The topic of vote-buying is back in the minds of voters here in the Philippines mainly due to the recent statement made by a certain politician (for reference, click here and here) running for President next year. This prompted the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), which is already busy processing voter registration applications with the October 30 deadline approaching, to remind people that vote-buying is still an election offense and clearly punishable by law.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Vote buying is an election offense regardless of financial situation or noble intentions.
Commission on Elections (Comelec) Spokesperson James Jimenez issued this reminder on Wednesday, Oct. 27.
He also disagreed with the advice of Vice President Leni Robredo for voters to accept the money but vote according to their conscience.
“I disagree with the notion of taking the money and voting according to your conscience,” Jimenez said on Twitter.
He added:”Di dapat ginagawa, at di dapat sina-suggest yan sa mga botante (It shouldn’t be done, and shouldn’t be suggested to our voters),”
Last August, Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon warned those who will try vote buying via the electronic payment system in the May 2022 polls that this can be traced.
“This is a warning to politicians, know that you’re going to be found out,” she said.
Vote-buying is defined as any person, who gives, offers, or promises money or anything of value, directly or indirectly, in order to induce anyone or the public in general to vote for or against any candidate.
The above report ended stating that as an election offense, vote-buying means getting yourselves penalized with 1 to 6 years imprisonment, the removal of your right to vote, and disqualification to hold public office.
For added insight about vote -buying here in the Philippines, posted below are some of GMA Network’s news videos from the past related to the said issue…
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this newest development? Does Leni Robredo inspire you to engage in vote-buying? Are you willing to follow Robredo’s advice knowing that vote-buying is clearly illegal? If you are a registered voter, are willing to sell out to the highest bidder when it comes to the May 2022 national and local elections?
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
Recently it was reported by the Manila Bulletin that City of Las Piñas achieved herd immunity based on statements made by Mayor Imelda Aguilar. This past Monday, the City Government’s official Facebook page published the latest vaccination statistics showing that the citywide inoculation count for COVID-19 has exceeded more than eight hundred sixty thousand as of October 23, 2021.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the very short Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Mayor Imelda Aguilar announced that barely 61 days before Christmas, her wish to achieve herd immunity for the city was granted with 99.9 percent Las Pineros given their first dose of COVID-19 vaccines and 90.6 percent who are fully vaccinated.
Aguilar said the two key factors in achieving herd immunity were the discipline shown by residents and their eagerness to get the jab against the disease.
She also thanked city residents for not being choosy with the brand of vaccines administered to them.
The mayor said the city achieved 99.9 percent for those given the first dose and 90.6 percent for those given the second dose from the total 447,086 target population.
“Hindi naman po tayo titigil na magbakuna kahit na naabot na natin ang halos 100 porsiyento na nabakunahan. Itutuloy-tuloy pa rin natin ito upang makabalik na tayo sa ating normal na pamumuhay,”(We are not going to stop with our vaccination even if we have almost achieved 100 percent. We are going to continue with the vaccination so we can all go back to our normal lives) Aguilar said.
She said the CIty Health Office (CHO) recorded that senior citizens under the A2 category represent the highest number of vaccinated individuals with 95 percent followed by the economic frontliners under the A4 category with 93.4 percent.
The above report ended stating that Mayor Aguilar appealed to the city residents to continue their local vaccination program locally referred to as “Ligtas na Las Pineros, Lahat Bakunado”. It should be noted that previously the Mayor mentioned that herd immunity was within reach. To be clear this is based on target population statistics.
As for the official city vaccination statistics, posted below is the image that was published by the City Government’s official Facebook page. Take note that the numbers below are slightly different from what Manila Bulletin’s report.
Any Las Piñas resident who has yet to get registered for the free COVID-19 vaccines can learn the ways (4 methods) by clicking here. Anyone who is ready and willing to register online can click bit.ly/LasPiñasVaccination
Meanwhile, the City Government is already handling the online registration process for COVID-19 vaccination for local minors (aged 12 to 17) which can be done at http://laspinascityonline.laspinascity.gov.ph/eCVRS/
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you satisfied with the reported herd immunity achieved that was based on the target population count? Have you fully been vaccinated?
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Yet another drugs-related apprehension happened in Parañaque City this month (read previous October 2021 articles by clicking here, here and here) as the Manila Bulletin reported recently the arrest of eight individuals for the possession of illegal drugs. The apprehension happened in Barangay San Dionisio a few days ago.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin’s news report. Some parts in boldface…
Eight suspected drug dealers were arrested by members of the Paranaque City police Drug Enforcement Unit in possession of illegal drugs on Wednesday (Oct. 20).
Paranaque City police chief Col. Maximo Frial Sebastian, Jr. identified the arrested suspects as Clifford Valencia, 42, of 81 Pilar Banzon, BF Homes, Paranque City; Carlos Valencia, 27, of 7723 Salinas St., Brgy. San Dionisio, Paranaque City; Katrina Ilisan, 40, of 10446 Fountain Breeze Condominium, Brgy. San Isidro, Paranaque City; Cyril Siramen, 26, of Fourth Estate, Paranaque City; Adriel Suzuki, 27, of Cityland Condominium, Dela Rosa St., Makati City; Allen Aragon, 36, of 8 Kyoto St., BF Homes, Paranaque City; Rolando Rosarito, 53, of Mosqueda Compound, Admiral Talon Tres, Las Pinas City; and Marco Agustin, 47, of 30 Garnet Road, Pilar Village, Las Pinas City.
Sebastian said the suspects were arrested at about 12:15 a.m. along Kay Talise St., Barangay San Dionisio, Paranaque City.
He said prior to the arrest of the suspects, members of the DEU received information on the illegal drugs activities of the suspects and a buy-bust operation was immediately conducted.
Police recovered from the suspects six plastic sachets containing shabu amounting to P34,000; 40 grams of dried marijuana kush amounting to P72,200, 24 pieces of ecstasy worth P48,00, and other drug paraphernalia.
The recovered pieces of evidence were brought to the Southern Police District Crime Laboratory for chemical analysis.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Do you believe that Parañaque City should be considered a hot spot for crimes related to the illegal drug trade?
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
It has been days since Alert Level 3 was officially implemented all over Metro Manila which allowed for the reopening of several businesses and allowing them to accommodate more customers as the limitations on capacity were modified. Among the businesses authorized by the to reopen were the cinemas or movie theaters although the actual reopening has yet to happen. In fact, I passed by the cinemas at a local mall I visited this past Sunday and I saw they were still closed. Take note that there were attempts to push for reopening Metro Manila cinemas (click here, here and here).
As the reopening is still pending, there is this Manila Bulletin article about local cinemas will strictly implement health protocols. To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt plus a few relevant videos about safety and reopening. Some parts in boldface…
Cinemas and movie houses in the Philippines will strictly implement health protocols when these establishments reopen soon.
The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) put Metro Manila under Alert Level 3 and allowed the reopening of cinemas with restrictions. Only fully vaccinated people will be admitted and seating capacity will be limited to 30 percent.
The actual date of reopening of cinemas is still subject to confirmation and the public is advised to wait for further announcement, according to the Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines (CEAP).
Cinemas in Metro Manila have been closed for 19 months due to the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
“That is the main goal right now,” said CEAP Charmaine Bauzon. “We have devoted the past 19 months of cinema closure identifying solutions and precautions based on science. We will implement these measures to confidently welcome back movie fans to cinemas and send them home safe.”
Cinemas are safe spaces
Bauzon assured “the public that cinema is a safe place. In fact, LGUs [local government units] have converted some theaters into vaccination centers, and no super-spreading were ever reported, even though people waited inside for hours.”
CEAP cited a recent study in Germany which concluded that cinemas are safer than almost any other indoor environment as long as safety guidelines are followed like wearing face masks, physical distancing and proper air ventilation.
The German study considered the following factors in its conclusion: People spend an average of only two hours at a cinema; people inside the cinema simply sit down and face the same direction which is known to reduce transmission risks; and people are not talking to each other during a movie, which minimizes possibility of infection.
Cinemas to strictly impose all safety protocols
According to CEAP, besides adhering to the IATF-mandated health standards, it also developed the “Sa Sine Safe Ka” protocols patterned after the “CinemaSafe” measures set by America’s National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) and endorsed by epidemiologists.
I personally support the reopening of cinemas not just because I love watching movies in them but also because cinemas and their employees can contribute a lot to the economic recovery from this COVID-19 crisis we are all living with. When it comes to viewing movies in the comfort of home, I prefer Blu-ray over streaming anytime. Still the very best way to enjoy movies in their full glory is still inside the cinema! I can never forget the day I first saw Wonder Woman (2017) in the IMAX cinema at SM Southmall which was really an immersive experience. I even replayed that same movie in another cinema which had lazy boy seats. I also saw Logan, Godzilla: King of the Monsters, Avengers: Endgame, Aquaman and X-Men: Dark Phoenix on IMAX screens in different cinemas. When it comes to regular cinemas, I viewed Write About Love, Shazam!, and Joker to name some. Eventually I got to watch these movies in the comfort of home mainly on Blu-ray (which is always better than streaming) but I can confirm to you all that in my experience, the best place to view movies is still the cinema!
This iconic scene was at its grandest only in the cinema and I was fortunate to watch it on IMAX format!
The immersion of Aquaman on the big screen inside the IMAX cinema was indeed top-notch.
The good news here, as revealed in the excerpt above, is that local cinemas will exert efforts to make their venues clean and safe as their inevitable customers will be those who have been fully vaccinated. Cinema viewing will be far from normal but the latest developments related to Alert Level 3 are very welcome as it is the first step to returning to normalcy as the nation deals with community management and vaccinations for COVID-19. Above all, I urge all of you fully vaccinated people of Metro Manila and around the nation reading this – support the local cinemas! Put a stop to streaming and take the opportunities to watch movies in the movie theater because that streaming will NEVER match the grandeur and immersion of the cinema! The cinema is always better than streaming!
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Are you eager to watch a movie inside the cinema here in Metro Manila as soon as it reopens? Have you been fully vaccinated already? What upcoming movies do you hope to watch in the local movie theater? Have you been following the CEAP on social media lately? Do you think that the top officials of the Metro Manila Council (MMC) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) really care about the plight of the cinema operators and their employees?
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently, the Manila Bulletin reported that the City Government of Las Piñas provided assistance to families who were grieving over the loss of children during a recent tragedy that happened in a certain excavation site in Barangay Pulang Lupa Uno. The said children drowned at the said excavation site.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the very short Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Las Piñas City government extended assistance to the families of the three minors who drowned at a government project excavation site at the height of typhoon “Maring” in Barangay Pulang Lupa Uno on Oct. 11.
Mayor Imelda Aguilar ordered the distribution of three food packs to each family of the victims identified as Renz Lian Aquino, 7; Arkeen Haristo, 9; and Alwyne Tandoc, 12, all residents of Bernabe Compound in the city.
The food packs contain five kilos of rice, noodles, canned goods, hygiene kits; and health kits containing vitamins, alcohol and face masks.
Aside from the food packs, Aguilar also gave each of the victim’s family P20,000 as financial assistance.
The local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) submitted a report to Aguilar and advised the LRT Project Management to secure the area and apply safety precautions at their construction site.
At the height of typhoon “Maring”, the three victims along with some friends played and swam in the floodwaters at the LRT excavation area in Kawayanan Bernabe Compound, Pulang Lupa Uno near Coastal Road.
The above report ended stating that two of the minors screamed for help as they were drowning. The other minor exerted effort to save them but he also drowned.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development?
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
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Since Metro Manila officially shifted into Alert Level 3 this past Saturday, there was indeed an increase of the number of people who visited the restaurants, the shopping malls and other places in the City of Muntinlupa which is the result of the easing of restrictions. What the Manila Bulletin reported, I myself confirm it is true. That being said, the local food and beverage businesses now have a better chance to recover as there are more people of Muntinlupa who got fully vaccinated and the relaxed rules on their operations provided a lot more freedom.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…
There was an increase in the number of people in restaurants, malls and parks in Muntinlupa on Oct. 16, the first day of the implementation of Alert Level 3 in the National Capital Region (NCR).
The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) downgraded the alert level in NCR from 4 to 3, which took effect on Oct. 16 and will last on Oct. 31.
Under Alert Level 3, more business establishments and activities are allowed to operate including cinemas.
According to Muntinlupa police chief, Col. Melecio Buslig, because of the downgraded alert level in Muntinlupa, there was an “abrupt increase” in individuals eating in dine-in restaurants and going to malls, parks, and other places of convergence.
He also said there was an increase in public and private vehicles on major thoroughfares, and an increase in the number of commuters in transport terminals.
Heavy traffic was observed from Muntinlupa to Binan, Laguna from Saturday afternoon to evening as more vehicles were on the road.
Shopping malls in Muntinlupa adjusted their operating hours due to the new alert level. SM Center Muntinlupa now operates from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Starmall Alabang announced that until Oct. 31, its mall hours are from 9 a.m. to 8 a.m. from Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every Friday, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Saturday to Sunday.
“Customers aged 18 to 65 years old only are allowed in the mall. Supermarket, drug stores, convenience stores, banks, courier services, money changer & remittance services, ATM centers, hardware & home essentials are open. Restaurants & food establishments are open for al fresco dining at 50% capacity and indoor dining at 30% capacity for fully vaccinated customers only. They are also open for pick-up, takeout and delivery,” it said.
The mall added that “pet shops, book stores, IT shops, toy stores, fashion and retail shops are open. Beauty salons, barber shops, and nail spas are open at 50% capacity if conducted outdoor and at 30% indoor capacity for fully vaccinated customers only. Recreational venues such as arcades, bowling alleys, cinemas, and similar venues are open at 30% capacity for fully vaccinated customers only.”
In relation to the above news report, I can confirm that during my visit at Molito here in Alabang on Saturday I saw more people eating outdoors at a few restaurants I passed by and there was a long line of customers at a certain Japanese restaurant nearby. During my visit at Festival Mall on Sunday (2nd day of Alert Level 3) in the late morning, I noticed the crowd of people was light (note: the mall opened at 11AM) but I noticed more customers flocking to the restaurants and coffee shops than before. For the newcomers reading this, to dine in or seat in a food/beverage joint, you must be fully vaccinated with evidence shown and you must use the StaySafe.ph app for online contact tracing. With a lot more people vaccinated fully (2 doses of vaccines of different brands or with the single dose of the Janssen vaccine) already, there is a huge market of customers for the food/beverage joints to cater to indoors. Alert Level 3 also paves the way for people to worship the Lord at church venues both indoors and outdoors.
Alert Level 3 is still far away from achieving pre-pandemic conditions but it sure is much better not only for businesses but also for the people who have gotten tired of the restrictions of Alert Level 4, the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) and the dreaded enhanced community quarantine (ECQ). Alert Level 3 is a positive development and we should thank our Lord and glorify Him for the breakthrough as it is a crucial step towards normalcy and socio-economic recovery!
Residents of Muntinlupa City who remain unregistered and unvaccinated should make a move to get registered by learning the ways to do it. Those who are prepared (with personal information available) and willing to go through online registration for the free vaccines in Muntinlupa are encouraged to click https://vaccine.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac/
Muntinlupa minors may register online through the city’s COVID-19 vaccination registration system at www.vaccine.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac and choose category “C – Rest of Population.”
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what do you think about this latest local development?
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
The Manila Bulletin recently published a news report about the arrest of a suspect that happened within Barangay BF Homes in Parañaque City. The catch here is that the suspect was initially apprehended for violating face mask rules only to be discovered to possess illegal drugs worth hundreds of thousands of Pesos. This is the third consecutive drug-related crime report set within Parañaque City (note: click here and here) published this month.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
A cellphone technician initially apprehended for not wearing a face mask was found in possession of P340,000 worth of shabu in Paranaque City on Thursday night.
Col. Maximo Sebastian, the city police chief, said the suspect identified as Angelo Bartolay, 32, was apprehended at about 6:20 p.m. at Ipil Site, Delarama Compound, BF Homes, Paranaque City.
Sebastian said patrol cops were conducting “Oplan Galugad” and implementing the health and safety protocols when they spotted the suspect aimlessly roaming around without a face mask.
He said the cops called the attention of the suspect, but the latter tried to escape.
The police cornered him but he became unruly when he was being issued with a citation ticket. He was brought to the Paranaque City Police Station.
The above report ended stating that the police recovered fifty grams of shabu.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Barangay BF Homes, what do you think about this recent development?
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in Parañaque City, another buy-bust operation organized by law enforcers resulted the arrest of two persons and the confiscation of illegal substances worth over a million pesos according to a news report published by the Manila Bulletin. The arrest happened on the evening of October 13 within the jurisdiction of Barangay San Antonio.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin’s news report. Some parts in boldface…
An online seller and her cohort were arrested after they yielded some P1.3 million worth of shabu during a police buy-bust operation in Paranaque City, Wednesday night.
Southern Police District (SPD) director Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg identified the suspects as Hanan Tampipi, 19, an online seller and resident of San Pedro, Laguna; and Norayna Nanding, 19, of Paranaque City.
Operatives from the SPD-District Drug Enforcement Unit (DDEU), Muntinlupa and Paranaque Police Stations launched an entrapment operation against the two suspects at about 6 p.m. in Barangay San Antonio.
Macaraeg said the two women were cuffed after they sold about 200 grams of shabu in six transparent sachets to a poseur-buyer.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Barangay San Antonio in Parañaque City, did you notice any unusual activities in your local community that might have something to do with the illegal drug trade?
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Finally, business and residents of Metro Manila will be dealing with lesser restrictions as the national authorities declared that the metropolis will be under Alert Level 3 (previously Alert Level 4 from mid-September to mid-October) from October 16 to October 31, 2021 as reported by Philippine News Agency (PNA). Lesser restrictions should mean more reopening of the economy, more people can attend indoor worship services at churches (note: being vaccinated may be required) and more.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA report. Some parts in boldface…
The alert level status in Metro Manila will be downgraded to Alert Level 3 from the current Alert Level 4 beginning Oct. 16, Malacañang announced Wednesday.
This, after the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) decided to ease restrictions in Metro Manila, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a press statement.
“The Inter-Agency Task Force on Wednesday, October 13, 2021, approved the recommendation to place the National Capital Region under Alert Level 3 beginning October 16, 2021 until October 31, 2021,” said Roque, also acting as IATF-EID spokesperson.
He said the IATF-EID also approved and adopted the revisions to the Guidelines on the Implementation of Alert Levels System for Covid-19 Response in the Pilot Areas.
A copy of the new guidelines has yet to be made public.
Metro Manila’s shift to Alert Level 3 came amid the drop in coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections in the country’s metropolis.
The relaxation of alert level in Metro Manila will pave the way for the reopening of more businesses.
Now watch this related news video from GMA Network…
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the PNA report. Some parts in boldface…
Staycation is now allowed in accredited Metro Manila hotels as the region eases to Alert Level 3 from October 16 until the end of the month, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said Thursday.
“Individuals of all ages may check-in for staycation. However, to ensure safety of all guests, only those 18 years old and above who are fully vaccinated shall be allowed to book their stay,” the DOT said.
Under the amended guidelines, only DOT-accredited staycation hotels with government-issued safety seal certification will be allowed to accommodate staycation guests.
Cinemas in Metro Manila cleared to resume operations
Speaking of the reopening of businesses, cinemas in Metro Manila have been cleared to resume their operations but with a set of limitations. Still, this is indeed a breakthrough because Metro Manila cinemas have been closed (note: use of cinemas as temporary vaccination sites do not count as operations) for a very long time and the nation’s cinema industry had an estimated 300,000 employees. Take note that months ago, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) announced that it has allowed a variety of businesses around the Philippines to resume operations to recover from the COVID-19 crisis and cinemas were among those businesses. However the mayors of Metro Manila opposed the decision.
To put things in perspective regarding the newest development, posted below is an excerpt from the Philippine Daily Inquirer report. Some parts in boldface…
Cinemas and movie houses may already operate when Metro Manila eases to Alert Level 3 starting Saturday, October 16.
Under the updated guidelines on the pilot implementation of the government’s new COVID-19 alert level system, cinemas and movie houses are allowed to operate under Alert Level 3 at a maximum of 30% indoor capacity for fully vaccinated individuals and 50% outdoor venue capacity.
All cinemas and movie house workers and employees should also be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as minimum public health standards should be strictly followed.
Personally, I am glad that cinemas have been cleared to reopen within Metro Manila as the metropolis itself is the single largest region where movie theaters are located at and it should add to the economic recovery our nation badly needs. The cinema operators and their employees have suffered way too long! That being said, I urge you to observe how the Metro Manila mayors and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will react to the clearance for the reopening of cinemas. Will the Metro Manila Council (MMC) and MMDA oppose the IATF and keep the cinemas shut down again knowing that many of their constituents have been vaccinated over the past several months? We will find out soon enough.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this latest development? If you are a business owner who badly needs customers to avail of services indoors, are the approved standards for Alert Level 3 good enough? If you want to worship the Lord on Sunday during worship services indoors at your local church, were the mentioned changes good enough? What do you plan to do once your local cinema reopens?
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Are you a business owner who has been struggling to make ends meet during the pandemic here in the Philippines? On the national level, more support for businesses by means of easing the restrictions has been pushed for by Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Jose Ma. “Joey” Concepcion III according to a recent news report by GMA Network.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the GMA Network news report. Some parts in boldface…
Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Jose Ma. “Joey” Concepcion III on Tuesday called for the need to open up more of the economy in the final quarter of the year, for businesses to recover and be able to pay their dues.
According to Concepcion, the fourth quarter is crucial for businesses given the historically higher consumer spending amid the Christmas holidays.
“We have to open the economy because this is the last quarter. This is time when most negosyantes can get back what they lost in the previous months. Babayaran nila mga 13th month pay, may utang nila sa bangko, sa suppliers [They will have to pay the 13th month pay, their loans in the banks, with suppliers],” he said during the Laging Handa virtual briefing.
Under the proposed measure, vaccinations will be mandated for a range of indoor gatherings in a bit to boost the country’s immunization efforts and only allow privileges to those fully vaccinated.
At present conditions with only 30% indoor dining allowed for fully vaccinated individuals in Metro Manila, Concepcion said businesses do not gain much, noting that this should be increased to at least 50% to carry businesses over to 2022, or even 70% by November or December.
“Ito ang panahon that we should start to live with COVID. Kung pabagsak ang [If there is a downtrend on the] trajectory ng infection level, then we should open up more and more and then keep an eye, watch out if it reverses then we pull back and we can push back,” said Concepcion.
“For now, it’s only one quarter left ’til the end of the year. Bigay na natin ‘to sa mga negosyaante para mabuhay sila ’til next year. [Let’s give this to the businesses for the thrive until next year],” he added.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about Joey Concepcion’s statements on supporting businesses a lot? Do you feel confident about the further reopening of the national economy? Do you think that the Metro Manila Council (MMC) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will understand Concepcion’s pro-business push and make wise decisions this time around?
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