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VOL. XXXVII • NO. 320 • 2 SECTIONS 12 PAGES DECEMBER 31, 2023
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NO TRANSPORT CRISIS—GOVT AS ONLY 1 IN 3 JEEPS IN NCR MEET CONSOLIDATION DEADLINE
DRAGON STAMPS.
A stamps collector shows the commemorative ‘2024 Year of the Wooden Dragon’ stamps released by the Philippine Postal Corporation on Saturday, Dece. 30, 2023. PHLPost printed 20,000 copies of the two colorful designs. Danny Pata
By Maricel V. Cruz
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REMEMBERING PEPE. President Marcos (inset) leads the flag raising ceremony to mark the 127th martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Luneta Park in Manila on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023. The national hero, who went by the nickname Pepe, was only 35 year old when he was shot to death at the then Bagumbayan field. Danny Pata
WO in three jeepneys in Metro Manila have yet to consolidate into cooperatives before today’s deadline, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board said even as the government downplayed the possibility of a transport crisis.
“In major thoroughfares in Metro Manila, those who applied for those routes have already consolidated, so we can say that we could meet public demand for public transport come January,” said Office of Transportation Cooperatives (OTC) chairman Andy Ortega. LTFRB data showed that as of Dec. 29, less than 14,000 or only 33.21 percent of jeepneys in Metro Manila have consolidated into cooperatives. The number, however, is already an improvement from the 26 percent consolidation rate recorded in November, LTFRB National Capital Region Director Zona Tamayo Tamayo said there are about 3,259 consolidated UV Express units, accounting for 44.3 percent of the total UV Express units plying various routes in the National Capital Region. As this developed, a Social Welfare official said jeepney drivers who will be affected by the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) may avail of cash assistance through the department’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program. “It is possible that they can avail of AICS since they can be categorized as in crisis,” DSWD Program Management Bureau Director Miramel Laxa said. AICS serves as a stop-gap measure by providing immediate and temporary cash aid to individuals and families who are undergoing crisis based on the assessment of social workers. “Availing of AICS can help them meet their basic needs through different forms of assistance such as food, and cash aid, among others,” Laxa said.
MARCOS: EMULATE RIZAL’S TIMELESS VALUES By Charles Dantes PRESIDENT Marcos called on Filipinos to embody Dr. Jose Rizal’s values and profound love for the nation as he led the commemoration of the 127th anniversary of the national hero’s martyrdom at Luneta Park in Manila on Saturday. “I enjoin all of you to keep emulating the timeless values we can learn from his life and works. I also call on everyone to let the genuine love for the country propel us to have a deep and personal sense of ownership for our land and our future,” Mr. Marcos said. “May the ideals and spirit of Dr. Jose Rizal live on as we fully realize the Philippines that he and his contemporaries fought hard for,” he added.
Vice President Sara Duterte, for her part, said Rizal’s legacy continues to be a guiding light for all Filipinos. “Our national hero was a visionary, a man of immense courage and intellect who believed in the power of knowledge to ignite change. His relentless pursuit of education and enlightenment set the stage for his pivotal role in our nation’s history,” said Duterte, who is also the current Education Secretary. Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri likewise urged Filipinos not to let the sacrifices of the national hero go in vain. “Let’s continue his fight. Let us be united in love and in defense of our country and our fellow Filipinos,” Zubiri said. Speaker Martin Romualdez said Rizal’s deep insights and steadfast
dedication to freedom “laid the cornerstone of our national identity.” “In commemorating his life and works, let us remember that Rizal was more than a historical figure; he was a symbol of hope and the epitome of what it means to love one’s country. His bravery in opposing colonial tyranny and his profound affection for the Philippines remain as vital inspirations to us all,” he said. In an era where our sovereignty and national identity face new challenges, we must live by Rizal’s ideals. I call upon each of us to embrace Rizal’s spirit in our everyday actions. May his courage inspire us to confront our challenges with dignity and integrity. May his wisdom guide our decisions towards the betterment of our beloved country,” Romualdez added.
DOH: FIRECRACKER INJURIES CLIMB TO 107
SIMULATED INJURY. Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa demonstrates how a patient of a firecracker-related injury will be treated at the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center in Santa Cruz, Manila, on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023. Norman Cruz twitter.com/ MlaStandard
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THE number of firecracker-related injuries soared to 107, the Department of Health said on Saturday, hours before the country welcomes the New Year tonight. Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said he was unhappy with the increase in the number of injuries, 97 percent of which occurred in residences. “We have breached the 100 mark for injuries. Majority of the victims are young boys who are passive onlookers,”he said. The Department of Health earlier raised the “code white” alert in the country’s health-care system and will remain in effect until Jan. 4. “Under orders of President Marcos, the DOH and all hospitals and health facilities will be ready for all untoward instagram.com/ manilastandard
incidents this Christmas and New Year season,” the DOH said on Friday. Under code white, medical procedures, such as X-ray and laboratory testing, shall be “made available without requirement for out-of-pocket by victims.” DOH data showed Metro Manila logged the most number of firecrackerrelated injuries with 41 cases, followed by Central Luzon, Ilocos, SOCCSKSARGEN, Cagayan, Bicol, and Calabarzon. The number of cases in Metro Manila increased by more than 10 times, said DOH-National Capital Region director Dr. Aleli Sudiacal. A 72-year-old man also sustained burns and abrasions due to kwitis (skyrocket) in Metro Manila, making him the oldest case this year.
CHINA OPPOSES PH PLAN TO BUILD AYUNGIN FACILITY CHINA opposed Manila’s plan to construct a civilian facility at Ayungin Shoal, which is part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said such a “major move” would “severely infringe” on China’s sovereignty and would prompt“resolute”countermeasures. Mao’s warning came on the heels of the directive of Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday to his ambassadors to forge a“diplomatic iron army” “Ren’ai Jiao is an uninhabited shoal. According to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea signed by China and ASEAN countries, parties should keep Ren’ai Jiao uninhabited and facility-free,” Mao said, referring to the name China uses for Ayungin. “China will take resolute measures against any violation of our sovereignty and provocation, and firmly safeguard our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,” Mao added. In his meeting with Chinese ambassadors during a gathering in Beijing earlier this week, Xi exhorted them to “dare to be good at struggle and to become defenders of the national interest.” “It is necessary to resolutely safeguard the interests of national sovereignty, security and development with a posture of readiness and a firm will to defy strong powers,” Xi said, as reported by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.
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