Immer mehr Rentner zieht es ins Ausland – aus einem einfachen Grund

Von: Lisa Mayerhofer

Die Zahl der Renten-Auszahlungen ins Ausland ist in den vergangenen Jahren stark gestiegen. Das ist vor allem eine Folge des deutschen Wirtschaftswunders.

Freiburg – Sommer, Sonne, Steuervorteile – oder einfach zurück in die Heimat: Immer mehr Rentner wollen ihren Ruhestand im Ausland verbringen. Vor allem ehemalige Gastarbeiter zieht es zurück in ihr Herkunftsland. Darüber hinaus locken beliebte Urlaubsziele wie Griechenland mit Steuervorteilen für Rentner.

Deutsche Rentenversicherung: Immer mehr Ruheständler zieht es ins Ausland

So ist die Zahl der ins Ausland gezahlten Renten in den vergangenen 20 Jahren um rund 37 Prozent gestiegen. Das geht aus einer Statistik der Deutschen Rentenversicherung hervor, die der Deutschen Presse-Agentur vorliegt. Demnach sind im vergangenen Jahr rund 1,72 Millionen Renten ins Ausland ausgezahlt worden. Im Jahr 2001 lag der Wert noch bei 1,26 Millionen.

Arbeiten in Deutschland – und zur Rente zurück in die Heimat

Ein Grund dafür sei, dass Ausländer, die früher in Deutschland gearbeitet haben, nun vermehrt ins Rentenalter kommen und in ihr Heimatland zurückgekehrt sind, sagte der Vorsitzende der Bundesvertreterversammlung der Rentenversicherung, Jens Dirk Wohlfeil. Die meisten dieser Arbeitnehmerinnen und Arbeitnehmer kommen aus Ländern wie Italien, Spanien, Griechenland, dem ehemaligen Jugoslawien sowie der Türkei. Viele von ihnen seien in den 60er und 70er Jahren nach Deutschland gezogen, sagte Wohlfeil.

Die deutschen Rentner zieht es vor allem nach Österreich

Rund 13 Prozent der Auslandsrenten werden an Deutsche ausgezahlt, die im Ausland wohnen. Ihr Anteil stieg binnen zwanzig Jahren um knapp zwei Prozentpunkte. Die meisten der Betroffenen beziehen ihre Rente in Österreich (über 26.000), gefolgt von der Schweiz (etwas weniger als 26.000) und den USA (rund 22.000).

Dabei erinnert die Deutsche Rentenversicherung Auswanderer daran, die Änderung ihrer Adresse beim Umzug postalisch mitzuteilen. Entsprechende Formulare gibt es im Downloadcenter des Renten Service. Die Adresse des zuständigen Renten Service finden Ruheständler in ihrem Rentenbescheid oder ihrer jährlichen Rentenanpassungsmitteilung. (lma/dpa)

LTFRB okays P2 jeepney fare hike

By Franco Jose C. Baroña, Manila Times

BEGINNING July 1, the minimum fare for public utility jeepneys (PUJs) nationwide will be at P11 and P13 for modern jeepneys.

This development came after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) granted on Wednesday the petition filed by transport groups to increase the minimum fare for all PUJs amid the continuous rise in the prices of fuel products.

In its seven-page order, the LTFRB granted the petition to expand nationwide the P1 provisional increase in minimum fare it approved on June 8 for PUJs operating in Metro Manila, Central Luzon and Region 4 which includes both Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) and Mimaropa (Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan).

On top of this, the LTFRB also granted an additional P1 provisional increase for all PUJs operating nationwide.

With the LTFRB's latest order, the minimum fare for traditional PUJs will be at P11 nationwide while P13 for modern jeepneys.

The order also emphasized that there will be no increase in the succeeding kilometers after the four-kilometer distance covered by the minimum fare.

Other conditions that the latest LTFRB order cited were for all PUJs to still grant 20 percent discount to senior citizens, students and persons with disabilities; that all PUJs must post the notice of increase inside the vehicles; and that no fare matrix revision will be allowed and posted that details increase in succeeding kilometers after the four kilometers covered by the minimum fare.

The petitions for a fare hike was filed by 1-United Transport Koalisyon, Pangkalahatang Sanggunian Manila and Suburbs Drivers Association Nationwide, Inc., Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, and Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization on June 25

The petitioners noted that while LTFRB granted June 8 a P1 provisional increase to the minimum fare for jeepneys in three regions, including the National Capital Region, bringing it to P10 from P9 for the first four kilometers, the cost of diesel has since risen, offsetting any relief the fare hike might have provided.

They said the increase is "grossly insufficient" and can "hardly be felt" by jeepney operators.

Pope Francis sends good wishes to BBM

By Franco Jose C. Baroña, Manila Times

POPE Francis extended his congratulations to Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. for his upcoming inauguration as the 17th President of the Philippines.

"I send my congratulations and cordial wishes to your excellency as you begin your mandate as the president of the republic," Pope Francis said in his message shared by the Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Charles Brown.

The pope said he is praying for Marcos as he takes over the mantle of leadership of more than 100 million Filipinos.

"In assuring you of my prayers that you will be sustained in wisdom and strength, I invoke the Almighty God's blessings of peace and prosperity upon the nation," the pope added.

Marcos will be formally sworn in as president on June 30 after being elected by the majority of Filipinos in the May 2022 elections.

His inauguration will be held at the National Museum of the Philippines at 12 p.m. He will be sworn in by Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo.

Archbishop Brown earlier revealed the positive conversation he had with Marcos when he made a courtesy call on June 10. Their discussion centered on strengthening the relationship between the church and government.

The Vatican representative in the Philippines said Marcos expressed his willingness to cooperate with the church.

"We had a very productive, encouraging and positive discussion. The president-elect has assured me of his desire to collaborate and cooperate closely with the church and the Holy See," Archbishop Brown added.

Pope Francis conveys 'solidarity' with 'Agaton' victims

The Catholic Church in the Philippines already assured continued engagement with the incoming government for the benefit of Filipinos.

According to Caritas Philippines national director, Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, they will work with the new administration on programs that will address the rights and dignity of the people as well as promote truth and honest governance.

Toni Gonzaga to sing national anthem in BBM's inauguration

 MARCOS SUPPORTER Actress-host Toni Gonzaga (second from left) will sing the National Anthem at the inauguration of President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the National Museum. With Gonzaga in this photo are Marcos, Vice President Sara Duterte and husband and director Paul Soriano. INSTAGRAM PHOTO/CELESTINEGONZAGA

By Iza Iglesias

(UPDATE) ACTRESS-HOST Toni Gonzaga will sing the Philippine national anthem in the inauguration of President-elect Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. or BBM on June 30, 2022 at the National Museum in Manila.

The news was confirmed on Tuesday by Franz Imperial, a member of the preparation committee.

Gonzaga was among the prominent personalities who campaigned for the UniTeam led by Marcos and running mate and Vice President-elect Sara Duterte-Carpio.

She has joined and performed in the tandem's nationwide campaign rallies while her husband, award-winning director Paul Soriano, directed the political advertisements of Marcos.

The president-elect, who happens to be their wedding godfather, earlier applauded Gonzaga and Soriano despite being criticized by netizens on social media platforms.

"We should congratulate them for the fine work that they did. In front of me is Miss Toni Gonzaga. Sabi ko nga kanina na siya ang nag-start ng kampanya na ito. Noong pumutok 'yung interview sa akin at kriniticize siya, ang tapang-tapang nito. I didn't expect that this elegant lady would be able to withstand these criticisms (As I had said, she started the campaign, When her interview with me came out, and she was criticized for it, she stood her ground, she was brave)," Marcos said, referring to Gonzaga's one-on-one YouTube interview with him, in a Facebook video shared by director Darryl Yap on May 15.

"Sinundan pa ni Paul (Paul followed suit), who did our ads. Sa aking palagay (In my opinion), nobody can contest at malayung-malayo (the ads and they were exceptional). Ginagaya nga, eh (They were being imitated). 'Di ba 'yung isa o dalawang ads natin ginagaya (Isn't it that one or two of our ads were being copied)? They were that good, and we kept the momentum going and the message alive," he added.

Movie and TV actress Cris Villonco will sing the inauguration song titled "Pilipinas Kong Mahal" with the Young Voices of the Philippines choir.

Meanwhile, National Commission for Culture and the Arts head Nick Lizaso confirmed that the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, pianist Cecille Licad, and singers Robert Seña and Isay Alvarez have been tapped to perform at the reception dinner in Malacañang.

Next press secretary sees herself as a 'problem solver'

By Kristina Maralit, Manila Times

PRESS secretary-designate Rose Beatrix "Trixie" Cruz-Angeles will lean on her years of experience as a lawyer in performing her job as the incoming administration's chief communicator.

Describing herself as a "problem solver," the next chief of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) said one of her priorities will be plugging the holes in the PCOO and its attached agencies.

"As a lawyer, when you handle a case, you solve the problem that a client has. Coming into the PCOO, what I want to do is help and that help comes in the form of solving certain problems," Cruz-Angeles told The Manila Times.

Her main job still is helping the president. "That is the main reason I'm here," she said.

"I'm also in charge of several attached agencies that come with their own unique challenges. I'd like to solve those challenges. I'm not saying that I'm going to succeed, but I like the idea of being able to come in and say, 'OK, let me do this for you. Ayusin natin 'yan (Let's fix that). That's my idea of public service," she said.

Cruz-Angeles had said she has started reviewing the existing projects of the agency as well as those in the pipeline to determine which will continue, and which will be shelved for the meantime.

Among the projects is the upgrading of the state-owned network PTV-4 and IBC-13 to give the government a wider reach in conveying its programs and achievements. To do this, the PCOO must first secure the needed funding, one problem the lawyer-turned-vlogger hopes to solve.

Still, Cruz-Angeles remains confident she and the rest of the Marcos administration's communications team will have few problems in making the public take notice and digest messages they will convey.

Because President-elect Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is "very personable," Cruz-Angeles sees "no issues" in communicating with the public.

Why the president-elect will be his ownspokesman on certain issues and questions

"Like he's very popular on social media, so we would like to hear and see him more on radio, other platforms. It's [about] bringing the presidency and his unique brand of leadership to where it is seen and appreciated. I want it to be more consistent, and now that he's going to be the leader of the entire country, he will now be directly talking to people and I'd like them to see how he is," she said.

Cruz-Angeles said Marcos "doesn't need to be interpreted, he's clear." The only thing she needs to do is find out Marcos' message. "I just want it to be like, 'OK, sir, I'll take this, and I will bring it to the people, more people.'"

She gave assurances that under a Marcos leadership, the rights of media workers will be protected and press freedom respected.

"There's never been an issue about dissent. The president-elect doesn't even answer his critics. You're free to talk. We're not changing anything. Whatever freedoms we have now will always be our freedom. Our Constitution guarantees that," she said.

Whatever happens, trust God always

By Fr. Roy Cimagala *

“WHY are you terrified, O you of little faith?” Then he got up, rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was great calm. (Mt 8,26)

These words of Christ, addressed to his apostles who were terrified when their boat was buffeted by big waves, should remind us that we should always go and trust God, especially in our difficult moments. He takes care of everything, even if his ways may not be in accord with what we want. His way of resolving our problems will always be what is best for us.

We have to realize firmly that nothing happens in our life without the knowledge and permission of God. And if he allows certain difficulties, calamities, predicaments to come to us, it is simply to give a trial and a chance to prepare ourselves for the end of our life. He always knows how to derive good from evil.

So, let us never be afraid of anything. We should just learn how to react spiritually and supernaturally, avoiding being trapped in our merely earthly estimation of things. Only then, can we see God’s ever-wise and merciful designs for us in every predicament we can find ourselves in. God’s providence never fails.

With all the things that we have to contend with in this life, we certainly need to have a healthy sense of trust in God’s loving and wise providence, abandoning ourselves in his will and ways that often are mysterious to us and can appear to be contrary to what we would like to have.

A healthy spirit of abandonment in God’s hands is necessary even as we exhaust all possible human means to achieve our goals or simply to tackle all the challenges, trials and predicaments of our life. We should never forget this truth of our faith.

Let us quote some words of Christ that form the basis for this belief:

“Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?  Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?

“So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.  Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Mt 6,26-34)

We need to engrave these words in our heart so that whatever difficulty we encounter in our life, we will know how to react. Very often, we tend to face things simply on our own, relying only on our own powers that no matter how impressive can only do so much.

* Chaplain Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE), Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

Covid positivity rates climb – OCTA

THE number of Covid-19-positive tests in the National Capital Region (NCR) or Metro Manila and eight other areas has exceeded the threshold set by the World Health Organization. File Photo

By Franco Jose C. Baroña, Manila Times

OCTA Research fellow Guido David said the positivity rate in the NCR climbed to 5.9 percent on June 25 from 3.9 percent on June 18.

The WHO recommends a rate of 5 percent or lower to ensure that the coronavirus is under control.

The positivity rate refers to the percentage of people who were positive for Covid-19 among the total individuals that were tested for the virus.

Other areas with rates above the WHO threshold are Batangas (from 1.2 percent to 5.6 percent), Cagayan (from 1.9 percent to 5.8 percent), Cavite (from 3.6 percent to 6 percent), Iloilo (from 4.4 percent to 5.7 percent), Laguna (from 3.1 percent to 7.5 percent), Pampanga (from 3.3 percent to 5.9 percent) and South Cotabato (from 6.3 percent to 7.4 percent).

Rizal province recorded the highest rate, jumping from 6.3 percent on June 18 to 11.9 percent on June 25.

Amid the rising Covid-19 cases, Dr. Anthony "Tony" Leachon said the government should seriously consider administering second booster shots to economic frontliners and people with comorbidities.

For now, Leachon said, the priority must be to ramp up the first booster shots to the general public.

"I think, the first approach is to ramp up the first booster and consider also the expansion of the second booster or the fourth shot not only to the health care workers, senior citizens or immunocompromised individuals, but start and align with the US CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines to start it above 50 years old," the former special adviser to the National Task Force Against Covid-19 said.

"For the A3 (people with comorbidities) and economic frontliners, maybe we should also open it up, considering some of the vaccines will expire," he added.

The CDC recommends two booster shots for adults ages 50 and above as well as people ages 12 and older who are moderately and severely immunocompromised.

In the Philippines, the second booster is only available to 18-year-olds and above, workers in essential health services, senior citizens, immunocompromised individuals ages 18 years and above with an immunodeficiency state, HIV, active cancer or malignancy, transplant recipients, undergoing steroid treatment, patients with poor prognosis or bedridden patients, and other conditions of immunodeficiency as certified by a physician.

Leachon noted that catching a mild Covid-19 from someone infected with an Omicron subvariant could still have severe effects.

Covid positivity rates in NCR, 8 areas surpass WHO threshold

"This can actually also lead to long Covid-19 or post-Covid-19 patients, and that would affect the productivity of our economic frontliners. We should not increase the cases since it would affect not just hospitalization and death rate, but it will affect our quality of life and productivity of our economic frontliners," he said.

Vaccine Expert Panel Chairman Dr. Nina Gloriani favors second booster shots for those with comorbidities and economic frontliners, as well as a review of the definition of the term "immunocompromised" to cover people with other comorbidities.

Gloriani said only the Department of Health (DoH) can make the final decision, but the agency is still waiting for more data from the WHO.

Expand second booster shot rollout – Concepcion

The DoH has declared that the majority of the country's population is still not eligible for a second booster because there is insufficient evidence that it will be beneficial to the general public.

Experts help create Covid-19 road map

 Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Jose Maria “Joey” Concepcion 3rd. File Photo

By Kristina Maralit, Manila Times

PRESIDENTIAL Adviser for Entrepreneurship Jose Maria "Joey" Concepcion 3rd and a group of experts have analyzed the continued wearing of masks, hospitalization as a gauge for determining alert levels, and vaccination policies in assembling a road map for the country's post-Covid pandemic recovery.

Concepcion, who was joined by the Advisory Council of Experts (ACE) — composed of some of the country's foremost authorities on medicine, public health, economics, and research and data analytics — said the aim was to come up with guidelines for the private sector regarding matters of public health and the economy. "The country is faced with urgent problems on the economic front, but the fact is, Covid is still very much around," he said. "We need to find ways so that we save our livelihoods without unnecessarily losing our hard-won victories against the virus." The Philippines has recorded 3,700,000 Covid cases since the pandemic started in 2020. About 60,500 deaths have been attributed to the disease.

The ACE panelists said that while face coverings have been proven to reduce transmission, opinions clashed on whether it is time for the country to relax the mask mandate, especially in outdoor settings.

"It was recommended that the most prudent way forward is to keep wearing face masks for now," Concepcion said, stressing that the country has managed to keep critical indicators low because Filipinos have generally accepted the wearing of masks.

OCTA Research fellow Prof. Ranjit Rye said the group's survey last April showed that the majority of Filipinos will still choose to wear masks even after the end of the pandemic has been declared since "there is no demand for unmasking." Points were raised about the societal and economic costs of continued mask wearing, including questions about its effect on children and how it sends mixed signals on the end of the pandemic.

It was agreed, however, that the issue over mask wearing will be reviewed as the situation changes.

There is also the consensus that the government must at some point shift the responsibility of vaccinating the population to pharmaceutical companies, and that there should be a deadline to make the shift, preferably within the first 100 days of the Marcos administration.

The experts also agreed that hospitalization rates be made the primary criteria for setting alert levels. The metric was considered more accurate than the number of infections, and it also factors in how mobility restrictions affect the economy.

"We've seen over the past two years how important it is to have experts from all fields guiding us through the pandemic. Experts have credibility with our citizens and they give advice based on science and data," Concepcion said.

The panel of ACE experts include National Task Force Against Covid-19 special adviser Dr. Teddy Herbosa, Covid-19 Technical Working Group chairperson Dr. Nina Gloriani, Vaccine Expert Panel member Dr. Rontgene Solante, UP Manila Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology director Dr. Edsel Salvaña, Philippine College of Physicians president Dr. Maricar Limpin, health reform advocate Dr. Tony Leachon, OCTA Research fellows Dr. Michael Tee, Prof. Ranjit Rye, Dr. Guido David and Fr. Nic Austriaco, economist Romy Bernardo and Go Negosyo lead adviser Josephine Romero.

"It has been more than two years since our lives and livelihoods have been disrupted by this pandemic. I think it is now time to set a clear path for how the country must transition into a state of normalcy," Concepcion said.

The right to disconnect

A LIFE WITHOUT CELL PHONE? I remember the time, when one of my first Japanese friends kept on complaining, why I didn't operate a cellphone. Believe me, during that time, sometime in 2000 or 2001, I was even typing my articles on an old typewriter from Germany.

My Japanese friend then bought me a computer - and a cellphone! Some other friends congratulated me: "Welcome back to the world!" 

Sometimes, I observed (business-)people operating with two or even more cellphones at the same time. I asked them: "How did you survive doing business before without these units?" Believe me or not. The answers have been mostly: I really don't know!

Doing business nowadays without a cellphone? Even a very private life? I can't imagine it anymore. Philippines' cellphone companies really provide us with the widest distribution and the broadest coverage to very affordable charges or even for free. I really enjoy, for example, the unlimited call experience - just to mention one.

Two handsets or even three. Ok lang, as long as it keeps my business running. 

Journalist Chris Stokel-Walker explained it very well: for the average working person, there’s no greater feeling than powering down your computer and kissing goodbye to your avalanche of work emails for the day. If we’re lucky enough to disconnect from the job on evenings and weekends, we’re overjoyed to leave work emails and the stress that comes with it in the office.

But experts say we’re increasingly failing to do so, instead bringing the burden home with us and fielding emails during our free time. Unsurprisingly, this routine has some serious consequences.

Now, it is a reflex, like checking my Facebook or Twitter timeline. Yes, it's indeed so - but never 24/7.

Working abnormal or long hours has long been linked with depression, anxiety and even coronary heart disease. Crucially, the importance of weekend recovery has also been correlated with weekly job performance and personal initiative. While further research revealed psychological detachment during off-work time, reduced emotional exhaustion caused by high job demands and helped people stay engaged.

So, if we know all this, it begs the question: why are we still letting work invade our precious weekends? 

According to Cary Cooper, professor of organisational psychology at Manchester Business School and president of the CIPD, the recent trend even spills into the way we access our work communications and projects.

Today, says Cooper, work emails are just a tap of a smartphone away. “You don’t carry your laptop around when you’re out to dinner, but you do carry your mobile phone,” he says. “The smartphone changed everything.”

The right to disconnect is a proposed human right regarding the ability of people to disconnect from work and primarily not to engage in work-related electronic communications such as e-mails or messages during non-work hours. The modern working environment has been drastically changed by new communication and information technologies. The boundary between work life and home life has shrunk with the introduction of digital tools into employment. While digital tools bring flexibility and freedom to employees they also can create an absence of limits, leading to excessive interference in the private lives of employees

If we don’t switch off from work we don’t recover from work. We should get the right to be disconnected. At night or during weekends.

Reaching the academic top means fixing school problems from the ground up

by Manila Bulletin

President-elect Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. recently made a comment, reminiscing the “glory days” of the Philippines when it comes to academics. With the still ongoing pandemic ravaging the country’s—the world’s, in fact—academic systems, such a call for improving the academic standing of Filipino learners is a welcome one.

In recent years, much has been said about the state of education in the country, with issues such as public school textbooks riddled with errors as well as international and regional academic rankings that place the Philippines in positions that leave much for improvement.

This does not, however, take away from the fact that there are individuals and institutions that perform quite well academically, recognized for achievements in various fields. These are testament to, perhaps, the inherent intellectual prowess of the Filipino. But, as the saying goes (and loosely translating it), talent is bested by effort—and adding to this, effort is more effective if the environment and the situation is more ideal.

Hence, the need for improving the academic situation of the country. It is an almost perennial pursuit, one that any well-meaning government should pursue with the sincerest of efforts and the most liberal of budgets. That there remains a more than palpable distinction between schools run privately and those managed by the government is one such situation that needs to be remedied. Public education, after all, should not seem like an academic disadvantage for a lack of a better option because it truly isn’t. How many of the country’s top minds today have a public education background? To say that there is a lot would be an understatement.

Still, this does not take away from the fact that there are many public schools that sorely lack modern or updated equipment.

There are public schools that do not have enough classrooms to cater to the number of learners enrolled. There are public schools where teachers lack the basic materials necessary for a smoother delivery of lectures. Perhaps it is time to de-romanticize the sad fact that Manila paper is still being used by many teachers—neither is this an example of being “ma-diskarte” (innovate).

In a strange sense, the learning-from-home setup (and now the hybrid one) was a welcome respite from the realities of public school education, realities that should not have been so in the first place. But now that restrictions are easing up and education is slowly returning to the way things were, albeit with face masks and isopropyl alcohols as souvenirs, the Department of Education must sooner than later face and change these sad realities.

In order for Filipino learners to reach the proverbial academic top, there is a need to improve education from the ground up.

Philippine Quality of Life

 

Tourists rescue sea turtle off Aurora

By Leander C. Domingo, Manila Times

Tourists and paraglider pilots from Nueva Vizcaya province helped find a mother sea turtle on its way home to the ocean after laying its eggs offshore in the coastal town of  Dinalungan in Aurora province.

PHOTO BY AMBAGUIO MUNICIPAL TOURISM OFFICE IN NUEVA VIZCAYA

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya: A mother sea turtle has been successfully returned to the Pacific Ocean after it was rescued in Barangay Ditawini, Dinalungan in Aurora province by local tourists from the upland town of Ambaguio in this province.

Nuepe Manuel Jr., municipal tourism officer of Ambaguio town, said they were at a resort in Dinalungan town in Aurora with some paraglider pilots from Nueva Vizcaya when they saw a turtle that had just laid eggs under a tree.

Manuel said he did not immediately post the photos and videos they took on social media until Tuesday, June 21, after some residents in the area became interested in the eggs when they heard that they helped the turtle return to the sea.

Other than Manuel's group, only the caretaker of the resort knows the place where the turtle laid its eggs.

Manuel's group spotted the turtle and immediately worked to help the reptile find its way to the sea for fear that the residents might see it.

"This mother turtle just laid eggs on the shore, and we immediately guided and even pushed her way back to the ocean to prevent it from being captured by locals," Manuel said.

He said residents who learned about this expressed dismay at failing to catch the turtle because they believe that eating turtle meat and eggs can cure some diseases.

Although the caretaker of the resort promised that he would keep an eye on the turtle eggs, the guests were still worried about the condition of the eggs.

"In the landlocked province of Nueva Vizcaya, we are hundreds of kilometers away from the ocean but we are aware that the turtle is considered endangered and we know that our government is doing so much effort to help save endangered species," he said.

Endangered species such as turtles are protected under Republic Act 9147, better known as the "Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act."

The law provides that anyone found to be involved in the capture, assault, killing, sale, or purchase of endangered species will be subject to appropriate penalties such as imprisonment.

"We were excited and even told about the turtle to an elderly woman selling halo-halo and learned that the locals truly hunt turtles whose meat the woman said tastes like beef," Manuel said.

He said he lied when he was asked where the turtle laid its eggs, especially when he heard that its meat and eggs are also hunted for human consumption and believed to have medicinal value.

"We were happy to have seen through this mother turtle's tough journey back home to the ocean after laying eggs on the shore. We believe we prevented it from being captured by poachers who could have easily taken it," Manuel said.

He said is hoping that nobody finds the eggs until they hatch and that all the hatchlings eventually find their way home to the ocean alive, like their mother.

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐃𝐝𝐎𝐂, 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐭-𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 & 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬

 

The Provincial Government of Davao de Oro, recently recognized the milestones of “𝑪𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝑫𝒅𝑶𝑪", acknowledging its front-liners and partners in delivering genuine services to the constituents during the hardest of times.

When the Covid-19 pandemic hits the province, after one week or two, one of the programs initiated by the head of provincial hospitals, with the help of the technical working group of the province, was the formulation of “𝑪𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝑫𝒅𝑶𝑪 𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒆” which is in response to limit the face-to-face contact during the pandemic intensification. Under the program, the patients, even if they are only in the comfort of their home, will be able to consult medical specialists from four (4) Provincial Hospitals in Pantukan, Laak, Montevista, and Maragusan through online modality and phone calls as well. 

In a statement by Governor Uy, “who would have thought of the onset of the pandemic, an innovative program developed by the young province can be made sustainable.”  The governor also highlights the achievement of the province within the 2-year time since the program has been developed, “September last year, we already catered all 250+ barangays, including the special barangays … as of today, the service has reached, served and treated almost 50,000 cases for free”.

The cost-free program garnered “3𝒓𝒅 𝑷𝑳𝑨𝑪𝑬 𝒊𝒏 𝑫𝒊𝒈𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝑰𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 & 𝑩𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝑪𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅 𝑷𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒄 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒆” which is the first national award given by DICT last 2020  and it was also awarded as “𝑻𝑶𝑷 20 𝑺𝒆𝒎𝒊-𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝑮𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑷𝒐𝒐𝒌” for sustainability out of 200 nominees. Thus, this could not be achieved without the untiring support of the Teleconsults/Doctors, Executive Committee, Government Internship Program, TWG especially for the Provincial Information and Communications Technology Office (PICTO) “the brains behind technology integration”, and even outside partners including APEX Mining Inc. for the administrative support, Globe Telecom for the implementation and UP Mindanao for the research and development of the program.

During the recognition and thanksgiving, medical front-liners shared their experiences during the darkest of times in protecting the lives of others and their families. Despite it, they were very much happy, the numbers tell, not only for the achievements and rewards of the program but also for the lives that have been saved. 

The ceremony also served as the appreciation of Governor Tyron Uy for Call DdOC’s partners during his term as Governor of the province.

“This is the result of our ingenuity and innovation sa atong probinsya and tungod pud sa atong mga dekalidad nato nga mga doctors and medical staff nga walay lain gihunahuna kon dili ang welfare gyud sa atong mga katawhan. Thank you kaayo sa atong partners,  we wish to continue this program, hopefully we can find ways that we can collaborate still under the Vice-Governor’s Office. This is not the end of our journey but rather this is just start of our journey towards attaining quality healthcare for all sa atong probinsya. Kanatong tanan, daghang salamat!” Gov Uy added. (𝐽𝑎𝑦𝑛𝑢𝑠 𝐹𝑒𝑟𝑛𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑧, 𝑃𝐴𝑂-𝐼𝑃𝑅𝐷, 𝑝ℎ𝑜𝑡𝑜s 𝑏𝑦 𝐽. 𝐶𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑧)

Climate change the 'real threat' for PH

By Kristina Maralit

(UPDATE) CLIMATE change, not the territorial dispute with China or the Russia-Ukraine conflict, is the real threat to the country's security, incoming national security adviser (NSA) Clarita Carlos said Thursday.

Carlos said environmental concerns create a chain reaction affecting food, human and national security, especially among developing countries like the Philippines which bear the brunt of the effects of global warming.

The 76-year-old Carlos said the so-called powerhouse nations' vow to cut carbon emissions by 2030 will remain a promise since many of them have gone back to using sources of energy that are harmful to the environment.

"India is going back to coal, some countries are going back to using fossil fuel. That is the reality on the ground," Carlos said during a roundtable discussion with the Philippine Council for Foreign Relations (PCFR) in Pasig City.

"The promises of de-carbonization by 2030, 2050, they are by the wayside in the meanwhile because human survival is at the highest premium," she said.

Carlos said the government must start recalibrating policies on environmental protection.

The Philippines, she noted, has one of the best environmental laws in the world. The problem is that they are not being fully enforced.

The Marcos administration, she said, can consider giving tax breaks to buyers of electric vehicles to entice more motorists to switch from fossil fuels whose prices have been skyrocketing.

Further pushing the use of solar energy is another solution, taking advantage of the Philippines being a tropical country, especially amid disasters and calamities, Carlos said.

PH, China to act on climate change

One proposal is to establish solar farms in military camps to reduce their dependence on power from grids that are disrupted during typhoons or earthquakes.

All these make up the "broad strokes" of a general security strategy Carlos said she will present to President-elect Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

"I will have the President design the national strategy. I can present to him a draft, in broad strokes," she added.

The Philippines has been strongly urging developed nations to ramp up their assistance to developing countries that continue to grapple with climate change.

Marcos invited to UN Climate Change meet

Several weeks ago, President Rodrigo Duterte called on wealthier nations to be held accountable for failing to reduce their carbon emissions.

Marcos, meanwhile, has been invited to attend the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference, or COP27, to be held at the Egyptian resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh in November.

Inflation 'shock' hits euro economy

By Agence France-Presse

BRUSSELS: Economic growth in the eurozone plummeted in June, a key survey showed on Thursday, as high prices took the wind out the strong recovery from the deep lows of the coronavirus pandemic.

The closely watched monthly purchasing managers' index by S&P Global fell from 54.8 in May to 51.9 this month. A figure above 50 indicates growth; below that, a contraction.

The slowdown, caused by a "cost-of-living shock," is "the most abrupt recorded by the survey since the height of the global financial crisis in November 2008," excluding the pandemic-caused lockdown, said Chris Williamson, chief business economist at S&P Global.

Since the beginning of the year, the European economy has recovered strongly from the lifting of restrictions linked to the Covid-19 crisis. The move revived tourism in countries like Spain and Greece, as well as transport.

It also benefited from household spending, as consumers burned through savings accumulated during many months of confinement, offsetting the negative impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

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But in June, the "tailwind" of this pent-up demand "is already fading," Williamson warned.

The latest data "is now consistent with gross domestic product (GDP) growth of just 0.2 percent for the second quarter, compared to quarterly growth of 0.6 percent at the start of the year," he said.

𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁: 𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗼 𝗱𝗲 𝗢𝗿𝗼 𝗻𝗼𝘄 “𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆-𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲”

After years of fighting against the communist movement, the entire Province of Davao de Oro is now free from insurgency after the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) recently passed a resolution declaring the province as 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆-𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲.  

The declaration also came after the combined forces of the 1001st and 701st Infantry Brigades of the Philippine Army successfully dismantled all the Guerrilla Fronts, which were all under the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) of the New People’s Army (NPA) operating in the province since 2016.

10th Infantry Agila Division Commander Major General Nolasco Mempin said that "the total defeat of all the CTGs in the province is attributed not only to the dedication and aggressiveness of the commanders on the ground but to the strong leadership of Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy, in his exemplary efforts in achieving its ultimate goal of lasting peace in the province.”

In response, Governor Uy expressed gratitude to all the members of the PPOC, national agencies, private partners, local government units, and the security sector – the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police for their unwavering commitment and relentless efforts to counter and weaken the influence of communist rebels.

“𝑇ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑠 𝑠𝑎 𝑛𝑎𝑔𝑘𝑎𝑙𝑎𝑖𝑛-𝑙𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎ℎ𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑦𝑎 𝑠𝑎 𝑔𝑜𝑏𝑦𝑒𝑟𝑛𝑜, 𝑎𝑛𝑔 𝑑𝑢𝑔𝑎𝑦 𝑛𝑎 𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑝𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑜𝑦 𝑛𝑔𝑎 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑎𝑏-𝑜𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑎ℎ𝑢𝑡𝑎𝑦𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑘𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑤 𝑠𝑎 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑏𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑦𝑎, 𝑎𝑡 𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑡, 𝑤𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑝 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑐𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑠ℎ𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠 𝑎𝑠 𝑤𝑒 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑝𝑢𝑡 𝑎𝑛 𝑒𝑛𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦 𝑠𝑎 𝐷𝑎𝑣𝑎𝑜 𝑑𝑒 𝑂𝑟𝑜,” Governor Uy said.

The Oplan Pagbabago to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, a localized whole of nation approach program of the province, also takes a significant stride in transforming conflict-affected areas into peaceful and developed communities. Among the intervention programs implemented are the conduct of Serbisyo caravans, building of Bayanihan schools, and infrastructure projects to the areas which were hard to reach and seemingly left out of much-needed government services. 

The ceremonial declaration was also attended by National Security Adviser, GEN Hermogenes Esperon Jr., GEN Jose Faustino, Former 10th ID Commander, and appointed OIC of the Department of National Defense, LTGEN Greg Almerol, Eastern Mindanao Command Commander, PMGEN Filmore Escobal, Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib, Brigades and Battalion Commanders, Provincial Officials, and other key dignitaries. (𝑅ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑓𝑒 𝐻𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑧𝑎𝑛𝑜 – 𝐼𝑛𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑂𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑒, 𝑃ℎ𝑜𝑡𝑜𝑠 𝑏𝑦 𝑅𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑙 𝐴𝑙𝑣𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑧)

A star-studded red carpet movie premiere for ‘Ngayon Kaya'

by Manila Bulletin Entertainment

The romantic film “Ngayon Kaya”—starring rumored sweethearts Paulo Avelino and Janine Gutierrez as “almost lovers” trying to reclaim their past—had its premiere night at SM Megamall a day before the movie’s opening day of June 22.

Producers T-Rex Entertainment and Paulo’s own company, WASD Films, pulled out all the stops to herald the return of Filipino films in commercial theaters this year and make the premiere festive with a red carpet, soundtrack blaring from the speakers, win-premiere-tickets promotions, festive decor, a program and a mini-party right before the screening. 

“Ngayon Kaya” is the first locally-produced film to have a wide theatrical release this year as it screens in almost 100 cinemas all over the Philippines.

This milestone was celebrated by the Paunine (Paulo and Janine) fans, friends, family and supporters who flocked to Megamall Cinema 1 to get a first look of director Prime Cruz and screenwriter Jen Chuaunsu’s latest masterpiece.

Aside from Janine and Paulo’s movie co-stars Gabby Padilla, Iana Bernardez, and Donna Cariaga, among those who graced the premiere included Jake Cuenca, Enchong Dee, Edward Barber, Jake Ejercito, Ria Atayde, directors JP Habac and Chad Vidanes, photographer BJ Pascual, Film Development Council of the Philippines Chair Liza Diño, Ice Seguerra, Janine’s father Ramon Christopher, the members of the band Mayonnaise, talent manager Tyrone Escalante and his artists, Angellie Nicole Sanoy, and many other celebrities.

Janine acknowledged the presence of the crowd and made special mention of their (hers and Paulo’s) family, friends and fans.

She said, “Thank you so much sa naglaan ng oras… to be here. It means so much to us.” Paulo was visibly overwhelmed with emotion to see an eager audience filling up the theater as he said, “I’m out of words. It’s been a while since I attended a premiere in a moviehouse. Masaya ako na nandito kayo at masaya ako na may pelikulang Pilipino ulit na pinalalabas sa sinehan.”

“Ngayon Kaya” is now showing in movie theaters nationwide. For updates, like and follow the social media accounts of T-Rex Entertainment.

Marcos recalls PH glory days in academics: 'Kailangan natin balikan yan'

by Ellson Quismorio, Manila Bulletin

President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. wants to bring back the glory days of the Philippines when it comes to academics.

President-elect Bongbong Marcos (left) and Vice President-elect Sara Duterte (MANILA BULLETIN)

“We have to do a lot to recover our very good grading before,” Marcos said in a press conference Monday, June 20.

“Pag ka tayo tinitignan ng Asia, yung literacy rate, yung pagsalita ng english, pati sa science, sa math, mataas tayo noon eh (Whenever our Asian neighbors looked at us in the past, they would see that our literacy rate, our english speaking skills, as well as our science and math proficiency were high),” he said. "Kailangan natin balikan yan. Mahirap mag-compete kung hindi natin ayusin yung training ng mga kabataan natin (We need to go back to that. It will be hard to compete if we can’t fix the training of our youth),” the 64-year-old son of the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. said.

One of the first major decisions that Marcos made coming out of the May 9 elections was to designate his UniTeam running mate, Vice President-elect Sara Duterte as incoming Department of Education (DepEd) secretary.

This made Duterte the first name in the incoming Marcos Cabinet.

In the same presser, Marcos bared his instruction to Duterte to assist and train the country’s teachers.

“Ang aking laging pinapaalala sa kanya ay yung mga teacher. Kailangan alalayan ang mga teacher, kailangan i-training ang mga teacher para maganda ang maging trabaho nila (What I always remind her about are the teachers. The teachers must be assisted, they must be trained so they may perform their jobs better),” Marcos said.

“Ang mga teacher naman, yan ang pinakamadaling turuan, yung teacher eh (Teachers are the easiest people to teach),” he said, adding that there must be a “a program in place to support our teachers not only in terms of their benefits, of course that’s an important part of it…but also in terms of other support, in terms retraining, in terms of supplies, equipment.”

Marcos earlier expressed confidence that Duterte would do “a great job“.

Not only a matter of words and intention

By Fr. Roy Cimagala*

“IT is not anyone who says to me, "Lord, Lord," who will enter the kingdom of Heaven, but the person who does the will of my Father in heaven.” (Mt 7,21) Christ says it very clearly. Our prayer should not just be a matter of sweet words and good intentions. It should be a matter of deeds that fulfill the will of God.

Let’s remember that when our words and intentions are converted into deeds, we would be strengthening our integrity and consistency as a person and as a child of God. As the gospel says it, we would be like a house built on solid rock. (cfr. Mt 7,24-25) 

As such, we would be more able to bear our own weaknesses, to resist the temptations around us, to carry out our duties in this life, and to continue to pursue our supernatural end to be with God in heaven. In other words, we would be fulfilling God’s will for us.

St. Paul said something similar. “Not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.” (Rom 2,13). And St. James: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” (1,22)

Christ himself lived by this principle, even at the expense of his own life. “I do nothing of myself, but as the Father has taught me...” (Jn 8,28) And in the agony in the garden, he expressed that most eloquent submission to his Father’s will, “Not my will but yours be done.” (Lk 22,42)

All the saints lived by this principle. And the epitome is Our Lady. When someone in the crowd told him his mother was around, he said: “Behold my mother and my brethren. For whosoever shall do the will of my Father that is in heaven, he is my brother, and sister, and mother.” (Mt 12,29-30)

Far from disparaging his own mother with those words, Christ was actually praising her. Mary did not only beget her son biologically. She begat him through her deep and constant faith, through her faithful obedience to God’s will. Her ‘Fiat’ (Be it done) was not only uttered at the Annunciation. She lived it before and after that meeting with the Archangel Gabriel. In fact, she lived it all throughout her life.

We have to find ways and strategies to turn our good intentions and nice words into action. We cannot deny that we, in general, are notorious for being good only in the former but bad in the latter.

Let’s always remember that doing God’s will is what is most important to us. It’s not just following our will which is, of course, indispensable to us. Otherwise, we would be undermining our very own freedom and our humanity itself. Whatever we do is done because we want it. It should be a fruit of our freedom.

But what is most important is to conform our will to God’s will, which is even more indispensable to us. Otherwise, we sooner or later would destroy our freedom and our humanity itself, since God is the very author and the very lawgiver of our freedom and our humanity.

This is a basic truth that we need to spread around more widely and abidingly, since it is steadily and even systematically forgotten and, nowadays, even contradicted in many instances. 

* Chaplain Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE), Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

Metro Manila may reach peak of Covid infections in early July, says OCTA

(SCREEN GRAB FROM LAGING HANDA PUBLIC BRIEFING)

by Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

With the steady increase in new infections in Metro Manila, the OCTA Research Group projected that the Covid-19 cases in the region may reach its peak by the first or second week of July.

In a televised briefing on Tuesday, June 21, OCTA fellow Dr. Guido David said that Metro Manila’s seven-day average infections increased to 225 cases per day this week, from 131 cases last week.

This translates to a growth rate of 72 percent.

Moreover, Metro Manila’s Covid reproduction number and positivity rate also rose to 2.05 and 4 percent, respectively.

Reproduction number refers to the average number of secondary infections by each infected individual, while positivity rate refers to the number of individuals who yielded positive results from among those who have been tested for Covid-19.

“Posible itong [average daily cases] tumaas between 500 and 1,000 [cases] by end of June or first week of July. Kapag ganyan masasabi na natin baka nasa moderate risk na yung situation natin (It is possible that the average daily cases will rise between 500 and 1,000 cases by the end of June or the first week of July. By then, we can say that our situation may be at moderate risk),” David said.

David pointed out that Metro Manila may see the peak in infections in early July.

“Tumataas yung bilang ng kaso [at] hindi pa natin nakikita yung pagbaba niyan anytime soon. Baka yung peak niyan could happen sometime first or second week of July (The number of cases is increasing and we are not seeing that to decrease anytime soon. Maybe the peak could happen sometime between the first or second week of July),” he added.

However, he noted that the region’s health care utilization remains within “safe” level, at 22 percent.

“We’re not projecting an increase in hospital utilization. Tataas ito pero hindi ganun kataas (It will go up but not that high) so we should still be okay,” David said.

“Hindi naman tayo kailangan matakot, maalarma. Pero syempre patuloy pa rin ang pag-iingat natin at personal responsibility (We don’t have to be afraid, be alarmed. But, of course, we still have to continue to be careful and practice personal responsibility),” he added.

He also noted that other parts of the country, such as Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Iloilo, and Benguet, are also seeing an increase in cases.

David said there is a need to “raise awareness” rather than “raise alert levels.”

“Ang gusto natin is raising awareness na tumataas yung cases, not necessarily raising alert levels. Kasi kung raising awareness yung mga kababayan natin mag-iingat sila, baka magpabakuna, magpabooster, at the same time matutulungan natin ang ekonomiya natin na hindi natin pipigilin (What we want is raising awareness that cases are rising, not necessarily raising alert levels. Because if our countrymen are raising awareness, they will be careful, maybe get vaccinated, boosted, and we can help our economy to further open up),” he said.

High gas prices mean fewer cars on EDSA

By Christian Crow Maghanoy, Manila Times

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has noted a decrease in the number of vehicles traversing EDSA as a result of oil price increases triggered by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

In a news briefing on Tuesday, MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said the drop was noticed before the May 9, 2022 elections when they logged 27,000 users, a decrease from the daily average of around 500,000 pre-pandemic.

"On May 5, 2022, 417,000 vehicles traversed EDSA or above the 405,000 pre-pandemic level. But on June 9, we counted only 392,000. The other day [June 19], we counted again, and there were only 390,000 users. I think a big factor here is the continuous increases in prices of petroleum products," Artes also said.

He added that the MMDA will not expand the number coding scheme or the Modified Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (MUVVRP), which bases the scheme on license plates on particular days of the week, except holidays.

Under the scheme, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., license plates ending in 1 and 2 are barred from Metro Manila roads on Mondays; 3 and 4 on Tuesdays; 5 and 6 on Wednesdays; 7 and 8 on Thursdays; and 9 and 0 on Fridays.

Marcos on scrapping of excise tax: Help those in need first

 Motorists line up to re fuel in a gasoline station along commonwealth avenue in Quezon city on July 14 2022. PHOTO BY JOHN ORVEN VERDOTE

By Kristina Maralit, Manila Times

PRESIDENT-elect Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is opting to take the same route as the Duterte administration in helping hardest hit sectors cope with the skyrocketing prices of fuel.

The incoming leader made the remark after being sought for comment regarding Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel's statement that the Senate is willing to act on the proposed scrapping of excise taxes on oil products as long as he calls for it.

"I prefer to handle the problem on the other side of the equation and provide assistance to those who are in need," the President-elect said at a press briefing late Monday afternoon at the BBM Headquarters in Mandaluyong City.

He pointed out that cutting excise taxes does not directly alleviate the plight of those in need.

"So, ang aking iniisip kung sino yung mga kaagad na tinamaan, example yung lumabas kaagad 'yung transport, 'yung mga nagpapasada.... tinamaan kaagad. I-focus natin muna sa kanila, 'yung mga nangangailangan talaga (What I'm thinking is help those really feeling the hit, for example those in transport, those plying regular routes... they were directly hit. Let's focus on them, those in dire need)," stated Marcos Jr.

"'Yung mga may kaya (Those with the means), they can afford to pay. Those who are in danger of losing livelihoods, 'dun tayo mag-focus (let's focus on them)," he added.

Ukraine will not host Eurovision 2023

Kalush Orchestra, winners for Ukraine at the Eurovision Song Contest. FACEBOOK PHOTO/EUROVISIONSONGCONTEST

By Aric John Sy Cua, Manila Times

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has announced that next year's Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) will not be held in Ukraine, the country which won this year's edition.

In a statement on Friday, the EBU conducted a feasibility study and full assessment with Ukrainian broadcaster, the Public Broadcasting Company of Ukraine (UA:PBC), Ukraine and its broadcaster could not be fulfilled due to the invasion of the country by neighboring Russia.

"Given the ongoing war since the Russian invasion of this year's winning country, the EBU has taken the time to conduct a full assessment and feasibility study with both UA:PBC and third-party specialists including on safety and security issues," the EBU statement wrote on the Contest's website.

"Following objective analysis, the Reference Group, the ESC's governing board, has with deep regret concluded that, given the current circumstances, the security and operational guarantees required for a 

"The EBU would like to thank UA:PBC for their wholehearted cooperation and commitment in exploring all scenarios in the weeks since Kalush Orchestra's win on May 14 in Turin and share their sadness and disappointment that next year's Contest cannot be held in Ukraine," the statement continued. "The EBU has been supporting UA:PBC across a whole range of areas since the invasion. We will ensure that this support continues so UA:PBC can maintain the indispensable service they provide to Ukrainians."

This will mark the first time since 1980 that the country that won the previous edition will not be the host of the upcoming Contest. In 1979, Israel won the Contest held on home soil in Jerusalem, but as a result of Israel pulling out due to costs and the Contest falling on a national holiday, the Netherlands stepped in to host the year after.

Traditionally, after a country wins the Eurovision Song Contest, that same country would also win the right to host the following year's edition. Ukraine had already hosted the Contest twice, in 2005 and 2017, both in the capital Kyiv, after winning in 2004 and 2016. Greece and Portugal won those respective Contests, both for the first time.

Because of this announcement, the EBU has now begun talks with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) of the United Kingdom, the country which finished in second place this year, to potentially host next year's show.

"As a result of this decision, in accordance with the rules and to ensure the continuity of the event, the EBU will now begin discussions with the BBC, as this year's runner up, to potentially host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest in the United Kingdom," the EBU announced.

The United Kingdom last hosted the Contest in Birmingham in 1998, after winning the previous year.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Britain stepped in to host on behalf of countries who won the previous year could not host the following edition.

Should the United Kingdom be confirmed to host next year's edition, this would be the first time since 1974 that they stepped in to host on behalf of a country that could not do so.

The United Kingdom hosted a total of eight of Eurovision Song Contests, the most for any participating country, having hosted the editions of 1960, 1963, 1968, 1972, 1974, 1977, 1982, and 1998.

Britain had won the contests of 1967, 1969 (as part of a four-way tie with three other countries), 1976, 1981, and 1997.

In addition, the UK had also finished in second place 16 times, including this year, when TikTok sensation Sam Ryder came close to winning the Contest with the song "Space Man."

The BBC immediately released a statement on the matter, reading, "We have seen the announcement from the EBU. Clearly these aren't a set of circumstances that anyone would want. Following their decision, we will of course discuss the BBC hosting the Eurovision Song Contest," the United Kingdom's broadcaster wrote.

Meanwhile, in Ukraine, a letter written by Ukraine's Eurovision winners Ruslana, Jamala, and Kalush Orchestra member Oleh Psiuk, as well as Culture Minister Oleksandr Tkachenko stated that they disagree with the decision and insist on holding the Contest in Ukraine by demanding additional negotiations.

"Ukraine does not agree with the nature of such a decision - when we were confronted with the fact without discussion on other options," the joint letter wrote. "But we strongly believe that we have every reason to hold further negotiations in order to find a joint solution that will satisfy all parties."

Kyiv claimed that they were able to fulfill all the requirements needed to hold the Contest in Ukraine.

"Hosting Eurovision 2023 in Ukraine is a strong signal to the whole world that it supports Ukraine now. We will demand to change this decision, because we believe that we will be able to fulfill all the commitments, as we have repeatedly empathized it to the European Broadcasting Union. That is why we demand additional negotiations on hosting Eurovision 2023 in Ukraine," read the statement.

Ukraine's neighbors in Poland, as well as Sweden and recent hosts the Netherlands and Italy, have also expressed interest in hosting next year's show before the announcement by the EBU was made. The contest's dates are not yet announced as of press time.