DUTERTE ORDERS SPEEDY VACCINE PROCUREMENT

Vaccines may be purchased by Q1 2021

MANILA - Taking a cue from other countries that have sought to hasten the

availability of potential cures to the pandemic, President Duterte has

allowed the director general of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to

issue an emergency use authorization for COVID-19 drugs and vaccines.

The authority, contained in Executive Order 121, permits the use of COVID-19

medicines and vaccines pending approval by health authorities, provided that

there is credible data suggesting that the drug or immunization can stop,

diagnose or treat the virus.

National Task Force against COVID-19 chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr.

yesterday said COVID-19 vaccines might arrive in the Philippines as early as

the first quarter of next year.

"We are still on track, considering that there is a possibility that our

best-case scenario will be shifted to the first quarter. Our best-case

scenario that we have presented is more or less May, but for now, if we will

succeed in negotiating with two to three vaccines from different countries,

we might be able to get it during the first quarter," Galvez said at a

televised press briefing.

OSG SAYS WEBSITE WAS DEFACED, WARNS HACKERS OF CYBERCRIME RAPS

MANILA - The Office of Solicitor General on Thursday said its website was

defaced earlier this week and warned the hackers of facing complaints for

violation of the anti-cybercrime law.

In a statement, the OSG said an entity that identified itself as "Phantom

Troupe" uploaded several files on its portal for online job applications on

its website early hours of December 1. The OSG's careers portal has been

restored as of December 3.

"This unauthorized access resulted in the introduction of an altered screen

displaying the message 'Stop blackmailing the NTC! Give ABS-CBN provisional

authority!'" the OSG said.

To recall, Solicitor General Jose Calida wrote to the National

Telecommunications Commission and warned of graft charges should it honor

its word and issue a provisional authority to operate to ABS-CBN, when its

franchise bills were pending before the Congress.

The House of Representatives has since rejected the media network's bid for

franchise on July 10.

The OSG said that the incident is "being taken seriously" as the agency

"augmented our security measures as we assess and investigate the matter."

SECURITY OF TENURE BILL GETS HOUSE NOD

MANILA - The House of Representatives has approved on third and final

reading a bill that seeks to strengthen the security of tenure of workers in

the private sector and put an end to labor-only contracting.

Lawmakers voted 204-7 with three abstentions on Tuesday, affirming their

stamp of approval to House Bill 7036 or the Security of Tenure Act, which

requires job contractors to obtain a permit from the Department of Labor and

Employment.

"I'm glad that the bill has been passed because this is one of the campaign

promises of President Duterte," Rep. Enrico Pineda of party-list 1Pacman,

who chairs the House committee on labor, said.

PH EYES FASTER, CHEAPER VIRUS TESTS WITH POOLED, SALIVA-BASED PROCESS

MANILA - The Philippines is eyeing cheaper and faster coronavirus testing by

combining pooled testing with saliva-based virus tests, one of the country's

presidential advisers said Thursday.

The Department of Health has yet to release its guidelines on pooled

testing, which works in areas with less than 5 percent of COVID-19

prevalence, said Joey Concepcion, presidential adviser on entrepreneurship.

"In line [with] pooled PCR testing, instead of swabbing 5 people, ang

gagamitin mo lang dito 'yung saliva ng 5 tao. Talagang mas mura ang

mangyayari dito," he told ABS-CBN's Teleradyo.

"Sa America ganyan na ang ginagawa nila, saliva-based kesa swab. Mas

convenient sa mga tao, mas mabilis nang kaunti and mas mura kasi wala ka

nang swabbers, extraction machine."

The test will cost some P650 for each person, Concepcion said.

The Philippine Red Cross might finish its study on saliva-based tests next

month, he added.

JOBLESS FILIPINOS REACH 3.8 MILLION IN OCTOBER

MANILA - There were 3.8 million adult Filipinos who were jobless as of

October, representing an unemployment rate of 8.7 percent, the state

statistics agency said on Thursday as the economy reopened further after

sinking deeper into recession in the third quarter.

The National Capital Region (NCR) had the highest unemployment rate, while

the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) had the lowest.

October's 8.7 percent unemployment rate was nearly double the 4.6 percent in

the same period last year but below the record 17.6 percent in April.

The average jobless rate for 2020, based on four surveys, was 10.4 percent,

or 4.5 million people, the highest since 2005, the statistics agency said.

Industries that posted the largest drop in employment include entertainment

and recreation, accommodation and food services, real estate activities,

transportation and manufacturing.

The unemployment rate in Manila, which accounts for 40 percent of the

country's economic output, was at 12.4 percent owing to restrictions on

movement through transportation curbs, national statistician Claire Dennis

Mapa told a virtual news conference.

AFP SAYS TO SKIP HOLIDAY TRUCE WITH COMMUNIST REBELS

MANILA - The military said Thursday it would not recommend to President

Rodrigo Duterte a truce with communist rebels for the holiday season.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines cited communist rebels' alleged

violation of their own ceasefire declarations, showing its "incapacity for

sincerity."

"They venture on peace talks only to give themselves the chance to regroup,

refurbish, recruit new members, and recoup their losses," it said in a

statement.

"And with these many hard lessons of the past, we will not allow them to

trample upon our people's bona fide desire for peace-not this holiday

season-not until we have decisively defeated this menace to society."

The military last year said the New People's Army killed one solider and

wounded 8 others in separate attacks in Camarines Sur and Iloilo, just days

before Christmas.

Earlier this year, government and the Communist Party of the Philippines

declared ceasefire to make way for the country's fight against the COVID-19

pandemic.

The CPP had extended its truce by 15 days. Both sides said the other

launched attacks during the ceasefire.

'PARA HINDI MATIKTIKAN': SINAS DEFENDS PREDAWN SERVING OF SEARCH WARRANTS VS

PEACE CONSULTANTS

MANILA - Police served a search warrant against 2 peace consultants in the

wee hours of the morning to prevent them from getting wind of the operation,

Philippine National Police chief Debold Sinas said Thursday.

Eugenia Magpantay and Agaton Topacio, consultants of the National Democratic

Front of the Philippines (NDFP), were killed last week in Angono, Rizal

after an encounter with authorities when the search warrant was served at 3

a.m.

"Kaya nga madaling araw para hindi matiktikan at malaman. Kasi imagine mo,

kung mag-search kami ng umaga, makita ng buong kabayanan nila, baka may mga

spotter sila, baka may mga contact sila, so pag dating naming dun, nakatakas

na sila," Sinas told ANC's Headstart when asked why it had to happen at that

hour.

"Kaya ganun ang ginamit nating approach para hindi nila alam kalian at anong

oras mag-conduct ng search," he said.

Sinas said Magpantay and Topacio also had standing arrest warrants.

The Communist Party of the Philippines has said Magpantay and Topacio, both

69 years old, had retired from active duty in the revolutionary movement due

to infirmities of old age. Magpantay also had diabetes and severe arthritis.

The Philippine National Police will investigate their deaths motu proprio,

Sinas said.

DAUGHTER OF SLAIN ANAKPAWIS LEADER IS PART OF COMMUNIST UNDERGROUND: SINAS

MANILA - Amanda Echanis, who was arrested for alleged illegal possession of

firearms and explosives, is part of the underground communist movement,

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Debold Sinas claimed Thursday.

Echanis, whose father Anakpawis leader Randy Echanis was killed in August,

was with her 1-month-old baby when she was arrested in Cagayan on Wednesday.

She is known to be a peasant community leader.

Sinas said both the police and the military know that Echanis is part of the

underground and that her husband is a leader of the armed communist group,

New People's Army.

"Hindi po totoong wala 'yan sa underground. Ang asawa niya ay lider ng

armado sa NPA sa Cagayan Valley. Kaya nga may mga armas 'yan. Kasi maski

tanungin mo, ang asawa niya ay nasa underground," he told ANC's Headstart.

Sinas said no one had come forward to directly testify that Echanis is part

of the movement, but police forces sought a search warrant upon the

information that there may be firearms in her home.

"Ang problema lang, 'yung mga report namin, walang gustong mag-testify para

ma-file-an ng kaso. Kaya nga nung natiktikan na may mga baril na may iniwan

sa bahay nila, may baril siya, kaya nag-apply ng search warrant," he said.

THE REST

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VALENZUELA SKIPS CHRISTMAS DECORS TO PREVENT CROWDS, SAVE FUNDS: MAYOR

MANILA - Valenzuela will forego Christmas decors in its parks this year as

it aims to save funds and prevent crowds from gathering, its mayor said

Thursday.

Funds are prioritized for the city's COVID-19 and disaster response, Mayor

Rex Gatchalian said. The city has also donated P10 million worth of aid to

victims of typhoons in Bicol, Cagayan, and Isabela, he added.

"We want to be prudent with our spending, we want to do away with

convergence. And also nakikisimpatiya ang pamahalaan sa mga kababayan namin

na nawalan ng trabaho, ayaw naman natin maging insensitive sa kanila. We

want to keep it in the times," he told ABS-CBN's Teleradyo.

"Ang tunay na diwa ng Pasko ay di matatagpuan sa malaking Christmas tree sa

People's Park namin kundi sa pamilya sa loob ng tahanan kung saan safe

sila."

JAILED ACTIVIST SUES 23 MANILA COPS FOR 'MALTREATMENT'

MANILA - Detained human rights activist Reina Mae Nasino yesterday filed

criminal and administrative complaints against former Manila Police District

director Brig. Gen. Rolando Miranda and 22 other MPD officials for what she

described as security overkill during the burial of her three-month-old

daughter last October.

Nasino, through the National Union of People's Lawyers, filed the cases

before the Office of the Ombudsman.

The criminal charges against the police officials include violations of

Republic Act 9745 or the Anti-Torture Act, RA 7438 or the Rights of Persons

Arrested, Detained or Under Custodial Investigation and RA 10028 or the

Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act, as well as grave coercion and

maltreatment of prisoner under Articles 286 and 235, respectively, of the

Revised Penal Code.

Nasino said the police officers must also be held administratively liable

for grave misconduct, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the

service, oppression and grave abuse of authority.

'GRABE NA ANG PAGHIHIRAP NG TAO': MAYOR BLASTS PROPOSED EXTENSION OF

BANGSAMORO TRANSITION

MANILA - Cotabato City mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi on Thursday criticized a

proposal to extend the transition period for the Bangsamoro Autonomous

Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) until 2025.

"More than 2 years na, ano ba ang nangyari? (What has happened) Nothing

happened. And you need another 3 years? Grabe na ang paghihirap ng tao niyan

(The people will suffer more)," she told ANC's "Matters of Fact."

BARMM is the region created in Mindanao out of the peace agreement between

government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which is seen as

key to ending the decades-long rebellion in the restive south.

The Bangsamoro Transition Authority had said the coronavirus pandemic

deprived them of time to carry out the transition, including programs,

projects, and services.

The interim period lapses in 2022 and an extension for another 3 years will

allow the parliament to fulfill its mandate, the group added.

Sayadi said the BTA, which serves as the interim government, did not listen

to the complaints and concerns of the public. Issues such as delayed payment

of salaries for teachers and health-care workers have been unresolved, she

said.

"You know, 'pag nasa gobyerno ka (if you are in the government), you can't

wait na sasabihin mo (and say), 'Sandali lang (Hold on). You give me another

3 years.' No, terms are specific. The tenures of office are specific,"

Sayadi said.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier backed a proposal by Bangsamoro Transition

Authority officials to extend the transition period by 3 years.

MANILA OPENS CHRISTMAS BAZAAR TO HELP COVID-19 AFFECTED TRADERS

MANILA - The Manila city government on Tuesday opened the Christmas bazaar

in Mehan Garden to help local businesses earn during the pandemic.

Mayor Isko Moreno said the local government continues to engage with traders

to help them recover their losses.

"We cannot deny that on top of the health issue, there is also the economic

problem. Many workers lost their jobs and many businesses shut down because

of the hardship brought by the pandemic," Moreno said.

Shoppers need to wear face masks and shields and follow minimum health

standards when visiting the Christmas bazaar.

Moreno urged the public to support local businesses to help them recover

from the pandemic.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

DENNIS PADILLA A PROUD DAD TO DAUGHTER IN SAME-SEX MARRIAGE

MANILA - In addressing criticism about the portrayal of a trans woman in his

latest film, comedian Dennis Padilla brought up the fact that his daughter

is in a same-sex marriage.

In the opening seconds of the trailer of "Pakboys: Takusa," Padilla's

character appears to regret having spent a night with a woman after he sees

her peeing on a toilet while standing, apparently to indicate she is

transgender.

"Kapag napanood niyo naman ang buong scene, sexy saka may bed scene kami

kaya matutuwa rin yung LGBTQ community, kasi nag-make love kami," Padilla

was quoted as saying by PEP.ph, in response to the backlash to the peeing

scene.

He then brought up the situation of his eldest daughter, Diane Baldivia, in

explaining his personal respect for the queer community.

"My daughter is married to a woman in the States. My eldest daughter Diane,

who is 30 years old, is married to Katx who is also a woman. And I respect

them because mahal ng anak ko, e," he said.

Diane is Padilla's daughter with his first wife Monina Gatus, prior to his

relationship with actress Marjorie Barretto.

Diane was married in California in September 2019, according to Padilla.

"So, nang ikasal sila sa Amerika, I was happy for them. Ako pa ba ang

babastos sa LGBTQ, e 'yung daughter ko, [ang] asawa, babae? Legally married

sila."

Aside from its depiction of a trans woman, "Pakboys" has also drawn

criticism for its humor based on womanizing and other "macho" stereotypes.

Produced by Viva Films, "Pakboys" is one of the main entries in the 2020

Metro Manila Film Festival, which kicks off Christmas Day.

SPORTS

NEXT PBA SEASON TO START APRIL

MANILA - The economic situation, availability of a vaccine and costs of

launching another bubble or two are factors to consider in deciding when the

next PBA season will start as the PBA Board of Governors discusses what lies

ahead for the league in the coming year during a video meeting this

afternoon.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said the 46th season will likely begin in

April right after Holy Week and a month after the rookie draft. But it will

depend on a lot of still unknown variables. If the economy recovers and a

vaccine becomes available, it could be back to normal by April. But if the

pandemic remains a threat, the PBA will study the option of mounting another

bubble or two. The season may be two or three conferences, with or without

imports.

A key item in the agenda of the board meeting is the draft. SBP president

and Meralco team governor Al Panlilio said the other day it's possible that

the first three, four or five picks may be relegated to the Gilas pool in

the same way that in last year's draft, the top five choices - Isaac Go

(Terrafirma), Rey Suerte (Blackwater), Matt Nieto (NLEX), Allyn Bulanadi

(Alaska) and Mike Nieto (Rain or Shine) - were seconded to the national

team. He said the pool is evolving and at any time players may be reverted

to their mother PBA teams.

Since the PBA isn't expected to start the next season until April, there

will be time to prepare a Gilas combination of PBA and non-PBA players for

the FIBA Asia Cup third qualifying window that the Philippines has offered

to host on Feb. 18-22. Although the FIBA Asia Cup isn't in the agenda, PBA

chairman Ricky Vargas said Panlilio may bring it up on an FYI basis under

other matters.

GINEBRA PUTS TNT IN 2-0 HOLE

SMART CLARK GIGA CITY - Barangay Ginebra's never-say-die spirit came to the

fore as the Gin Kings rallied past TNT Tropang Giga, 92-90, to seize a 2-0

lead in the PBA Philippine Cup title series last night at the AUF Sports

Arena Powered by Smart 5G.

Stanley Pringle and Aljon Mariano kept the team afloat amidst the Tropang

Giga juggernaut. Then Scottie Thompson and LA Tenorio took over in the

closeout to steal Game 2 and send Ginebra two wins away from the coveted

crown.

Pringle scattered 34 points, six rebounds and eight assists while Mariano

added 20 markers and nine boards. The duo led their second-half fightback

from as high as a 15-point deficit.

Not much of a factor all game, Thompson and Tenorio stepped up to the plate

when needed most.

After Pringle and Mariano pushed Ginebra to within one at 85-84, Thompson

did an encore of his game-winner in the semis rubbermatch against Meralco,

and hit the go-ahead trey with 30.5 seconds left.

Tenorio, the Game 1 hero who was scoreless in the early goings, made five

free throws down the stretch to seal it.

The Gin Kings spoiled the 38-point explosion of RR Pogoy, who carried the

cudgels for TNT in the absence of top gun Bobby Ray Parks Jr. due to calf

injury.

"It was certainly a struggle for us all game long. TNT dominated us for more

than three-quarters of the game and we're able to make a run at the end,"

said coach Tim Cone.

Tenorio finished with five and Thompson three while Japeth Aguilar managed

only six.

This was offset by the stellar game of Mariano, who joined forces with

Pringle in wiping out TNT's 56-41 margin in the third and overturning the

Tropang Giga's 84-77 upperhand in the last 4:12.

"As much as LA and Scottie did the thing down the stretch, Aljon's

contribution was just exceptional. He played with the toughness that we

needed tonight," said Cone

INDICATORS

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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Real difficulties can be overcome; it is only the imaginary ones that are

unconquerable. - Theodore N. Vail