NEWS CASTING SCRIPT

GROUP 2

*Insert Background Music*

Anchor 1 (Marithe): Good Afternoon everyone, this is Marithe Mercado,

Anchor 2 (Yzabela): this is Yzabela Natividad,
Anchor 1 & 2 (Mari &Yza): And you’re watching, Linnaenews, here to give you the
latest and hottest news.

Headline no. 1: Scientists warn that XBB.1.5 could be the "most transmissible
subvariant of Omicron to date."

News Anchor 1 (Marithe):

Is the new year bringing a new COVID-19 variant?

Scientists and health experts are worried about the emergence of the XBB.1.5
variant of SARS-CoV-2, which is quickly spreading throughout the United States. On
December 16, 2020, scientist JP Weiland warned the public about this potentially
dangerous new strain that appears to have evolved in New York and is contributing
to the alarming number of hospitalizations in the state.

News Anchor 1 (Marithe):

In an alarming turn of events, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) reported that cases of the XBB.1.5 variant had doubled by December 31,
accounting for 40.5 percent of total COVID-19 infections across the US.

News Anchor 1 (Marithe):

To help us explore this topic in greater depth, we are delighted to have Dr. Sophia
Tumolva on board - a renowned professor of microbiology and immunology from
Saint Luke's Medical Center.

News Anchor 1 (Marithe):

Good afternoon Doc.

Dr. (Sophia):
Goodmorning Marithe.

News Anchor 1 (Marithe):

Can you tell us what really is this new year, new covid-19 subvariant, XBB.1.5?
Dr. (Sophia):
XBB.1.5 is yet another descendant of Omicron, the most contagious variant of the
virus, which is a combination of the Omicron BA.2.10.1 and BA.2.75 subvariants.
The XBB subvariant was responsible for the surges of infections in Singapore and
India in October.

Dr. (Sophia): Moreover, XBB.1.5 is the most contagious variant to date. This
subvariant has been seen in 29 countries so far.

News Anchor 1 (Marithe): How dangerous is XBB.1.5? What makes this new
covid-19 variant, XBB.1.5 any different from the XBB variant?

Dr. (Sophia):
This new subvariant has a mutation in the virus 'spike protein and means that it can
bind to cells better, therefore making it replicates more easily. All of this means it can
spread more rapidly. It also has the ability to overcome immunity from vaccinations
and past illnesses..

Dr. (Sophia):
We cannot yet determine if this XBB.1.5 will create further medical challenges
because numerous health organisations and professionals across the world are still
conducting extensive research to offer us with more information. However, our
greatest concern is how transmissible it is. The XBB.1.5 strain is even more
infectious.

News Anchor 1 (Marithe): Are there any recorded cases of XBB.1.5 in the country?

Dr. (Sophia):
Health authorities in the Philippines have already recorded 878 cases of the XBB
subvariant. Our government is currently monitoring any significant information,
changes, effects, and responses with regards to the new variant, while implementing
policies to reduce the spread of the virus.

News Anchor 1 (Marithe):

We will be waiting for more updates, Ma’am. Keep us posted. We will not take much
of your time. Thank you for having this interview.

Dr. (Sophia):
Yes. Thank you.

News Anchor 1 (Marithe):

The Department of Health (DOH) on January 3 announced that there had been no
reported cases of XBB.1.5 in the Philippines yet. The DOH is confident that their
surveillance and monitoring activities are capable of detecting any potential variants
that may enter the country.

In order to remain safe, the DOH urged the public to keep on observing the
necessary public health measures such as physical distancing, hand hygiene, cough
etiquette, and wearing of masks.

The DOH stressed the importance of upholding the layers of protection like
sanitation, masking, distancing, vaccination, and boosters, as well as good
ventilation, to keep the cases manageable and to prevent virus transmission.

Headline no. 2: Teachers aspire for a salary increase this year. Will the
government take action?

News Anchor 2 (Yza):

With the country's inflation rate skyrocketing, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers
(ACT) has called on the government to prioritise salary hikes this year. ACT
chairperson Vladimer Quetua warned of dire consequences without substantial pay
raises. We have Field Reporter Czarhina to give us more information, reporting from
Metro Manila.

*switches to field reporter*

Field Reporter (Czarhina):

A teachers' union has urged the government to prioritise salary increases this year
as the country's inflation rate continues to rise.

During the holiday season, the Philippines experienced its highest inflation rate since
November 2008, rising to 8.1% in December 2022. The most recent figure more than
doubled the 3.1% inflation rate recorded in December 2021.

Extra: (Zurielle)
"We are practically at the end of our rope, significant salary increase should be the
government's top agenda as the year opens,"

Field Reporter (Czarhina):

According to Quetua, public school teachers (Teacher I, II and III) will only be
receiving a net take home pay of ₱23,000 to ₱27,000 this year -- a far cry from the
₱33,000 family living wage based on government data.
Extra: (Zurielle)
"Hindi na talaga namin kakayanin,” "Mas malalim na pagkakautang, mas maraming
sideline, o lipat-trabaho dito man o sa ibang bansa lamang ang mapupuntahan ng
mga guro, na lalong magpapabagsak sa kalidad ng edukasyon."

Field Reporter (Czarhina):

The organization called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to give priority to the
wage and salary increase bills presented to Congress.

In October, Rep. Patrick Michael Vargas of Quezon City filed House Bill No. 4070,
which aimed to improve the minimum wage grade level for teachers in public schools
from 25,439 to 49,835.

Inflation remains a severe issue in the country, creating job losses and drastic
reductions in salary for many. The government has yet to make much headway in
resolving this problem.This is Czarhina Rivera reporting from Metro Manila. Back to
you Yza.

Headline no. 3 : Philippines wants to continue discussions on collaborative

exploration in the West Philippine Sea, President Marcos informs Chinese
President Xi Jing Ping.

Anchor 3: (Yza)

During a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Philippine President

Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed his desire for the Philippines and China to continue
negotiations on joint oil exploration in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Malacañang
said.

Marcos pointed out the importance of the negotiations to the Philippines and noted
that there are vast opportunities for both countries as the global economy changes.
He also expressed optimism that the negotiations will bear fruit, citing the need to
move away from traditional sources of power.

In 2018, the Philippines and China signed a memorandum of understanding focused

on joint exploration. After four years, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), then
under the Duterte administration, announced the termination of talks due to their
unsuccessful attempt at developing oil and gas resources.

Chinese President Xi Jinping also promised to support the Philippines with

developing agricultural, fisheries, energy, and infrastructure projects. Since China
has been the Philippines’ major trading partner, the total trade between the two
countries reached a total of $29.1 billion from January to September 2022.Manila
and Beijing have agreed to set up direct lines of communication to quickly handle
confrontations between Filipino and Chinese vessels in the waterway, the DFA said.

China and the Philippines are at odds over the South China Sea, with Beijing
claiming sovereignty over almost the entire area despite an international court ruling
that its claims have no legal basis.

We will come back after this short commercial break. This is Yza Natividad reporting
live from Linnae News.

COMMERCIAL 01 : 3..2..1 (Series Trailer Endorsement)

Weather Forecast:

News Anchor 4 (Irysh):

And we are back after that short commercial break. Good afternoon everyone, this is
your weather forecaster, Irysh Kallel. It is a sunny day here in Linnae and I am
pleased to tell you that temperatures will remain fairly constant for the remainder of
the day.

However, cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms over Visayas,
Mindanao, and the southern part of Palawan, which includes the Kalayaan Islands,
may be expected due to the Low Pressure Area that we are currently observing
outside the Philippines Area of Responsibility. Moderate to heavy rains may cause
flooding or landslides. In addition to this, a northeast monsoon is also expected to
bring a slight decrease in temperature over Luzon, with chances of rain showers
over the region.

Cloudy skies and rain can be expected due to the Northeast Monsoon in Metro
Manila, CALABARZON, the rest of MIMAROPA, Cagayan Valley, Cordillera
Administrative Region, Bicol Region, and Aurora. There may also be flash floods or
landslides due to moderate to heavy downpours.

The Northeast Monsoon may also bring partly cloudy to cloudy skies with light rains
to the rest of Luzon. No other major effects are anticipated.

And that’s a wrap on today’s weather. Always remember wherever you go, no matter
what the weather, always bring up your own sunshine! This is Irysh Kallel Angeles
saying farewell. Enjoy the rest of your day

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Irysh: nalimutan ko mga nireview ko hala!
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BREAKING NEWS:

Reporter 1 (Cedric):

Breaking News, Juanito Jose Remulla III, the son of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin
"Boying" Remulla, walked free on Friday after a Las Pinas City court acquitted him of
illegal drug possession.

This is Cedric reporting live. In a verdict handed down by Judge Ricardo Moldez II,
the court ruled that Remulla was found not guilty for violating section 11 of the
Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (RA 9165) because he was "not proven
beyond reasonable doubt to have possessed or used any illegal drugs."

On Oct. 11, 2011, agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the
National Authority for the Fight Against Illegal Drugs arrested Remulla III after he
received a package containing 900 grams of kush or high-grade marijuana worth
P1.3 million from the United States. The package was received from the United
States on Sept. 27. Remulla III pleaded not guilty on Nov. 4.

The court found "no clear evidence that [the] accused had freely, consciously, and
with full knowledge possessed the alleged seized illegal drugs," in acquitting the
younger Remulla. It cited the testimony of two agents, who both testified that
Remulla III stated that he did not expect any delivery and did not know a certain
"Benjamin Huffman," who was allegedly the shipper of the parcel.
The prosecution offered proof that the younger Remulla received the package but
did not present evidence that he knew the parcel contained marijuana, according to
the court.

The court warned law enforcers the presumption of regularity in the performance of
their duties cannot prevail over the constitutional right of the accused to be
presumed innocent and cannot, by itself, constitute proof beyond reasonable doubt,
especially if there are unexplained lapses.

The younger Remulla faces separate complaints for the importation of illegal drugs
and violation of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, which are still pending
before the Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office. No other court has issued a warrant of
arrest against him.

This is Cedric Wayne reporting live from Pasay City.

All: This is Linnae News. Pangalang Grupo man, ang balitang inihahandog ay
laging number one. Good afternoon.

*Insert Outro Music*

REFERENCES:

HEADLINE 01:
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/01/03/2235057/what-we-know-so-far-about-
xbb15-covid-19-subvariant
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1712475/meet-xbb-1-5-the-new-covid-subvariant-that-de
fies-immunity-infects-more-efficiently

HEADLINE 02:
https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/1/5/Teachers--group-bats-for-salary-hike-
amid-record-high-inflation-rate.html?fb&fbclid=IwAR3EFNBeRHxs1qbnduJbnPWn7r
C0Zz1qoCKeDBLa-0jGehCIon_XTIxDsvI

HEADLINE 03:
https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/1/5/PH-wants-to-continue-talks-on-joint-e
xploration-in-WPS.html?fbclid=IwAR0UnlBfyxL4i6OG9KPyeXWDekHqkx-OqWgWihp
tbpPj6ckzfvSe19IqgG0

WEATHER FORECAST:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=1178573349720068

BREAKING NEWS:
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/06/23/remullas-son-walks-free-after-drug-posses
sion-acquittal?fbclid=IwAR0psNGYwoImABBbMmyhi3LrcYWEWXEGSfw7WYJSfKb
cACsSLQL3oXYSRm4