US Embassy gather 38 exec judges in anti-cybercrime workshop
MANILA, Philippines – Thirty-eight executive judges across the country were trained against cybercrimes in a workshop organized by the United States Embassy in Manila. Executive judges from Metro Manila and Regions 1 to 12 participated in the workshop and were briefed on cybercrime and how the Philippines’ Rules on Cybercrime Warrants (RCW) can be effectively executed, the embassy said in a statement on Tuesday. ADVERTISEMENTThe participating judges, who are overseeing the special commercial courts designated as cybercrime courts, evaluated and ruled on the RCW’s applicability in hypothetical cases as a culminating exercise during the training program. Because of this, she stressed the need for judges to be ready for a rise in the number of cybercrimes in the country. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy PolicyRead Next
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
February 15, 2022 17:12 UTC
Pacquiao, Lacson, Robredo, Moreno to skip Quiboloy’s SMNI debate
Presidential candidate Senator Manny Pacquiao on Monday said he cannot “in good conscience” attend the debate considering that Quiboloy is wanted for sex trafficking charges in the US. Aside from sex trafficking charges, Pacquialo also noted that he still has pending cyberlibel case against Quiboloy. He will be in Samar provinces today & tomorrow and has a full schedule ahead,” Ramel said in a text message to INQUIRER.net when asked if Moreno would attend the SMNI debate. The SMNI debate is set on Feb. 15. “Yes, we have declined the invitation of CNN Philippines and yes, presidential candidate Bongbong Marcos will attend the SMNI live debate tomorrow,” Marcos Jr.’s spokesman Atty.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
February 15, 2022 03:49 UTC
Latest global developments on COVID-19 crisis
ADVERTISEMENTCanadian police evacuate key border bridgeCanadian police begin clearing a key bridge of truckers protesting Covid-19 restrictions, even as authorities in Ottawa brace for renewed demonstrations expected to bring thousands to the federal capital. Anti-restrictions convoy in The HaguePolice disperse a convoy of vehicles from that briefly brought The Hague’s city center to a standstill, protesting coronavirus restrictions. Australian protesters rally against vaccinesThousands of protesters march through Australia’s capital, Canberra, to the parliament building to denounce Covid-19 vaccine mandates. Vietnam to lift coronavirus restrictions on flightsVietnam will lift coronavirus restrictions on international flights for fully vaccinated passengers from Tuesday, the country’s aviation authority said in a statement. Taking into account excess mortality linked to Covid-19, the WHO estimates the true death toll could be two to three times higher.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
February 14, 2022 22:31 UTC
Landbank brushes off DICT in probe of OTP system
Landbank brushes off DICT in probe of OTP systemThe DICT’s Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-PH) coordinated with Landbank last Jan. 27 to assist in investigating alleged unauthorized withdrawals or debit transactions. The DICT’s Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-PH) coordinated with Landbank last Jan. 27 to assist in investigating alleged unauthorized withdrawals or debit transactions. CERT-PH intended to look into a faulty OTP system that could have allowed the recent phishing of public school teachers’ accounts and unauthorized fund transfers. The DICT said Landbank maintained that it gave its report to the BSP since the latter is the “sectoral CERT lead” of the banking sector. “In light of this issue, the proposed SIM Card Registration Act can help prevent alleged hacking, fraudulences and scams in the future.
Source:Philippine Star
February 14, 2022 03:57 UTC
Quarantine-free entry in India for vaccinated passengers from Feb. 14
India will allow “quarantine-free” entry to fully-vaccinated passengers from 82 countries, including Bangladesh and Nepal, in a major move to ease curbs on inbound international travelers in the face of a declining number of Covid-19 cases powered by the Omicron variant. Under the new guidelines, which take effect from February 14, there is no need for mandatory testing on arrival for travelers from “at-risk” countries, the Indian Health Ministry tweeted. ADVERTISEMENTThe samples from two percent of the air travelers will be collected after de-boarding and these passengers can leave the airport without waiting for the results of RT-PCR tests, it said. The passengers will no longer be required to do a seven-day mandatory quarantine, rather will have to monitor their health for 14 days. ADVERTISEMENTThe passengers will no longer be required to get tested on the eighth day after their arrival and upload their test results to the government portal.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
February 14, 2022 03:54 UTC
Stocks slide on inflation, Ukraine concerns
Stocks slide on inflation, Ukraine concernsGlobal stocks nosedived last week after a hotter-than-expected US inflation was reported. Fears of a Russian attack on Ukraine further dampened risk sentiment after President Joe Biden urged US citizens to leave Ukraine immediately after NATO warned of Russian live-fire drills in Belarus. Worst start since 2008Soaring inflation and a more hawkish Fed have dragged down stock indices in the US and developed markets this year. Bright spots in EMWhile developed markets have been struggling this year, some emerging market regions have diverged and rebounded. Resilient PSE IndexThe PSE index (+2.1 percent YTD) has been relatively resilient this year and has diverged from the weakness in the US and developed markets.
Source:Philippine Star
February 14, 2022 02:58 UTC
Step up vaccination of vulnerable groups, Go urges govt
Contributed PhotoSEN. Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go reiterated his appeal to intensify the Covid-19 vaccination on vulnerable groups, particularly unvaccinated senior citizens. He said that although vaccination is not mandatory, concerned officials should still encourage the unvaccinated to have their shots. He urged LGUs to consider intensifying house-to-house operations to jab priority groups, particularly senior citizens who have difficulty going outside their homes. As of February 11, the Philippines has received 222,449,820 Covid-19 vaccines. Around 61.4 million individuals have been fully vaccinated while 61.07 million have received their first dose.
Source:Manila Times
February 13, 2022 22:18 UTC
Legarda lauds bicam approval of health workers’ benefits amid COVID-19 crisis
MANILA, Philippines — Senatorial candidate Loren Legarda hailed the bicameral approval of the bills aimed to grant benefits to health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Legarda said the House approval of the reconciled version of Senate Bill 2421 and House Bill 10701 will be beneficial to public and private health care workers even in future emergencies. ADVERTISEMENT“Our healthcare professionals, health workers, and frontline personnel are our warriors. They care for COVID-19 patients and are at highest risk of being exposed to the virus,” Legarda said in a statement. She also filed House Bill No.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
February 13, 2022 15:43 UTC
A Valentine's indulgence awaits at Solaire
Delectable dishes filled with fresh and wondrous flavors made to perfection await you this Valentine’s Day at Solaire. Create the most memorable date with grand Valentine's Day menus thoughtfully prepared to express your love and appreciation. Have a memorable Valentine’s Day celebration with exciting feasts at Solaire. Waterside Latin-Inspired Cuisine's themed set menus will ignite passions with enticing flavors from an exotic set of items that highlight captivating spices and seasoning. Show your love and appreciation with the most discerning tokens and gifts this Valentine's Day at Solaire.
Source:Manila Times
February 13, 2022 13:31 UTC
'Pink Sunday': Robredo campaign rally draws thousands in vote-rich Quezon City
'Pink Sunday': Robredo campaign rally draws thousands in vote-rich Quezon CityMANILA, Philippines — Thousands clad in pink came out to support the election tandem of Vice President Leni Robredo and Sen. Francis Pangilinan on Sunday morning at the Quezon City Memorial Circle. Quezon City, the biggest city in the capital region, is the most populous city in the country and is also its most vote-rich city with some 1.4 million registered voters. The Vice President was welcomed by Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte at the city hall to start the event. "We acknowledge the concerns of the Quezon City Government, extend our thanks for its vigilance, and take full responsibility," he said. — Franco Luna with reports from News5/Camille Samonte___Disclosure: Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte is a shareholder of Philstar Global Corp., which operates digital news outlet Philstar.com.
Source:Philippine Star
February 13, 2022 08:46 UTC
Higher vaccination numbers needed before considering Alert Level 1, officials say
Higher vaccination numbers needed before considering Alert Level 1, officials sayChildren aged 5 to 11 years old, accompanied by their guardians, receive COVID-19 vaccine jabs at the Marikina Sports Complex on Friday, Feb. 11, 2022, the fifth day of pediatric vaccination in Metro Manila. MANILA, Philippines — Metro Manila needs higher vaccination numbers before the national government can consider shifting to the more relaxed Alert Level 1 in the capital region, experts and officials said Sunday morning. "If we want to alert level 1...We must increase the vaccination rate so that everyone is safe that no matter what variant comes, the cases will not be severe or critical." "Given two weeks, I think we could be okay to deescalate to Alert Level 1," David told ABS-CBN's TeleRadyo in mixed Filipino and English. He added that some 200 million vaccine doses have arrived in the country with booster doses still up for delivery.
Source:Philippine Star
February 13, 2022 08:33 UTC
Presidential campaign highlights of the week: Feb. 8 to 12, 2022
MANILA, Philippines – Here are some of the highlights of the week since the official presidential campaign began last Tuesday, Feb. 8. Key message:“(My administration) will prioritize people over profits.” (Feb. 8 proclamation rally speech)—JEROME ANINGIsko Moreno Domagoso #3■ Feb. 8 – Launched the Aksyon Demokratiko campaign by attending Mass at Sto. ■ Feb. 11 – Motorcade in the cities of Navotas and Malabon with Ong and the three Aksyon senatorial candidates. ■ Feb. 12 – Motorcade around Quezon City. ■ Feb. 9 – In Quezon City, made courtesy call on Mayor Joy Belmonte and Vice Mayor Gian Sotto.- Held second proclamation rally at Quezon City Memorial Circle.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
February 13, 2022 06:19 UTC
US denies it carried out operations in Russian territorial waters
WASHINGTON — The United States on Saturday denied that it had carried out military operations in Russian territorial waters, after Moscow said a Russian naval vessel chased away a U.S. submarine in Russian waters in the Pacific. ADVERTISEMENTInterfax news agency cited the Russian Defense Ministry as saying a Russian naval vessel chased away a U.S. submarine in Russian waters in the Pacific after the submarine ignored the ship’s orders to surface. “There is no truth to the Russian claims of our operations in their territorial waters,” Captain Kyle Raines, a U.S. military spokesman, said in a statement. The crew of the Marshal Shaposhnikov frigate used “corresponding means” to make the submarine leave Russian waters, the Russian Defense Ministry was quoted as saying. “The U.S. submarine … left Russian territorial waters at maximum speed,” the Defense Ministry was quoted as saying.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
February 13, 2022 02:23 UTC
Reasons why I like my VUL Insurance
ONE of the more famous or infamous products in the life insurance industry is the variable unit-linked (VUL) type of life insurance. Our VUL provided us our insurance needs. Our insurance plan provided us with daily hospital income that we were able to claim from the insurance company despite just quarantining at home. But it gives us some peace of mind that we are financially covered for those as well — just like your traditional ordinary life insurance. I guess mainly because the investment part has more charges than just getting a purely investment product partnered with a term insurance.
Source:Manila Times
February 13, 2022 02:20 UTC
Roundup of campaign sorties: Feb. 12, 2022
MANILA, Philippines — Following is a roundup of campaign sorties of and related news that took place on Saturday, Feb. 12. Velarde introduced Marcos as “our presidential candidate” and Duterte as his favorite Davao City mayor before they addressed the crowd. No martial law, no dictatorship,” said Lacson, who was only a young constabulary lieutenant when martial law was proclaimed in 1972. “In the first place, martial law is already defined under the Constitution and the declaration of martial law has its limitations,” Lacson told reporters, adding that any martial law declaration is limited only to 60 days and must be approved by Congress. You cannot arrest just anyone even if there is a state of martial law,” he said.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
February 13, 2022 02:13 UTC