Facebook Instagram Linkedin Twitter Youtube
Home Blog Page 2205

Gifts for Valentine’s Day

WHETHER for gifting or for stepping out on the town together, we’ve got a few suggestions for things you can pick up for Valentine’s Day.

Marks & Spencer

Who says you have to go out on Valentine’s Day? Marks & Spencer (M&S) just dropped the ultimate stay-at-home package. Live a dream in the Dream Satin pajama sets adorned with pink and red love hearts. Dream Satin combines Cool Comfort technology for a fresh and dry feel with a Cling Resist finish to prevent static. While wearing those, pop open a wine bottle from M&S and pair it with their Swiss and Belgian chocolates. In the Philippines, Marks & Spencer has 20 stores around the country.

COS

COS introduces a stackable Valentine’s jewelry collection inspired by the tactile relationship between an object and the wearer. The capsule collection features versatile unisex styles including eclectic rings, earrings, bracelets, and charms, combining semi-precious stones and recycled materials. Each piece is crafted in recycled brass and plated in silver or gold. Embellished with cut glass and semi-precious stones, an emphasis on surface texture and intricate detailing creates a bold yet relaxed look. The stones include clear quartz (for clarity and healing), smoky quartz (to ground and protect), blue eye tiger (to calm), and pink jade (to purify). Statement rings are complemented by several understated styles in organic silhouettes and sculpted irregular shapes. The Valentine’s jewelry capsule can be found at the COS Store at SM Aura Premier.

Montblanc

THE MEISTERSTÜCK Document Case is an ideal gift for those looking to make their mark in the world. Named after Montblanc’s iconic writing instrument, the piece draws inspiration from the fountain pen’s distinctive features. The stitching, zip pullers, and handles are thoughtfully designed to echo the nib’s recognizable shape. It comes in a timeless ink blue shade or a warm burgundy shade featuring a hand-applied sfumato effect. Other ready-to-gift leather items include the Soft Pochette, which can be carried by a wrist handle or under the arm for versatile styling. For the adventurers with style, the Montblanc 1858 Iced Sea Automatic Grey watch features a grey glacier pattern dial inspired by the Mer de Glace, which has been crafted with a special technique called gratté-boisé to evoke the depths of the glacier. Montblanc’s first diving watch, the timepiece conforms to the ISO 6425 norm for diving and comes with a water resistance of up to approx. 300 meters (approx. 30 bar). For those with a penchant for blending luxury with technology, the Montblanc Summit 3 Smartwatch features multiple health monitoring sensors for an enhanced fitness experience, various apps, and customizable watch faces. Other heartfelt gifts include the reversible Montblanc Horseshoe Leather Belt in black and brown which can be embossed for a personal touch, the stainless steel Montblanc Meisterstück Around the World in 80 Days Ace of Club & Ace of Diamond Cufflinks, and the Meisterstück Around the World in 80 Days Ace of Club Bracelet in woven leather. Ladies aren’t left behind in Montblanc either: the Soft Mini Bag can be worn hands-free with the shoulder strap or attached to belt loops. For those who want a slightly bigger yet effortless day-to-day bag, the Meisterstück Messenger offers a contemporary take on a classic shape in a burgundy color, adorned with a hand-applied sfumato effect. She might also like the Montblanc Bohème Day & Night 30mm watch, which features mother-of-pearl clouds and a day and night disc that indicates the day utilizing different gradients of blue sky and rays of light. The watch is completed with rose gold-coated floral and diamond indexes, a sapphire case back, and interchangeable leather straps. The Montblanc Meisterstück Around the World in 80 Days Doué Classique Fountain Pen is the ideal gift for those who cherish literature and the art of writing. Featuring a gold-coated metal cap, degraded anthracite lacquered barrel, and a handcrafted 18K gold nib, the writing instrument depicts details from the main character’s travels. Montblanc is available at Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s Shangri-La, Rustan’s Cebu, Greenbelt 5, and Solaire Resort Entertainment City.

Hydra Skin Clinic

THE SKIN clinic in SM Aura is offering several packages to pamper both you and your lover, with deductible reservation fees if booked from Feb. 9 to 15. The Sweet Indulgence Package includes the Cleopatra Bath and a 45-minute Swedish massage, and a glass of champagne, for a P2,000 non-refundable fee (a deductible from the total bill). The Sweetheart Lips promo comes with lip fillers and a complimentary Perk Lip Gydrafacial for a P1,000 non-refundable fee. The Intimate Glow promo offers Gyne Whitening and Tightening, plus a Gyne facial, with a non-refundable P1,000 reservation fee for bookings until Feb. 29. The Perfect Together Promo (these are all for slots until Feb. 29), offers a reflexology and foot spa treatment (with a P500 reservation fee), while the Me and You promo offers a 20% discount on any facial treatment for a companion (if you get a facial treatment yourself; available for a P500 reservation fee). The Hydra Skin Clinic is in SM Aura, Taguig City.

Warm winter, droughts destroying crops in Italy

REUTERS

ROME — Unusually mild weather and droughts in Italy are destroying crops and threatening livelihoods this winter, Italy’s main farming lobby Coldiretti said.

The world has just experienced its hottest January on record, continuing a run of exceptional heat fuelled by climate change, according to data published by the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service.

“A boiling winter is causing nature to crash,” Coldiretti said in a statement, adding that some plants are blossoming too early and will be exposed to harm from any drop in temperatures.

The dry spell is also threatening to disrupt the sowing of cereals, legumes and vegetables, with effects on animal feed too, the lobby group said.

“Italy’s agriculture is the part of the economy that, more than any other, experiences the consequences of climate change on a daily basis,” Coldiretti said. The farming lobby wants help for farmers forced to try to respond to the changing weather and its effects on crop cycles, water management and the land.

It called for the “commitment of the institutions to support innovation, from agriculture 5.0 with drones, robots and satellites to GMO-free green genetics.”

Climate concerns, alongside low prices for produce, rising costs and cheap imports have led Italian farmers to join colleagues across Europe in organizing mass protests to demand action by authorities.

As well as harming agriculture, a mild winter has left ski resorts in central Italy idle because of a lack of snow. Winter has been exceptionally mild in other parts of southern Europe, with Spain seeing its warmest January on record, worsening a long-running drought in the regions of Catalonia and Andalusia. — Reuters

Preventing oral cancer

FREEPIK

Oral cancer may not be as common and “popular” as the other more known cancers, but it is certainly as debilitating and deadly as the top two cancers in the Philippines.

Oral cancer ranks 19th among the most common cancers in the country. However, compared with other cancers, it has one of the lowest five- and 10-year survival rates of 27% and 17%, respectively. Oral cancer is more common in men and in older people, and more deadly in men compared to women; its incidence varies strongly by socio-economic circumstances, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

As the country observes National Cancer Awareness Month and Oral Health Month this February, there is a need to increase awareness on oral cancer prevention, early detection, and prompt treatment.

Oral cancer is a malignancy that can develop in the lip, tongue, throat, and mouth. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists the following warning signs of oral cancer: sore in the mouth that does not heal (most common symptom); white or red patch on the gums, tongue, tonsil, or lining of the mouth that will not go away; lump or thickening in the cheek; and sore throat or a feeling that something is caught in the throat.

Other symptoms are difficulty chewing or swallowing; difficulty moving the jaw or tongue; numbness of the tongue or other area of the mouth; swelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable; and loosening of the teeth or pain around the teeth or jaw. Moreover, voice changes, a lump or mass in the neck, and weight loss can be added into the list.

The WHO said that tobacco, alcohol, and areca (betel) nut use are among the leading causes of oral cancer. Among young people in some countries, human papillomavirus infections are responsible for a growing percentage of oral cancers.

Oral cancer is diagnosed either by a physician or dentist by performing a physical exam. This includes checking the lymph nodes in the neck and under the lower jaw, cheeks, lips, and gums; pulling the tongue forward; and checking the palate, back of the throat, and floor of the mouth. If a suspicious area is found, your doctor or dentist may remove a sample of cells for biopsy.

The American Cancer Society said that treatment for oral cavity cancer is based largely on the stage (extent) of the cancer, but other factors can also be important.

Treatment may involve one or a combination of the following: surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy, and immunotherapy, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Chemotherapy may increase the effectiveness of radiation therapy, which is why the two are often combined. Targeted drugs, meanwhile, treat oral cancer by altering specific aspects of cancer cells that fuel their growth. Targeted drugs can also be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Immunotherapy uses the patient’s immune system to fight cancer. It is generally reserved for people with advanced oral cancer that is not responding to standard treatments. Having said these options, it is important to consult a physician for an explanation of the benefits and risks of any of the treatment goals and plans.

Not all cases of oral cancer can be prevented, but one can significantly lower his or her risk by taking steps to avoid certain risk factors, added the American Cancer Society.

Smoking while drinking greatly increases the cancer-causing effect of tobacco. If at all, there is also a need to limit your exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. If one is out in the sun, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and use sunscreen and lip balm with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 could help.

It is also important to maintain a healthy weight and eat a healthy diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. One also needs to avoid red and processed meats, sugary drinks, and highly processed foods.

Getting regular dental checkups is also a must. A dentist may find and remove pre-cancer growths in one’s mouth (leukoplakia or erythroplakia) that sometimes turn into cancer. If one wears dentures, make sure they fit properly. Avoiding sources of oral irritation, such as dentures that don’t fit properly, may help lower one’s risk for oral cancer.

The CDC said that delay in diagnosis may be partly due to the public’s overall lack of knowledge of the signs and symptoms of oral cancer and to the need for an increase in annual screening exams for oral cancer, particularly for those at higher risk. Pursuing a healthy lifestyle and good oral health can also help save lives.

 

Teodoro B. Padilla is the executive director of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP).  PHAP represents the biopharmaceutical medicines and vaccines industry in the country. Its members are in the forefront of research and development efforts for COVID-19 and other diseases that affect Filipinos.

Owning an EV isn’t just about plugging it in

Mober is a third-party delivery service that deploys fully electric vehicles. -- PHOTO BY KAP MACEDA AGUILA

Electrification is inevitable, but there’s no easy way toward greater adoption

Our Roads are slowly becoming greener as the market for electric vehicles (EVs) in the Philippines continues to flourish. The Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) reported that over 16,000 units of EVs — which include hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) — are now cruising Philippine roads. Notably, over 2,500 units were sold in the first quarter of 2023 alone, marking a remarkable growth of nearly 500% compared to the 426 EV units sold throughout the prior year.

The numbers serve as a beacon of hope, indicating a decisive pivot toward a more sustainable transport sector. However, for those considering joining this green revolution, it’s vital to recognize the intricate landscape of EV ownership.

It’s widely known that the initial cost of acquiring an EV remains substantially higher than its diesel counterpart. A typical diesel-powered AUV might set you back around P900,000, but an electric variant can reach up to P1.9 million. Similarly, a conventional truck costs about P1.2 million, whereas its electric version can range from P2.7 million to a staggering P3.3 million.

However, there’s a silver lining. The operating and maintenance costs of EVs tend to be cheaper compared to gas-powered vehicles. The underlying technology is simpler and less complex, eliminating many maintenance activities such as oil changes, coolant flushes, and tune-ups.

Yet, this simplicity can sometimes mask the challenges.

Take, for instance, a recent hiccup we faced at Mober. One of our EV trucks malfunctioned just five months into operation. Initial findings indicated water damage in the battery. Over a month has passed, and despite our best efforts, local distributors lack the technical know-how to rectify the issue. They are still awaiting intervention from the original equipment manufacturer’s technical team.

This incident at Mober is more than just an isolated event; it’s indicative of a larger trend. The market, in its current state, seems to struggle to align with the pace at which the EV industry evolves. This mirrors challenges observable in other tech domains, where rapid innovation often outstrips the development of requisite skills, thereby creating barriers to widespread adoption and further technological advancement.

Moreover, this isn’t just a local issue. Globally, there’s a pronounced shortage of technicians and independent repair shops that are qualified to handle EVs. This scarcity not only threatens to raise repair and warranty costs for drivers but also emphasizes the need for more streamlined training and expertise in the field.

One of the main challenges is also range anxiety — or the apprehension that an EV’s battery might be depleted of its juice before reaching a charging station. While the charging station infrastructure is increasing in the country, it still isn’t equally distributed across the archipelago. A report by EVAP revealed there are 338 government-registered EV charging stations (EVCS) nationwide, but the majority of them are concentrated in Luzon, particularly in Metro Manila. In the Visayas region, there are only three stations available in Cebu City, and one in each of the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Davao in Mindanao.

While there’s a strong push for businesses to decarbonize and adopt greener alternatives, the current landscape poses challenges. Companies operating outside of Luzon might hesitate to use EVs due to the sparse charging infrastructure. The combination of high upfront costs of EVs and this lack of support makes it harder for businesses to make the transition, holding them back from taking steps toward a more sustainable future.

When factoring in the already hefty EV purchase price, operational challenges like these add unexpected costs and downtime, especially for businesses. It’s a stark reminder that an EV’s price tag isn’t just the upfront cost but also potential long-term operational pitfalls.

While the jump to EV adoption might pose some risks, it shouldn’t deter companies from exploring greener alternatives, especially for their logistics needs. At Mober, we recognize that despite the present challenges in the EV landscape, businesses face an urgent mandate to align with the carbon-neutrality goals set for 2050 by the Paris Agreement. Recognizing these challenges, our approach aims to facilitate a smoother transition to sustainable delivery operations. By mitigating upfront costs, we hope to make green logistics more accessible, even amid current constraints.

Admittedly, while these measures can assist in the immediate term, broader industry collaboration and infrastructure development are ultimately paramount. As the market is still finding its footing and maturing toward a wider adoption of EVs, it’s clear that the trajectory is set toward a greener, more sustainable future. As industry players, consumers, and policy makers come together to address current challenges, the potential for EVs to revolutionize transportation in the Philippines becomes increasingly evident.

The journey might have its hurdles, but through collaboration, innovation, and a collective commitment to our environment, we can ensure a future where EVs play a central role in making our roads even greener.

 

The author is the CEO of Mober, which aspires to be “the leading green logistics delivery provider in Southeast Asia by becoming the largest operator of delivery EVs in the region.” The third-party delivery service was established in Manila in July 2015 by Mr. Ng. He had published a showbiz-oriented magazine in Hong Kong with franchises in Singapore, Guam, Japan, and the US.

EdgePoint to establish digital education hubs in Rizal

BW FILE PHOTO

TELECOMMUNICATIONS infrastructure company EdgePoint Infrastructure Sdn Bhd. has partnered with nongovernment organization Habitat for Humanity to establish two digital education hubs in the Philippines.

In a media release over the weekend, the Singapore-based company said it recently launched its connectivity for communities program in Southeast Asia to provide reliable access to connectivity, especially in underserved areas.

The program will help improve access to connectivity while also promoting digital literacy in underserved communities, Edgepoint said.

“The first step is to ensure they have quality, reliable connectivity but that alone is not enough. An effective program needs to also ensure that these children rapidly accelerate their digital literacy,” said Suresh Sidhu, chief executive officer and founder of EdgePoint.

“We will continue to partner with local organizations,” he added.

Edgepoint’s collaboration with Habitat for Humanity, a solutions provider for vulnerable sector in the Philippines and Indonesia, will focus on the establishment of digital education hubs for internet connection and devices in Rodriguez and Teresa, Rizal, the company said.

The telecommunications infrastructure company is also targeting to increase its sites and tenants in the Philippines.

Currently, it has around 2,500 telco towers in the country out of the over 13,000 sites it has across Southeast Asia. EdgePoint is looking at expanding its sites in Visayas and Mindanao. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

Analysts’ Expectations on Policy Rates (February 2024)

THE BANGKO SENTRAL ng Pilipinas (BSP) is widely expected to keep its policy rate at a 16-year high for a third straight meeting on Thursday amid upside risks to inflation and as economic growth remains robust, analysts said. Read the full story.

 

Analysts' Expectations on Policy Rates (February 2024)

8 Chinese vessels shadow Philippine ship on 9-day patrol of Scarborough

PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD PHOTO

By Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza, Reporter

THE PHILIPPINE Coast Guard (PCG) said on Sunday it had monitored at least eight Chinese vessels during its recent nine-day patrol of Scarborough Shoal, an age-old fishing ground of Filipino fishermen in the South China Sea.

PCG spokesman for the West Philippine Sea Jay Tristan Tarriela said four Chinese Coast Guard vessels shadowed the 97-meter BRP Teresa Magbanua “on more than 40 occasions, with the closest distance being 176 meters from its side” during the Philippines’ patrol of the shoal on Feb. 1 to 9.

China’s coast guard vessels “performed dangerous and blocking maneuvers at sea against Terese Magbanua four times,” he said, noting that they crossed the bow of the PCG vessel twice.

The acts were a clear violation of the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, he said. “Additionally, the PCG vessel observed the presence of four Chinese Maritime Militia vessels,” he added.

The BRP Teresa Magbanua conducted itself professionally by engaging the Chinese vessels “through radio, reiterating the clear and principled position of the Philippines in accordance with international law,” said Mr. Tarriela.

Scarborough Shoal, locally known as Bajo de Masinloc, has been a major source of tensions between the countries, with the Chinese Coast Guard preventing Filipino fishermen from accessing the fishing ground, which falls within Manila’s 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

In mid-January, a China Coast Guard ship deployed a rubber boat to chase a small boat of Filipino fishermen collecting shells in the vicinity of the shoal.

One of the five Chinese personnel forced them to return the shells to the sea before being allowed to leave. They were subsequently driven away.

A 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea recognized the traditional fishing rights of small-scale Filipino and Chinese fishermen in the shoal.

The Philippines and China held a bilateral consultation on the South China Sea on Jan. 17, vowing to pursue friendly talks to manage their tensions in one of the world’s most important waterways.

The BRP Teresa Magbanua’s recent experience “demonstrates that any short-term change in tactics does not in any way change China’s long-term strategy to consolidate control over the West Philippine Sea,” said Raymond M. Powell, a fellow at the Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation.

“China likely hoped that it could convince Manila to abandon its assertive transparency campaign in exchange for assurances of reduced maritime aggression on its part,” he said in an X message.

“Unfortunately, Beijing’s promises are famously subject to change.”

The recent nine-day patrol was successful, with the PCG being able to deliver food packs and groceries to Filipino fishermen fishing in the shoal’s vicinity.

The PCG had “closely monitored and supported” about 100 Filipino fishermen in 14 fishing boats throughout the mission.

In the Sunday statement, the PCG reiterated that it has sovereignty over Bajo De Masinloc and its territorial sea, and sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the surrounding waters falling within the country’s EEZ “as measured from the Philippine archipelagic baselines, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award.”

“The activities of the Filipino fisherfolk and of the PCG in the area are consistent with national laws and the Philippines’ position on the West Philippine Sea.”

Last Friday, the Philippine fisheries bureau said its vessel BRP Datu Sanday was able to deliver food, medicines, fuel, and other supplies to Filipinos fishing in Iroqouis (Rozul) Reef on Feb. 5.

The agency said its vessel had not spotted any Chinese vessels during the mission, noting that on previous occasions, it had monitored around 30 Chinese vessels, including maritime militia vessels, around the reef.

During the Feb. 5 mission, BRP Datu Sanday had seen eight mother boats with an approximate total fish catch of 12 tons by all fishermen in the area.

Cover 50% of hospital bills, PhilHealth urged

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez wants the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to heed the call of Filipino patients for the state-run insurer to cover 50% of their hospital bill.

In a statement on Sunday, the leader of the House of Representatives also questioned the PhilHealth over complaints he received that in some instances, only 15%-20% of patients’ hospital bills were being covered.

“People are hoping that half the cost of their bills when admitted in private [hospitals] will be answered by PhilHealth so members can only pay half,” Mr. Romualdez said.

He also noted receiving reports that PhilHealth shoulders only 30% of the cost of doctors’ and medical specialists’ fees, leaving the bulk of the bill to the sick PhilHealth member.

During House deliberations on the 2024 budget in September last year, PhilHealth said it owes local hospitals about P27 billion and committed to pay this balance in three months.

Meanwhile, Congress has earmarked P1.25 billion for its Cancer Assistance Fund amid reports that the disease kills an estimated 96 Filipinos daily, making it the third leading cause of death in the Philippines.

This year’s budget is 150% higher than the P500 million in 2023, according to Makati Rep. Luis Jose Angel N. Campos, Jr. “The fund will pay for the cost of cancer screening, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and its care-related components, including the required diagnostics and laboratories for eight priority cancer types,” he said.

Mr. Campos, vice chairperson of the House Committee on Appropriations, said the budget is on top of the P1 billion allocated for the National Integrated Cancer Control Program. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

Medical groups urge more studies on marijuana use bill

SHELBY IRELAND-UNSPLASH

By Beatriz Marie D. Cruz, Reporter

MEDICAL industry leaders are asking lawmakers to further study the bill seeking to legalize the use of medical cannabis or marijuana, citing the need for more conclusive evidence of its healing properties as many physicians agree that its use may cause more harm than benefits.

“There is still much to be learned on the use of medical marijuana,” Jose Rene D. de Grano, president of the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines, Inc., said in a Viber message.

“Most of the medical societies do not agree on its being released yet for medical use since most of the materials given are anecdotal and not evidence-based,” the medical doctor added.

The House Committees on Dangerous Drugs and on Health approved last week a bill that allows the use of medical marijuana.

The Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) asked legislators to create specific training or curriculum for doctors or pharmacies on the proper prescription and release of medical cannabis.

“Healthcare professionals may need continued trainings so that they could meet the legitimate medical needs of patients based on evidence-based clinical guidelines while being vigilant against potential abuse,” Teodoro B. Padilla, PHAP executive director, said in an e-mail.

The public must also be educated on the risks of prescription drug abuse, Mr. Padilla said.

He said the government must also ensure an effective prescription drug monitoring program to avoid potential misuse and abuse of the substance.

“For any pharmaceutical products to benefit patients with their treatment, they must go through the rigid research and development process to determine their efficacy and safety,” Mr. Padilla said.

HARM OUTWEIGHS BENEFITS
The Philippine Medical Association (PMA) maintained its opposition to the bill, citing the “clear trend towards the harmful effects [of marijuana] that outweigh the purported benefits.”

The PMA deems it unnecessary to pass a new law to access medical cannabis. “Legislation will not be able to catch up with the advances of health technology, and health technology should not be legislated,” the group said in a statement last week.

However, the association that represents 21 medical groups based in the Philippines, said: “The medical community supports the use of FDA (Food and Drug Administration)-approved medical cannabis for specific indications.”

Cannabidiol is a chemical in the cannabis sativa plant, also known as cannabis or hemp. One specific form of cannabidiol is approved as a drug in the US for seizures, according to WebMD.

The PMA stressed that the conduct of research on medical marijuana, along with the re-classification or delisting of any drug in the Dangerous Drug Board’s drug list, is already included in Republic Act No. 9165 (Dangerous Drugs Act).

“Legalization of cannabis will send a wrong message especially to our youth that our government considers cannabis as a safe substance and therefore will expose our citizens to unnecessary harm,” the PMA added.

The PMA’s statement was published a day before lawmakers approved the measure.

Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace S. Barbers, who heads the dangerous drugs panel, said the bill does not seek to legalize marijuana, and will not be removed from the country’s list of illegal drugs under the RA 9165.

Marijuana refers to the dried leaves, flowers, stems and seeds from the plant, which contains the mind-altering chemical THC and other similar compounds.

One of the earliest uses of medical cannabis was in 2737 B.C., when Chinese emperor Shen Neng prescribed marijuana tea for the treatment of gout, rheumatism, malaria and poor memory.

The PMA called to focus on educating the public on the use of marijuana for medical conditions, as well as the dangers of using the drug for unproven medical indications and non-medical use.

Labor coalition pushes uniform national wage increase system

PHILIPPINE STAR/ MICHAEL VARCAS

By John Victor D. Ordoñez, Reporter

THE COUNTRY’S largest labor coalition has urged Congress to review the regional wage-setting mechanism as the Senate is set to deliberate on a bill seeking a P100 daily minimum wage increase for private sector workers.

In a statement on Sunday, Nagkaisa said many Filipino workers still live on “poverty wages” and cited the need for a uniform and single minimum wage nationwide.

“This Senate action renews hope among workers and their unions for a standardized wage increase across the country, paving the way for the potential establishment of a singular national minimum wage in the coming days,” the labor coalition said. “It highlights a pivotal concern within our present economic structure.”

Under Senate Bill No. 2534, the Wage Increase Act of 2023, workers in the private sector whether agricultural or non-agricultural would gain a P100 increase in their daily pay to ensure a “living wage” for the Filipino workforce.

Several senators sponsored the measure during a plenary session on Feb. 7, including Senate President Juan Miguel F. Zubiri, saying it would boost worker productivity.

Labor groups have said that the regional wage-setting system is failing the workers since recent hikes have not helped workers cope with the rising costs of basic goods.

“The present minimum wage law has created poverty wages for many workers,” Nagkaisa said. “All the minimum wages around the country are below the poverty threshold for a family of five.”

A Filipino family of five would need at least P13,797 a month or P460 a day to meet their basic needs, according to the Philippine Statistics  Authority.

The Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECoP) has said a legislated wage hike should also consider workers in less formal employment, noting that private sector workers only comprise 16% of the labor force.

On June 29, the National Capital Region’s RTWB approved a P40 increase in the daily minimum wage, bringing the daily minimum wage to P610 a day from P570 for those in non-agriculture sectors.

This is much lower than what the Unity for Wage Increase Now’s petition sought, a P570 increase that would bring Metro Manila’s daily minimum wage to P1,100.

Philippines’ Defense department hushes China on Batanes buildup

PHILIPPINE STAR/EDD GUMBAN

By Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza, Reporter

The Philippines rebuked China over the weekend for warning against the Southeast Asian nation’s plan to boost its military presence in its northernmost island group close to Taiwan, reminding Beijing that it has no right to comment on how it runs its affairs within its territory.

“Batanes is Philippine territory and China has no business warning the Philippines about what it does within its own territory,” the Department of National Defense (DND) said in a statement, responding to remarks from the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Wang Wenbin, last week.

In a press conference on Feb. 8, Mr. Wang said the Philippines should “tread carefully” and should not “play with fire,” commenting on Manila’s military buildup near Taiwan, which has governed independently of Beijing since 1949.

In a statement, the DND said its plan to build more structures in Batanes is part of the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept, which seeks to enhance the Philippines’ capability to defend its national interest.

The Naval Forces Northern Luzon on Feb. 7 said Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. had ordered an increase in military presence and facilities in Batanes after inspecting Naval Detachment Basco, Naval Detachment Mavulis, Itbayat Airport, and the Multi-Agency Facility in Mahatao.

Citing the Defense chief, it said Batanes is “the ‘spearhead of the Philippines as far as the northern baseline is concerned.”

Reacting to the development, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said “the Taiwan question is at the heart of China’s core interests” and is “a red line and bottom line that must not be crossed.”

The DND statement on Sunday said China “should refrain from engaging in provocative rhetoric and activities.”

In February last year, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. gave the US access to four more military bases on top of the five existing sites under the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

Three of the new EDCA sites are in parts of northern Luzon facing Taiwan while one is in the island of Palawan facing the South China Sea.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos had reiterated that his country still recognizes the supposed sovereignty of China over Taiwan, days after he was criticized by Beijing for recognizing the election of Taiwan’s President-elect Lai Ching-te, whom the Chinese government has tagged as a dangerous separatist.

Landslide death toll rises to 37

ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES' EASTERN MINDANAO COMMAND/PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

SEARCH and retrieval operations for scores of people buried in a landslide that struck the upland mining town of Maco, Davao de Oro province, six nights ago has yielded 37 bodies with 63 others still unaccounted for, disaster officials reported on Sunday.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office updated its death toll at 12 noon Sunday as efforts to retrieve more bodies continued at the landslide site in Barangay Masara, just outside the gold mining area of Apex Mining Cop. Inc.

The landslide occurred in the evening of Feb. 8 amid heavy downpour, injuring 32 people. Thirty-one of those who survived were rescued by first responders.

The area has been a vehicle terminal for buses and jeepneys servicing its employees as well as members of the community, Apex said in a statement, noting that the incident buried two of its service buses which were carrying workers at the time.

The village, which had a population of 1,125 as of May 2020, was also the site of two landslides in September 2008 that killed 24 people and left two missing. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

1...2,2042,2052,206...12,775Page 2,205 of 12,775
© 2024 BusinessWorld Publishing.
All rights reserved.
Read our privacy guidelines
Facebook Instagram Linkedin Twitter Youtube