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Duterte: National recovery from COVID-19 crisis within sight

MANILA (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday expressed optimism that the Philippines would recover from the COVID-19 pandemic as the government prepares for its mass vaccination program this year.

“There is light at the end of the tunnel. National recovery is within sight,” Duterte said in a video message at the signing of the tripartite agreement involving the local government units and private sector for additional 17 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine.

The President also hailed the business community and the LGUs for their support to the fight against COVID-19.

“Our tripartite agreement is a true showcase of unity, of purpose, and principled partnership benefitting our public. This is bayanihan at work,” he said.

The Philippines expects to receive the first vaccine delivery in February that will be used to inoculate the country’s health workers before distributing the vaccines to the general population. The government aims to vaccinate up to 70 million people in 2021 alone.

“Together, we can ensure a safe, sure and secure rollout “Together, we can ensure a safe, sure and secure rollout of our national immunization program,” Duterte said. “We now have the weapon to defeat this virus, the vaccine, and let us win the war and save lives and livelihoods.”

The Philippines is seen to lag behind its peers in the Asia Pacific region in terms of fully recovering from the recession which resulted from the global health crisis, according to Moody’s Analytics. Malacañang said it would disprove the forecast. (MNS)

PRESIDENT RODRIGO DUTERTE

POGO-linked kidnap cases rise amid pandemic

MANILA (Mabuhay) — The number of kidnapping cases involving Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) almost doubled last year amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, the Philippine National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) said on Tuesday.

Citing latest data, AKG director Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo said a total of 17 POGO-related kidnapping incidents was recorded in 2020, with 10 cases filed, 23 victims rescued, 33 suspects arrested and two suspects killed during police operations.

This translates to an 88-percent increase from only nine incidents recorded in 2019, with 13 victims rescued, 34 suspects arrested and six cases filed.

“There was a slight increase in the recorded cases particularly in the year 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Since there was a stoppage on the operations of the online gaming casinos, employers have no profit and in order to survive they will detain their employees and deprive them and ask for money in exchange for liberty to their families abroad,” Estomo told reporters.

He, however, said the AKG continues to enhance its interoperability with local police units to be able to resolve kidnapping cases.

The victims of POGO-related kidnapping incidents last year include 18 Chinese nationals, three Taiwanese, one Malaysian, and one Vietnamese.

The suspects, meanwhile, include 26 Chinese, three Filipinos, two Indonesians, two Malaysians, one Filipino-Chinese, and one Taiwanese.

Meanwhile, the number of gambling-related kidnapping cases in the country last year decreased to 14, a 63-percent decline from 38 cases recorded in 2019.

Earlier, Estomo said they are closely coordinating and liaising with their foreign counterparts, the Department of Justice, National Capital Regional Police Office, the Bureau of Immigration, NAIA authorities, and other PNP territorial units regarding these incidents.

He said the AKG has partnered with Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation for the procurement of a mobile communication/ investigation van and also set a summit on casino debt-related kidnappings, aimed at forming an action plan to combat these crimes. (MNS)

De Lima on Aguirre’s appointment to NAPOLCOM:

Duterte really good at recycling waste

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Senator Leila De Lima in the government's war on drugs. on Tuesday mocked President Rodrigo Duterte Back then, Aguirre said he was not afraid of for appointing former Justice Secretary Vitaliano anything that De Lima would file against him Aguirre II as commissioner at the National Police because he has nothing to hide, and that he can Commission (NAPOLCOM). refute these "baseless" accusations. "Duterte should appoint himself to the National He resigned from his Department of Justice Solid Waste Management Commission. Magaling post in April 2018 amid criticisms over the initalaga siya mag recycle ng basura. #zeroWaste," tial dismissal of charges against suspected drug De Lima, also a former Justice secretary, said in personalities. a statement. On Monday, Malacañang announced that Agu-

De Lima has been detained since February 2017 irre has been appointed as NAPOLCOM commisover drug-related charges. She has repeatedly sioner representing the private sector. claimed that the Contrary to charges against De Lima's take her are all polit- on this develically-motivated. opment, Senate

De Lima has President Visued Aguirre in cente Sotto III previous years said Aguirre was for allegedly us- "highly qualiing convicted fied" for the pocriminals as state sition. witnesses in her Duterte and illegal drug trad- Aguirre were ing case, and for law school classalleged failure to mates. They are investigate and also members of prosecute more the San Beda Colthan 7,000 cases lege of Law-based of alleged extrajudicial killings AGUIRRE II DE LIMA Lex Talionis Fraternity.

Strict biosecurity needed to aid hog raisers amid ASF outbreak

MANILA (Mabuhay) — An official of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) said on Tuesday the country needs to improve its risk management standards and sustainability measures so hog raisers can survive and thrive amid the African swine fever (ASF) outbreak.

“ASF has already taken a big toll on the country’s pig population. The key to surviving this hog epidemic is a well-studied and properly implemented biosecurity program that will help hog raisers set up practicable measures to prevent or control the spread of infection within a pig farm,” BPI Sustainable Development Finance (SDF) head Jo Ann Eala said in a statement.

Pig Improvement Company (PIC) Philippines general manager Vino Borromeo said analysts projected about 750,000 sows could be affected if ASF continues to spread across the country, causing a supply shortfall and price hike.

The virus will remain in the country and continue to spread until an effective ASF vaccine arrives, and that attaining the supply level in 2019 may take at least 10 years, he added.

“The shortfall will fast track the transformation of the industry to adopt a more modern system of farming, put technology into the process, and innovate solutions to be more efficient and more conscious of the biosecurity that we need to put in place to protect herds,” he said.

The BPI said until proper biosecurity discipline is implemented, “it will be really tough to repopulate and ensure that you don’t get hit again.”

In 2020, the Department of Agriculture (DA) announced the establishment of the first-border inspection (FBI) facilities in the country’s major ports, starting at the Manila International Container Port.

It will further strengthen onsite border control inspections for imported animals, plants, meat, and other farm and fishery products arriving in major international seaports in the country.

DA Secretary William Dar said the FBI will be done on all animals, plants, fisheries, and related agricultural products arriving from other countries.

“The FBI facilities will be one of the major accomplishments of the Duterte administration as biosecurity measures like quarantine checks are needed to protect animal, plant and public health, and animal welfare,” Dar said.

The FBI facilities will also be put up at Manila South Harbor, Subic Freeport Zone, Port of Batangas, Cebu International Port, and Port of Davao.

Meanwhile, Tugon Kabuhayan convenor Asis Perez in a virtual presser said the putting up of a border inspection facility would be of great help in ensuring food safety, especially of imported commodities entering the country.

Perez, former director of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), said the proper process is that before products entered the Philippines and charged with duties by the Bureau of Customs, they should be first inspected and examined in laboratories for food safety purposes.

“This will not require additional budget on the part of the government because it should be the manufacturers or exporters who should shoulder the lab fees,” he said.

Perez said the good thing is that BFAR has already taken preliminary steps in drafting the guidelines on the inspection and labeling of imported goods for fish and seafood products. (MNS)

DOF bares how P82.5-B budget for COVID vax program will be sourced

MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Department of Finance on Thursday gave some details on how the P82.5-billion budget for the state vaccination program will be funded, and assured the public the money is enough to inoculate 50 million Filipinos against COVID-19.

Under the 2021 General Appropriations Act, P82.5 billion is allotted for the project aimed to cover around 55% of the country's population.

Of the amount, the DOF said, P2.5 billion will come from the 2021 Department of Health (DOH) budget.

Meanwhile, P10 billion will be sourced from the COVID-19 vaccination program allocation under Republic Act (RA) No. 11494 or the Bayanihan To Recover As One Act or Bayanihan 2, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said in a statement.

Dominguez noted the remaining P70 billion will be sourced from loans provided by multilateral lenders, the Philippines’ bilateral partners, and/or the domestic market.

Also, Dominguez said the DOF is processing around P62.5 billion or approximately $1.3 billion through loans with multilateral banks to procure COVID-19 vaccines for adult Filipinos.

“These multilateral institutions include the Asian Development Bank (ADB), World Bank (WB) and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB),” he said.

Earlier reports indicated that the government is targeting to inoculate between 50 to 70 million adult Filipinos --aged 18 years old and above.

“We have 110 million Filipinos. Of the 110 million, around 40 million are below the ages of 18 and it is not recommended that teenagers and below get the vaccine. So, you knock off 40 million out of 110 million. That leaves you 70 million Filipinos potentially to vaccinate,” the Finance chief said.

So far, he added, COVID-19 vaccines allowed for use in the country is intended mainly for adults aged 18 years old and above, because clinical trials have not involved children yet.

Dominguez noted that initial computations of vaccination cost per person has been pegged at P1,300 --which already includes the required doses, syringe, storage, equipment, information campaign, monitoring and other support services.

At P1,300 per person, the government would be able to inoculate roughly 57 to 60 million Filipinos out of the 70 million that need to be vaccinated, according to Dominguez.

“Now, that leaves you 13 million people. We expect the 13 million to be covered by the LGUs (local government units), the private sector, and of course, there are the recusants—the guys who don't believe in vaccination,” he said.

“So, basically, we are going to be covered and I think we will be able easily now, with the resources that we have raised, to vaccinate 60 million Filipinos,” he pointed out.

For his part, Finance Undersecretary Mark Dennis Joven of the DOF’s International Finance Group (IFG) said the department has begun the process of negotiating with the World Bank and Asian Development Bank at least $800 million or about P39 billion in funds for the COVID-19 vaccination program through a project loan, with the DOH as implementing agency.

This financing support from the ADB and the WB carries low interest rates, with an average maturity period of at least 10 years, Joven noted.

Joven leads a task group on procurement and financing composed of representatives from the DOF, DOH and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) that reports directly to the National Task Force Against COVID-19 Chief Implementer and vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr.

According to Joven, “The budget is cut in two parts. It’s P70 billion plus P12.5 billion. The P70 billion along with the COVAX contribution would be sufficient to fund around 140 million doses of vaccines.”

He was referring to the COVAX Facility, a global initiative that brought together governments and vaccine manufacturers, including 64 high-income economies, to ensure the fair and equitable access of all participating countries to COVID-19 vaccines.

Being a part of the COVAX facility, the Philippines is guaranteed access to vaccine doses for at least 20% of its population.

Finally, the remaining P12.5 billion of the P82.5 billion COVID-19 vaccine budget will be spent on ancillary requirements such as materials, rollout, storage, distribution and other logistical and support services, according to Joven. (MNS)

127 cases fi led vs. erring importers, employees — BOC

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Over 120 cases were filed against erring importers, brokers, and employees, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) reported on Wednesday.

Citing the latest data, the BOC said a total of 127 cases were filed by the Bureau's Action Team Against Smugglers (BATAS) against erring importers and customs brokers, from calendar year (CY) 2020 to Jan. 8, 2021.

The cases were filed for violations of Republic Act 10863 also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and other pertinent laws.

Of the number, 75 criminal cases were filed against various importers were filed before the DOJ, while 52 administrative cases were filed against customs brokers before the Philippine Regulatory Commission (PRC).

For the same period, a total of 370 cases on appeal were resolved by BOC- Revenue Collection Monitoring Group (RCMG), through its Legal Service.

These cases consist of abandonment proceedings, seizure and forfeiture cases, determination of probable cause proceedings, and protests.

It added that a total of 48 disciplinary administrative cases were filed against erring BOC employees from 2019 to 2020, 18 of which were transmitted to the Office of the Ombudsman.

For CY 2020, 11 cases were resolved, 17 are for resolution, and 11 cases are under formal investigation. (MNS)

Entertainment

Daniel, Kathryn asked: 'Are you ready to get married?'

Several celebrities got engaged in the past year and in the first few days of 2021, like former “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate Patrick Sugui and social media influencer Aeriel Garcia, who announced their engagement after two years together, last month.

And in line with this, the couple's friends Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo were quizzed if they plan to follow suit, especially since they have been together for almost nine years now.

Speaking during the fi nale press conference of “The House Arrest of Us”, Padilla stressed that their timeline as a couple remains unchanged and they still do not want to rush into anything.

“Hindi namin puwedeng biglain 'yung mga ganyang bagay. Sa amin ha? Siyempre iba-iba naman ang trip ng lahat. Pero kami kasi parang nakaplano 'yun, nakalista 'yung mga dapat naming gawin para hindi rin kami ma-rattle sa mga decision na gagawin namin,” he said.

The actor noted that if they hurry into getting engaged and eventually settling down, this might just cause problems in the future.

“Kapag binigla niyo 'yung isa’t isa, doon papasok ang mga problema. Kapag masyadong biglaan ang mga bagay, baka dun kami biglang magkaproblema. Nilalatag muna namin ang mga bagay, pinaplano namin,” he said.

Bernardo, on the other hand, said they would settle with their roles as a bridesmaid and groomsman for now before they think of their own wedding.

“Chill muna tayo. May mga kaibigan kaming engaged. Duty namin maging best bridesmaid and groomsman muna. Iba din naman 'yung age namin sa kanila. Like what DJ said kanina, iba-iba tayo ng timing lahat. Kami siguro komportable kami na bago tumalon sa ganyang klaseng buhay, kailangan ready kami. Ayaw namin na masira 'yung relationship just because hindi kami ready pareho,” she said.

“Yun yung natutunan namin sa ‘The Hows of Us’ na kailangan pareho kayong ready and 'yung pamilya namin ready. Baka mahimatay si mama and Tita Karla kapag biglang sinurprise namin sila. Aayusin muna DANIEL pADILLA and KAtHRYN bERNARDo

namin 'yung sa mga kaibigan naming ikakasal. Huwag tayo magpa-pressure just because nag-propose sila, dapat kami na din,” she added.

Nonetheless, Bernardo and Padilla both believe that they have already found “the one” in each other.

“Perfect siya for me because una, I always say this, she makes me a better person. 'Yun lang naman 'yung sa akin. Kapag nawawala ako sa riles, binabalik lang niya ako ng binabalik. Masyado akong makulit na bata. Si Kathryn 'yung gumagabay sa akin. Siya ang ilaw ko,” said Padilla.

“Hindi perfect 'yung relationship namin. Hindi ako perfect, hindi rin siya perfect and alam naman namin 'yun. Pero 'yun 'yung nakaka-excite 'di ba? Kaya nga masaya siya, kung anong adventure man itong pinasok namin, ilang taon na pero hanggang ngayon nandito pa rin kami because it’s worth it,” added Bernardo.

Saying Padilla makes her happy, Bernardo confessed she could not imagine her future without him in it.

Having said all these things, are they ready to live together in one house?

“Hindi pa siguro, hindi pa kami handa magsama sa isang bahay. Magpapakasal muna kami saka kami magsasama sa isang bahay dahil si Kathryn nandiyan pa si Lhexine (Bernardo’s niece), bata pa si Lhexine. Siya ang ate nun. Binabantayan niya pa. Ako naman, nandiyan pa 'yung mga kapatid kong babaita na binabantayan ko pa rin. Marami pa kaming mga bantayang magaganap. Magpapakasal muna kami,” Padilla explained.

Padilla will be turning 26 this year, while Bernardo will be turning 25. (MNS)

Carla Abellana, Rafael Rosell, 'Because of You' win in Faces of Vietnam 2020

MAniLA (Mabuhay) — Carla Abellana won the Favorite Foreign Actress award in Vietnam's "Face of the Year 2020" for her performance in the 2016 GMA-7 romcom drama series "Because of You." Congratulations!

But that's not all. The teleserye was also named Best Foreign Drama, with Carla's leading man in the series Rafael Rosell, winning Favorite Foreign Actor.

On his Instagram account, Director Mark Reyes proudly announced their win, congratulating the team.

Carla proudly announced the news on her Instagram account, saying "I WON AGAIN IN VIETNAM!" "God, thank you for this amazing blessing! And THANK YOU to all my fans who voted for me all over the world, most especially to my Filipino and Vietnamese fans! God bless you all! Thank you, IMC! Thank you @ kenh_todaytv ! I can’t wait to come back!" Carla wrote in the caption of her post.

This is not the fi rst time Carla received this award. The award-winning Kapuso actress fi rst earned the same recognition in 2017 for her drama series "My Destiny."

You can watch or re-watch the series "Because of You" on Amazon Prime Video. Visit PrimeVideo.com or download the Amazon Prime Video app. (MNS)

CARLA AbELLANA RAFAEL RoSELL

Maja Salvador praises new mom Janella Salvador for being strong

MAniLA (Mabuhay) — Actress Maja Salvador praised her "The Killer Bride" co-star, fi rst-time mom Janella Salvador, for being a strong woman.

Janella and her boyfriend Markus Paterson fi nally introduced their newborn, baby Jude to the public. "Natutuwa ako na ang strong mo. Hindi ka natakot. Nakakatakot pero naging brave ka kasi alam mo ‘yun, alam mong isang blessing ‘yung ibinigay sa inyo, ‘di ba?” Maja told Janella.

Janella then revealed that Maja knew about her pregnancy journey. "Every step, nandoon ka, in-update kita. Grabe ‘yung feeling na alam kong may life akong nabuo, may kini-carry akong life, it’s such a big thing. …Kasi when I was pregnant, hindi ko alam parang hindi pa nagsi-sink in agad sa akin na totoo na talaga. But now that he’s here, grabe ‘yung realizations ko. Totoo nga 'yung sinasabi ng mga mom na the moment you see his or her face mawawala lahat ng sakit,” Janella shared.

According to Maja, she witnessed Janella's happiness after fi nding out about the pregnancy. "Sabihin ko lang kung paano niya kinuwento sa akin, ganyan na ganyan. Walang nadagdag, walang nabawas. 'Yang joy sa mata niya, ‘yang ngiti niya, ganyan. ‘Yung parang nandoon nga raw ‘yung kaba pero silang dalawa, iba ‘yung joy na na-feel nila. Pero kasi, iba talaga ‘pag in love,” Maja said.

Janella then revealed how Maja reacted when she told her that she's expecting. “Ay naku isa ka sa best in reaction. ...Pero, ikaw, ikaw umiyak ka,” Janella said.

“Akala mo ano anak na anak? Kasi kakatapos lang naman kasi ng 'Killer Bride' that time. So feeling ko, nandoon pa rin ang pagka-Camila ko. So, ayon,” Maja shared.

“Sabi ni Ate Maja, ‘Wait lang naiiyak ako.’ Narinig ko siya sa phone,” Janella added. MARKUS pEtERSoN and JANELLA SALVADoR

MAJA SALVADoR Salvador and Paterson revealed becoming fi rst-time parents in a vlog, confi rming months-long speculation surrounding their abrupt exit from showbiz. The two are currently staying in the United Kingdom. Baby Jude was born in the afternoon of October 20, 2020, as seen in footage of Salvador cradling her baby for the fi rst time in her hospital bed. (MNS)