PDP-LABAN EXPELS CUSI, 2 OTHER OFFICIALS AMID GROWING RIFT WITH PACQUIAO

MANILA — PDP-Laban on Friday said it has expelled Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi and 2 other members from the ruling party for allegedly violating several provisions of the party's constitution.

Cusi, who is PDP-Laban Vice Chairman, Deputy Secretary General Melvin Matibag, and Membership Committee Head Astra Naik have been expelled from the ruling party after some 10,000 PDP-Laban members signed a manifesto against these officials, according to a statement from PDP-Laban Executive Director Ron Munsayac.

"Vice Chairman Cusi is already manipulating the party to support the Duterte-Duterte tandem which is a blatant admission of supporting Sara Duterte-Carpio for President, who is not a member of the Party," according to PDP-Laban Resolution No. 6 dated June 12, 2021.

"He (Cusi) is guilty of having allegiance to a candidate and her political ideals and party. Such a candidate does not even believe in Federalism, her party fielded candidates against and opposed official candidates of PDP-Laban in 2019 Elections, and she is vehemently opposed to joining the PDP-Laban Party," it said.

Cusi and the 2 other officials' actions were in violation of the party's Constitution as Article VII, Section 6 of the charter "specifically prohibits members from maintaining any allegiance to another political party," the statement read.

"With their expulsion, all rights and privileges of Cusi, Matibag and Naik as members of the Party and all their positions or authorities in the Party are likewise immediately terminated," PDP-Laban's statement read.

The members "were likewise directed to cease and desist from following, supporting or giving legitimacy to any directive, resolution, notices, communications or actions" of the expelled party officials, it said.

The resolution against Cusi and 2 other members were signed by Pacquiao and the party's National Executive Committee (NEC), the highest administrative and executive body of the party.

ASTRAZENECA'S 2.028 MILLION COVID-19 VACCINE DOSES FROM COVAX ARRIVE IN PH

MANILA - The Philippines on Friday afternoon took delivery of 2.028 million COVID-19 vaccine doses from AstraZeneca donated by the COVAX Facility.

The shipment arrived past 4 p.m. at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 via Emirates flight EK332.

This latest donated batch raises the country's coronavirus vaccine stockpile to over 20.6 million.

Vaccine czar Sec. Carlito Galvez, Jr. said some 1.5 million doses were allotted for second doses, while the other 500,000 remaining doses would be allocated to the country's priority areas.

The National Task Force Against COVID-19, in a statement, said this shipment raises the overall AstraZeneca COVID-19 doses delivered in the country to 5,708,100, majority or 4,584,000 of which came from COVAX.

132,200 MORE SPUTNIK V DOSES LAND IN PHILIPPINES

MANILA — The Philippines received Friday night 132,200 more doses of the Russian-made Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine.

The shots, procured by the national government, arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on board a Qatar Airways flight.

Bulk of the new shipment consists of 82,200 doses of the first dose of the vaccine, while the remaining 50,000 doses is allocated for the second dose.

The Philippines is also expecting the delivery of at least 37,800 doses of the first dose of the Sputnik V vaccine on Saturday.

The fresh doses bump up the total number of Sputnik V vaccines in the Philippines to a total of 312,200.

The Philippines has so far received 20.7 million doses of COVID-19 from various sources and manufacturers, with a majority of its supply coming from China’s Sinovac.

SUPREME COURT OKS USE OF POLICE BODY CAMERAS DURING WARRANT EXECUTION

MANILA- The Supreme Court en banc has approved the use of body-worn cameras when law enforcement authorities hand out arrest, search, and seizure warrants.

In a 16-paged resolution dated June 29, the High Court said a law enforcement personnel should have a body-worn camera and an alternative recording device when implementing arrest warrants.

If a body-worn camera is unavailable "for justifiable reasons," the SC said an officer should file an ex parte motion for the use of an alternative camera device. If the motion is approved, the officer should have two.

Law enforcement personnel should also inform the person to be arrested that they are serving the warrant and they are recording it.

"The officers having such cameras shall ensure that they are worn in a conspicuous location and in a manner that maximize their ability to capture a recording of the arrest," the SC en banc's resolution read.

Failure to do so, according to the magistrates, would not automatically render the arrest as unlawful and the evidence obtained as "inadmissible."

"Facts surrounding the arrest may be proved by the testimonies of the arresting officers, the person arrested, and other witnesses to the arrest," the resolution pointed out.

"However, a law enforcement officer who fails, without reasonable grounds, to use body-worn cameras or alternative recording devices, or intentionally interferes with the body-worn cameras' ability to accurately capture audio and video recordings of the arrest... may be liable for contempt of court."

IVERMECTIN INEFFECTIVE VS COVID-19 – DOH

MANILA — The Department of Health (DOH), citing a recent study in the US, remains steadfast in its position not to recommend Ivermectin as treatment for the coronavirus, saying the anti-parasitic drug was found not to have any effect on severe COVID-19 cases.

DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire noted that “based on the latest article, the conclusion was that in comparison with standard care or placebo, Ivermectin did not reduce the all-cause mortality, length of stay or viral clearance with RCTs (randomized control trials) in COVID-19 patients with mostly mild disease.”

She said at yesterday’s press briefing that the article also stated that Ivermectin “did not have any effect on severe COVID-19.”

“It was stated in the final note that Ivermectin is not a viable option to treat COVID-19 patients,” she added.

The official was apparently referring to a June 28 article published by the National Library of Medicine of the United States’ National Institute of Health-National Center for Biotechnology Information.

Vergeire said the DOH and the government respond to COVID-19 based on science and evidence.

AFTER WORLD BANK APOLOGY, DEPED REITERATES COMMITMENT TO RESOLVING EDUCATION SYSTEM ISSUES

MANILA — The Department of Education on Saturday acknowledged the World Bank’s apology over a report on the Philippine education system.

The report, which said that more than 80% of students in the Philippines do not meet the standards expected for their grade level, has since been removed from World Bank's website.

World Bank in its apology said the report was "published earlier than scheduled and before the Department of Education had enough chance to provide inputs."

"More than admitting to their oversight, we hope the WB statement has clearly reiterated the commitment and concrete steps being taken by the Department, together with our partners, to resolve century-old issues plaguing the Philippine education system," DepEd said.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones during a press briefing Monday said the "country was insulted [and] shamed" by the report. She also said the report was based on old data and that DepEd was not given the chance to respond to the findings.

GOVERNMENT DISPUTES SAFEST COUNTRY RANKINGS

MANILA — Interior Secretary Eduardo Año has downplayed the latest report that ranked the Philippines as the least safe among 134 countries.

Año said the report by Global Finance Magazine should be taken objectively as it does not reflect the country’s actual situation on the ground.

“Kailangan very objective tayo. Mahirap pagbasehan lang natin itong survey ng ibang countries. Minsan may political factors behind,” he said in an interview on dzBB.

The report ranked the Philippines last on the list of 134 countries, with the lowest score of 14.8899 based on risks such as war and peace, personal security and natural disasters.

Año said crime volume in the country decreased by half since President Duterte assumed office in 2016.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) had earlier reported that there was a decrease of 39.59 percent in the eight focus crimes in 2020 compared to the previous year.

It also cited that a recent Gallup survey showed that the Philippines is actually among the top 50 safest countries in the world.

PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said the safety index is a challenge to do better in “improving peace and order in the country.”

“Peace and order are only some of the factors, because they include rural disasters and the effect of COVID-19 in our country,” Eleazar said in a press conference.

“Nevertheless, we will take this latest ranking as a challenge to do more in terms of further improving the peace and order security in the country,” he said.

DFA WARNS FOREIGN TRAVELERS VS ENTRY EXEMPTION APPLICATION SCAMS

MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday warned foreigners in the country against individuals or groups of people offering entry exemption documents services in exchange for fees.

In an advisory, the DFA said it does not collect any fees from EED applicants, except for the visa fee paid to the issuing Philippine embassy or consulate abroad.

"An EED is free of charge to all qualified applicants duly endorsed by national government agencies. Foreign nationals and their sponsoring entities in the Philippines are advised to be wary of individuals, groups, establishments or companies that offer facilitation services or sponsorship letters for a fee for the issuance of EEDs," the foreign office said.

"The DFA disavows any connection with such entities and encourages those who have been approached or victimized by these scammers to report them to oca.visa@dfa.gov.ph."

PESO MOVES PAST 50:$1

MANILA — The peso yesterday pierced the 50 to $1 barrier, shedding 20.5 centavos to hit its weakest level in more than a year amid the general strength of the greenback against major currencies due to the recovery of the global economy from the pandemic-induced slowdown.

The local currency closed at 50.08 to $1 from Thursday’s 49.875. It opened weaker at 50.1 and hit  an intra-day low of 50.17, while its  intra-day high was recorded at 50 to the dollar.

This was the weakest level for the peso since closing at 50.19 to $1 in June 23, 2020.

The peso has been losing strength against the dollar for eight straight trading days. From 47.90 to $1 two weeks ago, the peso has depreciated by 4.35 percent and almost wiped out the more than five percent gain it  made last year.

Trading volume declined by nearly 24 percent to $859.7 million yesterday from $1.13 billion on Thursday.

Analysts believe the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) continues to participate in the foreign exchange market.

On Thursday, BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said the central bank would participate in the foreign exchange market using the country’s hefty gross international reserves (GIR) to minimize volatility.

“We participate in the market only to minimize the fluctuations. So as you can see our defense to the peso right now is our hefty GIR and the steady inflow of dollars,” Diokno said.

MMDA SETS UP EDSA LAY-BY AREA FOR BIKERS

MANILA — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) yesterday opened an emergency lay-by area for motorcycle riders along EDSA, to be used during heavy downpours.

In a statement yesterday, MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos said motorcycle riders could stop in the area to wait for the rain to stop, without blocking the highway.

“We understand the plight of motorcycle riders when they have to stop in the middle of the road while waiting for the rain to stop. It is very risky for them because they might get into a road accident. At least with the emergency lay-by, they can take cover during heavy rains,” Abalos said.

The emergency lay-by area is located under the Quezon Avenue flyover, marked with entrance and exit signs.

However, Abalos reiterated that the lay-by could only be used when it is raining. Motorists who would use the area for parking would receive a violation ticket.

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PH REPORTS 5,881 NEW COVID-19 CASES

MANILA - The Philippines on Friday confirmed 5,881 more COVID-19 infections, with cases below 6,000 over the entire week.

According to the Department of Health (DOH), the country now has 1,461,455 total confirmed novel coronavirus cases, of which 51,902 or 3.6 percent are still active.

The country registered less than 6,000 new COVID-19 cases for one whole week, data showed.

The positivity rate is at 11 percent, based on the samples of 50,572 individuals who underwent screening for the virus on Wednesday.

This is the 11th straight day that the positivity rate was below 12 percent. The World Health Organization's benchmark is below 5 percent for at least 2 weeks.

Fatalities due to COVID-19 climbed by 70 to 25,720.

ILANG LGUS SA NCR, TINIYAK SAFETY FEATURES NG KANILANG VACCINATION CARDS

MAYNILA - Matapos lumabas ang panukala ukol sa pagluwag ng travel requirements para sa fully vaccinated na mga Pilipino, lumabas din ang usapin kung paano malalaman kung tunay ang mga vaccination cards na ipiprisinta ng mga biyahero.

Wala pang centralized system ang national government para sa vaccination card, kaya kanya-kanyang istilo ang mga local government unit.

Ilang lokal na pamahalaan sa Metro Manila ang nagpahayag na ang kanilang mga vaccination cards ay may security features na hindi basta-basta mapepeke.

Sa Quezon City, simula Biyernes, naglagay na sila ng tamper-proof security seal sa vaccination card ng mga nakakumpleto na ng dalawang dose ng bakuna.

BAHA AT LANDSLIDE, NARANASAN SA DAVAO CITY

Umapaw ang Bunawan river sa Bunawan District, Davao City na naging sanhi ng pagbaha sa ilang barangay sa distrito Biyernes ng umaga.

Ayon kay Alfredo Baloran, hepe ng Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, aabot sa 71 pamilya ang inilikas sa tatlong purok sa Barangay Bunawan Proper.

Apektado rin sa pagbaha ang Barangay San Isidro, Barangay Lasang, maging ang ilang barangay sa Calinan district.

Rumesponde naman ang mga rescuer ng Davao City Central 911, Bunawan Police Station, Bureau of Fire Protection, Task Force Davao, at Coast Guard Davao.

Stranded din ang mga motorista na patungong Davao del Norte dahil sa pag-apaw ng ilog sa kalsada, pero nakadaan din matapos humupa ang tubig.

Sa Barangay Mandug, napuno ng putik at kahoy ang kalsada sa Sitio Ilihan matapos gumuho ang lupa. Pero madaanan na simula alas 9 ng umaga pagkatapos ng clearing operations.

SC TO OPEN 25 BAR TESTING SITES

MANILA — The Supreme Court (SC) is planning to open at least 25 testing sites nationwide for the 2020-2021 Bar examinations so that applicants need not go to Manila amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

SC Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen said there are 16 educational institutions that agreed to have their facilities used as testing centers for the Bar examinations.

Leonen, who chairs the 2020-2021 Bar examinations, added that they are also tapping more “large schools” nationwide to get at least 25 testing centers to accommodate more Bar examinees.

The SC will soon launch an online portal dubbed the “Bar Personalized Login Unified System (Bar PLUS)” for the digital filing of applications to take the Bar examinations.

In another development, Leonen said the 2020-2021 Bar exams will push through as he emphasized that they are now in the “full throttle in terms of preparing this,” reacting to Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello’s statement floating the idea of abolishing licensure exams, especially for nursing and law graduates.

6 BATANGAS AREAS NOW ASF-FREE

MANILA — Six areas in Batangas have been removed from the African swine fever (ASF) red zone.

Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar said Malvar, Nasugbu, Rosario, San Jose, Taysan and Lipa City are the first areas in the country to be cleared of ASF.

Bureau of Animal Industry Director Reildrin Morales said the declaration of the ASF-free status is pursuant to the provisions of DA administrative orders on control, prevention and repopulation of previously affected areas.

“All these are guided by scientific procedures, such as complete surveillance and monitoring and implementation of sentinelling program of DA,” Morales said.

Dar commended concerned local chief executives and veterinarians for managing the swine disease in their areas.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

'MY AMANDA': WHY ALESSANDRA DE ROSSI CHOSE PIOLO PASCUAL, NOT JOHN LLOYD CRUZ

MANILA — With blockbuster love team John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo’s recent GMA Network transfer, many celebrities are so keen to pair with either two of them in a film.

But not Alessandra de Rossi. At least, not for now.

When teased by her “My Amanda” co-star Piolo Pascual, John Lloyd’s friend, on why Alessandra did not choose to partner with John Lloyd for her directorial debut, the “My Amanda” writer and producer explained her choice in a heartbeat.

“’Yung pagka-komedyante mo kasi in real life,” Alessandra enthused, sharing that Piolo’s sense of humor, and not just good looks, made him bag the role.

“Si Papa P is funnier than Empoy, sorry! Hahaha!” swore Alessandra, whose 2017 romantic-comedy flick with Empoy Marquez, “Kita Kita,” helmed by Piolo’s Spring Films, was such a huge hit.

“Empoy crazy, Piolo crazier, pa’no ba ‘yan?” she added when asked to describe her leading men.

According to Piolo, his character in “My Amanda” had not so much difference from him in real life – except that his character had longer hair and more body piercings.

Alessandra thinks Piolo looks hotter in long hair.

“I like the dirty Papa P!” she declared, quipping that “Dirty Papa P” could even be a liquor brand.

Streaming on Netflix starting July 15, “My Amanda” tells the story of two unusually close friends as they share every aspect of their lives together but as their own worlds change and evolve, their bond remains the only constant.

SPORTS

NBA SCORES JULY 8

NOTE: NEXT GAME WILL RESUME ON JULY 12

FINAL

1          2          3          4          T

3 Bucks0-2       29        16        33        30        108

2 Suns2-0         26        30        32        30        118

GAME 2: PHO LEADS 2-0, PHOENIX SUNS ARENA, PHOENIX, AZ

SCORING LEADERS

G. Antetokounmpo MIL

42 PTS 12 REB 4 AST

D. Booker PHO

31 PTS 5 REB 6 AST

INDICATORS

FOREX $1 = P 50.08

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

The mark of the immature man is that he wants to die nobly for a cause, while the mark of the mature man is that he wants to live humbly for one. - Wilhelm Stekel