Baybayin News - June 21, 2020 Issue

June 21, 2020

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Baybayin News is a weekly publication of RDS Publishing

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www.baybayin.ca

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Vol. 1 No. 1

President Duterte welcomes 5 new envoys to PH President Rodrigo Roa Duterte accepted the credentials of five new ambassadors to the country in a virtual ceremony in Malacañang on Friday, June 19, hoping stronger ties with the countries or state they represent.

In a statement, President Duterte affirmed the Philippines’ “friendly and cooperative” ties with the State of Palestine, New Zealand, Canada, Islamic Republic of Iran, and Socialist Republic of Viet Nam as he received the credentials of their respective ambassadors.

In receiving the credentials of Saleh Asad Saleh Fhied Mohammad, the new ambassador of the State of Palestine, President Duterte conveyed the Filipino people’s warmest welcome to him for being the first envoy assigned in the country after the reestablishment of their embassy in Manila last year.

The Chief Executive stressed that Palestine’s decision to re-open its embassy “marks a new chapter in Philippines-Palestine relations, which hopefully will lead to fruitful engagement in various areas of mutual interest.”

Ambassador Saleh Mohammad, for his part, expressed the warm greetings of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to the President and the Filipino people. He vowed to foster friendly ties and cooperation between Palestine and the Philippines during his tenure.

President Duterte also accepted the credentials of Ambassador Peter Francis Tavita Kell of New Zealand.

According to the President, the Philippines is particularly interested in pursuing cooperation with New Zealand in geothermal energy development as well as in deepening engagement in defense and security, especially in maritime security and combating terrorism and transnational crimes.

Ambassador Kell committed to strengthen Philippines-New Zealand relations during his tour of duty in the country.

In accepting the credentials of Ambassador James Peter MacArthur of Canada, the President expressed hope that his tenure in Manila will lead to more robust and wide-ranging cooperation, especially in the fight against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), trade and investments, maritime security and marine environmental protection, development issues, agriculture, and education.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte receives the credentials of the ambassadors-designate of the State of Palestine, New Zealand, Canada, Islamic Republic of Iran and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam during a virtual ceremony at the Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang on June 19, 2020. ALBERT ALCAIN/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

He lauded the North American country as “an old friend and important development partner.”

In response, Ambassador MacArthur congratulated the President on his “signature achievements” including the peace agreement and establishment of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Universal Healthcare Act, and “Build, Build, Build” program.

With regard to the COVID-19 pandemic, the envoy stressed that Canada and the Philippines “stand shoulder to shoulder” in combating the disease.

In welcoming Iranian Ambassador Alireza Tootoonchian, the President expressed hope for “stronger bilateral ties, particularly in science and technology and people-to- people exchanges.”

He conveyed his deep appreciation to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei for pardoning a Filipino national who was imprisoned in Iran.

Ambassador Tootoonchian, for his part, conveyed the best wishes of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and his invitation for the President to visit Iran. cont’d on P2, President Duterte

Ontario prepares for safe school reopening TORONTO — The Ontario government released on Friday its safety plan for the resumption of class for the 2020-21 school year, outlining scenarios for how students, teachers and staff can safely return to classrooms in September. The plan also provides choice to parents, enhanced online learning, and additional funding. While the decision to return to the normal school day routine will continue to be based on medical advice, boards and schools are being asked to plan for alternative scenarios that may need to be implemented in September depending on the province's COVID-19 situation.

"Nothing is more important than protecting our kids in this province.

Parents expect us to take every precaution to keep their children safe when they go back to school in September - and that's exactly what we're delivering today," said Premier Ford. "This plan takes the best medical advice available from our public heath experts to ensure every school board and every school is ready to ensure

students continue learning in the safest way possible."

Ontario's plan to safely reopen schools will provide options for parents - to send their children in-class or to enter online learning - with health, safety and well-being at its core. Boards will be asked to plan for the following three scenarios to be implemented in September, depending on the public health situation at the time: Normal school day routine with enhanced public health protocols Students going to school every day, in classes that reflect standard class size regulations.

Modified school day routine Based on public health advice, an adapted delivery model has been designed to allow for physical distancing and cohorts of students.

Under this model, school boards are asked to maintain a limit of 15 students in a typical classroom at one time and adopt timetabling that would allow for students cont’d on P9, Ontario prepares

Page 2 ● June 21, 2020

Philippine News

DOH promotes injury prevention, improved safety protocols for children With Filipino children spending time at home due to the pandemic, parents now pay more attention to the safety of their children.

In light of the National Safe Kids Week, Department of Health (DOH) OIC-Undersecretary Dr. Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire and OICChildren’s Health and Development Division Chief Dr. Anthony Calibo discussed how parents can keep their children safe, as well as what to do in case of an emergency.

“Kahit na po tayo ay nasa apat na sulok ng ating tahanan, dapat pa rin po tayong maging mapagmatyag sa anumang panganib na maaring makasakit o magdulot ng sakuna sa ating pamilya, lalong-lalo na po sa mga bata,” said Singh-Vergeire.

Almost 50% of childhood injuries occur at home, with about 89% of those injuries being unintentional. According to Calibo, parents can prevent injuries by limiting their child’s access to potentially harmful objects or areas. It is also important for parents to keep a watchful eye as they play and move around to avoid potential injuries.

Calibo explained that in the event of an emergency, parents may contact their barangay health officials who can safely escort them to the nearest emergency room. For parents with access to a private vehicle, they are encouraged to call the emergency room ahead of time so the medical staff can properly receive them.

Emergency rooms across the country have been modified with

separate patient pathways for COVIDsuspected patients and non-COVIDsuspected patients.

Some children, especially infants, may not be able to use a face mask

Photo from Pixabay properly and may have a difficult time breathing, so Calibo proposes that parents use a breastfeeding or nursing cover as an alternative. The pediatrician also recommends parents to be extra mindful of keeping themselves sanitized constantly.

“Ngayong lumuluwag na ang ilang restrictions ng quarantine, manatili po tayong alerto at ipagpatuloy ang pagsasagawa ng mga health protocols natin,” said Singh-Vergeire, reminding the public to observe the health guidelines, such as physical distancing, proper use of PPE, proper hygiene, and cough etiquette.

“Ang health protocols na ito ay malaki ang maiiambag, kapag tayong lahat ang gumawa, sa pambansang laban sa COVID-19.”

Source: DOH

Former Anakpawis

From P2, Bottom left, Former Anakpawis

Malaya explains that the dismissal is without prejudice to the prosecutor’s filing of another information in relation to non-cooperation.He says that the accused are still facing prosecution for the other charges on Resistance and Disobedience to a Person in Authority or the Agents; attempted inciting of sedition; and in the case of Casilao, usurpation of authority filed by the DOJ. “They are not completely off the hook sapagkat may iba pa silang mga kasong dapat lusutan kaya it is absurd for them to claim exoneration.”

It can be recalled, says Malaya, that Casilao and his group’s purpose for the unauthorized travel outside of NCR was to conduct a mass gathering in the form of a teach-in or propaganda work against the government. Numerous tarpaulins, pamphlets, and propaganda materials were found inside their jeepney.

“Clearly, there was an ulterior motive in their clandestine operation last April as they have guised their propaganda work as a relief operation

at mayroon silang nalabag na batas.

Fortunately, pieces of evidence were confiscated and gathered, which will be presented by the DOJ to the court,” the DILG Spox points out.

Meanwhile, DOJ Secretary Menandro Guevarra said in an interview that the prosecutors of the case against Casilao and his group can still appeal the court dismissal of the non-cooperation case versus the accused saying that the prosecutors can file a motion for partial reconsideration.

The accused will be arraigned on June 24, 2020, said Guevarra.

The former Anakpawis representative and six other members were caught for violating the ECQ in Luzon last April when they broke the ‘stay at home policy,’ conducted an unauthorized travel outside of Metro Manila, and attempted to organize a mass gathering in Norzagaray, Bulacan in the guise of distributing relief goods.

Source: DILG

President Duterte, from P1 The Philippines, the Iranian envoy said, “enjoys a special standing in Iran because of the country’s independent foreign policy, particularly under President Duterte, and its advocacy for peaceful co- existence among peoples of different faiths.”

Also welcomed by the President was Viet Nam’s Ambassador Hoang Huy Chung, hailing the Asian country “as an important friend and neighbor.”

Citing strategic partnership, President Duterte stressed that the Philippines and Viet Nam “should continue working closely together to promote peace and security in the

region, especially in the maritime sphere.”

“We count on Viet Nam’s continued support for our advocacy for the rule of law, peaceful resolution of disputes, and keeping the global commons – particularly in our region’s maritime space – free and open,” the President said.

For his part, the ambassador conveyed the warmest greetings of President Nguyen Phu Trong to PresThis is the first time President Duterte held a presentation of credentials ceremony through a teleconference call as part of the “new normal” brought about by the COVID19 pandemic.

Source: PCOO

DILG inirekomenda sa Ombudsman ang pagpataw ng disciplinary action laban sa 20 punong barangay na lumabag sa ECQ protocols Inirekomenda ng Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) sa Tanggapan ng Ombudsan ang pagpapataw ng disciplinary action laban sa 20 punong barangay ng Metro Manila dahil sa paglabag sa enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) protocols.

“Nais naming magpadala ng mensahe sa mga pasaway na punong barangay na hindi hahayaan ng DILG ang anumang paglabag ng ECQ protocols. Bilang mga opisyal ng gobyerno, dapat tayo ang manguna sa pagsunod ng batas at hindi sa paglabag nito," sabi ni DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año.

“Wala tayong sasantuhin. Patuloy ang pagtanggap natin ng mga reklamo kaya patuloy din ang pagsasampa natin ng kaso sa Ombudsman,” dagdag pa niya.

Sa isang liham kay Ombudsman Samuel Martires noong 16 June 2020, sinabi ni DILG Undersecretary for Barangay Affairs Martin Diño na ang dalawampung punong barangay ay pinadalhan ng show cause orders, alinsunod sa Administrative Order No. 267 na nagde-delegate ng supervisory powers ng Presidente sa DILG, upang hingin ang kanilang sagot laban sa mga alegasyon sa kanila.

Dahil hindi sapat ang kanilang tugon, sabi ni Diño na nakahanap sila ng sapat na ebidensya at batayan upang iendorso ang mga ito sa Tanggapan ng Ombudsman alinsunod sa Section 21 at 26 ng RA 6770.

"Patong-patong ang mga reklamo at sumbong na natanggap namin laban sa kanila kaya sa kabila ng kanilang sagot sa show cause order ay minabuti naming ipadala pa din sa Ombudsman ang mga ebidensyang aming nakalap," ani Diño.

Sa 20 punong barangay, 5 ay mula Caloocan City, 5 mula sa Quezon City; 2 mula sa Parañaque City; 1 bawat isa mula sa Mandaluyong City, Las Piñas, Manila City, Makati, Pasay City, Taguig City, Marikina City, at Muntinlupa City.

Ayon kay Diño, ilan sa kanilang mga sala ay ang paglabag sa implementasyon ng physical distancing sa pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga mamamayan, iligal na sabong, pagsusugal, ampaw na pagpapatupad ng lockdown protocols dahil may mga batang nakitang naglalaro sa kalsada, at pagpapabaya sa tungkulin, bukod sa iba pa.

Dagdag pa niya, ang iba’t ibang reklamo ay isinampa sa DILG Emergency Operation Center, Hotline 8888, at pati sa mga natanggap na e-

DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año. Photo from Wikimedia.

mail at text messages ng kaniyang team, na siyang vinalidate at kinompirma nila upang masigurong ang mga kasong isasampa ay may katotohanan.

“Sa pamamagitan ng mga reklamong nakakarating sa amin galing sa government hotlines, social media, texts at email, at mayroon pang nagpupunta mismo dito sa DILG Central Office nagkakaroon tayo ng lead na iniimbistigahan natin. Nagorganisa ako ng ilang teams na personal na pinupuntahan ang mga barangay at mga nagreklamo para tiyaking tama at may basehan ang reklamo,” paliwanag ni Diño.

Sabi pa niya ang karamihan sa mga kaso ay napag-alamang totoo at hindi lamang isolated incidents sa dahilang maraming indibidwal ang nagsampa ng reklamo. “Alam mo kadalasan, may 50 reklamong nakakaabot sa amin para lamang sa isang opisyal ng barangay. Doon pa lang malalaman mo na hindi lang pamumulitika kundi talagang mataas ang probability na may ginawa talagang mali.”

Ani Diño, maasahan ng publiko na marami pang kaso ang aabot sa tanggapan ng Ombudsman at sa kasalukuyan ay iniimbestigahan na ng kanyang opisina ang higit sa isang daang punong barangay dahil sa iba’tibang paglabag.

Source: DILG

Philippine News

DILG: Over 80,000 contact tracers needed nationwide for expanded contact tracing efforts As part of the government’s continuing efforts to defeat COVID-19, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) today said that the government needs some 82,537 contact tracers to form part of local contact tracing teams (CTTs) of local government units (LGUs) across the country who shall take charge of tracking down the close contacts of confirmed COVID-19 patients.

“Given that the there is still no vaccine or cure to COVID-19, the government needs to train and hire contact tracers who will break the chains of transmission of COVID-19 by identifying those who may have been exposed to the virus and monitoring them daily for 14 days,” said DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año.

Año said that the Department has already submitted a proposal to the Interagency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF-MEID) for the hiring and training of contact tracers as part of the government’s expanded contact tracing efforts to effectively manage the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are waiting for the approval of the IATF-MEID so that our LGUs can start hiring and training contact tracers in their localities. We need to be one step ahead and ready with the required number of contact tracers rather than be caught off guard when the need for contact tracers arises in case of a second wave,” he said.Under the DILG proposal to the IATF-MEID, the following are the qualifications of contact tracers: preferably graduates of Bachelor’s Degree on Allied Medical Courses, other health-related courses, or Criminology. Second priority maybe given to those applicants who have completed at least two years of college education in medical or criminologyrelated courses. Said applicants shall preferably have one-year relevant

experience and four hours relevant series on implementing effective training. contact tracing strategies for LGUs At present, Año said there are organized by the DILG and the Local 52,463 contact tracers nationwide who Government Academy (LGA). are part of 3,347 local contact tracing Florece explained that the contact teams. “Per WHO, the ideal contact tracers are tasked to monitor both tracer to population ratio is 1:800 so to symptomatic and asymptomatic close fully cover 108-million Filipinos, we contacts on a daily basis for 14 days actually need a total of 135,000 contact from the last point of exposure. Those tracers,” he said. that tested positive on COVID-19 “While there is a need to hire either through rapid test or PCR tests 80,000 CTs, we just proposed to the IATF the hiring of only 50,000 since the LGU continues to increase the number of their CTs and there are also volunteers from the private sector,” he said.

He said that the DILG expects the approval of its proposal soon and expects to start hiring the additional contact tracers by next month.

The DILG is the lead agency in contact tracing pursuant to IATF Resolution No. 25. On April 24, 2020, the DILG issued memorandum circular 2020-077 directing LGUs to establish LGU Task Force against COVID-19, DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año including the Contact Tracing Team. are referred to hospital facilities for proper treatment.

Over 87,000 contacts traced COVID-19 enhanced contact Meanwhile, DILG Undersecretary tracing efforts is a joint effort of the for Peace and Order Bernardo Florece Department of Health, DILG, Jr. said that a total of 87,092 out of Philippine National Police, Armed 94,534 contacts (92.13%) have already Forces of the Philippines, and Bureau been traced as of June 15 by local CCTs of Fire Protection. Data gathered nationwide. during the contact tracing initiatives “It is contact tracers who advise the will be shared among these parties for general contacts whether they need to proper COVID-19 testing and immediately undergo home quarantine treatment with due regard to RA 10173 or be placed in isolation facilities,” or the Data Privacy Act of 2012.

Florece explained during the webinar Source: DILG

Former Anakpawis solon and group not ‘off the hook’, will still face other criminal charges Former Anakpawis Representative Ariel Casilao and six members of his group are not completely absolved from criminal liabilities following the dismissal of one of the charges against them by the Norzagaray Municipal Trial Court, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

DILG Undersecretary and Spokesperson Jonathan E. Malaya says that despite the dismissal of the charge for violation of Section 9 (d) of Republic Act No. 11332, also known as the law on the mandatory reporting of notifiable diseases, Casilao and his companions will still be facing other criminal charges from the Department of Justice (DOJ), “therefore they are still not off the hook.”

“It was clear that Casilao and his group committed criminal offenses when they conducted an unauthorized travel outside of Metro Manila and conducted a mass gathering during ECQ. One case against them may have been dismissed but it is certain that they have not been absolved from other criminal liabilities. Magpapatuloy po

ang pagdinig sa iba pa nilang mga kaso,” Malaya says.

“We respect the decision of the court, which clearly shows the independence of the judiciary, but they will still face the other charges filed by the DOJ,” he adds.

Judge Julie Rita Suarez-Badillo of the Norzagaray Municipal Trial Court dismissed only the charge arising from RA 11332 of the ‘Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act saying the alleged facts do not constitute an offense. “In dismissing the charge against the former Anakpawis Representative and his group, the judge stated that RA 11332 may not be the law violated at this point,” Malaya says.

Suarez-Badilla expressed through an order dated May 13 that "While such act [travelling outside the residence without the travel permit or quarantine pass] illustrates defiance for the open directive to observe the ECQ, such infraction does not fall under the prohibited acts of RA 11332." cont’d on P2, Bottom left, Former Anakpawis

DILG.. internet allowance to Parañaque public school teachers, while Mayor Isko is set to procure 110,000 tablets with SIM cards and 11,000 laptops with pocket WiFi devices for Manila public school students and teachers.

According to the DILG Memorandum, the following are the minimum specs for laptops: a processor with 1.6Ghz Based Speed, with Turbo Speed; a screen size of 13 inches, Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (Full HD), 1080p Anti-Glare LED-Backlit or IPS Techn010U; memory of 8 QB RAM; storage of 512 GB HDD SATA; and connectivity of Wireless LAN 802.11 b/ g /n/ac Bluetooth.

For tablets, the specs are: Quadcore 1.3 GHz processor; a display size of 8 inches; display resolution of 800 x 1280 Pixels; storage of 32 GB; and a 4G LTE (Optional, Preferred) Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n Bluetooth network.

For smartphones, they must have an Octa-core 2.0 GHz processor; a display size of 6 inches; a display type of IPS LCD Display; display resolution of 720 x 1520 Pixels; storage of 32 GB; network of GSM / HSPA / LTE Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n Bluetooth; and must have dual SIM. Source: DILG

June 21, 2020 ● Page 3

DILG: LGUs planning to donate gadgets to schools should comply with DepEd technical specs In light of the plans of many Local Government Units to donate tablets and other learning gadgets to their respective public schools, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has urged local government units (LGUs) who are doing so to comply with the minimum technical specifications set by the Department of Education (DepEd).

“We all want to help our schools, especially our teachers and learners, cope and adjust with the new normal in education brought about by the pandemic but we don’t want these expensive gadgets to go to waste. We must be sure that they will be utilized.

Hence, we encourage our LGUs who are planning to donate ICT equipment to be guided by the technical specs given by DepEd when they make their donation,” said DILG Undersecretary and Spokesperson Jonathan E. Malaya.

In a memorandum circular to governors, mayors and punong barangays, DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año informed all LGUs of the DepEd’s minimum technical specifications and also advised the LGUs that there is no need to purchase Microsoft Office as DepEd will facilitate the installation of the said software given that they have a special Volume Licensing Agreement with Microsoft.

Malaya also said that DepEd can arrange an “‘Email of Eligibility” for LGU-donors from Microsoft that can be provided to device manufacturers to build fresh devices with discounted Windows 10 Operating System.

He said that LGUs may provide ICT gadgets to schools by way of a Deed of Donation, or by commodatum through a written agreement in favor of the Schools Division Office (SDO) or the public schools themselves. “This is for purposes of proper recording and accountability,” he said.

In behalf of the DILG, he also commended Biñan City Mayor Arman Dimaguila, Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez, Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno, and Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto for allocating funds for the donation of ICT gadgets to public schools and teachers to help them learn and work from home in this time of pandemic.

“Saludo po ang DILG sa mga LGUs na nakaprograma nang magdonate ng mga laptops, tablets at smartphones at nagpapamalas ng kanilang pagmamalasakit sa mga eskuwelahan, estudyante at mga guro.

Your donation will go a long way in ensuring the success of the government’s distance education initiatives,” he said.

Mayor Dimaguila recently turned over some 151 Lenovo laptop computers and 200 75-inch Smart TVs for its public schools and teachers in Biñan. On the other hand, Mayor Olivarez is set to donate 7,000 tablets to kindergarten and Grade 1 students as well as 300 laptops and provide cont’d P3, Bottom middle, DILG

Page 4 ● June 21, 2020

Opinion / Philippine News

Editorial

Palace maintains Supreme Court’s ruling on libel

Freedom of the Press not to Oppress There are a lot of clamours nowadays with regards to freedom of the press. The mainstream media both local and international are seemingly in a war mode after the recent conviction of Maria Ressa, Rappler’s executive editor, and former researcher and writer Reynaldo Santos Jr, of cyberlibel over a story that alleged links between a businessman and the late Chief Justice Renato Corona. They attribute the conviction to President Duterte as a person behind the case and conviction to silence a critic like Maria Ressa.

The case was regarding an article written by Reynaldo Santos Jr in 2012 that tarnished the reputation of Mr. Wilfred Keng, who is a reputable businessman. In the said article, Mr. Keng was portrayed as person with questionable character involved in several illegal and criminal activities. According to the camp of Mr. Keng, these allegations were used not only to tarnish his reputation but to connect him to the late CJ Corona to justify his removal from his post. Mr. Keng denied these accusations and pleaded Rappler several times to take down the article or at least give him a chance to be heard.

According to the court records, Rappler’s editor-at-large Marites Vitug informed Mr. Keng’s lawyer that a “clarificatory article” would be written by another reporter to present the businessman’s side. The reporter, Katerina Francisco, testified in court that she submitted the article to her editors, but it wasn’t published. Mr. Keng is no ordinary businessman as he was listed 23rd in one of Forbes’ annual listings of 40 richest Filipino and was never linked to any crime or criminal.

The Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, officially recorded as Republic Act No. 10175, is a law in the Philippines that was approved on September 12, 2012. The article in question was published by Rappler on May 29, 2012 thus it was not covered by the said law.

However, the article was republished on Feb 19, 2014, thus it

is now covered by the said Act. Rappler defended their action stating that they were only correcting a typo, amending a spelling of “evation” to “evasion.”

Mr. Keng’s lawyer argued why would Rappler correct that typo error to republish the libelous article two years after it was first posted, among the 7,000 articles posted in their website between May 2012 to Feb 2014.

A veteran journalist of Manila Times explained that there could be another reason why the libellous article may had been republished.

There is a rumor, allegedly, that a major stockholder of Rappler was asking Mr. Keng to invest P100 Million to Rappler early 2014, somewhat insinuating probably that he can make the libelous article be taken down if he is an investor. Mr. Keng declined to this offer and a few weeks after that, on Feb 19, 2014, the article was republished.

This allegation was denied by the said stockholder although the person acknowledged of their brief business meeting that did not prosper. As Manila Times article would put it “Whether the offer was a purely business one or not, with no string attached, it convinced Keng that he was being shaken down, that he was asked to put up P100 million as an investor for the libelous article claiming he was a criminal to be taken down from the site.”

Press freedom in the country is vibrant and strong. There is no doubt about it especially during the present administration no matter what they say. In four years of Duterte administration, only Rappler was sued, not by the government but by a private individual whom they wronged.

Attributing the conviction to Duterte is just wrong and misleading. The mighty journalists both local and international are ganging up on Duterte when he has nothing to do with it. The power of pen should not be used to shake down innocent private individuals or government officials. Freedom of the press should not be used to oppress.

By: Don Aguilar

The Palace on Monday, June 15, maintains its stand on libel, saying that it acknowledges the Supreme Court’s ruling that “libel is not a constitutionally protected speech and that the government has an obligation to protect private individuals from defamation.”

Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque Jr, in is his virtual press briefing in Malacañang, cited two cases in support of the government’s stand on libel and cyber libel. He cited the case of Alexander Adonis vs Republic of the Philippines and the case of Roque vs Executive Secretary.

Secretary Roque said that in the case of Alexander Adonis, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte who was then Mayor of Davao City, provided material support to Adonis who went to the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Committee where he said that criminal libel in the Philippines is a violation to the freedom of speech.

“Dahil po sa paninidigan ni Alexander Adonis at dahil na rin sa material support of then City Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte nanalo po si Alexander Adonis.”

The President’s spokesman added that Adonis was also a party in the Roque vs Executive Secretary case where they questioned the constitutionality of cyber libel.

However, in the Roque vs Executive Secretary case, the Supreme Court ruled that the recommendation of the UN Human Rights Committee to

decriminalize criminal libel is just a suggestion and is therefore not binding in the Philippines.

Roque added, “At sinabi rin ng hukuman and I quote: “Libel is not a constitutionally protected speech and that the government has an obligation to protect private individuals from

Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque Jr, in is his virtual press briefing in Malacañang. Photo: PCOO

defamation.”

“Nagpapatunay po na hindi po Presidente ang nasa likod sa panunupil diumano ng kalayaan ng malayang pananalita at pamamahayag …

Suportado po ng Presidente ang malayang pananalita at malayang pamamahayag,” said Secretary Roque.

He added that if the complainant is a public figure like a government official, malice in law has to be established to show that there is really malice involved.

Source: PCOO

To delay Universal Health Care implementation contradicts law – Palace The Palace is not in favor of the call to delay the implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act as called for by the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PHilHealth) during a joint congressional committees hearing on the UHC law.

Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque Jr, in his June 18 virtual press briefing, said that suspending the implementation of the Universal Health Care is against the law. “Well, ito po’y labag sa literal na probisyon ng batas at dun po sa intensyon ng mga nagsulong ng batas na ito,” said Secretary Roque.

The Palace official, who is one of the primary authors of the UHC law in the Lower House during the 17th Congress, added, “Alam po namin nung sinulong namin ang Universal Health Care na dapat nga maisabatas yan dahil hindi sapat po ang PhilHealth para magbigay ng karapatan ng kalusugan sa lahat.”

Secretary Roque said that PhilHealth premiums will not be enough to provide universal healthcare, which is why, Roque said, the law provides for the use of the state funds if needed, to provide free medicines and free medical care for Filipinos.

“Tama po si Senator Bong Go, kung kinakailangan gagamitin natin ang bilyon-bilyon na galing po sa kaban ng bayan dahil yan naman po ay

pangako ng Presidente, at isang obligasyon ng estado na ibigay ang mabuting kalusugan sa lahat ng mga mamamayan,” stressed Roque The President’s spokesman also called on PhilHealth officials to implement the UHC law as it was a law that was certified as urgent by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

“Ang aking panawagan sa mga namumuno po ng PhilHealth, kung hindi nyo po mapapatupad ang isang batas na sinertify urgent ng Presidente mismo, dahil ang nais nya magkaroon ng libreng gamot at libreng [pag]gamot ang lahat ng Pilipino gaya ng ginawa nya sa Davao, eh siguro po hahanap na lang po ng iba na pupwedeng magpatupad nyan,” said Roque.

Secretary Roque also called on PhilHealth President and CEO Ricardo Morales to conduct administrative investigation on alleged corruption cases in the PhilHealth. “[H]indi po tama yung sinabi ninyo habang ang mga kaso ay nakabinbin sa hukuman o Ombudsman, mayroon pa rin po kayong obligasyon at katungkulan na imbestigahan administratively yung mga taong nadedemanda sa Ombudsman dahil alam naman natin matagal po talaga ang proseso dyan sa Ombudsman. So hindi po prejudicial ang mga kasong nakasampa dahil cont’d on P7, To delay Universal

Philippine News

Año relieves BFP-6 Regional Director Due to alleged breach of quarantine protocol of BFP personnel in Boracay Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo M. Año has ordered the relief of the Regional Director of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) – Region 6, F/ SSUPT Roderick P. Aguto, after the reported breach of quarantine protocol of a fire personnel who reportedly roamed around Boracay Island while awaiting the result of her PCR test on COVID-19 which eventually turned out to be positive.

DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año. Photo: Wikimedia commons.

“We will never tolerate any wrongdoing by our BFP personnel or any other DILG personnel for that matter because lives are at stake here.

Panahon ng pandemya ngayon at hindi puwede ang mga palusot. Moreover, as law enforcers, we must set a good example to our people and the breach of quarantine protocols sets a very bad example,” he said.

Año has appointed F/SSUPT Jerry D. Candido, the Director for Logistics of BFP-National Headquarters (NHQ), to be the Officer-in-Charge of BFPRegion 6.

“Alam ninyo po, hindi madali itong contact tracing. To be careless on the part of public safety officers in this time of pandemic is utterly deplorable,” said Año, whose agency is the lead agency

in the contact tracing efforts of NTF COVID. DILG Undersecretary and Spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said that Secretary Año has directed BFP Chief Jose Embang to immediately investigate the matter and to submit the results of the investigation to his office.

“A Special Investigation Task Group of the BFP NHQ has been directed to investigate fire personnel of BFP-6 and her 27 other co-workers whom she had exposure to or close contact with,” said Malaya.

“Puspusan na po ang contact tracing na isinasagawa ng BFP-6 at mayroon na pong koordinasyon sa DILG Region 6 at Police Regional Office. Titiyakin po natin ang medical needs ng mga fire personnel na ito na maaaring na-expose sa COVID-19 subalit mananagot din sila sa anumang maging resulta ng imbestigasyon nila na ipinag-utos ni Secretary Año kaugnay sa posibleng naging kapabayaan” he said.

Based on the initial report, the positive PCR result of the concerned personnel came out June 14, 2020 and it was found out that she had close exposure to her two colleagues.

Malaya said that the BFP Regional Office is now conducting swabbing and placing under quarantine all its personnel who has had contact with the subject individual.

As of Tuesday, 196 BFP-6 personnel have undergone rapid test.

According to the Department of Health, only 28 of the 196 were subjected to RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) and were advised to undergo quarantine pending results expected to be released on Friday, June 19.

The BFP-6 Regional Office, its provincial offices, and fire stations have been placed under lockdown and were advised to observe strict sanitation and disinfection efforts.

Source: DILG

Quarantined Filipinos in Clark sent off – Palace The Palace, on June 9, reported that hundreds of repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who arrived at the Clark International Airport were sent-off earlier this morning to their hometowns after yielding negative result from their RT-PCR tests.

Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque, who attended the sent-off ceremony in Clark, Pampanga, said the OFWs came from United Arab Emirates, Barbados, and Vancouver, Canada. “Sila po ngayon ay pauwi na sa kani-kanilang probinsiya.”

The OFWs received free RT-PCR testing, free hotel stay in Clark while waiting for their COVID-19 test results and free transportation to their respective provinces.

“Mayroon pong magbu-bus.

Mayroon pong lilipad galing po sa Clark International Airport papuntang Cebu,” said Sec. Roque saying all OFWs had already received their health certificates from the Bureau of Quarantine.

The President’s spokesman, in the same press briefing, reported that healthcare workers who were severely affected by COVID-19 and the families

of those who died because of the disease, have started to receive the compensation benefits that were accorded to them through Republic Act No. 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte earlier instructed the Department of Health to complete the distribution of the said compensation benefits, after learning last week that none of the affected healthcare workers and their families have received the compensation.

“Sa mga namatayan, 26 out of 30 families na po ang nakatanggap ng kanilang kompensasyon na one million pesos. Ang apat ay naghihintay ng Special Power of Attorney. Dalawa rito ay nasa abroad. Dalawa po ay delisted, hindi po sila eligible para mabigyan ng compensation,” said Secretary Roque.

Meanwhile, 17 out of 18 healthcare workers who contracted a severe form of the disease, have already claimed the PhP 100,000 compensation benefit for them. Only one healthcare worker has yet to claim a check. cont’d on P5, Bottom left ‘Quarantined’

June 21, 2020 ● Page 5

Top restos back DOH health response, adopt safety measures for staff and dine-in customers As parts of the country begin transitioning to the General Community Quarantine (GCQ), more Filipinos start returning to their regular dine-in habits.

In today’s Beat COVID-19 Virtual Presser, Health OIC-Undersecretary Dr. Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire sat down with the leaders of some of the country’s leading food and beverage groups to discuss how the takeout, dine-in, and delivery experiences have been modified to ensure safety against the virus for both customers and employees.

“The journey to dine-in did not start this week, it started three months ago. We were already very mindful about the different hygiene and health concerns that we would have upon returning,” said Marketing Director of the Max’s Group Mark De Joya. “For everyone in the service industry, or anyone who is already doing their own business, we must be able to fully connect and comply with all of the policies.”

with the Department's minimum health standards.

For example, Foodee Global Concepts, known for the local Hawker Chan and Tim Ho Wan franchises, has rolled out electronic menus to reduce contact, and digital and paper health declaration forms that would assist in effective contact tracing.

The Max’s Group, responsible for the Max’s restaurant chain, Pancake House, Yellow Cab, and the Krispy Kreme franchises, began Dine-in 2.0 and Park n’ Dine, alternative ways to enjoy the restaurant experience without having to enter the restaurant at all.

According to De Joya, members of the service industry “are deeply appreciative of the public policies” and consider it a “national obligation to be able to comply with the guidelines.”

“It is not simply in the hands of the government to control these conditions, it's up to us private citizens as well,” he added, explaining that every Filipino plays a vital role in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

The hospitality and service industry were lauded for massively supporting the DOH by assuring the public of surviving the pandemic by diligently implementing health standards. Photo from Wikimedia Commons.

De Joya, along with McDonald’s Philippines CEO and President Kenneth Yang and Foodee Global Concepts President Eric Dee, explained that all restaurant brands under their respective groups have implemented strict health measures in compliance with the Department of Health’s (DOH) pandemic guidelines.

Aside from implementing physical distancing, contactless payments, strict disinfection of facilities, and consistent health monitoring of both customers and employees, each group has been working to improve the level of safety in their establishments in accordance

Singh-Vergeire lauded the service industry in its massive support to the DOH by assuring the public that we can survive this pandemic by diligently implementing our health standards.

“Bayani rin pong maituturing ang bawat isang manggagawa sa sector na ito, dahil sa tulong nila, we remain to have a steady supply of food even during the quarantine period,” said Singh-Vergeire. “Katulad din po natin, nababahala sila tungkol sa kanilang kasiguruhan at sa kasiguruhan ng kanilang pamilya, pero alam nila na malaki ang maitutulong ng kanilang sakripisyo,” she concluded. Source: DOH

According to the Bayanihan toHeal as One Act, one of the special powers granted to the President by the law is to provide compensation of PhP 100,000 to healthcare workers who contract severe COVID-19 infection while in the line of duty. While a compensation of PhP 1 million will be given to healthcare workers who will die while fighting COVID-19.

Secretary Lopez said that in GCQ areas, only non-contact outdoor sports and fitness activities are allowed. While in MGCQ areas, gyms, fitness studios, and sports facilities, both for outdoor and indoor sports, non-contact sports, and other forms of exercise are allowed up to 50 percent operational capacity.

Other industries not allowed in GCQ but partially allowed in MGCQ up to 50 percent operational capacity are: kid amusement industries; libraries, archives, museums, and cultural centers; tourist destinations; travel agencies, tour operators, reservation service, and related activities; other personal care services like massage parlors, sauna, facial care, waxing, etc.; pet grooming services; internet and computer shops, but only for work or educational purposes; and other education and educational support establishments such as but not limited to: testing centers, tutorial and review centers, and language, driving, and dance, acting, and voice schools.

Source: PCOO

Page 6 ● June 21, 2020

Philippine News

Gov’t to hand over radios to students in far-flung areas President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said he wants students in far-flung areas be given transistor radios as the Department of Education (DepEd) prepares to carryout its alternative learning program this August.

In his public address Monday evening, President Duterte expressed concern over the lack of access of many students to computers and other

President Duterte reiterated that there will be no face-to-face class sessions “until we get a vaccine” to protect the students from catching the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as DepEd opens the school year in the midst of a pandemic.

Distance and online learning, using communication technologies and digital devices, will be part of DepEd’s

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte holds a meeting with members of the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) at the Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang on June 15, 2020. Photo: PCOO

technologies that will connect them to online learning under DepEd’s blended learning approach.

He vowed to look for funds to purchase transistor radios for students residing in far-flung areas adding the government would do its best to provide radios to all the barangays nationwide.

“Baka kung magtagal ito talaga, sayang ang panahon, we might buy the radio at 300 maibigay sa lahat ng barangay na maabot ng radio para naman ‘yung mga mahirap may communication sila sa teacher nila,” President Duterte said.

“Now for the far-flung areas, ‘yun ngang kawawa diyan, may radyo sana, walang TV, walang cellphone. Ito yung mga mahirap. That is not the problem of the Department of Education, but the lack of communications, or how to get through the students, maski radyo lang.”

learning strategy under the blended learning approach.

Students who don’t have access to computers and Internet will be provided with various learning modules in coordination with local officials.

During the meeting with the President, Education Secretary Leonor Briones said DepEd is negotiating with two telecommunication firms for free telecom services.

Earlier, DepEd said it plans to tap government television and radio stations to broadcast lessons for provincial students when the classes resume this August.

The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), which runs state-owned networks People’s Television Network and IBC-13, has offered its television and radio facilities for use by the DepEd. Source: PCOO

DILG: LGUs not being forced He said that of the 784 LCEs, 43 are governors which is 53% of the total number nationwide. He says that having the support of half of the provinces in the country is already a victory towards ending terrorism in the country.

Meanwhile, 68 city mayors and 673 municipal mayors have also expressed their solidarity and are backing the passage of the Anti-Terrorism Bill.

“So far, we have almost half of the LGUs who are one with us in supporting the Anti-Terrorism Bill. It is huge morale booster for us sapagkat ito ay nangangahulugan lamang na hindi kami nag-iisa sa laban na ito,” he says.

Año further says that Region IV-A has the most number of LCEs supporting the Bill with 96 followed by Region II with 91; 88 for Region III; CAR with 80; and Region I with 73.

Other regions such as MIMAROPA has 58; Region XI with 53; Region VI with 52; and Region XII with 50 while Regions V, VII, and XIII have 24, 21, and 32 apiece. NCR and Region VIII have six and four, respectively.

“We have been receiving support from all LGUs across the country, lalo

(cont’d P6, top right DILG

na sa mga malalayong LGU na nagiging biktima ng terorismo at naniniwala na itong bill na ito ang sagot sa kanilang mga problema at pagdurusa,” he says.

Support from the ground Support for the Anti-Terrorism Bill coming from the LGUs are expected to increase, according to Año, as more continue to express their support for the bill down at the grassroots.

He said that among the LCEs who have conveyed their support for the Bill are Metro Manila Mayors League Chairman Edwin Olivarez, San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora; Makati City Mayor Abby Binay; Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno; Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez; and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

Meanwhile, Quirino Governor and Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) president Dakila Carlos Cua said that “Generally, I would say about 80 percent are supportive, most of the local executives see the value and importance of the anti-terrorism bill.”

Source: DILG

DILG: LGUs not being forced to support Anti-Terrorism Bill Calls Bayan Muna’s accusation an affront to local governments nationwide The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) today belied the accusation of leftist group Bayan Muna that local chief executives (LCEs) are being coerced by the DILG to support the Anti-Terrorism Bill calling the accusation an affront and insult to local government executives nationwide.

“Bayan Muna’s claim that LGUs are being forced into supporting the Anti-Terrorism Bill is complete falsehood and an affront and insult to the dignity, intelligence, and integrity of all local government officials nationwide who have freely expressed DILG - Jonathan Malaya. Photo: Screen their support to the bill that was passed grabbed from YouTube recently by Congress,” said DILG Undersecretary and Spokesperson Muna sa mga LGUs, na wala silang Jonathan Malaya. sariling paninindigan at pag-iisip?

“Nagbubulag-bulagan lamang ang Ramdam ng LGUs ang panawagan ng Bayan Muna sa mga hinaing ng mga kanilang mga kababayan na matagal ng LGUs at ng ating mga kababayan lalo isinusuka ang mga terorista,” he added. na sa mga lugar na patuloy na sinisira mga e aLGUs n w hare ile, D I L G “BayanngMuna’ s claim M that terrorista gaya ng Marawi, Samar, Secretary Eduardo M. Año being pang forcediba,” into supporting the the Anti-784 Local Bikol, Caraga at marami commended Chief Terrorism Bill is complete falsehood and he said.

Executives (LCEs) for making a M a l a y a clarified that LGUs genuine stand in support of the an affront and insult to the dignity, are endowed with local autonomy Anti-Terrorism the intelligence, and integrity of all localBill despite under the 1987 C o n s t i t u t i o n . m a s s i v e disinformation government officials nationwide who have “Therefore, they are notexpressed under the against it. freely theircampaign support to the bill control of the DILG. We only “Salamat sa 784 LCEs na ensure that they comply with laws, naniniwala sa tunay na hangarin ng that was passed recently by Congress, ” rules and regulations.

So Anti-Terrorism Bill. Once signed DILG Undersecretary and Spokesperson how can Bayan Muna claim that by the President, it will become a Jonathan Malaya. law that will need the the DILG is forcing them?

We landmark cannot and have not done so,” he said.

He said that Bayan Muna should not look down on LGUs and assume that they cannot think for themselves.

“Ano naman ang tingin ng Bayan

support of the LGUs kaya kami ay natutuwa na as early as now ay marami na ang nagpapahayag ng pagsuporta dito,” Año says. (cont’d P6, Bottom left DILG)

Philippine News

DOH Reports downward trend in COVID-19 mortality rate for mid-June Despite the apparent increase in validated case figures reported in the last two days, there is actually a downward trend in the mortality rate in the country for mid-June.

This was what the Department of Health (DOH) explained Sunday in a special weekend edition of Beat COVID-19 Virtual Presser, Health OIC-Undersecretary Dr. Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire underscored that the rise in reported deaths from COVID-19 this month is due to a delay in the submission of validated mortality cases from the LGUs to the DOH’s Epidemiology Bureau.

“Noong June 12 ay nagreport tayo ng 16 deaths. Kahapon naman, June 13 ay nagreport tayo ng 22 deaths,” Vergeire revealed. “Itong pagtaas ng bilang ng mga ni-report natin ay maaaring naging cause for concern ng ating mga kababayan, kaya naman ay nais naming humingi ng paumanhin kung kayo ay nabahala at kaya naman binibigyang linaw namin ngayon ang mga numerong ito,” she added.

“Marami ang nagtatanong: lumalala ba ang sitwasyon? Base sa datos natin sa nangamatay, ang sagot po diyan ay hindi,” Singh-Vergeire confirmed.

According to the Health OICUndersecretary, out of the 22 reported deaths on June 13, only four, or 18%, died in the month of June, one each on the following dates: June 3, 4, 6, and 9.

The remaining 18 deaths occurred in the previous months but were only recently submitted to the DOH Epidemiology Bureau.

Dr. John Wong of Epimetrics, Inc., Ateneo professor and part of the IATF’s data analytics expert group, echoed the Spokesperson’s message.

“With improved reporting efficiency by the COVIDKaya app, cases appear to be

rising. However, adjusted for late reports, deaths have actually been decreasing,” Wong noted.

“Deaths have increased over the past two days although the median is still 10 per day. However, the recent increase has been due to late reports coming in to the DOH,” he added.

According to Wong, the good news is that the Philippines case fatality rate (CFR) is 4.24 which is below the global CFR of over 5.

“The pandemic we are experiencing right now is a first in many ways. And, as such, the reporting and validating of cases is an evolving science which is why we encounter several challenges along the way,” she added.

“Ang mga kaso natin ay hind tumataas gaya nung Marso at Abril,” Vergeire revealed. “Malaki na ang improvement sa pagreport ng kaso,” she added noting that while in the past reporting delays for deaths on the average reached over 20 days, now it’s only around seven to eight days.

“Ang mga good news na ito ay naging possible dahil sa sakripisyo ng bawat isa - lalo na sa pagprotekta natin sa mga nakakatanda at vulnerable; sa mga LGUs natin na proactive na gumagalaw on the ground; sa mga laboratories at ospital natin na maaga nagsusubmit ng datos,” she noted.

Singh-Vergeire however reminded the public to remain vigilant to ensure the downward trend continues. “Pero ang good news na ito ay mabilis ding babaliktad kung magpapabaya tayo sa pagsuot ng mask paglabas ng bahay, pag-physical distancing, palagiang paghugas ng kamay, dahil ang mga gawaing ito ang magpapabagal ng pagkalat ng virus,” she concluded.

Source: Department of Health

To delay Universal Health Care... pwede pong sabay na gawin yan,” said Sec. Roque.

Meanwhile, on the distribution of the second wave of subsidy for severely affected families by the COVID-19 pandemic, Secretary Roque announced in the same media briefing that the second tranche of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) has already started.

“Merong 1.3 milyon na pong mga pamilya na 4Ps beneficiaries ang nakatanggap ng second tranche ng SAP. Nagsimula ng magbigay ng

from P4, Bottom right payout sa Benguet kasama ang Baguio City para sa additional families o waitlisted, noong Martes, June 16,” reported Secretary Roque.

The following areas are included in the second tranche of SAP distribution: Benguet, Pangasinan, Region III (except Aurora province), National Capital Region, Region IV-A, Albay Province, Iloilo, Bacolod City, Cebu Province, Zamboanga City, and Davao City.

Source: PCOO

Villar conducts final inspection of NLEX Harbor Link C3-R10 section Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark A. Villar conducted final inspection on Wednesday, June 10, 2020 of the C3R10 Section of NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10 slated for opening ‪on June 15, 2020‬.

Secretary Villar said that the completion of the 2.6-kilometer new section will provide direct access between R10 in Navotas City and NLEX. The C3-R10 section of the NLEX Harbor Link also includes three (3) exit off-ramps namely: Segment 10-C3 Ramp to Caloocan City, DagatDagatan Ramp to Malabon City, and C3-R10 Ramp to Navotas City.

Secretary Villar said that motorists including truckers or cargo haulers going to and from the port of Manila and NLEX are expected to benefit from C3-R10 section’s opening as it extends the existing 5.65-kilometer NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10 that passes through Karuhatan, Valenzuela City, Governor Pascual Avenue in Malabon City, and 5th Avenue/C3 Road, Caloocan City bypassing the busy Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) and Balintawak Toll Plaza. “As promised, by June 15, NLEX Harbor Link will be completed. Travel time from Manila to Quezon City will be reduced to only 15 to 20 minutes,” Secretary Villar added. cont’d next section

June 21, 2020 ● Page 7

DSWD assists strandees The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through its Field Office National Capital Region (FO NCR) assisted individuals who have been stranded in various localities in the region due to the community quarantine.

the local government units (LGUs) respond to the needs of the LSIs. Meanwhile, in order to ensure that operational concerns are addressed, DSWD Secretary Rolando Bautista instructed the Field Offices’ Directors to sustain their coordinative and

A staff from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) distributes hygiene kits to strandees at the Villamor Airbase Elementary School. Photo: DSWD

As part of its mandate to provide assistance to individuals in crisis situation, the Department upon receipt of the call immediately responded to the needs of 633 Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs) who have been affected by the COVID outbreak and are temporarily staying at the Villamor Airbase Elementary School and at Philippine State College of Aeronautics in Pasay City.

To date, DSWD has so far provided a total of Php 2,192,628.67 million worth of assistance to the affected individuals consisting of 633 sleeping kits, 633 sanitary kits and a financial assistance of Php 2,000 each to 539 LSIs. The Department also conducted Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) – 21 health protocol.

DSWD emphasized that its Field Offices have enough resources to assist

collaborative efforts with national government agencies (NGAs) and other entities and to provide assistance to individuals affected by the community quarantine.

The LSIs include Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who have completed their mandatory 14-day quarantine and are waiting for their flights, vacationers and passengers whose flights were cancelled due to community quarantine. Most of the LSIs expressed their hope to be able to return to their respective provinces such as Davao, Dipolog, and Zamboanga.

The Department continues to coordinate and collaborate with partner agencies such as DILG – NCR, MMDA, AFP, PNP, LGU Pasay and other stakeholders to determine the appropriate intervention or assistance to LSIs. Source: DSWD

“As promised, by June 15, NLEX Harbor Link will be completed. Travel time from Manila to Quezon City will be reduced to only 15 to 20 minutes,” Secretary Villar added.

Secretary Villar also commended the 2,000 construction workers that resumed work in May 2020, allowing

for the completion of the project in time for its deadline.

Included under the administration’s Build, Build, Build infrastructure program, the NLEX Harbor Link Project was undertaken

by NLEX Corporation.

Source: DPWH

Page 8 ● June 21, 2020

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INSURANCE Accident / Sickness Coverage 416-854-1984 / 416-254-1001 Audie S. Odrigo 647-283-3929 Cherrie Liu Assurant Life of Canada 647-505-8887 Desjardins Insurance – Li Chen 416-431-6800 Liland Inc Caregiver Plan 416-759-5453 Mary Jane Rivera Merit Insurance Brokers 647-260-1293 (DL) / 416-497-9212 Rolando Cunanan -Insurance Advisor CPP 905-822-7976 Liland Insurance c/o Lyle Edward De Juan 416-399-2944 Youngs Insurance Broker (Home/Auto) Marian Alvarez 647-969-1706 Visitors Insurance (Easy Links Financial Inc) 1-877-838-0020 AMG Insurance Brokers Ltd c/o Vince Gorospe 416-508-1472

LAW OFFICES Cori Naron (BIA) David Skar & Associates 416-498-9200 ext. 236 Celiz Law 416-242-6927 Law Office of Marilyn De GuzmanCastro 905-799-1555 (T) / 905-799-1964 Law Office of Duncan Boardman 416-424-4640 Law Office of Justin Chan 647-270-5127 Law Office of Alexander Guarnes 416-963-2444 (T) / 416-963-3444 (F) Law Office of Antonio Villarin 416-850-9320 (T) / 1-888-433-2303 (F) Law Office of Eunice Kim & Associates 905-275-2080 Law Office of Ferdinand Robes 416-480-1996 Law Office of Jinkee Bantug 416-570-9668 / 647-980-7853 Law Office of Joseph Osuji c/o Elvie Gana-as 647-667-6745 Northam Law 604-630-2350 (T) / 604-901-3317 (F) Gates Criminal Law 647-671-8599 Santos Law Office 905-554-7529 Diaz Law Barristers Solicitors 905-477-4982 (M)/ 905-477-3130 (F) Law Office of Sharma & Sharma 416-461-0467 / 416-461-1777 MA Matthews - Abogado c/o Greg Abogado 416-703-8700

MORTGAGES Expert Mortgage c/o Manny Johar 1-888-646-7596 Mortgage Intelligence c/o Tracy Cheng / Ella Pineda 905-599-6843 Mortgage Squad c/o Lyle Edward De Juan 416-399-2944

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June 21, 2020 ● Page 9

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Ontario Prepares, from P1 to remain in contact only with their classmates and a single teacher for as much of the school day as possible.

This model would require alternate day or alternate week delivery to a segment of the class at one time.

At home learning - Should the school closure be extended, or some parents choose not to send their child back to school, school boards need to be prepared to offer remote education.

Remote education should be delivered online to the greatest extent possible, including the establishment of minimum expectations for students to have direct contact with their teacher at the same time on a regular basis, also known as synchronous learning.

Synchronous learning can be used as part of whole class instruction, in smaller groups of students, and/or in a one-on-one context.

The government is instructing school boards to be prepared with a plan, should it be required, that includes an adapted delivery model, which could include alternate day or alternate week attendance, staggered bell times and recess, and different transportation arrangements, among a variety of other considerations to ensure the safety of students and staff.

The government's safety plan for schools was created following extensive consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, health experts on the COVID-19 Command Table, medical experts at The Hospital for Sick Children, education sector partners, frontline workers, parents and students. While this plan reflects the best medical and scientific advice and recommendations available, parents who do not feel comfortable having their children physically return to school will have a choice to pursue online remote learning.

"We are taking every precaution, investing more, and listening to the best medical advice in the country to keep students, staff, and families safe," said Minister Lecce. "I want to assure parents safety is our guiding principle and the right supports are being put in place to ensure our students are set up for success. I am grateful to Ontario students, education staff, and

communities for stepping up during this difficult period."

"Having careful plans in place to reopen schools in September is of the utmost importance for the mental and developmental health of children and youth, as well as their academic success," says Dr. Ronald Cohn, President and CEO of SickKids. "The risk posed by COVID-19 cannot be completely eliminated, however, there are significant steps that can be taken to mitigate risk and protect the health and well-being of students, staff and their families."

Key elements of the safety plan include: � guidance for developing health and safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment; � expectations of an in-class school environment; � professional development training for teachers on the new protocols and directions; � supports for students with special education needs; � enhanced mental health and wellbeing supports; � proposals on how educators and students can move fluidly between inclass and remote learning; � guidelines to help schools and boards in their communications with students and parents; � guidelines for student transportation systems; � expectations for the delivery of curriculum and assessment across subjects and grades; � guidance for working with First Nations students, parents and communities; � regional options for reopening based on the advice of local public health authorities; and � a checklist to help boards in their reopening planning.

Moreover, the government announced $4 million in net new funding for cleaning, cleaning protocols, and financial support to hire additional custodial staff in September to ensure schools are safe.

School boards have been asked to prepare their own safety plans for the upcoming school year and submit them to the ministry by August 4, 2020. The

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School boards will also be required to communicate with parents and students prior to the start of the

2020-21 school year, outlining the safety plan, guidance on health and safety measures and protocols, and any other changes that will be implemented when schools open in September.

Source: Office of the Premier Ontario

Filipino Fusion Cuisine Restaurant Location: 1960 Lawrence Avenue East Unit 14 -A Scarborough, Ontario M1R 2Z1 Tel:(647)347-3888

Page 10 ● June 21, 2020

Canada News

Ontario Develops Additional Learning Materials for Students and Teachers Focus is on science, technology, engineering and math

The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and local medical officers of health, is enabling more regions of the province to enter Stage two of the government's reopening framework. Photo: pixabay.

More People Can Get Back to Work as Additional Businesses and Services to Reopen This Week Ontario Moving More Regions into Stage 2 on Friday TORONTO — More people will be spread of COVID-19, more businesses able to get back to work as additional will be able to open their doors and businesses and services in certain thousands of people will be able to go regions across Ontario can begin back to work and put food on the reopening this Friday. The Ontario table," said Premier Ford. "With the government, in consultation with the public health trends improving day by Chief Medical Officer of Health and day across the province, I am hopeful local medical officers of health, is all regions of Ontario will enter Stage 2 enabling more regions of the province very soon. But we must remain on our to enter Stage 2 of the government's guard to prevent any potential surge or reopening framework. These regions secondary wave by continuing to are able to reopen due to positive trends follow the sound advice of our public of key public health indicators at the health officials." local level, including lower The following regions will remain transmission of COVID-19, sufficient in Stage 1 under ongoing assessment hospital health system capacity, local until trends of key public health public health capacity to assist with indicators demonstrate readiness to rapid case and contact management, move into Stage 2: and a significant increase in testing � Peel Public Health; provincially. � Toronto The details were provided Public Health; and today

by Premier Doug � Windsor-Essex C o u n t y Ford, Christine Elliott, "Opening Deputymore Health Unit.of regions Premier and Minister of Health, "Opening more regions of Ontario is another positive Rod Phillips, Minister of Ontario is sign another positive sign Finance, Vic Fedeli, that Minister of making that westeady are making s t e a d y we are E c o n o m i c Development, progress efforts in our c o l l e c t i v e progress inJob our collective Creation, and Trade, and Lisa efforts to contain this deadly virus," to contain this deadly virus. Elliott. " M a c L e o d , Minister of said Minister "As many – Minister Elliot begin to work, shop H e r i t a g e , Tourism, Culture,Christine more Ontarians and Sport Industries. and interact with others, it's Informed by public health never been more important that advice and workplace safety we continue to follow public health guidance, and supported by the advice, especially p h y s i c a l collective distancing efforts of businesses, workers and with anyone outside of our social families to limit the potential spread of circle, so we can soon successfully and the virus, the latest public health unit safely move into Stage 3." regions allowed to move into Stage 2 Public health remains the on Friday, June 19, 2020 at 12:01 a.m. government's top priority. All are: Ontarians must continue to follow � Durham Region Health Department; public health advice, including � Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit; practising physical distancing, wearing � Halton Region Health Department; a face covering if physical distancing is � Hamilton Public Health Services; a challenge, washing hands frequently � Lambton Health Unit; and thoroughly, and avoiding touching � �iagara Region Public Health your eyes, nose and mouth. If you think Department; and you have COVID-19 or have been in � York Region Public Health Services. contact with someone who has These regions are in addition to the COVID‑19, get tested.

24 public health regions that entered The Chief Medical Officer of Stage 2 on June 12, 2020. Before Health and health experts will continue opening, business owners need to to closely monitor the evolving review the workplace safety guidelines situation to advise when public health and public health advice. restrictions can be gradually loosened "Thanks to the collective efforts of or if they need to be tightened. our frontline health care workers and the people in these regions to stop the Source: Office of the Premier Ontario

TORONTO — The Ontario government, in partnership with Science North and the Ontario Science Centre, is creating additional educational content for students and teachers during the school closures resulting from COVID-19. The province is providing up to $1.5 million to create made-in-Ontario videos and resources to support Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) learning. The resources will align with the four science strands in the curriculum and will help students from Kindergarten to Grade 12.

"We know the importance of providing parents and educators with additional resources to keep students engaged and learning during this

support students with the high-quality, accessible content they need to continue learning at home during this unprecedented time."

"Science North is a tremendous educational resource in Northern Ontario, and our government is proud to support their development of virtual education resources to support our students and teachers," said Greg Rickford, Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines, Minister of Indigenous Affairs.

"Northern Ontario is home to some of our brightest and boldest thinkers and we thank Science North for their ongoing commitment to inspire creativity and learning across the north."

Resources can be accessed online

Ontario is providing up to $1.5 million to create made-in-Ontario videos and resources to support Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) learning. Photo: pexels

difficult time," said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education. "Through our partnership with Science North and the Ontario Science Centre we will create new resources focusing on STEM skills that will help our students continue to prepare for the jobs of the future."

Science North will create resources for elementary school teachers and students, while the Ontario Science Centre will develop materials for secondary school teachers and students. All resources will be accessible and available in both English and French and will include: � Professional development videos for educators � Virtual and at-home hands-on STEM activities for students � Activities and student worksheets which can be printed and distributed through school boards "Science North and the Ontario Science Centre have been welcoming Ontario's young learners to the wonderful world of science for decades," said Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. "Their interactive, hands-on learning experiences have inspired the next generation of scientists, technicians and researchers right here in Ontario. I'm proud that these new online resources will

at Science North and the Ontario Science Centre websites, with additional material being released weekly. Activities will use everyday objects and supplies so students can participate easily at home.

"Science North appreciates the opportunity to support teachers and students throughout Ontario with high quality, scientist-led STEM learning experiences," said Guy Labine, CEO, Science North. "These online workshops and resources will support teachers in delivering inquiry-based lessons for elementary students through at-home learning. These are unprecedented times and we all share these challenges, united in our goal of supporting continued learning in Ontario. We applaud the Ministry of Education for their support."

"At the Ontario Science Centre, our mission is always to inspire discovery, encourage curiosity, and instill a love of learning," said Paul Kortenaar, CEO of the Ontario Science Centre. "We are pleased to partner with the Ministry of Education to provide these curriculum-based resources, which are a continuation of the experience we give teachers and students on field trips to the Centre."

Source: Ministry of Education

baybayin.ca “Ang tagahatid ng maiinit na balita araw-araw”

June 21, 2020 ● Page 11

Canada News

Ontario extends emergency orders Province focuses on safe, gradual approach as reopening continues TORONTO — The Ontario government has extended all emergency orders currently in force under s.7.0.2 (4) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. This extension will be in effect until June 30, 2020 to ensure the government continues to have the necessary tools to safely and gradually reopen the province, while continuing to support frontline health care workers and protect vulnerable populations from COVID-19.

"Extending these emergency orders gives our frontline health care providers the necessary flexibility to rapidly respond to urgent needs and protect our most vulnerable," said Premier Ford. "Even though we're seeing decreasing infection rates with increased testing levels, we can't let our guard down just yet. We need to keep these emergency measures in place to support our frontline heroes and we must all continue following the public health advice, so we can reopen more of the province safely and gradually."

While current emergency orders will remain in place until the end of the month, the government will continue to review each one on an ongoing, caseby-case basis to determine when and if they can safely be adjusted or lifted, as part of the province's framework to safely reopen the province.

Over the past week, the government announced 31 public health unit regions across the province may proceed to Stage 2 of its Framework for Reopening the Province. This will allow additional businesses and services to reopen and more people to return to work.

In addition, larger social gatherings of up to 10 people are now allowed in all parts of the province, and people are

encouraged to create or join a social circle. Social circles are different from social gatherings. Social gatherings of people from outside your household are limited to 10 people. A social circle is voluntary, but if adopted should include all household members, and

Ontario Premier Doug Ford. Photo from Toronto Star can include family and friends outside the household up to a maximum of 10 people in the social circle, who can interact and come into close contact with one another without physical distancing. To learn how to create a social circle, please see the step-bystep guide.

To help stop the spread, people should continue to follow public health guidelines, including practising physical distancing, wearing a face covering where physical distancing is a challenge and washing their hands thoroughly and frequently. Anyone who is worried they may have COVID19, or who may have been exposed to the virus, is encouraged to go for testing.

A full list of emergency orders can be found on the e-Laws website under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act and at Ontario.ca/alert.

Source: PCOO

City of Toronto and United Way Greater Toronto honour COVID-19 community workers The City of Toronto and United Way Greater Toronto are profiling the incredible work that frontline community workers are doing during the COVID-19 pandemic through a City proclamation and social media profiles spotlighting worker contributions.

The week of June 8 to 12 has been proclaimed as Community Workers Week by Mayor John Tory. Community worker profiles will be posted and shared on City of Toronto and United Way Greater Toronto social media channels. Recently, the Toronto Sign has frequently been lit blue and will continue to often be blue in honour of frontline workers.

Toronto has more than 14,000 community-based not-for-profits that employ more than 200,000 people (not including volunteers). These frontline agencies are the doors that people knock on when they are looking for help. Where people experiencing homelessness find support, food and shelter. Where people living in poverty get help applying for benefits and support navigating a complicated social service system. Where people living with mental health issues find support and build community. Where newcomers learn English and find friends in their new home. Where youth

struggling to find their way, find guidance and support. Where Indigenous people in need of services find services that are provided by and for Indigenous people. Where isolated seniors are connected with meals right in their own homes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of frontline workers are providing critical services under very difficult circumstances.

The City and United Way are working with 211 and more than 400 Toronto agencies in a newly created Community Coordination Plan, to ensure low-income and vulnerable residents continue to have access to essential services. The best source for up-to-date information is 211toronto.ca. Residents can call 211 directly or view services available on the 211 website.

The City of Toronto’s website is updated daily with the latest health advice and information about City services and social supports. Check here for answers to common questions before contacting the Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Hotline or 311.

Source: City of Toronto

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Ontario makes historic investment in public education Every school board to receive funding increase to ensure student success TORONTO - Today, the Ontario government announced that it is investing $736 million more in public education for the 2020-21 school year, increasing the total to more than $25.5 billion. This funding, through the Grants for Student Needs (GSN) program, represents the largest investment in public education in Ontario's history. As a result, Ontario's average perpupil funding amount has reached $12,525, which is an increase of $250 over the previous year.

"We are investing more in our students to ensure they are safe, and well prepared to hit the books beginning in September," said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education. "As we review all scenarios related to the COVID-19 outbreak, our government is supporting each and every school board in the province to ensure our students and educators have the resources available for a successful year."

All 72 district school boards in the province are projected to have increases to their GSN allocations for the upcoming school year, which includes record-high investments in special education, mental health and well-being, among many other key areas.

Under the GSN, the new $213 million student-centric Supports for Students Fund (SSF) will support: � special education, � mental health and well-being, � language instruction, � Indigenous education, and

�

STEM programming.

"We are investing in new supports for marginalized and racialized students to give hope and confidence to

Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education.

Photo screen captured. their families that we will work to unlock their full potential and remove the barriers to their success," said Minister Lecce.

The Supports for Students Fund can also be used for additional critical staffing needs during the return to school in September, including hiring custodians and education assistants for students who need support.

In addition to the GSN, Ontario is providing funding for the Priorities and Partnerships Fund (PPF), which enables school boards and third-parties to undertake important initiatives and provide critical resources for curricular, extra-curricular, and wraparound supports. In the upcoming school year, the PPF is projected to be over $300 million, funding approximately 150 initiatives to support students.

Source: Ontario Ministry of Education

Page 12 ● June 21, 2020

Entertainment

Jennylyn Mercado, nanindigan laban sa usapin ng rape sa bansa MANILA, Philippines – Dumarami ang mga tao sa social media ang naninindigan laban sa kulturang panggagahasa sa bansa, kabilang na ang aktres na si Jennylyn Mercado.

Sa isang Facebook post, malungkot na inihayag ng aktres kung paano naging pangkaraniwan na lang sa tao ang sisihin ang biktima ng panggagahasa.

“Nakaugalian na ng ibang tao sisihin ang isang rape victim.

Kasalanan daw nila dahil sa galaw o suot nila. Pasensya na po, but this thinking is backwards, "ayon kay Jennylyn.

Binigyang-diin din ng 33-anyos na aktres "ang panggagahasa ay umiiral dahil sa nanggahasa."

"Paano ninyo mairarason ang mga biktima na mga bata sa matanda na hindi naman nakasuot ng sinasabing 'sexy na pananamit '? Walang pamantayan ng pananamit ang panggagahasa sa sekswal na panggigipit,” ani Jennylyn.

“No. You don’t blame the victim for choosing to be ‘malandi’ in your

eyes. For choosing to wear revealing outfits. For choosing to put herself in a dangerous position. For being at the

Jennylyn Mercado.

Photo from YouTube. wrong place and time (madilim na lugar at gabi),” dagdag pa nito.

Para kay Jennylyn, walang dahilan na maaaring pangatwiranan ang isang taong biktima ng panghahalay at walang dahilan para sa assailant upang gawin ang panghahalay.

“Blame the person who chose and chooses to rape her,” pagtatapos ng aktres.

By: R. Sumaguitsit

Liza Soberano says sorry on cancellation of ‘Make It With You’ Kapamilya actress Liza Soberano broke her silence on the exclusion of her television series Make It With You along with real-life boyfriend Enrique Gil, in the line-up of returning ABS-CBN shows on cable and satellite TV. In an Instagram post, Liza thanked their followers on social media. “Thank you so much for embarking on the journey of Billie and Gabo. It breaks my heart to confirm that we will no longer be coming back to air.”

“I know a lot of you are upset and looking for answers and the only explanation I can give you is genuine fear of the virus.

“When we were asked to resume taping on June 13, many of us had hesitations. Considering that the COVID-19 situation here in the Philippine is far from contained, there are many risks in place for me (and everyone involved) given my history of having a weak immune system.

“I consulted my family, my managers and the team and we all came to an agreement that it might be for the best to not continue with the show anymore.

“That, along with many other factors are the reasons why MIWY will no longer continue. I’m sorry we won’t be able to give our audience the ending

Senator Lito Lapid counsels Coco Martin on dealing with bashers Coco Martin’s goal in visiting Senator Lito Lapid in the Senate on June 9 was to collaborate for their TV series “Ang Probinsyano”.

The senator had also advised the 38-year old Kapamilya actor on how to deal with bashers and their criticisms.

Coco was among those who openly expressed his bold tirades against some government agencies following the closure of ABS-CBN on May 5 in compliance with the Cease and Desist Order issued by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

The Kapamilya actor was likewise bold to hurl intense words against bashers who sided with ABS-CBN closure.

The senator told Coco to ignore them as this is part of being a public figure. The two jestingly discussed

how to create Tiktok videos for their followers.

Coco’s Instagram account remains deactivated at present.

In a report by TV Patrol on June 10, the senator’s Chief of Staff Atty.

Filmer Abrajano mentioned about Coco and Lito’s discussion on the return of their series, Ang Probinsyano, to air after a few months of being off-air due the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Luzon amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Coco and Lito worked together for quite some time before the latter ran for a senatorial post in the 2016 elections.

According to Atty. Abrajano, Coco asked Lito to help plot for new twists with the TV series’ return to air on June 15.

By: R. Sumaguitsit

“I am not ok.” – Heart Evangelista admits

Liza Soberano. Photo from flickr. they deserve. Thank you and looking forward to our next adventure.” the 22year old actress concluded.

Prior to the Kapamilya actress’ confirmation, several LizQuen followers appealed on the cancellation of their series.

Liza’s camp resolved to explain the reasons and clarify the issue behind the cancellation of the said TV series.

By: R. Sumaguitsit

Angel Locsin, Jodi Sta. Maria react to plight of six jeepney drivers nabbed in Caloocan City Actresses Angel Locsin and Jodi Sta. Maria appealed in connection with the arrest and detention of six jeepney drivers in Caloocan City on June 2.

The jeepney drivers, including a 72-year old male, were arrested due to alleged violation of quarantine rules after joining a protest against jeepney ban.

They were charged with violation of social distancing protocols,

Senator Lito Lapid and Coco Martin.

disobedience to persons in authority and illegal assembly.

In a report by ABS-CBN on June 3, there were 20 drivers who gathered in the streets of Caloocan to seek help from passersby.

The drivers claimed these were for their co-drivers needing financial aid.

The Caloocan police ordered the drivers to cease the assembly as they were obstructing a busy area. cont’d P13, Bottom left, Angel

Kapuso actress Heart Evangelista openly shared her sentiments on being hurt in her Instagram stories.

“Tonight I will allow myself…I am not ok and that’s fine.” The Kapuso star confessed.

Heart questioned one’s capability of hurting others: “You think it’s ok to hurt people?

"You think just because you see something nice you are allowed to destroy it?" She continued.

Heart went on to emphasize about one’s right on destroying happiness.

"Nobody has the right to destroy your happiness just because they want to or just because they can." She added.

The Kapuso star assured herself of getting back on her feet. “I am not ok but I will be.”

"God knows what's in my heart and because of that, he will save me.

God be with all of us. ALL." Heart concluded.

The 35-year old actress shared a message on love and kindness in another post.

“Hate will not give you peace.

LOVE will still save you in the end.

Kindness will always win. Always."

In a Twitter post, Heart disclosed how her body responds to anxiety.

“I sometimes feel my hands and different parts of my body shake when I get anxious.” Heart explained.

She went on to encourage herself to overcome it: “What can say ? It becomes powerful when you give it attention. Fight it ... hard. You can do this [heart emoticon]”.

“At this point with all that’s happening around us... do something that will make you happy don’t let those demons win inside your mind.

They have no power over you.” Heart

Heart Evangelista. Photo from Wikimedia commons. declared.

In Jessica Soho’s interview of her in Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, Heart said that she chose to talk about it so that people would understand the flaws of life.

"Porket nakikita ka nilang maganda 'yung suot mo o porket nakikita nila maganda 'yung bag mo, you're living the life. Feeling nila okay ka lang saktan.

"I know may mga sinasabi na 'toxic positivity' maybe because hindi rin nila alam yung pinagdadaanan ng tao." The wife of Chiz Escudero said.

By: R. Sumaguitsit

Page 13 ● June 21, 2020

Business

House Your Deal?

Immigration Highlight

By: Richard Sison

By: Anna Maria Nones, RCIC

Real Estate Market is Recovering Fast Toronto real estate market is showing its resiliency once again. The market is becoming vibrant once again and recovering faster than anticipated even though it is not yet business as usual as they call it.

It was not long ago when the market activities almost had a screeching halt due to pandemic.

Listings dropped by an average of around 80% more or less in many areas and the transactions were significantly reduced to almost nil. Many of us were caught not ready for such an event. Many of my colleagues were shuttered though some still thrived even in difficult times.

During zoom meetings, you can feel the unusual silence of what it used to be a vibrant meetings from great agents as Re/ Max Realtron is known to be as “home of the top producers.” No one can predict of what will happen next as no one from among active members experienced a pandemic before.

We know that market goes up and down, it undergoes correction and the cyclical high and low over a period of 8 years happens, among other things but no one has any clue on how to handle pandemic catastrophe in the real estate market.

Dealing with pandemic is not just about business survival but how to help fellow human beings in coping up the seemingly hopeless situation. There was a consensus among the team to reach out to current and previous clients and see how they are doing. It is not just marketing but being a friend to someone who might be needing it.

The usually quiet group became dynamic once again as good feedbacks from clients were being shared by each one. Clients were assured that their realtor friends are there even in times of uncertainties.

I am sure that this is not unique to our team only but it is done by most of the agents, if not all. The clients were encouraged that at the first sign of hope that our government gave to the people, there was a steady flow of buyers and sellers slowly going back to the real estate market. It was not sudden like a switch but a steady and gradually increasing improvement.

There are several uplifting trends that I want to share as a proof that the real estate market is recovering fast.

First, the new listing volumes are up.

Listing volumes in Greater Toronto Area have increased to as high as 30% from its previous position. Second, the residential and condo markets are showing strong recovery. In a span of two weeks, I encountered several multiple biddings to as many as 11 bidders. There are many factors why this happened but the most obvious one

Angel, from P12, Bottom left According to Caloocan Police Chief Col. Darius Menor, though others returned home, others allegedly did not follow.

"That makes it disobedience," the police chief further said.

Further report says that police officers invited the six jeepney drivers to the precinct to explain and reportedly promised they will not be apprehended and will even be escorted home.

The drivers were surprised when they were detained and charged for the three alleged violations.

Menor declared that the drivers will remain in jail until they have posted a P3,000 bail each.

The six drivers are members of the transport group PISTON (Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide).

Kapamilya stars Angel and Jodi pitied the plight of the drivers.

In her Instagram story this Thursday, Angel pleaded to set the

drivers free if they cannot be given the help they need.

“Pls. If you cannot help them, Let them go home.” Angel said.

“They just want food for their families. Maraming gutom.

“Sabihin na nating may natanggap, pero hindi natin alam kung enough na ba yun para sa pamilya nila para mapilitan silang lumabas.“Konting puso and consideration.”

Jodi referred to the police officers who arrested the drivers in her tweet on June 4. According to her, the drivers merely wanted to decently earn an income.“They just wanted to make an honest living but were arrested and charged for ‘disobedience to social distancing’ Kasi mahirap?” Jodi remarked.

“Kasi simple? Pero pag…i’ll end it here. [broken heart emoji] “Pulis Kalookan…anong ginagawa nyo?”

The actress concluded.

is that some listing agents strategically lowered down their listing price to attract buyers. Third, sold prices are steadily increasing. In as much as the sold prices are still 10-15% off from where there were before global pandemic, most municipalities are trending up.

However, sold listing volumes is yet to recover. Across the GTA sold listing volumes are still down on an average of 55%. If the new and sold listing volumes continue in this trend, it may result to a buyer’s market for the foreseeable future, which in turn would be a good time to buy for the qualified buyers.

If you want more information, please don't hesitate to send me an email at richardrealtor78@gmail.com Richard N. Sison is a registered real estate broker working with Re/Max Realtron Realty, Inc. Brokerage, which is independently owned and operated. This article is for information only and it is not intended to solicit clients under contract with another realtor.

By: R. Sumaguitsit

Come to Canada as a student C a n a d a continues to intensify its campaign to attract more foreign nationals to invest in education in the country. In 2019, Canada made the Student Direct Stream (SDS) available to international students who reside in Senegal and Morocco. These were added from the list of countries where SDS was initially made available to, namely: China, India, the Philippines, Pakistan and Vietnam.

This invitation, on a national perspective, opens more doors globally as accommodating international students continues to be a source of economic advancement for Canada.

And how does that happen?

International students who completed their education in Canada have a better chance to a smooth transition to permanent residency. This is in conjunction with the fact that international students studying in Canada are able to assimilate in Canadian culture gradually as well as build their network seamlessly in the community.

These students progressively build their skills that are in demand and needed by the Canadian labour workforce.

Why not? Canada prides itself with esteemed global statistics that are published for the world to see. In an article in the US News & World Report, Canada ranks 3rd in the top 5 2019 Best Countries for Education.

According to the report, countries are ranked based on a “perception-based global survey, which used a compilation of scores from three equally weighted country attributes: well-developed public education system, would consider attending university there and provides top quality education.”

In another article published in Top Teny Magazine, Canada is also listed as the 2nd most educated country in the world, revealing that the percentage of adults with a college degree is approximately 51.3% and the average annual growth rate is estimated to be about 2.3%. Majority of the adults that have obtained a postsecondary degree landed a good job in Canada.

Being a student in Canada not only offers the global prestige and the knowledge that one may obtain by getting into the Canadian colleges and universities. This program for international students offers a pathway to becoming a permanent resident in Canada after gaining certain qualifications.

Students who painstakingly hurdle the everyday Canadian student life are offered to work legally, through the PostGraduate Work Permit where they can gain the Canadian work experience needed to be eligible to apply for permanent residence. Their desire to study, work and eventually stay in Canada is further emphasized as they continue to be socially involved and, hence, thrive in a Canadian culture.

Aside from the fact that Canada offers a beneficial program to invite international students to Canada, it also provides an easier way to apply and obtain their student visa.

Application for a study permit can be done online, which is more costefficient in terms of time, money and effort for all parties submitting the application, thereby amplifying its selling point. Furthermore, the Student Direct Stream multiplies the market value of student immigration of Canada exponentially, making it attractive to prospective applicants of selected countries.

Applying for a study permit may be a slippery slope, however, for many of the interested students from anywhere in the world. Moreover, the waiting time to graduate may sometimes be unbearable and applying for permanent residence after gaining eligible work experience may not be distinct in the beginning.

But Canada’s student immigration program is not a dead-end program.

On the other side of the coin is a pathway to permanent residence that is very much possible and attainable.

There is a clear route for an international student to hope for --regardless of the irony and the dilemma.

If one seems to be out of solutions, the universe has a vast sea of information. Seek help one way or another.

Page 14 â—? June 21, 2020

Great Potential Property With Large 4 Bedroom 1 1/2Bungalowlofts In Demanding Dorset Park Area. Hardwood Floor Through Out. Finished Bsmt W/ Kitchen & 3 Extra Bedrooms W/Mirrored Closets And Separate Entrance.

Steps To Ttc, Shopping, Schools & Park. Wlkg Distance To Bond School. Full Bathroom In Each Floor. Long Drive Way Parking Up To 4 Cars. An Ideal Home For Large Family Or Extra Income

Richard is one of the best agents that you may want to deal with in real estate business. His customer service skills and ability exceeds what is expected of him. He always put his clients first above his personal interests. He takes it personally when he is dealing with each and every transaction, treating others as he wanted him to be treated by others. He would pour out his efforts in his work with passion and treats his clients with empathy and understanding, knowing the sensitivity of decisions made by his clients whether it is buying or selling.

LifeStyle

June 21, 2020 ● Page 15

Check out this chef’s special: Black Rice Seafood Paella Drool over this exquisite cuisine made by a Filipino Chef in Scarborough This chef’s special is of Spanish origin, with chicken and other meat, seafood, vegetables cooked together in a large, flat pan. Paella is considered a special dish in the Philippines served during special occasions and celebrations (like fiestas, festivals, etc.).

The Black Rice Seafood Paella is just one of the exquisite cuisines served at Saucy Plate, a new Filipino Fusion Cuisine restaurant that may be aptly labeled as a “hidden gem” in Scarborough.

Saucy Plate boasts of an array of classy and mouth-watering menu that is distinctively appetizing to a Filipino taste bud but served with a tweak of a Western and French-inspired flavour.

This restaurant also serves their own desserts that are uniquely Saucy Plate’s.

Braised Lamb Shank in Port Wine Saucy Plate’s Background Saucy Plate is a Filipino-owned restaurant located in Lawrence Avenue and Tower Drive in Scarborough.

While it offers Filipino fusion cuisine and caters mainly to Filipinos, their sophisticated menu is sure to entice food-lovers in general who fancy a fusion taste of Filipino and western delicacy. The newly-opened restaurant serves Filipino dishes with a classy twist of western flavour, specifically, the French cuisine.

Saucy Plate is a family business restaurant owned and managed by couple Celso and Miguela Mancol, together with their children, Guecel, Les-An and Olga.

Celso and Miguela’s history of culinary expertise and formal dinner setting dates back in their 14 years of service as a domestic couple for a wealthy CEO of a pharmaceutical company based in New York.

Miguela is the chef de cuisine and the officiating hand behind the ‘saucy’ and tasty meals served at Saucy Plate.

Her magical hands transform Filipino delicacies that are cooked with a twist.

Miguela’s passion for cooking can be traced back to their humble beginnings in Samar, where she was a versatile and resourceful housekeeper to husband Celso and to their three children. While Celso was primarily involved in politics in the Philippines as a barangay captain in Samar in 1989 and a municipal councillor in 1992, Miguela multi-tasked in managing her household at the backseat. She juggled running a small eatery, a ‘sari-sari’ store (variety store), a beauty parlour and poultry in their backyard, all in her sole management. In their eatery, she

was versatile in cooking purely Filipino cuisine, such as the staple Sinigang, stir-fried vegetables, kaldereta and menudo, among others.

With the political chaos in the Philippines, Celso decided to take the risk and travel to the US in 1999 to try his luck, leaving his family behind in Manila after they moved to the city from Samar. Miguela continued to solely manage the household in Celso’s absence. A few years later, Miguela and their youngest daughter, Olga, went to the US to join Celso in New York.

They were originally hired to manage the household as “domestic couple”. But the need arose when Miguela was asked to include cooking in her daily tasks to better serve the guests that the CEO and his son accommodate in his household.

Miguela recalled being instantly hesitant, humbly stating that she was only expert in cooking Filipino dishes specifically. To better prepare her for the role, her generous employer sent her to attend a five-day crash course in culinary school. Miguela’s short training course gave her the confidence and thirst to explore other resources in order to learn more.

The 59-year old wife of Celso developed her culinary expertise the moment she opened her doors to exploring and cooking diverse dishes to serve to their employer’s guests who have multicultural background.

The Mancol trio honed the skills needed through preparing and serving a cuisine specific to the native taste of the visitors of the CEO’s son and eventually learned preparing the dishes in a formal dine-in setting.

Celso recalls how teamwork played in satisfying the guests they served in the CEO’s house, where he and his daughter, Olga, took charge of food serving and table setting while Miguela cooked. Miguela helped serve the food as well, especially if they were serving through a fine-dining set-up of about 25-28 guests.

Salmon Fillet with Citrus Butter Miguela became an expert in French cuisine to gratify their employer’s son who particularly loved French food, and French food is served with very thick sauce. Day after day of cooking, Miguela perfected the taste of ‘saucy’ French cuisine. They soon gained the approval of their employer’s son who constantly commended the food that Miguela cooked.

Thus, Miguela earned her label as the “Queen of Sauce” by the people close to them in New York. The foods

The Black Rice Seafood Paella is just one of the exquisite cuisines served at Saucy Plate she cooked consistently earned approvals from the people they served the foods to. Soon enough, the praises they constantly received propelled a desire for the couple to put up their own restaurant. Miguela, however, was not convinced she can put up a restaurant

The name “Saucy Plate” describes the signature dishes prepared by its own chef de cuisine, Miguela, befittingly labeled back in New York by her colleagues as the “Queen of Sauce”. They adapted the color of the yellow mustard sauce in the

Mancol Family (Left to right): Olga, Miguela, Les-An, Celso, Guecel of her own. But a visit to restaurants in restaurant’s logo, consistent with their New York that were flooded with signature dishes that are ‘saucy’ in customers (e.g. Japanese, Malaysian, nature. etc.) convinced the dreamy Miguela With a cuisine that has exceptional that she can compete with the classy food being served in those restaurants.

The couple and their youngest daughter, Olga, eventually moved to Canada in 2018 through a sponsorship by their daughter, Ann, who chose to settle in Canada while her parents were in New York. Guecel, Celso and Miguela’s eldest daughter, also flew to Canada to fulfill her plan to settle in the country. The Mancol trio’s arrival to Canada from New York in 2018 marked their reunification as a Saucy Plate location in Scarborough. family, separated for many years. taste served by Saucy Plate, it won’t be Saucy Plate Came into Reality long before it makes it way to the hearts Celso and Miguela recollected how of the Filipino-Canadian market in the Mancol daughters convinced them Toronto. Miguela looks into the future to finally put up their own restaurant as a highly distinct and excellent chef when they came to Canada in 2018. and she enjoins her daughters to live Through a combination of Guecel’s with her passion and expertise in background in culinary skills back in culinary. the Philippines and the couple’s The Mancol family envisions extensive experience in Filipino fusion Saucy Plate several years from now, as cuisine, the Mancol family fulfilled one of the well-known Filipino their dream in putting up a restaurant of restaurants with fusion cuisine, their own in March 2020. Saucy Plate standing mightily in the busy streets of proudly carries Miguela’s signature downtown Toronto. dishes earned through years of skillfull Saucy Plate is conveniently craft and Celso’s expertise in table- located at 1960 Lawrence Avenue East setting for a formal dining set-up. The and Tower Drive, Scarborough. restaurant is managed by the entire Available for take-out and catering, family, with each member has a role to they can be reached at (647) 347fulfill.

38880.

By: R. Sumaguitsit

Page 16 â—? June 21, 2020

COMMITMENT REDEFINED!

KITCHEN, BATHROOM & BASEMENT For your Construction, Renovationand Maintenance needs call at:

(647) 498-3078 FOR OTHER INQUIRIES: candour.builders@gmail.com Youcan visit us at: 200-919Ellesmere Road, Scarborough, Ontario