Over 2,000 passports undelivered – DFA
Over 2,000 passports undelivered – DFAMANILA, Philippines — More than 2,000 undelivered passports are now ready for pick-up in various claiming sites nationwide, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday. Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Affairs Brigido Dulay said they have 2,017 passports processed in various temporary off-site passport services (TOPS) from July 7, 2021 to Feb. 8 that are waiting to be released. Passports are rendered undelivered following three failed attempts or because the courier was not able to contact the applicant. The DFA reminded passport applicants not to proceed directly to the releasing site and wait for confirmation first that the passport is ready for pick-up. Provincial claiming sites with unreleased passports are located in Robinson’s Starmills in Pampanga (for those who applied in SM Downtown Olongapo), [email protected]; Pacific Mall in Cebu (for those who applied in SM Seaside), [email protected]; and SM City Davao (for those who applied in SM Lanang), [email protected].
Source:Philippine Star
February 13, 2022 02:07 UTC
Smart home: A sneak peek at high-tech living
Even houses nowadays have become equipped with technology as more people ride the rising trend of smart homes. Smart power switchesSmart power switches are one of the most popular smart home features that define high-tech living. Smart power outletsSmart power outlets are innovative electrical outlets that let homeowners control their appliances remotely via app. Having smart home features in one's own residence could truly make life more convenient, secure and exciting. Most modern residences, especially newly built high-rise condominiums, are now equipped with smart locks, audio and video intercom devices, smart power switches, and smart outlets, among other modern features to keep up with Filipinos' growing high-tech lifestyle.
Source:Manila Times
February 12, 2022 22:20 UTC
DOH concerned over mass gatherings at campaign sorties
DOH concerned over mass gatherings at campaign sortiesMANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health expressed concern over mass gatherings at campaign sorties, warning that those attending these events may still get infected with the coronavirus. “This is really a cause for concern,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said on the “Laging Handa” briefing aired on state-run People’s Television on Saturday. The variants are still here.”She claimed that mass gatherings are still not allowed, despite the Commission on Elections allowing up to 70% enclosed outdoor venue capacity for caucuses, meetings, conventions, rallies and miting de avance. Still, Vergeire appealed to local governments to monitor campaign sorties and for candidates to set examples of following anti-COVID protocols. The campaign period for national candidates kicked off on Tuesday with bets appearing at sorties witnessed by crowds that made it difficult to implement physical distancing.
Source:Philippine Star
February 12, 2022 15:57 UTC
NEA reminds electric coops to ensure power for elections
NEA reminds electric coops to ensure power for electionsThe National Electrification Administration (NEA) reminded electric cooperatives of their duty to ensure enough power for elections season. MANILA, Philippines — The National Electrification Administration (NEA) reminded electric cooperatives (ECs) to ensure sufficient and uninterrupted power supply during elections season, according to a recent memorandum on the agency's website. The memorandum, dated Nov. 10, 2021, requires ECs to ensure enough power supply for pre-election, election day and post-election activities. On the other hand, the Energy department earlier said it does not see any power supply issues in the national and local elections, based on submissions from its stakeholders. READ: DoE sees 'no specific concerns' yet on power supply during dry season
Source:Philippine Star
February 12, 2022 00:04 UTC
Sun Life and Joe D' Mango bring back 'Lovenotes'
Nostalgia is in the air as Sun Life Philippines and Joe D’ Mango bring back ‘Lovenotes,’ the iconic radio program that reigned over the airwaves in the ‘80s and ‘90s. CONTRIBUTED PHOTONOW streaming as a podcast on Spotify, "Lovenotes" will once again inspire listeners, new and long-timers alike, with more stories and pieces of advice to share. With Sun Life and Joe D' Mango sharing the same advocacies such as valuing relationships and making a difference in the lives of Filipinos, they aim to help revive people's passion for pursuing their goals and achieving a brighter future with their loved ones. "After almost three decades of the program on radio and TV, those who grew up listening or watching 'Lovenotes' have remained nostalgic about the show," said DJ Joe D' Mango. Joe D' Mango's "Lovenotes" will be available to listeners worldwide as it streams every Friday on Spotify, and is soon syndicated exclusively on the Sun Life Radio podcast channel coming soon on Spotify.
Source:Manila Times
February 11, 2022 21:31 UTC
Presidential bet Lacson wants localized anti-insurgency efforts in conflict-stricken areas
Presidential bet Lacson wants localized anti-insurgency efforts in conflict-stricken areasSen. Panfilo Lacson visits Imus Cathedral prior to the kick off of his presidential campaign. MANILA, Philippines — If he wins the presidency, Sen. Ping Lacson said on Friday that he will push for the participation of local governments in combating insurgency in conflict-ridden areas. The longtime public official also believes that anti-insurgency efforts should only focus on areas affected by conflict. Lacson pointed out that the NTF-ELCAC has programs which do not receive funding when they need it, and vice versa. Lacson is launching is second presidential bid, eighteen years after he lost to Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who eventually became the 14th president of the Philippines.
Source:Philippine Star
February 11, 2022 21:00 UTC
De Lima: Comelec campaign permit system 'an added burden' for bets, parties
De Lima: Comelec campaign permit system 'an added burden' for bets, partiesMANILA, Philippines — Reelectionist Sen. Leila de Lima is urging the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to review and eliminate its election campaign permit system, calling it an added burden for political parties and candidates. She also argued that the permit system infringes on candidates' rights to conduct activities during campaign period and may contribute to bureaucratic red tape. Speaking at the Pandesal Forum this week, De Guzman said that PLM told him that the Comelec required a permit from the local government before it could process the application for the Comelec permit, which delayed the process. 'Comelec may have gone overboard in its zeal'According to her, Comelec is not mandated to issue permits for campaign activities, based on the Constitution and election laws. 10732, groups seeking to hold election campaign activities need to secure permits filed at least 72 hours before the intended schedule.
Source:Philippine Star
February 11, 2022 20:57 UTC
Nine cases detected in Yuen Long overnight lockdown
Health authorities have on Friday detected nine preliminary positive cases in the lockdown declared at Hung Lok House at Hung Fuk Estate in Yuen Long. As of midnight, 1,450 residents within the “restricted area” had undergone testing and nine tested preliminary positive for the coronavirus. Health officials visited 550 households door-to-door during the operation and about 46 of them didn't answer. Households that didn't answer the door are urged to contact health officials as soon as possible. The lockdown was triggered yesterday after sewage samples taken from the building came back positive for the coronavirus.
Source:The Standard
February 11, 2022 17:50 UTC
Romantic treats for Valentine's Day
Every time February rolls around, everyone immediately puts into giving the most thoughtful gifts to their loved ones come Valentine's Day. Toblerone unveils its Valentine’s PackTobleroneWhat's a clueless gift-giver to do to make sure their loved ones have a Valentine's Day to remember? Swiss chocolate brand Toblerone has introduced its Limited Edition Valentine's Day Pack. Whether with a special someone or the good ol' best friend, Mimi & Bros has made a special bundle for two. Named as one of the best chocolate cakes in the metro, it has multiple layers of flourless and fudgy chocolate cake with creamy egg custard in between.
Source:Manila Times
February 11, 2022 14:14 UTC
Stock Commentary: Globe reveals GCash achieved profitability ahead of schedule
Globe reveals GCash achieved profitability ahead of scheduleThrough Globe [GLO 2818.00 7.06%], the Ayala Family owns a stake in Mynt, the parent company of GCash, which just reported that it has achieved profitability three years ahead of schedule. Mynt’s CEO, Martha Sazon, credited the explosion in new users and the accompanying transactions for the fintech darling’s steep rise in income. Mynt reported that total registered users increased from 33 million to 55 million in 2021, with total transaction value handled by the platform exceeding P3.8 trillion. Mynt said that at its peak in 2021, GCash recorded over 26 million user log-ins and processed over 17 million transactions. While the user growth is eye-popping, the rate of user growth might soon begin to hit a wall as the platform onboards a greater and greater majority of the country’s adult population.
Source:Philippine Star
February 11, 2022 11:39 UTC
Philippines returns to big-time tourism
The Philippines lifted a nearly two-year ban on foreign travelers yesterday as an Omicron-fueled surge eased. Foreign travelers from 157 countries with visa-free arrangements with the Philippines who have been fully vaccinated and tested negative for the virus will be welcomed back with no need to quarantine upon arrival. Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat said the border reopening would restore jobs and generate revenue across various enterprises and communities. The Philippines imposed one of the world's longest lockdowns and strictest quarantine to quell a pandemic that caused the worst recession since the 1940s. More than a million Filipinos lost tourism-linked jobs in the first year, and natural disasters added hurt.
Source:The Standard
February 11, 2022 07:17 UTC
Comelec division junks disqualification suits vs Marcos
Comelec division junks disqualification suits vs MarcosFormer Sen. Bongbong Marcos shows his certificate of candidacy for president in the 2022 elections. MANILA, Philippines (Updated 8:53 p.m.) — A division of the Commission on Elections dismissed the disqualification petitions against presidential aspirant Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., clearing the former senator of two more suits blocking his bid to the Malacañang. "The consolidated petitions of Ilagan v. Marcos Jr., Akbayan v. Marcos Jr., and Mangelen v. Marcos Jr. have been dismissed for lack of merit, by the COMELEC's 1st Division," commission spokesperson James Jimenez announced in a tweet. The consolidated cases before the poll body's Second Division are still pending. Marcos’ presidential bid, met with strong criticism from the victims of his late dictator father’s brutal regime, is the family’s second bid to return to the Malacañang.
Source:Philippine Star
February 11, 2022 05:13 UTC
IATF updates protocols for arriving foreign nationals
MANILA, Philippines — The government has eased the entry requirements for arriving foreign nationals as it continues to update its pandemic protocols to spur economic activity and reopen tourism. The updated protocols for arriving foreigners are contained in the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) Resolution No. They amended some of the protocols under IATF Resolution No. The amended protocols provided exemptions to a provision of IATF Resolution No. "If everybody complies with the minimum health and safety protocols, including tourists and foreign nationals, we can be sure that it won't cause a spike or a surge in COVID," he added.
Source:Philippine Star
February 10, 2022 20:28 UTC
Beko parent company ranked among world's most sustainable firms
Beko’s parent company Arçelik A. S. ranks 57th in the Corporate Knights’ 2022 Global 100 Index. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOBEKO'S parent company, Arçelik A. S., the global leading consumer durables and electronics manufacturer, has for the second year in a row ranked on the Corporate Knights Inc. (CK) 2022 Global 100 Index, coming in at 57th place. Its best-known rankings include the Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada and the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations. The 2022 Global 100 Index looks at the performance of almost 7,000 companies with more than $1 billion in revenues, taking into consideration their action on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues. "We are delighted to rank on the Corporate Knights' 2022 Global 100 Index.
Source:Manila Times
February 10, 2022 20:27 UTC
Senatorial bet Piñol: 'Winning the elections is not the name of the game'
Senatorial bet Piñol: 'Winning the elections is not the name of the game'MANILA, Philippines — Former Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel "Manny" Piñol said Thursday that the goal of elections is not always about winning, after noting that he was not at the top of the surveys of candidates to the Senate. Piñol, who also used to chair of the Mindanao Development Authority, is on the senatorial slate of Sen. Panfilo "Ping Lacson" and running mate Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III. "You know, winning an election is not the name of the game. Presenting our advocacies, presenting ourselves to the people, volunteering to serve this country, I think is what matters in this elections," Piñol said during a press conference with reporters on Thursday. You know the elections are not just about winning.
Source:Philippine Star
February 10, 2022 20:26 UTC