Good day. Here are the stories for The Manila Times for Thursday, November 3, 2022.
READ: 4 regions under state of calamity
PRESIDENT Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has approved a circular declaring a state of calamity in Regions 4A, 5 and 6 and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), areas hit hard by Severe Tropical Storm "Paeng," Malacañang confirmed on Wednesday. As stated in Proclamation 84, the declaration shall be in effect for six months "unless earlier lifted" by the Chief Executive.
READ: 'Paeng' damage to irrigation hits P825.98M
NATIONAL Irrigation Administration (NIA) Administrator Benny Antiporda on Wednesday said that damage to the irrigation system from Storm "Paeng" reached P825.98 million, including P375 million in Mindanao. During the Laging Handa briefing, Antiporda said that the NIA is implementing measures to ensure a steady supply of water in the affected areas.
READ: DoH braces for disease outbreaks
THE Department of Health (DoH) braced for an outbreak of diseases following the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm "Paeng" (International name: "Nalgae"). DoH Epidemiology Bureau director, Dr. Alethea de Guzman, said that with many families staying in evacuation centers, officials expect outbreaks of respiratory and flu-like cases, vector-borne diseases such as dengue and chikungunya, measles and rubella, skin diseases, and noncommunicable diseases such as hypertension.
READ: Palace further eases rules for inbound travelers
PRESIDENT Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has approved the further easing of protocols for inbound travelers to help ramp up economic recovery, Malacañang confirmed on Wednesday. Among the recommendations in the Oct. 4, 2022, resolution of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) that was given the green light by the Chief Executive is the entry of unvaccinated travelers without the need to undergo quarantine at a state-approved facility. IATF Resolution 2 likewise allows fully vaccinated travelers to fly to the Philippines without prior testing.
READ: DoJ to bare Lapid slay brains – Mabasa
LAW enforcement agencies on Wednesday have identified the alleged masterminds in the killing of broadcaster Percival Mabasa, more popularly known as Percy Lapid, Roy Mabasa, brother of Lapid, said. Roy said that the names of those behind the killing were mentioned during a case conference that he attended with Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Medardo de Lemos at the Department of Justice (DoJ).
BUSINESS: Manufacturing slowly expanded in October
Over to business, domestic manufacturing activity continued to expand in October but at a pace slower than the previous month, S&P Global reported on Wednesday. At 52.6, the Philippines' latest purchasing managers' index (PMI) was down slightly from September's 52.9. The result remains positive, however, as readings above 50 indicate gains.
SPORTS: SBU trounces AU, keeps solo third spot
In sports, San Beda University solidified its playoff bid as it repeated against Arellano University, 76-63, in the NCAA Season 98 men's basketball tournament on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City. Filipino Canadian guard James Kwekuteye collected 16 points in just three quarters to go with four rebounds as San Beda improved its record to 8-4 for solo third in the standings. The Red Lions also completed their head-to-head elimination round sweep against the Chiefs, having beaten them by 35 points in the first round.
Antonio Contreras, Ricardo Saludo and Danton Remoto are today's front page columnists. Contreras discusses what is nuanced history, Saludo asks people to pray harder in the midst of another conflict between the US and China, and Remoto tackles a new term used for Filipinos.
Today's editorial believes a new system is needed for moderating food prices. Read the full version in the paper's opinion section or listen to the Voice of the Times.
For more news and information, get a copy of The Manila Times on print, subscribe to its digital edition or log on to www.manilatimes.net. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram and Keep Up With The Times.
On behalf of The Manila Times, this is Aric John Sy Cua reporting.