DUTERTE SAYS 'MIGHT TAKE SOME TIME' MORE TO REBUILD MARAWI

MANILA - Three years since the liberation of Marawi from terrorists,

President Rodrigo Duterte said Monday that the government "might take some

time" before it could rebuild the southern city, the pace of which was

criticized by some residents.

The rehabilitation of Marawi "is not that easy" because clearing it of bombs

takes time and land titles "overlap", Duterte said in a televised public

address.

"The problem is about Marawi community itself, hindi sa gobyerno (not with

the government)… The money is there, do not worry and we will continue to

spend until such time that Marawi is rebuilt to its former glory," said

Duterte, who hails from Mindanao.

"It might take some time before we can really reach the ideal place that

you’d call home," he added.

Most residents have yet to return to their homes and many have failed to

receive government aid, the Marawi Reconstruction Conflict Watch, composed

mostly of Maranaos and Muslim professionals, said over the weekend.

"Itong mga tao na nagrereklamo, sabi there is no liberation of Marawi yet.

Look, government liberated Marawi not from the people of Marawi, we do not

do that and we never did it. We liberated Marawi against the terrorist

Maute, pati iyong (even the) ISIS," Duterte said.

"If you’re talking about liberation, tapos na iyan (that has been done) at

the expense of blood on both sides," he added.

DUTERTE BLASTS DPWH ANOMALIES, BUT CLEARS VILLAR

MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday criticized alleged anomalies in

the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) but cleared its chief,

Secretary Mark Villar, of any involvement in illegal activities.

This, after senators flagged around P345.25-billion in lump sum lodged in

the DPWH's proposed 2021 budget. Some lawmakers and officials of the

department also allegedly ask for "kickbacks" from contractors that win

projects from the agency.

Duterte said in a public briefing that subordinates of Villar are the ones

to blame for alleged corruption in DPWH.

"Si Villar mayaman. Sec. Villar maraming pera, 'di kailangan mangurakot. Ang

problema, sa baba. Malakas pa rin hanggang ngayon. 'Yung mga projects sa

baba, 'yun ang laro diyan," he said.

Malacañang last week said Duterte has "full trust and confidence" in Villar,

whose billionaire family owns a real estate empire.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson earlier flagged the DPWH's P67-billion allocation for

the construction of multi-purpose buildings next year, when the government

is still expected to prioritize projects that would help the country recover

from the economic impact of COVID-19.

The DPWH is asking for a P667.32-billion budget in 2021, one of the biggest

among executive departments, as the government seeks to resume its massive

infrastructure program to generate jobs during the global pandemic.

GOV'T AIMS TO START SETTLING DEBT TO PH RED CROSS 'WITHIN THE WEEK': AÑO

MANILA - The Philippine government aims to start settling its P1 billion

debt to Philippine Red Cross this week in order for their services to

government to resume, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said Tuesday.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday said he would "look for the money" to

settle PhilHealth's unpaid dues to the non-government organization.

"Within the week target namin makapagstart na at bayaran sila. Malaking

tulong kasi ang Red Cross. Almost 80 percent ng requirements natin

natutugunan ng Red Cross," Año told ABS-CBN's Teleradyo.

The Philippine Coast Guard earlier said it has been manually encoding

coronavirus tests of Filipino migrant workers at the country's airports,

which may delay their test results.

CHRISTMAS PARTIES PROHIBITED IN METRO MANILA, PHILIPPINES' GCQ AREAS

MANILA - Christmas parties are prohibited in Metro Manila this year after

mayors agreed to place the entire region under general community quarantine

until the end of the year, the government said Tuesday.

Mass gatherings remain barred in GCQ areas under the guidelines of the

Inter-Agency Task Force against COVID-19.

Metro Manila mayors over the weekend agreed to keep the capital region under

GCQ until December, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said.

"Under GCQ bawal pa ang parties. Ang ating NCR (National Capital Region),

nagkasundo 'yung ating mayors na under GCQ muna tayo, magluluwag lang para

makasuporta sa ekonomiya pero hindi muna mag-MGCQ (modified GCQ). Konting

tiis na lang ito," he told ABS-CBN's Teleradyo when asked about local

governments' jurisdiction on Christmas parties.

The Philippines as of Monday reported 359,169 cases of COVID-19, with

310,303 recoveries and 6,675 deaths.

RECTO SEEKS BAYANIHAN 2 EXTENSION AFTER DBM FAILS TO RELEASE FUNDS TO

AGENCIES

MANILA - Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto on Tuesday said Congress

may have to work to "extend" the validity of the Bayanihan to Recover as One

Act (Bayanihan 2) after the executive branch failed to release portions of

the P140-billion COVID-19 aid package to various agencies.

The Bayanihan 2 - a follow-up funding bill for the Philippines' first

COVID-19 relief measure - is set to expire on December 19, when the

legislative branch adjourns for a month-long break for the Christmas and New

Year holidays.

"We probably will have to extend validity of Bayanihan 2," Recto told

reporters in a text message.

"It’s unfortunate. We spent many hours and days crafting Bayanihan 2 which

was certified as urgent to assist many sectors of society much affected by

the pandemic only to be informed they are not ready to implement the same,"

he said.

Senators earlier found that the DBM has yet to release some P24 billion

earmarked for agricultural loans and assistance to farmers, and another P10

billion for the tourism sector, which was forced shut by the global pandemic

earlier this year.

Other agencies have reportedly not yet received additional funding

authorized under the Bayanihan 2.

"Surely, not only will it delay the assistance needed by families and

businesses but will also delay economic recovery," Recto said.

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri has yet to respond on when the

oversight panel for the Bayanihan 2 will convene to discuss reported delays

in the implementation of the law.

DOH MONITORING ‘LONG COVID-19’ AMONG SURVIVORS

MANILA — The Department of Health (DOH) is now requiring COVID-19 survivors

to immediately report to local health authorities any recurring symptoms of

the infection.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the DOH is currently

conducting “passive monitoring” of survivors in order to gather evidence

concerning global reports of “long COVID.”

Vergeire said lingering coronavirus is the condition of having debilitating

effects of the infection among survivors long after they have recovered.

“This is going to be a passive monitoring, wherein individuals are

instructed to call their local health officers if and when they experience

COVID-19-related symptoms again,” Vergeire said at a virtual briefing

yesterday.

“They are instructed to report to their local health officers if ever they

would be experiencing this set of symptoms related to COVID-19 or any health

matter they will experience after recovering,” she added.

PALACE DEFENDS ANTI-RALLY DEPED MODULE

MANILA — Malacañang yesterday defended the Department of Education (DepEd)

from criticisms that it is promoting “blind obedience” to the government

because of a learning module that discourages students from joining rallies.

The module, which is being used in the media literacy subject of Grade 12

students, contained a photo of protesters and a guide question which reads:

“If given the chance, will you join this rally? Why or why not?” The answer

written in the module was: “No, because the government has really been doing

their best for all the Filipino people and their constituents.”

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has expressed concern over the module,

saying critical thinking should be developed among children, especially when

it comes to national issues.

Love for country, the CHR said, is not limited to mere obedience but can

also be manifested through the collective tackling of issues of the

community and the country.

Asked to react to the criticisms against the module, presidential spokesman

Harry Roque noted that the module was intended for elementary and high

school students.

“DepEd will be in a better position to address this. This is not for older

students. This is for younger students,” Roque said at a press briefing.

THE REST

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NEW PLAYER I-LAND LAUNCHES SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES AMID PANDEMIC

MANILA — Despite the economic downturn in the Philippines due to the global

COVID-19 pandemic, independent real estate player ISOC Land (I-Land) remains

optimistic of the real estate market and pushes with its scheduled launches

this year of new residential communities geared toward sustainable living.

I-Land is the property arm of ISOC Holdings, a fast-growing Filipino

conglomerate founded and chaired by construction leader and innovator,

Michael Cosiquien.

The company’s maiden residential condominium development, I-Land Residences

Sucat in Parañaque City, was launched in February 2020 and reported a strong

uptake despite the pandemic, selling out all of its Tower 1 single-bedroom

units.

According to Jesus Chua Jr., president of ISOC Holdings, the consequences of

COVID-19 as a public health crisis have only but highlighted the benefits of

sustainable living that are able to directly address the emerging needs of

homebuyers in this “new normal.”

I-Land Residences Sucat is a LEED-certified development composed of six

mid-rise buildings across two hectares of prime property south of Metro

Manila. In line with its promise of “Home of the Future,” as much as 65% of

its land area is devoted to open spaces as part of its orientation toward

sustainability.

Other principal features include ventilated open corridors with natural

lighting, adaptive reuse of rainwater for landscaping and the use of

energy-efficient light fixtures.

The project is slated for launch before the end of the year.

SMC ROLLS OUT BIKE PROGRAM FOR EMPLOYEES

MANILA — San Miguel Corp. has launched a program to provide SMC employees

bicycles as an alternative mode of transportation.

The program is part of SMC’s continuing efforts to ensure safety at

workplaces and provide employees convenience amid travel restrictions due to

the pandemic.

SMC employees can avail themselves of bicycles and safety helmets at almost

giveaway prices.

A bicycle ranges from P2,000 to P3,000 for high quality, feature-laden

bicycles, which they can pay for 12 months with no interest. The bulk of the

cost of the bicycles will be shouldered by the company.

SMC president Ramon Ang said the program was prompted by a surge in demand

for bicycles among employees as the company continues to safely bring its

employees back to work to continue essential operations.

“While we continuously do mass RT-PCR testing of 70,000 employees and

extended workforce to ensure safety in our facilities and offices

nationwide, and even as we observe safety and health protocols, we

understand there’s also a need to provide convenience to our workers when

they go to work,” Ang said.

“Our public transportation remains limited and we see that more of our

employees are biking to work. So we decided to provide them new bicycles,”

he added.

The company bought an initial 1,500 bicycles for SMC employees in different

locations.

PNP OFFICIAL IN LAGUNA CHOPPER CRASH DIES

The former Philippine National Police Director for Comptrollership has died

Tuesday, seven months after figuring in a helicopter crash in Laguna last

March.

The PNP confirmed the death of Major General Joevic Ramos, who had been in a

coma since the crash.

A total of 8 police officials including PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa were in

the 2-year-old Bell 429 chopper when it crashed after getting entangled with

power lines shortly after takeoff in San Pedro town.

The take-off site in Barangay San Antonio was sandy and the chopper's

propellers fanned the debris, creating poor visibility, said Calabarzon

police spokesperson Lt. Chit Gaoiran, quoting witnesses on the ground.

The twin-engine helicopter that figured in the accident was brand new when

the PNP purchased it in 2017. Gamboa was then the head of PNP logistics and

led bidding procedures for the aircraft.

LTO EXTENDS DRIVER'S LICENSES VALIDITY FOR AGE GROUPS 17-21, 60-65 UNTIL

DEC. 31

MANILA - The Land Transportation Office said Tuesday it has extended until

Dec. 31 the validity of expired licenses whose owners were previously

restricted from going outside due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The agency has resumed services for those aged 17 to 21 and 60 to 65 years

old following government's easing of age restrictions, its chief Edgar

Galvante told ABS-CBN's Teleradyo.

The registration of vehicles ending in 9 and 0 are also extended until Dec

31, Galvante added.

"Dati di nakakalabas younger than 19. Kung sila ay qualified mag-apply ng

lisensya, they will be entertained," Galvante said.

Senior citizens will be given priority, he added.

GRAB RESUMES 24-HOUR CAR, TAXI SERVICE

MANILA — Starting today, Grab will resume the 24-hour operations of its

transport services in Metro Manila and other areas.

GrabCar and GrabTaxi will accept bookings for 24 hours in Metro Manila,

Pampanga and Cebu, Grab announced yesterday.

Only GrabTaxi would start operating around the clock in Baguio, Naga,

Bacolod, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro and Davao.

Grab said the resumption of its 24-hour transport services would help those

who are performing essential services during late hours.

GrabFood and GrabExpress resumed operations for 24 hours in Metro Manila

last month.

The company said it is working with corporate partners to provide shuttle

services also known as GrabRent in Metro Manila.

UPDATE: TROPICAL DEPRESSION PEPITO

MANILA — Tropical Depression Pepito, which is forecast to make landfall over

the coast of the Aurora-Isabela area Tuesday night is moving west northwest

at 25 kilometers per hour, PAGASA said in its morning bulletin.

PAGASA says 'Pepito' may reach tropical storm category before making

landfall. It will cross the Luzon landmass and emerge over the West

Philippine Sea by Wednesday morning, the weather bureau also said.

As of 7 a.m., 'Pepito' was 375 km east of Infanta, Quezon — or 385 km east

of Baler, Aurora — and has maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h near the

center and gustiness of up to 70 km/h.

TCWS No. 1 up over Luzon areas

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 (Winds of 30-60 km/h may be expected in

at least 36 hours or intermittent rains may be expected within 36 hours) is

up over the following areas:

Luzon

Isabela

Quirino

Nueva Vizcaya

Abra

Kalinga

Mountain Province

Ifugao

Benguet

Ilocos Sur

La Union

Pangasinan

Aurora

Nueva Ecija

Tarlac

Zambales

Bulacan

Pampanga

Bataan

Metro Manila

Rizal

Northern portion of Quezon (General Nakar, Infanta, Real) including Polillo

Island

Extreme northern portion of Camarines Norte (Vinzons)

Catanduanes

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

ANGEL LOCSIN AMONG ASIA’S ‘LEADERS OF TOMORROW’ IN TATLER’S GEN T LIST

MANILA — Actress and philanthropist Angel Locsin was among the Filipino

personalities hailed as “Leaders of Tomorrow” in the fifth edition of Tatler

Asia’s Gen T list, unveiled on Sunday.

Locsin shared her inclusion in the list through an Instagram video, where

she held a physical copy of the list that names 400 young leaders “who are

shaping Asia’s future.”

“For me, this is a huge honor, kasi they chose 400 honorees all over Asia,

at 48 po ang nakapasok sa Pilipinas,” said Locsin, who is listed under the

Entertainment category.

Locsin, 35, was included “for tireless philanthropic work in education,

domestic violence and health,” according to her Gen T description.

“Sa totoo lang po, I’m amazed, inspired, to be alongside artists all over

Asia, and I’m proud to represent the land of maraming feelings,

Philippines!” she said.

Locsin’s fellow Filipino honorees include champion gymnast Carlos Yulo,

political scion Brian Poe Llamanzares, fashion designer Mich Dulce,

historian and author Nicole Aboitiz, and photographer Ezra Acayan.

Locsin, who was previously named among Forbes Asia’s “Heroes of

Philanthropy” in 2019, has been a visible figure in charitable works in the

past decade, taking part personally in relief operations in times of

disaster.

More recently, she spearheaded numerous relief programs amid the coronavirus

pandemic, notably the #UniTentWeStandPH initiative, which provided

additional room for frontliners and patients, and Shop & Share, a celebrity

auction meant to raise funds for mass testing.

SPORTS

SAN MIGUEL SNAPS SKID AS TERRAFIRMA WOES PILE UP

One team's misery is another team's fortune.

San Miguel snapped out of its two-game slump by eking out a 105-98 win over

struggling Terrafirma in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Angeles University

Foundation in Pampanga on Monday, October 19.

Despite reeling from the absence of star Terrence Romeo who is suffering

from a shoulder injury, the Beermen banked on the frontcourt duo of Mo

Tautuaa and Arwind Santos to notch their first win in the PBA bubble.

The Scores

San Miguel 105 - Tautuaa 25, Santos 20, Lassiter 18, Pessumal 17, Zamar 11,

Cabagnot 8, Alolino 2, Ross 2, Gamalinda 2, Escoto 0.

Terrafirma 98 - Perez 20, McCarthy 15, Tiongson 11, Adams 9, Celda 9, Ramos

9, Khobuntin 7, Cahilig 6, Faundo 5, Gabayni 5, Camson 2, Calvo 0, Agovida

0, Balagasay 0.

Quarters: 32-24, 55-51, 75-73, 105-98.

RED-HOT POGOY, TNT HAND PHOENIX FIRST LOSS

Roger Pogoy shrugs off an injury as TNT stays unbeaten in 4 games to start

the PBA Philippine Cup

Roger Pogoy and TNT stamped their mark as a strong contender for the

All-Filipino crown after cruising into their fourth straight win with a

110-91 romp of Phoenix on Monday, October 19.

Coming off two straight wire-to-wire blowout wins, TNT showed its mettle

when facing a huge deficit as it came back from 14 points down to crush

Phoenix and improve to a league-leading 4-0 slate.

TNT 110 - Pogoy 30, Erram 18, Enciso 13, Parks 12, Rosario 11, Reyes 10,

Castro 10, Washington 3, De Leon 3, Semerad 0, Alejandro 0.

Phoenix 91 - Wright 31, Napoles 10, Perkins 8, Jazul 7, Marcelo 5, Garcia 5,

Heruela 4, Reyes 6, Intal 4, Gamboa 4, Rios 0.

Quarters: 24-24, 45-54, 75-68, 110-91.

INDICATORS

FOREX $1 = P 48.60

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

The debt of gratitude we owe our mother and father goes forward, not

backward. What we owe our parents is the bill presented to us by our

children. – Nancy Friday