Facebook Instagram Linkedin X Youtube
Home Blog Page 8659

Senate bill seeks 25-year franchise for ABS-CBN

A BILL renewing the franchise granted to ABS-CBN Corp. for 25 years has been filed anew in the Senate even as the House of Representatives denied the Lopez-led media company’s application in July last year.

Senate Bill No. 1967, filed on Monday, is seen to have more chances under the leadership of Speaker Lord Allan Jay Q. Velasco, its author said.

“New Speaker, new Officers. Could be a better chance,” Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III told reporters in a phone message on Monday.

He said he filed the bill as he observed there was weaker competition, particularly in delivering news with the absence of ABS-CBN.

“I noticed the TV stations have been replacing their news programs with animé,” he said. “It means competition is absent and mediocrity is creeping in because of the absence of a strong competitor like ABS-CBN.”

Mr. Sotto said he was “getting consensus” among the members of the House and the Senate. Franchise bills must first secure approval of the House before it can hurdle the Senate.

Further, he cited in the explanatory note of the bill that survey firm Social Weather Station found 69% of Filipino adults or 45 million use television as the main source of news in September 2020. Only 19% rely on radio, while one percent use newspapers.

The House committee on legislative franchises, voting 70 to 11, denied to extend the media company’s franchise, which expired in May 2020. The chamber was then led by former speaker Alan Peter S. Cayetano.

The denial was said to have displaced 11,000 direct employees of ABS-CBN, which is the largest entertainment and media network in the country.

Mr. Sotto noted that ABS-CBN is still the most preferred network among its competitors, citing Kantar media.

“In September, ABS-CBN is still the top choice of viewers in the Philippines,” he said in the explanatory note.

He added the network offers The Filipino Channel, which caters to Filipinos abroad. — Charmaine A. Tadalan

Despite pandemic, Hilton opens new resort in Clark

INTERNATIONAL hospitality chain Hilton has opened the 308-room Hilton Clark Sun Valley Resort in Pampanga as a testament to the company’s confidence in Clark, Pampanga as an emerging tourist destination, according to a press release.

“Hilton is on a promising growth trajectory in the Philippines, with the launch of Conrad Manila back in 2016 followed by Hilton Manila in 2018. This is testament to our commitment to the Philippines and we are confident emerging destinations in the country, such as Clark, are well positioned to cater to both business and leisure travelers from within and outside the Philippines,” Paul Hutton, vice-president for operations at Hilton Southeast Asia said in a press release.

The hotel officially opened on Dec. 30, an opening date that was pushed back by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the subsequent health and safety precautions. But Hilton Clark’s general manager, Leo Holli, said in a press conference in December that they were determined to open their doors in 2020 and are confident the hospitality industry will start recovering in 2021.

Clark, Pampanga is currently under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ), the loosest form of quarantine in the country and allows people to have staycations.

“[With the pandemic] people prefer going to destinations they can easily reach with cars,” Francis David, the hotel’s commercial director, said in the same conference. He added that with Tagaytay City being a popular and often crowded destination, Hilton Clark is a great option for those who want to get away but would prefer a less crowded locale.

Hilton Clark Sun Valley Resort is a 12-minute drive from the Clark International Airport and is located close to the city’s main business hubs and entertainment attractions, such as the Clark Museum, Aqua Planet, and Nayong Pilipino.

The hotel is owned by South Korean property developer Dongwang Clark Corp. Among the other properties owned by the company are Sorak Sunvalley Country Club, Dongwon Sunvalley, Iljuk Sunvalley, and Yeoju Spa in Korea, as well as the Yabe Sunvalley and Higo Sunvalley in Japan.

In recent years, Clark has become known as a business, aviation, and tourism hub in the Philippines. With Clark International Airport now positioned as the second major gateway to the country, the city is now more than a free port zone, connecting visitors to year-round festivals and celebrations, such as the Vios Racing Festival and the Philippine International Pyromusical Competition.

Mr. David said that the hotel’s location allows them to welcome both business and leisure guests.

The hotel features modern décor, Hilton’s signature Serenity bed, and premium bath amenities. Guests seeking relaxation have a variety of options, including a fitness center outfitted with the latest Precor equipment and free weights, an outdoor pool, a Kid’s Club, an outdoor playground, a walking and jogging path, and a soon-to-open wellness center. For business guests, a total meeting room space of 1,800 square meters is available including the 1,010 square meter grand ballroom which can accommodate up to 1,200 guests in theater seating, and seven flexible meeting rooms.

Hilton Clark has three restaurants: Olive, the all-day dining restaurant; XI, a Chinese restaurant featuring Cantonese specialties; and Treat, a space that offers light snacks and coffee in the morning and cocktails in the afternoon and night.

Regarding health and safety, Hilton Clark brings with it the Hilton CleanStay program done in collaboration with Reckitt Benckiser (the company behind disinfectant brand Dettol) and the Mayo Clinic, a non-profit American academic medical center focused on integrated health care, education, and research. Some of the features of the CleanStay program include disinfecting high-touch points in the property regularly and a CleanStay seal on rooms to ensure that visitors are entering fully disinfected rooms. — Z.B. Chua

IC approves P1.5-billion sale of PNB’s nonlife insurance arm to Alliedbankers

THE INSURANCE Commission (IC) has approved the P1.5-billion sale of Philippine National Bank’s (PNB) nonlife insurance arm PNB General Insurers Co., Inc. (PNBGen), which is part of the Lucio Tan group’s move to consolidate its businesses.

PNB said in a filing with the local bourse on Monday that the insurance regulator on Dec. 29 okayed Alliedbankers Insurance Corp.’s (ABIC) acquisition of PNBGen.

PNBGen is the Tan-led bank’s nonlife insurer which offers coverage for fire and allied perils, marine, motor car, aviation, surety, engineering, and accident insurance, among others.

Meanwhile, ABIC is the privately held nonlife insurance arm of LT Group, Inc.

PNB President and CEO Jose Arnulfo “Wick” A. Veloso last month said the sale is part of LT Group’s efforts to consolidate its nonlife insurance businesses.

“The sale of PNBGen shares is consistent with the bank’s objective to exit the nonlife insurance business being a non-core undertaking. The proceeds of the transaction will be used for general corporate purposes,” the Tan-led lender said.

The share purchase agreement for the transaction was likewise signed on Dec. 29.

The transaction involves PNB and PNB Holdings Corp. which hold six million and 3.126 million common shares, respectively, in PNBGen. These shares will be sold at P166.93 apiece to ABIC.

The listed bank said in its filing that PNB Holdings received an initial payment worth P521.8 million on Dec. 29.

Meanwhile, PNB is set to receive a P100.16-million settlement on Jan. 20 and two P450.7-million payments on March 21, and June 21, respectively.

With a net income of P126.861 million in 2019, ABIC was the 10th top performer in the non-life insurance industry, based on the unaudited quarterly financial reports submitted to the IC.

PNBGen, meanwhile, ranked 13th in 2019 with a net income of P101.6 million.

Based on net premiums written, PNBGen ranked 24th (P623.89 million) in 2019 while the ABIC placed 28th (P473 million), based on separate data from the IC.

PNB saw its net income rise by four percent to P2.5 billion in the third quarter of 2020. Its assets grew 14% to P1.3 trillion as of end-September from P1.14 trillion at the end of 2019.

The Tan-led lender’s shares ended trading at P29 apiece on Monday, down by 1.19% or by 35 centavos from its previous close.

Entertainment News (01/05/21)

New programs, movies coming to multiple ABS-CBN media platforms

ABS-CBN starts 2021 with new shows, movies, music, and concerts it will produce and release on multiple media platforms. Among the new programs to watch for this year are Mars Ravelo’s Darna: The TV Series starring Jane De Leon; the inspirational series Huwag Kang Mangamba featuring Andrea Brillantes, Francine Diaz, Seth Fedelin, and Kyle Echarri; Init sa Magdamag with Gerald Anderson, Yam Concepcion, and JM De Guzman; and the continuation of the hit teleserye La Vida Lena with Erich Gonzales, Carlo Aquino, Kit Thompson, and JC De Vera. These shows will air on the Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, iWantTFC, on free TV via A2Z channel 11, and overseas via TFC, the Filipino Channel. Also coming out this year is the first American TV series entirely shot in the Philippines, Almost Paradise, a partnership between ABS-CBN and Electric Entertainment, as well as a teleserye about timeless love starring Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, and the new season of Your Face Sounds Familiar with Luis Manzano, Sharon Cuneta, Gary Valenciano, and Ogie Alcasid. ABS-CBN’s streaming service iWantTFC also has a lot in store for viewers including Count Your Lucky Stars featuring Jerry Yan and Shen Yue, horror/thriller content like Tenement 66 and Horrorscope, the reunion of Joross Gamboa and Roxanne Guinoo in Hoy… I Love You, the Thai series A Tale of a Thousand Stars, and Loisa Andalio and Ronnie Alonte’s Unloving U. ABS-CBN’s FYE Channel will soon be seen worldwide through TFC. On cable, Metro Channel will launch the first model search on cable and livestreaming platform Kumu, Metro Model Search 2021, while it continues to produce programs like Good Vibes with Edu, EIC on the Move, and Casa Daza. JeepneyTV, on the other hand, will have Game KNB? Season 2 with Robi Domingo and POP-UP Comedy Bar with DJ Jhai Ho. Cinema One will offer screenings of films in C1 Originals via KTX.ph. Star Music will be holding the 11th edition of the Himig Handog songwriting competition, and digital concerts with Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Piolo Pascual, and Moira Dela Torre. Both MYX and MOR Philippines will also have a digital relaunch, while Star Music, DNA Records, Star Pop, and Tarsier Records gear up for 200 music releases. When it comes to movies, ABS-CBN will produce new films such as Princess Dayareese starring MayMay Entrata and Edward Barber, Hello Stranger The Movie of JC Alcantara and Tony Labrusca, Love or Money top billed by Coco Martin and Angelica Panganiban, Soul Sistahs with Karla Estrada, Jolina Magdangal, and Melai Cantiveros, among several others. These will be offered in various platforms including iWantTFC, KTX.ph, SKY PPV, TFC IPTV, Cignal PPV, and select cinemas. Star Cinema will also continue to produce shows such as Like A Boss with Raymond Gutierrez and He’s Into Her with Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano. For updates, follow @ABSCBNPR on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom.

More stars join Paano ang Pangako

THE CONTINUATION of IdeaFirst Company and Cignal Entertainment’s family holiday saga Paano ang Pasko, Paano Ang Pangako Book 2 started airing on Jan. 4 at 9 p.m. on TV5, and airs at the same time from Monday to Friday. The secrets and scandals in the Aguinaldo family, led by matriarch Faith (Maricel Laxa), get more complicated as a new family threatens to upend their lives. The arrival of the Dominante-Cruz family, helmed by its matriarch Elvira (Bing Loyzaga) takes an interesting twist as she vows to strip the Aguinaldo’s of everything —  wealth, honor and heir. The show also stars Elijah Canlas, Julia Clarete, Beauty Gonzalez, Devon Seron, Karel Marquez, Miles Ocampo, Kyle Velino, Ahron Villena, Ricky Davao, Allan Paule, Ejay Falcon, John Lapus, Matt Evans, Danita Paner, Cedrick Juan, Ace Ismael, and Justine Buenaflor. The second book will be based on a story by Palanca Hall of Famer Jun Robles Lana and will be helmed by Ricky Davao, Eric Quizon, and Perci Intalan, who all directed the first season. Paano Ang Pangako has a catch-up airing which started on One Screen via Cignal TV Channel 9 on Jan. 5. Viewers can access both TV5 and One Screen via the Cignal Play app which can be download for free for Android and iOS users.

Sponge Cola releases a song inspired by K-drama series

SPONGE Cola is no stranger to writing music inspired by their love for cinema and pop culture — the four-piece alternative rock outfit named their debut full-length album Palabas to acknowledge the compelling impact of shows. The group’s newest song is a tribute to the blockbuster K-drama series, Start-Up, which is reaping praise for its gripping story on young entrepreneurs aspiring to make it big in the competitive world of Korean high-tech industry. The song, “Siguro Nga,” was born out of vocalist and guitarist Yael Yuzon’s love for Han Ji-Pyeong, a prominent character in the show, whose unconventional upbringing and misfortunes in life enable him to become a principled, self-made man with a tough exterior and — unbeknownst to everyone — a tender heart. “Siguro Nga” is an acoustic number that builds on this nuanced character study. Sponge Cola’s “Siguro Nga” is out now on all digital platforms worldwide via Sony Music Philippines.

Batwoman tops Warner’s 2021 offerings

THE NEW year has begun with new adventures to entertain WarnerMedia fans in the Philippines. There will be more action, drama, and suspense on Warner TV, HBO and HBO GO. Season 2 of Batwoman (Warner TV) tops WarnerMedia’s entertainment offerings in 2021. Ryan Wilder (Javicia Leslie) is about to take the mantle of the Caped Crusader in the second season of Batwoman as Gotham City has been defenseless since the first Batwoman, Kate Kane (Ruby Rose), went missing. Batwoman Season 2 will premiere exclusively in the Philippines on Jan. 18 at 9:50 p.m. on Warner TV. Meanwhile, the paranormal-mystery series The Rook premiered on Jan. 4 on HBO GO. This series is the story of Myfanwy Thomas, a woman who wakes up in the rain beside London’s Millennium Bridge with no memory of who she is and no explanation for the circle of dead bodies splayed out around her. When she discovers that she’s a high-ranking official in Britain’s last secret service for people with paranormal abilities, she’ll have to navigate the dangerous and complex world of the agency to uncover who wiped her memory — and why. The Rook stars Emma Greenwell, Joely Richardson, and Olivia Munn. From the author of the Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling, comes the second season of C.B. Strike: Lethal White. It premieres on Jan. 21, 10 a.m., on HBO and HBO GO. Tom Burke and Holliday Grainger return in the second season of C.B. Strike. In this new season, a mentally disturbed young man wants Strike to investigate an alleged murder he witnessed back when he was still a child. As Strike begins to investigate, Robin goes undercover to look into the blackmail of a certain Member of Parliament. Download the HBO GO app from the App Store or Play Store and enjoy a seven-day free trial. HBO GO can also be accessed via Cignal or at https://www.hbogoasia.com/. HBO GO is now available via Android TV, Apple TV, LG TV and Samsung Smart TV — and comes with AirPlay and Google Cast functionality.

Nasugbu condo offers seaside views

FREIA, a condominium project in Nasugbu, Batangas, is offering prime units with panoramic views of the West Philippine Sea and Mount Pico.

Located within Pico de Loro Cove at Hamilo Coast, Freia has 223 units including two-bedroom units (sized between 67-154 square meters) and three-bedroom loft penthouses (221-392 square meters).

The condominium has less units per floor to allow homeowners “to enjoy the comfort of space and privacy.”

Global design firm Broadway Malyan gave Freia a “singular panoramic rectangular structure with three towers suggestive of a mountain range,” as well as more open spaces for air flow.

Architect Arni Villanueva of GF + Partners Architect, Broadway Malyan’s local counterpart, said that the materials used for Freia were sourced locally to lessen the carbon footprint.

“Units are outfitted with high quality fixtures to assure the security and well-being of its residents,” he said.

Amenities include pools for adults and children, two function rooms, a cabana and themed gardens, designed by landscape architect Crearis. Each unit comes with a Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club individual membership share.

Freia units are not allowed to be leased for rentals.

Gov’t transactions via PayMaya platform soar

THE value of government transactions processed by digital payment company PayMaya Philippines, Inc. has increased by around 1,200% in December compared with the level in the same month of the previous year.

The company said in a statement on Monday that more than 60 national and local government agencies are using its payment platform for taxes and fees transactions.

“With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting everyday life, the government has turned to digital payments to process revenue collections and distribute much-needed assistance safely and conveniently,” PayMaya said.

PayMaya said that it had also distributed P4.5 billion in government assistance from agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The company recently said that it had reached 28 million users through its mobile app and digital wallet platforms, as more Filipinos use e-wallets for contactless transactions during the pandemic.

Transactions on the PayMaya app registered triple-digit growth rates throughout last year, peaking in May with a 1,000% year-on-year growth.

Businesses joining PayMaya for digital payments increased by at least 1,500% year on year in November. Megaworld Corp., McDonald’s Philippines, and Jollibee Foods Corp. are among those using the platform.

Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corp. said in October that there was room for growth in digital payments in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as businesses reach out to underbanked consumers in markets with a high use of smartphones and internet connection.

PayMaya is a subsidiary of Voyager Innovations, Inc., the digital arm of PLDT Inc. PLDT Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Manuel V. Pangilinan last year said that he expects PayMaya to be profitable by 2024.

Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has a majority stake in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Jenina P. Ibañez

LANDBANK’s agricultural loans hit P232 billion

LAND BANK of the Philippines (LANDBANK) lent P231.47 billion to nearly 2.6 million farmers, fisherfolk and agribusiness owners in the first 11 months of 2020, the Department of Finance (DoF) said.

Citing a report from the bank, the DoF said in statement on Monday that the total was equivalent to 94.5% of LANDBANK’s full-year agriculture lending target of P245 billion.

Around 2.588 million farmers and fisherfolk were able to obtain loans during the period, higher than the state-run bank’s goal to cover two million borrowers in 2020.

Broken down, two-thirds or P144.13 billion of the loans went to small, medium and large agribusinesses; 21.7% or P50.16 billion were obtained by local government units and state-owned companies for their agri-aqua related projects; and 16% or P37.38 billion went to small scale farmers and fisherfolk. 

Farmers and fisherfolk mostly used conduits such as cooperatives and associations, rural lenders and other lending schemes to borrow, LANDBANK said, as loans coursed through these channels totalled P36.04 billion, while direct lending only amounted to P1.34 billion.

As one the government’s main partners in implementing social programs, the bank processed P8.31 billion worth of loans for the programs of the Agriculture department such as the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund, the Socialized Credit Program under the Sugarcane Industry Development Act, the Expanded Rice Credit Assistance under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund, and the Survival and Recovery Assistance for rice farmers.

Programs by the Department of Agrarian Reform administered by LANDBANK translated to P65 million in loans.

In terms of economic activity, 45% of the total loans granted in those 11 months went to building irrigation systems and post-harvest facilities with a combined value of P104.19 billion.

Meanwhile, around 30% or P71.5 billion funded agri-processing and trading activities, 16% or P36.69 billion for livestock, eight percent or P17.59 billion for crops, and less than one percent or P1.67 billion for the fisheries sub-sector. — BML

How PSEi member stocks performed — January 4, 2021

Here’s a quick glance at how PSEi stocks fared on Monday, January 4, 2021.

Peso inches up vs dollar

THE PESO strengthened slightly against the greenback on Monday following the release of data showing a decline in local manufacturing activity. 

The local unit closed at P48.02 per dollar on Monday, inching up from its P48.023 finish on Tuesday, data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines showed. 

The market was closed for holidays from Dec. 30 to Jan. 1.

The peso opened Monday’s session at P49.02 against the dollar. Its weakest showing was at P48.035 while its intraday best was at P48.015 versus the greenback.

Dollars traded increased to $873.75 million on Monday from the $731.25 million seen on the last trading day of 2020.

The peso inched up versus the dollar after the release of data showing a contraction in the country’s manufacturing activity, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said via text.

“This would lead to softness in imports data that would reduce demand for dollar,” Mr. Ricafort said.

The IHS Markit Philippine Purchasing Managers’ Index stood at 49.2 in December, contracting further from the 49.9 logged in November. A reading below 50 indicates contraction.

For today, Mr. Ricafort said the peso could move within the P47.99 to P48.05 band versus the dollar. — LWTN

PHL stocks post gains on global vaccine rollout

LOCAL STOCKS ended the first trading day of 2021 on a high note as investor sentiment got a lift from the ongoing rollout of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines around the world.

The 30-member Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) improved 57.79 points or 0.8% to close at 7,197.50 on Monday, while the broader all shares index rose 44.55 points or 1.04% to 4,317.16.

Timson Securities, Inc. Head of Online Trading Darren Blaine T. Pangan said in a mobile phone message that the bourse improved as investors were optimistic on the distribution of several COVID-19 vaccines.

Britain begins vaccinating its population on Monday with the COVID-19 shot developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca, touting its position as the first Western country to roll out an inoculation program against the novel coronavirus, Reuters reported.

Britain, which is rushing to vaccinate its population faster than the United States and the rest of Europe in a bid to put the pandemic behind it, is the first country to roll out the Oxford/AstraZeneca shot.

It last year rolled out the Pfizer and Germany’s BioNTech vaccine. The first people are expected to be vaccinated with the Oxford/AstraZeneca shot before 0800 GMT.

Other Western countries have taken a longer and more cautious approach to rolling out vaccines, though Russia and China have been inoculating their citizens for months with several different vaccines still undergoing late-stage trials.

Back home, AAA Southeast Equities, Inc. Research Head Christopher John Mangun said the market ended higher on the first trading day of the year as investors remained “cautiously optimistic” on local quarantine measures.

“Selling pressure subsided compared to what we saw in the previous weeks after current lockdown restrictions were extended instead of tightened, which some were expecting,” Mr. Mangun said in an e-mail.

Most sectoral indices at the PSE ended in the green on Monday, with financials being the sole decliner as it went down 7.65 points or 0.52% to 1,439.99.

Mining and oil increased 366.51 points or 3.84% to 9,894.66; property climbed 73.9 points or 2.01% to 3,738.37; services went up 20.2 points or 1.33% to 1,534.29; industrials gained 72.82 points or 0.77% to 9,466.24; and holding firms went up 45.75 points or 0.62% to 7,400.40.

Advancers edged out decliners, 124 against 121, while 36 names ended unchanged.

Value turnover on Monday amounted to P10.03 billion with 21.55 billion issues switching hands, lower than the P11.11 billon with 95.98 billion issues during the previous trading session.

Net foreign selling reached P214.08 million, reversing net inflows worth P87.48 million on Dec. 29, the last trading day of 2021.

“7,000 remains the psychological level of support, while 7,300 may be considered the nearest resistance area,” Mr. Pangan said. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave with Reuters

Coronavirus tally may spike as more laboratories reopen

By Vann Marlo M. Villegas, Reporter

THE DEPARTMENT of Health (DoH) expects more coronavirus infections by mid-January as testing laboratories become fully operational after the holidays.

Some labs failed to submit data because these were closed during the holidays, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario S. Vergeire told an online news briefing on Monday. Fewer people also got tested last month, she added.

Average laboratory submissions during the holidays fell to about 22,000 from 36,000 daily, she said.

“We are expecting, if and when this surge really happens, that it will materialize in mid-January,” Ms. Vergeire said in mixed English and Filipino.

She said that positive cases nationwide during the holidays dropped by 5%, while cases in Metro Manila declined by 4%.

“We expect normalcy to come back and we will witness a real trend in the number of case because all laboratories will become fully operational starting today,” Ms. Vergeire said.

She also said DoH suspended the license of one laboratory for failing to submit coronavirus test results. “We were able to suspend the license of one of the big laboratories last Dec. 29 because of its continuous noncompliance with our reportorial requirement.”

She added that four other laboratories could face similar suspensions. She did not identify the labs.

DoH reported 959 coronavirus infections on Monday, bringing the total to 478,761.

The death toll rose to 9,263 after six more patients died, while recoveries increased by 26 to 448,279, it said in  a bulletin.

There were 21,219 active cases, 81.7% of which were mild, 7.9% did not show symptoms, 6.4% were critical, 3.4% were severe and 0.57% were moderate.

Quezon City reported the highest number of new cases at 73, followed by Davao City at 70, Rizal at 58, Agusan del Sur at 44 and Laguna at 41.

DoH said five duplicates had been removed from the tally, while one recovered case was reclassified as a death. Three laboratories failed to submit their data on Jan. 3, it added.

Meanwhile, DoH urged local governments to work with the National Government in procuring and deploying coronavirus vaccines.

Ms. Vergeire said only the National Government can order vaccines that were given emergency use authority (EUA) by the local Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“We urge local governments to work with us, because we can pool the funds and the National Government can procure and we can have an effective distribution system,” she said.

The city of Manila has started a pre-registration for free vaccines, allotting P200 million, while Makati City has allotted P1 billion for free vaccines, while San Juan City has allocated P50 million, according to news reports. Pasig City Mayor Victor Ma. Regis N. Sotto said the city had allocated P300 million.

More than 327,000 Pinoys come home amid coronavirus

MORE than 327,000 migrant Filipino workers from at least 90 countries came home last year amid a coronavirus pandemic that has sickened 85.5 million and killed more than 1.9 million people worldwide, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

Of the total, 231,537 were land-based workers and the rest were sailors from 150 cruise ships and oil tankers, it said in a statement on Monday.

Most of the returning Filipinos or 228,893 came from the Middle East, 36,868 from Asia and the Pacific, 30,971 from the Americas, 28,909 from Europe and 1,870 from Africa.

The agency helped 51,770 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) in December, even as the Philippines banned foreign travelers from 20 countries where a new coronavirus strain had been detected.

DFA said it had mounted sweeper flights to bring home distressed OFWs from Syria, Lebanon, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It was also the highest monthly total since coronavirus-related repatriations started in February.

“As we start a new year, the DFA remains committed to its assistance-to-nationals mandate and renews its promise to bring home every Filipino who wishes to come home,” Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Sarah Lou Y. Arriola said in the statement.

In October, the department helped 500 Filipino students in Israel and 93 OFWs from Benghazi in Libya, the first since 2017. It also conducted the first repatriation by sea from Indonesia of 40 Filipino fishermen.

In November, the DFA helped nine Filipino sailors who were abandoned at their shipping vessel that was docked at the Port of Djibouti in East Africa.

DFA said more than 12,800 migrant Filipinos have been infected with the coronavirus. About 8,300 patients have recovered, while at least 900 died. — Charmaine A. Tadalan

1...8,6588,6598,660...14,251Page 8,659 of 14,251
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
© 2024 BusinessWorld Publishing.
All rights reserved.
Read our privacy guidelines
Facebook Instagram Linkedin X Youtube