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CHINESE WARSHIPS REINFORCE COAST GUARD, MILITIA IN WPS
By Vince Lopez and Rey Requejo
PH joins allies in sub pact
AS THE United States reiterated its “ironclad” commitment to defending the Philippines in case of armed attack, a presidential adviser admitted Tuesday that the situation in the West Philippine Sea is “more intense than before.” The Department of National Defense also reminded Filipinos not to lose sight of China’s illegal activi-
TOKYO—The United States, Australia, Japan and the Philippines are planning anti-submarine drills in the South China Sea on April 7, Kyodo news agency reported on Tuesday. It would mark the first such fullfledged exercise for the navies of the four countries in those waters and is likely aimed at demonstrating solidarity with the Philippines against China’s growing assertiveness, Kyodo said, citing multiple people familiar with the matter. Earlier on Tuesday, the National Security Council said that the Philippines and the US’ national security advisers have discussed
VOL. XXXVIII • NO. 49 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2024
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Heat scorches Metro 11 provinces suffer higher temperatures
H
UNDREDS of schools across the country, including dozens in Metro Manila, suspended in-person classes on Tuesday due to dangerous levels of heat, with the Department of Health warning against heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps and heat stroke.
The municipality of Guiuan in Eastern Samar logged the highest heat index yesterday at 46 degrees Celsius, well within the “danger level” of 42 to 51°C. The country’s heat index measures what a temperature feels like, taking into account humidity.
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The index was expected to reach the “danger” level of 43°C in Metro Manila on Wednesday, with similar levels in a dozen other areas of the country, the state weather forecaster said. Local officials across the main isNext page
KEEPING COOL.
Students from Justo Lukban Elementary School try to keep themselves cool in their classroom as Metro Manila heats up like the rest of the country. Norman Cruz
HEAT INDEX FOR APRIL 2 + FORECAST FOR APRIL 3 (Source: PAGASA)
LOCATION
HEAT INDEX (*C) Guiuan, Eastern Samar 46 Cotabato City 42 Catarman, N. Samar 42 FORECAST HEAT INDEX NAIA Pasay City 43 Science Garden QC 42 Dagupan City 43 Aparri, Cagayan 43 Sangley Point, Cavite 42 San Jose, Occ. Mindoro 42 Puerto Princesa City 42 Aborlan, Palawan 43 Pili, Camarines Sur 43 Roxas City, Capiz 44 Iloilo City 43 Dumangas, Iloilo 43
Pertussis waning but remains a lethal threat, says Health chief By Macon Ramos-Araneta THE Philippine College of Physicians raised alarm over the rise in pertussis or whooping cough cases nationwide, as the Department of Health said it would
prioritize the protection of the vulnerable population against the disease. The DOH said a total of 568 pertussis cases with 40 deaths were recorded as of March 16. About 393 of the cases are below one year old.
To address the highly contagious respiratory disease, the PCP cited the importance of vaccination, early detection, and appropriate treatment. “This would prevent the spread of pertussis and protect vulnerable popu-
lations from its potentially severe complications,” the doctors’ group said in a statement. “The PCP fully supports the DOH’s call in promoting enhanced vaccination Next page
Davao police clueless about Quiboloy’s whereabouts THE Senate’s Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms (OSSA) has requested assistance from the Davao City Police to implement an arrest order against Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Apollo Quiboloy. However, Davao police spokesperson Police Captain Hazel Tuazon said that the local police have not received a copy of the arrest order against Quiboloy. “The Police Regional Office 11 is directed to assist the OSSA in implementing the contempt warrant,” Tuazon told the local media. The Davao police said they have no idea yet on when the OSSA will arrive in Davao City to implement the arrest order. The Senate issued the arrest order for the televangelist for failing to attend hearings on his Next page
CONDOLENCES. President Marcos visits the wake of lawyer Hubert Guevara, commissioner of the Securities and Exchange Commission and former Senior Deputy Executive Secretary. Together with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, the President extended his heartfelt condolences to Guevara’s family and relatives. PCO Photo
Tulfo, Herbosa trade barbs over branded drugs HEALTH Secretary Teodora Herbosa and Senator Raffy Tulfo got into a heated discussion during a Senate hearing on Tuesday over the “junkets” supposedly sponsored by pharmaceutical companies in exchange for doctors prescribing their manufactured medicines. During the Senate health committee hearing, Tulfo raised the “rampant” practice among physicians. He questioned why public hospitals often use branded medicines for their patients, especially those who were admitted in their facilities, instead of generic medicines that are way cheaper. Herbosa, a doctor, said that while an executive order exists on the use of generic drugs in public hospitals, there are cases that the generic medicines are “not clinically effective.” “Not all drugs are created the same. Sometimes, it’s cheaper but the quality is not that good,” Herbosa said. The Health Secretary also noted that Next page
Surveys show declines in PBBM, Sara approval, trust ratings The ratings of the three other top govPRESIDENT Marcos’ trust and approval ratings went down by double ernment officials – Vice President Sara digits in the latest Publicus Asia and Duterte, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, and Speaker Martin Romualdez Pulse Asia surveys released Tuesday. – also dipped in the first quarter Pahayag survey of Publicus Asia.
#ANONGBALITA
In the Pulse Asia poll, only Zubiri logged an increase – his trust ratings went up by two points at 53 percent while his performance rating went up by three points at 52 percent – while the rest saw their numbers slip.
Unlike the Pulse Asia report, the Pahayag survey included the rating of Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, which dropped from 28 percent to 20 percent. Next page
‘Wag na mag-underwear! Ex-Health chief says ventilation effective vs. fungal infection
But if you still want to wear undies amid the heat, choose cotton—DOH
Mag-tabo, ‘wag mag bidet, and other water conservation tips amid El Niño
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NEWS / A2
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