Kuwait is a Deadly Place for Filipino Workers

In February another OFW in Kuwait was raped and killed. In response the Philippines issued a ban on first-time domestic workers. In response the Kuwaiti government has suspedned the issuance of visas to Filipino workers. So far this measure has displaced 815 OFWs.

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/215277/kuwait-visa-suspension-displaces-815-ofws-says-dmw

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) reported that travel to Kuwait has been “deferred” for 815 overseas workers (OFWs) following the Gulf state’s suspension of new visas for Filipinos.

At least 515 of those affected are domestic workers while the rest were supposed to work in service industries as waiters, vendors, sales associates, and nurses.

Imagine being so desperate for a living wage that you spend thousands of pesos to travel to Kuwait to be a waiter. That is ridiculous and the symptom of a much larger problem which is that basic wages in the Philippines do not even meet the poverty threshold. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1766718/basic-wage-in-ph-not-even-enough-to-meet-poverty-threshold-says-think-tan

The poverty threshold, which is set by the government, already “grossly underestimates” poverty in the Philippines, but what’s worse, a think tank stressed, is that the minimum wage Filipino workers receive is not even above the poverty line.

According to Ibon Foundation, Filipino workers and their families “are barely surviving on the minimum wage [set by the government] because this is even less than the official poverty threshold for a family of five.”

According to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the poverty threshold in 2021, which is the minimum income that a family of five needs to meet basic food and non-food requirements, was P12,030, or almost P80 a day for every family member.

Ibon Foundation already stressed in 2019 that the poverty line is too low–the reason that millions of poor Filipinos are left out of the data, which the government releases every three years.

But this is not the only problem since based on data from the National Wages and Productivity Commission, the average monthly minimum wage in the Philippines is only P8,902, which is P3,128 or 26 percent less than the already low poverty threshold.

As stressed by the think tank, “[this] makes the minimum wage a family poverty wage.”

So, it's no wonder that Filipinos look abroad to earn a higher wage. Sometimes this comes at a great price and mothers are forced to abandon their children who are in turn murdered by their caretaker. 

But let's cut to the chase here. Kuwait is a deadly place for OFWs.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/16/23/proof-of-life-measures-for-ofws-in-kuwait-proposed

A lawmaker on Tuesday proposed several measures that would help ensure the welfare of Filipino workers in Kuwait.

According to Kabayan party-list Rep. Ron Salo, shelters for abused workers should be non-negotiable during the talks between Philippine and Kuwaiti officials.

The chairman of the House panel on overseas workers affairs also proposed so-called proof of life measures to protect Filipinos in the Gulf nation.

"One of those perhaps is a requirement by the employer that they would bring the Filipino worker to the foreign recruitment office or at the POLO's office regularly. Perhaps, once every quarter or perhaps, every month," Salo told ANC's "Headstart".

"This is what we called the proof of life. That even there are no police officers going to the homes of the employers, we're pretty assured that our Filipino workers are really being treated well," he added.

The lawmaker lamented that some employers still hold the passport of the household workers in Kuwait.

Philippine officials will visit the Gulf State this week to clarify the suspension of the issuance of new entry visas for Filipinos.

Without giving details, Kuwait has said the move was due to the Philippines' violation on a labor agreement.

In February, the Department of Migrant Workers implemented a deployment ban for newly hired or first-time domestic workers in Kuwait following the brutal killing of Jullebee Ranara.

The 35-year-old domestic worker was found dead in a desert in the Gulf State on January 21. 

An autopsy report showed Ranara was pregnant at the time of her death.

If the government thinks imposing a proof of life requirement on Kuwaiti employees is a necessary thing then it's time to outright ban all Filipinos from working in Kuwait. What is it going to take for the government to acknowledge that the Kuwaiti people and government do not have the best interests of Filipinos in mind; that to them the Filipino is a kaffir whose life is worthless?

At least one politician acknowledges this fact. 

https://mb.com.ph/2023/5/20/total-deployment-ban-to-kuwait-yes-says-house-foreign-affairs-panel-chair

Pangasinan 3rd district Rep. Rachel Arenas, chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, is calling for a total deployment ban on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to Kuwait.

The chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs is calling for a total deployment ban on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to Kuwait.

This, as Pangasinan 3rd district Rep. Rachel Arenas described as an act of retribution the recent decision of the Kuwaiti government to suspend the issuance of new entry visas for Filipinos.

“This total deployment ban must be enforced until the Kuwaiti government sit down with our officials and agree to our demands. Until then, we should not entertain their demands and acts of intimidation," Arenas said.

Last February, the Philippine government issued a deployment ban on first-time household Filipino workers to the oil-rich nation. This was triggered by the brutal murder of overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Jullebee Ranara, in Kuwait.

Ranara was reportedly raped, murdered, burnt, and then thrown in the desert.

Arenas, who has been actively assisting OFWs who were victims of abuse together with her mother former Deputy Speaker Rose Marie "Baby" Arenas, reminded the Kuwaiti government that the decision of the Philippines to issue a deployment ban to their country was rooted in its deplorable history of maltreatment against OFWs most especially domestic workers.

She said Kuwait's "coercion style", or plan to pressure the Philippines into lifting the domestic workers ban with its visa suspension, does not sit well with the Filipino people.

“It pains me to see OFWs being abused - more so slaughtered by people whom they selflessly served...This only happens in Kuwait and the Kuwaiti government seems to have no teeth in implementing their laws.

"Our OFWs should be sent to countries who will treat them with dignity, protect their rights, and promote their welfare,” she said.

Can you see the contradiction in this lady's statements? She wants the employment ban to be enforced until the Kuwaiti government meets the Philippines' demands but then she says it pains her to see OFWs being abused and slaughtered! Does she really think that abuse and slaughtering are going to stop simply because the two governments have come to an agreement?

How about imposing the ban forever. And then take measures to fix the national economy. But by all means stop sending Filipino workers to Kuwait!

The God Culture: Ask The God Culture: Why is the Sky Blue?

Welcome to "Ask the God Culture." This is where Timothy Jay Schwab of The God Culture will answer any question you may have. Our first question is from Camille Villaroman. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dgMhhs5CKI&lc=UgzIA3RlEhMk_lCDh2x4AaABAg

Camille Villaroman: Hi there.. Thank you so much for doing all these videos. I share them all the time but the most questions I get is are we able to recognize each other once we go in heaven after the judgement day???

The God Culture: We have not found a scripture that says we do. Likely we will not. Yah Bless.

Uh-oh Camille!  Looks like Timothy Jay Schwab has not read his Bible. Let's see what Paul has to say about this subject in 1 Corinthians 15.

42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:

43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:

44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

You see, Camille, the same body which dies is raised though it is raised in power and transformed. We can see this from the resurrection of Christ who rose with the same wounds in his body.

John 20:24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.

25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.

26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.

27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.

28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

We also see that we will be recognized from the transfiguration on the mount.

Matthew 17:1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,

2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.

4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.

Here we see that Moses and Elias or Elijah were recognized though they were not in their resurrected bodies. How much more when we are in our glorified resurrected bodies? The bottom line is that the Bible teaches the same body which dies will rise again which means we will be able to recognize one another in the life to come. 

Our second question comes from Michael Redison. His question comes after M E related a story about asking his teacher why the sky is blue and could not get a coherent answer. Timothy Jay Schwab responded by saying that science has few answers in these regards, just failed theories at best. That prompted Michael to ask the following:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EM7E0aWPk1A&lc=UgxZ3nr9HXFl7x_52y14AaABAg

Michael Redison: So why is that the sky is blue bro? Tnx.

The God Culture: We are looking thru the firmament at the waters of Heaven which were separated during Creation. The same which some poured onto the Earth combined with the fountains of the Great Deep bursting to flood the entire earth to 15 cubits above the tallest mountain. The Bible cosmology proves accurate as does the Flood and Creation accounts. Modern science doesn't and every time it disagrees with the Bible, they are wrong not the Bible. Yah Bless.

Michael I am sorry to tell you that Timothy Jay Schwab is dead wrong. Ask yourself these questions: why is the sky red, orange, and purple during sunrise and sunset? Why is it the stars can be seen very clearly at night? Try looking through a glass of water at something and you will see how the object becomes distorted because the light is refracted. Likewise if a layer of water above the earth is what makes it blue that does not explain the other colors at dawn and dusk. 

Aside from that the Bible says the windows of heaven were opened during the flood

Genesis 7:11 In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.

Any water that was separated and above the heavens, this is known as the water canopy theory, poured down onto the earth and remains here.

So, why is the sky blue? Because of the refraction of light in the atmosphere. You see, visible white light is composed of several colors. The rainbow is not just the sign of God's promise it is visible white light separated into its components. These colors can be seen when refracted through a prism.

Light is a wave, or a particle depending on how it is observed, and each color has a different wave length. Blue light, when it hits the atmosphere scatters the most and thus the sky appears blue.

 

https://kids.niehs.nih.gov/topics/natural-world/why-the-sky-is-blue/index.htm

The light from the Sun is really made up of all the colors of the rainbow. Light energy travels in waves, like waves in water. Blue light waves are shorter than light waves of any other color.

Sunlight is scattered in all directions by the tiny molecules of air in Earth's atmosphere. Blue is scattered more than other colors because it travels as shorter, smaller waves. This is why we see a blue sky most of the time.

When the Sun is lower in the sky, sunlight goes through more of the atmosphere. The blue light is scattered so much that the reds and yellows pass through to your eyes.

Michael, sorry to break it to you but Tim is wrong. Science has plenty of answers for many of our questions about the world in which we live. Not all of them of course but the doors of knowledge have been opened wide as men have systematically and scientifically studied this wonderful planet God gave us. 

We can thank Isaac Newton for discovering the light spectrum during experiments in 1666 which results were not published until 1672.

"I procured me a triangular glass prism,... having darkened my chamber and made a small hole in my window shuts, to let in a convenient quantity of the sun's light, I placed my prism at this entrance, that it might be thereby refracted to the opposite wall. It was at first a pleasing divertissement to view the vivid and intense colours produced thereby."

https://science.jrank.org/pages/6364/Spectrum-spectrum-light.html

I'd like to thank The God Culture's audience for submitting these questions. Tune in next time for more answers from Timothy Jay Schwab!

Retards in the Government 310

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

 

 

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1961065/cebu/local-news/pro-7-orders-probe-on-2-cebu-city-cops-sleeping-in-patrol-car

POLICE Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO 7) Director Brigadier General Anthony Aberin has ordered an investigation into the two personnel of the Mobile Patrol Unit of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) who were caught sleeping inside the patrol car while on duty as shown in a video that gone viral in the social media.

The two officers were captured on camera dozing off inside the patrol car as it was parked along General Maxilom Avenue in uptown Cebu City at dawn on Thursday, April 13, 2023, with its engine and air conditioner on.

A certain Alex Lim took the video and uploaded it on Facebook.

Because of that, CCPO Chief Colonel Ireneo Dalogdog ordered for their relief and temporarily assigned them to the Cebu City Holding Admin Unit while the investigation for administrative case is ongoing.

The chief of the Mobile Patrol Unit and their patrol supervisor were also included in the probe.

Aberin said the said policemen are undergoing due process and given the right to defend themselves and explain their side on the issue.

“As PRO 7 is fast in recognizing good deeds of our men on the ground, we are also swift in imposing disciplinary measures to personnel who violate PNP policy in the performance of their duties,” Aberin.

Two cops are being investigated for being asleep on the job. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1768755/police-arrest-soldier-who-gunned-down-fellow-soldier-in-tagum-city

Police have arrested a soldier for allegedly shooting to death a fellow trooper here on Friday night, authorities said Saturday.

Acting Tagum city police chief Lt. Col. Jeffrey Latayada said the suspect, identified as Cpl. Reibong Medalla, was apprehended following a hot pursuit after gunning down Jayson Cawayan, a resident of Montevista town, Davao de Oro.

Police investigation revealed that the incident happened along a road at Purok Santol, Barangay La Filipina at around 9:30 p.m.

Latayada said the victim, reportedly a member of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division, was riding a motorcycle together with a female companion, when he was shot by the suspect who was also on a motorcycle driven by another person.

The 34-year-old victim died upon arrival at a local hospital. His female companion was unharmed.

Latayada said Medalla was arrested by police in coordination with military personnel near an Army camp and is now under police custody.

A soldier has been arrested for killing a fellow solider. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1201514

An employee of the National Irrigation Administration and his daughter escaped unscathed from an ambush perpetrated by still unidentified gunmen in Barangay Labu-Labu here Monday.

The initial police report said Ismael Gudal was driving his white sports utility vehicle when they were waylaid near Labu-Labu bridge past 6:30 a.m., a few meters away from an Army checkpoint.

Gudal, an employee of Kabulnan Irrigation System in Shariff Aguak town, was taking his daughter to school in Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat.

Municipal police station chief Capt. Ramillo Serame said they are investigating the incident.

A government employee has survived an assassination attempt. 

https://mb.com.ph/2023/5/16/cop-arrested-for-selling-shabu-in-albay

A rookie policeman landed in jail after he was caught selling shabu in a buy-bust conducted by agents of the Philippine National Police-Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (PNP-IMEG), in Guinobatan, Albay.

Nabbed was Patrolman Joshua Resentes, assigned to the Regional Headquarters Support Unit, of the Police Regional Office 5.

IMEG director Police Col. Victor Rosete said the operation against Resentes was carried out after an arrested drug user squealed the rookie cop’s name as the source of illegal drugs during an interrogation. 

A buy-bust was then carried out which resulted in the arrest of Resentes in Purok 1, Barangay San Rafael on May 11 after receiving the P16,000 marked and boodle money from the poseur buyer as payment for the shabu.

Rosete said Resentes is now temporarily detained at Guinobatan MPS for documentation, proper disposition, and eventual filing of cases.

A rookie police office has been busted for selling drugs. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1769859/panel-holds-cop-in-contempt-for-not-naming-informant-in-anomalous-drug-ops

An official of the Philippine National Police was detained after the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs cited them for contempt on Tuesday.

Capt. Jonathan Sosongco, head of the PNP’s Drug Enforcement Unit-Special Operations Unit, earned the ire of Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa for what seemed to be an evasion of questions regarding the identity of the informant in connection with the seizure of 990 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine or shabu worth P6.7 billion.

This was reportedly the subject of the pilferage attempt.

Sosongco was among the 49 cops found liable for the alleged cover-up of irregularities in the police operation.

Bato asked Sosongco who the informant was, but the latter said he only had the informant’s phone number.

When asked about the phone number, Sosongco said the phone where the number was saved was already gone.

(This alibi is too much. You’re taking too much of our time.)

The senator then cited Sosongco for contempt.

His fellow lawmakers did not object to the motion.

“Sergeant of Arms, take physical custody of Lieutenant General Sosongco,” Bato ordered.

(This man is lying too much. You called the informant. Then you will tell us you don’t have the number? You just fool this committee like that?)

A PNP officer has been charged with contempt for lying to the Senate during an investigation.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1201665

Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) operatives have bagged a police sergeant implicated in two slay attempts in Negros Oriental in a follow-up operation inside Camp Crame in Quezon City on Tuesday.

In a statement on Wednesday, the suspect was identified as Staff Sgt. Noel Santa Ana Alabata Jr. and was arrested in front of the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group Building (PDEG) at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

He was arrested using two arrest warrants for cases of attempted murder and attempted homicide issued by two courts in Dumaguete City.

He was later taken to the CIDG office for documentation and custody while awaiting a Commitment Order from the issuing courts.

“The accused was formerly assigned to PDEG Region 6 (Western Visayas) and allegedly used by the Teves as a hitman for a certain ‘Ong,’ a rival of the Teveses in their business,” CIDG director Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr. was quoted as saying in the CIDG statement.

“Our verification is ongoing on the accused who was tagged as gunman of the Teveses to know if he is involved in other cases. We will be fair on all the information that we would obtain to ensure that justice will prevail,” he added.

A cop accused of being a hitman has been arrested. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1770453/ex-cop-3-others-collared-in-antipolo-city-drug-den

A retired member of the Philippine National Police Maritime Group and three others were arrested in a buy-bust operation on Tuesday night inside an alleged drug den in Antipolo City, Rizal.

Operatives from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Rizal province and local police officers collared at 11:36 p,m. Lyndon Baylon, Aaron Marilao, Rowland Gamponia, and Joshualee Lopez in a sting operation inside an alleged drug den in Barangay Cupang, the PDEA-Calabarzon reported on Wednesday, May 17.

Authorities seized 13 grams of shabu (crystal meth) worth P89,700 and various drug paraphernalia from the arrested suspects, all residents of Cupang.

The report tagged Baylon as a “retired Maritime Police,” but did not specify who among the arrested suspects is the drug den maintainer.

A retired cop has been busted on drug charges.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1770994/govt-worker-2-others-nabbed-as-drug-den-dismantled-in-mati-city

Three persons, including a government employee of Davao Oriental, were arrested in an anti-drug operation on Wednesday night in Mati City, authorities said on Thursday, May 11.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Davao Oriental identified the suspects as Eric Belsondra, 38, of Sitio Nasa, Barangay Dahican; Eric Lanaban, and Ronald Besoro.

The joint operation with the Mati police was conducted around 9 p.m. against Belsondra in a suspected drug den at Purok Tate, Martinez Subdivision, Dahican, PDEA Davao Oriental said in a report.

A confidential agent bought from Belsondra a sachet of suspected shabu (crystal meth) for P1,000, leading to his arrest.

Also apprehended were Lanaban, a job order employee of the Davao Oriental provincial capitol, as well as Besoro, who were caught sniffing suspected shabu at the scene.

Recovered at the scene were a medium-sized heat-sealed plastic sachet with suspected shabu weighing about six grams worth P40,800, assorted drug-use paraphernalia, and the marked money used in the operation.

Cases of violating the anti-drug law were filed against the suspects.

A government job order employee has been arrested on drug charges. 

https://mb.com.ph/2023/5/18/police-chief-in-central-luzon-relieved-over-illegal-gambling

Police Brig. Gen. Jose S. Hidalgo Jr., Police Regional Office-3 director, announced Thursday, May 18, the relief of a  chief of police in Central Luzon over illegal gambling.

Hidalgo said he relieved the chief of police due to his failure to monitor illegal gambling operations within his area of responsibility.

He said that he has given an ultimatum to all police chiefs in Region 3 to curb illegal gambling in their areas.

Failure to do so, he said, will result into immediate removal from post as the “one-strike policy” is strictly being implemented.

The PRO-3 learned of the police chief’s failure to contain illegal gambling after a concerned resident informed them that illegal color games are still proliferating inside a fun fair (perya) in Orion, Bataan.

This was verified by the Special Operations Group of the Regional Intelligence Division 3 and a raid was conducted that led to the arrest of the operators and bettors.

A police chief has been relieved of duty for failing to contain illegal gambling. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1201679

Fugitive Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. has been formally charged by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) before prosecutors for the killing of Gov. Roel Degamo last March.

NBI Director Medardo de Lemos personally attended the filing which also saw voluminous boxes of evidence submitted by the NBI to prosecutors to back the charges of murder, multiple frustrated murder, and multiple attempted murder against Teves.

Remulla clarified that they initially received information that Teves purchased a ticket for a Philippine bound flight Wednesday. Teves’ camp, who has insisted that there are threats on his life, has denied that he had planned to return home.

“Ang alam kasi namin ticketed na siya (What we know was that he is ticketed), basta we have sources to tell us his movements. We will not release it if we do not have any reasonable ground to believe that something was going to happen, something may happen and that’s part of it. We have our sources to tell us what the facts are,” Remulla said.

Remulla also urged Teves to return to the country and face the charges. “Well, flight is an indication of guilt, by any language, by any jurisdiction, by any legal system,” the DOJ chief added.

Remulla said the presence of Teves is required if he wants to formally refute the allegations that he masterminded the attack which resulted in the death of their family’s political rival and nine others.

“Di naman pwede in absentia i-file yan (It could not be filed in absentia). He [Teves] has to personally appear to swear by the contents of his counter affidavit,” the DOJ chief said adding that the same cannot be done by Teves online or before a Philippine embassy abroad.

“He cannot do that. He has to come home or they can file the case in court and the warrant will be issued in absentia,” Remulla said.

Rep. Teves has been officially charged with murder. 

Coronavirus Lockdown: Two Schools Permanently Cease Operations, Be Extra Cautious, and More!

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

Despite the WHO  droping the emergency status for the COVID-19 virus the DOH says the pandemic is not over yet. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1766876/fwd-covid-19-pandemic-not-yet-over-doh

The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday reminded the public that the COVID-19 pandemic is not yet over, despite the World Health Organization (WHO) lifting the global state of public health emergency.

“Even though the WHO has already lifted the public health emergency of international concern status, hindi po nila sinabi na tapos na ang pandemya (they did not say that the pandemic is over),” said DOH officer in charge Maria Rosario Vergeire in a press briefing.

“We cannot be complacent at this point, kailangan tuloy tuloy pa rin tayong maging mapagmatiyag and remain vigilant,” she added.

(We cannot be complacent at this point, we still need to be vigilant.)

Vergeire pointed out that the WHO’s lifting of the global public health emergency is merely an acknowledgment of the fact that the world’s response against the virus has been effective.

Vigilance has been the word of the day for the past two years since all the major restrictions were lifted. 

The emergency status was the driving force for the COVID vaccine to be free. The DOH is counting on it remaining free. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1767612/doh-counts-on-covid-vax-still-free-postcrisis

COVID-19 vaccines may remain available at no cost to Filipinos even if the state of public health emergency is lifted, as long as the government keeps funding the two-year-old mass inoculation program, the country’s acting health chief said on Wednesday.

But maintaining the nationwide rollout of free COVID-19 jabs, even just for vulnerable sectors, “is a decision the government has to make,” Department of Health (DOH) officer in charge Maria Rosario Vergeire told a press conference.

She said it was now a question of how long the government could afford to administer COVID-19 jabs for free or whether it should start looking at other ways to protect the public from the contagion.

“We will get to that point wherein we will subject [the program] to [a review] by the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) to determine whether it would be cost-effective for the government,” Vergeire said.

She cited earlier assessments made by the HTA for vaccines against flu and influenza under the national immunization program, which found that ultimately, it was “more cost-effective to protect [people from vaccine-preventable diseases] than to cover for hospital expenses.”

Formed in 2019, the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC) is an independent advisory panel created under Republic Act No. 11223 or the Universal Health Care Act.

It conducts appraisals and guidance on health interventions and technologies that would be funded by the government. On March 6, its operations were formally turned over to the Department of Science and Technology in compliance with the law.

The health official also encouraged vaccine makers to apply for certificate of product registration (CPR) so that the private sector and physicians could gain immediate access to COVID-19 vaccines once the public health emergency status was revoked.

This would also mean that COVID-19 doses would be available for commercial use.

A CPR is a license granted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the manufacturing, distribution and sale of a medical device. All COVID-19 vaccines and medicines in the government’s inventory are currently distributed and administered under an emergency use authorization or EUA.

But in the absence of a prevailing health emergency, the FDA loses the authority to issue an EUA for COVID-19 vaccines and drugs.

If they do remain free it seems that won't be for long. 

President Marcos appears to have an entirely different attitude than the DOH. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1201348

President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr. said Thursday the Philippines has already been on “normal footing” even before the World Health Organization (WHO) declared an end to the emergency phase of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

In a media interview on board his flight back to the Philippines, Marcos said there is no need to restore the emergency status in the country concerning the global health emergency downgrade.

“So we don’t need to do anything. We are already on normal footing. Nauna pa tayo sa kanila (We were ahead of them). And in terms of the... requirement that we used to have for a valid vaccine certificate, wala, matagal nang tinanggal ‘yun(we removed that long ago),” he said.

“So now we have the e-Pass that’s much easier to use. That was… to make the ease of travel better. But we did that a few months back.”

House of Representatives Speaker Martin Romualdez said the WHO declaration should pave the way for the Philippines to sustain economic growth or even take the economy to a higher growth path.

The lifting would translate to increased mobility, more economic activities, and therefore additional job and income opportunities for workers and their families, Romualdez added.

He noted that the lifting of travel restrictions would also mean more tourists visiting the Philippines.

“Let the concerned government agencies and sectors of the economy prepare for this possibility, which will benefit tourist destinations and local communities,” he said.

Marcos says the nation better get ready for more tourists. The DOT agrees. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1201598

The Department of Tourism (DOT) said Tuesday the country will now chart its way "forward" in terms of tourism development as the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the end of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) global health emergency.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, in a Palace briefing, said the country would continue to open its borders to tourists despite an increase in Covid-19 cases.

She assured that all minimum health and safety standards are in place and are observed by DOT-accredited establishments.

"The pandemic is over, according to the World Health Organization. That is why while we continue to support the Department of Health's measures as far as ensuring the health and safety of our Filipinos, the direction of the Philippines is forward. And that is to ensure that we continue to open up the country to travel and tourism as is the direction set by our President (Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.)," Frasco said.

Marcos earlier said the Philippines has already been on “normal footing” even before the WHO declaration ending the emergency phase of the pandemic.

That is a completely different sentiment than that of the DOH. It seems the DOH wants the pandemic to continue. 

COVID cases are up. But they are mostly mild. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1769558/daily-covid-infections-jump-31-cases-mostly-mild

The number of daily COVID-19 infections recorded on Monday rose to 1,773 — a 31-percent increase from the previous daily average of 1,352 recorded last week — but these were mostly mild cases.

No coronavirus deaths had been reported in the past two weeks, while healthcare utilization remained low, according to the weekly case update of the Department of Health (DOH).

The department said only 53 of 12,414 people who tested positive last week were either seriously or critically ill, as were 437 of 4,185 patients currently admitted in hospitals nationwide.

These patients made up 26 percent of 15,891 individuals still infected as of May 14.

The DOH said 18.8 percent of reserved COVID-19 intensive care unit (ICU) beds and 21.7 percent of non-ICU beds are occupied.

The healthcare utilization rate is considered at low risk if it is not higher than 20 percent.

Nothing to worry about, right? Of course there is plenty to work about. Experts say everyone needs to be extra cautions amid the rise of COVID-19 cases. 

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/13/23/experts-warn-pinoys-to-be-extra-cautious-amid-rise-in-covid-19-cases

An infectious diseases expert on Saturday stressed the importance of getting vaccinated against COVID-19, as sub variants are being blamed for the recent spike in cases.

Doctor Rontgene Solante said he is seeing unvaccinated infected patients in critical condition, adding that the elderly are especially vulnerable.

"So those who don't have the vaccine are the ones who are really affected by it who can become critical and elderly, so upwards of 65 to 70 years old and above, this is a bit dangerous even if we say mild, but if you don't have the vaccine and you have this age group that is quite old then the risk that you can be severe will be there," he said.

Some symptoms of arcturus to look out for are: severe sore throat, fever and sore eyes or conjunctivitis.

Those who were fully vaccinated and received a booster shot were able to recover quickly.

"Fully vaccinated and boostered that the symptoms are very short. Three days or less than 3 days the fever is gone, the cough is gone but the sore throat sometimes will be there 5 days 7 days," Solante said.

Meanwhile, public health advocate Dr. Tony Leachon reminded the public to still observe coronavirus protocols to avoid getting infected. He said that cases of COVID-19 are increasing with the highest number of cases after 7 months recorded on Friday. It totaled 2,114 new cases.

"This number may be underestimated, but let's not worry because as long as I say we wear a face mask, we drink alcohol, we social distance and we fix our indoor air quality, we can avoid it," he said.

Nice to know the fully vaccinated are not actaully immune to the virus. But everyone pay attention already knew that. 

Baguio City is going all in and reimposing mandatory face masks. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1769486/baguio-city-to-require-anew-wearing-of-face-masks-especially-in-indoor-settings-mayor

Face masks will again be mandatory in Baguio City, especially in indoor settings due to the rising number of  COVID-19 cases, Mayor Benjamin Magalong announced on Monday.

“Kaya dito ipapatupad na uli natin (We will now enforce again) … especially indoors, we are now requiring our constituents and visitors to be wearing their face masks,” Magalong said in an interview posted in the Baguio City Public Information Office’s Facebook page.

Magalong said the executive order requiring the mandatory use of face masks is expected to be released on Monday. 

“This is one way of mitigating, hopefully we are able to reduce the number of cases,” he added.

Magalong said the COVID-19’s reproduction number of the city is “above one.”

What a step backwards. And we all know face masks did not and do not stop the spread of the virus. 

Manila says they will not reimpose face masks. 

https://news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/05/17/23/metro-manila-wont-reinstate-mask-mandate-for-now-mayor

Metro Manila won’t make face masks mandatory again amid a rise in COVID-19 cases in the country, the head of the Metro Manila Council said Wednesday.

San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora said Metro Manila remains in the low-risk category for COVID, with hospital utilization rate at 29 percent.

“So that is within the low risk category. At ang positivity rate po natin ay 25 percent…ngunit karamihan po talaga ay mild lamang (our positivity rate is 25 percent, most of the cases are mild),” he said.

(Yes, some cities are reimposing mask mandates, but overall in Metro Manila, together with the DOH, we are under the low risk category at Alert Level 1, and under that category face masks are optional.)

Zamora said the mayors did not discuss imposing mask mandates yet in their last meeting.

However, face masks will be required at Manila City Hall. 

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/metro/870263/manila-imposes-mandatory-face-masking-at-city-hall/story/

More local government units (LGUs) have adopted face-masking policies and imposed stricter measures amid the rising cases of COVID-19.

According to Cedric Castillo's report on "24 Oras", Manila has made the wearing of face masks mandatory inside the city hall.

Quezon City, on the other hand, advised the residents to wear face masks, especially in crowded areas.

“Mahigpit po nating ipatutupad ang pagsuot ng face mask sa loob ng inyong mga tanggapan at sa lahat po ng mga dadayo sa Manila City Hall,” Manila City mayor Honey Lacuna said.

(We will strictly enforce the wearing of face masks inside your offices and on all visitors to Manila City Hall.)

This was supported by both staff and visitors at the city hall.

How many municipalized will follow suit? 

Schools were hit hard by the lockdowns. Now two private schools are calling it quits after deacdes of being in operation. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1769854/2-private-schools-in-bacolod-permanently-cease-operations

Jack & Jill School and Castleson High School, two private schools in this city are permanently closing on June 30 after six decades of service to the community.

Dr. Muriel Lopez-Wagner, president of Jack & Jill School and Castleson High School, cited the insurmountable burden on its finances due to the reverberating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic despite its swift conversion to online classes and intensive teacher training.

She also mentioned a decrease in enrollment year after year as well as the passing away of the schools’ founder Cecilia del Castillo Lopez in 2020.

“I think several significant factors led to the ultimate financial collapse where the only way out was to sell a building,” she said in a statement released on May 9.

Lopez-Wagner expressed her deepest gratitude “to hundreds of parents, students, alumni, teachers, staff members, and loyal supporters who will always carry the Jack & Jill trademark and love.”

All it took was two years to wipe out 60 years of service. That pretty much sums up the pandemic and the economically crippling lockdowns.