AS SOON AS SC OPENS, LAW PROFESSORS FIRE PETITIONS VS ANTI-TERRORISM LAW

MANILA — As soon as the Supreme Court opened its gates on Monday morning —

the first weekday since President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Anti-Terrorism

Act of 2020 — law professors trooped to the tribunal to challenge the

contentious new law.

Private lawyer Howard Calleja, University of the Philippines law professor

Christopher Lao and Brother Armin Luistro, of the De La Salle University,

submitted the physical copy of their petition assailing Republic Act 11467

or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.

They were the first group of petitioners to fire a legal challenge against

the new law, in a plea filed electronically on Saturday, less than 24 hours

the Malacañang announced DuterteÂ’s signing.

“While threats to our national security need to be addressed, the law, as

crafted, is oppressive and inconsistent with our Constitution, hence, the

petition. This fight against terrorism should not and should never be a

threat to the fundamental freedoms of all peaceful Filipinos,” the

petitioners, led by lawyer Howard Calleja, said.

Faculty from FEU-Institute of Law, led by its Dean Mel Sta. Maria, also

asked the high court to issue a temporary restraining order to the executive

branch to stop them from implementing several provisions of the

anti-terrorism law. Their group became the third petitioners, following the

filing of Rep. Edcel Lagman (Albay).

This includes a halt order against the implementation of the Sections 4, 5,

6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12; (b) Sections 25, 26, and 27; and (c) Section 29

of the law. The provisions are on defining acts that fall under terrorism,

and allowing the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) to designate terrorists and

detention without judicial warrant of up to 24 days.

"The chilling effect that these provisions of law have on the exercise of

the constitutional rights to freedom of speech, of expression, of the press,

and of assembly should cause this Honorable Court to rule that these

provisions are, as they are, unconstitutional," they said.

“If this law will be allowed to take effect, it will legitimize wrongdoings,

allow transgressions to constitutional liberties, and give license for

wrongdoers to act with impunity,” the petitioners also said.

US FLEXES NAVAL POWERS IN PHILIPPINE SEAS TO CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE DAY

MANILA — The United States Navy celebrated Independence Day by conducting

high-end integrated exercises among two of its carrier strike groups in the

Philippine Sea and the South China Sea

Sailors from the USS Nimitz and USS Ronald Reagan—which form the Nimitz

Carrier Strike Force— conducted dual-carrier operations in the Philippine

Sea on July 3, a day before US Independence Day.

On July 4, the strike groups also conducted several tactical exercises in

the disputed South China Sea. US Independence Day also coincides with

Philippine-American Friendship Day.

Aircraft from the two US warships simulated enemy attacks to test the

force's ability to detect, intercept and engage threats during air defense

and strike exercises, according to a report from the US Pacific Fleet.

"Doing the basic skills well, like efficient aircraft launch and recovery,

is the foundation of all our tactics. Maintaining our high operational tempo

provides the training and repetitions necessary to ensure we can launch

large scale strikes as a matter of routine," USS Ronald Reagan air

operations officer Cmdr. Stanton Hanley said.

USS Ronald Reagan, the US Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, is

the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5.

ROBREDO HOPES ‘THOSE IN POWER’ WON’T PRESSURE SC

MANILA — Vice President Leni Robredo yesterday expressed hope that the

Supreme Court (SC) would not be “pressured by those in power” in deciding on

the legality of the recently signed Anti-Terror Act of 2020.

“The Supreme Court is the last bastion of democracy. I hope (the SC) won’t

be pressured by those in power,” Robredo, a leader of the opposition, said

over dzXL.

Several groups on Saturday filed the first petition against the Anti-Terror

Act before the SC, asking the high court to junk it for being “oppressive

and inconsistent” with the Constitution.

Robredo said more groups are expected to question the constitutionality of

the law.

She said the law has “contentious” provisions and does not have enough

safeguards against abuse.

PALACE WILL BOW TO SC ON TERROR LAW

MANILA — Malacañang has promised to abide by any ruling of the Supreme Court

on challenges to the controversial Anti-Terrorism Act, which critics fear

will violate human rights and stifle free expression.

“We will leave it to the Supreme Court to decide on the petition and we will

abide by the court’s decision,” presidential spokesman Harry Roque said in a

text message yesterday when asked to comment on the petition questioning the

legality of the measure.

“(We) will allow (the) court to decide. (I) can’t comment because of sub

judice rule.”

President Duterte signed the Anti-Terrorism Act on Friday, a move that

Malacañang said demonstrated the administrationÂ’s “serious commitment” to

stamp out terrorism.

“The signing by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte of Republic Act No. 11479,

otherwise known as the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, heralds a new dawn in the

countryÂ’s fight against the ruthless global crime against humanity:

terrorism,” Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo said in a

statement issued yesterday.

“Despite the cacophony of dissenting voices from a virulent and noisy

minority, the President in another display of political will inked his

signature on the (law) to advance and protect the interests of the Filipino

nation against what may be deemed to be the highest form of criminality,” he

added.

DOH RECORDS BIGGEST 1-DAY HIKE IN COVID CASES

MANILA — The Department of Health (DOH) yesterday reported 2,434 new

coronavirus disease 2019 cases – the highest in a single day, bringing the

total number of COVID-19 infections in the country to 44,254.

Of the 2,434 cases, 1,147 were fresh cases or test results released to

patients within the last three days, while 1,287 were late cases or test

results released to patients beyond four days.

The National Capital Region (NCR) has the highest number of fresh cases with

440, followed by Central Visayas with 364.

A total of 336 cases were from other regions, while seven were repatriates.

The NCR also has the highest number of late cases with 629, while 238 were

from Central Visayas and 420 from other regions.

The fresh cases are based on the daily accomplishment reports submitted by

only 58 out of 73 currently operational labs.

The DOH attributed the increase in cases yesterday to the “increased contact

among the population.”

“As the country continues to ease community quarantine measures, the rise in

the number of cases today may be attributed to the increased contact among

the population,” it said.

Of the seven reported deaths, six occurred in June. As of yesterday, there

were a total of 1,297 deaths.

The DOH also announced 489 recoveries, bringing the total number of

recoveries to 11,942.

COPS WHO KILLED 4 SOLDIERS SHOULD'VE EXERCISED MAXIMUM TOLERANCE: NAPOLCOM

MANILA - Policemen should have exercised maximum tolerance in the Jolo

incident where 4 soldiers were killed by their comrades, the National Police

Commission said Monday as it investigated the incident.

The soldiers were pursuing the trail of Abu Sayyaf bombmakers in the rebel

stronghold last week when policemen fired at them some meters away from the

Jolo Municipal Police Station, the Philippine Army earlier said.

The Napolcom will look into allegations of cover up and determine the

administrative liabilities of the policemen, said its vice chairman Rogelio

Casurao.

"Maximum tolerance should have been exercised in any situation, especially

in a case where doubt has already been established. The other side, the

group of the members of the PH Army have already identified themselves. On

that assumption, care should have been exercised already especially that it

was very near the police station," he told ANC.

Among the pieces of evidence the Napolcom has gathered was a video uploaded

on social media that showed no firearms were seen near the soldiers, Casurao

said, contrary to policemen's claim that the soldiers pointed guns at them.

Videos however are "not conclusive" and will need to be supported by other

pieces of evidence, he added.

The policemen also had "no reason for that hasty departure'' following the

incident, Casurao said.

"One would say this is a judgment call. Others would say there was haste or

improper use of wisdom in dealing with a volatile situation. It will depend

on the kind of evidence we gather," he said.

LESS MRT-3 TRAINS AS MORE PERSONNEL CATCH VIRUS

The MRT-3 on Monday deployed a fewer number of trains as more MRT personnel

tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Up to 186 MRT personnel have

tested positive for the virus as of Sunday 6 p.m.

As of 8:10 a.m., the MRT- said it has 10 to 11 trains running, down from

last week's 16 to 19 trains.

MRT personnel who have contracted the virus have been admitted to government

quarantine facilities in the World Trade Center, Philippine Arena and

PhilSports Arena.

MAKATI BUSINESS CLUB CALLS FOR RENEWAL OF ABS-CBN FRANCHISE

MANILA - The Makati Business Club urged lawmakers to renew ABS-CBNÂ’s

franchise saying this will protect press freedom and preserve “one of the

public’s biggest sources of information” which it said was “especially

important in the whole-of-nation fight against COVID-19.”

In a statement released Sunday, the MBC said the broadcast network is also a

major platform for businesses to advertise their goods and services, which

would help revive the economy, preserve jobs in those businesses and

increase the taxes government needs for public services.

“Finally equal treatment of all companies -- especially by regulators,

prosecutors, and lawmakers -- will signal that rule of law prevailed,

encouraging foreign and local investors at a time when we most need their

help to create new jobs,” the MBC said.

ABS-CBN has been off the air since May 5 when the National

Telecommunications Commission issued a cease and desist order on its

broadcast operations, as its franchise expired.

Lawmakers are set to vote on ABS-CBNÂ’s new franchise application after they

tackle on Monday the network's alleged biased reporting.

THE REST

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‘JUNK FOOD’ TAX EYED FOR COVID FUNDS

MANILA — With the fiscal deficit expected to widen and the government under

pressure to give subsidies to distressed sectors, some senators are eyeing

the imposition of taxes on so-called junk food to raise funds for easing the

economic impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

The senators, however, stressed that raising funds through new taxes must be

carefully calibrated even if there are tempting “low-hanging fruits” such as

taxes on the so-called “sin products,” which have not been been fully

implemented yet.

“The other possible sin tax that government may possibly look at is from

junk food, which has zero nutritional value and targets the youth. It has

been proven that junk food causes obesity and other heart ailments,” Sen.

Sherwin Gatchalian, vice chairman of the Senate committee on economic

affairs, said over the weekend.

GASOLINA, KEROSENE MAY BAWAS-PRESYO SIMULA MARTES

MAYNILA — Nag-anunsiyo ang ilang kompanya ng langis na magpapatupad sila ng

bawas-presyo sa gasolina at kerosene simula Martes, Hulyo 7.

Ayon sa Shell, Petro Gazz at Clean Fuel, P0.65 ang bawas-presyo sa kada

litro ng kanilang gasolina.

Magpapatupad din ang Shell ng P0.40 bawas-presyo sa kada litro ng kerosene.

Wala namang paggalaw sa presyo ng diesel.

Epektibo ang mga bagong presyo simula alas-6 ng umaga.

2 ILOCOS SUR COPS CHARGED IN MURDER OF TEENAGER WHO ACCUSED THEM OF RAPE

MANILA - The Philippine National Police has filed murder charges against two

Ilocos Sur policemen for the killing of a 15-year-old girl who accused them

of rape.

In a statement released Sunday, PNP Spokesperson Police Brigadier Gen.

Bernard Banac said Police Staff Sergeants Randy Ramos and Marawi Torda are

now under restrictive custody at the Ilocos Sur Police Provincial Office in

Bantay town.

The two are suspects in killing a female teenager who filed rape charges

against them in the town of Cabugao, Ilocos Sur.

PNP Chief General Archie Gamboa said he wants "the stiffest penalty for the

two policemen."

"They are not men in uniform but animals who deserve to be jailed for life.

Walang awa, walang puso, walang kwentang pulis (They have no mercy, no

heart, they are worthless policemen)," he said.

Gamboa ordered the chief of the Region 1 Police Office to assist the

18-year-old cousin of the murdered girl, who also filed charges against

Ramos. The PNP Chief said he wants to ensure the availability of all PNP

witnesses in court proceedings to expedite the murder trial.

The National Police Commission is also investigating the incident, its vice

chairman Rogelio Casurao said Monday.

"We are now in the process of getting our own independent source so we can

claim any investigation that maybe published or established by Napolcom is

really a product of an impartial and unbridled investigation so there will

be no indications of whitewash or cover-up," he told ANC.

The two victims were arrested for violation of curfew when Ramos and Torda

allegedly took advantage of them, according to Cabugao police.

After filing charges against Ramos and Torda, the 15-year-old victim was

gunned down on her way home.

TAGUIG NAGLAGAY NG EXERCISE SAFE ZONES

MAYNILA — Nagtalaga ang Taguig city government ng "safe zone" para sa mga

residente nitong gustong mag-ehersisyo, kung saan mahigpit na magpapatupad

ng mga health at safety protocol sa gitna ng patuloy na banta ng COVID-19.

Sa isang pahayag, sinabi ng Taguig city government na naglagay na ito noong

Sabado ng mga tauhan sa Bayani Road sa Heritage Memorial Park para

magpatupad ng health protocol.

Isa ang Bayani Road sa mga lugar na lungsod na madalas puntahan ng mga

mahilig mag-jogging, cycling at aerobics, sabi ng lokal na pamahalaan.

Namigay rin ng face masks at tubig ang mga tauhan ng lokal na pamahalaan sa

mga nag-ehersisyo sa naturang lugar.

Balak umano ng city government na gawing "safe zone" ang iba pang lugar sa

lungsod.

Nakatakdang maglagay ng sign sa safe zones para ipaalala sa publiko ang mga

health protocol, at magtatalaga rin doon ng mga pulis at government employee

para ipaalam sa mga tao ang kanilang mga paglabag.

Maglalagay rin ng stations sa safe zones para sa monitoring, bike repair at

help desk, ayon sa lokal na pamahalaan.

LA NIÑA PROBABLE IN LAST QUARTER — PAGASA

MANILA — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services

Administration (PAGASA) is seeing a probable onset of the La Niña weather

phenomenon by the last quarter of the year.

In an online forum with Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato dela Peña

last Friday, PAGASA deputy administrator and officer-in-charge for research

and development Esperanza Cayanan said they have done a climate forecast for

the year, which shows a normal to below-normal amount of rainfall in the

third quarter and a higher amount of rainfall in the last quarter.

“In the first three months of the semester, (which is from) July to

September, we can expect rain, because this is our normal rainy season,”

Cayanan told Dela Peña in Filipino.

“But toward the last quarter, we are seeing about more-than-50-percent

probability that we will experience La Niña,” she added.

This means that the country will experience more amount of rainfall than

usual from October to December, according to the PAGASA official.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

BAGUIO BEAUTY WINS MISS PH EARTH 2020 IN FIRST VIRTUAL CORONATION

MANILA - Roxanne Allison Baeyens from Baguio City was named Miss Philippines

Earth 2020 during the pageant's first-ever virtual coronation Sunday.

Baeyens will represent the Philippines in the international edition of the

pageant.

The 23-year-old Baguio beauty succeeds Janelle Tee, who advanced to the top

20 of the Miss Earth 2019 pageant but failed to take home the crown.

According to her profile at the official Miss Philippines Earth website,

Baeyens wants to win the national competition “because all my life, I was a

witness of my mom being an environmentalist and I wanted to continue the

legacy in my family and be the change I want to see in the world.”

During the final question-and-answer segment, Baeyens and the rest of the

top 5 were asked what they think is an important quality that a leader must

display in the midst of a pandemic.

“A leader should display having a green thumb because at this point in time,

we have a shortage in food supply. It is important to open the eyes of

people to embrace having a sustainable life and start urban agriculture at

their own homes. After all, a green life is a better life. I hope our

leaders will give that to us,” Baeyens said.

She also shared her take on social distancing, wearing of masks and washing

of hands more often during a different round of Q&A with the rest of the

semi-finalists.

“I think taking proper precaution should still be continued despite us being

on GCQ. We are allowed to go back to our jobs not because it is safe but

because livelihood is important. Let us not put our guards down. LetÂ’s

continue to take caution and letÂ’s work in solidarity to finally put an end

to this pandemic,” she said.

The other winners are:

Miss Earth Philippines Air - Patrixia Santos (Daraga, Albay)

Miss Earth Philippines Water - Gianna Llanes (Mandaluyong City)

Miss Earth Philippines Fire - Shane Tormes (Atimonan, Quezon)

Miss Earth Philippines Eco-Tourism - Ilyssa Marie Mendoza (Filipino

community of Melbourne, Australia)

It was the first time the pageant held a virtual coronation due the

continuing threat of the coronavirus disease.

SPORTS

BUCKS REPORTEDLY CLOSE PRACTICE FACILITIES OVER VIRUS CONCERNS

LOS ANGELES – The NBA-leading Milwaukee Bucks have become the league's

latest team to close their practice facility in the wake of coronavirus

testing, ESPN reported on Sunday (Monday, Manila time).

The US sports network reported the Bucks closed the facility after receiving

results from COVID-19 tests conducted on Friday, although it wasn't clear

how many may have come back positive.

The team reportedly won't allow players back to train until they depart on

Thursday for Florida, where the NBA plans to resume play in a quarantine

environment at Walt Disney World in Orlando starting on July 30.

Teams aren't allowed to begin team workouts until clearing quarantine in the

"bubble" at Walt Disney World in Orlando.

The season is scheduled to resume on July 30 with 22 teams jockeying for

position in the 16-team playoffs that start August 17.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

The swiftest path to destruction is through vengeance. - Jedi Proverb