News Roundup 15 December 2021
Dec 15, 2021 • 4 min Read
Philippines reports first two cases of Omicron variant | PHILSTAR.COM – The Philippines reported Wednesday its first two cases of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, which has been classified as being “of concern” by the World Health Organization. The Department of Health said two imported cases of the Omicron variant were detected from the 48 samples sequenced Tuesday. One of the cases is a returning overseas Filipino who arrived from Japan on December 1 via Philippine Airlines PR 0427. The DOH said the individual is currently asymptomatic but had colds and cough upon arrival. The other case is a Nigerian national who arrived from Nigeria on November 30 via Oman Air WY 843. He is also asymptomatic. Both are isolated in a facility managed by the Bureau of Quarantine. The DOH said it is verifying the test results and the health status of passengers who were on the same flight as the travelers found to have the Omicron variant. Those who arrived in the country through the aforementioned flights are advised to call the DOH COVID-19 Hotlines at (02) 8942 6843 or 1555, or their respective LGUs to report their status.
ICC urged to proceed with ‘drug war’ probe to not further delay justice for victims | PHILSTAR.COM – The International Criminal Court must proceed with its full probe into alleged crimes against humanity committed in the context of President Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody “war on drugs” to not further delay the service of justice to victims, the Human Rights Watch said. HRW Asia director Brad Adams said the Philippine government’s request to defer ICC investigation is “a transparent delaying tactic to protect officials responsible for mass killings.” “The ICC prosecutor should seek to resume its official investigation so that justice for victims isn’t further delayed,” he added. ICC prosecutor Karim Khan, in a document dated November 18, said they will temporarily suspend its investigation into the Philippines as it “assesses the scope and effect” of the government’s request for deferral that cited the Department of Justice-led probe into “war on drugs” operations that resulted in death. Under the Rome Statute, a State may inform the ICC of probes into acts that may fall under the crimes being investigated by the criminal court. Khan, in a statement issued six days later, explained that while the ICC’s Office of the Prosecutor has temporarily suspended the investigation, it will continue its analysis on information it has on hand and it may also look into any new information they may receive from third parties. Pursuant to ICC Rules of Procedure and Evidence, Khan also said they will request the Philippines to “provide substantiating information” on investigations it cited in its request.
Sen. Nancy Binay eyes bill requiring Congress’ nod on design of banknotes | INQUIRER.NET – Senator Nancy Binay on Wednesday said she is planning to file a bill that would require the concurrence of Congress before changing the design of the country’s legal tender. “I’m thinking of filing a bill na kailangan ng concurrence of Congress. Kasi in Congress, yung the mere renaming of national highways or even schools, dumadaan yan sa Kongreso,” Binay said in an interview on ABS-CBN News Channel. (I’m thinking of filing a bill that would require the concurrence of Congress. Because in Congress, the mere mere renaming of national highways or even schools goes through us.) “So baka for something as as important as our money, baka ito, kailangan ng concurrence ng Congress,” she added. (So maybe, for something as important as our money, this may need the concurrence of Congress.) The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) recently released a new design of a P1,000 bill, replacing Filipino heroes—Chief Justice Jose Abad Santos, Brigadier General Vicente Lim, and Girl Scouts of the Philippines founder Josefa Llanes Escoda, who were killed during the Japanese occupation in the Philippines—with the image of the endangered Philippine eagle.
Churches ready for ‘Simbang Gabi’ | Manila Bulletin – Planning to attend the nine-day “Simbang Gabi” (dawn mass)? Here is the schedule of some of the popular churches here in Metro Manila.
-Manila Cathedral Dec. 15 to 23 (8 p.m.), Dec. 16 to 24 (4:30 a.m.).
-Quiapo Church Dec. 15 to 23 (7 p.m. and 8 p.m.), Dec. 16 to 24 (4 a.m. and 5 a.m.).
-Baclaran Church Dec. 15 (7 p.m.), Dec. 16 to 23 (5 a.m. and 7 p.m.), Dec. 24 (5 a.m.).
Those attending the dawn mass however are reminded to follow the health protocols. “(We will implement) Same health protocols like vaccination ID for mass goers, face mask, body temperature, and sanitation,” Father Danichi Hui of Quiapo Church said in an interview. “There will also be markings around the church and inside as well. We follow the 50 percent capacity,” he added. Parishes in the Diocese of Cubao are also ready for the “Simbang Gabi.” “There will also be markings around the church and inside as well. We follow the 50 percent capacity,” he added. Parishes in the Diocese of Cubao are also ready for the “Simbang Gabi.”
