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GMA Network
4 days ago
- Health
- GMA Network
DOH warns vs. false social media posts on mpox, 'lockdowns'
An undated colorized transmission electron micrograph of mpox virus particles (pink) found within an infected cell (yellow), cultured in the laboratory, captured at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Integrated Research Facility (IRF) in Fort Detrick, Maryland. NIAID/ Handout via REUTERS The Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday warned the public against misleading social media posts on the transmission of monkeypox (mpox) and that supposed lockdowns have been implemented in the country to contain the virus. DOH spokesperson Assistant Secretary Dr. Albert Domingo asked the public to reject such information, stressing that mpox numbers in May have actually declined compared to cases logged in April 2025. "Huwag paniwalaan ang mga kumakalat na pekeng Facebook post na may mapanlinlang na marketing strategy, pekeng endorsement mula sa mga eksperto, at hindi makatotohanang mga pahayag tungkol sa kalusugan," Domingo said in an audio statement. (Do not believe fake Facebook posts making rounds on the internet that use deceptive marketing strategies, fake endorsements from experts, and false health claims.) Domingo added that there was no need to implement any lockdown, since mpox is not spread through air particles. "Walang pangangailangang magkaroon ng lockdown dahil sa mpox, dahil hindi ito airborne (There is no need for a lockdown due to mpox because it is not airborne)," Domingo said. According to Domingo, the DOH has coordinated with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to take down the misleading accounts. In an interview on Super Radyo dzBB on Saturday, Domingo said the wearing of face masks—as imposed by some local government units (LGUs)—will not prevent the spread of mpox because the virus is transmitted through skin to skin or close contact. Local government units may coordinate with the DOH, Domingo said, to check the precautions needed to the transmission of diseases. Allaying fears of a rising trend, Domingo said mpox cases were higher in 2024, and that the figure for May 2025 was lower compared to April 2025. The fight against mpox has gained traction, Domingo said, as several LGUs have stepped up their efforts. "Nagkataon lamang po na nage-headline dahil aktibo at nag-a-anunsyo na ngayon ang mga LGU," Domingo said. (It just so happened that it's making headlines now because LGUs have become more active and have been issuing announcements.) According to the DOH, the country has yet to detect a case of the more severe mpox clade 1B. "Wala pa ring mpox ng clade 1B na nakikita dito sa Pilipinas. Panay clade 2 ang meron natin. Mas mababa ang mortality o pagkamatay ng clade 2. Nasa mga 1 sa bawat 10, kumpara sa 4 hanggang 5 ng clade 1B," Domingo said. (We have not detected any clade 1B mpox cases in the Philippines. What we have are clade 2 cases, which have a lower mortality rate of about 1 out of 10. In comparison, deaths from clade 1B are about 4 or 5 [out of 10.]) He advised the public to get accurate health information from the DOH website and social media accounts. Also in his interview on Super Radyo dzBB, Domingo said over 50 mpox cases were recorded in April, as compared to less than 50 this May. He added that some previously reported mpox cases were later verified to be chicken pox. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
17-05-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
DILG tells LGUs to adopt cashless transactions for government payments
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Saturday asked local government units to use the electronic payment and collection systems (EPCS) as an alternative to cash transactions. The department said this is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s push for digital transformation in government. The DILG, in a memorandum circular, said LGUs may implement EPCS in collecting local taxes, fees, and other charges, in accordance with Executive Order No. 170, s. 2022 regarding the use of digital payments for government transactions. Digital payments improve transparency, efficiency, and public convenience, the DILG said in a press release. "LGUs are encouraged to offer secure, accessible digital options, ensure payment channels are user-friendly, and partner with authorized providers, including government servicing banks," it added. The DILG said efforts must be made to align with the National Retail Payment System Framework and the Data Privacy Act. The department also tasked LGUs to set clear procedures for the issuance of electronic invoices and billing notices in accordance with guidelines from the Commission on Audit and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. The DILG however clarified that LGUs must still accept cash and other traditional modes of payment in addition to electronic payments. It also encouraged LGUs to pass ordinances and local policies to support the full implementation of the acceptance of electronic payments. —KG, GMA Integrated News
Filipino Times
03-03-2025
- Politics
- Filipino Times
PH gov't to probe alleged donations from Chinese nationals to PNP, LGUs
The Philippine government said it will investigate the alleged donations given by Chinese nationals to the Philippine National Police (PNP) and some local government units (LGUs). According to Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, authorities are investigating whether the donations were made in 'good faith.' 'As of now ay pag-aaralan po natin iyan. Kung ito man po ay naging donasyon in good faith, kailangan po talaga natin malaman dahil hindi naman po masama ang tumanggap ng donasyon,' Castro said during a press briefing in Malacañang. Castro said that accepting donations is not inherently wrong, as long as they are offered in good faith, citing instances during the pandemic when several localities received donations from China, including ambulances and vehicles. She also said that they must know whether the true motives behind the donations are not used for dubious purposes. 'Wala pong masama kung tatanggap tayo ng donasyon if it's done in good faith. So, kung ito naman po pala ay parang ibinigay pero mayroong kakaibang dahilan for that, kailangan po nating imbestigahan iyan at kung sinuman po iyong mga tumanggap na mga opisyal ng LGU,' she said. Recently, Chinese nationals Wang Yongyi, Wu Junren, Cai Shaohuang, and Chen Haitao, who were arrested in late January for allegedly gathering images and maps of Philippine naval forces near the West Philippine Sea (WPS), reportedly donated cash and vehicles to the PNP and LGUs through Chinese Communist Party-affiliated groups.
