The paramount presidential election issue
The Nobel is the third international press freedom recognition for Ressa, following the Golden Pen of Freedom Award in 2018 and the Unesco/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize, awarded on May 3 this year, Press Freedom Day. Turning to the headline topic, the paramount issue is not taming the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic or reviving the lockdown-strangled economy though both are most urgent to save lives and livelihoods. Nor is the big issue fighting corruption, crime and narcotics, though these ills also threaten lives and souls, and worsen pandemic and economic woes. The most crucial issue for Filipinos, which would probably never cross most voters' minds, is how the country positions itself in the escalating geopolitical and military rivalry between America and China. To ensure this, the United States must retain its deterrent capacity and bolster the capabilities and resolve of other regional states."
Source:Manila Times
October 09, 2021 14:26 UTC
Deep whip wounds on Duterte
There is a saying in Tagalog: "Hampas sa kalabaw, latay sa kabayo (Whip on the carabao, whip marks on the horse)." Ressa's bagging the recent Nobel Peace Prize should have been the second time Filipina did the feat. So there Cory was, almost bagging the Nobel Peace Prize 1987 "for restoring democracy" in the Philippines. If, then, Cory is a sham icon of democracy, what does that make of the Nobel Peace Prize that, thanks to US, was nearly for her taking in 1987? This was particularly true in his immediate declaration of separation from United States foreign policy and buildup of strong friendly relationship with China and Russia.
Source:Manila Times
October 09, 2021 14:03 UTC
US-China recoupling good for the world
The trade relationship is often the precursor of the overall Sino-US relationship, and watching this most important bilateral relationship often takes its clue from the improving trade link. Subsequent tariff action placed over $300 billion Chinese export to the United States under the additional tariff of up to 25 percent. The pandemic disrupted world trade, particularly service trade such as tourism, in which the US enjoys an edge. The US-China trade and economic relationship is one of profound consequences that does not just affect two countries, it impacts the entire world. His primary research interest includes global economic development, Asean-China relations and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Source:Manila Times
October 09, 2021 14:03 UTC
A whole new way of voting
Brown continued, "There was no handshakes, there was no shared handheld microphones the way there might have normally been. Caritos said the Comelec set up isolation polling places (IPPs) in all voting centers where voters with fever and coughs voted. "So basically this is the voting place for voters who are sick." It should be noted that the House of Representatives wanted to remove this from the process since it might prolong the voting procedure. "Inside the voting center we saw plastic barriers to prevent transmission of aerosol or to prevent voters from talking to each other.
Source:Manila Times
October 09, 2021 13:52 UTC
Mutations driving Covid-19 response
Viruses, experts have explained, mutate over time, particularly unstable ones like SARS-CoV-2 that causes Covid-19. Viruses, experts have explained, mutate over time, particularly unstable ones like SARS-CoV-2 that causes Covid-19. Cynthia Saloma, executive director of the Philippine Genome Center, said mutations were especially higher with the Covid-19 virus, which has ribonucleic acid (RNA) as its genetic material. Mutations can be triggered by a "response in its environment," such as exposure to ultraviolet light or chemicals. In addition, there are 2,559 Alpha variant cases, 2,920 Beta cases, 461 P.3 variant cases, and three Gamma cases.
Source:Manila Times
October 09, 2021 13:52 UTC
Genomic sequencing: Detecting virus variants
The pandemic and the presence of variants of the new coronavirus has thrust a little-known agency into the limelight: the Philippine Genome Center (PGC). Operations of the Philippine Genome Center will be expanded to accommodate more genome samples. So, how does genomic sequencing work? In a webinar in April, DNA Sequencing Core Facility director Benedict Maralit said explained that genomic sequencing usually takes three to seven days. ****The Philippine Genome Center (PGC) has been tasked to do genomic sequencing, an essential job in the country's fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, since last year when variants of concern reared their heads.
Source:Manila Times
October 09, 2021 13:52 UTC
Molnupiravir: Could it be the magic pill?
Molnupiravir was created after years of research to treat severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). CONTRIBUTED PHOTOA promising new pill that aims to cure patients with moderate and severe Covid-19 symptoms is now undergoing clinical trials in the country. Molnupiravir was created after years of research to treat severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). Tamesis said another trial would be held to determine if the pill could prevent further transmission of the virus to other people. The president of the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines said that while molnupiravir may help severe Covid-19 infection, an effective Covid-19 prevention strategy remained crucial.
Source:Manila Times
October 09, 2021 13:52 UTC
Social media: What you already know and what lies ahead
If you're not on social media, you're probably not someone a company would want to sell to. Big Brother may not be visibly around but he's definitely there, still watching, enjoying what social media has achieved. The less big tech, big brands and big govt know about users, the better for privacy, which will always be a concern online. Voice search and the use of digital assistants within a social media platform will also be the norm, all powered by artificial intelligence. Voice search and the use of digital assistants within a social media platform will also be the norm, all powered by artificial intelligence.
Source:Manila Times
October 09, 2021 13:41 UTC
Digital banking to double in 2026
DIGITAL-ONLY banking penetration in the Philippines is expected to double in the next five years, according to a survey. Finder.com's Digital Banking Adoption Report said 18 percent of Filipinos presently have a digital bank account, with another 18 percent planning to acquire one within the next five years. "We're set to see an average increase in digital banking adoption of 11 percentage points across the 30 countries included in the study," she emphasized. Barry said that by 2026, Asia will have four of the top five countries for digital banking adoption, with almost a third of Filipinos having a digital-only bank account. "With the issuance of Digital Banking Framework, the Philippines is a step closer to reaching its strategic outcomes," Diokno pointed out.
Source:Manila Times
October 09, 2021 13:41 UTC
A fun way to learn about finance
In the game the players are represented by rats, who want to get out of the rat race and achieve their dreams. You, as a player, are given a profession that ranges from janitor to doctor with corresponding financial statements. To get out of the rat race you need to increase your passive income to at least equal your monthly expenses. Passive income is income from assets, such as interest and dividends, rentals, businesses, and royalties. It is important to understand our own personal financial statements and their relation to each other.
Source:Manila Times
October 09, 2021 13:41 UTC
Battle against cybercrime continues
In September 2021, the average weekly number of attacks on each organization globally reached its peak with over 870 attacks. contributed photoAsia Pacific (APAC) is the second most targeted region for cyberattacks with an average of 1,299 weekly attacks per organization, after Africa with an average of 1,615 weekly attacks per organization. Organizations in Africa experienced the highest volume of attacks so far in 2021, a 15-percent increase from last year. The average weekly number of impacted organizations in this sector in 2021 is one out of 36 (32 percent increase from 2020). The malware type, which has impacted organizations the most, is the botnet with an average of over eight percent of organizations being impacted weekly (a 9-percent decrease from 2020).
Source:Manila Times
October 09, 2021 13:28 UTC
4 rescued from capsized speedboat in Tawi-Tawi
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Zamboanga del Sur—Two Malaysian nationals and two Filipinos were rescued from a capsized speedboat in the vicinity of the seawaters off Sibutu Passage, Tawi-Tawi province on Friday. ADVERTISEMENTAdaci said a multi-purpose attack craft BA488 and BRP Juan Magluyan (PC392) were immediately dispatched to locate and conduct rescue and assistance to the said capsized vessel. Adaci said the speedboat was spotted some seven nautical miles west of Bongao Island, Tawi-Tawi. “Without the report of the commercial vessel and the rescue effort of the Philippine Navy, maybe we are already dead. Upon arrival of BA488 and PC392 at Lamion Wharf, Bongao, the rescued individuals were turned over to the Fleet Medical Team of Naval Task Group Tawi-Tawi for proper medical attention.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
October 09, 2021 11:48 UTC
Raising the barricades: UP student councils oppose presidential bid of late dictator’s son
Five decades later, a new generation of student leaders is raising the barricades of resistance once more. READ: Marcos’ martial law: Golden age for corruption, abusesHis announcement earned the ire of various critics and victims of his father’s tyrannical rule, accusing the Marcoses and its loyalists of touting their own version of history. Time for wider unitiesStudent Regent Renee Co, the sole representative of the student body in the UP Board of Regents, believes that Bongbong Marcos will use the family’s ill-gotten wealth to elevate themselves to greater power. But the Marcoses will see resistance, she said, both from UP students and the Filipino people. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy PolicyRead Next
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
October 09, 2021 11:26 UTC
Kobe Paras' Niigata too much for Thirdy Ravena's San-En
Kobe Paras' Niigata too much for Thirdy Ravena's San-EnNiigata Albirex BB's Kobe Paras reacts after scoring against the San-En NeoPhoenixMANILA, Philippines — Kobe Paras emerged victorious against longtime friend Thirdy Ravena as they rekindled their rivalry in Niigata Albirex BB's win over the San-En NeoPhoenix, 77-64, at the Hamamatsu Arena on Saturday. But Rosco Allen and Paras connived to stretch the advantage anew for Niigata. Paras also won the scoring battle against Ravena as he had 21 points, spiking it with five rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Niigata Albirex BB improve their record to 2-1 while San-En falls to 1-2. Paras and Ravena will clash anew on Sunday.
Source:Philippine Star
October 09, 2021 11:15 UTC
Maring may intensify; possible merger with another typhoon likely — Pagasa
MANILA, Philippines — Tropical Storm (TS) Maring may become a severe tropical storm as it interacts with the circulation of Tropical Depression (TD) Nando, the state weather bureau said on Saturday. In its 5 p.m. bulletin, Pagasa said Maring will “persist” in a possible merger with “Nando” as both weather disturbances are presently embedded within the larger circulation of a monsoon depression. ADVERTISEMENT“The resulting merger cyclone is forecast to continue intensifying within the forecast period and may reach severe tropical storm category within 36 hours,” the bureau added. “Afterwards, the resulting merger, likely dominated by Maring, is forecast to move generally west northwestward until Monday before turning westward by Tuesday,” Pagasa said. Meanwhile, parts of Luzon and the entire Visayas and Mindanao will experience rainy weather due to TS Maring.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
October 09, 2021 11:03 UTC