DUTERTE TELLS #NASAANANGPANGULO CRITICS: WHAT'S YOUR PROBLEM?

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday fired back against critics of

his absence from public eye during the onslaught of this year's strongest

storm that destroyed thousands of houses, left billions of pesos in damage

and killed at least 16 people.

Duterte was in Davao City when super typhoon Rolly churned across Luzon and

skipped a televised Cabinet briefing on Sunday. The hashtag

#NasaanAngPangulo (where is the President) trended over this.

"Iyong nagsabi na wala ako rito kasi wala, nasa probinsya, so, what's your

problem? Ang mga papeles pinadala, tapos pirmahan ko. Ipadala ko ulit. Eh,

machine lang naman iyan," he said in a televised briefing.

"'Do you want me to stand doon sa white sand ni [Environment Secretary] Roy

Cimatu just to see that I am here?" he added, referring to the crushed

dolomite beach in Manila Bay.

Duterte also said those who hail from the provinces like him "travel almost

with regularity" back home for vacation and occasions like All Souls’ Day.

The President visited his parents' grave in Davao last Wednesday.

"Kaya nga ako nauwi. Itong mga ugok naman, sinabi na wala ako. I was waiting

for the typhoon to pass, then lumipad ako," he said.

Duterte earlier Monday led an aerial survey over Catanduanes and Albay

provinces, where Rolly made its first 2 landfalls.

"You know, kung wala kayong patay, okay lang. Kami, may mga patay, kailangan

umuwi kami doon sa amin," said Duterte.

Malacañang and the disaster council earlier said Duterte was not seen in

public over the weekend because local governments were "functioning."

EX-PH ENVOY TO BRAZIL NOW BACK HOME

MANILA - Former Philippine Ambassador to Brazil Marichu Mauro is back in the

country, days after she was caught on video maltreating her Filipino

domestic helper inside her residence in the Latin American country.

Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go disclosed the development to ABS-CBN News early

Tuesday, shortly after receiving information from the Department of Foreign

Affairs' about the diplomat’s arrival from Brazil.

“FYI, was just informed by DFA that Ambassador Mauro arrived in the PH

already,” Go said in an online message.

Mauro's alleged acts of abuse were repeatedly caught by CCTV cameras

installed inside the diplomatic residence.

She was recalled by the DFA from her post after the video of her berating

and mistreating her helper was reported by Brazilian news channel GloboNews.

Her helper, a 52-year old Filipina from South Cotabato, returned to the

Philippines on Oct. 26.

Go said Mauro arrived late Monday night.

Asked if President Rodrigo Duterte will summon Mauro to Malacañang, Go said

he yet has to ask the Chief Executive.

Aside from the DFA's created team to investigate Mauro, several labor

organizations have also expressed their intention to file a case against

her.

Senate majority leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, who's been in touch with the

former helper, has already offered to provide the victim legal counsel.

DFA DISOWNS STATEMENT BACKING ENVOY UNDER PROBE FOR ABUSE OF STAFF

MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs disowned Tuesday statements

supposedly from its Career Officer Corps and the Retired Ambassadors

Association which expressed “full support” for embattled Philippine

ambassador Marichu Mauro.

The DFA said it is not aware of the existence of those organizations and

that their statements do not "reflect the position of the department nor the

sentiment of its career corps."

"The department stands by its resolve to respond to the matter in accordance

with, and to the fullest extent of the law," the DFA said in a statement.

Mauro was recalled as Philippine ambassador to Brazil after she was caught

on video assaulting her Filipino house help. The ambassador is back in the

Philippines, according to Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro “Teddyboy”

Locsin Jr.

The groups claiming to be the DFA Career Officer Corps and the Retired

Ambassadors Association said the “single incident,” which was first reported

by Brazilian news outfit Globo News, "should not define the character of

Ambassador Mauro."

"She has a very distinguished service record that spans three decades in

promoting the welfare of our migrant workers, which is one of the three

pillars of our foreign policy," the groups said, as reported by The STAR.

The groups also said that Mauro should be accorded due process instead of

being “vilified” in the media.

REDIRECT PART OF ANTI-INSURGENCY FUNDS TO 'ROLLY' RELIEF, REHAB — HONTIVEROS

MANILA — A senator on Tuesday called for the reallocation of a portion of

the government's anti-communist task force's proposed budget for 2021 to

victims of Super Typhoon Rolly which struck the country over the weekend.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros made the proposal during a committee hearing on

red-tagging which was spurred by a recent slew of accusations hurled against

public figures and a women's group by Lt.Gen. Antionio Parlade, spokesman

for the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

"We are holding this hearing on the heels of the strongest typhoon of the

world for 2020. It directly hit the Bicol region, which is one of the

regions identified as having a communist insurgency problem," Hontiveros

said.

"As early as now, I will say: the 16 billion pesos budget of the NTF-ELCAC

barangay development program, I will call for a portion of it to be

reallocated to typhoon rehabilitation," she added partially in Filipino.

PATRONS DEMAND YOUTUBE TO EXPLAIN TERMINATION OF ABS-CBN ACCOUNTS

Calls to bring back the YouTube news channels of broadcasting giant ABS-CBN

surfaced on social media after the accounts of ABS-CBN News and ANC 24/7

were found to be inaccessible on Tuesday morning.

Reports note that the YouTube channel of ABS-CBN News was terminated by the

Google-owned video-sharing platform for reasons that are yet to be

determined.

A screenshot of a video from the channel reads: “Video unavailable: This

video is no longer available because the YouTube account associated with

this video has been terminated.”

Another screenshot that was obtained reads the account “has been terminated

for a violation of YouTube’s Terms of Services.”

As of this writing, both accounts of the network’s news channels can no

longer be found on the website.

ABS-CBN said in a statement that it is “currently investigating” the matter

and assured the public that it is “working closely with YouTube to resolve

the problem.”

“In the meantime, you can catch our livestreams and news reports on the

TeleRadyo Channel. Thank you for your patience and understanding,” the

network added.

54 COUNTRIES LIFT INBOUND BORDER RESTRICTIONS ON PINOYS

MANILA — Fifty-four countries have lifted inbound border restrictions on

Filipino travelers as of yesterday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)

said.

The 54 countries now allow the entry of Filipinos subject to medical

protocols such as testing and quarantine upon arrival as well as flight

availability.

The countries include the United States, United Kingdom, Brazil, Guam,

Cambodia, Laos, Turkey, Egypt, South Africa and United Arab Emirates.

The DFA said over 130 nations remain closed to tourists.

Countries that have imposed travel ban on tourists were Canada, Australia,

Brunei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, China, Malaysia, New Zealand, Republic

of Korea, Singapore, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany,

Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Bahrain, Kuwait,

Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

Entry to these nations is subject to exemptions.

While travel for leisure is now an option amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the

DFA is advising Filipino travelers to check requirements set by the

Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases

(IATF) and implemented by the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

The DFA also advised travelers to always check ahead of travel dates with

their airlines before departure or before booking a ticket as the

information provided in infographics could change at any time.

ALMOST STATIONARY 'SIONY' MAINTAINS STRENGTH AS 'ROLLY' NEARS PAR EXIT

MANILA - Tropical storm Siony maintained its strength while tropical storm

Rolly nears the western limits of the Philippine Area of Responsibility, the

state weather bureau said Monday night.

Siony (international name Atsani) was last spotted 595 kilometers east of

Calayan, Cagayan as of 4 a.m., packing maximum winds of 75 km per hour and

gusts of up to 90 kph, PAGASA weather forecaster Rob Guile said.

It is moving northward slowly and is forecast to gradually enter into an

almost stationary state within the next 36 hours, PAGASA said.

The storm is forecast to hit land in extreme northern Luzon on Friday but

its track may still change, according to Guile.

Meanwhile, Rolly, the world's strongest storm so far this year and a super

typhoon at its peak, was last estimated 450 kilometers west of Iba,

Zambales, packing maximum winds of 65 kph near the center and gusts of up to

80 kph.

It is moving west at 15 kph and is expected to exit PAR by Tuesday morning.

Between Monday night to Tuesday morning, light to moderate with at times

heavy rains may be experienced over Batanes, Apayao, Cagayan, and Isabela

due to the combined effects of the northeasterlies and the trough of Siony,

PAGASA said.

Though having no direct effect on the country, the northeasterlies enhanced

by Rolly and Siony will bring strong to near gale conditions with higher

gusts over Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and the northern portions of Cagayan

and Ilocos Norte, PAGASA added.

The combined effects of the two storms and the enhanced northeasterlies will

bring rough to very rough seas, with waves between 2.8 to 4.5 meters, over

the entire seaboards of Northern Luzon and the western seaboard of Central

Luzon. Sea travel is risky over these waters, especially for those using

small seacrafts.

Moderate to rough seas, with waves between 1.5 to 2.5 meters, will also be

experienced over the remaining seaboards of Luzon and the eastern seaboards

of Visayas and Mindanao.

The Philippines is currently experiencing the La Niña phenomenon, which

brings more rain and cooler weather, PAGASA earlier said.

Typhoon Rolly (international name Goni) on Sunday with gusts of up to 310

kilometers per hour (190 mph) killed 20 people in Albay and Catanduanes

provinces.

Roughly 90% of infrastructure in Catanduanes was damaged, government data

showed.

President Rodrigo Duterte made an aerial inspection of the damage on Monday.

Flying from his hometown Davao, he landed in Guinobatan town near the Mayon

volcano, the Philippines' most active volcano.

Duterte ordered an investigation into quarrying operations that residents

complained had led to the burial of hundreds of homes in volcanic rock and

mud flows, presidential aide and senator Christopher Go told reporters.

Officials said the evacuation of more than 345,000 residents had averted

more deaths.

THE REST

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PHILIPPINES LOGS 2,298 NEW COVID-19 CASES

The Department of Health on Monday reports 2,298 new COVID-10 cases, pushing

the national tally to 385,400.

The DOH also records 32 additional deaths and 87 new recoveries, bringing

the total of deaths and recoveries to 7,269 and 348,830, respectively.

The Philippines' total active cases of COVID-19 now stands at 29,301.

METRO MANILA WATER SUPPLY ENOUGH UNTIL SUMMER 2021 AFTER ROLLY ONSLAUGHT

MANILA - Metro Manila will have enough water supply until summer next year

after erstwhile Super Typhoon Rolly inundated large swaths of Luzon,

regulators said Tuesday.

Angat Dam, the region's main water source, was at 202 meters early Tuesday,

nearing the normal high water level of 210 meters, according to National

Water Resources Board executive director Sevillo David Jr.

"Tingin po natin ay may karampatang supply tayo ng tubig para sa mga

kababayan natin ngayong taon hanggang susunod na taon po, particular

hanggang summer po," he told ABS-CBN's Teleradyo.

The dam is forecast to reach its target of 212-meter level before the year

ends as the La Niña phenomenon, which brings more rains, prevails, David

said.

The NWRB earlier warned of a possible water supply shortage in the capital

region and its neighboring provinces until 2022.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN SUSPENDS CRUISES THROUGH YEAR END

Cruise operator Royal Caribbean Group said on Monday it would stop all its

cruises through the end of the year, extending previous suspensions, as

coronavirus infections continue to increase globally.

The company's announcement comes days after the U.S. Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention issued a framework for a phased resumption of cruise

ship operations, after a no-sail order issued in March in response to the

COVID-19 pandemic expired on Saturday.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd earlier in the day said it plans to

extend the suspension of its cruises starting December through the end of

the year.

Royal Caribbean reported negative revenue for the first time last week, as

well as a billion-dollar quarterly loss.

Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise had previously set up an expert panel

to safely resume operations, as the cruise industry came to a virtual

standstill after many vessels became hotbeds of infection and some operators

even faced lawsuits for onboard outbreaks.

CAMARINES SUR UNDER STATE OF CALAMITY

The provincial board has placed Camarines Sur under state of calamity

following the onslaught of Typhoon Rolly.

In a resolution released Monday, the local government cited strong winds and

torrential rains, as well as the extensive flooding and other damages

brought about by the typhoon.

OPAPP SEC. GALVEZ APPOINTED AS 'VACCINE CZAR'

President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed Presidential Adviser on the Peace

Process Carlito Galvez Jr. as COVID-19 vaccine czar.

The president says Galvez will be in charge of negotiations on coronavirus

vaccines that the country will purchase.

"Pagbili ng bakuna, the negotiation, manufacture, production, or

distribution, binigay ko 'yan kay Sec. Galvez," Duterte says in an address

to the nation on Monday.

'PLEASE SEND DONATIONS TO ROBREDO': AGOT ISIDRO REPLIES TO 'AVENGERS' STAR

MARK RUFFALO

MANILA — Actress Agot Isidro replied to Hollywood actor Mark Ruffalo's

message to Filipinos amid the wrath of super typhoon Rolly in the country

last weekend.

Yesterday, "The Avengers" star shared a satellite image of the super typhoon

ravaging the country and he asked his social media followers to pray for the

Philippines as it faces the super typhoon.

“Pray for our brothers and sisters in the Philippines then get ready to send

donations,” he wrote.

Agot replied, saying that the donations should be sent to the Office of the

Vice President.

"Please send donations to the Office of Vice President @lenirobredo Thank

you!" Agot replied.

Some Twitter users echoed Agot’s sentiments, saying: "Yes, our Vice

President @lenirobredo is hardworking and most important of all HONEST. The

donations coursed to her office will surely flow to those affected by the

typhoon. Thank you for praying for the Philippines."

"Yes please. Send it directly to their office. It will surely reach the

needy," another Internet user added.

Agot is a known critic of the Duterte administration.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

'TIL DEATH DO US PART: DANIEL PADILLA, KATHRYN BERNARDO CHANNEL MARRIED

COUPLE ANEW IN HALLOWEEN COSTUMES

MANILA — After making their fans giggle for donning a wedding garb for their

new series "The House Arrest of Us," Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla

made waves again for dressing up as a ghost bride and a zombie groom for

Halloween.

In their Instagram accounts, the celebrity couple shared their matching

Halloween costumes.

Daniel suited up as a zombie and called Kathryn "The most beautiful ghost

bride."

“Mad sounds in your ears, they make you get up and dance. They make you get

up. Happy Halloween everyone,” Daniel wrote.

Daniel also shared throwback photos of their Halloween costumes last year,

that made them win as best couple in costume at the Star Magic Halloween

Ball.

Recently, the Kapamilya couple shared that they started to plan for their

future dream house.

In the virtual press conference of their new Star Cinema digital series “The

House Arrest of Us,” Daniel said the interior design of their dream house is

important to them.

"Importante sa amin ang interior design ng bahay, e, so mahilig namin gawin

ni Kathryn iyon. Mahilig kami tumingin ng mga bahay, ng mga design,” Daniel

said.

“Si Kathryn medyo mahilig siya sa mga contemporary. Gusto niya modern

contemporary. Ako naman, mahilig medyo Mediterranean ako, e. Kailangan namin

i-balanse iyong dalawang gusto namin," he added.

The construction of their dream house, however, will not start soon because

they are still busy building their parents’ dream houses.

"Ngayon, sa amin, wala pa. Kung meron man, ipapagawa namin iyon. Ipapagawa

namin," Daniel said.

Kathryn echoed Daniel's sentiments, saying they can’t afford to build their

dream house yet but it’s already in their minds.

"Siyempre dream namin iyong bahay namin in the future, pero hindi pa naman

talaga iyon mangyayari kasi it's too early. Pero, of course, nandun iyon sa

wishlist namin. Dream ko kasi magkaroon kami ng parang boutique hotel at

farm. Ako manage nun, ako magluluto. Gagawa ako ng mga rice bowls, ganyan.

Tapos siya tutugtog lang siya doon," she said.

SPORTS

PBA SMORGASBORD

4 games scheduled all day long

SMART CLARK GIGA CITY, Pampanga — Denied an outright quarterfinals seat last

week, pacesetting TNT takes another shot at the playoffs as it joins seven

other teams in a historic quadrupleheader marking the PBA bubble restart

today at the AUF Sports Arena Powered by Smart 5G.

The Tropang Giga, who suffered their first loss prior to a four-day break

(109-98 to NLEX), target a quick bounceback against NorthPort (1-4) and a

Last-8 entry in one of the featured matches in the PBA’s “all-day Tuesday.”

The TNT-NorthPort duel is set at 4 p.m. and serves as game No. 3 in a heavy

bill that starts at 10 a.m. all the way to around 9 p.m.

Holder San Miguel Beer (4-2) guns for its third straight win against the

long-inactive Blackwater (2-3) in the rare morning tussle while Phoenix

(4-3) seeks to get back on track versus Terrafirma (0-5) at 1 p.m.

Alaska (5-3) looks to extend its two-game streak against Barangay Ginebra

(4-2), which is on a two-match slide, in the 6:45 p.m. nightcap.

“We really need to bounce back and reach our initial goal,” said TNT coach

Bong Ravena, also stressing the need to get as much cushion given the

“killer schedule” where teams may play five or six outings in the next nine

days.

INDICATORS

FOREX $1 = P 48.40

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Nothing changes more consistently than the past; ... the past that

influences our lives is not what actually happened but what we believe

happened. - Gerald W. Johnson