PHILIPPINES TO PROD CHINA AGAIN OVER COMPENSATION FOR GEM-VER FISHERMEN

MANILA - The Philippines will again bring to China's attention the payment

of damages to the crew of a Philippine boat that a Chinese vessel sunk last

year in waters where Manila has exclusive rights over resources.

The suspected Chinese militia vessel left 22 Filipino fishermen of F/B

GEM-VER adrift for hours on June 9, 2019 after the sinking of their boat

near Recto Bank in the West Philippine Sea.

"China has responded. They have said that it is the fault of the Chinese

vessel and the question is the damages. And now that you mentioned it, okay,

I'll bring it up again," Locsin told ANC.

Manila's Department of Justice will determine the damages, given that the

boat belongs to a private company, he said.

"The question is, are you gonna to give it to the company or are you gonna

give it to the fishermen," he said. "I'm sure they'll (DOJ) come up with it

very soon."

A private Chinese association earlier gave a boat to the Filipino crewmen,

said Locsin.

"But that is not the compensation required... It should come from the vessel

owner, not somebody else's generosity in China," he said.

A Vietnamese vessel rescued the crew of GEM-VER. Vietnam also has

overlapping claims to parts of the South China Sea, over which Beijing says

its has "historic rights."

LAWMAKERS WANT REVIEW OF DISABILITY BENEFITS LAW AMID 'FAKE PWD' ALLEGATIONS

MANILA - Two House lawmakers over the weekend called on the health and

interior departments along with the National Council on Disability Affairs

to review the implementation of the law granting persons with disabilities

discounts to clamp down on the proliferation of 'fake PWDs.'

Reps. Eric Yap (ACT-CIS Party-list) and Ronnie Ong (Ang Probinsyano

Party-list) in a statement cast fear over the possible effects that fake PWD

cardholders would have on local businesses amid the novel coronavirus

lockdown.

Under Republic Act No. 10754, or An Act Expanding The Benefits And

Privileges Of Persons With Disability, PWDs are given a 20% discount and

exemption to value-added tax to go with a 5% discount on basic necessities

and prime commodities and free use of express lanes in commercial and

government transactions.

"These fake PWDs are bad for businesses, especially for small ones. They are

faking their disability and are abusing the PWD Law just to get discounts.

Our business sector is barely surviving these days and it is the duty of the

government to make sure that they are protected from these kinds of consumer

abuse," Ong said in a joint statement.

DE LIMA SEEKS PROBE ON 'SEX-FOR-PASS' SCHEME

MANILA - Detained Sen. Leila de Lima has filed a resolution urging the

Senate to investigate allegations that several policemen handed out

quarantine passes in exchange for sex.

The investigation on the "sex-for-pass" scheme seeks to exact

"accountability from the perpetrators" and address "gaps in the formulation

and implementation of gender-based policies" during times of crisis, De Lima

said in Senate Resolution No. 437 filed on June 3, 2020.

"The lack of details concerning issues relating to gender-based violence in

the weekly reports submitted by Malacanang to the Joint Congressional

Oversight Committee... may indicate that the government is not taking this

issue as seriously as it should," the senator said.

"Gender-based violence is a serious issue that deserves more than just a

passing glance from the national government," she said.

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Archie Gamboa earlier urged victims of

the alleged "sex-for-pass" scheme to file charges against purported

policemen who abused their authority.

But De Lima said that it is not that easy for victims of rape and violence

to file charges against their tormentors.

"Filing complaint against a police officer not only takes a tremendous

amount of courage, but also financial resources that are often beyond the

means of the victims," the senator said.

"It is also common for victims of rape by law enforcement officials to be

threatened or pressured by the perpetrator into withdrawing her complaint,"

she said.

The Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality --

chaired by De Lima's ally Sen. Risa Hontiveros -- is expected to tackle the

resolution after Congress resumes session on July 27, 2020.

PHILIPPINES' CONFIRMED COVID-19 CASES NOW OVER 30,000

MANILA - The Philippines reported 653 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on

Sunday bringing the country's total to 30,052.

Of the confirmed cases, 415 were deemed 'fresh' where test results were

released on the patient within the last 3 days, while 238 were classified as

'late' where test results were released 4 or more days ago.

GERMAN FIRM'S MISSING MONEY DID NOT ENTER PHILIPPINES: CENTRAL BANK

MANILA - Some $2.1 billion missing money of German firm Wirecard did not

enter the Philippine financial system, the central bank said Sunday.

The money allegedly went through the country's two biggest banks BDO and

BPI, which they earlier denied.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said it found in its investigation that "no

money entered the Philippines and that there is no loss to both banks."

"Both BDO and BPI state that the financial technology firm Wirecard was not

a client nor did they have any business relationship with the German firm,"

BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said in a statement.

Both banks had also informed external auditor Ernst & Young that "the

documents that attested to the presence of the supposed funds were

"spurious," he added.

The fintech firm's 4 board members have been under investigation since early

June by Munich prosecutors for "market manipulation," and Wirecard's

headquarters were searched as part of the probe.

The scandal deepened on Thursday when the firm was forced to delay the

publication of its 2019 results for a fourth time, prompting its CEO to quit

the next day.

THE REST

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MOTORCYCLE BACK-RIDING EYED ONLY FOR PRIVATE USE - DOTR

MANILA - The resumption of motorcycle taxi services such as Angkas is not

yet on the horizon, as only motorcycle back-riding for private use is being

considered, according to the Department of Transportation.

DOTr Assistant Secretary Goddes Libiran clarified that only the return of

back-riding for private motorcycle use is currently under consideration,

subject to the release of health safety guidelines by the Inter-Agency Task

Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).

"What the IATF considers allowing is the private use of motorcycles with

back-riding, subject to health and safety protocols that are now being

formulated by concerned agencies such as the DOTr, Department of Science and

Technology, Department of Health, Metro Manila Development Authority and

Department of Trade and Industry," Libiran said yesterday.

"These agencies will determine the safest and most effective way of reducing

the risk of transmission in motorcycle back-riding," she said.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque has said back-riding has been approved

"in principle... upon the approval of the requirements to be set by the

Technical Working Group."

Libiran said the resumption of motorcycle taxis, such as Angkas and JoyRide,

is a different matter.

PNP: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, OSEC COMPLAINTS SURGE AS LOCKDOWN EASED

MANILA - The more relaxed quarantine measures imposed at the beginning of

the month also ushered in an increase in the reporting of domestic violence,

the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

These cases, it noted, were not reported earlier because of the lack of

transportation and restrictions in movement due to the coronavirus disease

2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

The PNP Women and Children's Protection Center (WCPC) also recorded a surge

in cases of online sexual exploitation of children or OSEC during the

pandemic.

The WCPC said that from March 16 up to the first week of June at least 2,131

cases of domestic violence against women were recorded. By June 17, this

increased by 115

nationwide, bringing the total to 2,246.

"During the ECQ (enhanced community quarantine), we have logged fewer

walk-in reports in our police stations compared to those we have responded

to through phone calls and social media," WCPC spokeswoman Col. Joy Tomboc

said in an interview aired over dzBB yesterday.

"Before, victims opt to proceed to police stations. Calls on our desks have

increased and we have responded to all of them," she added, noting a surge

of domestic violence complaints both in police stations and through

electronic means during the general community quarantine.

Human rights groups have said reports of domestic violence have been

increasing globally as the pandemic rages on.

In his 11th weekly report to Congress, President Duterte said the PNP has

logged 1,945 cases of violence against women and 1,754 cases of violence

against children while the country is under quarantine.

PHIVOLCS KEEPING CLOSE WATCH ON KANLAON VOLCANO IN NEGROS

MANILA - State volcanologists are monitoring closely the situation at

Kanlaon Volcano in Negros island after a series of earthquakes jolted the

area.

In a bulletin, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said

136 volcano-tectonic earthquakes have been recorded on Kanlaon's western

flanks in the past 24 hours.

Four events were registered between magnitudes 3.2 and 4.7 and were felt at

intensities II (slightly felt) to V (strong) in the cities of La Carlota and

Bago in Negros Occidental and Canlaon City in Negros Oriental.

Kanlaon also emitted white steam-laden plumes that rose 200 meters before

drifting southwest.

Phivolcs noted that deflation on the volcano's lower slopes but inflation on

the mid slopes are among the parameters that "hydrothermal or magmatic

activity is occurring beneath the edifice."

In an earlier advisory, Phivolcs said it is "keeping close watch of the

condition of the volcano and shall inform all concerned immediately should

there be any further developments."

DOH TO LOOK INTO THE DEATH OF BRITISH NATIONAL REJECTED BY CEBU HOSPITAL -

LOCSIN

MANILA - Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on Monday said that

the health department will look into the death of a British national who

passed after he was turned away by a Cebu hospital.

Locsin previously announced that a British national named Barry died of

cardiac arrest on June 17 after he was "turned away by Chong Hua Mande, told

to go to Chong Hua Fuente where he was made to wait in the ambulance from to

2 to 10 pm."

He also offered apologies to the United Kingdom.

However, on June 19, the foreign affairs secretary tweeted in defense of the

hospital to the UK ambassador, saying: "to be fair the hospital Ching

Hua-one of the best in the country-says it is filled to the rafters with the

infected grossly undercounted by the city government."

Locsin on Monday told ANC's "Headstart" that Ching Hua hospital is

completely beyond its capacity.

"[The hospital is] sorry it happened but apparently there has been

underreporting. The one thing about the pandemic is that you can underreport

on paper but you can't underreport in the number of beds there are and the

harried work day, work night also, of the doctors and medical staff so they

just couldn't handle it anymore. But still Health Secretary [Francisco Duque

III] isn't taking anybody's word for it and he's gonna look into it," he

said.

Locsin added that, to his understanding, the lockdown in Cebu City "is not

being well observed or well enforced."

The National Task Force Against COVID-19 this week is set to evaluate Cebu

City officials's handling of the pandemic.

SULTAN KUDARAT BOMBING SUSPECT ARRESTED IN MAGUINDANAO

COTABATO CITY - The police on Sunday arrested a senior member of the Dawlah

Islamiya implicated in two deadly bombings in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat in

2018.

Combined personnel of regional police offices in Region 12 and the

Bangsamoro Autonomous Region cornered Dawlah Islamiya member Momong Esmael

along a stretch of the Cotabato-Isulan highway in Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

Esmael is a known henchman of Iman Bongos, leader of one of three factions

in the Dawlah Islam, also known as the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters,

which uses the flag of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria as banner.

Esmael voluntarily surrendered when he was shown copies of the warrants for

his arrest in connection with his involvement in the August 28 and September

2, 2018 bombings in Isulan, provincial capital of Sultan Kudarat, that

killed three people and left more than 50 others wounded.

The warrant for his arrest was issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 19

in Isulan.

Esmael is now detained at the municipal police station in Isulan, about 20

kilometers south of Ampatuan where he was arrested.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

KIM CHIU PERFORMS 'BAWAL LUMABAS' FOR THE FIRST TIME ON 'ASAP'

MANILA - For the first time, Kim Chiu performed "Bawal Lumabas" on "ASAP

Natin To" on Sunday.

With the stage set up like a classroom, Chiu obviously had fun while singing

her viral hit and performing the dance routine which DJ Loonyo created for

the song.

"Bawal Lumabas" is drawn from a viral statement of Chiu in defense of her

embattled home network ABS-CBN, which was then used to ridicule her for what

she admitted was a poorly worded analogy with classroom rules.

The incessant mudslinging, she said, was one of the "lowest points in my

life," and even led her to retreat from social media altogether.

According to Chiu, she learned a lot during this ordeal and one of them is

accepting that she made a mistake.

She said it also taught her courage and kindness in dealing with her

bashers.

Chiu said this incident likewise made her faith stronger.

Currently, "Bawal Lumabas" is officially available in digital platforms such

as Spotify, iTunes, Amazon, Apple Music, YouTube and Deezer.

FATHER'S DAY 2020: HERE ARE 8 CELEBRITY FIRST-TIME DADS

MANILA - In celebration of Father's Day, here's a look at local celebrities

who have just found a new source of joy in their adorable kids this year.

NICO BOLZICO

Nico Bolzico welcomed 2020 the best way possible. This, after his wife

Solenn Heussaff gave birth to their daughter on New Year's Day. Thylane

Katana is their first child since marrying in 2016.

ERWAN HEUSSAFF

Erwan Heussaff became a dad after his wife Anne Curtis gave birth to their

baby daughter Dahlia last March 2. Throughout Curtis' pregnancy until today,

the couple and their baby daughter are spending family bonding time in

Australia.

JC SANTOS

It was on March 24 when JC Santos first posted a picture with his baby girl.

In the past, the actor admitted to having apprehensions about being a

first-time dad. However, Santos said he is certain of the values he wants to

instill in his daughter with wife Shyleena Herrera.

SLATER YOUNG

Model-entrepreneur Slater Young and his vlogger wife, Kryz Uy welcomed their

first child on June 2. Uy made the announcement through an Instagram post

five days since she actually gave birth. According to Uy, their son Scott

Knoa was born weighing 7.9 pounds.

PHIL YOUNGHUSBAND

On Tuesday, former Philippine Azkals striker Phil Younghusband announced

that his wife Margaret had given birth to their son in the early hours of

June 12. On Instagram, Younghusband introduced his son, Philip James, as the

"new signing" to Team Younghusband. The baby was named after his grandfather

and his father. The couple got married in July 2019.

BARON GEISLER

Baron Geisler welcomed his first child with his wife, Jamie Evangelista,

last January. "I'm in love," Geisler captioned the photos of his baby girl

who they named Talitha Cumi.

PEPE HERRERAPepe Herrera and his wife, a visual artist and interior designer

welcomed their firstborn this month. In an Instagram post on June 14,

Herrera shared a picture of his wife and their baby girl. "Nakakakilig,

nakakaiyak, nakakagana, nakakagaan. Today, in my eyes, the world is a better

place," he wrote in the caption.

ALEX MEDINA

Actor Alex Medina is now a dad as he introduced his baby with his partner,

writer and content creator Simone Dominique. In an Instagram post on

Wednesday, Medina shared a picture with his baby, Alexandria Mercedes, who

was born last May 23. "Getting ready for my new role," Medina wrote in the

caption.

SPORTS

FOOTBALL: LIVERPOOL'S TITLE MARCH DELAYED BY EVERTON STALEMATE

LONDON -- Liverpool's march towards the Premier League title was delayed as

the leaders returned to action with a goalless draw against Merseyside

rivals Everton, while Chelsea fought back for a 2-1 win at Aston Villa on

Sunday.

Jurgen Klopp's side picked up following the top-flight resumption on

Wednesday needing two wins to secure their first English title for 30 years.

But Liverpool looked rusty in their first game in 106 days following the

coronavirus lockdown.

Despite their underwhelming display behind closed doors at Goodison Park,

Liverpool are now 23 points ahead of second-placed Manchester City.

If City drop points at home to Burnley on Monday, then Liverpool can clinch

the title against Crystal Palace at Anfield on Wednesday.

A City victory would delay Liverpool's coronation until at least their clash

with Pep Guardiola's side at the Etihad Stadium on July 2.

Liverpool have won just two of their last seven games in all competitions.

"It was a real fight. Both teams showed they understood it was a derby,"

Klopp said.

"Most of the time we were dominant but they had the biggest chance. We were

not smart enough to use the space.

"That is normal when you start to play again. Football looks slightly

different (since the coronavirus) but I take that."

Reds star Mohamed Salah was left on the bench due to fitness concerns, while

Andrew Robertson was also sidelined and they were not at their best as a

result.

Liverpool improved after the break and Naby Keita fired just wide before

Virgil van Dijk's header was saved by Jordan Pickford.

But it was Everton who came closest to a winner on the break when Dominic

Calvert-Lewin's effort was saved by Alisson Becker and Tom Davies fired the

rebound against the post.

Frank Lampard believes Christian Pulisic can be Chelsea's trump card in the

race to qualify for the Champions League after his decisive cameo at Villa

Park.

Lampard's side were rocked when Kortney Hause put Villa ahead against the

run of play in the first half.

But Pulisic came off the bench to equalise after the break before Olivier

Giroud bagged his fourth club goal of the season two minutes later.

Chelsea's quick-fire blitz moved the fourth-placed west Londoners five

points clear of Manchester United in fifth as they fight to qualify for next

season's Champions League.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

People of mediocre ability sometimes achieve outstanding success because

they don't know when to quit. - George E. Allen