”

The Fil-Am doctor, meanwhile, said she was honored that she’s “been made into a Barbie doll.”

“With this honor, I hope to shine a light on the commitment and compassion all frontline workers exhibited over the past year and a half and every single day,” said Cruz, a physician at Loma Linda University Medical Center in California.

“I hope to represent minorities in America and encourage cultural advocacy. I hope to represent working moms who are balancing their careers while raising a family,” she added.

“I hope to show all young women that they can be ANYTHING they want to be—even a physician mom and engineering grad like this girl.”

“You matter,” she said. “You can follow your dreams. You can make a difference.”

One might scoff because it's just a Barbie doll but it's more than that. It's a weapon in the culture war. 

The PNP said they would go after those who peddle fake news about the pandemic. So far 52 raps have been filed.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1472595/80-people-charged-for-pandemic-related-offenses-including-52-for-spreading-fake-news

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday said they have charged a total of 80 persons in court for pandemic-related offenses, including 52 for “spreading fake news” about COVID-19 on the internet.

Police chief Guillermo Eleazar said that from March 9 to August 9 this year, a total of 121 charges were filed against 80 people — 52 were charged for spreading fake news, two for online scams, and 26 for for online profiteering, overpricing, hoarding and unauthorized selling of medical supplies.

“A total of 87 criminal complaints have been filed in court, while 52 individuals were charged for purveying fake news and unverified information on social media amid the public health emergency,” Eleazar said in a statement.

It would be interesting to know exactly what the nature of the "fake news and unverified information" they were spreading on social media. Some "fake news," like the origin of the virus being a Chinese laboratory and the ineffectiveness of the vaccine and face shields, are actually true.

One of the worst pieces of fake news is that all vaccines are equally effective. The DOH and others have been spreading this lie for months.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/08/12/21/unvaccinated-individuals-waiting-for-certain-brands

A health expert on Thursday lamented that many individuals remain unvaccinated because they are waiting for specific brands of the COVID-19 vaccine. 

Dr. Maricar Limpin, president of the Philippine College of Physicians, reiterated the advisory to the public to get any anti-virus jab as soon as it is available to them. 

(Many of those unvaccinated are waiting for a particular brand. We need to remind them that whatever brand of vaccine is good because at least, they have protection.)

This person is lying. There are documented studies that show that not all the "vaccines" are the same. And they are not protected because they can still contract and spread the virus. There is a lot of double talk from the DOH on this issue.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2021/08/12/2119495/strike-2-after-touting-ivermectin-doctor-hit-false-info-covid-19-jabs

The Department of Health on Thursday called out a medical doctor for spreading false information about COVID-19 vaccines, and chided news outlets giving platform to these individuals. 

Health officials scolded Dr. Romeo Quijano after he claimed on dZRH that the jabs are "more dangerous" than the virus itself. 

"It is especially irresponsible as the country continues to face the threat of the more infectious Delta variant," the agency said in a statement.

The DOH cited growing evidence across the globe that COVID-19 vaccines have significantly reduced hospitalizations and deaths among those who were inoculated. 

"Moreover, despite increases in COVID-19 cases in these countries, the same rate of increase is not seen in hospitalizations and deaths," it added.

COVID-19 cases are going up despite the "vaccines." That is because the vaccines do not protect anyone from contracting the virus. It is highly irresponsible for the DOH to tell the public otherwise or to treat the virus as if it were the bubonic plague. As of now less than 1% of the population has died from COVID-19.

Two fully vaccinated people in QC didn't think two shots was enough.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1473402/2-persons-fully-vaccinated-with-sinovac-to-face-charges-for-getting-3rd-dose-in-qc

Two individuals who are fully vaccinated with Sinovac’s anti-COVID-19 vaccine are set to face charges from the Quezon City local government unit (LGU) after allegedly getting a third dose for a booster shot. 

The Quezon City government on Friday released reports showing that one of the two individuals already got the two doses in Mandaluyong city, and was registered again in Quezon City’s vaccination program through a company masterlist, to get a different vaccine brand.

It was confirmed that this individual got the second dose of the Sinovac vaccine in Mandaluyong on May 10, and then got another Moderna shot in Quezon City this week. 

“While the social media posts of this individual have since been deleted, his posts have been forwarded to the city government,” the Quezon City LGU said.

The second person also got two doses of Sinovac’s vaccine in Quezon City, and then bragged about getting another dose within the same city — this time from United States pharmaceutical giant Pfizer.

“Another individual received two doses of Sinovac at one of the city’s vaccination centers, then bragged of receiving a third dose of Pfizer. It was not disclosed whether the third jab was administered at another vaccine center or the same one where the first two were dispensed,” the city added.

This is why you do not post illegal activity on Facebook. In fact don't post anything personal at all. This likely won't happen again once the digital vaccination certificate is implemented.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2021/08/15/2120036/digital-vaccination-certificates-be-issued-next-month

The issuance of COVID-19 vaccination certificates is expected to start next month, the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) said yesterday.

At a public briefing yesterday, BOQ deputy director Roberto Salvador Jr. noted the government is now speeding up the system for the launch of digital vaccination certificates. The target is to start the issuance in September.

“We are part of the Technical Working Group that is working on this digital vaccination card, with the DICT in the lead,” he said, referring to the Department of Information and Communication Technology.

Salvador added it would be the Department of Foreign Affairs that would coordinate with other countries so that the “official vaccination certificates” would be recognized internationally.

Under the program, local government units will have to upload the names of individuals who completed their COVID-19 jabs on the vaccination information system

Going off past performance they will mess it up greatly at first but eventually work out the kinks. Hopefully they work them out quickly.

Cebu City has seen a rise in infections of the very survivable COVID-19 virus. Their response is very disproportionate.

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/394476/700-cops-military-men-to-be-deployed-on-cebu-city-streets-starting-monday

Do not be surprised if you see uniformed cops and military men roaming Cebu City streets starting at midnight on Monday, August 16. 

Their task is to ensure compliance with health protocols while the city remains under Modified Enhance Community Quarantine until the end of the month.

(The number of personnel that we will deploy will be determined based on the number of infections in the barangay.  [Police] stations with the most number of positive cases in barangays [that are located within its jurisdiction] will also be provide with the most number of police personnel.)

Some of these personnel will be assigned to man border control checkpoints while others will be tasked to conduct random inspection of Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) that are plying routes within their respective areas to ensure compliance with health protocols especially on the number of authorized passengers.

Parilla expressed confidence that the deployment of more uniformed cops and military men will result in a drop in active cases in the city in the coming days.

What a total buffoon. Only a moron woudl thikn that deploying police will result in a drop in active cases of a virus.

Cebu is requiring all PUVs to wear air purifiers. Surely you have seen people wearing them? They look stupid and the DOH concurs.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1474229/handy-air-purifiers-offer-false-sense-of-security-vs-covid-19-doh

Handy air purifiers worn around the neck cannot provide protection against COVID-19 and will only provide a false sense of security, the Department of Health (DOH) stressed Monday.

DOH Undersecretary Ma. Rosario Vergeire made the remark amid a  requirement for drivers and conductors of public utility vehicles (PUVs) in Cebu to don the said gadget.

“The DOH does not recommend these air purifiers, itong mga necklace na purifiers. Sinabi na natin dati yan na wala yang ebidensya,” Vergeire said in a press briefing.

Vergeire underscored that while wearing air purifiers cannot harm a person, it also does not provide protection against COVID-19.

(While it is not harmful, it does not provide protection against COVID-19.)

(It will give a false sense of security which may lead to complacency and cause more infections.)

Experts have also recommended against the use of air purifiers as protection against COVID-19, said Vergeire.

(We do not recommend the use if necklace air purifiers because based on evidence and experts, it does not provide protection.)

“Sana po hindi na lang natin ito gamitin (Let’s just not use it.),” she added.

The same thing could and should be said about face masks and face shields but they won't tell us that truth. Instead people are lulled into a false sense of security thinking those worthless things will protect them. However, the governor of Cebu is insistent that drivers wear an air purifier.

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/395019/gwen-clarifies-defends-air-purifier-requirement

Despite criticisms and public backlash, Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia will keep the mandatory use of wearable air purifiers among drivers and conductors of public utility vehicles (PUVs). 

But Garcia, during one of her regular press conferences on Tuesday, August 17, clarified that the order will only cover those who operate buses, mini-buses, and modern jeepneys. 

Garcia also said the requirement served as an ‘enhancement’, and not to ‘set aside existing health protocols mandated way back a year and a half ago.’ 

“It was very, very clear that this would be as an added protection on top of the minimum health protocols that have been established, which we have been repeating since the start of this pandemic,” said Garcia.

As a result, she decided to move the implementation of the memorandum directing the mandatory use of wearable purifiers to August 25 so operators, drivers, and conductors have more time to acquire them. 

On the other hand, Garcia defended the use of air purifiers by saying out that these do not cause harm to the wearers and will add protection.

She cited several studies such as one titled Negative Air Ions and Their Effects on Human Health and Air Quality Improvement published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences in 2018 by Shu-Ye Jiang, Ali Ma, and Srinivasan Ramachandran 

Garcia also pointed out to several national government officials as examples, such as President Rodrigo Duterte, who wear air purifiers in public, and asked the Department of Health (DOH) whether or not using air purifiers against COVID-19 is harmful. 

“What is it really? Do you (DOH) have nothing agianst the use of necklace air purifiers? Or you have a stand against necklace air purifiers? I appreciate Usec. Vergeire’s (Health Usec. Ma. Rosario Vergeire) statement saying ‘hindi po ito nakaka-cause nang harm sa tao’,” explained Garcia.

In the meantime, Garcia announced the Capitol will be providing free supplementary vitamins to all drivers and conductors if it meant adding more protection against COVID-19.

This lady is stupid. Not only is she mandating that PUV drivers wear a worthless air purifier because Duterte is doing it but she thinks giving them vitamins will add any protection against COVID-19!

Picture of the Week: Extraordinary Rain Cloud

I saw this beautiful sight yesterday and snapped a picture before it dissipated. 

This is probably the coolest cloud I have ever seen in my life. I won't waste any words describing it. Just take a good long look for yourself.

Insurgency: Kids of NPA Victims Get Assistance

After reading so much about terrorists being bribed by the government to surrender it's a little heartening to know that some of their victims are also receiving money.

https://news.visayandailystar.com/kids-of-npa-victims-get-assistance/

Orphaned children, who had witnessed the summary execution of their parents by suspected New People’s Army rebels on May 13 in Sitio Lower Budlasan, Brgy Trinidad, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, received a cash grant of P50,000 from Cebu-based private groups Tuesday, the Philippine Army said yesterday.

The turnover of financial assistance by the City Social Welfare and Development Office, in behalf of Renault Lao, who organized the Heroes Adventure Challenge in Cebu, to the orphaned children of slain couple Rodrigo and Cerelina Lubay, was held at the office of Guihulngan City Mayor Carlo Jorge Roan Reyes.

The Lubay couple was among the four civilians killed by NPA rebels in the hinterlands of Guihulngan City, with the two other victims identified as Ronilo Quirante and Roger Fat, allegedly in retaliation for the death of 10 rebels during an encounter with the 62nd Infantry Battalion troopers in Sitio Agit, Brgy. Trinidad, Guihulngan City, on March 23.

The encounter also resulted in the seizure of several high-powered firearms, Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said, adding that the Lubay couple was shot dead by rebels in front of their children.

The assistance came from the proceeds of the Heroes Adventure Challenge, that was jointly organized by the Active Hub Fitness Center and the Bike and Brews, in partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines Central Command.

It was a non-competitive virtual sporting event composed of run, bike distance, and bike elevation categories from July 10 to August 10 in Cebu City.

Elsewhere we read that this money is actually for scholarships.

Leg one is dubbed as the “Hope of the Nation” which intends to raise funds for the scholarship program of the childred affected by the armed conflict between the AFP and the NPA in Guihulngan City in Negros Oriental. 

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/380226/heroes-adventure-challenge-monthlong-virtual-sports-event-starts-july-10

No word on how many children will benefit from this P50,000 scholarship program. It's really a shame too because surrendering rebels get money, homes, and job training from the government and these kids get nothing except what the private sector tosses their way. Why is that? Why do the victims of the NPA get nothing while those who surrender get so much? It is fundamentally unjust.

In Sulu 9 members of Abu Sayyaf surrendered this week.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1472147/9-alleged-abu-sayyaf-members-surrender-in-sulu

Nine alleged members of the Abu Sayyaf Group surrendered to authorities in Indanan, Sulu, the Philippine military said Wednesday.

The bandits turned themselves over to the 1102nd Infantry Brigade Headquarters last Monday, with their 3 M1 rifles, 1 M1 Garand rifle, 1 Uzi sub machine gun, 1 US Carbine rifle, and  KG9 pistol, the Joint Task Force Sulu said in a statement.

“These people have once gone astray. We are glad that they choose a life of peace instead of hiding,” said 11th Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. William Gonzales.

According to an interview conducted by the task force, one of the surrenderees, Totoh Engal, admitted involvement in the Sipadan kidnappings in 2000.

The alleged ASG member also said that he joined the terror group when he was 25 years old and that he was once wounded in an encounter with the military.

Gonzales said those who yielded will receive livelihood assistance from the government.

"These people have once gone astray!!??" That is ludicrous to say. They are terrorists who acted purposefully with intent. One of them was involved in the notorious Sipadan kidnappings in 2000.

On 23 April 2000, six men armed with assault rifles and several rocket-propelled grenades arrived by a speedboat on the Sipadan resort island off the eastern coast of Borneo. They proceeded to abduct 21 individuals from the dining hall where dinner was being served. The hostages, including a Malaysian police officer, three Germans, two French, two South Africans, two Finns and a Lebanese citizen, were herded onto the boats with nine Malaysian and two Filipino resort workers. An American couple and a local marine photographer managed to evade capture unharmed.

During the abduction the hostages were allegedly robbed of their money and jewelry before being forced at gunpoint to swim to the boat waiting offshore. The hostages were then allegedly transported about an hour away to Jolo island, in the Sulu Archipelago of the southern Philippines. Once on Jolo, the captives were allegedly held captive by up to 200 Abu Sayyaf bandits under the command of a Commander 'Robot', a pseudonym of Galib Andang.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000_Sipadan_kidnappings

The one surrenderee involved in that harrowing incident will now never face justice for his crimes. Instead he will get assistance from the government because at one time he had "gone astray." What a joke. But there is nothing funny about it.

The Army claims the number of NPA in Negros is decreasing. Guess why.

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/393702/army-official-number-of-npas-in-negros-decreasing

The spokesperson of the Third Infantry Division (3ID) of the Philippine Army said that the number of New Peoples Army (NPA) rebels in Negros province has decreased since most of their leaders either surrendered or have been arrested.  

Major Cenon Pancito announced this after at least four ranking members of the NPA surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 11th Infantry Battalion last Saturday, August 7. 

The 11th IB is a battalion under the 3rd Infantry Division which consisted of troops combatting the insurgents in Negros Island. 

The surrenderees, Pancito said, were former leaders of insurgents who conducted previous armed encounters with government troops in Negros. 

According to Pancito, some surrenderees told him that one of the most compelling reasons why they decided to give up is the hardships they encountered in the mountain areas of Negros.  

The surrenderees also admitted that going from one place to another to hide and regroup is also getting difficult with the intensified operations of government troops against them. 

Pancito added that the surrender of ranking members of NPA is proof that their numbers are dwindling not only in Negros but also in some areas of Bohol.  

For now, the 11th IB will assist the surrenderees in enrolling in the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program to provide them a fresh start.

They are surrendering because of hardships faced in the mountains and because the government will give them some of those sweet bribery benefits. But even though there are NPA surrendering they remain a force to be reckoned with. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1150202

New People's Army rebels on Wednesday afternoon snatched and killed a leader of the Philippine Army's (PA) Community Support Program (CSP) Sustainment Team in Barangay Lahug in the municipality of Tapaz in Capiz while on his way to follow up on development projects for the village.

Cpl. Frederic K. Villasis of the 12th Infantry Battalion (12IB) and Lahug councilors Analyn Giganto and Estong Sumaria were on board two motorcycles when they were cut off by a group of rebels in Sitio Owa of the said barangay.

The three were on their way to the municipal hall to follow up on a water system and other development projects.

Maj. Cenon Pancito III, spokesperson of the PA's 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) said on Thursday that based on the information gathered from the locals, around 40 rebels were scattered in groups in the area.

The rebels singled out Villasis as his hands were tied and then was shot three times at the back while the two civilians were made to lie down and were later set free, Cenon said.

The CSP in Lahug culminated in March this year but 33-year-old Villasis, a resident of Sigma, Capiz led a Sustainment Team or left-behind force to prevent the NPA from regaining its influence in the barangay.

“The left-behind force ensures that there is no vacuum and prevent the CPP-NPA to regain Lahug, given that the barangay is within the guerrilla base of the enemy,” Cenon said.

The CSP is the Army's people-centered program to bring peace and development in conflict-affected barangays and an initiative to bring the government closer to the people through an immediate delivery of basic services.

It sounds like they hog-tied him and then murdered him. That is brutal. But if these guys surrender they can avail of all the benefits right? Maybe not but if so that would not be fair to the many who have surrendered but have been involved in murders and thefts and other criminal activities. Apparently the AFP knows who killed this man and are preparing charges.

Along with the NPA apparently the BIFF is also weakening.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/08/11/news/regions/infantry-commander-says-biff-forces-weakening/1810456

The members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) are down to 80 or 90 hiding in the marshland of Maguindanao and will surrender soon.

This is according to Col. Pedro Balisi, commander of the First Mechanized Infantry Brigade.

"In just a matter of time all the extremist gunmen pursuing violent extremism will realize they were misguided and fighting a lost cause," Balisi said.

"More have expressed willingness to surrender, waiting for an opportune time," Balisi added.

Balisi made the statement after the surrender, on separate occasions, of 11 BIFF members who also yielded their high-powered firearms that included cal. 50 machine guns and sniper rifles.

He said the locals in the communities surrounding the marshlands have continued convincing the rebels to surrender peacefully to the government and have normal lives.

"Our focused military operations geared towards them also forced the extremists to surrender," Balisi said.

What is all this nonsense about these terrorists being misguided or misled? They are terrorists. They knew what they were doing. They joined the cause for a reason. That the government is letting everyone get away and rewarding them for it is unconscionable.