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Pinuna ng DOH ang kritikal na kakulangan sa dentista sa bansa

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Pinuna ng DOH ang kritikal na kakulangan sa dentista sa bansa

Maynila — Binigyang-diin ng Department of Health (DOH) ang matinding kakulangan ng mga dentista sa bansa, na nagdudulot ng malaking agwat sa pagitan ng bilang ng mga dental professionals at ng populasyon, ayon kay Emmie Perez, undersecretary ng ahensya.

Ayon kay Perez, ang kasalukuyang dentist-to-population ratio ay 1 dentista sa bawat 53,000 katao, na masyadong mataas kumpara sa pamantayan ng World Health Organization na nagrerekomenda ng 1 dentista kada 7,500 tao.

“Napakataas po ng kailangang habulin ng isang dentista which we cannot do at this moment… Pinagsusumikapan po namin na matugunan pero hindi kaya po,” ani Perez, na nagsabing ang mataas na ratio at mga nakaraang pagbabago sa istruktura ng sistema ng kalusugan ay nakapagpalala sa kakulangan ng serbisyo.

Ipinunto rin niya na habang may mga programa ng oral health ang DOH, limitado pa rin ang saklaw nito kumpara sa pangangailangan ng bansa. Dagdag pa niya, isa sa mga dahilan ng kakulangan ay ang mababang pasahod sa mga dentistang nagtatrabaho sa gobyerno, kung saan ang entry-level na posisyon sa pampublikong sektor ay nasa Salary Grade 16 lamang, na nagpapahirap sa pagkuha at pagpapanatili ng mga propesyonal.

Binanggit din ni Perez na madalas na napapabayaan ang oral health sa kabila ng kahalagahan nito sa pangkalahatang kalusugan. Nanawagan siya ng reporma, kabilang ang muling pagpapanibago ng dating Oral Health Bureau, upang mapalakas ang dental care sa bansa.

Sa kasalukuyan, may preventive oral healthcare package na inaalok sa pamamagitan ng Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) simula noong 2024, na sumasaklaw sa preventive services at emergency tooth extraction sa mga accredited na pasilidad, hanggang ₱1,000 kada taon.

Bagama’t nakatuon ang umiiral na programa sa preventive care, pinag-aaralan ng DOH ang mga posibleng benefit packages sa hinaharap upang tugunan ang pagkabungi ng ngipin at suportahan ang paggamit ng dentures.

“Hindi po kaya ng government alone. Kailangan po natin ng collaboration with the private sector,” wika ni Perez, na nananawagan sa mas maraming dentista sa buong bansa na makilahok sa mga programang pang-gobyerno.

Dagdag niya, patuloy ang konsultasyon para sa pagpapalawak at pagpapatupad ng mga programang pangkalusugan sa bibig sa susunod na mga taon.

European leaders push back against U.S. claims of “civilizational erasure” at Munich Security Conference

Venus L Peñaflor
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European leaders push back against U.S. claims of “civilizational erasure” at Munich Security Conference

MUNICH, Germany — Senior European officials strongly rejected assertions from members of the Trump administration that Europe is facing “civilizational erasure,” highlighting growing tensions over immigration, trade, and democratic values during discussions at the annual Munich Security Conference.

Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s top diplomat, addressed delegates on Sunday and dismissed criticisms contained in a recent U.S. national security strategy, which argued that Europe is being weakened by migration policies, declining birth rates, and what it described as censorship and declining national identity.

“Contrary to what some may say, woke, decadent Europe is not facing civilizational erasure,” Kallas said, emphasizing that interest in joining the European bloc remains strong beyond the continent. She noted that during a visit to Canada last year, many citizens expressed interest in closer ties with the European Union.

Kallas also criticized what she described as “European-bashing,” arguing that Europe’s focus on human rights and social progress continues to foster prosperity and global appeal.

Her remarks came a day after Marco Rubio addressed the conference, adopting a more measured tone than that of JD Vance at the same forum last year. Rubio reassured allies that ending the trans-Atlantic partnership was “neither our goal nor our wish,” while emphasizing Washington’s intention to continue reshaping alliance priorities on migration, trade, and climate policy.

“Our home may be in the Western hemisphere, but we will always be a child of Europe,” Rubio told attendees, signaling continued cooperation despite policy disagreements.

European leaders responded by reaffirming their commitment to core values, including climate action, free trade, and democratic freedoms. Keir Starmer said Europe must defend “vibrant, free and diverse societies,” arguing that multiculturalism strengthens rather than weakens democratic stability.

Kallas acknowledged that divisions between the United States and Europe remain but stressed the importance of dialogue and partnership moving forward.

“It is clear that we don’t see eye to eye on all the issues,” she said, “but I think we can work from there.”

The exchanges underscored a broader debate about the future of the trans-Atlantic alliance as both sides seek to redefine cooperation amid shifting political priorities and global challenges.


Iminungkahi ng DepEd ang trimester school calendar para sa SY 2026–2027

Venus L Peñaflor
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Iminungkahi ng DepEd ang trimester school calendar para sa SY 2026–2027

MAYNILA — Inihayag ng Department of Education (DepEd) ang panukalang pagbabago sa school calendar sa pamamagitan ng pagpapatupad ng trimester system simula sa School Year 2026–2027, bilang bahagi ng mga hakbang upang mapahusay ang kalidad ng pagtuturo at pagkatuto sa mga paaralan.

Sa ilalim ng iminungkahing sistema, hahatiin ang kabuuang 201 school days sa tatlong termino: ang unang trimester mula Hunyo hanggang Setyembre, ikalawa mula Setyembre hanggang Disyembre, at ikatlo mula Enero hanggang Marso. Ang bawat termino ay magkakaroon ng instructional block na may humigit-kumulang 54 hanggang 61 araw para sa tuloy-tuloy na pag-aaral, kasunod ang enrichment block na nakatuon sa remediation, grading, paghahanda ng mga school forms, at wellness break para sa mga guro at mag-aaral.

Magkakaroon din ng espesyal na opening block sa unang termino para sa mga aktibidad kaugnay ng pagbubukas ng school year.

Ayon kay Sonny Angara, layunin ng reporma na magkaroon ng mas maayos na pacing ng mga aralin, mas mahahabang uninterrupted learning periods, at mas mababang administrative workload para sa mga guro, habang pinananatili ang mataas na kalidad ng edukasyon.

Bahagi rin ng panukala ang integrasyon ng national at cultural observances sa loob ng mga aralin sa halip na hiwalay na mga programa, upang hindi maantala ang regular na pagtuturo sa loob ng klase.

Inaasahan namang maglalabas ang DepEd ng pormal na policy guidelines matapos ang serye ng konsultasyon sa mga guro, school leaders, at iba pang education stakeholders bago tuluyang ipatupad ang bagong school calendar.

European nations say Alexei Navalny was poisoned by the Kremlin with dart frog toxin

Venus L Peñaflor
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European nations say Alexei Navalny was poisoned by the Kremlin with dart frog toxin

LONDON — Five European nations have accused Russia of poisoning opposition leader Alexei Navalny with a rare and lethal toxin, citing laboratory findings that they say confirm the presence of epibatidine, a neurotoxin associated with South American poison dart frogs.

In a joint statement released Saturday, the foreign ministries of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Sweden and Netherlands said analyses of samples taken from Navalny’s body “conclusively confirmed” the toxin’s presence and argued that Russia had the “means, motive and opportunity” to administer it while he was imprisoned. The countries said they would report Russia to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons for an alleged breach of the Chemical Weapons Convention.

Navalny, one of President Vladimir Putin’s most prominent critics, died on Feb. 16, 2024, in an Arctic penal colony while serving a 19-year sentence that he and his supporters said was politically motivated. Russian authorities said at the time that he died from natural causes, a claim repeatedly rejected by his family and allies.

The announcement coincides with the approach of the second anniversary of Navalny’s death and came as his widow, Yulia Navalnaya, attended the Munich Security Conference in Germany. Navalnaya said she had long believed her husband was poisoned, adding that the new findings strengthen calls for accountability.

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said Russia viewed Navalny as a threat and described the alleged poisoning as evidence of the state’s willingness to silence political opposition. Russian officials have continued to deny involvement and rejected allegations linking the Kremlin to Navalny’s death.

Epibatidine is a highly potent neurotoxin that can cause respiratory failure, seizures and cardiac complications. European investigators said the substance is not naturally found in Russia and is believed to have been produced synthetically.

Navalny had previously survived another poisoning attempt in 2020 involving the nerve agent Novichok, an attack he blamed on the Kremlin. Following treatment in Germany, he returned to Russia in early 2021, where he was immediately arrested and remained imprisoned until his death.

Western governments have repeatedly accused Russia of violating international bans on chemical weapons, including the 2018 Novichok attack in Salisbury, England, targeting former Russian intelligence officer Sergei Skripal. Moscow has denied any role in those incidents.

The Kremlin has not publicly responded to the latest accusations, while international attention remains focused on whether further diplomatic or legal actions will follow the findings.

Epstein files show use of Nobel Prize connections to cultivate elite network

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Epstein files show use of Nobel Prize connections to cultivate elite network

STAVANGER, Norway — Newly released files related to convicted sex offender and financier Jeffrey Epstein reveal that he repeatedly highlighted his ties to former Norwegian Nobel Committee chair Thorbjørn Jagland in communications with prominent global figures, including business leaders and political advisers, as part of efforts to expand and sustain his influential network.

The documents, made public last month by the U.S. Justice Department, reference Jagland hundreds of times and suggest that Epstein often used the prestige associated with the Nobel Peace Prize when inviting or communicating with high-profile individuals. While no evidence has emerged of direct lobbying tied to the prize, the files show Epstein frequently mentioning that Jagland stayed at his properties in New York and Paris during the 2010s.

Norwegian authorities have since charged Jagland, 75, with “aggravated corruption,” according to Norway’s economic crime unit Økokrim. Investigators are examining whether gifts, travel arrangements, or loans were connected to his official position. Police searched Jagland’s residence in Oslo as well as properties in Risør and Rauland as part of the ongoing inquiry. His lawyers from Elden law firm said he denies the allegations and was questioned by investigators on Thursday.

Messages within the files show Epstein referencing Jagland in conversations with influential figures. In a 2018 text exchange with political strategist Steve Bannon, a former adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump, Epstein alluded to Trump’s interest in the Nobel Peace Prize, writing that Trump would be surprised to learn Bannon was “buds” with a person involved in deciding the award. Epstein added that he had suggested Bannon should receive the prize “when we settle China,” without further explanation.

Emails from earlier years reveal similar attempts to draw attention to Jagland’s presence. In a 2013 message to British entrepreneur Richard Branson, Epstein mentioned Jagland’s planned stay and suggested Branson might find him interesting. In 2015, Epstein invited former White House counsel Kathy Ruemmler to meet the Nobel official during a visit. In a 2012 exchange with former U.S. Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, Epstein described Jagland as offering a “unique perspective,” despite privately characterizing him as “not bright.”

Correspondence with Bill Gates in 2014 also referenced Jagland’s role, with Gates commenting on his continued leadership positions, including chairing the Council of Europe while his role with the Nobel committee remained uncertain.

During Jagland’s tenure as committee chair from 2009 to 2015, the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the Nobel Peace Prize to Barack Obama in 2009 and to the European Union in 2012.

Documents indicate Jagland was introduced to Epstein through Norwegian diplomat Terje Rød Larsen, known for helping broker the Oslo Peace Accords between Israel and Palestinian negotiators. Larsen and his wife are also facing corruption charges in Norway linked to their association with Epstein.

The investigations in Norway continue as authorities seek to determine whether relationships detailed in the files crossed ethical or legal boundaries. Lawyers for those charged have denied wrongdoing, and no direct connection has yet been established between Epstein’s communications and Nobel Peace Prize decisions.

As scrutiny intensifies, the case shows how association with globally respected institutions may have helped Epstein gain access to influential circles long after concerns about his conduct had surfaced.

ICC names Bato dela Rosa, Bong Go as co-perpetrators in Duterte drug war case

Venus L Peñaflor
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ICC names Bato dela Rosa, Bong Go as co-perpetrators in Duterte drug war case

THE HAGUE — The International Criminal Court (ICC) has named former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s alleged co-perpetrators in the “common plan” linked to his controversial anti-drug campaign, according to a document released Friday.

The Document Containing the Charges (DCC) identifies high-ranking Philippine officials, including Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa, former Presidential aide and now Senator Bong Go, and other former police and justice officials as co-perpetrators allegedly involved in violent crimes, including murder, targeting alleged criminals between November 2011 and March 2019.

The DCC states that Duterte “ordered, induced, and aided” members of the Davao Death Squad (DDS) and associated networks to carry out killings during his tenure as Davao City Mayor and President. The charges cover three counts of crimes against humanity:

  • Count 1: Murders in Davao City during Duterte’s mayoral period, involving 19 victims;
  • Count 2: Murders of “High-Value Targets” nationwide during Duterte’s presidency, involving 14 victims;
  • Count 3: Murders and attempted murders during barangay clearance operations, involving 45 victims.

Other officials named include former police chiefs Vicente Danao, Camilo Cascolan (deceased), Oscar Albayalde, Isidro Lapeña, Dante Gierran, Vitaliano Aguirre II, and other senior members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and law enforcement agencies.

In response, Senator Bong Go described the ICC filing as “unfounded” and “unfair,” asserting that he had no involvement or authority over the alleged acts during his tenure as Duterte’s aide and Presidential Management Staff chief. Duterte’s lead counsel, Atty. Nicholas Kaufman, emphasized that the identities of alleged co-perpetrators had been known for almost a year and denied any wrongdoing.

Advocacy group International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP) called for the ICC to issue immediate arrest warrants for Duterte’s alleged co-perpetrators, citing risks of witness intimidation, evidence tampering, and potential flight.

The DCC was signed by ICC Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang. Duterte remains detained at the ICC Detention Center in Scheveningen, The Hague.

The ICC’s disclosure coincides with continued international scrutiny of Duterte’s war on drugs, which human rights groups have consistently condemned for widespread extrajudicial killings. Statements from other named officials, including Dela Rosa, Lapeña, Albayalde, Danao, and Aguirre, are still pending.

This development marks a significant escalation in the ICC’s investigation, potentially extending accountability beyond Duterte to his inner circle of police, military, and political aides.

Money bouquets and scrap gifts take Valentine’s Day by storm in Zimbabwe

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Money bouquets and scrap gifts take Valentine’s Day by storm in Zimbabwe

HARARE, Zimbabwe — This Valentine’s Day, love in Zimbabwe is taking inventive forms—ranging from bouquets made of dollar bills to heart-shaped gifts crafted from recycled scrap metal reflecting the country’s economic realities and growing environmental awareness.

At Harare’s decades-old flower market, florists like Tongai Mufandaedza are folding crisp $50 notes into decorative cones and weaving them with fresh roses, creating “money bouquets” that are increasingly rivaling traditional floral arrangements. Prices for these practical yet romantic gifts range from $10 to several thousand, often cheaper than conventional roses.

“The market has improved because of the money bouquets,” Mufandaedza said. “Everyone wants to impress. People still love flowers, but when they see the notes on top, the love feels hotter and more meaningful.”

Social media, particularly TikTok, has fueled the trend, with users posting videos of glittering cash-and-flower arrangements, generating excitement among younger generations. Some parents even purchase money bouquets for their children as a safer alternative to flashy gifts from potential “sugar daddies.”

Beyond cash, some Zimbabweans are expressing love through sustainability. At Simpli Simbi, a Harare gift shop, founder Stephanie Charlton transforms discarded scrap metal car radiators, rims, and other industrial materials into heart-shaped key rings, platters, and wine holders.

“We are taking something unloved and making it beautiful again, creating gifts that people can treasure forever,” Charlton said. “This shows your valentine that you value them, and each piece carries its own story.”

The Valentine’s Day trends in Zimbabwe highlight how affection can blend practicality, creativity, and social consciousness, with both money and recycled materials serving as meaningful expressions of love in challenging times.

Dubai port operator DP World appoints new chairman as Epstein ties come under scrutiny

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Dubai port operator DP World appoints new chairman as Epstein ties come under scrutiny

Dubai-based port operator DP World has replaced its longtime chairman following revelations of ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, sparking global scrutiny and prompting some international investors to pause dealings with the company.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, who had led DP World for decades, faced intense attention after the release of documents showing correspondence between him and Epstein, including lewd exchanges. DP World did not comment on bin Sulayem’s relationship with Epstein prior to his removal.

The Dubai Government Media Office (GMO) confirmed that Essa Kazim, governor of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), has been appointed as the new chairman, while Yuvraj Narayan, former Chief Financial Officer, assumes the role of Group CEO.

The management changes come amid investor caution. Canada’s second-largest pension fund, La Caisse in Quebec, said it would pause capital deployments with DP World, while Reuters reported that a British investment platform was also halting future investments. La Caisse stated it expects DP World to “shed light on the situation and take the necessary actions.”

Bin Sulayem, a prominent Emirati business figure, has frequently appeared alongside Dubai’s ruler and has been photographed with Donald Trump, highlighting his high-profile presence in international business circles.

The leadership shift aims to stabilize the company amid growing scrutiny and maintain confidence among global investors and partners.

Valentine’s Day, where love melts beyond roses and chocolates

Venus L Peñaflor
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Valentine’s Day, where love melts beyond roses and chocolates

Every February 14, streets, shops, and social media feeds turn shades of red and pink as the world celebrates Valentine’s Day. Often associated with roses, chocolates, candlelit dinners, and romantic getaways, the occasion has become a symbol of love and affection. Yet beyond the commercial gloss, Valentine’s Day carries a deeper meaning, one that speaks not only of romance, but of human connection, kindness, and hope.

Historically, Valentine’s Day traces its roots to Saint Valentine, a figure surrounded by legends of compassion and sacrifice. One story tells of a priest who secretly married couples during a time when such unions were forbidden, believing in love as a sacred bond worth defending. Over time, this narrative evolved into a global celebration of love in its many forms.

In modern society, however, Valentine’s Day is often criticized for being overly commercialized. Businesses capitalize on the pressure to give gifts, and for some, the day becomes a reminder of loneliness rather than joy. Yet this perspective overlooks an important truth: love is not limited to romantic relationships, nor is it measured by the price of a gift.

Love can be seen in the quiet sacrifices of parents for their children, in friendships that endure hardships, and in communities that come together during times of crisis. In the Philippines, love is evident in everyday acts—sharing food with a neighbor, checking on the elderly, supporting local livelihoods, or standing together after disasters. These gestures may not come wrapped in ribbons, but they embody the very essence of Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day also offers an opportunity for self-reflection. It reminds us to practice self-love and self-respect, values often overlooked in the rush of daily life. Taking time to care for one’s mental and emotional well-being is as important as expressing affection to others. After all, a person who understands and values themselves is better equipped to love those around them.

In recent years, many have begun redefining Valentine’s Day. Some celebrate “Galentine’s Day” with friends, others focus on family gatherings, while many choose to spend the day doing acts of service or charity. These evolving traditions highlight a growing understanding that love is inclusive, diverse, and not bound by a single definition.

Ultimately, Valentine’s Day is not about perfection or grand gestures. It is about intention. A sincere message, a shared meal, a listening ear, or a simple “thank you” can carry more weight than the most expensive bouquet. Love, in its truest form, is consistent, patient, and rooted in empathy.

Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind. — Shakespeare

Pinayagan ng ICC ang 500 biktima na tumestigo laban kay Duterte

Venus L Peñaflor
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Pinayagan ng ICC ang 500 biktima na tumestigo laban kay Duterte

Pinahintulutan ng International Criminal Court (ICC) ang partisipasyon ng 500 indibidwal bilang mga biktima sa kasong crimes against humanity laban kay dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na dinidinig sa The Hague.

Sa limang-pahinang desisyon ng Pre-Trial Chamber I, sinabi ng tribunal na sang-ayon ito sa assessment ng Victims Participation and Reparation Section (VPRS) kaugnay ng 227 aplikasyon na sumasaklaw sa 500 aplikante.

“The Chamber, not having identified any clear, material error in this VPRS’s assessment, and recalling its flexible approach with regard to any minor discrepancies within victim applications, concurs with the VPRS’s assessment and decides to authorize the 500 Group A applicants to participate as victims in the present proceedings,” ayon sa Chamber.

Idinagdag pa na ang Common Legal Representative for Victims, na itinalaga upang kumatawan sa “any admitted victims in the present case,” ay siya ring kakatawan sa mga biktimang inaprubahan sa naturang desisyon.

Nauna dito, tumanggap ang ICC Pre-Trial Chamber ng karagdagang mga aplikasyon mula sa mga partidong nagnanais mairehistro bilang mga biktima sa kaso ni Duterte. Sa apat na pahinang dokumento na may petsang Pebrero 9, sinabi ng ICC Registry na naisumite nito sa Chamber ang 227 aplikasyon na binubuo ng 500 aplikante.

Noong Enero 28, 2026, inatasan ng Chamber ang Victims Participation and Reparations Section ng Registry na isumite bago o sa Pebrero 9, 2026 ang anumang karagdagang aplikasyon na natanggap sa loob ng itinakdang deadline. Nauna rito, noong Enero 26, 2026, pinayagan ng Chamber ang partisipasyon ng kabuuang 39 biktima sa kaso.

Nahaharap si Duterte sa kasong crimes against humanity for murder at attempted murder kaugnay ng libo-libong nasawi sa kampanya kontra droga noong siya ay alkalde ng Davao City at kalaunan bilang Pangulo ng Pilipinas.

Patuloy ang proseso ng pagdinig sa ICC habang sinusuri ang mga ebidensya at testimonya kaugnay ng mga alegasyon.

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