Expert says mainland’s Covid peak has passed, suggests dropping PCR test for cross-border travel
Government Covid advisor Lau Chak-sing said on Saturday that the PCR test requirement for cross-border travel can be dropped one or two weeks later, as he believed the Covid peak on the mainland has passed already. Speaking on radio this morning, Lau suggested authorities easing the curbs gradually as he believed the peak of Covid on the mainland has passed. The government can consider dropping the PCR test requirement for cross-border travel and the daily rapid antigen test mandate for students and teachers about one or two weeks later, Lau continued. Still, he told the public to observe personal hygiene and put on a mask indoors to keep other respiratory diseases at bay. Lau urged elderly, chronic disease patients and citizens with travel plans to receive booster Covid shots, saying the coronavirus will stay.
Source:The Standard
January 28, 2023 17:32 UTC
Peru's Congress rejects plan for early elections
LIMA: Peru's Congress rejected on Saturday a request by embattled President Dina Boluarte to bring forward elections to December this year as protests that have killed dozens rage on against her leadership. The South American country has been embroiled in a political crisis with near-daily protests since December 7, when former president Pedro Castillo was arrested after attempting to dissolve Congress and rule by decree. Demanding that Boluarte resign and call fresh elections, Castillo's supporters have erected roadblocks on highways, causing shortages of food, fuel and other basic supplies. The government said it would soon deploy police and soldiers to clear the roadblocks. Lawmakers already agreed last month to bring forward elections from 2026 to April 2024.
Source:Manila Times
January 28, 2023 17:22 UTC
Man behind colorful fireworks show on Tsim Sha Tsui road arrested
A 32-year-old man was arrested after he set off fireworks in the middle of a road in Tsim Sha Tsui Tuesday, and further investigations revealed that he was wanted by police for other charges including driving without a valid license. According to clips circulated online, several men dressed in black were spotted setting off the fireworks at the intersection between Cameron Road and Carnarvon Road in Tsim Sha Tsui around 4am and then ran away. The colorful fireworks show went on for a whole minute non-stop and forced vehicles there to stay still over concerns of being hit by the fireworks. The case was then handled by Yau Tsim district anti-triad unit and officers arrested a 32-year-old man surnamed Fung in Fanling around 6pm on Thursday for illegal discharge of fireworks and firecrackers. Police said setting off fireworks in urban areas is extremely dangerous as it could lead to a fire or even explosions and endanger other people's lives.
Source:The Standard
January 28, 2023 06:41 UTC
Firm to develop natgas terminal
THE Department of Energy (DoE) has approved and issued a notice to proceed (NTP) in favor of Samat LNG Corp. to develop a small-scale liquefied natural gas (LNG) receiving terminal and regasification facility in Barangay Sisiman, Mariveles, Bataan. The approval is part of the government's efforts to ensure power supply in light of the impending depletion of the Malampaya natural gas reservoir. Small-scale LNG terminals, which are modular and can be constructed quickly, are ideal for an archipelagic nation such as the Philippines. Samat LNG will join the other six ongoing LNG terminal projects development in the country. The proponents of these projects are the Linseed Field Corp., FGEN LNG Corp., Luzon LNG Terminal Inc., Energy World Gas Operations Philippines Inc., Shell Energy Philippines Inc. and Vires Energy Corp.
Source:Manila Times
January 28, 2023 04:18 UTC
Remains of slain OFW Jullebee Ranara now in PH
UPDATED MANILA, Philippines — The remains of Jullebee Ranara, the slain overseas Filipino worker in Kuwait, arrived in the country on Friday. Flight EK 334, carrying Ranara’s remains, landed at PAIR PAGS Cargo in Pasay City at 9:40 p.m., according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). ADVERTISEMENTThe remains of Ranara will be autopsied anew, which will be conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation, DMW Secretary Susan Ople said. Citing an autopsy report conducted in Gulf state, Kuwaiti media said that Ranara was raped and impregnated. According to Ople, the wake of Ranara will start on Sunday, January 29.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
January 28, 2023 03:09 UTC
WATCH: Justice for Jullebee
Caption: Overseas Workers Welfare Administrator Arnell Ignacio on Friday, Jan. 27, 2023, updates The Manila Times on the repatriation of the remains of Jullebee Ranara, the Filipino worker in Kuwait who was murdered by her employer's son, and efforts by the Philippine and Kuwaiti governments to assist her family. As of posting time, Ranara's body would have arrived in the country. Get the latest newsdelivered to your inbox Sign up for The Manila Times’ daily newsletters By signing up with an email address, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy PolicyVIDEO AND INTERVIEW BY EZRAH RAYA
Source:Manila Times
January 28, 2023 01:22 UTC
Garlic may be next to experience supply troubles and price hikes in Philippines
As Filipinos slowly try to recover from months of inexplicably high onion prices, some are now bracing for higher costs of another kitchen staple; garlic. The Department of Agriculture’s (DA) price monitoring also showed that current retail prices of locally grown red and white onions had decreased slightly to P200-P350 compared to the all-time high retail price of P700 per kilogram during the holiday season. However, just as many people began to expect more stir-fry dishes again, they recently noticed yet another round of increasing prices for a different essential vegetable: garlic. In a recent statement, the DA said more garlic consumers continue to prefer purchasing imported garlic sold at around P80 per kilo, than locally grown and harvested bulbs sold at around P300 per kilo. Garlic supply shortageIn some markets in Metro Manila, vendors attributed the increasing cost of locally produced bulbs to low supply.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
January 27, 2023 19:08 UTC
Two sent to hospital over fire at Tsuen Wan tin sheet house
A 15-year-old boy and his 80-year-old grandfather were sent to hospital after a blaze broke out from a tin sheet house in Wang Lung Tsuen, Tsuen Wan in the early hours on Friday. About 150 firefighters from six breathing apparatus teams were deployed and used six jets to fight the blaze. About 80 residents there were evacuated and photos showed that the blaze burned down three tin sheet houses located next to each other, as well as two private cars and a light goods van nearby. The boy and his grandpa surnamed Law were sent to Yan Chai Hospital after they both inhaled smoke billowed from the fire. It was understood that the tin sheet house where the fire first started was used for storage while the other two housed about 16 people.
Source:The Standard
January 27, 2023 11:00 UTC
Canada to send four Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine
OTTAWA — Canada will send four Leopard 2 battle tanks to Ukraine, Canadian Defense Minister Anita Anand said on Thursday, after Germany this week allowed other countries to re-export the German-built tank. “This donation, combined with the contributions of allies and partners, will significantly help the armed forces of Ukraine” in the their defense against the Russian invasion, Anand told reporters in Ottawa. ADVERTISEMENTRELATED STORIES:Subscribe to our daily newsletterSIGN ME UP By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
January 27, 2023 05:20 UTC
Face-to-face Dinagyang exceeded expectations
"Everyone wanted a strong comeback...It was a complete success and this showed that Dinagyang and our Sto. Treñas congratulated the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI), organizer of Dinagyang 2023, the participating tribes and corporate sponsors, among others. The festival's top sponsor was SM City Iloilo; it also served as venue for many Dinagyang activities, including the first-ever Dinagyang Ilomination on Jan.21, Batchoy Festival, festival costumes exhibit, and concert of various performing artists including Asia's Pop Heartthrob Darren Espanto, among others. They were warmly welcomed by Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas and SM Supermalls president Steven Tan. Lifestyle columnist Tessa Prieto, TV Personality Tim Yap and broadcaster Karen Davila at the Dinagyang Exhibit with SM Supermalls president Steven Tan.
Source:Manila Times
January 27, 2023 01:41 UTC
Truck hits six vehicles in Pasig
Truck hits six vehicles in PasigWorkers prepare to tow vehicles that figured in a collision at the intersection of Ortigas and Lanuza Avenues in Pasig City on Wednesday night. MANILA, Philippines — A wayward 10-wheeler truck hit six vehicles in Pasig City on Wednesday night. Quoting a police report, Sacro said the truck was headed to Cainta when the driver, Wilmar Fiedalan, noticed the brakes were not working. He then swerved the vehicle to the right and hit two motorcycles and four sport utility vehicles (SUVs) along Lanuza Avenue. No charges were filed against him as the drivers of the other vehicles opted for an amicable settlement.
Source:Philippine Star
January 26, 2023 23:26 UTC
Weather chaos hits Japan tours
The Travel Industry Council estimated that around 6,000 Hong Kong holidaymakers in about 200 tour groups were in Japan, though no more than 10 tour groups were known by yesterday to have been hit directly by the wild weather. Council executive director Fanny Yeung Shuk-fan said some tour members suffered disruptions such as arriving at hotels late or having to change their plans entirely. People heading to Japan from Hong Kong yesterday were however sticking to their schedules. An unusually cold weather front and extreme low pressure systems had set snow falling and caused strong winds across Japan from Tuesday, Reuters reported. Domestic airlines including ANA and Japan Airlines had by last night cancelled more than 300 flights, and bullet train services were suspended or delayed in northern Japan.
Source:The Standard
January 26, 2023 23:15 UTC
Sixers hold off Simmons, Nets; Lillard drops 60
LOS ANGELES (AFP) — The Philadelphia 76ers won their grudge match against Ben Simmons and the Brooklyn Nets 137-133 on Wednesday, Jan. 25, as Damian Lillard erupted for 60 points in Portland’s victory over Utah. (AFP)After an acrimonious split from Philadelphia last year, Simmons returned to his former home to face a hostile reception from the Sixers crowd. Simmons left Philadelphia last year after locker-room tensions with Embiid, and the lingering bad blood was evident from the outset. Despite his team coming away with the win, Sixers coach Doc Rivers was unhappy with Philadelphia’s “emotional” approach to the game. We have to be better at handling our emotions.”Tyrese Maxey led the Sixers’ scoring with 27 points, while Embiid finished with 26 and Harden 23.
Source:Manila Times
January 26, 2023 20:13 UTC
Eight dead, including six Chinese nationals, after ship sinks near Japan
Photo taken and released on January 25, 2023, by the Japan Coast Guard. (via AFP) Previous NextEight crewmen, including six Chinese nationals, have died after Hong Kong-registered cargo ship “Jintian” sank off southwestern Japan, while rescuers are still searching for the nine missing crewmen, authorities confirmed Thursday. “Eight have been confirmed dead, of whom six are Chinese,” Lu told China Global Television Network (CGTN). “We express our deepest condolences to the unfortunate victims.”There were 14 Chinese crewmen and eight Burmese crewmen onboard. (Staff reporter and AFP)Also read: Two die and nine missing after cargo ship sinks off Japan
Source:The Standard
January 26, 2023 19:51 UTC
Veteran booters upbeat on Filipinas' future as youth team gets revamped
Veteran booters upbeat on Filipinas' future as youth team gets revampedMANILA, Philippines – Philippine women's national football team mainstays Hali Long and Inna Palacios are optimistic for the team’s future even as they near the latter part of their careers with the Filipinas. "I myself didn't go through the youth here in the Philippines, but I did start at a pretty young age myself for the senior team. And for that to slowly happen — and I see it happening right now — I think the youth teams will be in very good hands," said Palacios. "What I think my advantage was going in the youth, and then to the senior national team was I had similar coaches, or coaches who have been through the same program. Stajcic and Arrarte are working from the ground up in the youth teams as they recently held tryouts in the US for young talents.
Source:Philippine Star
January 26, 2023 10:57 UTC