Fall in infections lifts helpers
Given the difficulties in booking designated quarantine hotels for helpers, Law said employers should consider terminating contracts with existing helpers after new ones have arrived in Hong Kong. "The Philippines and Indonesia have been top origins for imported cases in Hong Kong in the past year," he said. At the moment, Silka Tsuen Wan hotel is providing 400 quarantine rooms for helpers at HK$800 a night. But Hong Kong Employment Agencies Association chairman Cheung Kit-man said the number of domestic helpers waiting to come to the SAR has not decreased. He added that the salaries of domestic helpers have reached HK$6,000, and the slight increase in the number of quarantine rooms does not help to lower salary levels.
Source:The Standard
November 14, 2021 19:12 UTC
Coal the target as hope lives
Nearly 200 nations convene for climate talks; the goal to cap global warming at 1.5 degrees is kept alive; but Alok Sharma and Greta Thunberg are unhappy with the outcome. Previous NextUnited Nations climate talks have ended with a deal that for the first time targets fossil fuels as the key driver of global warming, even as coal-reliant countries made last-minute objections. While the agreement won applause for keeping alive the hope of capping global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius, many of the national delegations wished they'd come away with more. As the final deal was clinched, a tearful Sharma said "I apologise for the way this process has unfolded. Delegates entered the talks charged with keeping the 2015 Paris Agreement goal of limiting temperature rises to 1.5-2 degrees within reach.
Source:The Standard
November 14, 2021 19:12 UTC
Office of Civil Defense Twitter account hacked, turns crypto bro
Office of Civil Defense Twitter account hacked, turns crypto broPhoto shows the logo of the Office of Civil Defense. MANILA, Philippines — The official Twitter account of the Office of Civil Defense was hacked Saturday night, leading to "unusual tweets" posted on the platform typically used to coordinate and disseminate information on the department's risk reduction efforts. Philstar.com screengrab Screenshot taken 2:15 p.m. on Sunday shows the official Twitter account of the Office of Civil Defense has been renamed with its profile photo reset to Twitter's default template. As of Sunday afternoon, the official account has not yet been recovered, though the office's Facebook account remains intact. Philstar.com screengrab Screenshot taken 2:19 p.m. on Sunday shows the Civil Defense PH Twitter account posting content on bitcoin and currency trading.
Source:Philippine Star
November 14, 2021 17:20 UTC
Science students release Covid book
PHILIPPINE Science High School (PSHS) students from the Western Visayas Campus have published a story coloring book on Covid-19 as a guide carrying information about the pandemic. The book contains an illustrated guide against Covid-19, including informational images, animated graphics, and words that are kid-friendly. The school's Grade 12 students also launched a follow-up research compilation project called "Pamaagi: A Handbook of Scientific Practice for Young Researchers." The journal is committed to publishing the work of scholars led by Dr. Aris Larroder, adviser and natural science teacher, together with Grade 12 scholars, student-researchers and teachers. Four volumes of science have been released online since 2018 which include topics related to environmental science and health, microbiology and biochemistry, agriculture, aquaculture, computer science, climate change and natural resources.
Source:Manila Times
November 14, 2021 16:34 UTC
Former lawmaker cleared of graft raps
THE Sandiganbayan has cleared former Caloocan City representative Mitch Cajayon-Uy of graft and malversation charges for lack of evidence. The charges stemmed from the alleged misuse of her P10-million Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) in May and June 2009. "The decision of the Sandiganbayan today is proof that we have an effective and fair justice system in place," Cajayon-Uy said in a statement. The former lawmaker described her ordeal as "nothing but selective oppression of political opponents" of the previous administration. She regretted that government officials like herself who have been "wrongly accused" were made to suffer a full-blown trial "because of the selective prosecution of PDAF cases."
Source:Manila Times
November 14, 2021 16:13 UTC
Soldier found dead on Northern Samar beach
TACLOBAN CITY – A soldier was found dead on a beach in Catarman, Northern Samar on Saturday morning. ADVERTISEMENTSenior Sgt. Based on the investigation, Bermejo had his morning swim at around 7 a.m. at the beach near the 803rd Infantry Brigade headquarters. Police are conducting an investigation to determine what caused the death of the soldier who was a native of San Miguel in Bulacan. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy PolicyRead Next
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
November 14, 2021 14:02 UTC
(Video) Man kicks election campaign helper, calls a banner "rubbish"
A man kicked an election campaign helper in Shau Kei Wan on Sunday, after he called a banner "rubbish" and said the stall obstructed the street. He was helping out at a booth of his partymate Edward Leung Hei from the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, who is running in the Hong Kong Island East geographical constituency. During the campaigning, a 49-year-old Vietnamese man approached Wong and kicked him in his forearm, while also damaging the promotion material in his hands. The man also described the banner as rubbish multiple times, before suddenly kicking Wong’s left hand that was holding a promotion cardboard. Police officers later arrived at the scene and arrested the Vietnamese man.
Source:The Standard
November 14, 2021 12:44 UTC
Russia starts missile supplies to India despite US sanctions risk
MOSCOW — Russia has started supplying India with S-400 air defense missile systems, Russian news agencies reported on Sunday citing Dmitry Shugayev, the head of the Russian military cooperation agency. The supplies put India at risk of sanctions from the United States under a 2017 U.S. law aimed at deterring countries from buying Russian military hardware. He said that the first unit of an S-400 systems will arrive in India by the end of this year. New Delhi said it has a strategic partnership with both the United States and Russia while Washington told India it was unlikely to get a waiver from CAATSA. Last year the United Stated imposed sanctions citing CAATSA on NATO ally Turkey for acquiring S-400 missiles from Russia.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
November 14, 2021 11:48 UTC
Pinoy artist wins DigitalArt4Climate global art competition
Pinoy artist wins DigitalArt4Climate global art competitionMANILA, Philippines — Filipino artist Brikko Dumas won the DigitalArt4Climate competition on Sunday. Held in Glasgow, Scotland, the organization announced the winners of the competition this year led by the Filipino artist. “On 11 November 2021, DigitalArt4Climate celebrated the Art Contest results at COP26 (we wish you were there with us! “And I believe also that it can empower other artists as well na kahit ‘cliché’ kaya ng Pinoy,” he added. RELATED: Filipino artist asks for support as only SEA finalist at global art contest
Source:Philippine Star
November 14, 2021 09:49 UTC
Cyber attack hits Office of Civil Defense Twitter account
MANILA, Philippines — The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said its Twitter account was the target of a cyberattack that churned out “unusual” tweets posted early Sunday. This advisory came after the OCD’s Twitter account replied to tweets from entrepreneur Elon Musk and SpaceX, on Sunday, at 12:08 a.m. regarding bitcoin and trading, all of which are unrelated to the country’s disaster risk reduction and management. ADVERTISEMENT“We regret to inform the public that the Civil Defense PH Twitter account has been hacked,” said the OCD in a statement on Sunday. “This is the reason why unusual tweets referring to matters not related to the Philippines’ DRRM system [have] been appearing today,” it added. “We apologize for the inconvenience that this may have caused,” the Civil Defense said.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
November 14, 2021 08:22 UTC
IATF, PNP asked to sanction premature campaigning
THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) said on Saturday that it requested the The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to apprehend campaigning politicians that violate health protocols. "That is what I'm telling the IATF-EID and the police because as of now they have that authority to stop it (premature campaigning) for violation of health protocols," he added. The lack of solid legislation against premature campaigning was highlighted in 2010 after the Supreme Court reversed its earlier decision in the Penera vs Comelec case wherein it disqualified Sta. Monica, Surigao del Norte Mayor Rosalinda Penera as candidate in the 2007 local elections for violating the Omnibus Election Code. Section 80 of the Omnibus Election Code states that "it shall be unlawful for any person, whether or not a voter or candidate...to engage in an election campaign or partisan political activity, except during the campaign period."
Source:Manila Times
November 14, 2021 05:56 UTC
Foodpanda deliverymen on strike for second day
Foodpanda deliverymen are continuing their strike for the second day, protesting a cut in their delivery fees. There was disruption in delivery service for Foodpanda Mart in Ho Man Tin and To Kwa Wan on Sunday morning, while operations for most other districts remain normal. According to workers, Foodpanda has been lowering the minimum delivery fee for each order throughout the year. Foodpanda said they treat the deliverymen as essential partners and highly value their opinions. They continued that the delivery fee will be regularly adjusted depending on a number of factors, including the travel distance of the ride, saying the adjustment is a usual practice.
Source:The Standard
November 14, 2021 04:54 UTC
Unsung Trainer leads in Houston
Martin Trainer plays his shot from the second tee during the second round of the Houston Open at Memorial Park Golf Course on Friday, Nov. 12, 2021 (November 13 in Manila) in Houston, Texas. AFP PHOTOLOS ANGELES: American Martin Trainer, who hadn't made a US PGA Tour cut since July, was atop the leaderboard heading into the weekend on Friday (Saturday in Manila) at the weather-hit Houston Open. It's a more than welcome position for the player whose lone PGA Tour title, at the 2019 Puerto Rico Open, has been followed by a prolonged slump. Trainer has made just nine cuts since then, and had reached the weekend just once in seven months until this week. Trainer said he'd come into the week buoyed by a solid ball-striking performance at the Mayakoba Classic last week, where his putting let him down.
Source:Manila Times
November 14, 2021 04:06 UTC
Metro Manila mayors want contact sports only for fully vaxxed
Metro Manila mayors want contact sports only for fully vaxxedPlayers intensely play 3 -on-3 basketball at the Th3rd Floor Gym along Roces Ave in Quezon City, November 13 2021. According to the Inter-Agency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases, contact sports are now allowed in areas under Alert Level 2, including Metro Manila. Indoor facilities should only be filled up to 50 percent, while outdoor areas at 70%, of its capacity and will only be open to fully vaccinated adults. MANILA, Philippines — The mayors of Metro Manila have recommended allowing only fully vaccinated individuals to play and watch contact sports, an official said yesterday. It would also be up to the local government unit to allow or disallow spectators in any contact sport event, depending on circumstances.
Source:Philippine Star
November 14, 2021 03:51 UTC
Last chance for survival
Last chance for survivalI keep reading that the ongoing COP26 is the last chance for earth’s survival. This is the annual UN climate summit and this year it was attended by almost 200 countries in Glasgow, Scotland. The rich countries do not even want to officially use the term liability and compensation. However, the term being used by rich countries is “loss and damage.”Nicola Sturgeon is the first head of a rich country to publicly acknowledge this responsibility. Deforestation hotspots like Brazil and Indonesia have joined the pledge and rich countries have promised to contribute cash.
Source:Philippine Star
November 14, 2021 03:49 UTC