Dev Flores

The EDSA-Magallanes Flyover in Makati City has been placed under emergency maintenance after falling debris was reported due to stolen structural parts.

According to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), several metal expansion joints of the flyover were tampered with and stolen, leaving gaps that caused localized damage to the structure.

As a safety measure, authorities installed safety nets underneath the flyover and placed temporary steel plates over the affected expansion joints.

The agency announced that repair works are scheduled to run from Friday (August 21) to Monday (August 24).

Following the official appointment of PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Beverly Lorraine Ho, the new leadership has issued plans regarding primary reform initiatives aimed at maximizing benefits for members and improving operations. 

Bringing Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) closer to the public

According to Dr. Ho, one of her plans is to bring the YAKAP closer to the public. She stated that PhilHealth members should no longer have to visit a clinic to avail the program.

To reach more people, the new leadership wants to bring the program to schools and workplaces. Dr. Ho also plans to establish more organized Primary Care Services and include YAKAP to more public health programs.

Expanding No Balance Billing (NBB) rates

The new PhilHealth chief aims to focus on identifying government services available to patients. Aside from public hospitals, she also wants to encourage private hospitals to collaborate with PhilHealth to offer NBB for patients. The move intends to give patients more options when seeking health care facilities. 

“Ngayon kasi ang inisip natin ‘kailangan ko pumunta sa public hospital kasi doon lang pwedeng mag-NBB’,” she said

“But actually, there are many private hospitals, for example, that are willing to provide the services at NBB rates,” she added

Expediting licensing and accreditation process for healthcare providers

Dr. Ho also plans to accelerate the licensing and accreditation process of the Department of Health (DOH) and Philippine Health Insurance (PhilHealth) for healthcare providers.

The agency will study whether providers can apply through a single unified platform instead of manually submitting applications through separate systems.

This effort aims to minimize the waiting time and reduce the alleged red tape.

Strengthening workforce

Dr. Ho also plans to strengthen the organization and health workforce, seeking to properly empower and compensate health workers.

Preventing ‘bill shock’

The new PhilHealth leader is also advocating measures to prevent bill shock and aims to ensure full transparency regarding what patients need to pay, as well as the benefits they are eligible to avail.

These measures reflect a commitment to building a more transparent and efficient system, ensuring that members feel the benefits when they need them the most.

With reports from Mia Alonzo

The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) has recommended to the Senate the allocation of intelligence funds for their agency, following the recent incidents of school violence.

According to CICC Undersecretary Renato “Aboy” Paraiso, the proposed funds would be used to monitor and gather information on the movements of nihilistic violent extremism (NVE) on online gaming platforms and social media.

Cyber authorities admitted the difficulty in penetrating online spaces.

Paraiso explained that the intelligence funds could also be effectively utilized for tracking NVE groups and offering rewards to individuals who will provide vital information regarding NVEs.

“Siguro ito 'yung magandang paggamit ng intelligence funds when it comes to successful reporting or rewards when it comes to these persons,” he said

With reports from Jed Nerecina

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) plans to consolidate and streamline the enforcement process of anti-littering across Metro Manila. This is part of the proposed unified ticketing system across the region.

According to MMDA Chairman Atty. Romando Artes, the Office of the Executive Secretary called a meeting in connection with policy-making to fight illegal waste disposal. The meeting was attended by various agencies, league presidents of local government units, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The objective is to ensure proper imposition of sanctions or penalties against violators.

According to the MMDA Chairman, aside from Metro Manila, they also target to implement the plan nationwide.

“I think it will cover not just Metro Manila, but the entire country,” he said

The MMDA also emphasized the need to consider various ordinances from local government units, as well as the existing laws in clean water and solid waste management.

The agency hopes to speed up the development of the unified ticketing system for anti-littering as soon as possible.

With reports from Asher Cadapan Jr.

Always consider youth welfare before publishing news content; this is what media practitioners should consider when reporting cases of child violence, according to Council for the Welfare of Children Executive Director Usec. Angelo Tapales.

Although he understands the media's duty to inform the public about what is happening, the welfare of the youth must also be considered.

The reminder follows the shooting incident at Ateneo de Zamboanga University where a minor student was involved.

According to Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), first to be protected in reporting is the identity of the youth, whether they are involved or a victim of a violent incident.

Usec. Tapales stated that the youth should not carry an identity tied to a violent incident they went through; that’s why it’s better to protect their identity to prevent them from being exposed in cyberspace.

“Maaari pa rin kasi siyang makilala. There are the other identifying circumstances. Kunyari, hindi kita ang mukha ng bata. Naka-blur 'yan pero kita naman sa likod kung saan siya nakatira, saan ang paaralan niya, ano ang pangalan ng magulang niya, anong itsura ng uniform niya kunyari, ano or yung kapaligiran niya,” Tapales said

Another reminder from the CWC is related to the responsible use of videos and photos because the the bitter experience of the victims might be relived the moment they see what they went through again in a video or photo.

The CWC also strictly reminds ordinary netizens not to share videos or photos related to the violent incident. Tapales said that reposting can expand the reach of audience, who sees the content related to the incident.

“And yung pagre-repost ay panibagong publication po kasi yan,” he said

“At of course, pinapalawak natin yung audience at pinapahaba natin yung staying power ng isang materyal,” he added

Irresposible users of sensitive videos or photos related to child violence to make it viral can be reported to the MAKABATA helpline 1383.

With reports from JP Nuñez