CHINAÂ’S XI CALLS DUTERTE

DAVAO CITY — President Duterte received a call from Chinese President Xi

Jinping last night, leading to a conversation lasting several minutes.

Malacañang did not provide details of the phone conversation between the two

leaders. The call was made on the eve of the celebration of Philippine

Independence Day.

Duterte took XiÂ’s call at the Malacañang South Guest House here at the

Department of Public Works and Highways compound in Barangay Panacan.

The President has been in Davao City for over a week now and is set to

leave for Manila on Sunday in time for the meeting with the Inter-Agency

Task Force on COVID-19.

The President is also scheduled to address the nation on Monday after the

regular meeting with the IATF.

BE HEROES IN PANDEMIC FIGHT, DUTERTE SAYS ON INDEPENDENCE DAY

MANILA — The coronavirus pandemic gives Filipinos the opportunity to emulate

the heroism of their forefathers, President Rodrigo Duterte said on

Independence Day Friday, as the country continued to battle the COVID-19

pandemic.

Coronavirus infections in the Philippines recently surpassed the

24,000-mark, nearly 2 weeks after Metro Manila and other urban centers eased

lockdowns to restart the economy and stop job losses.

"As we wage united battle against COVID-19, we now have the opportunity to

demonstrate that we possess the same gallantry of spirit and the nobility of

character as the heroes of our past," Duterte said in a taped message.

"Let us now move forward with courage, hope, and optimism as we overcome

this pandemic," he added.

The 75-year-old President will stay in Davao City on Friday. Executive

Secretary Salvador Medialdea will represent Duterte at the traditional

Independence Day rites in Manila's Rizal Park.

Gatherings of more than 10 people are still barred to prevent the spread of

COVID-19 and the public should move Independence Day protests online, said

the Philippine National Police.

Sen. Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan earlier urged protesters to call their

gatherings "mañanita," a reference to the pre-dawn birthday serenade last

month for Metro Manila police chief Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas that allegedly

violated the ban on mass gatherings.

The anniversary of the Philippines' declaration of independence from Spain

is a regular holiday.

In honor of Filipino frontliners on Independence Day

A group of mountaineers raises Philippine flags in Barangay Amtic in Ligao

City, Albay in celebration of the country's Independence Day on Friday. The

mountaineers dedicated their celebration to the country's frontliners

fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

UN EXPERT STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF JOURNALISM TO COURT SET TO RULE ON CYBER

LIBEL CASE VS RESSA

MANILA — Days before the Manila court hands down its verdict on the cyber

libel case against Rappler CEO Maria Ressa, a United Nations expert sought

to tell the court of the role of journalists and freedom of expression.

UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression

David Kaye sought to file a brief of amici curiae to the Manila Regional

Trial Court Branch 46 on Thursday.

Amici curiae means “friend of the court.” Rappler said the brief was filed

on Thursday. Since this brief was unsolicited, the court needs to admit it

first, and it must do so before it hands down its verdict on the case

Monday, June 15.

The ruling was originally set to be promulgated on April 3, but was

postponed as courts drastically reduced operations to restrict movement and

minimize risk of COVID-19 transmission.

In the separate motion for leave to file the amicus curiae brief, Kaye said

the document “will provide this Honorable Court with greater understanding

of the role of journalists and the special protection that all Members

States must accord."

Kaye also noted that the Human Rights Committee “urges States to consider

the decriminalization of defamation.”

“The Committee recommends that in dealing with defamation cases, ‘a public

interest in the subject matter of the criticism should be recognized as a

defense,’” he added.

BIR TO ONLINE SELLERS: REGISTER, PAY TAXES

MANILA — With more Filipinos doing business online, the Bureau of Internal

Revenue (BIR) is now requiring online sellers and those making money through

digital platforms to register with the tax agency and pay the necessary

taxes.

Internal Revenue Commissioner Caesar Dulay announced the new requirement

through Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 60-2020, dated June 1, 2020.

Malacañang, through presidential spokesman Harry Roque, said it is in favor

of the move, but stressed that those earning below P250,000 yearly should be

exempted.

“This circular is issued to give due notice to all persons doing business

and earning income in any manner or form, specifically those who are into

digital transactions through the use of any electronic platforms and media,

and other digital means, to ensure that their businesses are registered

pursuant to the provisions of Section 236 of the Tax Code, as amended, and

that they are tax compliant,” the circular read.

The order covers sellers and merchants as well as other stakeholders

involved in digital transactions, such as payment gateways, delivery

channels, internet service providers and other facilitators.

The BIR said online sellers and other digital service providers may register

until July 31.

“Likewise, they are encouraged to voluntarily declare their past

transactions subject to pertinent taxes and pay the taxes due thereon,

without corresponding penalty, when declared and paid on or before the said

date,” it added.

The BIR warned that all individuals or corporations found later on to be

doing business without complying with these requirements would be meted with

applicable penalties under the law.

GOVERNMENT VOWS TO HELP STRANDED PASSENGERS

MANILA — The government yesterday vowed to assist stranded people in Metro

Manila amid the coronavirus lockdown following the death of Michelle

Silvertino, the housemaid who died after days of waiting for a bus ride to

Bicol.

Malacañang expressed grief over SilvertinoÂ’s death, who walked from Cubao in

Quezon City to Pasay to get a bus ride on her way home to her family in

Calabanga, Camarines Sur.

“We condole with the family of Michelle Silvertino. Nobody wanted this to

happen,” presidential spokesman Harry Roque said at a press briefing.

DURA 'LIKES': PNP SOCIAL MEDIA RULES AND WHAT POLICE ACTUALLY POST

MANILA — At a press briefing Monday, Police Gen. Archie Gamboa, who sits as

chief of the Philippine National Police, warned that violations of the

national police's social media protocols could warrant criminal and

administrative raps for erring cops.

This was in response to a string of social media posts from the national

police's own regional channels vilifying activists and left-leaning groups

critical of the administration, accusing them of being fronts for communist

rebels.

In a letter addressed to Facebook, Cordillera-based youth alliance Youth Act

Now Against Tyranny (YANAT) Baguio-Benguet Chapter also said that they have

been on the receiving end of what it called a smear campaign on social media

by anonymous "trolls" and by the police for months.

“There is an enhanced protocol on social media which should be observed by

the members of PNP. They can be charged administratively and if the evidence

would warrant, even criminal cases,” Gamboa said at Monday's Laging Handa

briefing.

In response to the posts by the PNP, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan),

whose secretary-general Renato Reyes was depicted with devil horns in an

edited photo, said it would take legal action against those behind the page

for what it called "crass and totally unprofessional" content on an official

government channel.

‘BALIK PROBINSYA’ SUSPENDED

MANILA — The government’s “Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-Asa” program has been

suspended to prioritize the return to the provinces of people stranded in

Metro Manila, the programÂ’s executive director Marcelino Escalada Jr. said

yesterday.

Speaking at the government-hosted “Laging Handa” virtual public briefing,

Escalada, who is also general manager of the National Housing Authority

(NHA), said the government would focus in the meantime on the “Hatid Tulong”

program for the speedy transport to the provinces of stranded people,

especially returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

“I decided as a matter of strategy to suspend for now the rollouts for the

Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa. The President has a very clear instruction

to prioritize the return of our citizens stranded here in Manila,” Escalada

said in mixed English and Filipino.

The Balik Probinsya program was proposed by Sen. Bong Go and

institutionalized by President Duterte through an executive order as part of

the governmentÂ’s efforts to curb the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 or

COVID-19 by decongesting Metro Manila.

The program is composed of short, medium and long term components such as

cash assistance, education, health and livelihood assistance and housing

subsidy.

YOUTH ACTIVISTS RIP CHINESE POGOS, ANTI-TERROR BILL IN INDEPENDENCE DAY

'MAÑANITA'

MANILA — Youth activists on Independence Day condemned an anti-terror bill

and the proliferation of Chinese-run gambling hubs through a "mañanita,"

patterned after a police official's recent birthday party that allegedly

breached quarantine protocols.

Members of the Akbayan Youth and Youth Resist, wearing anti-virus masks and

observing physical distancing, played 3 traditional Filipino parlor games

during their mañanita.

They slammed a clay pot with an illustration of President Rodrigo DuterteÂ’s

face in the game "Pukpok Pasistang Palayok."

At another game, the "Chinese Terror Garter," they jumped over elastic bands

carrying placards with acronym POGO for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator,

to show how Chinese businesses allegedly disregard Philippine laws.

The group also played “Tumbang Press,” to show how the government could

allegedly suppress freedom to dissent through the anti-terror bill pushed by

Duterte.

“This is our way of expressing dissent. Very selective ang government kapag

PNP ang nagpa-mañanita okay lang pero kapag taong bayan ikinukulong. Itong

games paraan natin para sabihin na si Duterte eh pinaglalaruan ang mga

mamamayan,” RJ Naguit, Akbayan Youth Chairperson told ABS-CBN News.

The national police earlier urged critics of the bill to move their protests

online to observe social distancing requirements during the coronavirus

pandemic.

THE REST

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BI ORDERS MANDATORY COVID TESTS FOR 3,000 EMPLOYEES

MANILA — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has ordered more than 3,000

officials and employees nationwide to undergo mandatory rapid testing for

the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19.

Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente issued the directive after the BI

central office in Intramuros, Manila was closed for disinfection on Monday

when an employee tested positivie for the virus.

Morente said employees who refused to be tested would not be allowed to

work.

EX-DFA CHIEF YASAY, WHO LED DUTERTE'S CHINA PIVOT, DIES

MANILA -- Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr, who led

President Rodrigo Duterte's pivot to China, died on Independence Day. He was

73.

Yasay's death was confirmed by his wife Cecile on Friday.

“My husband, my partner, my best friend - left us today at 7:26 a.m. due to

pneumonia caused by the recurrence of his cancer, not COVID," Cecile said.

"Jun Yasay, you are loved. We will miss you lots,” she added.

He was Duterte's first chief diplomat. Barely a month into the President's

6-year term, a United Nations-backed arbitration court in July 2016 ruled in

favor of the Philippines' challenge to China's vast claims in the South

China Sea.

Duterte refused to flaunt the legal victory and it was Yasay who delivered

the Philippine government's initial response to the ruling.

Yasay stepped down in March 2017, after the Commission on Appointments

refused to confirm his assignment, citing his citizenship.

In August 2019, he posted bail for violation of the Central Bank Act. The

case stemmed from a rehabilitation plan he negotiated for shuttered Banco

Filipino in 2010. Yasay, who served in the bank's board, denied wrongdoing.

As Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman in 2000, Yasay claimed then

President Joseph Estrada called him up over stock manipulation allegations

against one of the chief executive's friends.

Yasay's accusation, alongside allegations of corruption, led to Estrada's

impeachment and eventual ouster through a military-backed revolt in 2001.

LTO OPENS WEBSITE FOR DRIVERÂ’S LICENSE, STUDENT-DRIVERÂ’S PERMIT APPLICATIONS

MANILA - Motorists may now apply for driverÂ’s license and student driver's

permit online through the Land Transportation OfficeÂ’s Land Transportation

Management System portal, as the agency seeks to prevent crowding in offices

amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The website may be accessed via portal.lto.gov.ph, where individuals can

pick the transaction they wish to avail, upload documentary requirements,

and pay fees online.

The service is currently available in 24 LTO pilot sites. These are at the

Central Office in Quezon City, Eastwood, San Fernando, Angeles, Cabuya,

Davao, Lipa, Baguio, Tagu, Naga, General Santos, Calapan, Ormoc, Roxas,

Laoag, Dumaguete, Tagbilaran, Butuan, Bayombong, Malaybalay, Pagadian, Ever

Gotesco DLRO (DriverÂ’s License Renewal Office), and Muntinlupa.

Next week, more than 20 additional sites are expected to utilize LTOÂ’s

website.

Online vehicle registration through the same portal is currently undergoing

pilot testing and is expected to be open to the public in September.

The LTO is looking into accrediting courier services for the delivery of

driverÂ’s licenses and vehicle license plates to those who will avail of the

online services.

MAKATI COURTS CLOSED AFTER FISCAL GETS VIRUS

MAKATI — Trial courts in Makati and the city prosecutor’s office have been

closed for disinfection after a fiscal was reportedly exposed to a family

member infected with the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19.

In a memorandum issued on Wednesday, Makati Metropolitan Trial Court

Executive Judge Jackie Saguisag ordered employees who had direct contact

with the prosecutor to undergo self-quarantine for 14 days.

Saguisag said personnel of the court branch visited by the prosecutor was

directed to do contact tracing.

STRANDED PINAY CRUISE SHIP WORKER KILLS SELF OFF BARBADOS

MANILA — A Filipina crewmember of a cruise ship docked in Barbados took her

own life while awaiting repatriation to the Philippines amid the coronavirus

disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin

Jr. said yesterday.

“It is my sad duty to report that a 28-year-old female mariner committed

suicide in her cabin in the ship where sheÂ’s had to stay because

repatriation flights back to the Philippines have been suspended again. I

know our quarantine facilities are jam-packed; just don’t know why,” Locsin

said in a post on his Twitter account.

According to Locsin, Mariah Jocson took her life onboard M/V Harmony of the

Seas last Tuesday where the ship’s crew were “detained” while they waited

for “repeatedly rescinded repatriation.”

Locsin questioned the crowded quarantine facilities for overseas Filipino

workers (OFWs).

“Second suicide. We are tartly reminded that Filipino resilience is no

excuse to stretch them to breaking point. Di sila goma, tao sila,” Locsin

said.

QUEZON CITY, LALAMOVE TIE UP TO HELP JEEPNEY DRIVERS

QUEZON CITY — The Quezon City government has partnered with delivery

service app Lalamove to provide jobs to hundreds of jeepney workers

displaced by the coronavirus pandemic.

Around 200 jeepney drivers have signed up for the LalaJeep program, which

aims to give drivers alternative livelihood while they are still prohibited

from transporting commuters.

“This program is a welcome initiative because we will be able to help

jeepney drivers affected by the community quarantine,” Mayor Joy Belmonte

said. “We are grateful to Lalamove for piloting this project in Quezon

City.”

Under the partnership, the local government would facilitate the screening

and training of qualified jeepney drivers to enable them to understand and

navigate the delivery app.

Lalamove will tap the drivers for its LalaJeep fleet, which is seen to cater

to the growing market for delivery services.

LTFRB: 35,514 TAXIS, TNVS RESUME OPERATIONS

MANILA — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)

has authorized more than 35,000 taxis and transport network vehicle service

(TNVS) units to serve commuters in Metro Manila under general community

quarantine.

The LTFRB said a total of 35,514 taxis and TNVS were allowed to resume

operations in the metropolis as of yesterday.

The number consisted of 18,813 TNVS and 16,701 taxis.

The transport regulator urged drivers to observe strict health and safety

protocols when transporting passengers to prevent the transmission of the

coronavirus disease 2019.

Safety precautions include the mandatory wearing of face masks and gloves,

disinfection of vehicles and putting up barriers between the driver and the

passenger.

Commuters are also required to wear face masks at all times.

The LTFRB said TNVS and taxi drivers should implement the passenger seating

capacity approved by the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of

Emerging Infectious Diseases.

There will be no fare increase for taxis and TNVS and only cashless

transactions are allowed to contain the spread of the virus, according to

the agency.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

MISS WORLD PHILIPPINES SET FOR DECEMBER 2020

MANILA — The much-awaited Miss World Philippines pageant this year is

expected to push through by the end of 2020 and has been slated for a

tentative December schedule.

This was confirmed exclusively to Philstar.com by Arnold Vegafria, the

National Director of Miss World Philippines.

Set to be "the biggest and the grandest pageant in the Philippines with 7

crowns at stake," the competition will crown Miss World Philippines, Miss

Eco International Philippines, Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas, Miss

Multinational Philippines, Miss Eco Teen International Philippines, Miss

Philippines Tourism and an unannounced new title.

Additional details on the upcoming event have yet to be publicized.

SPORTS

SOCCER: PLAYERS ALLOWED TO PLAY FOR THREE CLUBS IN A SEASON SAYS FIFA

BERN - Players will be allowed to play for up to three clubs, instead of

two, during the course of a season in a temporary rule change to alleviate

the effects of the novel coronavirus pandemic on the sport, FIFA said on

Thursday.

The global soccer body added that the move was "to avoid any concerns

regarding unemployed players."

FIFA also said it would allow national associations to open their transfer

window for the 2020/21 season before the current campaign has finished.

It said the change was intended to allow clubs to complete the 2019/20

season with their original squad, even where the campaign had been extended

from May into June and July as is the case in a number of European

countries.

INDICATORS

FOREX $1 = P 50.19

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

How you choose to feel today should not be dependent on others. - Anthon St.

Maarten