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PBBM open to test Chinese travelers based on ‘true risk’ Also voices his hesitancy to extend state of calamity By Vince Lopez
P
resident Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he is open to imposing COVID-19 test restrictions on travelers coming from China, which is currently facing an outbreak of the Omicron subvariant BF.7, but he is hesitant to extend the state of calamity in the country because of the pandemic. “Yes, as long as it’s based on science and we feel that there’s a need, we will do it. But again, it depends on what the true risk is to us,” the President said on Thursday. “If it’s something that is manageable, then I’m sure we can find a way to not completely close our borders to China, but to find a way to have a procedure so that those coming from China who may have been exposed or who may have been infected will be tested. That is our only concern,” he added. Earlier in the day, the Department of Health said it saw no need to restrict travelers from China despite the fresh outbreak of COVID-19 cases even as the InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) prepared to discuss entry restrictions.
VOL. XXXVI • NO. 317• 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P20 FRIDAY, FRIDAY DECEMBER 30, 2022 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com
ULTIMATE THROWBACK.
Rizal Dineroz, a staff of the material and research conservation division of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, shows a newly-restored 111-year-old illustration on how Dr. Jose Rizal was executed in Bagongbayan, now Luneta, on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022. The illustration was published in the El Motin newspaper in Madrid, Spain on July 13, 1911. Danny Pata
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PH, China to link up on WPS to avert ‘miscalculations’ Inflation in Dec. “miscalculations and miscommunication” in the country’s exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Thursday. During a pre-departure briefing for THE Philippines and China are expected to sign an agreement to prevent President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s state
By Rey E. Requejo and Vince Lopez
visit to China from Jan. 3 to 5, 2023, DFA Assistant Secretary Nathaniel Imperial said the two countries would sign a number of agreements on the occasion. “To avoid miscalculations and miscommunications in the West
Philippine Sea, both sides have agreed to sign an agreement establishing direct communication between the foreign ministries of both countries at various levels and that is expected to be signed Next page
President issues EO on extended ban on ‘e-sabong’
By Julito G. Rada INFLATION in December 2022 likely accelerated to a high of 8.6 percent from 8 percent a month ago due to higher food prices and power rates, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Thursday. In a statement, BSP projected this month’s inflation rate to settle within a range of 7.8 to 8.6 percent. “Upward price pressures for the month are expected to emanate from higher electricity rates, an uptick in the prices of agricultural commodities, elevated meat and fish products, and higher LPG prices. Meanwhile, the reduction in petroleum and rice prices as well as the
By Vito Barcelo PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed an executive order (EO) directing the continued suspension of electronic cockfighting or “e-sabong” operations nationwide. Executive Order No. 9, issued December 28, said there is “an urgent need to reiterate the continued suspension of all e-sabong operations nationwide, clarify the scope of existing regulations and direct relevant agencies to pursue aggressive crackdown against illegal e-sabong operations, in accordance with law.” The order suspends live-streaming or broadcasting of live cockfights outside cockpits, cockfighting arenas, or premises where cockfights are being held. The EO also suspends online/remote, or off-cockpit wagering/betting on live
may go up as high as 8.6%—BSP
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Gov’t sets SRP for red onions at P250 per kilo FOR GOOD LUCK. Malabon Zoo founder Manny Tangco shows the zoo's white rabbits on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022. The
upcoming Year of the Rabbit, which is also a symbol of fertility, is said to be one where the sacrifices of the past year are rewarded generously. Andrew Rabulan
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Senate, House leaders express confidence in better legislations By Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta
tives will work double time next year to ensure that whatever economic gains are achieved would translate to better living conditions for Filipino families. WITH the country’s economy picking up "We, in the House of Representatives, speed, Speaker Martin G. Romualdez said welcome the good news from our Thursday that the House of RepresentaNext page
THE authorities are imposing a P250 per kilo suggested retail price on red onions starting Dec. 30 or Dec. 31—even though they already sell for more than P700 a kilo in some markets—or more than four times the current SRP of P170. In a radio interview, Agriculture Assistant Secretary Kristine Evangelista said the increase in demand for the commodity and high farm gate costs are the reasons behind the skyrocketing prices for onions. She said it is possible prices could go down because farm gate prices can go down too. It was unclear how the government can enforce the new SRP. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who Next page
Deaths in flood-hit areas now 39, Marcos visit up RACE AGAINST TIME. This handout photo from the Mati City Disaster Risk
Reduction Management Office taken on Dec. 29, 2022 shows rescuers searching for missing people following a landslide in Mati City, Davao Oriental. Mati City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office / AFP
ONE person died and three others were At least 25 persons remained missing, missing in Mindanao after being hit by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and a landslide, police said Thursday as the Management Council (NDRRMC) said. nationwide death toll from recent rains The council said 21 deaths were reclimbed to 39. ported in Region 10; six in Region 5; four
each in Regions 9 and 11; three in Region 8; and one in Caraga. The agency said 11 of the deaths have been confirmed, while 28 others are still Next page up for validation.