Mayors Sotto, Cayetano caution public against taking ivermectin without legal approval

Kristine Sabillo, ABS-CBN News

Two Metro Manila mayors on Friday warned the public against taking the anti-parasitic drug ivermectin to treat COVID-19 since there is still not enough data showing its effectivity.

“Just because there is a bit of positive news or a little bit of possibility o may nakitang konting scientific basis, hindi yun sapat para sabihin na okay na yan pwede na yan,” Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto said during a Department of Health briefing.

(Just because there is a bit of positive news or a little bit of possibility or some scientific basis, it’s not enough to say that is sufficient.)

“Hindi tayo mga doktor. Hindi tayo medical expert. Makinig tayo sa kanila. Makinig tayo sa mga eksperto,” he added.

(We are not doctors. We are not medical experts. We should listen to them. We should listen to experts.)

Some groups have been pushing for the use of Ivermectin to treat COVID-19 patients but the DOH has repeatedly said that the studies done on the drug showed “low quality of evidence,” which is why it is still not recommended for public use.

Taguig Mayor Lino Cayetano said that while government officials might have personal opinions on the emerging treatment options for COVID-19 patients, he prefers to listen to medical experts.

“So pag dumating ang panahon inaprubahan yan ng FDA (Food and Drug Administration), pag inaprubahan ng Department of Health…by all means we will not just support it, we will advocate it, we will buy it,” he said.

(If it is approved by the FDA, the DOH, and recommended by…by all means we will not just support it, we will advocate it, we will buy it.)

The two mayors said this a day after two lawmakers distributed free Ivermectin to residents of Quezon City. 

 Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire meanwhile reiterated that there is still no sufficient evidence that would allow the Department of Health to recommend ivermectin against COVID-19.

She pointed out that no drug has been approved for the treatment of COVID-19.

However, she reiterated the FDA’s statement that as long as the ivermectin given out was from a compounding pharmacy and was prescribed by doctors, then it is legal.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/30/21/vico-sotto-lino-cayetano-on-ivermectin-covid19-cure

Limited passport appointments to resume in NCR Plus from May 3; court closures extended

The consular offices of the Department of Foreign Affairs in the National Capital Region (NCR) Plus bubble will start processing passport appointments postponed over strict lockdowns imposed in the area. 

This covers the Office of Consular Affairs in Aseana, Parañaque City and the offices in Antipolo in Rizal, Dasmariñas in Cavite, Malolos in Bulacan, and San Pablo in Laguna, which will operate under limited work hours and work force. 

The DFA said it would start processing appointments originally scheduled from March 29 to April 5, 2021 - or those affected by the closures when the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) was first imposed in the area. 

The DFA took in appointments for emergency cases when the more relaxed modified ECQ (MECQ) was imposed last April. 

Those who booked their passport appointments from March 29 to 30 may expect their appointment dates to be revised to May 3 to 7. Meanwhile, those who booked their appointments for March 31 to April 5 may expect their appointment dates to be revised to May 10 to 14. 

Passport applicants were advised to check their email for their specific appointment dates. Original time slots booked will be followed for every applicant except those scheduled from 3 to 4 p.m, who will be accommodated between 1 and 3 p.m of their revised passport appointment date. 

Applicants in consular offices should wear face masks and face shields, and undergo temperature checks inside the premises. 

Appointments scheduled for May 1 onwards will be rescheduled, according to the DFA, advising applicants to check their emails for the revised schedule.

Those who need to travel for emergency matters may request an earlier appointment by emailing their consular offices with the necessary documents. 

SC extends court closures

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court extended the physical closure of all its courts and judicial offices in areas under ECQ and MECQ from May 3 until 14 - covering courts in the NCR Bubble, Quirino, Abra, and Santiago City in Isabela. 

Courts in the affected areas shall continue to operate through "fully remote videoconferences," according to an administrative order released by the Supreme Court and signed by Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo. 

These videoconferences should be done on urgent and non-urgent pending cases, and could be undertaken without permission from the Office of the Court Administrator. 

Filing of pleadings and motions will remain suspended and shall resume 7 calendar days after the physical reopening of the affected court. Essential judicial offices shall maintain the necessary skeleton staff. 

Courts and judicial offices under the more relaxed general and modified general community quarantine are required to physically open with a workforce of at least 25 percent. 

Videoconferencing is allowed in the said areas. But justices and judges should remain "within their respective judicial territorial regions" and notify the Office of the Court Administrator "with respect to judges of the first and second level courts." 

— With reports from Mike Navallo and Johnson Manabat, ABS-CBN News

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/30/21/limited-passport-appointments-to-resume-in-ncr-plus-from-may-3-court-closures-extended

70 anyos na ice candy vendor, patay sa hit-and-run sa CamSur

Isang 70-anyos na ice candy vendor sa Camarines Sur ang namatay matapos mabundol ng isang tricycle sa bayan ng Pili noong Abril 22.

Tukoy na ng pulisya ang tricycle driver na nakabundol sa biktimang kinilalang si Domingo Valles habang palabas na ng Maharlika Highway sa Barangay Palestina, dala ang kaniyang panindang ice candy. 

Patay-malisya ang tumakas na driver sa bumagsak na matanda, na agad nasawi dahil sa matinding head at neck injury.

Ayon sa anak ng biktima na si Police Corporal Yashua Valles, nakilala na nila ang nagtatagong driver dahil sa sumbong ng isang ka-jamming sa pagbibisyo nito.

“Sabi kaidtong kabisto, lango daa ito sa droga…taga-Cararayan (Naga City) po siya, nag-iskor lang daa ito sa Pili,” ani Valles.

(Sabi no’ng kakilala, lango raw yun sa droga… Taga-Cararayan, Naga City po siya, umiskor lang sa Pili.)

Ayon sa pulisya, desidido ang pamilya ng biktima na sampahan ng kasong homicide ang driver, na nakatakda na umanong sumuko ayon sa may-ari ng tricycle.

Napalitan na umano ng pintura at naalis na ang top load ng tricycle. Kaya pinag-aaralan rin ng pamilya Valles at pulisya ang pagsasampa ng kasong obstruction of justice laban sa tricycle operator matapos umanong tangkaing itago ang ebidensiya sa krimen. - ulat ni Jonathan Magistrado

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/29/21/70-anyos-na-ice-candy-vendor-patay-sa-hit-and-run-sa-camsur

NSCR PROJECT PHILIPINES UPDATE wow these is it Girder installed North Sh...

NCR can ease quarantine when daily COVID cases decline to 2,000: OCTA Research

Metro Manila can ease to general community quarantine when its COVID-19 daily average cases declines to less than 2,000 infections, OCTA Research Group said Thursday.

"We’re hoping the cases will be reduced to less than 2,000. If the number of daily average cases in NCR goes below 2,000 it will still a significant number but I believe we can still manage it even under GCQ," Professor Guido David told ANC's Headstart.

President Rodrigo Duterte has extended until May 14 the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) in NCR Plus bubble composed of the capital region, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal.

OCTA Research forecasts the number of daily COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila will decline to 2,800 in two weeks' time, David said.

"If it's less than 2,800, there are more people getting discharged from hospitals compared to admissions, then that would mean our hospitals would start to loosen up or has less strain on them," he said.

"We’re optimistic though we haven’t seen the guidelines...maybe the decrease will be slower, we’re hoping the downward trend will continue."

The group recommends that dine-in services remain barred as outside dining is preferred, David said. It also proposes that capacity of establishments be increased to up to 30 percent, he added.

"We still have to have social distancing in place. The easing of restrictions has to be done gradually," David said.

The COVID-19 bed capacity of St. Luke's Medical Center remains at a "critical" level, said its president and CEO Dr. Arturo dela Peña.

"As of now it’s still critical. It has gone down a little bit over the last 2 days. This is the effect of quarantine instituted 3 weeks ago. When you open gradually, it is expected for the number to increase also," he said.

Two of its hospitals have increased virus bed capacity to "more than 30 percent," that was required by government, Dela Peña added.

"When the surge came in, we have noticed the intensive care areas are more than 100 percent capacity. Meaning to say, there were more critical cases we’re admitting within the last 3 weeks," he said.

"There are days that it is beyond 100 percent but it doesn’t go down 90 percent occupancy rate."

Government must increase its COVID-19 testing, contact tracing, and vaccination to address the surge, according to Dela Peña.

The public must be educated on coronavirus vaccine instead of making it mandatory, he added.

"I think it is a violation of one’s right. It might be unconstitutional but if we can find a way of educating the people about the benefits of vaccination," he said.

"We've been talking to a lot of our patients and many of them do not really understand. What is being magnified are complications and even anecdotal claims of death associated to vaccination, which is not true."

The Philippines on Wednesday tallied 6,895 additional COVID-19 cases, bringing its total to 1,020,495, of which 6.6 percent or 67,769 are active infections.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/29/21/octa-research-recommendation-on-when-return-to-gcq-covid-cases-coronavirus

P680K halaga ng shabu nakumpiska sa Maynila

MAYNILA - Arestado ang 3 katao sa ikinasang buy-bust operation ng Sta. Cruz Police sa Barangay 327 sa Maynila Huwebes. 

Nagbenta umano ng halagang P500 ng hiihinalang shabu ang target na si alyas Atong. Arestado rin ang dalawa niyang kasamahan na kapwa nakuhanan ng mga pakete ng hinihinalang shabu

Aabot sa 100 gramo ng hinihinalang shabu ang kumpiskado sa grupo na nasa P680,000 ang halaga.

Ayon sa mga pulis, miyembro ng Commando Gang ang target ng operasyon at dumarayo sila sa iba’t ibang mga lugar sa Maynila para magtulak ng ilegal na droga.

Pare-pareho silang kakasuhan ng paglabag sa Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/04/29/21/p680k-halaga-ng-shabu-nakumpiska-sa-maynila

Mga ilegal na shuttle service, pinaghuhuli ng I-ACT sa Batangas

Hindi bababa sa 16 shuttle vans ang hinuli at pina-impound ng Inter-Agency Council for Traffic (i-ACT) sa kanilang anti-colorum operations sa Batangas.

Nagtungo ang i-ACT sa Sto. Tomas Exit ng SLEX at Star Tollway kasama ang LTFRB, Coast Guard at Highway Patrol Group. Sa labas pa lang ng toll gate ay pinatigil at ininspeksiyon ang mga private van para sa requirement ng LTFRB sa mga shuttle service.

Ayon sa I-ACT galing Tanauan ang karamihan sa mga nahuling shuttle at bibiyahe pa-Laguna o sa Sto. Tomas.

Pangalawang beses na umanong tinungo ng i-ACT ang naturang lugar at pinaniniwalaan nilang marami pang shuttle service ang bumibiyahe nang kulang sa requirements. Kailangang kumpletong hawak ng driver ng shuttle ang kanilang contract of lease, passenger accident insurance, valid ID ng driver at may body markings ang van.

Magmumulta ng P200,000 ang may-ari ng van para mabawi ang sasakyan sa impounding area sa Pampanga.

- TeleRadyo 29 Abril 2021 

https://news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/04/29/21/mga-ilegal-na-shuttle-service-pinaghuhuli-ng-i-act-sa-batangas

Higit P8-M halaga ng hinihinalang dried marijuana nasabat sa Bulacan; 5 tiklo

Tinatayang nasa P8.16 milyong halaga ng hinihinalang dried marijuana ang nakuha ng PDEA at pulisya sa isang buy-bust operation sa lungsod ng Malolos, Bulacan nitong Miyerkoles.

Limang suspek ang inaresto, at ayon sa PDEA-Region 3 sila umano ang major supplier ng marijuana sa Bulacan at ilang bayan sa Pampanga. 

Nakuha sa mga suspek ang humigit-kumulang 68 kilo ng dried marijuana leaf.

Inihahanda na ang isasampang kasong paglabag sa Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 laban sa 5 nahuling suspek. — Ulat ni Gracie Rutao

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/29/21/higit-p8-m-halaga-ng-hinihinalang-dried-marijuana-nasabat-sa-bulacan-5-tiklo

Navotas lawmaker tests positive for COVID-19 in antigen test

RG Cruz, ABS-CBN News

Navotas Rep. John Rey Tiangco on Tuesday disclosed he tested positive for COVID-19 in an antigen test, adding he was scheduled for the more accurate RT-PCR test Wednesday. 

"Para po sa inyong kaalaman, base sa antigen test ko ngayong gabi, ako ay nag-positibo sa COVID-19. Bukas po ay magpapa-RT-PCR test po ako," Tiangco posted on his Facebook page.

Tiangco said "he is doing fine" as he urged those he was in close contact with to get themselves tested.

"Mabuti naman po ang aking pakiramdam at kasalukuyan po akong naka-quarantine," the solon added.

Tiangco has yet to respond to ABS-CBN’s question on the result of his RT-PCR test, regarded as the most accurate COVID-19 test, to confirm his diagnosis.

Antigen tests are said to be less accurate but are more useful at checking for current infection than rapid antibody tests. They are also cheaper and quicker to use than PCR tests.

The Philippines' pandemic response task force earlier has started rolling out 30,000 rapid antigen tests daily to quickly identify and isolate infected persons. 

Antigen tests in NCR Plus (Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, and Bulacan) will be limited to patients and health care workers in hospitals, and in barangays with a high prevalence of infections.

Aside from Tiangco, Batangas Rep. Raneo Abu, House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez, Anak Kalusugan Party-list Rep. Mike Defensor, and Negros Oriental Rep. Jocelyn Sy Limkaichong have all tested positive for COVID-19 this year.

Last year, Representatives Bernardita Ramos of Sorsogon and Francisco Datol of Senior Citizens Party-List died of complications due to COVID-19.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/28/21/navotas-lawmaker-tests-positive-for-covid-19-in-antigen-test

San Juan public schools get thousands of laptops, tablets

Public schools in San Juan City received Wednesday thousands of laptops, tablets and pocket WiFi devices that students can use for distance education as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora led the turnover of 12,500 tablets, 1,000 laptops and 1,000 pocket WiFi devices from the city government and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to principals and representatives of 13 public schools.

LOOK: DICT, San Juan City government complete turnover of tablets, laptops, pocket WiFi to public school students in the city (📷 Rolly Roque, ABS-CBN News) @ABSCBNNews pic.twitter.com/JG1ts7w6Re

— Bianca Dava 🐈‍⬛😺🐈 (@biancadava) April 28, 2021

Zamora said the laptops and WiFi devices would go to students in Grades 3 to 6 at the Pinaglabanan Elementary School as part of the DICT's Digital Education program.

Last year, public school teachers in San Juan received laptops from the city government.

The country's education system shifted to distance learning — where students learn from their homes via modules, online classes, and education programs aired over TV and radio — after government prohibited in-person classes due to the threat of the new coronavirus.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones has said she was pushing for the country's education system to move towards online or technology-mediated learning because Filipino students may be left behind in global competitiveness.

The Department of Education and DICT earlier allowed the construction of common towers in public schools, which are seen to expand connectivity in underserved areas and help telcos save on expenses.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/28/21/san-juan-public-schools-get-thousands-of-laptops-tablets

Research group suggests longer MECQ for NCR Plus

The OCTA Research Group on Wednesday urged government to extend the second toughest quarantine level in Metro Manila and surrounding Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal to maintain a downward trend in COVID-19 infections. 

President Rodrigo Duterte later Wednesday is expected to announce new quarantine classifications for May. NCR Plus has been under modified enhanced community quarantine since April 12, following a 2-week return to the strictest lockdown level. 

The reproduction rate of COVID-19 or the number of people infected by a patient, has gone down do 0.85, OCTA's Dr. Guido David said in a public briefing. 

“The numbers are trending in the right direction,” said David, a mathematics professor. 

An extension of MECQ will allow government to hire more contact-tracers and health workers, while opening up more health facilities, said OCTA Research fellow Ranjit Rye. 

“Once we have 1 or 2 weeks of this, makikita natin na we will have a foundation to open up to GCQ (general community quarantine) na mas solid, solid enough for us to sustain for the next 3, 4 months. Tamang-tama, dadating na iyong mga bakuna natin,” Ryq said in the same briefing.

“Iyon po ang aming posisyon sa OCTA, na talagang hindi puwede po mag-transition sa GCQ as we speak kasi iyong trend po natin puwede mag-reverse,” he added. 

(Once we have 1 or 2 weeks of this, we will have a more solid foundation to open up to GCQ, solid enough for us to sustain for the next 3, 4 months. It will coincide with the arrival of our vaccines. The position of OCTA is we really cannot transition to GCQ as we speak because our trend could reverse.) 

https://news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/04/28/21/may-octa-quarantine-ncr-plus-mecq

Higit 100 pamilya sa Muntinlupa nasunugan

Tinatayang nasa P1.3 milyon ang halaga ng pinsala sa sunog na sumiklab sa residential area sa Barangay Cupang, Muntinlupa City Martes ng gabi.

Sabi ng barangay, nawalan ng bahay ang nasa 119 pamilya na nakatira sa Aquino Damaso Compound/RRSNA Purok 2 na malapit sa riles ng Philippine National Railways.

Ayon sa Bureau of Fire Protection, itinawag sa kanila ang sunog pasado alas-11:30 ng gabi at itinaas ang ika-2 alarma ng hatinggabi.

Iniimbestigahan pa ang sanhi ng sunog pero ayon kay Fire Sr. Insp. Garynel Julian, deputy fire director ng lungsod, isa sa mga tinitingnang pinagmulan ay ang sumiklab na kawad ng kuryente na nagpaliyab sa bubong ng isang bahay.

“Pahirapan ang pagpasok ng ating mga firefighters. Gutted ang ating buildings, kailangan nating magbutas sa pader para makapasok sa fire scene,” ani Julian.

Sabi ng punong barangay na si Rainier Bulos, kinailangan pang tumalon ng ibang residente sa bakod o sa ilog para makaligtas sa pagkalat ng apoy kaya may ilang nagka-minor injuries.

Nadamay ang tinatayang 50 bahay pati ang katabing bodega ng refrigerants at air-conditioning coolants.

Dineklarang kontrolado na ang sunog pasado ala-1 ng madaling-araw.

Ayon sa BFP, alas-4:02 ng madaling-araw tuluyang naaapula ang apoy.

Binuksan ng barangay ang Cupang Plaza covered court at JRF multi-purpose hall bilang pansamantalang tutuluyan ng mga nasunugan.

Sabi ng mga bombero, posible pang tumaas ang kabuuang halaga ng natupok lalo na dahil sa mga nasunog na mga kemikal sa bodega. 

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/28/21/higit-100-pamilya-sa-muntinlupa-nasunugan

Community pantry in shoe capital Marikina offers free footwear

Adrian Ayalin, ABS-CBN News

Instead of food, a community pantry offered free footwear to residents of Barangay Sto. Niño, Marikina City.

The spirit of bayanihan lives as 'Otto and Ely Knows shoes' gave away different sizes of slippers, sandals, and shoes.

"Kasi yung nangyayari ngayon medyo stressed ang mga tao, sabi namin, kung pwede kami makatulong sa ibang paraan para mamigay kami ng katuwaan dito sa community namin dito sa Marikina," said shoemaker Elise Ebullan.

(Because of what’s happening right now, people are a bit stressed, we said if we can help in other ways so that we can share the fun here in our community here in Marikina.)

Marikina earned the title "Shoe Capital of the Philippines" in 1956 after establishing a notable shoemaking industry and becoming the biggest manufacturer of shoes nationwide at the time.

The industry's birth is traced back to 1887, when a local community leader and a few companions reconstructed a pair of imported shoes, marking the spread of shoemaking skills by hand in what was then a mainly agricultural town.

But last year, at least 80 percent of shoemakers were forced to halt business operations due to the pandemic.

Community pantries have meanwhile sprouted across the country after Ana Patricia Non started the movement in Maginhawa in Quezon City.

Non started the initiative over a week ago to offer free food to people in need, as government aid had not been sufficient to feed many people who lost their jobs due to the pandemic. 

After getting support from other officials for her “Bayanihan” initiative, Non resumed her pantry, which has already been replicated in many parts of the country.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/27/21/marikina-city-shoe-capital-community-pantry-offers-shoes-slippers

Metro Manila to get first Sputnik COVID-19 shots

Metro Manila will get the Philippines' first delivery of COVID-19 shots from Russia's Gamaleya Institute due to the vaccine's cold storage requirement, Palace spokesman Harry Roque said on Tuesday. 

Some 15,000 shots of the Russian vaccine Sputnik V will arrive in the Philippines on Wednesday, he said in a press briefing. 

Another 480,000 Sputnik V shots will be delivered before the month ends, he added. 

The Philippines aims to vaccinate 70 million or about two-thirds of its population this year. 

Authorities have so far received 3.525 million COVID-19 shots and inoculated some 1.5 million people. 

https://news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/04/27/21/metro-manila-to-get-first-sputnik-covid-19-shots

Lalaki patay sa sunog sa Makati

Joyce Balancio, ABS-CBN News

(UPDATE)—Isang 25 anyos na lalaki ang patay sa sunog na sumiklab sa Barangay Olympia sa lungsod ng Makati, Lunes ng gabi.

Ayon sa Bureau of Fire Protection, ang biktima na si Jeremiah Rizon, na may kapansanan, ay na-trap sa kaniyang kwarto sa ikalawang palapag na bahay sa San Bernardino Street. 

Ayon sa pamilya, may down syndrome si Rizon at posibleng natakot noong ma-trap sa kuwarto habang sinusubukang iligtas.

Sa bahay ng biktima rin umano nagsimula ang apoy, ayon sa BFP, bagama't iniimbestigahan pa ang naging sanhi nito. 

Naitaas ang unang alarma ng sunog bandang 7:14 ng gabi, hanggang naakyat ito hanggang ikatlong alarma bandang 7:23 p.m. 

Tuluyan namang naapula ang apoy bandang 8:15 ng gabi. 

Tinatayang nasa 18 na pamilya na nakatira sa 12 bahay ang naapektuhan ng sunog. 

Nasa P300,000 naman ang sinasabing halaga ng ari-ariang tinupok ng apoy. 

Binuksan ang barangay para matuluyan ng mga nasunugan, pero may iba naman na nakitira sa mga kamag-anak.

Nag-aalala pa rin ang ilan sa kanila sa kanilang pagbangon.--May ulat ni Anjo Bagaoisan, ABS-CBN News

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/26/21/lalaki-patay-sunog-makati-apr262021

LRT-1-CAVITE EXTENSION LIVE UPDATE TODAY APRIL 26-2021

PNR Railway Update Construction

LRT 1 CAVITE EXTENSION LATEST UPDATE🇵🇭 7:10am

Sunog, sumiklab sa isang residential area sa Payatas, Quezon City

Sampung pamilya ang nawalan ng tahanan matapos tupukin ng apoy ang anim na magkakatabing bahay sa Dahlia St., Brgy. Payatas A, Quezon City.

Ayon sa Bureau of Fire Protection, nagsimula ang sunog ng 5:17 p.m. agad na itinaas sa ikalawang alarma nang 5:28 p.m. at tuluyang naapula ganap na 6:22 p.m.

Sa inisyal na imbestigasyon, lumalabas na pagwe-welding ang dahilan ng pagsiklab ng apoy sa ikalawang palapag ng bahay na pag-aari ni Felecita Villabroza. 

Nagtamo ng first degree burn ang isa sa miyembro ng pamilya na si Lauro Christopher Villabroza.

Tinataya namang aabot sa P100,000 ang halaga ng mga ari-ariang tinupok ng apoy.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/25/21/sunog-sumiklab-sa-isang-residential-area-sa-payatas-quezon-city

Mga doktor: Di pa dapat luwagan ang quarantine status sa NCR Plus

Limang araw na lang ang natitira sa modified enhanced community quarantine na ipinatupad ng pamahalaan sa Metro Manila at 4 na karatig-lalawigan pero nagkakaisa ang mga doktor na huwag munang magluwag ng lockdown restrictions dahil mataas pa rin ang bilang ng mga nagkakasakit ng COVID-19.

"The last time noong nag-ECQ (enhanced community quarantine), hindi naman siya ECQ. Hindi gaya ng ECQ like one year ago, nag-ECQ, walang katao-katao sa daanan. 'Yong nag-ECQ tayo a month ago, useless," ani Dr. Juliano Zacarias Panganiban, chair ng COVID_19 task force sa Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center.

"Mas maganda po sana kung puwedeng ma-extend nang isang linggo o dalawang linggo, 'yon po para... mas mabawasan pa po 'yong mga naka-admit dahil hanggang ngayon, puno pa rin ang aming [emergency room], puno ang [intensive care unit], marami pong hindi makapasok," sabi naman ni Dr. Jonas del Rosario, tagapagsalita ng COVID-19 referral center na Philippine General Hospital.

Noong dulo ng Marso, isinailalim sa mahigpit na ECQ ang Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna at Rizal dahil sa pagsipa ng mga kaso ng COVID-19, na naging dahilan ng punuan ng mga ospital. Simula Abril 12, ibinaba ito sa mas maluwag na modified ECQ, na epektibo hanggang Abril 30.

Pero aminado naman ang ilang ospital na may improvement kahit papaano sa situwasyon.

"Last week, 'yong admissions namin, umaabot po ng 132, 128, 126. 'Yong census po kagabi, we have 109 admissions lang po. So medyo may improvement po. Bumaba po. Medyo nabawasan ng kaunti," ani San Lazaro Hospital Spokesperson Dr. Ferdinand de Guzman.

"Hindi na po kasing haba noong dati pero punuan po ang ospital. At least ngayon, mayroon kaming magagawa doon sa mga nasa emergency room," sabi naman ni Lung Center of the Philippines Spokesperson Dr. Norberto Francisco.

"Medyo bumababa po at sana tumuloy-tuloy," ani Del Rosario.

Ayon kay Health Undersecretary Leopoldo Vega, na siya ring treatment czar, unti-unti nang nag-stabilize ang health care utilization rate sa nakalipas na linggo.

Nasa 71 hanggang 73 porsiyento na ang rate nito mula sa dating 78 hanggang 80 porsiyento.

"'Yong sa ER ho, hindi na kasing congested as compared po noong pag-umpisa ho ng surge noong mga March," ani Vega.

Pero kailan nga ba masasabi na puwede nang magluwag?

Para kay Vega, dapat ay bumaba sa 3,000 hanggang 4,000 ang bagong kaso ng COVID-19 na naitatala kada araw.

Higit 9,000 ang daily average cases sa nakalipas na linggo pero bumaba na rin iyan mula sa dating halos 11,000, ayon sa Department of Health.

"Kaya kung talagang mapapansin natin na kung bababa pa 'yan, magiging 4,000 at 3,000, 'yon masasabi na natin na kayang-kaya ng ating health system capacity," ani Vega.

Sa taya ng ABS-CBN Data Analytics, mula 9,000, matagal-tagal pa bago maabot ang 3,000 hanggang 4,000 daily average cases.

"In August, naga-average tayo noon ng 4,500 cases daily. ‘Yon ang pinaka-peak natin noong 2020. Napababa natin ito to less than 2,000 consistently around November, December. So, it took around 3 to 4 months," ani Edson Guido, head ng ABS-CBN Data Analytics.

Para kay Guido, kailangan pa ring pagbutihin ng pamahalaan ang pagtugon sa pandemya ngayong napipintong lumampas na sa 1 milyon ang mga kaso ng COVID-19.

"Tayo lang 'yong pangalawang bansa sa Southeast Asia na nakalagpas ng 1 million, I think kailangan natin talagang i-improve pa rin ’yong ating pandemic response," aniya.

Iminungkahi naman ng OCTA Research Group na dagdagan ang testing sa bansa, sa 75,000 mula sa higit 50,000 na daily average testing ngayon.

Ito'y para madaling mahiwalay at matukoy ang may kaso ng COVID-19, kabilang ang mga asymptomatic o walang sintomas.

Ayon naman kay Vega, kasama sa mga hakbang para mapalakas ang health capacity ay ang pagdagdag ng ICU beds sa mga ospital, at pag-operationalize ng mga bagong tayong field hospital at isolation center.

-- Ulat ni Michael Delizo, ABS-CBN News

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/25/21/mga-doktor-di-pa-dapat-luwagan-ang-quarantine-status-sa-ncr-plus

Barko iniimbestigahan sa pagpapakawala ng wastewater sa Manila Bay

April Rafales, ABS-CBN News

(UPDATE) — Iniimbestigahan ng mga awtoridad ang isang barko matapos itong magpakawala ng wastewater o maduming tubig sa Manila Bay.

Nakuhanan ng mga vlogger noong Sabado ang pagpapakawala ng barko, na itinuturing rason kung bakit naging kulay kalawang ang malaking bahagi ng Manila Bay sa may Baywalk.

"'Yong kulay niya ay 'di nagbabago, yellowish pa rin at kumakalat sa Manila Bay so posibleng mayroon itong epekto sa marine life at mismong sa ating paglilinis ng Manila Bay," ani Manila Bay Coordinating Office Deputy Executive Director Jacob Meimban.

Nitong umaga ng Linggo, kumuha ng water sample ang mga tauhan ng Manila Bay Coordinating Office kasama ang Philippine Coast Guard at Metropolitan manila Development Authority para malaman kung may halong langis ang pinakawalang wastewater.

Ayon sa oiler ng barko na si Escolastico Bunyi, ilang buwan nang nakatengga ang barko sa lugar dahil nasiraan at kailangang maiayos.

Pero itinanggi niyang may kasamang langis at pinakawalang wastewater.

"Galing din po 'yan sa ilalim, sa dagat din. Kapag pinaaandar 'yong makina dahil cooling po yan, seawater na may posibilidad na puwedeng sumipsip siya at papalabas ulit," ani Bunyi.

Ayon naman sa Department of Environment and Natural Resources, may langis man o wala, puwede pa ring managot ang may-ari ng barko sa paglabag sa Clean Water Act, na nagbabawal sa paglabas ng kahit ano'ng puwedeng sanhi ng pagkdumi ng tubig o makapipigil sa natural na daloy ng tubig.

"Dapat mayroon silang authority para permit to discharge. And at the same time, dapat mayroon din silang treatment facility within the vessel," ani Environment Undersecretary Jonas Leones.

"Kung hindi man, dapat kino-contain muna nila 'yong wastewater nila. And kung naka-dock na sila, they should have it treated before they discharge it," dagdag niya.

Naka-hold muna ang barko at oiler habang iniimbestigahan ng Coast Guard at DENR.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/25/21/barko-iniimbestigahan-sa-pagpapakawala-ng-wastewater-sa-manila-bay

'NCR bubble', mga karatig-lugar uunahin sa pamimigay ng bagong Sinovac doses

Sa high risk areas muna ipapamahagi ang mga bakuna ng Sinovac na kararating lang sa bansa ngayong Huwebes, ayon sa Department of Health (DOH). 

Ayon kay Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, uunahing ipamahagi ang bakuna sa "NCR Plus" bubble, at nalalabing bahagi ng Central Luzon at Calabarzon. 

May mga matatanggap naman aniyang suplay ng mga bakuna ang iba pang LGU sa mga susunod na araw. 

"Meron ho tayong bias ngayon sa ating mga lugar na matataas ang kaso dahil gusto ho natin maprotektahan maigi ang vulnerable sector dito sa mga lugar na ito. Hindi kailangan mag-alala ng ating ibang regions kasi yun pong allocations naman meron din po kayo,” ani Vergeire. 

Ayon kay Vergeire, posibleng sa Linggo, Abril 25 sisimulan ang pamamahagi nito; habang may iba pang bakunang paparating gaya ng Sputnik V na galing sa Gamaleya Institute ng Russia. 

"May kararating lang na Sinovac noong isang araw at may parating pa rin po tayo sa isang linggo na Sinovac vaccines pa rin.

Ang distribution po ah yung allocation nagawa na po... posibleng bukas mag-uumpisa tayo mag-distribute," ani Vergeire. 

Pero sinabi rin ni Vergeire na sa mga lugar na lang na kayang sundin ang storage requirements ibibigay ang Sputnik V vaccines. 

Aabot sa -18 degrees Celsius ang storage requirement ng Sputnik V, mas mababa kung ikukumpara sa Sinovac at AstraZeneca vaccines na may storage requirement na 2 hanggang 8 degrees Celsius. 

Ayon sa mga eksperto, kailangang mabakunahan ang nasa 70 porsiyento ng populasyon para maabot ang herd immunity. 

Kaya naman nagpaalala sa publiko si Philippine Foundation for Vaccination Executive Director Dr. Lulu Bravo na magpabakuna na. 

"Kapag dumating ang bakuna po magpabakuna po tayo sapagkat yan ay dumaan naman sa ekspertong pag-iimbestiga. Hindi po natin pababayaan ang ating mamayan na magkaroon ng harm. Ang bakuna ay hindi dapat makasama yan po ay upang makapagligtas ng buhay," ani Bravo. 

— Ulat ni Raya Capulong, ABS-CBN News

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/24/21/ncr-bubble-mga-karatig-lugar-uunahin-sa-pamimigay-ng-bagong-sinovac-doses

ALAMIN: Bagong patakaran ng DILG, QC LGU sa mga community pantry

Nagbaba na ng panuntunan ang Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) tungkol sa pag-oorganisa ng mga community pantry, kasunod ng pagpanaw ng isang senior citizen na pumila sa community pantry na inorganisa ng aktres na si Angel Locsin. 

Ayon sa DILG, dapat makipag-ugnayan na muna sa mga barangay at pagsilbihan lang ang mismong komunidad para maiwasan ang dagsa ng mga tao mula sa ibang lugar. 

"Kailangan kasama ang barangay, kasama ang LGU para tulungan lahat. Hindi lang ang organizer ang kailangang tumulong, kailangan lahat. At the end of the day kailangan 'yung mga organizer must be responsible," ani DILG Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya. 

"Nasa kanila 'yung responsibility to coordinate to the barangay and the PNP (Philippine National Police) at 'yung PNP naman at 'yung barangay must respond immediately to any request for help or assistance ng ating mga organizers."

Nagbaba na rin ng sariling panuntunan ang Quezon City government sa mga community pantry. 

Una, dapat ipatupad ang minimum public health standards. Dapat ding panatilihing malinis ang lugar. Bawal ding kumain sa lugar, at dapat siguruhing malinis at sariwa ang pagkain. 

Nagtakda rin ng oras ang Quezon City para sa mga pantry - mula alas-5 ng umaga hanggang alas-8 ng gabi lang dapat ang operasyon ng mga ito, pero puwede pa itong mabago depende sa ipinapatupad na public safety hours. Ayon sa LGU, binalangkas ito kasama ang organizer ng Maginhawa community pantry na si Patricia Non. 

"Naiintindihan ko naman na kailangan i-coordinate hangga’t maaari sa barangay para maiwasan natin ‘yung insidente na hindi maganda, para merong ambulansya, may naka-standby na first aid, tapos para rin may makatulong for location," ani Non. 

Sa Maginhawa Street sa Quezon City unang umusbong ang community pantry, na ngayon ay isa nang movement na kumalat na sa iba't ibang lugar, maging sa labas ng bansa.

Ayon sa DOH, mahalagang ipatupad ng mga LGU ang minimum public health standards sa mga community pantry. 

“Sana wala pong mga matatandang lumalabas muna para mapangalagaan. Napakalaki po ng role ng local governments natin ngayon sa mga community pantries para mai-organize po nila at hindi po ito maging source ng pagkakahawa-hawa,” ani DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire. 

Binalangkas ang panuntunan matapos mauwi sa siksikan ang community pantry na inorganisa ng aktres na si Angel Locsin para sa kaniyang kaarawan - kung saan isang senior citizen ang pumanaw matapos himatayin. 

Humingi na ng tawad ang aktres at sinabing aakuhin niya ang responsibilidad. 

"Pasensya na po talaga alam kong wala pong papel or silbi ang paghingi ko ng tawad o pasensya dahil sa mga nangyari, pero wala na po talaga akong masabing iba kung hindi sorry lang po talaga,” ani Locsin. 

Pero ang kapitan ng barangay Holy Spirit na si Felicito Valmocina, kung saan itinayo ni Locsin ang kaniyang community pantry, galit pa rin dahil bagama’t may koordinasyon naman ang kampo ng aktres, hindi na aniya niya dapat inanunsiyo na kahit sino ang maaaring pumunta gayong limitado lang ang kaya niyang i-accomodate. 

Una nang nabanggit ni Locsin na aakuhin niya ang responsibilidad sa nangyari.  

"Kung sa tingin po nila ay malaki po ang pagkakamali ko dito, aakuin ko naman po 'yun. Hindi naman po ako magtuturo ng ibang tao kasi wala naman akong nakikitang dapat sisihin,” ani Locsin. 

Pinag-aaralan pa umano ng chairman kung mapapatunayang may kapabayaan at pagkukulang bago maghain ng kaso. 

— Ulat ni Michael Delizo, ABS-CBN News

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/24/21/alamin-bagong-patakaran-ng-dilg-qc-lgu-sa-mga-community-pantry

2 patay sa sunog sa Caloocan

Jekki Pascual, ABS-CBN News

Umakyat sa dalawa ang bilang ng namatay sa sunog sa 2nd at 3rd Avenue sa Caloocan City, Biyernes ng gabi.

 

Ayon sa Bureau of Fire Protection, unang natagpuan ang bangkay ng 44 anyos na si Ronard Camacho na na-trap sa loob ng kaniyang bahay.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jekki Pascual (@newspatrol)

Ang pangalawang nasawi ay ang 38-anyos na si Adonis Ventorozo na pinaniniwalaang mahina na rin ang kalusugan dahil sa sakit. Nadala pa siya sa ospital pero idineklarang dead on arrival. 

Wala namang ibang nasaktan sa insidente at nakita na ang mga unang naiulat na nawawala. 

Nawalan ng tirahan ang 20 pamilya matapos na masunog ang tinatayang 15 mga bahay. 

Inaalam pa ang sanhi ng sunog na umabot sa ikalawang alarma at naideklarang fire out alas-9:52 ng gabi.

 

Nasa P90,000 naman ang halaga ng mga ari-arian na natupok ng apoy. 

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/24/21/1-patay-2-nawawala-sa-sunog-sa-caloocan

10 company shuttle van na kulang sa papeles, na-impound sa Laguna

Na-impound ang 10 company shuttle van matapos mahuling bumibiyaheng kulang sa mga papeles sa Cabuyao, Laguna nitong Biyernes.

Madaling-araw nagsimula ang operasyon ng Inter-Agency Council for Traffic (i-ACT) sa Pulo-Diezmo Road malapit sa tollgate ng South Luzon Expressway.

Over 10 illegal company shuttle vans are apprehended at an i-ACT operation in Cabuyao, Laguna. Vans were also inspected for adherence to health protocols

(📸:i-ACT) pic.twitter.com/iBkMqOPzb9

— Anjo Bagaoisan (@anjo_bagaoisan) April 23, 2021

Kabilang sa mga nahuli ang isang shuttle na bukod sa ilegal ang pagka-arkila ay nadiskubreng naniningil din sa mga pasahero na empleyado ng parcel delivery company.

Sabi ng mga pasahero sa enforcer, tig-P30 ang singil sa kanila para magpahatid mula Calamba City papunta sa opisina nila sa Cabuyao.

Binabayaran naman ang driver ng P350 araw-araw.

Ayon sa i-ACT, maaari itong ikonsidera na illegal shuttle at kolorum pero inilista na lang ito na illegal shuttle service.

Pinuntahan ang lugar dahil sa mga reklamo na maraming van na wala umanong mga maayos na permit.

Kailangan magpakita ang mga shuttle ng mga rekisito tulad ng contract of lease at passenger accident insurance.

Sinilip din ang pagsunod ng mga pasahero sa health protocols. Isang van ang nasita dahil punuan sa pasahero.

 

Near the end of the anti-colorum operation, a truck rammed into a pole along Pulo-Diezmo Road, also hitting an i-ACT van & 2 PNP HPG motorcycles

(📸:i-ACT) https://t.co/BJ7SCNMskS pic.twitter.com/Qf7jSWfAFQ

— Anjo Bagaoisan (@anjo_bagaoisan) April 23, 2021

Samantala, bumigat ang daloy ng trapiko sa kalsada dahil sa pagbangga ng isang truck sa ilang sasakyan bago tumama sa poste ng kuryente.

Ayon kay Chen Beros ng i-ACT, natamaan ang 2 motorsiklo ng Highway Patrol Group na kasama sa anti-colorum operation.

Nahagip pa ang isang van ng mga taga-i-ACT, motorsiklo at tricycle.

Sabi ng driver sa mga enforcer, nawalan daw ng hangin ang preno ng truck.

Wala namang nasaktan sa insidente.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/23/21/10-company-shuttle-van-na-kulang-sa-papeles-na-impound-sa-laguna

2 sangkot sa 'hagis-singsing' modus arestado sa Maynila

Kulong ang dalawang lalaking nagnanakaw ng mga singsing sa Kalaw Avenue sa Ermita, Maynila.

Ayon sa Ermita Police, mga seaman ang karaniwang binibiktima ng mga suspek.

Dating overseas Filipino worker at dating sekyu ang dalawang arestadong suspek.

 

Modus umano nila ay ang sundan ang biktima na may suot na singsing. 

Sadya nila itong babanggain para makausap ang biktima at tatanungin kung seaman ito at hihilingin na matingnan ang kanilang singsing bilang pruweba.

Ito na ang pagkakataon ng suspek na palitan ito ng pekeng singsing. Nagsisilbi namang lookout ang isa sa kanila.

Huwebes nang may mabiktimang isang seaman sa Kalaw Avenue ang mga suspek pero agad nakapagsumbong sa mga pulis ang biktima kaya sila naaresto.

Sabi ng mga suspek, sa Recto nila ibinebenta ang mga singsing na naglalaro sa halagang P7,000.

Nakatakdang sampahan ng kasong robbery with intimidation ang mga suspek.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/04/23/21/2-sangkot-sa-hagis-singsing-modus-arestado-sa-maynila

Metro Manila mayors set to discuss quarantine status for May

The Metro Manila Council is set to meet Sunday to discuss its recommendation to the government's COVID-19 task force on the possible quarantine classification of the capital region for May, its chairman said Friday.

"Itong pagpupulong na ito ay base rito 'yong ating magiging recommendation sa darating na katapusan," Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez told Teleradyo.

(This meeting will be for our recommendation [on quarantine status] after the end of this month.)

Metro Manila and the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal are under modified enhanced community quarantine -- the second toughest lockdown level -- until April 30.

Olivarez said they would meet with health experts to assess the COVID-19 situation in every local government units.

"Kailangan consolidated ang ating data. Hindi lang partikular na isang siyudad lang, kundi itong 16 na siyudad at 1 munisipyo all over the National Capital Region," he said.

(The data must be consolidated. It should not be only 1 city, but all 16 cities and 1 municipality all over the National Capital Region.)

In Parañaque City, Olivarez deemed the situation to be improving.

"Halos nagpa-plateau kami nitong 1 to 2 weeks. Gumaganda 'yong ating number dito at mas marami 'yong recovery. Hopefully magtuloy-tuloy ang pagbaba ng ating COVID," he said.

(We are almost plateauing in the past or 2 weeks. Our numbers are improving and many have recovered. Hopefully it will continue to go down.)

In the interview, Olivarez bared they had been allowed to use antigen tests for quick testing and tracing of COVID-19 cases.

"Ang maganda dito sa antigen ay immediatley malalaman natin 'yong resulta at puwede nating ma-isolate kaagad ang mga suspect at probable patients," he said.

(The good thing about antigen is we will know the results immediately and we can quickly isolate suspect and probable patients.)

The gold standard for COVID-19 testing is still polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. Antigen tests are said to be less accurate but are more useful at checking for current infection than rapid antibody tests. Antigen tests are also cheaper and quicker to use than PCR tests.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/23/21/metro-manila-mayors-set-to-discuss-quarantine-status-for-may

Pagbabakuna sa ilang lungsod sa Metro Manila, Cavite ginawang house-to-house

House-to-house na ang ginagawang pagbabakuna sa ilang lungsod sa Metro Manila at Cavite, lalo na ang mga senior citizen na hirap ng makapunta sa mga vaccination site.

Ito ay upang maiwasan silang mahawa ng virus kung lalabas ng bahay at pupunta sa itatalagang vaccination sites sa kani-kanilang mga lugar.

"Itong ginagawang pagbabahay-bahay ay para hindi mawalan ng pagkakataon ang mga mamamayang Pilipino na hindi na po kayang magbiyahe, hindi na kayang lumabas ng bahay," ani Dr. Nina Castillo-Carandang, miyembro ng National Immunization Technical Advisory Group for COVID-19 vaccine.

Sa panayam kay Carandang nitong Biyernes, sinabi rin niya na ibayong pagpaplano ang dapat gagawin dito para maiwasan ang hawaan ng mga magpupunta sa mga tahanan upang magpabakuna.

"Kailangang gawin ito ng higit pang pag-iingat. Kailangan 'yong mga taong dadalaw kay lolo, kay lola, kay tito at kay tita sa bahay ay nasa maayos din na kalagayan," aniya.

Sa kasalukuyan, nakapagtala ang Pilipinas ng 971,049 na kaso ng COVID-19 kung saan 16,370 ang pumanaw dahil sa sakit. Kasama rin dito ang 107,988 na active cases o mga pasyente na may coronavirus.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/04/23/21/pagbabakuna-sa-ilang-lungsod-sa-metro-manila-cavite-ginawang-house-to-house

NSCR UPDATE Gantry Crane-Girder Di Kinaya ang Girder North-South Railway...

PNR Latest Update MEYCAUAYAN STATION 2 Tower Crane DUMATING NA! 4KAer...

WATCH: Maginhawa community pantry organizer gives tour on day of reopening

The organizer of Maginhawa community pantry gave a behind-the-scenes tour of the stall during its reopening on Wednesday morning.

Ana Patricia Non said it has 12 volunteers, who were vendors from whom she bought supplies for the pantry.

"Saktong-sakto na po siya para hindi po crowded," she told ANC's Headstart.

(It's enough so that we're not crowded.)

The community pantry, which inspired others in the country to put up their own, temporarily stopped its operation on Tuesday due to red-tagging, Non said.

"Wala naman po talaga sa isip ko na titigil ang community pantry. Sure naman po akong magpapatuloy siya hangga't may nangangailangan at may willing tumulong," Non said.

(It never crossed my mind to stop the community pantry. I'm sure it would continue as long as there are people in need and people are willing to help.)

"Kailangan lang namin mag-pause kahapon para ma-ensure ang security at hindi po biro ang red-tagging lalo na sa panahon ngayon...Kailangan lang po natin i-ensure na safe lahat ng organizers, donors at mga pumipila."

(We just needed to pause yesterday to ensure security as red-tagging is not a joke... We just needed to ensure the organizers, donors and people lining up are safe.)

The Quezon City local government sends its Task Force Disiplina personnel to enforce physical distancing, supply face masks and face shields, and check up on volunteers, Non added.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/04/21/21/watch-maginhawa-community-pantry-organizer-gives-tour-on-day-of-reopening

2 patay sa pananambang sa Makati

Patay ang 2 tao matapos barilin ng hindi pa nakikilalang salarin ang sinasakyan nilang van sa lungsod ng Makati nitong hapon ng Miyerkoles.

Dead on the spot ang isang babae at isang lalaking sakay ng puting van sa may Barangay Bel-Air matapos pagbabarilin bandang alas-2 ng hapon.

Patuloy na iniimbestigahan ng Makati police ang insidente.

Pinag-aaralan na rin ang mga kuha ng CCTV sa lugar para matukoy ang pagkakakilanlan ng gunman.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/21/21/2-patay-sa-pananambang-sa-makati

NLEX-SLEX CONNECTOR ROAD UPDATE (4-19-21)

12 anyos patay nang madapa matapos umanong takasan ang naninitang tanod sa Pasay

Patay ang isang 12-anyos na lalaki matapos umanong takasan ang mga barangay tanod na sumita sa kaniya dahil sa paglabag sa quarantine protocols sa Pasay City noong Miyerkoles.

Sa CCTV footage, makikitang pumiglas ang bata at tumakbo. Doon na umano ito nadapa at nabagok ang ulo.

Dinala pa sa pagamutan ang bata, pero idineklarang dead on arrival. 

"Yun bitbit ng mga tanod, 'yun hawak hawak nila ang bata, 'yung bata pumiglas, kumawala. On the way na sila sa barangay eh. Malapitan lang. Eh, tumakbo, nadapa. Tumama pala sa pavement ulo niya," ani Police Col. Cesar Paday-os, hepe ng Pasay City Police.

Patuloy ang imbestigasyon ng mga awtoridad.

Ang mga residenteng may edad 18 hanggang 65 anyos lamang ang maaaring lumabas ng tahanan sa Metro Manila habang nakasailalim sa modified enhanced community quarantine, ayon sa guidelines ng IATF.

Maaaring may pananagutan ang mga magulang ng bata dahil pinabayaang makalabas ito kahit na ipinagbabawal, ayon sa pulisya.

Kasama rin sa imbestigasyon ang posibleng pananagutan ng mga tanod.

Hinihintay pa ang resulta ng autopsy. Dito umano magbabase ang pamilya ng bata kung magsasampa ng kaso. 

Tumangging humarap sa ABS-CBN News ang mga tanod dahil nagbigay na umano sila ng pahayag sa mga pulis. Maging ang mga magulang ng bata ay tumangging magbigay ng pahayag sa mga oras na ito. 

Nasa 34 curfew violators ang nasita ng mga awtoridad Lunes ng gabi sa lungsod. Samantala, 70 naman ang lumabag sa ordinansa hinggil sa pagsusuot ng face mask, at 22 ang hindi sumunod sa physical distancing.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/19/21/12-anyos-patay-nang-madapa-matapos-umanong-takasan-ang-naninitang-tanod-sa-pasay

Taguig eyes more mall-based vaccination hubs

 By Lade Jean Kabagani

More vaccination hubs will be put up in various malls in Taguig after the city government forged partnership agreements with four companies.

Mayor Lino Cayetano on Sunday said the city government has already inked agreements with Vista Mall, Megaworld, SM Group, and Ayala Corporation to establish vaccination hubs accessible to all.

"I take it as a sign of trust in the local government that our big stakeholders have all reached out to help with our community vaccination," he said on Facebook.

The city’s existing seven sites have already vaccinated 20,292 as of April 15.

Cayetano also credited the downtrend in the city's coronavirus cases to the "local government's strong partnerships with its citizens and business community."

The city only has 185 active cases as of Saturday.

Taguig has three mega-vaccination hubs that can accommodate at least 1,000 daily, four community centers for 400 individuals each daily, and on Friday, launched a mobile vaccination bus for those unable to go to inoculation centers.

Taguig likewise has 34 testing centers and deployed disease surveillance officers in partnership with the private and public sectors.

"Vaccination will be key to moving faster towards the new future," said Cayetano.

He added the city government wants to lead the shift to the new normal while encompassing a whole-of-society approach.

"Relying on the strengths of various individuals and institutions, we believe we can make 2021 the year we bounce back and recover," he said. (With reports from Lloyd Caliwan)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1137192

RAILWAY PROJECT: PERMANENT SITE OFFICE CP N0-3

Posibilidad na di gumana ang MECQ sa NCR ikinabahala ng eksperto

Nababahala ang grupong OCTA Research na posibleng mag-iba ang trend ngayong niluwagan na ang coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions sa National Capital Region (NCR Plus) bubble. 

Ito ay sa nagpapatuloy na pagtaas ng bilang ng mga nagkaka-COVID-19 sa bansa ngayong modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ). 

"Sa totoo lang, we are getting very concerned na the MECQ is not working. I’m sorry, this is the first time na were saying it, pero we’re just being transparent about the data. Sinasabi naman namin noon, the ECQ was working; nagkaroon ng negative growth rate. Now, maybe the MECQ is not working,” ani OCTA Research Fellow Guido David. 

Sa datos na inilabas ng OCTA Research, bumaba na sa 1.16 ang reproduction number - nangangahulungan ito na isang tao ang nahahawa at maliit na tsana ang makahawa ng dalawang tao ang isang nagka-COVID-19. 

Ayon sa OCTA Research, dahil dito ay nangangahulugang epektibo ang pagpapatupad noon ng ECQ sa Kamaynilaan at sa mga karatig-probinsiya nito. 

Sabi naman ng kasamahan ni David sa OCTA Research na si Butch Ong, nagpapatuloy ang pagbaba ng reproduction number sa paglipat sa MECQ. 

“Hindi nasayang (ang ECQ) dahil bumaba naman talaga ang ating reproduction number. In the transition ng MECQ, we still continue to see a lowering of the reproduction number,” ani Ong. 

Ipinaalala ng OCTA Research na mag-ingat pa rin kahit nakita ang pagbaba ng reproduction rate nito. 

“Hinihikayat ko na para ma-hit natin nag target natin magkaroon na tayo ng mindset na ECQ tayo na taasan natin ang vigilance at disiplina kasi mas maluwag at may risk na baka tumaas ng bahagya habang nasa MECQ so kailangang mas maging disiplinado tayo,” ani Ong. 

Nakatakdang maglabas sa susunod na linggo ng panibagong report ang OCTA Research, kung saan umano nila makikita kung naabot na ng Metro Manila ang reproduction number na kailangan nitong makamit.

— Ulat ni Michael Delizo, ABS-CBN News

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/17/21/posibilidad-na-di-gumana-ang-mecq-sa-ncr-ikinabahala-ng-eksperto

11 sugatan sa banggaan ng bus at truck sa Iloilo

Sugatan ang 11 na katao matapos magbanggaan ang isang bus at truck sa Lambunao, Iloilo Biyernes ng hapon.

Sa imbestigasyon ng Lambunao PNP, magkasalubong ang dalawang sasakyan sa isang kalsada sa Brgy. Poblacion nang mawalan ng preno ang truck at bumangga sa bus.

Nagtamo ng malubhang sugat ang driver ng truck matapos maipit sa driver seat.

Agad dinala sa ospital ang sampung sakay ng bus kasama ang driver matapos magtamo ng sugat at makaramdam ng pananakit ng katawan.--Ulat ni Rolen Escaniel

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/17/21/11-sugatan-sa-banggaan-ng-bus-at-truck-sa-iloilo

New COVID-19 restrictions delay LRT-2 extension launch

The launch of the awaited LRT-2 East Extension project has been delayed due to new restrictions set in place to curb COVID-19 transmission in Metro Manila, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Friday.

The official inauguration of the train project was initially scheduled on April 26, but will now take place on June 23 due to strict implementation of health protocols, such as physical distancing and operational capacity of workforce.

"The schedule adjustment was made following recent developments in the country’s COVID-19 situation despite the project already being substantially complete. Instead of a formal inauguration, an operational trial run will be conducted on 26 April 2021," the DOTr said in a statement.

The change came after the transit line's officials meeting around Holy Week, the DOTr said, when COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, especially in Metro Manila, surged in an alarming rate.

"Moreover, foreign rail experts who are necessary in the final stages of installation, testing, and commissioning works for the project have been unable to report for work or enter the Philippines due to stringent restrictions being enforced," the department noted, citing the two-week lockdown to contain the surge in Metro Manila and nearby provinces from March 29 to April 11.

TJ Batan, DOTr Undersecretary for Railways, said it was unfortunate the project's launch will be delayed but it was understandable since public health and safety should come first.

"Excited po tayo na makitang matatapos na itong long-delayed na proyekto na nagumpisa pa nuong 2012, pero mahalaga din po na lahat tayo ay ligtas, malusog, at higit sa lahat, buhay,” he said.

The LRT-2 East Extension project, which consists of two new additional stations, namely the Marikina Station and the Antipolo Station, is already at 96.51 percent complete as of February 28, the DOTr said.

The department earlier estimated the new stations, which will service commuters from Recto, Manila going to Masinag, Antipolo and back, will cut travel time from Recto to Masinag by just 40 minutes.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/16/21/new-covid-19-restrictions-delay-lrt-2-extension-launch

Negosyante, bayaw sugatan matapos tadtarin ng saksak ng katransaksyon

Tadtad ng saksak ang isang negosyante at bayaw niya nitong Biyernes matapos daw silang saksakin ng mga ka-transaksyon sa construction business.

 

Batay sa inisyal na imbestigasyon ng Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Station 5, may construction business ang biktima na kinilalang si Raymund Matabang at sinundo raw nila ng kanyang bayaw na si Vickson Villaroman ang 2 lalaki. 

Isa sa mga lalaki ay may utang daw na P2 milyon kay Matabang at papunta dapat sila sa bangko sa North Fairview para doon magdeposito ng bayad sa utang. 

Pero habang nasa byahe raw sila ay biglang sinaksak ng 2 suspek si Matabang at Villaroman. 

Nakababa umano ng sasakyan si Matabang at tumakbo pero hinabol sya ng mga suspek at itinuloy ang pananaksak sa kanya. 

Nang dumating naman daw ang mga pulis, ayaw paawat ng isa sa mga suspek. Pati raw ang mga pulis ay inuundayan ng saksak.

Ayon naman sa isang nakakita at bumuhat sa biktima, ayaw pang tanggalin ng isang suspek ang kutsilyo na nakatusok kay Matabang kahit pa nag-warning shot at nagbabala na ang pulis. 

Matapos mapalo ng yantok ang suspek, agad siyang inaresto at dinala naman ang biktima sa ospital.

Kasalukuyang ginagamot sa ospital ang mga biktima. 

Ang mga suspek ay isinailalim sa medical exam at nakatakdang sampahan ng kasong frustrated murder.

Tumanggi namang magbigay ng pahayag ang mga suspek.

- Ulat ni Wheng Hidalgo, ABS-CBN News

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/16/21/negosyante-bayaw-sugatan-matapos-tadtarin-ng-saksak-ng-katransaksyon

LRT 1 CAVITE EXTENSION | SILIPIN NATIN ANG CONSTRUCTION ANG DAMING GANAP...

Free shuttle para sa healthcare workers, plano para sa mga lugar sa labas ng NCR

Inihayag ni Transportation Sec. Arthur Tugade nitong Huwebes na habang nagpapatuloy pa rin ang COVID-19 pandemic, palalawakin nila free shuttle services na ibinibigay sa health workers. 

Sa ngayon kasi, sa National Capital Region lang ang operasyon nito. Magmula nang mailunsad ang free shuttle nitong pandemya, nasa 2.2 million na healthcare workers ang napakinabangan ito, ani Tugade. 

“Hangarin naming na itong free ride na di lamang malimit sa NCR. Pararatigin ko po hangang sa probinsya at rehiyon nang sa gayon ay maka-benefit sila sa tinatawag na free shuttle," aniya.

Pinadadami rin umano ng DOTR ang mga ruta at prangkisang ibinibigay sa provincial buses para makatulong din sa ibang mga authorized persons outside residence (APOR). 

Samantala, inanunsiyo din ni Tugade na matatapos ang construction ng Clark International Airport sa kalagitnaan ng taon, pati na rin ang Bicol International Airport na inaasahang magiging operational bago matapos ang 2021.--Ulat ni Joyce Balancio, ABS-CBN News

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/16/21/free-shuttle-para-sa-healthcare-workers-plano-para-sa-mga-lugar-sa-labas-ng-ncr

San Juan barangay puts up grocery-for-work program

By Lade Jean Kabagani

Indigent families will benefit from a free grocery store put up by Barangay Ermitaño in San Juan City.

The Ermitaño free store (EFS), inaugurated on Monday after the village council’s approval on March 26, will cater to marginalized families affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

It is not entirely a free store though as it involves a cash-for-work program that will require indigent residents to render community services in exchange for free grocery items.

Services include street sweeping, cleaning own yards, attending village meetings, and participating in other village activities.

Each involvement will have a point equivalent. An initial 500-point voucher will be given to identified households.

The vouchers can be used as payment in the EFS.

Mayor Francis Zamora lauded the village's initiative, saying it demonstrated the spirit of “bayanihan” (cooperation) amid the prevailing health crisis.

"Nagbibigay ng dignidad sa mga San Juaneñong patuloy na nagsusumikap para itawid ang kanilang pamilya sa krisis na ating pinagdadaanan (It gives dignity to San Juaneños who continue to work hard for their families amid the crisis that we are going through)," he said.

The free store accepts donations of additional supplies such as canned goods, clothing, or any food and non-food items like medicines to reach more indigent villagers.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1136852

OCD distributes 97K rapid antigen kits to NCR, nearby provinces

By Priam Nepomuceno

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said that it has already distributed 97,000 rapid antigen kits it has procured to 45 hospitals, local government units, and agencies in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

These provinces are Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal and distribution figures are as of April 14, OCD spokesperson Mark Cashean Timbal said in a statement Thursday.

Resolution No. 108 of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) authorized the OCD to utilize its quick response fund to procure the said test kits.

“The Office of the Civil Defense is hereby authorized to procure using their Quick Response Fund under the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management or such other available funds, an initial five hundred thousand (500,000) pieces of any of the following Rapid Antigen Test Kits authorized by the Food and Drug Administration," the resolution added.

The procured Abbott Panbio Covid-19 Ag rapid antigen test devices, which were delivered in two batches, are stored in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

The purchase of these antigen kits seeks to “ensure the swift detection of cases and tracing of close contacts,” the resolution read.

Timbal said training on the use of the test kits was also conducted last April 14 via the Zoom platform for health care personnel who will be tasked to administer the tests in the recipient local government units and hospitals.

The OCD also continues to carry its other functions in Covid-19 response operations which include logistical support to Covid-19 facilities nationwide and management of donations. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1136863

Kotse yupi sa banggaan sa Las Piñas

 Anjo Bagaoisan, ABS-CBN News

Walang nasugatan sa mga nagmamaneho ng 2 kotse na nagbanggaan sa Daang Hari Road sa Las Piñas City Miyerkoles ng gabi. 

Nayupi ang harapan ng hatchback na tumama sa likod ng isa pang kotse sa may traffic light sa lane mula Cavite papuntang Alabang-Zapote Road bandang alas-7:15 ng gabi.

Ayon kay Police Master Sgt. Rey Layosa ng traffic investigation unit, sinabi ng driver ng unahang sasakyan na si Reginaldo Romulo na nag-brake siya para maiwasan ang 2 sasakyan na tumigil sa harap nito, pero saka naman siya natamaan ng hatchback mula sa likod.

Sabi ng pulis, sinubukan pang umilag ng unahang kotse kaya gilid ng hatchback ang natamaan.

Sinabi naman ng driver ng hatchback na si Mark Norhill na naka-go ang traffic light noon kaya nagulat siya noong tumigil ang sasakyan sa unahan.

Dinala sa talyer ang mga sasakyan matapos magkasundo ang 2 driver na sasagutin ang pinsala. 

Sabi ng pulis, bihira ang mga banggaan sa naturang bahagi ng Daang Hari pero nagpaalala na maging alerto sa galaw ng mga kasabay sa kalsada.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/15/21/kotse-yupi-sa-banggaan-sa-las-pias

Lalaking bumili umano ng shabu gamit ang ayuda timbog sa QC

Jervis Manahan, ABS-CBN News

Timbog ang isang lalaki matapos umano bumili ng shabu gamit ang ayudang natanggap sa Barangay Matandang Balara, Quezon City nitong Miyerkoles.

Ayon sa isang barangay official, kakakuha lang ng P4,000 na ayuda ang lalaki bago siya nahuling lumalabag ng curfew ng lungsod.

Nang kapkapan siya ay nakitaan siya ng isang pakete ng shabu na may halagang P150.

Umamin ang suspek na bumili siya ng naturang ilegal na droga gamit ang parte ng ayuda, at binigay niya ang natitirang P3,000 sa kapatid.

Aminado din ang lalaki na bisyo nga niya ito.

Nasa kustodiya na ng pulisya ang suspek.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/15/21/lalaking-bumili-umano-ng-shabu-gamit-ang-ayuda-timbog-sa-qc

Megawide to start construction of Malolos-Clark Railway project

Megawide Construction Corporation is preparing to start construction for phase 1 of Malolos-Clark Railway (MCR) project in the second quarter of the year.

 

The company believes that the government’s roll-out of major infrastructure projects like the MCRP, the North-South Commuter Rail Project-South Line, and the Metro Manila subway system project will be catalysts to jumpstart the economy. For Megawide, this also opened up opportunities for its infrastructure pivot.

 

“Megawide will continue to leverage on its vertically-integrated construction advantage to deliver much-needed infrastructure projects like the MCRP on time and with high quality and excellent workmanship. Together with our partners, we are ready to begin building a first-world railway that every Filipino deserves,” Megawide chairman and chief executive officer Edgar Saavedra said in a statement Tuesday.

 

The company’s Batching Plant, Formworks and Construction Equipment and Logistics Services (CELS) businesses are gearing up to supply concrete and provide support facilities to the consortium of Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd. (Hyundai E&C), Dong-ah Geological Engineering Company Ltd. (Dong-ah), and Megawide after going through and winning a stringent bidding process.

 

To meet the requirements, Megawide will build two mobile batching plants in the area to ensure efficient production and delivery of high-quality ready-mix concrete, while the formworks segment has already begun the installation of temporary facilities at the project site to house various equipment.

 

The combined contracts for the services are over PHP3.1 billion to PHP2.9 billion for the supply of concrete materials, PHP152 million for the provision of temporary facilities, and another PHP59 million for the initial equipment supply contract.

  

Megawide continues to increase the capacity of its ancillary business units under its engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) platform to complement its state-of-the-art pre-cast technology. 

 

It operates a 20-hectare industrial facility in Taytay, Rizal, which houses its main pre-cast plant, other ancillary business, and a vast stockyard. The company also maintains mobile and strategic site-based batching and pre-cast plants for large-scale projects.

 

“We believe that on top of our expertise in construction and engineering services, our wide array of integrated EPC services attracts foreign partners as it also gives them access to world-class facilities and products at very competitive prices. This is our gameplan all along and we are seeing the benefits as we are able to realize the value along the supply chain,” Saavedra said.  

 

The MCRP is part of the 17-kilometer North-South Commuter Railway project of the Department of Transportation that will link the New Clark City and the Clark International Airport to Metro Manila and nearby cities.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1136638

Residential area sa Quezon City nasunog

Nasunog ang ilang magkakatabing bahay sa Barangay Sauyo sa Quezon City Martes ng gabi. 

Sa tala ng Bureau of Fire Protection, naitala ang sunog pasado alas-8 ng gabi, at naiakyat agad ang unang alarma bandang 8:26 p.m. Matapos ang 10 minuto, itinaas agad ang 2nd alarm. 

Kuwento ng isa mga nasunugan, mabilis kumalat ang apoy sa magkakatabing bahay sa kanilang lugar. 

Si Orlando Persiviranda, kakaunting damit at alagang manok na lang ang naisalba sa sunog. 

“Iyong dalawang bata po ata doon sa kapitbahay namin na naglalaro ng apoy. Iyon po ang naumpisahan ng sunog. Basta po napakabilis ang nangyari,” aniya.

Sinubukan naman ng ilang residente na tumulong apulahin ang apoy. 

Bandang 9:07 p.m. ay nakontrol na ng mga bumbero ang sunog at bandang 9:28 p.m. naman ay idineklarang fire out na ito. 

Dahil madilim sa lugar at tabi ng creek ang mga nasunog na bahay, nahirapan ang Bureau of Fire Protection na maglagay ng estimate sa halaga ng mga ari-ariang natupok ng apoy, at kung ilang pamilya at mga bahay ang apektado.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/14/21/residential-area-sa-quezon-city-nasunog

Megawide to start building Malolos-Clark rail

 Megawide Construction Corp. on Tuesday said it is preparing to start construction of the Malolos-Clark Railway Project (MCRP) Phase 1 in the second quarter.

The company said its batching plant, formworks and construction equipment and logistics services businesses are gearing up to supply concrete and provide support facilities to the consortium of Korean firms Hyundai Engineering and Construction Co. Ltd., Dong-ah Geological Engineering Company Ltd. and Megawide after going through and winning a bidding process.

To meet the requirements, Megawide will build two mobile batching plants in the area to ensure efficient production and delivery of high-quality ready-mix concrete, while the formworks segment has already begun the installation of temporary facilities that will house equipment at the project site.

The combined contracts for the services is more than P3.1 billion, some P2.9 billion for the supply of concrete materials, P152 million for the provision of temporary facilities and another P59 million for the initial equipment supply contract.

Megawide said it believes that the government’s rollout of major infrastructure projects, like the MCRP, the North-South Commuter Rail Project-South Line and the Metro Manila Subway System Project, will jumpstart the economy.

“Megawide will continue to leverage on its vertically-integrated construction advantage to deliver much-needed infrastructure projects like the MCRP, on time and with high quality and excellent workmanship. Together with our partners, we are ready to begin building a first-world railway that every Filipino deserves,” Edgar Saavedra, Megawide chairman and CEO, said.

Megawide said it continues to increase the capacity of its ancillary business units under its engineering, procurement and construction platform to complement its pre-cast technology.

The company operates a 20-hectare industrial facility in Taytay, Rizal, which houses its main pre-cast plant, other ancillary business and a stockyard. The company also maintains mobile and strategic site-based batching and pre-cast plants for large-scale projects.

“We believe that on top of our expertise in construction and engineering services, our wide array of integrated EPC services attracts foreign partners as it also gives them access to world-class facilities and products at very competitive prices. This is our game plan all along and we are seeing the benefits as we are able to realize the value along the supply chain, which we eventually share with our partners,” Saavedra said.

The MCRP is part of the 17-kilometer North-South Commuter Railway Project of the Department of Transportation that will link the New Clark City and the Clark International Airport to Metro Manila and nearby cities.

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/04/14/megawide-to-start-building-malolos-clark-rail/

Megawide to start Malolos-Clark Freeport Railway Project

Construction and infrastructure conglomerate Megawide is all set to begin this second quarter the construction of the first phase of the Malolos-Clark Railway Project (MCRP), the crucial North Luzon railway line that will link the suburb of Malolos in Bulacan to Clark Freeport in Pampanga..

The combined contract for the services is valued at over P3.1 billion, broken down as follows: P2.9 billion for the supply of concrete materials; P152 million for the provision of temporary facilities; and, P59 million for the initial equipment supply contract, Megawide disclosed to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Tuesday.

Megawide’s batching plant, formworks as well as construction equipment and logistics services (CELS) businesses have thus geared up to supply concrete and provide support facilities to the consortium of Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd. (Hyundai E&C); Dong-ah Geological Engineering Co. Ltd. (Dong-ah).

To meet the requirements, Megawide is set to build two mobile batching plants in the area to ensure efficient production and delivery of high-quality ready-mix concrete, while the formworks segment has begun installation of temporary facilities at the project site to house various equipment.

First-world facility

“Megawide will continue to leverage on its vertically-integrated construction advantage to deliver much-needed infrastructure projects like the MCRP, on time and with high quality and excellent workmanship. Together with our partners, we are ready to begin building a first-world railway that every Filipino deserves,” Edgar Saavedra, Megawide chair and chief executive officer, said.

Megawide seeks to boost the capacity of its ancillary business units under its engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) platform to complement what it touts as a state-of-the-art pre-cast technology.

The company operates a 20-hectare industrial facility in Taytay, Rizal, which houses its main precast plant, other ancilliary business, and a vast stockyard. It also maintains mobile and strategic site-based batching and precast plants for large-scale projects. INQ

https://business.inquirer.net/321135/megawide-to-start-malolos-clark-freeport-railway-project

Megawide gears up for construction of Malolos-Clark Railway in Q2

Megawide Construction Corp. is set to start construction of the first phase of the Malolos-Clark Railway Project (MCRP) in the second quarter of the year, after bagging three contracts cumulatively worth P3.1 billion.

The company said its batching plant, formworks, and construction equipment and logistics services (CELS) business units, will supply concrete and provide support facilities to the consortium of Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co. Ltd., Dong-ah Geological Engineering Company Ltd., and Megawide.

The contracts include P2.9 billion for the supply of concrete materials, P152 million for the provision of temporary facilities, and another P59 million for the initial equipment supply contract.

"Megawide will continue to leverage on its vertically-integrated construction advantage to deliver much-needed infrastructure projects like the MCRP, on time and with high quality and excellent workmanship," Megawide Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Edgar Saavedra said in an emailed statement.

Megawide and its Korean partners bagged the contract for the MCRP Package 1 in September 2020. Under the contract, the construction will build and provide civil engineering works for some 17 kilometers of viaduct structure, including elevated station buildings in Calumpit, Bulacan and Apalit, Pampanga.

The MCRP is part of the larger North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) which will eventually connect the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac to Calamba, Laguna.

Other projects of Megawide include the Philippine School for Infrastructure Phases 1 and 2; the Paranaque Integrated Transport Exchange (PITX), and the construction of Terminal 2 of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, among others.

Shares in Megawide are trading P6.95 apiece as of writing, up P0.3 or 4.51% from Tuesday's finish of P6.65. -MDM, GMA News

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/companies/783681/megawide-gears-up-for-construction-of-malolos-clark-railway-in-q2/story/

Pulis, 3 iba pa timbog sa 'basag-kotse' modus sa Bulacan

Apat na miyembro umano ng isang sindikato, kabilang ang isang pulis, ang nahuli ng mga awtoridad sa Bulacan nitong Lunes matapos masangkot sa basag-kotse modus sa bayan ng San Ildefonso.

Ayon sa mga awtoridad, nakaparada ang sasakyan ng biktima na si "Mel" sa harapan ng isang motorcycle outlet sa bayan. Nang balikan niya ito, nakita niya ang 2 lalaki na lulan sa motorsiklo at bumaba ang angkas nito at pumunta sa passenger seat sa likuran.

Nakarinig siya ng pagkabasag ng salamin,at doon nakita niyang tinangay ng suspek sa loob ng sasakyan ang isang backpack na may lamang mga documento at black beltbag.

Sa ikinasang hot-pursuit operation, nahuli ang dalawang suspek na kinilalang sina Allen Alvarado, 30, at John Fizer Salvador, 22, na mula Tondo, Manila.

Narekober sa mga suspek ang isang .38 caliber revolver, granada, tatlong sachet ng hinihinalang shabu at ang black belt bag na pag-aari ni "Mel".

Kasunod nito, nagsadya umano sa San Ildefonso Municipal Police Station ang dalawa pang lalaki na nagpakilalang mga pulis ng Manila Police District. 

Hinahanap umano nila ang mga suspek pero nang tanungin sila ng detalye, hindi sila nakasagot at mabilis na sumakay ng SUV papunta sa direksyon ng San Miguel, Bulacan.

Nasabat din ang dalawa sa quarantine checkpoint sa Brgy. Garlang, sa bayan. 

Kinilala ang dalawa na sina Juvito Salvador at ang pulis na si Police Cpl. Mark Edison Quinton na naka-assign sa Manila Police District. 

Miyembro umano ang mga suspek ng "Liber Paulino Group" na sangkot sa serye ng basag-kotse sa Metro Manila, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, at Tarlac. 

Kinasuhan na ng robbery, possession of explosives, paglabag ng Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, at Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act sina Alvarado at Salvador. 

Usurpation of authority ang ikakaso laban din kay Salvador habang paglabag lang ng Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act ang isasampa laban kay Quinton.--Ulat ni Gracie Rutao

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/14/21/pulis-3-iba-pa-timbog-sa-basag-kotse-modus-sa-bulacan

Megawide to start work on three railway contracts

MEGAWIDE Construction Corp. said on Tuesday that it had been awarded three contracts worth more than P3.1 billion to help build the Malolos-Clark Railway Project Phase 1.

“Megawide is preparing to start construction for the Malolos-Clark Railway Project (MCRP) Phase 1 in the second quarter of the year,” the listed company said in an e-mailed statement.

The company said its batching plant, formworks, and construction equipment and logistics businesses are preparing to supply concrete materials and provide support facilities to the consortium of Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd., Dong-ah Geological Engineering Co. Ltd. and Megawide after winning a “stringent” bidding process.

“The combined contracts for the services is more than P3.1 billion – P2.9 billion for the supply of concrete materials, P152 million for the provision of temporary facilities, and another P59 million for the initial equipment supply contract,” Megawide said.

The company said the implementation of the project should help restart the economy.

The project is part of the 170-kilometer North-South Commuter Railway Project implemented by the Transportation department.

It will link the New Clark City and the Clark International Airport to Metro Manila and nearby cities.

Megawide Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Edgar B. Saavedra said the company will continue to leverage on its vertically-integrated construction advantage “to deliver much-needed infrastructure projects… on time and with high quality and excellent workmanship.” — Arjay L. Balinbin

https://www.bworldonline.com/megawide-to-start-work-on-three-railway-contracts/

'Proof of leadership, not proof of life': Several senators chide Duterte over 'photo ops'

At least 3 senators on Tuesday chided President Rodrigo Duterte for his weeks-long absence in the public eye, saying Filipinos are not demanding for "proof of life" but "proof of good and authentic leadership."

Prior to his taped address on Monday, Duterte's former aide - Sen. Christopher "Bong" Go - has been providing pictures of the President playing golf, riding a motorcycle and jogging inside Malacañang to assure the public that the 76-year-old chief executive is still alive, contrary to rumors about his failing health.

"The President's presence and availability for photo ops can never substitute for clear, coherent, empathetic and compassionate leadership," opposition Sen. Risa Hontiveros said in a tweet.

"Hindi naman proof of life ang hinihingi ng tao, kundi proof of good & authentic leadership, especially now. Filipinos want to feel that government cares," she said.

Opposition Sen. Leila de Lima called out Duterte for his alleged incompetence in handling the COVID-19 crisis in the Philippines.

"Habang nasa kung saang lupalop siya at nagpapa-photoshoot habang nagmemeryenda, nagja-jogging, naggo-golf at kung anu-ano pang pampalipas oras, araw-araw, daan-daan ang binabawian ng buhay at nauulila," she said in a tweet.

(While he was somewhere doing photoshoots while eating snacks, jogging, playing golf and other pastimes, hundreds are dying everyday.)

"If Duterte and his sycophants will continue to sleep on their job and their non-sense photo-ops just to prove that Duterte can still breathe or jog after two weeks of absence, we cannot and we will never recover. This has to end," she said.

In a taped address aired on Monday, Duterte said he made a point to hide from the public after receiving criticisms for his performance as president.

"Noong nawala ako ng ilang araw, talagang sinadya ko 'yun. Ganoon ako eh, kapag kinakalkal mo ako, lalo akong, parang bata? Kapag lalo mo akong kinakantyawan, eh mas lalo akong gumagana," he said.

(When I was gone for a few days, I did that on purpose. I am like that, when you look for me, I tend to act like a child. When you tease me, that's when I act up.)

Sen. Panfilo Lacson said he hopes Duterte is now done "playing hide-and-seek."

"Sinadya daw niya. Sana, huling larong ‘hide-and-seek’ na ito ng Pangulo kasi maraming nag-aalala," Lacson tweeted.

"The health condition of any sitting president should be the concern of every Filipino. Even Vice President Leni Robredo had the moral decency to say that she was praying for him," he said.

Under the Constitution, the vice president would take over the highest seat of the land should the incumbent chief executive either die or be deemed incapable of fulfilling his role as the Philippines' top official.

At least 65 percent of Filipinos agreed that Duterte's health should be considered a public matter, according to an SWS survey released on April 12.

Despite Duterte's frequent absence from public events and briefings, Malacañang maintained that the President is "not sick."

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/13/21/rodrigo-duterte-proof-of-life-pr-hit-by-senators-critics