Press "Enter" to skip to content

Posts published in “National”

Latest new from all over the Philippines.

President Bong Bong Marcos Jr. posted a message of “reconciliation” on the 37th anniversary of EDSA Revolution

On the 37th Anniversary of EDSA revolution a.k.a. People Power Revolution, President Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos Jr. posted a message on his personal social media account, offering a “hand of reconciliation.”

He said;

As we look back to a time in our history that divided the Filipino people, I am one with the nation in remembering those times of tribulation and how we came out of them united and stronger as a nation.

I once again offer my hand of reconciliation to those with different political persuasions to come together as one in forging a better society — one that will pursue progress and peace and a better life for all Filipinos.

The 1986 Edsa People Power Revolution is known around the world as a bloodless revolution where millions of Filipinos gathered along the main arteries of Metro Manila which led to the ouster of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. due to fact that the Philippines have been under martial law for 14 years and the poverty rate rose from 41% in the 1960s to 59% right before he was removed from power.

During the 14 years of being under Martial Law, there have been 3,257 known extrajudicial killings, 35,000 documented tortures, 77 forced disappearances, and 70,000 incarcerations.

It was the assassination of Benigno Aquino Jr. that triggered the uprising of the Filipino and led to the 1986 Edsa People Power Revolution and the rest as they say is history.

For more reading regarding 1986 Edsa People Power Revolution, you can go here, here and here.

All Assistance-to-Nationals of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) will now be under Migrant Workers Office (MWO)

Here’s something to all Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) around the world, starting March 1, 2023, all Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) concerns of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) will be managed by the Migrant Workers Office (MWO). This in accordance with the Republic Act No. 11641 or the Department of Migrant Workers Act.

In addition to all labor concern, Assistance-to-Nationals concern will include but not limited to the following;

  • police cases/legal assistance
  • repatriation request
  • immigration issues
  • shipment of remains
  • welfare assistance

Aside from ATN concerns, Migrant Workers Office (MWO) will also be handing non-OFW concerns from students, tourists and pilgrims.

This is what their websie said about the Migrant Workers Office;

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is the executive department of the Philippine government tasked to protect the rights and promote the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). The department was created by virtue of Department of Migrant Workers Act or the Republic Act No. 11641, which was signed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on December 30, 2021.

The Department of Migrant Workers Act (RA 11641) took effect on February 3, 2022, wherein the DMW was created, established, and constituted. It now assumes and performs all the powers and functions of seven merged agencies, namely: the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA); the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs (OUMWA) of the DFA; the International Labor Affairs Bureau (ILAB) and all Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLO) under DOLE; the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP); the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRC) under the OWWA, and the Office of the Social Welfare Attaché (OSWA) under the DSWD.

The DMW is mandated to facilitate the overseas employment and reintegration of Filipino workers, while taking into consideration the national development programs of the National Economic and Development Authority. It is also tasked to promote the empowerment and protection of OFWs through continuous training and knowledge development.

DepEd amends ‘Panatang Makabayan’

Department of Education (DepEd) just released an amended version of the “Panatang Makabayan.” In the new version of “Panatang Makbayan,” the word “nagdarasal” was changed into “nanalangin,” the changes was made after consultation with various organizations regarding the terminology.

The Linguistic Society of the Philippines found the proposal for the use of nananalangin to be well-written and sufficiently rationalized. The Pambansang Samahan sa Linggwistika at Literaturang Filipino agreed with the use of nananalangin, because it is more inclusive, more solemn, and the choice for nananalangin is well thought of and extensively researched. The Language Study Center of the Philippine Normal University had a different opinion but expressed its support for the fina1 decision of Office of the Undersecretary for Curriculum and Teaching (OUCT) on this matter.

With these consultations, the Office of the Undersecretary for Curriculum and Teaching (OUCT) recommended that “nananalangin” be used instead of “nagdarasal” primarily because the nananalangin is inherent and integral in Filipino identities as it is rooted in Tagalog. Likewise, it is more inclusive and appropriate as it does not refer to or specific religions, and at the same time, it encompasses indigenous belief systems.

Second, as expressed by the focal persons representing the Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples and the individuals belonging to Muslim and Moro communities, dalangin and its equivalents may be more preferred than dasal since dalangin is more spiritual and universal. Finally, based on the data provided by the Philippine Bible Society, native words are preferred when Bible is being translated into different Philippine languages.

This will now be the new ‘Panatang Makabayan’;

Iniibig ko ang Pilipinas,
aking lupang sinilangan
tahanan ng aking lahi;
kinukupkop ako at tinutulungang
maging malakas, masipag at marangal.
Dahil mahal ko ang Pilipinas,
diringgin ko ang payo
ng aking mga magulang,
susundin ko ang tuntunin ng paaralan,
tutuparin ko ang tungkulin
ng mamamayang makabayan;
naglilingkod, nag-aaral, at nananalangin
nang buong katapatan.
Iaalay ko ang aking buhay,
pangarap, pagsisikap sa bansang Pilipinas.

You can read the full text of the amendment via DepEd Order No. 004 series of 2023.

Multi-awarded Filipina novelist and activist Lualhati Bautista passed away at the age of 77

Multi-awarded Filipina novelist and activist Lualhati Bautista passed away, Sunday morning, according to a relative.

Posted on the Facebook page of Sonny Ross Samonte, Bautista’s first cousin;

Sad News for our Torres Clan, Our first cousin Lualhati Bautista died at 77 yrs old this morning. Lualhati Torres Bautista (born December 2, 1945) is a Filipina writer, novelist, liberal activist and political critic. Her most popular novels include Dekada ’70; Bata, Bata, Pa’no Ka Ginawa?; and ‘GAPÔ. 🥲

Lualhati Bautista best known for her works: Dekada ’70; Bata, Bata, Pa’no Ka Ginawa?; and Gapo. She is also the screenplay writer of the award winning film “Bulaklak sa City Jail,” starring Nora Aunor, Gina Alajar and Gloria Romero, which won best story and best screenplay at the Metro Manila Film Festival in 1984.

Aside from writing, Bautista is also known for her activism regarding social and political system in the country and was red tagged by Jefferson Lodia Badong, accusing her of being a member of New People’s Army (NPA), an allegation that Bautista herself answered and called out.

LinkedIn published the 15 fastest-growing job titles in the Philippines

LinkedIn, the social media network for professionals and businesses just reveal the 15 fastest-growing job titles in the Philippines. The list is a good reference for those who are planning to switch jobs or gauge if there’s long term opportunity in the industry where you’re at.

LinkedIn explained that the list was published by “LinkedIn Economic Graph researchers examined millions of jobs started by LinkedIn members from January 1, 2018 to July 31, 2022 to calculate a growth rate for each job title.” and added “To be ranked, a job title needed to see consistent growth across our membership base, as well as have grown to a meaningful size by 2022.”

Here’s the full list of LinkedIn’s 15 fastest-growing job titles in the Philippines;

  1. Clinical Research Associate
    • What they do: Clinical research associates are responsible for the setup, conduct, and supervision of clinical trials and studies designed to determine the effectiveness and safety of drugs, products, and procedures.
    • Most common skills: Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Clinical Monitoring, Clinical Trial Management System (CTMS)
    • Most common industries: Manufacturing, Professional Services, Hospitals and Health Care

  2. Business Development Representative
    • What they do: Business development representatives help both the marketing and sales departments of a company by identifying, connecting, and nurturing new clients in order to generate new revenue.
    • Most common skills: Lead Generation, Business Development, Cold Calling.
    • Most common industries: Technology and Media, Professional Services, Entertainment Providers.

  3. Insights Analyst
    • What they do: Insights analysts are responsible for translating a company’s financial, customer, and market data into insights that can help the business make informed decisions.
    • Most common skills: Microsoft Power BI, Business Insights, Data Visualization
    • Most common industries: Professional Services, Manufacturing, Technology and Media

  4. Delivery Specialist
    • What they do: Delivery specialists manage projects on behalf of clients, making sure that projects are completed within deadlines and budgets and that projects meet every client specification.
    • Most common skills: Service Delivery, Alteryx, Business Process Improvement
    • Most common industries: Professional Services, Technology and Media, Administrative and Support Services

  5. Anti-Money Laundering Analyst
    • What they do: Anti-money laundering analysts help organizations comply with anti-money laundering regulations by monitoring financial transactions and investigating any suspicious activity.
    • Most common skills: KYC Verification, Anti-Money Laundering, Due Diligence
    • Most common industries: Financial Services, Professional Services, Technology and Media

  6. Media Analyst
    • What they do: Media analysts measure the success of advertising campaigns and other marketing activities through the monitoring of media channels and analysis of media data.
    • Most common skills: Media Analysis, Media Monitoring, Data Analysis
    • Most common industries: Professional Services, Technology and Media, Financial Services

  7. Customer Success Specialist
    • What they do: Customer success specialists help businesses retain existing customers by responding to inquiries, resolving issues, and providing other support that ensure customer satisfaction.
    • Most common skills: Account Management, Customer Success, Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
    • Most common industries: Professional Services, Financial Services, Technology and Media

  8. Virtual Medical Assistant
    • What they do: Virtual medical assistants take care of many administrative and clerical duties for clinics or hospitals, including the maintenance of medical databases, appointment scheduling, patient billing, and insurance coverage processing.
    • Most common skills: Virtual Assistance, Medical Assisting, Appointment Scheduling
    • Most common industries: Professional Services, Hospitals and Health Care, Administrative and Support Services

  9. Salesforce Consultant
    • What they do: Salesforce consultants help companies use the Salesforce CRM software, providing expert guidance during the setup, implementation, and optimisation of the tool to suit the company’s needs.
    • Most common skills: Salesforce.com Administration, Apex Programming, Salesforce Sales Cloud
    • Most common industries: Professional Services, Technology and Media, Manufacturing

  10. Data Engineer
    • What they do: Data engineers work with raw data and transform it into a format that’s more accessible and usable for further analysis by data scientists.
    • Most common skills: Data Engineering, Load (ETL), Python (Programming Language)
    • Most common industries: Professional Services, Financial Services, Oil, Gas, and Mining

  11. Security Operations Center Analyst
    • What they do: Security operations center analysts protect a company’s computer network by monitoring system activity, identifying and responding to threats, and patching any system security flaw.
    • Most common skills: Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Security Operations Center, Cybersecurity
    • Most common industries: Professional Services, Financial Services, Technology and Media

  12. DevOps Engineer
    • What they do: DevOps engineers sit between software development and software operation teams to improve end user experience, balancing the rollout of new features with maintaining the stability and security of the software.
    • Most common skills: DevOps, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Kubernetes
    • Most common industries: Professional Services, Financial Services, Technology and Media

  13. Product Owner
    • What they do: Product owners take the lead in all aspects of new product development and are responsible for setting the vision for the product, deciding what features the product should have, and managing the whole process from start to finish.
    • Most common skills: Agile Methodologies, Scrum, Product Management
    • Most common industries: Financial Services, Professional Services, Technology and Media

  14. Cloud Engineer
    • What they do: Cloud engineers manage a company’s cloud-based systems and are responsible for setting it up, ensuring its stability, implementing updates, and customizing its features to suit end users’ needs.
    • Most common skills: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Cloud Computing
    • Most common industries: Professional Services, Technology and Media, Manufacturing

  15. Tax Associate
    • What they do: Tax associates help organizations file their taxes correctly, find opportunities for tax deductions, and provide guidance on tax-related matters.
    • Most common skills: Tax Preparation, Tax Compliance, Accounting
    • Most common industries: Professional Services, Financial Services, Real Estate and Equipment Rental Services

Source: TechJobs, LinkedIn

Carousell to layoff 10% of it’s global staff

Singapore-based Carousell just announced that it will layoff 10% of its staff or around 110 employees. The company made the announcement to all its staff via email and an official blogpost on their website. The company operates in 10 markets; Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Cambodia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

Quek Siu Rui, Carousell’s Co-founder and CEO said in the post “I am deeply sorry for this outcome, and I take responsibility for the decisions that have led us here. Parting with teammates, whom we are grateful to for joining us on this mission, is a very difficult decision. We will be sure to treat everyone impacted with compassion and to lend as much support as we can to them.”

The company’s goal for the “impacted” employees is to help them in their job search by allowing them to keep their office laptop and continue their LinkedIn Learning membership until June 30, 2023; provide at least 3 months of compensation and, extend medical benefits and insurance coverage for employees and their dependents up to June 30, 2023, subject to approval by local insurers and medical service providers.

Carousell was founded in 2012, backed by Sequoia Capital India, Naver, 500 Global and Rakuten Capital, has raised a total of $372.6 million and acquired another of companies including OLX Philippines, after receiving an investment from Naspers.

Philippines launches eTravel platform to replace One Health Pass

The Philippine government just launched the eTravel platform that will as an online Health Declaration and Contact Tracing platform that aims to promote a convenient and seamless movement of international travelers from departure from the country of origin to arrival at the Local Government Unit (LGU) of destination. The service is for all foreign and Filipino international travelers, including infants and children.

The eTravel service started last December 2, the Health Declaration Checklist of the Department of Health-Bureau of Quarantine may be accessed through etravel.gov.ph and anyone accessing the One Health Pass will be redirected to the new eTravel domain. On December 5, the One Health Pass website no longer be accessible by the public.

Using and eTravel platform registration is free and does not collect or require any form of online payment.

Here’s the announcement from the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF – EID);

Pursuant to the Philippine Government’s efforts to streamline its entry procedures and data collection processes, we inform you of the launch of the eTravel platform, an online registration system for travelers to the Philippines and returning residents.

Beginning 0001H of 02 December 2022, the Health Declaration Checklist of the Department of Health-Bureau of Quarantine may be accessed through etravel.gov.ph.

Passengers using the former www.onehealthpass.com.ph will be redirected to the new eTravel domain. On December 5, the old domain of the One Health Pass will no longer be accessible to the public.

The eTravel platform will host the electronic version of the paper Arrival Card that travelers must submit upon arrival in the Philippines for immigration clearance. Starting 05 December 2022, the Bureau of Immigration will discontinue using the paper Arrival Card. All travelers will be required to provide their arrival information and health declaration through the eTravel portal.

Registration on the eTravel platform is free. The public is warned against transacting with any entities or websites soliciting payments and fees of any kind as these are in no way related to the official eTravel platform of the Philippine Government.

The eTravel platform is a joint initiative of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in partnership with the Bureau of Immigration (BI), Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ), Bureau of Customs (BOC), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Justice (DOJ), and Department of Transportation (DOTr).

PRC releases 2022 Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination Results

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) just released the result for the 2022 Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination which was held has November 12th and 13th. In a nutshell, 18,529 out of 24,903 examinees passed the exam, a 74.4% passing rate.

Here’s the official announcement from PRC;

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announces that 18,529 out of 24,903 passed the Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination given by the Board of Nursing in Manila, Baguio, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Koronadal, Legazpi, Lucena, Pagadian, Pampanga, Rosales, Tacloban, Tuguegarao and Zamboanga this November 2022.

The members of the Board of Nursing who gave the licensure examination are
Elsie A. Tee, Chairman; Carmelita C. Divinagracia, Elizabeth C. Lagrito, Zenaida C. Gagno, Marylou B. Ong, Merle L. Salvani and Leah Primitiva S. Paquiz, Members.

On January 9 – 13, January 16 – 20 & January 23 – 27, 2023, registration for the issuance of Professional Identification Card (ID) and Certificate of Registration will be done on-line. Please go to www.prc.gov.ph and follow instructions for initial registration. Those who will register are required to bring the following: downloaded duly accomplished Oath Form or Panunumpa ng Propesyonal, notice of admission (for identification only), 2 pieces passport sized pictures (colored with white background and complete name tag), 2 sets of documentary stamps and 1 piece short brown envelope. Successful examinees should personally register and sign in the Roster of Registered Professionals.

The date and venue for the oathtaking ceremony of the new successful examinees in the said examination WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER.

Top 10 Performing Schools/University in the November 2022 Philippine Nurse Licensure Exam

Performance of Schools in the November 2022 Philippine Nurse Licensure Exam in Alphabetical Order

Top 10 Examinees in the November 2022 Philippine Nurse Licensure Exam

Complete list of Passer in the November 2022 Philippine Nurse Licensure Exam

Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to create whitelists and blacklists of recruitment agencies

In conjunction with the resumption of deployment OFW in Saudi Arabia, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) will create a whitelists and blacklists of recruitment agencies.

DMW Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac said in a televised public briefing, that the Department would only allow whitelisted agencies to recruit overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to KSA.

USec Cacdac also added “Yung nabanggit kong whitelisting at blacklisting ng mga recruitment agencies ay itinatalaga na namin para siguradong yung a-apply-an ng mga OFWs natin ay hindi nabibilang sa blacklist at sa halip ay nabibilang sa whitelist.”

Source: GMA News

Disney Plus to launch in the Philippines on November 17th

Here’s great news for Filipino Marvel Fans, Disney and Star Wars Fans, since Disney Plus will soon be available in the country.

According to What’s On Disney Plus Youtube Channel (video below), Disney Plus will be available in the Philippines starting November 17th.

There will be two plans available;
Mobile Plan:

  • P159 a month
  • P1,150 a year

Premium Plan:

  • P369 a month
  • P2,950 a year

Subscribers can sign up start November 17th via DisneyPlus.com or thru the Disney+ app.

Source:

Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman appointed as Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia

In a Royal Decree, Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mohammed Bin Salman have been appointed by King Salman as the Prime Minister of the Kingdom, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s appointment was made with the exemption to the provision of Article 56 of the Basic Law of Governance, and the relevant provisions contained in the Law of the Council of Ministers.

The Royal Decree also states that Deputy Minister of Defense Prince Khalid Bin Salman will be the Kingdom’s Minister of Defense and Yousef Bin Abdullah Al-Benyan as the Minister of Education.

The King appointed Talal Bin Abdullah Al-Otaibi as assistant minister of defense.

Source: Saudi Gazette
Image: SPA

Confirmed! There will be an Eraserheads Reunion Concert

After teasing their fans, Eraserheads Frontman Ely Buendia confirmed that there will be an Eraserheads Reunion Concert, which will be held at the SMDC Festival Grounds in Parañaque City, on December 22, 2022. Details such as ticket sales date and price will announce soon.


Dubbed as “Huling El Bimbo” this will be the follow up concert to their ‘The Final Set’ concert in March 2009, which is a dedicated to Francis Magalona, who died days before the concert and was supposed to be a special surprise guest. Their 2008 reunion concert on the other hand was cut short when Ely was rushed to the hospital due to chest pains caused by hypokalemia.

344 Distressed OFW repatriated from Saudi Arabia

More than 300 distressed Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) arrived from Saudi Arabia.

In a statement posted on the official Facebook page of Department of Migrant Workers (DMW);

the repatriation was arranged by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), an attached agency of the DMW. They arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on board PR8657.

Migrant Workers Secretary Susan Ople said “The DMW, through OWWA, will be extending the needed assistance to all our repatriated kababayan, including medical help and transportation,”

Sec. Ople added “among the repatriated workers are four OFWs with medical conditions and five suffering from mental illness. These OFWs have been provided with medical assistance. The OWWA is also helping one OFW from Iloilo who came home to attend to a tragedy within the family.”

Other OFWs will be quarantine in a hotel in Quezon City and will be tested for COVID-19. Once cleared, they workers will be provided transportation assistance by OWWA to be reunited with their families.

Source: Department of Migrant Workers FB page

Apple send invites to Sept 7 event

Apple just confirmed and send the invites to their Sept 7th event. The Cupertino-based company is expected to announed the new iPhone 14 lineup, the Apple Watch Series 8, and “may be” a new line if Airpods, of course we cannot disregard the fact that they can also announced other things like new services and product category. Apple is using the tagline “Far out” for the event.

It will be an in-person event that will take place in the Steve Jobs Theater. Apple’s Sept 7th event will take place on Wednesday, September 7 at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET. You can watch the live stream of the event from Apple’s website, the Apple TV app and Apple’s official YouTube channel.

These are the official regular and special Philippine holidays for 2023

In a signed Proclamation 42, Malacañang releases lists of holidays for 2023.

Regular Holidays

  • January 1 (Sunday) – New Year’s Day
  • April 9 (Sunday) – Araw ng Kagitingan
  • April 6 – Maundy Thursday
  • April 7 – Good Friday
  • May 1 (Monday) – Labor Day
  • June 12 (Monday) – Independence Day
  • August 28 (last Monday of August) – National Heroes Day
  • November 30 (Thursday) – Bonifacio Day
  • December 25 (Monday) – Christmas Day
  • December 30 (Saturday) – Rizal Day

Special Non-Working Days

  • February 1 (Tuesday) – Chinese New Year
  • February 25 (Saturday) – EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary
  • April 8 – Black Saturday
  • August 21 (Monday) – Ninoy Aquino Day
  • November 1 (Wednesday) – All Saints’ Day
  • December 8 (Friday) – Feast of the Immaculate Concepcion of Mary
  • December 31 (Sunday) – Last Day of the Year

Additional Special Non-Working Day

  • November 2 (Thursday) – All Souls’ Day

Islamic holiday Eid’l Fitr and Eid’l Adha will be declared once the approximate dates of the Islamic holidays have been determined, in the accordance with the Islamic calendar (Hijri).

Proclamation 42 emphasizes the need to commemorate the 37th anniversary (February 25) of the Edsa People Power Revolution “which ushered political, social and economic reforms in the country.” as well as August 21 of every year must also be declared as national non-working holiday to commemorate the death anniversary of former Senator Benigno S. Aquino Jr..

These are the 12 new Senators for the 19th Congress

The Commission on Elections (Comelec), sitting as the National Board of Canvassers (NBOC), just officially named the 12 senatorial candidates who won a seat in the 19th Congress. The proclamation ceremony was held in Pasay City last Wednesday, May 18.

Here are the list of the 12 new Senators from 1st to 12th;
1st: Robin Padilla – 26,612,434
2nd: Loren Legarda – 24,264,969
3rd: Raffy Tulfo – 23,396,954
4th: Sherwin Gatchalian – 20,602,655
5th: Francis Escudero – 20,271,458
6th: Mark Villar – 19,475,592
7th: Alan Peter Cayetano – 19,295,314
8th: Juan Miguel Zubiri – 18,734,336
9th: Joel Villanueva – 18,486,034
10th: JV Ejercito – 15,841,858
11th: Risa Hontiveros – 15,420,807
12th: Jinggoy Estrada – 15,108,625

The new senators will serve for 6 years, from 2022 to 2028.

Source: Rappler

COMELEC says “only 533” VCMs were reported defective

As of 7 p.m. Comelec says “only 533” VCMs were reported defective. This is what Comelec Commissioner Marlon Casquejo said regarding the reports that cites VCM are not working in a number of voting precinct.

The reported 533 VMCs are just a fraction of the 107,345 machines deployed by COMELEC for the 2022 elections, so far 97,345 VCMs have been used by the Comelec.

Source: Rappler

Saudi Government will no longer shoulder the COVID-19 cost for patients in private hospital

Saudi Arabia will no longer pay for the treatment of COVID-19 cost for patients in private private sector.

This was announced by Council of Health Insurance (Dhaman) last Tuesday, 14th of March, that the government will no longer bear the treatment costs of COVID-19 patients in the private hospitals and other health facilities. The announcement was made through a Dhaman circular sent to all the approved healthcare service providers and the qualified health insurance companies in the Kingdom.

Dhaman circular also emphasis the need to be vaccinated as well as take the booster shots for all the people inside the Kingdom in accordance with the directives of the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Public Health Authority (Weqaya).

Patients who are not eligible with for treatment or insurance coverage, can still avail of the services by getting the approval from MoH.

For more details, you can read the full report from Saudi Gazette;

Use of Face shield is now voluntary in Angeles City

Use of face shield is now voluntary for Angeles City residents, after being under Alert Level 2. This was stated in the Memorandum no. 1524 (series 2021) that was release by Office of the City Mayor of Angeles City.

The memo states that Angeles City was placed under Alert Level 2 by the IATF last November 13, 2021 and that the use of face shield as stated in IATF Resolution-148D, will be voluntary.

The LGU of Angeles City still encourages the use of face shield when indoors like in high-risk areas like clinics and hospitals. Even though private establishments are given the discretion on the use of faceshield, staffs of food establishments are also encourage to use face shield.

The new memorandum regarding face shield took effect November 16th and will in effect until Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) release a new list of Alert Level classification by the end of the month.

Faceshield no longer required for areas under Alert Levels 1 – 3

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea just released the memorandum (resolution no. 148-D) that the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) have been approved by the President to lift the mandatory use of faceshield for areas under Alert Levels 1 – 3.

The memo (image below) also states that those localities under Alert Levels 4, local gornment units (LGU) and private establishments are given the discretion to use or not to use facehshield.

For areas under Alert Levels 5, granular lockdown, hospitals and quarantine facilities, the use of faceshield is strictly enforced and mandatory.

To know more what Alert Levels is your area under, you can go here.

Faceshield have been the center of controversy and the topic of the current senate inquiry. For more about the Faceshield controversy, you can read the Rappler’s comprehensive report – Tale of pandemic face shields: Costly, overstocked, unauthorized gov’t buys.

President Rodrigo Duterte to run for Senator instead

In another twist in the Philippine Politics, President Rodrigo Duterte has filed his candidacy for Senator, instead of Vice President, which was previously reported here.

With this new development, Sen. Bong Go who is running for President will be without a running mate. Both President Duterte and Sen. Go will be running under the Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan (PDDS) party.

President Duterte will substitute Mona Liza Visorde, who withdrew her candidacy at the Monday, November 15, 2021.

You can read the full report from ABS-CBN News.

VP Leni Robredo dances to Taylor Swift’s 22 amid all the election drama

In her tweet (above) that’s full of emojis and a 34 seconds video, it clearly shows that VP Robredo is unfazed with all the development that’s happening between Bongbong Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte, and the refilling of Sen. Bong Go and Presidete R. Duterte, for President and Vice President, respectively.

We can see VP Leni Robredo and a number of her supporters dances to Taylor Swift’s 22.

At the sametime, a video of VP Robredo was published on her Youtube Channel regarding choosing the right candidate this coming National 2022 Election.

Ano man ang takot mo, huwag mangamba. Pwedeng pumiling muli. Piliin ang mahal ka. Piliin ang pipiliin ka.

#PumiliMuli
#LeniKiko2022

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte to run for Vice President and will be the running mate of Bongbong Marcos Jr.

As if it was a twist in a movie, Davao Mayor Sara Duterte has filed her certificate of candidacy for the Vice President for the coming 2022 Election. She is the substitute candidate of Ms. Lyle Fernando Uy who filed to run for Vice President under Lakas-CMD party.

After filing her candidacy, Davao Mayor Sara Duterte will be an adopted/guest candidate of Bongbong Marcos Jr.’s Partido Federal and will serve as her running mate for the coming national election. The two candidate previously met in Cebu during the birthday celebration of Cong. Yedda, wife of House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez.

Both Ms. Anna Capela Velasco and Ms. Lyle Fernando Uy have withdraw their candidacy as Lakas-CMD President and Vice President, respectively, to give way to Sara Duterte’s VP bid.

You can read more about this on CNN Philippines – Sara Duterte runs for vice president in 2022 as substitute

President Rodrigo Duterte to run as the Vice President of Bong Go this coming 2022 Election

After announcing his retirement from Politics last October 2021, President Rodrigo Duterte will now run for Vice President and as the running mate of his longtime aide Sen. Bong Go, who withdrew his VP candidacy and refiled to run for President.

Both President Duterte and Sen Bong Go will be running under the Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan (PDDS) party due to the unresolved issue with PDP-Laban party.

You can read more from PTV.


Saudi Arabia and 43 countries that are now on Philippines ‘Greenlist’

Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) just release the new Resolution No. 148A, that list down the countries that are considered as “Green,” “Yellow,” and “Red.”

Travelers that are coming from countries in the “Green-list” means that all travelers that are fully vaccinated can enter the Philippines without the need to undergo facility-based quarantine. They just need to present a negative RT-PCR test taken 72 hours before their departure from the country of origin. Travelers are are also instructed to monitor (and report) any covid-19 related symptoms in the next 14 days.

For fully vaccinated Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) and non-OFWs that did take the RT-PCR test before their flight, will have the option to take the RT-PCR test upon arrival with the caveat of being quarantined in a facility until a negative results come out.

For the unvaccinated or partially vaccinated Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) and non-OFWs, they need to undergo facility-based quarantine and will take the swab test on the fifth day and will be released once they get a negative result. Foreign nationals need to arrange their own hotel reservations for six days quarantine.

Countries that are in the “Green-list” are as follows;

American Samoa Kuwait Saint Barthelemy
Bhutan Kyrgyzstan Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Chad Malawi Saudi Arabia
Mainland China Mali Senegal
Comoros Marshall Islands Sierra Leone
Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) Montserrat Sint Eustatius
Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Morocco South Africa
Federated States of Micronesia Namibia Sudan
Guinea Niger Taiwan
Guinea-Bissau Northern Mariana Islands Togo
Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region of China) Oman Uganda
India Pakistan United Arab Emirates
Indonesia Palau Zambia
Japan Paraguay Zimbabwe
Kosovo Rwanda

Travelers from or have been to “Red-listed” countries 14 days before arrival are not allowed to enter the Philippines regardless of vaccination status. However, Filipinos nationals are exempted if they arrive via government and non-government-initiated repatriation, as well as those from Bayanihan Flights.

Upon arrival in the country, they are required to undergo facility-based quarantine for 10 days then must have a negative RT-PCR test on the seventh day, they must complete the 14-day quarantine period and will be under strict symptom-monitoring by the Bureau of Quarantine (BoQ).

For transit travelers, they will not be considered a traveler from that (red-listed) country, since they did not leave the airport or having been cleared for entry by immigration authorities. Transit travellers are still be required to follow the protocols prescribed under their vaccination status.

Faroe Islands and The Netherlands are the only countries on the red list.

As for fully-vaccinated travelers coming from countries in the “Yellow-list” they need to undergo facility-based quarantine and will take the swab test on the fifth day and will be released once they get a negative result. Then home-quarantine for 10 more days. Foreign nationals need to arrange their own hotel reservations for six days quarantine.

For travelers who are unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or those who do not have a verifiable vaccination status, they need to undergo facility-based quarantine and will take the swab test on the seventh day and will be released once they get a negative result. Then home-quarantine for 7 more days. Foreign nationals need to arrange their own hotel reservations for 8days quarantine.

IATF said “All other countries/territories/jurisdictions not otherwise listed” under the “Green” or “Red” list are “Yellow-listed”.

The new classification of “Green,” “Yellow,” and “Red” shall be effective from November 16, 2021 until November 30, 2021.

You can click on the link to read the full text of IATF-EID RESOLUTION NO. 148-A.

Ely Buendia gifted Presidential candidate Leni Robredo with a Eraserheads 25th Anniversary Limited Edition on Vinyl

Eheads Frontman Ely Buendia visted and gifted Presidential candidate Leni Robredo with a limited edition of Eraserheads 25th Anniversary album on vinyl.

In a social media post, Vice President and Presidential candidate Leni Robredo shared a picture with Ely and the vinyl album, and said;

Ely Buendia in the house!! Grabe, nabulabog opisinaPartying facePartying face He gave me this Eraserheads 25th Anniversary Limited Edition on vinyl Musical score Multiple musical notes

Thank you, ElyFolded handsFolded hands Nakita mo kung gaano kadami fans mo sa office namin.

I embedded the tweet below;

If you can call, last September, Ely Buendia tweeted a possible “possible” Eheads reunion if Leni Robredo ran for office, as an answer to one of a fan question.

Now that VP Leni Robredo has officially filed her candidacy for highest position in the country, Eheads fans are still waiting for that much awaited Eheads reunion.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte joins Lakas-CMD party

Just hours after resigning from Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP), Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte joins Lakas-CMD party and took oath today, November 11,2021 at 6:00 PM. The oath taking took place at the farm of Sen. Bong Revilla in Cavite.

Currently, Lakas-CMD Presidential candidate is Ms. Anna Capela Velasco and Ms. Lyle Fernando Uy for Vice President. The arrival of Sara Duterte, it she can substitute either Ms. Velasco or Ms. Uy to run for the two highest political position in the country.

You can read the full report from CNN Philippines – Sara Duterte resigns from HNP, joins Lakas-CMD

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte resigned from her political party Hugpong ng Pagbabago

Just two days after withdrawing her candidacy for the reelection, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte resigned from the political part Hugpong ng Pagbabago.

In her two-sentence hand-written resignation letter, she said;

It is with profound sadness that I hereby tender my resignation from our beloved party.

My support will always be with you and I will always be grateful for all the things you have taught me.

Here’s the actual hand-written resignation letter as received by Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP), as shared by ANC Alerts;

What happens next will be all speculation, since she can join his father at PDP-Laban to substitute Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa as the Presidential candidate for the coming election or join Bongbong Marcos Jr. political party, Partido Federal ng Pilipinas to be his running mate as the Vice President.

Everything should be clear by Monday, November 15, the deadline of substitution of candidates for the coming national 2022 elections.