Dorm ready to welcome foreign workers
The former isolation facility in Tam Mei, Yuen Long, is transformed into a dormitory for workers. Previous NextA dormitory for 7,000 imported construction workers in Yuen Long is ready to open this month, Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho said. The former isolation facility in Tam Mei, Yuen Long will start operating this month as a foreign workers' dormitory. The government approved 4,680 construction workers under 20 contracts, making up 39 percent of the Development Bureau's quota for the sector. Authorities announced in June the import of 12,000 mainland and foreign construction workers.
Source:The Standard
October 16, 2023 07:11 UTC
US man kills Muslim boy in hate crime motivated by Israeli-Hamas war
CHICAGO — A 71-year-old Illinois man accused of fatally stabbing a 6-year-old boy and seriously wounding a 32-year-old woman was charged with a hate crime Sunday. FBI officials, along with Jewish and Muslim groups, have reported an increase of hateful and threatening rhetoric. Joseph M. Czuba of Plainfield was charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, two counts of hate crimes and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, according to the sheriff’s office. The sheriff’s office and county public defender’s office did not immediately return messages about Czuba’s legal representation. The Muslim civil liberties organization called the crime “our worst nightmare,” and part of a disturbing spike in hate calls and emails since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
October 16, 2023 01:50 UTC
DILG plays down transport strike
MANILA, Philippines — Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. played down on Sunday the planned nationwide transport strike set on Monday by transport group Manibela after he received assurances from the country’s largest transport groups that they would not participate in the move. Abalos met with the “Magnificent 7” and “Mighty One” on Sunday to discuss the transport strike and other concerns, which include local enforcers supposedly taking bribes from colorum vehicles in order to operate. Meanwhile, Quezon City has decided against the suspension of classes, according to the recommendations made by the Quezon City government, the Department of Education Quezon City Schools Division Office, and the Quezon City Police District (QCPD). “Based on intelligence reports I have received through our QCPD DD (district director) Gen. Red Maranan, the impact of the planned transport strike will be minimal and class suspension has not been recommended as of this writing. Makati City has ordered public schools to continue in-person classes as the United Transport Federation of Makati is not part of the jeepney strike.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
October 15, 2023 22:14 UTC
Government allows partial OFW deployment to Pakistan
Government allows partial OFW deployment to PakistanMANILA, Philippines — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is now allowing partial deployment of Filipino household service workers (HSWs) to Pakistan. In an advisory, the DMW announced the lifting of the suspension on the deployment of returning or Balik Manggagawa HSWs bound for Pakistan. DMW opted for the resumption of deployment of returning HSWs upon the recommendation of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). According to DMW, the bilateral agreement will ensure the protection of domestic workers to be deployed in Pakistan. The Philippines suspended the deployment of HSWs to Pakistan in 2018 upon the recommendation of the Philippine embassy in Islamabad.
Source:Philippine Star
October 15, 2023 21:39 UTC
Govt to evacuate Filipinos in Gaza
A fireball erupts during Israeli bombardment in the northern Gaza Strip on October 14, 2023. AFP PHOTOThere are 137 Filipinos in Gaza that have to be pulled out before Israeli forces launch an invasion. On Friday, the Israeli military instructed about a million residents in northern Gaza to evacuate within 24 hours, an indication that an assault is imminent. "All the rest have left northern Gaza or Gaza City, which is expected to be the main site for hostilities," Daza said. We should first ensure the safety of our fellowmen in Israel," Marcos said in Filipino.
Source:Manila Times
October 15, 2023 21:09 UTC
Schools suspend classes due to transport strike
(UPDATE) SEVERAL schools and universities in and outside Metro Manila suspended classes in anticipation of the nationwide transport strike on Monday, Oct. 16, 2023, Malacañang said Sunday. ABALOS MEETS TRANSPORT LEADERS Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos meets with representatives of transport groups on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, in Quezon City. Abalos said that a vast majority or 95 percent of transport groups will continue to operate and will not participate. Abalos said they discussed other matters besides the transport strike, including concerns on "kotong." "We will create a technical working group to address the issues being raised by our transport group leaders," he said.
Source:Manila Times
October 15, 2023 19:47 UTC
Groups push through with transport strike today
Groups push through with transport strike todayCommuters wait for alternative modes of transportation along Aurora Boulevard in Cubao, Quezon City as public utility jeepneys (PUJs) are rarely seen due to the three-day transport strike on July 24, 2023. Valbuena said at least 500 routes out of the total 785 routes in Metro Manila will join the transport strike. While the transport strike will be concentrated in Metro Manila, provincial transport groups will hold their protest in front of the regional offices of the LTFRB, according to Valbuena. Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos gave assurance that there will be no transport paralysis today as 95 percent of transport groups will continue to operate. She also reminded protesters joining the transport strike not to harass people who have decided to use public roads and transport services.
Source:Philippine Star
October 15, 2023 17:29 UTC
Seven men and one woman arrested for Shek Kip Mei Market brawl
Eight people were arrested after a huge brawl broke out in Shek Kip Mei early Sunday, with police officers arriving at the scene with shields. Police received multiple reports around midnight that two groups of people were seen fighting on the first floor of a market in Shek Kip Mei. According to sources, those involved in the fight were construction workers who did not know each other. They engaged in a verbal argument that escalated to an all-out physical conflict, with some under the influence of alcohol. Two injured, suffering from scrapes and bleeding wounds, were taken to the hospital for medical attention.
Source:The Standard
October 15, 2023 16:45 UTC
Govt orders mandatory evacuation of Filipinos in Gaza
THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) raised Alert Level 4 in Gaza, which means the mandatory repatriation of Filipinos there because of the worsening security situation. "The Department of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform the public that, due to the current situation in Gaza, we have placed Gaza under Alert Level 4 (mandatory repatriation)," DFA spokesman Ma. AFP PHOTO A fireball erupts during Israeli bombardment in the northern Gaza Strip on October 14, 2023. AFP PHOTO"All the rest have left northern Gaza or Gaza City, which is expected to be the main site for hostilities," Daza said in a statement. Gaza remains under a strict blockade.
Source:Manila Times
October 15, 2023 13:58 UTC
United Christian Hospital looks for missing patient
A 43-year-old male patient has gone missing after leaving United Christian Hospital on Saturday (Oct 14). The man left the hospital without notification after consultation and is pending further assessment. Security guards were deployed to search for the patient within the hospital and the surrounding areas but did not manage to find him. After checking CCTV footage, it was confirmed that the man left the hospital at about 5.30 pm. He wore a green and white short-sleeved top, black shorts, and white shoes when he left the hospital.
Source:The Standard
October 15, 2023 05:39 UTC
LIST: Class suspensions due to October 16 transport strike
MANILA, Philippines — Several local government units (LGUs) and universities have announced suspensions of face-to-face classes and a shift to distance learning due to the impending transport strike on Monday, October 16. Transport group Manibela said on October 9 that it will be holding a nationwide strike to protest the alleged corruption within the transportation sector and call for the deferment and review of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program. ADVERTISEMENTREAD: Transport strike starting October 16 to push through, says groupManibela Chairman Mar Valbuena said about 240,000 traditional jeepneys are expected to join the strike. Here is the list of local governments and schools that announced a suspension of in-person classes and a temporary shift to distance learning:ADVERTISEMENTLGUsSta. Subscribe to our daily newsletter SIGN ME UPUniversity of Santo Tomas (October 16): shift to Enriched Virtual Mode of Instruction, with synchronous and asynchronous sessions, and remote work arrangementskga
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
October 15, 2023 03:11 UTC
Bamboo to join Rocktober Fest in Las Casas, QC
GET ready to rock the night away with the undisputed Prince of Philippine Rock, Bamboo, as he takes center stage at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar Quezon City for an electrifying performance on Oct. 20, 2023. The vocal rock maestro is all set to bring the house down with a musical spectacle, celebrating the essence of Philippine rock music. CONTRIBUTED POSTERLas Casas Filipinas de Acuzar Quezon City is an events space known for its timeless architectural beauty and historical significance. Get the latest newsdelivered to your inbox Sign up for The Manila Times newsletters By signing up with an email address, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy PolicyFor ticket inquiries and reservations, email [email protected]. You may also buy tickets online at http://bit.ly/ticketing-reservation or at any Marivent Hotels and Resorts Inc. Quezon City sales offices.
Source:Manila Times
October 14, 2023 19:34 UTC
Airports bracing for Undas surge
Airports bracing for Undas surge“OPLAN Biyaheng Ayos: Barangay and SK Elections and Undas 2023” has been activated by the two authorities who expect about 1.2 million passengers to pass through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) over the ten-day period starting Oct. 27. “OPLAN Biyaheng Ayos: Barangay and SK Elections and Undas 2023” has been activated by the two authorities who expect about 1.2 million passengers to pass through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) over the ten-day period starting Oct. 27. Co stated that daily passenger traffic during this period could exceed 130,000, surpassing last year’s average of 94,000 passengers daily and totaling 945,156 for the entire 2022 Undas season. In 2019, there was an average of 129,000 passengers daily, reaching a season total of 1,427,805. CAAP is also preparing their 42 airports nationwide ensuring the safety of traveling public, CAAP spokesman Eric Apolonio said.
Source:Philippine Star
October 14, 2023 16:33 UTC
Disasters cause $3.8T in crop losses
PARIS: Natural and man-made disasters have caused $3.8 trillion in crop and livestock losses over 30 years, the United Nations' Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) said on Friday. Average annual grain losses hit 69 million tons, the equivalent of France's annual production. Some 40 million tons of fruit and vegetable production was lost and 16 million tons of meat, dairy and eggs. Asia is the worst-hit region, sustaining 45 percent of total agricultural losses due to disasters, and losing the equivalent of 4 percent of its agricultural output. Moreover, it was extremely cost-effective, with each dollar invested in prevention measures resulted in $15 of avoided crop losses.
Source:Manila Times
October 14, 2023 16:19 UTC
JIL celebrates 45th anniversary
JIL celebrates 45th anniversaryMANILA, Philippines — Reviving one’s passion for God is what every faithful needs to make him more compassionate as well as deepen his love for the country, Jesus Is Lord (JIL) founder Bro. Eddie Villanueva said last night during the celebration of the movement’s 45th anniversary. “We should be more intense in loving and serving God, even if it means more hardships,” he said. Also in attendance were Bocaue Mayor Jonjon Villanueva, Bocaue Vice Mayor Sherwin Tugna and JIL vice president Rev. With 15 students as his core group, Villanueva started the JIL in 1978.
Source:Philippine Star
October 14, 2023 16:03 UTC