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HEALTH officials in the cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu in Cebu have confirmed logging pertussis cases, including several suspected pertussis cases, especially among children and infants.Agnes Realiza, head of the Lapu-Lapu City Health Office (LCHO), and Debra Catulong, head of the Mandaue City Health Office (MCHO), said in an interview with SunStar Tuesday, March 26, 2024, that they have been increasing the administration of pentavalent vaccines to contain the spread of the disease, particularly among toddlers and infants.They have also been conducting catch-up vaccinations, or administering vaccines to those who missed out on a particular vaccine at the recommended age or missed a scheduled vaccination dose. The pentavalent vaccine, as defined by the World Health Organization, protects children and infants from potentially deadly diseases, which include diphtheria, tetanus, Hib, hepatitis B, and pertussis.Realiza reported on March 25 that there was only one confirmed case of pertussis in Lapu-Lapu, while 15 were suspected to be pertussis cases. These 15, however, were later identified to be not related to the respiratory illness.Catulong, for her part, did not give an exact number but confirmed that Mandaue City also has confirmed and suspected cases of the disease.Both Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu have had no outbreaks of pertussis, said the two officials.Early consultation Both Realiza and Catulong recommended that parents should seek immediate medical consultation, such as visiting the LCHO and MCHO, if they notice that their children have coughs and colds. Catulong also reminded parents to follow the instructions for medication intake and isolate the pertussis-infected child from other children to prevent contamination.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pertussis, commonly known as "whooping cough," is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection that can affect people of all ages but is especially dangerous for babies. It is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis.The bacteria spread easily from person to person through the air. The CDC said the whooping cough can only be contracted from other humans.The early symptoms of pertussis include a runny or stuffy nose, a mild and occasional cough (mostly common for adults), low-grade fever (less than 38 degrees Celsius), apnea (life-threatening pauses in breathing), and cyanosis (turning blue or purple) in babies and toddlers.If left untreated for two weeks, the infected person may start to develop whooping cough, which is later accompanied by paroxysms -- rapid, violent, uncontrollable coughing fits that can cause the infected person to struggle to breathe and vomit that last up to 10 weeks.The CDC said babies infected with pertussis are likely to suffer from difficulty in breathing, while teenagers and adults generally have milder symptoms.Hand washing Realiza and Catulong advised the public to practice proper handwashing and resume wearing face masks to prevent the spread of the disease.The two health officials emphasized the importance of vaccinating children against common diseases like pertussis and seeking regular check-ups at health centers.Realiza said they continue to conduct health education for parents in Lapu-Lapu to properly take care of their children and ensure they receive ample nutrition.Expected to riseIn the past week, three cities in the Philippines -- Quezon, Pasig, and Iloilo -- have declared an outbreak of pertussis.Quezon and Pasig recorded almost 50 cases and six deaths, while Iloilo reported 15 cases with eight suspected cases. Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Eric Tayag said many areas in the country are on high alert due to the spread of pertussis, especially among children. The DOH expects the number of cases to continue to rise. Within the first 10 weeks of 2024, 453 Filipinos across the country were diagnosed with pertussis.The National Capital Region reported the highest number of cases with 38, followed by Calabarzon and Central Visayas. So far, 35 people have died due to this infection, said the DOH. (HIC) What is needed to play online games? Philippines THREE Navy personnel were injured following the recent harassment of Chinese vessels to Philippine ships conducting a routine rotation and resupply (RoRe) mission to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.In an interview on Sunday, March 24, 2024, National Security Adviser and National Task Force on West Philippine Sea (WPS) chairman Eduardo Año maintained that Ayungin Shoal is part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) “so it is within our rights and authority to conduct resupply and rotation there.”“Now, their actions are illegal, coercive, aggressive and even deceptive. This is just an ordinary rotation and resupply or provision operation pero look at how the Chinese are reacting, it is as if it’s already the end of the world,” he said.“So it’s really humiliating themselves in front of the world, so we will continue to do this, we will not be deterred, we will not be intimidated because it is our right and we have to protect our soldiers, our sailors there at BRP Sierra Madre,” he added.On Saturday, March 23, Año said that Chinese Coast Guard and Chinese Maritime Militia acted recklessly and dangerously against Philippine Coast Guard vessels and Unaizah May 4 (UM4) using water cannons, causing severe damage to the vessel and injuries to Filipinos onboard.He did not specify the injuries sustained by the personnel but he said they were immediately given first aid in the PCG ship.He said the actions of the Chinese disabled the UM4, prompting the BRP Sierra Madre to deploy its inflatable boats to ferry personnel to be rotated in.The Chinese personnel, in an attempt to continue obstructing and impeding the RoRe mission, placed a floating barrier at the northwestern entrance of the lagoon of Ayungin Shoal. Año said that despite the repeated harassment, the RoRe mission has been successful.Año said he has requested the convening of a meeting with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and the National Security Cluster for purposes of making recommendations to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.“The actions of the agents of the PRC today in the waters of the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) show to the Filipino people, the region, and the world that the PRC (People’s Republic of China) recognizes no reasonable or legal restraint or limitation upon its actions under international law,” he said.“The Philippines shall continue to act peacefully and responsibly, consistent with international law, particularly Unclos and the legally binding 2016 Arbitral Award. Peace and stability cannot be achieved without due regard for the legitimate, well-established, and legally settled rights of others. The Philippines will not be deterred -- by veiled threats or hostility -- from exercising our legal rights over our maritime zones, including Ayungin Shoal which forms part of our EEZ and continental shelf. We demand that China demonstrate in deeds and not in words that it is a responsible and trustworthy member of the international community,” he added.The recent harassment by China to the Philippines was condemned by Philippine-ally countries, including the United States. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)

THREE Navy personnel were injured following the recent harassment of Chinese vessels to Philippine ships conducting a routine rotation and resupply (RoRe) mission to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.In an interview on Sunday, March 24, 2024, National Security Adviser and National Task Force on West Philippine Sea (WPS) chairman Eduardo Año maintained that Ayungin Shoal is part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) “so it is within our rights and authority to conduct resupply and rotation there.”“Now, their actions are illegal, coercive, aggressive and even deceptive. This is just an ordinary rotation and resupply or provision operation pero look at how the Chinese are reacting, it is as if it’s already the end of the world,” he said.“So it’s really humiliating themselves in front of the world, so we will continue to do this, we will not be deterred, we will not be intimidated because it is our right and we have to protect our soldiers, our sailors there at BRP Sierra Madre,” he added.On Saturday, March 23, Año said that Chinese Coast Guard and Chinese Maritime Militia acted recklessly and dangerously against Philippine Coast Guard vessels and Unaizah May 4 (UM4) using water cannons, causing severe damage to the vessel and injuries to Filipinos onboard.He did not specify the injuries sustained by the personnel but he said they were immediately given first aid in the PCG ship.He said the actions of the Chinese disabled the UM4, prompting the BRP Sierra Madre to deploy its inflatable boats to ferry personnel to be rotated in.The Chinese personnel, in an attempt to continue obstructing and impeding the RoRe mission, placed a floating barrier at the northwestern entrance of the lagoon of Ayungin Shoal. Año said that despite the repeated harassment, the RoRe mission has been successful.Año said he has requested the convening of a meeting with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and the National Security Cluster for purposes of making recommendations to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.“The actions of the agents of the PRC today in the waters of the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) show to the Filipino people, the region, and the world that the PRC (People’s Republic of China) recognizes no reasonable or legal restraint or limitation upon its actions under international law,” he said.“The Philippines shall continue to act peacefully and responsibly, consistent with international law, particularly Unclos and the legally binding 2016 Arbitral Award. Peace and stability cannot be achieved without due regard for the legitimate, well-established, and legally settled rights of others. The Philippines will not be deterred -- by veiled threats or hostility -- from exercising our legal rights over our maritime zones, including Ayungin Shoal which forms part of our EEZ and continental shelf. We demand that China demonstrate in deeds and not in words that it is a responsible and trustworthy member of the international community,” he added.The recent harassment by China to the Philippines was condemned by Philippine-ally countries, including the United States. (TPM/SunStar Philippines) What do you mean by EFL? IN THE continuing struggle for control over the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD), the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA)-installed officer-in-charge (OIC), John Dx Lapid, was barred from entering the MCWD office building in downtown Cebu City on Monday morning, while on the same day Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia and seven mayors expressed their support for the MCWD officials who had been suspended by the LWUA.Lapid was able to enter only after general manger Edgar Donoso, the person whom Lapid was supposed to replace, issued a memorandum at 12:32 p.m. allowing Lapid to enter and to report to his post as division manager for customer care, but not as OIC.Lapid had been outside the MCWD building since 5:59 a.m. Lapid said the LWUA had instructed him not to leave the entrance of the basement parking of the MCWD building.Upon hearing of his plight, Cebu City Administrator Collin Rosell, along with City Budget Officer Jerone Castillo and City Legal Officer Carlo Vincent Gimena, arrived at the MCWD office to support Lapid in his appointment as OIC general manager.The LWUA appointed Lapid following its suspension of Donoso for 90 days last Friday, April 12. When Lapid finally entered the MCWD building, he called for a general assembly on the eighth floor. But only a few employees showed up.Lapid and the city officials went to the fifth floor to Donoso’s office, where a short confrontation occurred.MCWD secretary Jodelyn May Seno asked Rosell and Castillo to leave because they were city employees. The two ignored her, arguing that she had already been suspended by the LWUA.Members of the interim board installed by LWUA also arrived during the confrontation.Also present were Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO) head Harold Alcontin and Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office head Reymarr Hijara.At least 90 personnel from Task Force Kasaligan, along with CCDRRMO personnel, were deployed outside and inside the MCWD building.No entryDuring a press conference on Monday, MCWD chairman Jose Daluz III said they drafted a resolution barring Lapid and the interim board from the MCWD building.He said it was similar to the resolution Lapid started drafting to ban him, Donoso and the rest of his board, meaning Miguelito Pato and Seno, from entering.Daluz reiterated that the LWUA’s March 15 intervention that saw him, Pato and Seno suspended for six months, was illegal, arguing that it could only intervene if the MCWD defaulted financially on its loan, which it did not.“We only owe (LWUA) P13 million. We pay P65,000 every month, non-bearing interest. And we pay in advance,” he said in Cebuano.Daluz said the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel’s (OGCC) opinion regarding the LWUA’s actions was clear that LWUA could only intervene if there was a loan default. He said the LWUA did not abide by the OGCC’s opinion, as it had earlier promised.ResignDaluz also encouraged Lapid to resign from his post to show “decency,” saying that his acceptance of the OIC position was an act of “insubordination” towards his bosses.“I won’t resign,” Lapid responded.Lapid said he is a regular employee of the water district, adding that if they give him a show cause order he will answer it.He said if they fire him, then he will see what will happen.“I am not afraid because I firmly stand by my conviction that the LWUA has jurisdiction over a water district, not just MCWD, but all water districts,” he said in a mix of Cebuano and English.Lapid said the LWUA’s suspension of Donoso and the Daluz-led board was part of the due process.“Nibarog ta for the water district para mahuman ni tanan problema (I stood up for the water district so all these problems would end),” he said, referring to the struggle for control of MCWD.Donoso said he did not receive a copy of his suspension order.He also questioned why he was not afforded due time to explain his side.Donoso said the respect and hospitality they gave to LWUA have reached their limits.He reiterated that the LWUA’s takeover was unfounded and without due process.Employees, mayors back DaluzMeanwhile, Sammy Suson, president of the MCWD employees’ union with 583 members, said they do not support Lapid’s appointment as OIC general manager.“We will not recognize the intervention of the LWUA,” Suson said.Daniel Lim Jr., president of the non-regular employees’ union with 100 members, echoed his sentiment.Some local chief executives in Metro Cebu also expressed their support for the Daluz-led board and Donoso.Daluz, Donoso, Seno and suspended board vice chairman Pato met with Consolacion Mayor Teresa Alegado, Compostela Mayor Felijur Quiño, Cordova Mayor Cesar Suan, Liloan Mayor Aljew Frasco, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan, Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes, Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony Gullas Jr. with Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia at the Capitol on Monday.During a press conference at the Capitol, the governor said the LWUA’s intervention was untimely, creating confusion among employees and consumers as the province faces the effects of the El Niño phenomenon. She said she had brokered an agreement between both parties that they must adhere to the legal opinion of the OGCC, which was released last April 2. Garcia said the LWUA misinterpreted the OGCC’s opinion in its favor, and pushed through with its partial intervention. She said if LWUA insists on interfering in the local water district, she may be forced to invoke Section 16 of Republic Act 7162, or the “General Welfare” clause of the Local Government Code, to ensure the status quo at the MCWD.“I may call on government agency or uniformed personnel to see to it that the General Welfare Board of the constituent of Cebu will be upheld and law will be upheld because all of us took a solemn oath to that,” Garcia said. The mayors backed Garcia’s statement, arguing that changing the administration of a government agency that serves water during a dry spell was unnecessary. The MCWD’s franchise area includes the cities of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue and Talisay, and the municipalities of Consolacion, Compostela, Cordova and Liloan. The mayors also condemned LWUA’s partial intervention as unlawful due to its invalid reasons and not following the OGCC opinion. Members of the Provincial Board (PB) and Daanbantayan Mayor Sun Shimura, president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines, were also at the meeting to support the Daluz-led board and Donoso.Garcia said the PB will pass a resolution to support the mayors’ plea. The LWUA suspended Daluz, Pato and Seno for six months starting March 15, to give way for its investigation on several issues at the MCWD. It suspended Donoso last April 12 for 90 days for continuing to defy the interim board’s request to turn over documents on MCWD’s transactions and failing to respond to a five-day notice to explain his decision. Gwen vs. RamaThis is not the first time that the governor has backed officials and agencies that are at odds with the Cebu City Government.Garcia also supported the Cebu Port Authority, and called out the City for ignoring the port authority’s territorial jurisdiction.Earlier in the year, she and Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama also disagreed on the implementation of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit project, which resulted in the mayor filing an administrative case against Garcia for “meddling” in the city’s project.Garcia had issued a cease and desist order against the contractor to stop the construction of a bus station near the Capitol building due to lack of a permit related to heritage zones.As for the conflict at the MCWD, it started when Rama fired the Daluz-led board. Daluz had said he would opt to wait for the LWUA’s intervention on the matter and abide by the agency’s order. But last March 15, when the LWUA informed Daluz and Donoso that it would intervene in the water district for six months and appoint an interim board to replace the Daluz-led board, Donoso wrote the OGCC for its opinion on the matter. When the OGCC released its opinion, the LWUA and Daluz interpreted it differently in their favor. LWUA speaks outIn a statement late Monday, LWUA Administrator Jose Moises Salonga said that although the OGCC’s opinion cited Section 61 of Presidential Decree 198 (Provincial Water Utilities Act of 1973), which talks of default in terms of payment of the principal or interest on a loan, the same section also provides that “default includes ‘other obligations to the Administration’ as another ground independent from the financial provisions.”“The 2015 Financial Assistance Contract (FAC) memorializes those obligations both financial and technical. In fact, that very document notes that any failure to deliver or comply with any obligation, promise or covenant is a situation of breach and default. Thus, for Mr. Daluz and company to claim that default ONLY pertains to loans is merely their own interpretation that they are desperately peddling to the public, and we fear, to the governor and mayors,” Salonga said.“The default on the part of MCWD pertains to its obligations under the FAC between MCWD and LWUA, wherein MCWD committed to perform the following:1. To comply with the provisions of PD 198 or other amendatory decrees, acts, or laws, and the rules, regulations, and standards established by LWUA. 2. To establish a leakage control program. within one year from the date of the FAC. Said program will identify the principal causes of water losses in MCWD, identify its precise location, and establish a priority schedule to minimize such losses. The leakage control program will establish and systematically maintain a record of its transmission and distribution systems and will develop procedures for the regular inspection and repair of distribution mains and service connections to achieve a water loss position that is satisfactory to LWUA. 3. To consult LWUA before it appoints or makes permanent its General Manager, whose appointment shall be subject to confirmation of LWUA. “The above violations constitute default on the part of MCWD under the 2015 FAC.”Furthermore, he said MCWD had a high NRW (non-revenue water), which had no marked improvement from year 2020 to 2022. The consistent rise in its NRW during this period resulted in an annual loss on revenue by an average of at least P117.759 million. “MCWD’s NRW steadily increased from 20.34 million cu.m. in 2020 (with a 25.26 percent NRW), to 24.542 million cu.m in 2021 (29.04 percent NRW), and 29.481 million cu. m in 2022 (32.67 percent NRW)” when, in fact, Salonga said, MCWD had committed to a 15 percent NRW rate for 2023, which it failed to achieve. From the FAC signing, MCWD has yet to come up with the measures, plans and results it had committed in the deal, Salonga said.BankruptAnother reason for the LWUA action of suspending the Daluz-led board is that “at the rate the procurement is going, at the prices they are contracting, LWUA fears that MCWD as a GOCC (government owned and controlled corporation) is going to go bankrupt soon.”The FAC also gives LWUA multiple options to address the violations of MCWD. “The preventive suspension of the members of the MCWD board was a tame response on the part of LWUA and merely a preliminary step to investigate the violations of the FAC,” he said. Due processSalonga said due process was complied with, as it provided the suspended MCWD board multiple opportunities to respond to the violations “through the issuances of the show cause order and final demand letter dated 20 March 2024, and 03 April 2024, respectively. The suspended MCWD failed to respond, and thereby deemed to have waived their right to be heard prior to the remedial actions of LWUA.”He said LWUA is performing its mandate under PD 198 by implementing the FAC to ensure the prudent use of public funds and the provision of basic services to the people. He asked the local chief executives of Cebu to reconsider their position “upon a careful study of the full state of facts.”“At this time where El Niño is present and no infrastructure work can be done due to strained political and community relations, there is no reason why LWUA should not act in the most expedient manner,” Salonga said. / EHP, AML, JJL, CTL

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IN THE continuing struggle for control over the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD), the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA)-installed officer-in-charge (OIC), John Dx Lapid, was barred from entering the MCWD office building in downtown Cebu City on Monday morning, while on the same day Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia and seven mayors expressed their support for the MCWD officials who had been suspended by the LWUA.Lapid was able to enter only after general manger Edgar Donoso, the person whom Lapid was supposed to replace, issued a memorandum at 12:32 p.m. allowing Lapid to enter and to report to his post as division manager for customer care, but not as OIC.Lapid had been outside the MCWD building since 5:59 a.m. Lapid said the LWUA had instructed him not to leave the entrance of the basement parking of the MCWD building.Upon hearing of his plight, Cebu City Administrator Collin Rosell, along with City Budget Officer Jerone Castillo and City Legal Officer Carlo Vincent Gimena, arrived at the MCWD office to support Lapid in his appointment as OIC general manager.The LWUA appointed Lapid following its suspension of Donoso for 90 days last Friday, April 12. When Lapid finally entered the MCWD building, he called for a general assembly on the eighth floor. But only a few employees showed up.Lapid and the city officials went to the fifth floor to Donoso’s office, where a short confrontation occurred.MCWD secretary Jodelyn May Seno asked Rosell and Castillo to leave because they were city employees. The two ignored her, arguing that she had already been suspended by the LWUA.Members of the interim board installed by LWUA also arrived during the confrontation.Also present were Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO) head Harold Alcontin and Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office head Reymarr Hijara.At least 90 personnel from Task Force Kasaligan, along with CCDRRMO personnel, were deployed outside and inside the MCWD building.No entryDuring a press conference on Monday, MCWD chairman Jose Daluz III said they drafted a resolution barring Lapid and the interim board from the MCWD building.He said it was similar to the resolution Lapid started drafting to ban him, Donoso and the rest of his board, meaning Miguelito Pato and Seno, from entering.Daluz reiterated that the LWUA’s March 15 intervention that saw him, Pato and Seno suspended for six months, was illegal, arguing that it could only intervene if the MCWD defaulted financially on its loan, which it did not.“We only owe (LWUA) P13 million. We pay P65,000 every month, non-bearing interest. And we pay in advance,” he said in Cebuano.Daluz said the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel’s (OGCC) opinion regarding the LWUA’s actions was clear that LWUA could only intervene if there was a loan default. He said the LWUA did not abide by the OGCC’s opinion, as it had earlier promised.ResignDaluz also encouraged Lapid to resign from his post to show “decency,” saying that his acceptance of the OIC position was an act of “insubordination” towards his bosses.“I won’t resign,” Lapid responded.Lapid said he is a regular employee of the water district, adding that if they give him a show cause order he will answer it.He said if they fire him, then he will see what will happen.“I am not afraid because I firmly stand by my conviction that the LWUA has jurisdiction over a water district, not just MCWD, but all water districts,” he said in a mix of Cebuano and English.Lapid said the LWUA’s suspension of Donoso and the Daluz-led board was part of the due process.“Nibarog ta for the water district para mahuman ni tanan problema (I stood up for the water district so all these problems would end),” he said, referring to the struggle for control of MCWD.Donoso said he did not receive a copy of his suspension order.He also questioned why he was not afforded due time to explain his side.Donoso said the respect and hospitality they gave to LWUA have reached their limits.He reiterated that the LWUA’s takeover was unfounded and without due process.Employees, mayors back DaluzMeanwhile, Sammy Suson, president of the MCWD employees’ union with 583 members, said they do not support Lapid’s appointment as OIC general manager.“We will not recognize the intervention of the LWUA,” Suson said.Daniel Lim Jr., president of the non-regular employees’ union with 100 members, echoed his sentiment.Some local chief executives in Metro Cebu also expressed their support for the Daluz-led board and Donoso.Daluz, Donoso, Seno and suspended board vice chairman Pato met with Consolacion Mayor Teresa Alegado, Compostela Mayor Felijur Quiño, Cordova Mayor Cesar Suan, Liloan Mayor Aljew Frasco, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan, Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes, Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony Gullas Jr. with Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia at the Capitol on Monday.During a press conference at the Capitol, the governor said the LWUA’s intervention was untimely, creating confusion among employees and consumers as the province faces the effects of the El Niño phenomenon. She said she had brokered an agreement between both parties that they must adhere to the legal opinion of the OGCC, which was released last April 2. Garcia said the LWUA misinterpreted the OGCC’s opinion in its favor, and pushed through with its partial intervention. She said if LWUA insists on interfering in the local water district, she may be forced to invoke Section 16 of Republic Act 7162, or the “General Welfare” clause of the Local Government Code, to ensure the status quo at the MCWD.“I may call on government agency or uniformed personnel to see to it that the General Welfare Board of the constituent of Cebu will be upheld and law will be upheld because all of us took a solemn oath to that,” Garcia said. The mayors backed Garcia’s statement, arguing that changing the administration of a government agency that serves water during a dry spell was unnecessary. The MCWD’s franchise area includes the cities of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue and Talisay, and the municipalities of Consolacion, Compostela, Cordova and Liloan. The mayors also condemned LWUA’s partial intervention as unlawful due to its invalid reasons and not following the OGCC opinion. Members of the Provincial Board (PB) and Daanbantayan Mayor Sun Shimura, president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines, were also at the meeting to support the Daluz-led board and Donoso.Garcia said the PB will pass a resolution to support the mayors’ plea. The LWUA suspended Daluz, Pato and Seno for six months starting March 15, to give way for its investigation on several issues at the MCWD. It suspended Donoso last April 12 for 90 days for continuing to defy the interim board’s request to turn over documents on MCWD’s transactions and failing to respond to a five-day notice to explain his decision. Gwen vs. RamaThis is not the first time that the governor has backed officials and agencies that are at odds with the Cebu City Government.Garcia also supported the Cebu Port Authority, and called out the City for ignoring the port authority’s territorial jurisdiction.Earlier in the year, she and Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama also disagreed on the implementation of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit project, which resulted in the mayor filing an administrative case against Garcia for “meddling” in the city’s project.Garcia had issued a cease and desist order against the contractor to stop the construction of a bus station near the Capitol building due to lack of a permit related to heritage zones.As for the conflict at the MCWD, it started when Rama fired the Daluz-led board. Daluz had said he would opt to wait for the LWUA’s intervention on the matter and abide by the agency’s order. But last March 15, when the LWUA informed Daluz and Donoso that it would intervene in the water district for six months and appoint an interim board to replace the Daluz-led board, Donoso wrote the OGCC for its opinion on the matter. When the OGCC released its opinion, the LWUA and Daluz interpreted it differently in their favor. LWUA speaks outIn a statement late Monday, LWUA Administrator Jose Moises Salonga said that although the OGCC’s opinion cited Section 61 of Presidential Decree 198 (Provincial Water Utilities Act of 1973), which talks of default in terms of payment of the principal or interest on a loan, the same section also provides that “default includes ‘other obligations to the Administration’ as another ground independent from the financial provisions.”“The 2015 Financial Assistance Contract (FAC) memorializes those obligations both financial and technical. In fact, that very document notes that any failure to deliver or comply with any obligation, promise or covenant is a situation of breach and default. Thus, for Mr. Daluz and company to claim that default ONLY pertains to loans is merely their own interpretation that they are desperately peddling to the public, and we fear, to the governor and mayors,” Salonga said.“The default on the part of MCWD pertains to its obligations under the FAC between MCWD and LWUA, wherein MCWD committed to perform the following:1. To comply with the provisions of PD 198 or other amendatory decrees, acts, or laws, and the rules, regulations, and standards established by LWUA. 2. To establish a leakage control program. within one year from the date of the FAC. Said program will identify the principal causes of water losses in MCWD, identify its precise location, and establish a priority schedule to minimize such losses. The leakage control program will establish and systematically maintain a record of its transmission and distribution systems and will develop procedures for the regular inspection and repair of distribution mains and service connections to achieve a water loss position that is satisfactory to LWUA. 3. To consult LWUA before it appoints or makes permanent its General Manager, whose appointment shall be subject to confirmation of LWUA. “The above violations constitute default on the part of MCWD under the 2015 FAC.”Furthermore, he said MCWD had a high NRW (non-revenue water), which had no marked improvement from year 2020 to 2022. The consistent rise in its NRW during this period resulted in an annual loss on revenue by an average of at least P117.759 million. “MCWD’s NRW steadily increased from 20.34 million cu.m. in 2020 (with a 25.26 percent NRW), to 24.542 million cu.m in 2021 (29.04 percent NRW), and 29.481 million cu. m in 2022 (32.67 percent NRW)” when, in fact, Salonga said, MCWD had committed to a 15 percent NRW rate for 2023, which it failed to achieve. From the FAC signing, MCWD has yet to come up with the measures, plans and results it had committed in the deal, Salonga said.BankruptAnother reason for the LWUA action of suspending the Daluz-led board is that “at the rate the procurement is going, at the prices they are contracting, LWUA fears that MCWD as a GOCC (government owned and controlled corporation) is going to go bankrupt soon.”The FAC also gives LWUA multiple options to address the violations of MCWD. “The preventive suspension of the members of the MCWD board was a tame response on the part of LWUA and merely a preliminary step to investigate the violations of the FAC,” he said. Due processSalonga said due process was complied with, as it provided the suspended MCWD board multiple opportunities to respond to the violations “through the issuances of the show cause order and final demand letter dated 20 March 2024, and 03 April 2024, respectively. The suspended MCWD failed to respond, and thereby deemed to have waived their right to be heard prior to the remedial actions of LWUA.”He said LWUA is performing its mandate under PD 198 by implementing the FAC to ensure the prudent use of public funds and the provision of basic services to the people. He asked the local chief executives of Cebu to reconsider their position “upon a careful study of the full state of facts.”“At this time where El Niño is present and no infrastructure work can be done due to strained political and community relations, there is no reason why LWUA should not act in the most expedient manner,” Salonga said. / EHP, AML, JJL, CTL What do you mean by EFL? HEALTH officials in the cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu in Cebu have confirmed logging pertussis cases, including several suspected pertussis cases, especially among children and infants.Agnes Realiza, head of the Lapu-Lapu City Health Office (LCHO), and Debra Catulong, head of the Mandaue City Health Office (MCHO), said in an interview with SunStar Tuesday, March 26, 2024, that they have been increasing the administration of pentavalent vaccines to contain the spread of the disease, particularly among toddlers and infants.They have also been conducting catch-up vaccinations, or administering vaccines to those who missed out on a particular vaccine at the recommended age or missed a scheduled vaccination dose. The pentavalent vaccine, as defined by the World Health Organization, protects children and infants from potentially deadly diseases, which include diphtheria, tetanus, Hib, hepatitis B, and pertussis.Realiza reported on March 25 that there was only one confirmed case of pertussis in Lapu-Lapu, while 15 were suspected to be pertussis cases. These 15, however, were later identified to be not related to the respiratory illness.Catulong, for her part, did not give an exact number but confirmed that Mandaue City also has confirmed and suspected cases of the disease.Both Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu have had no outbreaks of pertussis, said the two officials.Early consultation Both Realiza and Catulong recommended that parents should seek immediate medical consultation, such as visiting the LCHO and MCHO, if they notice that their children have coughs and colds. Catulong also reminded parents to follow the instructions for medication intake and isolate the pertussis-infected child from other children to prevent contamination.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pertussis, commonly known as "whooping cough," is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection that can affect people of all ages but is especially dangerous for babies. It is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis.The bacteria spread easily from person to person through the air. The CDC said the whooping cough can only be contracted from other humans.The early symptoms of pertussis include a runny or stuffy nose, a mild and occasional cough (mostly common for adults), low-grade fever (less than 38 degrees Celsius), apnea (life-threatening pauses in breathing), and cyanosis (turning blue or purple) in babies and toddlers.If left untreated for two weeks, the infected person may start to develop whooping cough, which is later accompanied by paroxysms -- rapid, violent, uncontrollable coughing fits that can cause the infected person to struggle to breathe and vomit that last up to 10 weeks.The CDC said babies infected with pertussis are likely to suffer from difficulty in breathing, while teenagers and adults generally have milder symptoms.Hand washing Realiza and Catulong advised the public to practice proper handwashing and resume wearing face masks to prevent the spread of the disease.The two health officials emphasized the importance of vaccinating children against common diseases like pertussis and seeking regular check-ups at health centers.Realiza said they continue to conduct health education for parents in Lapu-Lapu to properly take care of their children and ensure they receive ample nutrition.Expected to riseIn the past week, three cities in the Philippines -- Quezon, Pasig, and Iloilo -- have declared an outbreak of pertussis.Quezon and Pasig recorded almost 50 cases and six deaths, while Iloilo reported 15 cases with eight suspected cases. Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Eric Tayag said many areas in the country are on high alert due to the spread of pertussis, especially among children. The DOH expects the number of cases to continue to rise. Within the first 10 weeks of 2024, 453 Filipinos across the country were diagnosed with pertussis.The National Capital Region reported the highest number of cases with 38, followed by Calabarzon and Central Visayas. So far, 35 people have died due to this infection, said the DOH. (HIC)

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HEALTH officials in the cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu in Cebu have confirmed logging pertussis cases, including several suspected pertussis cases, especially among children and infants.Agnes Realiza, head of the Lapu-Lapu City Health Office (LCHO), and Debra Catulong, head of the Mandaue City Health Office (MCHO), said in an interview with SunStar Tuesday, March 26, 2024, that they have been increasing the administration of pentavalent vaccines to contain the spread of the disease, particularly among toddlers and infants.They have also been conducting catch-up vaccinations, or administering vaccines to those who missed out on a particular vaccine at the recommended age or missed a scheduled vaccination dose. The pentavalent vaccine, as defined by the World Health Organization, protects children and infants from potentially deadly diseases, which include diphtheria, tetanus, Hib, hepatitis B, and pertussis.Realiza reported on March 25 that there was only one confirmed case of pertussis in Lapu-Lapu, while 15 were suspected to be pertussis cases. These 15, however, were later identified to be not related to the respiratory illness.Catulong, for her part, did not give an exact number but confirmed that Mandaue City also has confirmed and suspected cases of the disease.Both Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu have had no outbreaks of pertussis, said the two officials.Early consultation Both Realiza and Catulong recommended that parents should seek immediate medical consultation, such as visiting the LCHO and MCHO, if they notice that their children have coughs and colds. Catulong also reminded parents to follow the instructions for medication intake and isolate the pertussis-infected child from other children to prevent contamination.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pertussis, commonly known as "whooping cough," is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection that can affect people of all ages but is especially dangerous for babies. It is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis.The bacteria spread easily from person to person through the air. The CDC said the whooping cough can only be contracted from other humans.The early symptoms of pertussis include a runny or stuffy nose, a mild and occasional cough (mostly common for adults), low-grade fever (less than 38 degrees Celsius), apnea (life-threatening pauses in breathing), and cyanosis (turning blue or purple) in babies and toddlers.If left untreated for two weeks, the infected person may start to develop whooping cough, which is later accompanied by paroxysms -- rapid, violent, uncontrollable coughing fits that can cause the infected person to struggle to breathe and vomit that last up to 10 weeks.The CDC said babies infected with pertussis are likely to suffer from difficulty in breathing, while teenagers and adults generally have milder symptoms.Hand washing Realiza and Catulong advised the public to practice proper handwashing and resume wearing face masks to prevent the spread of the disease.The two health officials emphasized the importance of vaccinating children against common diseases like pertussis and seeking regular check-ups at health centers.Realiza said they continue to conduct health education for parents in Lapu-Lapu to properly take care of their children and ensure they receive ample nutrition.Expected to riseIn the past week, three cities in the Philippines -- Quezon, Pasig, and Iloilo -- have declared an outbreak of pertussis.Quezon and Pasig recorded almost 50 cases and six deaths, while Iloilo reported 15 cases with eight suspected cases. Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Eric Tayag said many areas in the country are on high alert due to the spread of pertussis, especially among children. The DOH expects the number of cases to continue to rise. Within the first 10 weeks of 2024, 453 Filipinos across the country were diagnosed with pertussis.The National Capital Region reported the highest number of cases with 38, followed by Calabarzon and Central Visayas. So far, 35 people have died due to this infection, said the DOH. (HIC), check the following table to see what categories most online casinos in the Philippines fit in.

THREE Navy personnel were injured following the recent harassment of Chinese vessels to Philippine ships conducting a routine rotation and resupply (RoRe) mission to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.In an interview on Sunday, March 24, 2024, National Security Adviser and National Task Force on West Philippine Sea (WPS) chairman Eduardo Año maintained that Ayungin Shoal is part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) “so it is within our rights and authority to conduct resupply and rotation there.”“Now, their actions are illegal, coercive, aggressive and even deceptive. This is just an ordinary rotation and resupply or provision operation pero look at how the Chinese are reacting, it is as if it’s already the end of the world,” he said.“So it’s really humiliating themselves in front of the world, so we will continue to do this, we will not be deterred, we will not be intimidated because it is our right and we have to protect our soldiers, our sailors there at BRP Sierra Madre,” he added.On Saturday, March 23, Año said that Chinese Coast Guard and Chinese Maritime Militia acted recklessly and dangerously against Philippine Coast Guard vessels and Unaizah May 4 (UM4) using water cannons, causing severe damage to the vessel and injuries to Filipinos onboard.He did not specify the injuries sustained by the personnel but he said they were immediately given first aid in the PCG ship.He said the actions of the Chinese disabled the UM4, prompting the BRP Sierra Madre to deploy its inflatable boats to ferry personnel to be rotated in.The Chinese personnel, in an attempt to continue obstructing and impeding the RoRe mission, placed a floating barrier at the northwestern entrance of the lagoon of Ayungin Shoal. Año said that despite the repeated harassment, the RoRe mission has been successful.Año said he has requested the convening of a meeting with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and the National Security Cluster for purposes of making recommendations to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.“The actions of the agents of the PRC today in the waters of the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) show to the Filipino people, the region, and the world that the PRC (People’s Republic of China) recognizes no reasonable or legal restraint or limitation upon its actions under international law,” he said.“The Philippines shall continue to act peacefully and responsibly, consistent with international law, particularly Unclos and the legally binding 2016 Arbitral Award. Peace and stability cannot be achieved without due regard for the legitimate, well-established, and legally settled rights of others. The Philippines will not be deterred -- by veiled threats or hostility -- from exercising our legal rights over our maritime zones, including Ayungin Shoal which forms part of our EEZ and continental shelf. We demand that China demonstrate in deeds and not in words that it is a responsible and trustworthy member of the international community,” he added.The recent harassment by China to the Philippines was condemned by Philippine-ally countries, including the United States. (TPM/SunStar Philippines) What is needed to play online games? . SportsPlus Games ✔️ Safe & Secure Online Casinos in PH ✔️ 100+ Expert Casino Game Reviews ▷ Take Your Pick from the Top Player! here is how to register at an online casino site in the Philippines:

HEALTH officials in the cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu in Cebu have confirmed logging pertussis cases, including several suspected pertussis cases, especially among children and infants.Agnes Realiza, head of the Lapu-Lapu City Health Office (LCHO), and Debra Catulong, head of the Mandaue City Health Office (MCHO), said in an interview with SunStar Tuesday, March 26, 2024, that they have been increasing the administration of pentavalent vaccines to contain the spread of the disease, particularly among toddlers and infants.They have also been conducting catch-up vaccinations, or administering vaccines to those who missed out on a particular vaccine at the recommended age or missed a scheduled vaccination dose. The pentavalent vaccine, as defined by the World Health Organization, protects children and infants from potentially deadly diseases, which include diphtheria, tetanus, Hib, hepatitis B, and pertussis.Realiza reported on March 25 that there was only one confirmed case of pertussis in Lapu-Lapu, while 15 were suspected to be pertussis cases. These 15, however, were later identified to be not related to the respiratory illness.Catulong, for her part, did not give an exact number but confirmed that Mandaue City also has confirmed and suspected cases of the disease.Both Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu have had no outbreaks of pertussis, said the two officials.Early consultation Both Realiza and Catulong recommended that parents should seek immediate medical consultation, such as visiting the LCHO and MCHO, if they notice that their children have coughs and colds. Catulong also reminded parents to follow the instructions for medication intake and isolate the pertussis-infected child from other children to prevent contamination.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pertussis, commonly known as "whooping cough," is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection that can affect people of all ages but is especially dangerous for babies. It is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis.The bacteria spread easily from person to person through the air. The CDC said the whooping cough can only be contracted from other humans.The early symptoms of pertussis include a runny or stuffy nose, a mild and occasional cough (mostly common for adults), low-grade fever (less than 38 degrees Celsius), apnea (life-threatening pauses in breathing), and cyanosis (turning blue or purple) in babies and toddlers.If left untreated for two weeks, the infected person may start to develop whooping cough, which is later accompanied by paroxysms -- rapid, violent, uncontrollable coughing fits that can cause the infected person to struggle to breathe and vomit that last up to 10 weeks.The CDC said babies infected with pertussis are likely to suffer from difficulty in breathing, while teenagers and adults generally have milder symptoms.Hand washing Realiza and Catulong advised the public to practice proper handwashing and resume wearing face masks to prevent the spread of the disease.The two health officials emphasized the importance of vaccinating children against common diseases like pertussis and seeking regular check-ups at health centers.Realiza said they continue to conduct health education for parents in Lapu-Lapu to properly take care of their children and ensure they receive ample nutrition.Expected to riseIn the past week, three cities in the Philippines -- Quezon, Pasig, and Iloilo -- have declared an outbreak of pertussis.Quezon and Pasig recorded almost 50 cases and six deaths, while Iloilo reported 15 cases with eight suspected cases. Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Eric Tayag said many areas in the country are on high alert due to the spread of pertussis, especially among children. The DOH expects the number of cases to continue to rise. Within the first 10 weeks of 2024, 453 Filipinos across the country were diagnosed with pertussis.The National Capital Region reported the highest number of cases with 38, followed by Calabarzon and Central Visayas. So far, 35 people have died due to this infection, said the DOH. (HIC) What do you mean by EFL? . It’s always a good idea to take your time and make sure you’ve found the best online casino in the Philippines on the online gambling market that can give you what you want.

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THREE Navy personnel were injured following the recent harassment of Chinese vessels to Philippine ships conducting a routine rotation and resupply (RoRe) mission to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.In an interview on Sunday, March 24, 2024, National Security Adviser and National Task Force on West Philippine Sea (WPS) chairman Eduardo Año maintained that Ayungin Shoal is part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) “so it is within our rights and authority to conduct resupply and rotation there.”“Now, their actions are illegal, coercive, aggressive and even deceptive. This is just an ordinary rotation and resupply or provision operation pero look at how the Chinese are reacting, it is as if it’s already the end of the world,” he said.“So it’s really humiliating themselves in front of the world, so we will continue to do this, we will not be deterred, we will not be intimidated because it is our right and we have to protect our soldiers, our sailors there at BRP Sierra Madre,” he added.On Saturday, March 23, Año said that Chinese Coast Guard and Chinese Maritime Militia acted recklessly and dangerously against Philippine Coast Guard vessels and Unaizah May 4 (UM4) using water cannons, causing severe damage to the vessel and injuries to Filipinos onboard.He did not specify the injuries sustained by the personnel but he said they were immediately given first aid in the PCG ship.He said the actions of the Chinese disabled the UM4, prompting the BRP Sierra Madre to deploy its inflatable boats to ferry personnel to be rotated in.The Chinese personnel, in an attempt to continue obstructing and impeding the RoRe mission, placed a floating barrier at the northwestern entrance of the lagoon of Ayungin Shoal. Año said that despite the repeated harassment, the RoRe mission has been successful.Año said he has requested the convening of a meeting with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and the National Security Cluster for purposes of making recommendations to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.“The actions of the agents of the PRC today in the waters of the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) show to the Filipino people, the region, and the world that the PRC (People’s Republic of China) recognizes no reasonable or legal restraint or limitation upon its actions under international law,” he said.“The Philippines shall continue to act peacefully and responsibly, consistent with international law, particularly Unclos and the legally binding 2016 Arbitral Award. Peace and stability cannot be achieved without due regard for the legitimate, well-established, and legally settled rights of others. The Philippines will not be deterred -- by veiled threats or hostility -- from exercising our legal rights over our maritime zones, including Ayungin Shoal which forms part of our EEZ and continental shelf. We demand that China demonstrate in deeds and not in words that it is a responsible and trustworthy member of the international community,” he added.The recent harassment by China to the Philippines was condemned by Philippine-ally countries, including the United States. (TPM/SunStar Philippines) licensed online casinos IN THE continuing struggle for control over the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD), the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA)-installed officer-in-charge (OIC), John Dx Lapid, was barred from entering the MCWD office building in downtown Cebu City on Monday morning, while on the same day Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia and seven mayors expressed their support for the MCWD officials who had been suspended by the LWUA.Lapid was able to enter only after general manger Edgar Donoso, the person whom Lapid was supposed to replace, issued a memorandum at 12:32 p.m. allowing Lapid to enter and to report to his post as division manager for customer care, but not as OIC.Lapid had been outside the MCWD building since 5:59 a.m. Lapid said the LWUA had instructed him not to leave the entrance of the basement parking of the MCWD building.Upon hearing of his plight, Cebu City Administrator Collin Rosell, along with City Budget Officer Jerone Castillo and City Legal Officer Carlo Vincent Gimena, arrived at the MCWD office to support Lapid in his appointment as OIC general manager.The LWUA appointed Lapid following its suspension of Donoso for 90 days last Friday, April 12. When Lapid finally entered the MCWD building, he called for a general assembly on the eighth floor. But only a few employees showed up.Lapid and the city officials went to the fifth floor to Donoso’s office, where a short confrontation occurred.MCWD secretary Jodelyn May Seno asked Rosell and Castillo to leave because they were city employees. The two ignored her, arguing that she had already been suspended by the LWUA.Members of the interim board installed by LWUA also arrived during the confrontation.Also present were Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO) head Harold Alcontin and Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office head Reymarr Hijara.At least 90 personnel from Task Force Kasaligan, along with CCDRRMO personnel, were deployed outside and inside the MCWD building.No entryDuring a press conference on Monday, MCWD chairman Jose Daluz III said they drafted a resolution barring Lapid and the interim board from the MCWD building.He said it was similar to the resolution Lapid started drafting to ban him, Donoso and the rest of his board, meaning Miguelito Pato and Seno, from entering.Daluz reiterated that the LWUA’s March 15 intervention that saw him, Pato and Seno suspended for six months, was illegal, arguing that it could only intervene if the MCWD defaulted financially on its loan, which it did not.“We only owe (LWUA) P13 million. We pay P65,000 every month, non-bearing interest. And we pay in advance,” he said in Cebuano.Daluz said the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel’s (OGCC) opinion regarding the LWUA’s actions was clear that LWUA could only intervene if there was a loan default. He said the LWUA did not abide by the OGCC’s opinion, as it had earlier promised.ResignDaluz also encouraged Lapid to resign from his post to show “decency,” saying that his acceptance of the OIC position was an act of “insubordination” towards his bosses.“I won’t resign,” Lapid responded.Lapid said he is a regular employee of the water district, adding that if they give him a show cause order he will answer it.He said if they fire him, then he will see what will happen.“I am not afraid because I firmly stand by my conviction that the LWUA has jurisdiction over a water district, not just MCWD, but all water districts,” he said in a mix of Cebuano and English.Lapid said the LWUA’s suspension of Donoso and the Daluz-led board was part of the due process.“Nibarog ta for the water district para mahuman ni tanan problema (I stood up for the water district so all these problems would end),” he said, referring to the struggle for control of MCWD.Donoso said he did not receive a copy of his suspension order.He also questioned why he was not afforded due time to explain his side.Donoso said the respect and hospitality they gave to LWUA have reached their limits.He reiterated that the LWUA’s takeover was unfounded and without due process.Employees, mayors back DaluzMeanwhile, Sammy Suson, president of the MCWD employees’ union with 583 members, said they do not support Lapid’s appointment as OIC general manager.“We will not recognize the intervention of the LWUA,” Suson said.Daniel Lim Jr., president of the non-regular employees’ union with 100 members, echoed his sentiment.Some local chief executives in Metro Cebu also expressed their support for the Daluz-led board and Donoso.Daluz, Donoso, Seno and suspended board vice chairman Pato met with Consolacion Mayor Teresa Alegado, Compostela Mayor Felijur Quiño, Cordova Mayor Cesar Suan, Liloan Mayor Aljew Frasco, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan, Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes, Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony Gullas Jr. with Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia at the Capitol on Monday.During a press conference at the Capitol, the governor said the LWUA’s intervention was untimely, creating confusion among employees and consumers as the province faces the effects of the El Niño phenomenon. She said she had brokered an agreement between both parties that they must adhere to the legal opinion of the OGCC, which was released last April 2. Garcia said the LWUA misinterpreted the OGCC’s opinion in its favor, and pushed through with its partial intervention. She said if LWUA insists on interfering in the local water district, she may be forced to invoke Section 16 of Republic Act 7162, or the “General Welfare” clause of the Local Government Code, to ensure the status quo at the MCWD.“I may call on government agency or uniformed personnel to see to it that the General Welfare Board of the constituent of Cebu will be upheld and law will be upheld because all of us took a solemn oath to that,” Garcia said. The mayors backed Garcia’s statement, arguing that changing the administration of a government agency that serves water during a dry spell was unnecessary. The MCWD’s franchise area includes the cities of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue and Talisay, and the municipalities of Consolacion, Compostela, Cordova and Liloan. The mayors also condemned LWUA’s partial intervention as unlawful due to its invalid reasons and not following the OGCC opinion. Members of the Provincial Board (PB) and Daanbantayan Mayor Sun Shimura, president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines, were also at the meeting to support the Daluz-led board and Donoso.Garcia said the PB will pass a resolution to support the mayors’ plea. The LWUA suspended Daluz, Pato and Seno for six months starting March 15, to give way for its investigation on several issues at the MCWD. It suspended Donoso last April 12 for 90 days for continuing to defy the interim board’s request to turn over documents on MCWD’s transactions and failing to respond to a five-day notice to explain his decision. Gwen vs. RamaThis is not the first time that the governor has backed officials and agencies that are at odds with the Cebu City Government.Garcia also supported the Cebu Port Authority, and called out the City for ignoring the port authority’s territorial jurisdiction.Earlier in the year, she and Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama also disagreed on the implementation of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit project, which resulted in the mayor filing an administrative case against Garcia for “meddling” in the city’s project.Garcia had issued a cease and desist order against the contractor to stop the construction of a bus station near the Capitol building due to lack of a permit related to heritage zones.As for the conflict at the MCWD, it started when Rama fired the Daluz-led board. Daluz had said he would opt to wait for the LWUA’s intervention on the matter and abide by the agency’s order. But last March 15, when the LWUA informed Daluz and Donoso that it would intervene in the water district for six months and appoint an interim board to replace the Daluz-led board, Donoso wrote the OGCC for its opinion on the matter. When the OGCC released its opinion, the LWUA and Daluz interpreted it differently in their favor. LWUA speaks outIn a statement late Monday, LWUA Administrator Jose Moises Salonga said that although the OGCC’s opinion cited Section 61 of Presidential Decree 198 (Provincial Water Utilities Act of 1973), which talks of default in terms of payment of the principal or interest on a loan, the same section also provides that “default includes ‘other obligations to the Administration’ as another ground independent from the financial provisions.”“The 2015 Financial Assistance Contract (FAC) memorializes those obligations both financial and technical. In fact, that very document notes that any failure to deliver or comply with any obligation, promise or covenant is a situation of breach and default. Thus, for Mr. Daluz and company to claim that default ONLY pertains to loans is merely their own interpretation that they are desperately peddling to the public, and we fear, to the governor and mayors,” Salonga said.“The default on the part of MCWD pertains to its obligations under the FAC between MCWD and LWUA, wherein MCWD committed to perform the following:1. To comply with the provisions of PD 198 or other amendatory decrees, acts, or laws, and the rules, regulations, and standards established by LWUA. 2. To establish a leakage control program. within one year from the date of the FAC. Said program will identify the principal causes of water losses in MCWD, identify its precise location, and establish a priority schedule to minimize such losses. The leakage control program will establish and systematically maintain a record of its transmission and distribution systems and will develop procedures for the regular inspection and repair of distribution mains and service connections to achieve a water loss position that is satisfactory to LWUA. 3. To consult LWUA before it appoints or makes permanent its General Manager, whose appointment shall be subject to confirmation of LWUA. “The above violations constitute default on the part of MCWD under the 2015 FAC.”Furthermore, he said MCWD had a high NRW (non-revenue water), which had no marked improvement from year 2020 to 2022. The consistent rise in its NRW during this period resulted in an annual loss on revenue by an average of at least P117.759 million. “MCWD’s NRW steadily increased from 20.34 million cu.m. in 2020 (with a 25.26 percent NRW), to 24.542 million cu.m in 2021 (29.04 percent NRW), and 29.481 million cu. m in 2022 (32.67 percent NRW)” when, in fact, Salonga said, MCWD had committed to a 15 percent NRW rate for 2023, which it failed to achieve. From the FAC signing, MCWD has yet to come up with the measures, plans and results it had committed in the deal, Salonga said.BankruptAnother reason for the LWUA action of suspending the Daluz-led board is that “at the rate the procurement is going, at the prices they are contracting, LWUA fears that MCWD as a GOCC (government owned and controlled corporation) is going to go bankrupt soon.”The FAC also gives LWUA multiple options to address the violations of MCWD. “The preventive suspension of the members of the MCWD board was a tame response on the part of LWUA and merely a preliminary step to investigate the violations of the FAC,” he said. Due processSalonga said due process was complied with, as it provided the suspended MCWD board multiple opportunities to respond to the violations “through the issuances of the show cause order and final demand letter dated 20 March 2024, and 03 April 2024, respectively. The suspended MCWD failed to respond, and thereby deemed to have waived their right to be heard prior to the remedial actions of LWUA.”He said LWUA is performing its mandate under PD 198 by implementing the FAC to ensure the prudent use of public funds and the provision of basic services to the people. He asked the local chief executives of Cebu to reconsider their position “upon a careful study of the full state of facts.”“At this time where El Niño is present and no infrastructure work can be done due to strained political and community relations, there is no reason why LWUA should not act in the most expedient manner,” Salonga said. / EHP, AML, JJL, CTL

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THREE Navy personnel were injured following the recent harassment of Chinese vessels to Philippine ships conducting a routine rotation and resupply (RoRe) mission to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.In an interview on Sunday, March 24, 2024, National Security Adviser and National Task Force on West Philippine Sea (WPS) chairman Eduardo Año maintained that Ayungin Shoal is part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) “so it is within our rights and authority to conduct resupply and rotation there.”“Now, their actions are illegal, coercive, aggressive and even deceptive. This is just an ordinary rotation and resupply or provision operation pero look at how the Chinese are reacting, it is as if it’s already the end of the world,” he said.“So it’s really humiliating themselves in front of the world, so we will continue to do this, we will not be deterred, we will not be intimidated because it is our right and we have to protect our soldiers, our sailors there at BRP Sierra Madre,” he added.On Saturday, March 23, Año said that Chinese Coast Guard and Chinese Maritime Militia acted recklessly and dangerously against Philippine Coast Guard vessels and Unaizah May 4 (UM4) using water cannons, causing severe damage to the vessel and injuries to Filipinos onboard.He did not specify the injuries sustained by the personnel but he said they were immediately given first aid in the PCG ship.He said the actions of the Chinese disabled the UM4, prompting the BRP Sierra Madre to deploy its inflatable boats to ferry personnel to be rotated in.The Chinese personnel, in an attempt to continue obstructing and impeding the RoRe mission, placed a floating barrier at the northwestern entrance of the lagoon of Ayungin Shoal. Año said that despite the repeated harassment, the RoRe mission has been successful.Año said he has requested the convening of a meeting with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and the National Security Cluster for purposes of making recommendations to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.“The actions of the agents of the PRC today in the waters of the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) show to the Filipino people, the region, and the world that the PRC (People’s Republic of China) recognizes no reasonable or legal restraint or limitation upon its actions under international law,” he said.“The Philippines shall continue to act peacefully and responsibly, consistent with international law, particularly Unclos and the legally binding 2016 Arbitral Award. Peace and stability cannot be achieved without due regard for the legitimate, well-established, and legally settled rights of others. The Philippines will not be deterred -- by veiled threats or hostility -- from exercising our legal rights over our maritime zones, including Ayungin Shoal which forms part of our EEZ and continental shelf. We demand that China demonstrate in deeds and not in words that it is a responsible and trustworthy member of the international community,” he added.The recent harassment by China to the Philippines was condemned by Philippine-ally countries, including the United States. (TPM/SunStar Philippines) What is needed to play online games?

Some of the most important trends revolve around the changes to the legalisation of online gambling for offshore operators, with President Rodrigo Duterte cracking down on illegal operations in recent years. Otherwise, we’ve identified that the growth in the land-based gambling industry has resulted in job creation for locals, with more than half of all employees in the entertainment sector being employed for gambling and betting activities.

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There can be a lot of contradictory information and biased reports out there on the internet that can conduse the PH online casino user. We find that our readers often have a lot of questions that need resolving, so we dedicated this section to provide more clarity on the topic of online casino in the Philippines.

1 Which is the best online casino in the Philippines?

The recommended picks include a carefully selected and researched list of fantastic venues. All best Filipino casinos host a slew of great games from various providers and each one stands out with What is needed to play online games? . Besides, the PH online casinos are safe, regulated, and trustworthy, above all else.

2 Are PH online casinos legal?

Yes, Filipinos should know PH online casinos are legal if hosted by offshore operators. We recommend you stick to What do you mean by EFL? , as these are legally operating in the country and therefore hold a little risk of being shut down. Avoid shady businesses without official stamps of approval and regular auditing checks.

3 Which are the safest online casinos in the Philippines?

If you stick to licensed and regulated operators, you will be in the hands of safe Filipino casino sites. Those have the latest security and encryption technologies in place to protect their users. Gambling can be addictive, so stay safe from its dangers by setting and sticking to a budget. Sports Betting sa Pilipinas .

4 Which is the best online casino in the Philippines for slots?

Filipinos should be delighted to learn that the slots sites in the Philippines are jam-packed with incredibly enticing games like Gonzo's Quest, , Big Bad Wolf, Jack Hammer 2, and more. The said slot machines are provided by SportsPlus Games with the necessary certification and experience.

5 Which PH online casinos have the best payouts?

The SportsPlus Games that are housed by the operator. As each title boasts individual RTP value, the best payout PH casino sites will be those with the highest average across its coming catalog. Information regarding all RTP rates is published on every reputable operator's website.

6 What online casinos in the Philippines offer fast withdrawals?

The speed of the withdrawals depends on the PH online casino payment methods. Across the board, SportsPlus Games , with the transaction being finalized in less than a day. Bank transfers take the longest, stretching up to seven business days, due to additional processing and verification checks.

7 Which casino online in the Philippines has the best bonus offer?

Promotions are an integral part of every operator's arsenal to attract and maintain interest. The best Filipino casino site bonuses come in various forms and terms, and which is the most suitable depends on PH players' personal strategies and expectations. Usually, the recommended ones Bagong bukas, laro na! Huwag palampasin ang malaking premyo!.

8 Which online casino in the Philippines offers the most games?

Every top pick out of all online casinos has impressed with its extensive gaming catalogue. It contains representatives of most gambling products that players have grown accustomed to seeing. The numbers What do you mean by EFL? , all housed under one single gambling roof. Regardless of your choice, each venue will exceed expectations quantity-wise.

9 Do all online casinos in the Philippines take PayPal?

PayPal is one of the leading e-wallets What is needed to play online games? online. It is always associated with legitimate platforms and can be used to charge up your mobile PH casino account while on the go, as well. Not all casinos accept it, but the recommended ones do and Filipinos can freely use it.

10 Do all PH online casinos offer secure deposits and withdrawals?

Similarly to the land-based casinos in the Philippines, the licensed digital gambling platforms also ensure that all monetary transactions coming in and out of players' accounts are extremely secured. This is ensured by the SportsPlus Games that back up and protect each deposit and withdrawal.

Conclusion – Find Trusted Online Casino Sites for Filipino Players

There are a lot of safe and reputable online casinos for players from the Philippines to enjoy, though sorting through them can be time-consuming. To make the task simple, our experts put together a list of the certified online casinos in the Philippines that have been tested and proven to offer satisfactory experiences. Here, you can take advantage of What do you mean by EFL? and plentiful payment options in a completely legal setting.

We hope that, by now, you feel safe in the knowledge that there are trustable Filipino online casinos to choose from. Whether you choose to play at the sites featured here or go in search of operators on your own, remember that every Bagong bukas, laro na! Huwag palampasin ang malaking premyo!.

List of All Filipino Casinos

If, after all the information included on this page, you feel you need a quick refresher on the available casino sites – look no further! The table below will show you What is needed to play online games? , along with their welcome bonuses for this year and a direct link to the offer. Philippines’s SportsPlus Games Sites