Good day. Here are the stories for The Manila Times for Saturday, February 19, 2022, brought to you by Wilcon Depot, the country's leading home improvement and construction supplies retailer. Shop conveniently 24/7 with the Wilcon online store, just go to shop.wilcon.com.ph.
READ: PH has 'overcome' worst Covid surge
The Philippines has "overcome" its worst coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) surge, which was driven by the highly infectious Omicron variant, according to the Department of Health (DoH). Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said on Friday daily Covid-19 cases have been slashed by half in just two weeks. From 6,034 cases on February 4 to 10, it slipped to 2,876 cases on February 11 to 17, Vergeire said. On Friday, the DoH reported 2,232 new Covid-19 cases, a significant drop. Omicron had the biggest and fastest surge among the variants, but it also was the fastest to subside, she said.
READ: PNP: Officers can't take part in poster removal
THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has made it clear that its personnel is only authorized to provide security assistance, and not take part, in the removal of illegally posted campaign materials. Images of policemen helping teams from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) tear down election materials posted on the walls and fences of private residences in Echague, Isabela have spread on social media. The Comelec has come under fire for failing to fully explain its rules on where exactly election materials could be legally exhibited.
READ: Congressman charged in QC housing anomaly
QUEZON City Rep. Alfredo Vargas has been charged before the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with an allegedly fraudulent housing program initiated by his office. Lawyer Rhodora Corpuz filed the complaint on behalf of the 500 families who claimed to have been swindled by Vargas. In a statement released by his office Friday, Vargas denied the charges.
READ: Cimatu resigns for health reasons
ENVIRONMENT Secretary Roy Cimatu has resigned from his post for health reasons, Malacañang announced on Friday. Acting Palace spokesman Karlo Alexei Nograles said Environment Undersecretary Jim Sampluna was appointed as officer in charge of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
READ: 3 Airmen die in EDSA car mishap
THREE members of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) died while another was seriously injured after their car accidentally hit the concrete barriers along EDSA in Quezon City early Friday morning. The fatalities were identified as Airman 1st Class Sabado Angelo, Airman 1st Class Aaron Tabarle and Airman 1st Class Kyle Justine Velasco while Airman Second Class Manuel Ognes was still being treated at a hospital due to serious injuries, said the initial report of the Traffic Sector 4 of the District Traffic Enforcement Unit. Investigation showed Cognes was driving a Honda City with license plate NDR-7213 with the three others on board along the southbound lane of EDSA coming from the direction of P. Tuazon Street and heading toward the direction of Ortigas Avenue about 1:59 a.m. The accident occurred at the corner of North Road, Barangay Bagong Lipunan ng Crame.
BUSINESS: PH credit rating retained
Over to business, the Philippines' investment-grade credit rating of "BBB" has been retained by Fitch Ratings with a negative outlook, citing the country's strong economic and external position, as well as weak structural issues. The Philippines' external finances remain a credit strength, Fitch highlighted, with foreign currency reserves of $109 billion at the end of 2021, only slightly lower than $110 billion in 2020 and well above pre-pandemic levels, thanks to proceeds from international borrowing, multilateral sources and an upward adjustment in the value of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas gold holdings.
SPORTS: Alaska is for sale but are there any takers?
In sports, we discuss about what next for the Alaska Aces PBA franchise, after it announced it was leaving the PBA after over 30 years. This story discusses on who will take on the team after its owner announced he will sell the franchise.
READ: Opinion and editorial
Antonio Contreras and Yen Makabenta are today's front page columnists. Contreras notes that the Marcoses never left, while Makabenta believes the Comelec should do research before doing any marathon debates.
Today's editorial believes that anti-vaxxer rhetoric should be challenged. Read a full version on the paper's opinion section or listen to the Voice of the Times.
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On behalf of The Manila Times, this is Aric John Sy Cua reporting. Have a safe weekend ahead.