PHILIPPINES BACK TO LOW RISK FOR COVID-19

MANILA — The risk level of the Philippines for COVID-19 has returned to low after a record-breaking surge in infections last month, the Department of Health said.

In a briefing aired late Monday, DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III said the country was deemed low risk for virus spread after registering a two-week growth rate of -74% and an average daily attack rate of 5.26 cases per 100,000 population.

Thirteen regions, including Metro Manila, were also at low risk. The capital region and other areas will remain under Alert Level 2 until the end of February.

Only Davao region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Western Visayas and Soccsksargen were at moderate risk.

Duque also said the healthcare utilization rates in the country and most of its regions were at low risk. Only the intensive care unit occupancy of Davao region remained at moderate risk.

“We are able to manage our cases and our health systems capacity is very much prepared for any eventuality the number of cases increases, we have a lot of excess and our utilization rates are low,” he said.

PHILIPPINES, UAE CONCLUDE INVESTMENT AGREEMENT, ANNOUNCE TRADE TALKS

DUBAI – The Philippines and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are headed for stronger economic relations as the two countries have concluded negotiations for the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA) and jointly announced the start of official discussions on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

On the sidelines of the Philippines’ National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai last Feb. 11, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez and UAE Minister of State Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh recognized the signing of the start of negotiations for the CEPA and committed toward the eventual signing of the IPPA.

After the bilateral meeting, Lopez and UAE Minister for Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi signed the joint statement formally announcing the intent to pursue CEPA.

This is an opportune time for UAE investors as the Philippines develops the necessary investment landscape through significant economic and regulatory reforms such as the liberalization of the Public Service Act, Retail Trade Law, Foreign Investments Act, the CREATE Act and the aggressive Build Build Build programs of the Duterte administration.

These are supported by the Philippines’ efforts to improve ease of doing business by streamlining government processes, reducing processing time and cutting bureaucratic red tape.

The opportunities for foreign direct investment (FDI) into several activities are broader and coupled with the IPPA, these FDIs will reap the benefits of all reforms and agreements.

To further maximize the opportunities for complementation in shared areas of interests and priorities, the Philippines and the UAE are also in the process of finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding on Economic and Technical Cooperation, which, together with the IPPA, will provide the solid foundation for pursuing the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

MARCOS LEAD IN SURVEY COMES FROM 'ACROSS REGIONS' - PULSE ASIA

MANILA - Presidential candidate Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. is getting bigger numbers across the regions, according to private pollster Pulse Asia, with 60 percent of respondents saying they would vote for the son and namesake of the late dictator "if the May 2022 elections were held today."

"He increased by 7 percentage points which is considered significant. He got it from across the regions," Pulse Asia Research Director Prof. Ana Maria Tabunda said on Tuesday.

It was the first time for Pulse Asia "to see a presidential candidate garner more than 50 percent of the votes," Tabunda said.

She said Marcos is getting "at least 50 percent voter preference among Class C respondents" while getting higher numbers among Class D respondents, which is the largest socioeconomic class.

A large factor for Marcos' popularity is that he is the son of the late president Ferdinand Marcos.

"Apparently, some of our people think that Ferdinand E. Marcos was a good president...The link between BBM and his father, that's what's coming out," Tabunda said, citing focus group discussions by other groups and not Pulse Asia.

On the other hand, she said Vice-President Leni Robredo's voter preference shrank from 20 percent of respondents in the last Pulse Asia survey in December to 16 percent in January.

Asked if some of those surveyed had shifted their choice to Marcos, Tabunda said: "It's not impossible."

She also noted that voter preference for Robredo has a "ceiling" after she scored fourth on the list of second choice presidential preferences.

While 60 percent may be a large number, the highest any presidential candidate garnered through surveys done prior to election date, Tabunda said other candidates should not lose hope.

"I would encourage the other candidates to give it a try, to still try, strategize, improve their voter preferences," she said in an interview with ABS-CBN News Headstart.

The survey was done independently by Pulse Asia between January 19 to 24, sampling 600 respondents from NCR, Balanced Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao each.

Despite the wide gap between preferences, Tabunda maintained that surveys do not necessarily affect voter's decisions based on survey results.

RAFFY TULFO TOPS ANEW PULSE ASIA SURVEY ON 2022 SENATE BETS

MANILA - Broadcaster Raffy Tulfo topped anew a Pulse Asia survey on preferred senatorial candidates for the 2022 national elections.

Tulfo received 66.1 percent backing among the survey's respondents. He topped a similar poll in September 2021.

He was followed by former House Speaker Alan Cayetano, who got 58.2 percent. Cayetano also trailed Tulfo in September.

Behind Cayetano are Antique Representative Loren Legarda (58 pct), Sorsogon Governor Francis "Chiz" Escudero (55.7 pct), former Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar (52.9 pct), and reelectionists Migz Zubiri (50.3 pct) and Win Gatchalian (45.9 pct).

Former Vice President Jejomar Binay (44.5 pct.), former Senator Jinggoy Estrada and reelectionist Senator Joel Villanueva (both 40.4 pct.), opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros (37.1 pct.), actor Robin Padilla (35.9 pct.), and former Senator JV Ejercito (33.9 pct.) also have a shot at a Senate seat, the polls showed.

The same Pulse Asia survey showed that Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., the only son and namesake of the former dictator, is still the most preferred presidential candidate among Filipinos.

LACSON, PACQUIAO, ROBREDO TO SKIP DEBATE HOSTED BY QUIBOLOY'S MEDIA NETWORK

MANILA — Presidential candidates Manny Pacquiao, Leni Robredo and Panfilo Lacson will skip the presidential debate organized by the media network of Apollo Quiboloy, an evangelist who had already publicly endorsed a ticket for the May polls.

Labor leader Leody de Guzman, presidential candidate for Partido Lakas ng Masa, has indicated, though, that he will attend the debate, saying it is his obligation to present his platform to voters "even if we are doing it in [Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s] home court."

Pacquiao, an Evangelical Christian, said Monday he cannot participate in a debate hosted by Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) scheduled Tuesday because Quiboloy is wanted in the US for sex trafficking. The pastor's legal team has disputed the charges against him.

"As much as I would like to participate in every debate and public forum related to my bid for presidency, I am compelled to decline the invitation of SMNI, which is owned by Apollo Quiboloy, who, according to the US government, has molested and abused children," Pacquiao said in a statement.

"I cannot, in good conscience, be part of any activity organized by a man wanted for detestable crimes and who unconscionably used the name of the Lord in vain for religious scams," he added.

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation has released a wanted poster for Quiboloy—founder of Kingdom of Jesus Christ, The Name Above Every Name founder and spiritual adviser of President Rodrigo Duterte—who has been indicted for conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion and sex trafficking of children; sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion; conspiracy; and bulk cash smuggling.

KA LEODY FAVORS LEGALIZING DIVORCE

MANILA — Partido ng Lakas ng Masa (PLM) presidential candidate Leody de Guzman yesterday gave his full backing for the decriminalization of abortion and legalization of divorce in the country.

At the Catholic E-Forum hosted by Radio Veritas, De Guzman said many deaths among women could be prevented by decriminalizing abortion.

“The death of many women undergoing such a secret system of abortion would be prevented,” he said in Filipino.

According to De Guzman, such policy will not encourage women to undergo abortion, but will only reduce risk in case they would choose to forgo their pregnancy.

He further pointed out that the use of contraceptives is now accepted by society.

At the same forum, De Guzman expressed his support for the resumption of peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front.

But De Guzman said peace talks will no longer be necessary if the government would be able to meet the communist rebels’ demands.

If given the chance to become president, De Guzman said he would heed the NPA’s just demand and thus encourage them to give up the armed struggle.

8 FILIPINOS IN UKRAINE GOING BACK TO PH AMID THREAT OF RUSSIAN INVASION

MANILA—Some 8 Filipinos are going back to the Philippines amid a potential Russian invasion of Ukraine, a Filipino migrant worker said Tuesday.

"Ang mga uuwi po sa Thursday meron pong 8 na po. 'Yun po 'yung sigurado na may ticket na po. Sagot po ng gobyerno," Shirley Santosildes, head of United Filipino Global-Ukraine, told ANC's "Rundown".

The Philippine Embassy in Poland offered free airline tickets to Filipinos living in Ukraine, she added.

Amid crisis in the former Soviet republic, Santosildes said there were Filipinos who have fled capital Kyiv.

"'Yung safest place na puwede namin puntahan ay Lviv. Ang ibang Filipino ay nandun na ngayon," she said.

For now, Santosildes said the capital remains peaceful.

"Everything is normal. Everything in Kyiv is operational. The transportation is normal, supermarkets, lahat po. Sobrang wala kang indications na merong gulo," she said.

Santosildes, also a teacher, said about 100 Filipinos in Ukraine were on alert in case of the feared Russian invasion.

"So far lahat naman ay ready," she said.

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PHILIPPINES POSTS 2,730 NEW COVID-19 CASES, 10.7PCT POSITIVITY RATE

MANILA - The Philippines on Monday announced 2,730 new COVID-19 cases, the lowest daily tally so far this year, data from the health department showed.

The positivity rate has declined to 10.7 percent, based on test results of samples from 28,620 people on Feb. 12, Saturday, according to the latest Department of Health bulletin. The rate is the lowest since Dec. 29, said Edson Guido, head of the ABS-CBN Data Analytics Team.

Of the newly reported cases, 2,627 or 96 percent occurred within the recent 14 days. Metro Manila (467 cases), Calabarzon (330 cases) and Central Visayas (283 cases) were the top regions with cases in the recent two weeks.

The number of fresh infections is also the lowest in 6 weeks or since Dec. 30 when 1,623 were announced, according to the ABS-CBN Investigative and Research Group.

SIARGAO ISLAND REOPENS TO TOURISTS AFTER 'ODETTE' DEVASTATION, SAYS MAYOR

MANILA — Siargao Island, the Philippines' known world-class surfing destination, is reopening to tourists, a local official said Monday, around two months since it was devastated by Typhoon Odette.

In an interview with ABS-CBN's TeleRadyo, Mayor Prosferina Coro of Del Carmen town, Surigao del Norte said the airport in Siargao already reopened after months of closure due to damage incurred from the typhoon.

"Bukas na po ang tourism natin," she said, noting that some resorts have resumed their operations already.

"Maayos-ayos na po kami ngayon," she added, even as she admitted that recovery efforts continue, including for some resorts and on the livelihood of the people.

Cielo Villaluna, spokesperson of Philippine Airlines, told ABS-CBN News their flights to Siargao will resume on Feb. 22, using its 86-seater De Havilland Dash 8-400 NG aircraft.

"We look forward to resuming flights to Siargao. PR2971/2972 Manila-Siargao-Manila will operate every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday," she said.

Since the start of the year, small businesses in Siargao have gradually reopened. Residents also continue to rebuild their homes.

VALENZUELA SUSPENDS COVID-19 JABS FOR KIDS

MANILA — The Valenzuela City government will suspend its COVID-19 vaccine rollout for children aged five to 11 beginning today.

In an advisory yesterday, the local government said it is still waiting for the supply of reformulated Pfizer jabs for pediatric vaccination.

City hall advised those who have signed up for the inoculation of children to wait for their new appointment.

The vaccination of minors aged 12 to 17 would continue, according to the city heath office.

Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian said the local government has administered COVID-19 vaccines to 110 percent of the city’s eligible population.

FAIR WEATHER IN NEXT 3 DAYS

MANILA — The country will experience fair weather in the next three days as no typhoon or low-pressure area (LPA) is expected to enter the Philippine area of responsibility.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the northeast monsoon or amihan would continue to bring cold weather in some parts of Luzon.

Metro Manila will have temperatures ranging from 23 to 31 degrees Celsius.

Baguio City’s temperatures may drop to as low as 14 degrees Celsius to a high of 23 degrees Celsius in the next three days.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

AFTER VEGAS 'WEDDING' WITH ION PEREZ, VICE GANDA THANKS EVERYONE FOR SUPPORT

MANILA -- Comedian-host Vice Ganda took to social media on Valentine's Day to thank everyone who expressed their support for the newest milestone in his personal life as he revealed his "wedding" in Las Vegas with partner Ion Perez.

"Thank you very much for the overwhelming love that you have been sending us. Our hearts are full. Happy Valentine’s Day!!!," Vice wrote on Instagram.

On his personal Instagram account, Perez also marked Valentine's Day as he uploaded snaps of him and Ganda in Las Vegas.

On Monday's episode of "It's Showtime," the two were congratulated by the co-hosts.

Last Sunday, Ganda revealed that he and Perez were "wed" at The Little Vegas Chapel in Las Vegas, Nevada last year.

The couple celebrated their third anniversary on October 25.

The comedian first confirmed his relationship with Perez in October 2019 after a "Magpasikat" performance on "It's Showtime.

Perez joined “It’s Showtime” initially as Kuya Escort in the noontime show's Miss Q&A segment.

SPORTS

CRICKET 'FAIRY TALE': PHILIPPINES AMATEURS CHASE WORLD CUP BERTH

MANILA -- The Philippines is better known for boxers than batsmen and its cricket team has not played for three years, but the side of amateurs hope to make their mark in T20 World Cup qualifiers.

As the lowest-ranked side in the eight-team qualifying tournament taking place this month in Oman featuring the likes of Nepal, Ireland and United Arab Emirates, few are more surprised than the Philippines to be pulling on the pads at global level.

"It's like a fairy tale," said skipper Jonathan Hill, a high-school teacher in Jervis Bay in Australia's New South Wales, where he plays club cricket.

The Philippines team is made up of mainly Indian expats in Manila and Filipino-Australians based in Australia who take time off from their day jobs to train and play.

Preparations for the biggest fixtures of their lives have been "far from ideal", Hill said.

The last time the Philippines played a match was three years ago -- a victorious, rain-soaked five overs against Vanuatu in a regional qualifying tournament in Port Moresby which unexpectedly secured their berth in Oman.

After the Covid pandemic hit and competitions were cancelled, players were left mostly to train alone as lockdowns and border closures made it impossible to gather in one place.

When the 14-strong squad assembles in Oman this week for Friday's opening clash against Canada, it will be the first time some of the players have met.

"We're definitely heavy underdogs," said Hill.

"But at the end of the day cricket is still a game.

"It's bat versus ball and the thing I love most about it is that it's not just skill level or fitness level or even intellect -- so much of cricket is about heart and that's something we've always played with."

The top two teams in Oman will book spots in the T20 World Cup in Australia later this year.

PHOENIX DEF. TNT, 93-92 (PBA) FEBRUARY 13

Phoenix Super LPG defeated TNT Tropang Giga, 93-92 to claim their fourth win in the 2021 PBA Governors' Cup on Sunday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

Matthew Wright led the Fuel Masters in scoring with game-high 27 points on 10-of-20 shooting including the game winner along with two 3-pointers, 5/5 from the freethrow line with 10 assists and 3 steals. RJ Jazul finished with 16 points (5/11 FG, 3/9 3PT, 3/5 FT) 5 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal while import Dominique Sutton added a double-double of 13 points (5/9 FG), 10 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 assists and a block in 37 minutes of play.

The Scores:

PHOENIX 93 – Wright 27 (10ast), Jazul 16, Sutton 13 (10reb), Perkins 12, Manganti 10, Pascual 4, Chua 3, Garcia 2, Melecio 2, Rios 2, Robles 2, Demusis 0, Camacho 0.

TNT 92 – M. Williams 22, Banal 18, Fuller 11 (23reb), Castro 11, Rosario 11, Montalbo 9, K. Williams 6, Alejandro 4, Khobuntin 0, Heruela 0, Reyes 0, Marcelo 0.

Quarters: 21-15, 44-41, 72-70, 93-92.

MERALCO DEF. GINEBRA, 101-95 (PBA) FEBRUARY 13

Meralco Bolts (4-0) defeated Barangay Ginebra (3-2), 101-95 to claim their fourth win in the 2021 PBA Governors' Cup on Sunday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

Meralco import Tony Bishop led the Bolts in scoring with game-high 30 points on 10-of-22 shooting including four 3-pointers along with 13 rebounds, 7 assists and a steal. Chris Newsome finished with 12 points (4/7 FG, 2/2 3PT), 7 assists, 5 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block while Chris Banchero with a solid game on his Meralco debut with 12 points (5/10 FG, 2/2 FT), 4 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal in 23 minutes of play.

The Scores:

MERALCO 101 – Bishop 30 (13 reb, 7 ast), Newsome 12 (7 ast), Banchero 12, Maliksi 11, Almazan 8, Hodge 8, Quinto 8, Black 6, Caram 4, Hugnatan 2.

GINEBRA 95 – Brownlee 27 (14 reb, 7 ast), Thompson 18 (9 reb), Standhardinger 17, J. Aguilar 10, Tenorio 10, Tolentino 5, Caperal 3, Chan 3, Pinto 2 (9 ast).

Quarters: 29-22, 45-46, 79-76, 101-95.

Next game to resume on Feb 16, 2022

INDICATORS

FOREX $1 = P 51.37

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

A new position of responsibility will usually show a man to be a far stronger creature than supposed. - William James