News Roundup 30 December 2022
Dec 30, 2022 • 3 min Read
Filipinos urged to emulate Rizal’s excellence, perseverance | PHILSTAR.COM – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Friday urged Filipinos embody the excellence, patriotism and perseverance of Dr. Jose Rizal as the nation commemorates the 126th anniversary of the hero’s death. “May Rizal’s determination to achieve real change empower the Filipinos of today to become vigilant of the social ills that may threaten our liberty,” Marcos said in a message. “May he continue to become a role model to all of us who aspire to impart our knowledge and dedicate our abilities to the betterment of society,” he added. The chief executive also called on the public to “reflect on the kind of life that we want to live.” Rizal was executed by firing squad for the crime of rebellion against the Spanish colonial government on December 30, 1896. His death sparked the Philippine Revolution against centuries of Spanish rule. “After all, true heroism does not only mean offering your life for your country, but also fighting your own silent battles and working within your capacities to bring about a better future we wish to see for the present and succeeding generations,” Marcos said. He led the commemoration of the hero’s death in Luneta this morning.
DOH: We can’t buy more COVID vaccine doses unless state of calamity extended | PHILSTAR.COM – The government can still continue the rollout of vaccines if President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. decides against the extension of the state of calamity due to COVID-19, but it cannot purchase additional doses, the Department of Health said Friday. The DOH sought to extend the declaration of the state of calamity, which is set to expire on December 31, to allow the continued implementation of measures to combat the pandemic. But on Thursday, Marcos said he was “very, very hesitant” to allow the extension “because we are not in a state of calamity anymore, technically speaking.” In a message to reports, the health department said the Office of the President is studying its recommendations carefully. “If the extension will not be approved, we can still continue with the COVID-19 vaccination program using existing doses considering their validity is hinged on their Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs). But, we cannot procure additional doses, including the bivalent vaccines,” the DOH said. “Also, it is expected that the number of vaccinators will decrease as other cadres such as pharmacists may no longer be tapped, and willingness to vaccinate may decrease as immunity from liability is not guaranteed,” it added. But the agency also said it was informed that a special authority to purchase jabs may be granted to ensure an undisrupted vaccination program. The DOH is currently in talks with vaccine makers and the United Nations-backed COVAX facility to secure bivalent vaccines, which are expected to become available in the country in the first quarter of 2023.
Makati suspends confiscation of traffic violators’ driver’s licenses | INQUIRER.NET – The local government of Makati has temporarily suspended the confiscation of driver’s licenses of traffic violators in the city. This was in line with the Metro Manila Council’s decision to suspend the confiscating of the driver’s licenses of traffic violators until the Land Transportation Office finalizes rules on its proposed single ticketing system. The confiscation of the driver’s license of traffic violators in Makati City is temporarily suspended following the passage of City Ordinance No. 2022-A-167. Makati City mayor Abby Binay said the ordinance would give “respite to both our traffic enforcers and motorists, especially during rush hours,” but it doesn’t mean violators would get off scot-free. “Non-confiscation of driver’s license does not clear errant motorists of their violation; hence, we encourage them to abide by the traffic rules,” Binay said in a statement. Any person who shall violate any provision of the Traffic Management Code of the City of Makati shall be issued an Ordinance Violation Receipt (OVR). The person who has been issued an OVR has five days to pay the corresponding penalty. Failure to pay within the said period would get related penalties under the provisions of the said Code and other existing laws.
