DEBATES ON ORAL ARGUMENTS ON ANTI-TERRORISM LAW RESET TO MARCH 2

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court on Monday reset the fourth day of the oral arguments on the Anti-Terrorism Act petitions to March 2.

“Considering that some of the Justices are on self-quarantine as a health precaution against COVID-19, you are hereby informed per instruction of the Honorable Supreme Court, of the suspension of the oral arguments scheduled on February 23, 2021,” the one-page notice from the Office of the Clerk of Court read.

The SC has not identified the magistrates on quarantine.

Oral arguments will resume on March 2, 2:30 p.m.

The SC was supposed to resume its interpellation of the petitioners on February 26. So far, only eight justices have propounded their questions to the seven oralists, with Associate Justice Amy Lazaro-Javier intending to resume her interpellations on the fourth day of debates.

At a chance interview last Friday, Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta said they did not expect that a lot of their colleagues will ask a lot of questions to the petitioners, but they are hoping interpellation of petitioners will be finished on Tuesday.

Solicitor General Jose Calida, counsel for the respondents, has yet to present his opening statement, the government’s defense against the 37 petitioners lodged against the anti-terrorism law. The two amici curiae or “friends of court” have also yet to present their statements.

PHILIPPINES CUBE SATELLITE MAYA-2 LAUNCHED INTO ISS

MANILA, Philippines — Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato dela Peña yesterday announced the launch of the Philippines’ second cube satellite Maya-2 into the International Space Station (ISS) through the space supply ship S.S. Katherine Johnson, which took off from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Wallops Island flight facility in Virginia at 1:36 a.m. (Philippine Standard Time) on Saturday.

The launch of the Maya-2 CubeSat, developed by three Filipino engineering post-graduate students – Izrael Zenar Bautista, Mark Angelo Purio and Marloun Sejera – marks another historic milestone for the Philippines in the field of space science, according to Dela Peña.

Bautista, Purio, and Sejera are currently pursuing doctorate degrees in Space Systems Engineering and Space Engineering at Kyushu Institute of Technology (KyuTech), which is spearheading and hosting the Joint Global Multi-Nation BIRDS-4 Satellite Project, a cross-border interdisciplinary CubeSat development project involving the Philippines, Paraguay and Japan.

Sending the satellite into the ISS is the final step before the satellite reaches its targeted altitude in low Earth orbit, from which it will be launched into space orbit at a date to be determined later on, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said.

The Maya-2 development project was implemented through the Space Science and Technology Proliferation through University Partnerships (STeP-UP) project of the Space Technology and Applications Mastery, Innovation and Advancement (STAMINA4Space) program of the DOST.

The STAMINA4Space is funded by the DOST’s Philippine Council for Innovation, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development, and implemented by DOST’s Advanced Science and Technology Institute and the University of the Philippines Diliman.

Secretary Joel Joseph Marciano Jr., Philippine Space Agency director general, hailed the successful launch of Maya-2.

BIDEN GOVERNMENT: SOUTH CHINA SEA RULING FINAL, LEGALLY BINDING

MANILA, Philippines — The United States and the Philippines discussed opportunities to strengthen their alliance as the administration of President Joe Biden reaffirmed its recognition of the 2016 arbitral ruling on the South China Sea, which it called “final and legally binding on all parties.”

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan recently spoke by phone with National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon.

“The National Security Advisors welcomed the 70th anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty and discussed opportunities to strengthen the US-Philippines Alliance,” NSC spokesperson Emily Horne said in a statement on Sullivan’s call with his Philippine counterpart.

According to Horne, Sullivan “reaffirmed the (Biden) Administration’s recognition that the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling, pursuant to the UN Law of the Sea Convention, is final and legally binding on all parties.”

FDA STILL WAITING FOR SINOVAC DATA

MANILA, Philippines — There is still no emergency use authorization (EUA) for China’s Sinovac Biotech with two days left prior to the expected arrival of the COVID vaccines.

In a radio interview yesterday, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) director general Eric Domingo stressed the importance of being extra careful in issuing an EUA, saying “we don’t want to have problems later on when the product is already here and are allowed to be used.”

Until this time, Domingo said the FDA is still waiting for additional information from the Sinovac manufacturer due to the absence of a published data in a medical journal.

“We are still asking for some clarification on their findings in their studies. We cannot overlook these data and forego analysis,” he explained. “This is especially true with Sinovac as they have not published their data (in a) peer-reviewed journal, so we need to complete the evaluation.”

Also yesterday, Domingo reported that the US-based drugmaker Moderna has already expressed its intent to file for an EUA in the Philippines.

“They said they are just completing the applications and that they will file soon. It would be easy to review their data because they have already been evaluated in the US. Therefore, our own experts need not repeat some of the clarificatory questions,” he said, adding that Moderna is unlikely to have difficulty in securing the EUA.

Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. yesterday said Russia’s Sputnik V should already be approved.

“No need to see it first by visiting Russia. None of you speak Russian or know any advanced science. If advanced countries okay a vaccine it should be good to go in a country like ours,” Locsin tweeted.

GOVERNMENT SUPPORTERS HOLD MASS GATHERING

MANILA, Philippines — At least 150 government supporters were dispersed by police yesterday and ordered to go home after holding an unauthorized rally in Manila.

Manila Police District director Brig. Gen. Leo Francisco said the rallyists left the stage they set up at the Mendiola Peace Arch before noon.

The supporters were supposed to hold an interfaith prayer rally for a revolutionary government under federalism.

Francisco said mass gatherings remain prohibited in areas under general community quarantine.

“The law is for everybody. Whether you are pro or against (government), everybody should follow the law,” he said.

The group was dispersed without charges filed against them for breaking quarantine protocols.

MMDA: NUMBER CODING REMAINS SUSPENDED

MANILA, Philippines — The number coding scheme will remain suspended despite the easing of quarantine restrictions and reopening of more businesses, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said yesterday.

MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos said the traffic reduction program would remain suspended until public transportation returns to normal.

“We want to help the riding public and make transportation easier for them,” Abalos said.

President Duterte is expected to announce this week if the general community quarantine classification for Metro Manila would be downgraded to modified GCQ.

THE REST

========

PHILIPPINES LOGS 1,888 NEW COVID-19 CASES BRINGING TOTAL TO 561,169

MANILA - The Philippines confirmed 1,888 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday bringing the country’s total to 561,169.

The Department of Health also reported 9,737 new recoveries pushing the total number of Filipinos who recovered from the disease to 522,843.

This meant that the country has a total of 26,238 active cases as of 4 p.m. Sunday.

Twenty more deaths were reported from the illness, bringing COVID-19’s death toll in the Philippines to 12,088.

THOUSANDS OF FAMILIES EVACUATE IN VISAYAS, MINDANAO AS AURING LANDFALL NEARS

MANILA - Thousands of families in the Visayas and Mindanao have fled their homes ahead of tropical storm Auring's projected landfall, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said Sunday.

A total of 3,162 families or 10,911 individuals were pre-emptively evacuated in Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions, according to the NDRRMC's latest report.

The storm has affected a total of 1,410 families or 5,475 persons in 40 villages in Northern Mindanao and Caraga, the council said. Of this figure, some 1,297 or 5,054 persons are staying in 37 evacuation centers.

Strong winds and rainfall also damaged 44 houses in Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur, according to the NDRRMC.

Two roads and one bridge remain impassable in Eastern Visayas and Northern Mindanao, it added.

The local government of Calatrava, Romblon has announced suspension of work on Monday.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development has provided initial relief stockpiles and standby funds worth P1.2 billion, Malacañang said in a statement.

The Department of Health has prepositioned P19.5 million worth of medicines, medical supplies, and health kits in its Centers for Health Development, it added.

"We ask the public, especially residents of affected areas, to remain vigilant, be prepared and ready for possible evacuation in case their local authorities advise them to do so as a precautionary measure," Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said.

SURIGAO DEL SUR RESIDENTS RETURN TO THEIR HOMES AS FLOODS SUBSIDE

MANILA - Floods in Surigao del Sur were subsiding early Monday following the onslaught of tropical depression Auring, the provincial governor said.

Around 20,940 families fled their homes and were placed in 394 evacuation centers, according to Governor Ayec Pimentel.

"Ang baha ngayon ay humuhupa nang kaunti at ang evacuees ay umuwi sa kanilang bahay. Friday, Saturday grabe talaga ang baha, may mga naanod na bahay, may mga nadaganan ng kahoy," he told ABS-CBN's Teleradyo.

"Sa ngayon po ay maganda na (ang panahon) at medyo sumibol na ang araw pero the past 2 days grabe talaga. Naghanda na kami Huwebes pa para zero casualty ang target natin.

Strongs winds lashed Tandag City and floodwaters were neck-deep in the area, the governor said.

"Hanggang leeg po ang baha dito sa Tandag atsaka sa ibang municipalities at ang hangin malakas talaga. Di kamukha ng Typhoon Vicky, ito may malakas na hangin," he said, referring to the storm that left 3 dead in the province late last year.

Some evacuation centers were unable to implement minimum health standards as floodwaters reached them, Pimentel added.

"'Yung iba talaga nagobserve ng health protocols, yung ibang evacuation centers natin binaha rin so nagsiksikan talaga, pati sa kapitolyo. Hopefully wala naman siguro magka-COVID dyan, may bantay naman tayo, medical staff natin nandoon naka-PPE, mga guwardiya, mayors binabantayan lahat yan," he said.

The governor said he would meet local chief executives and local disaster officials later Monday to assess the extent of Auring's damage.

"Okay naman po sa ngayon ang lahat, nabigyan naman natin ng food packs, nagpapasalamat ako sa mayors. Sana matulungan din kami ni President (Rodrigo) Duterte," he said.

"Sa ngayon po puro utang muna, alam mo naman marami ang COVID natin pati sa kapitolyo, yung social hall namin ginawa ko nang ospital."

BAGUIO, METRO MANILA TEMPERATURES DROP TO LOWEST THIS YEAR

MANILA, Philippines — Temperatures in Baguio City and Metro Manila yesterday dropped to 9 degrees Celsius and 19.3 degrees Celsius, respectively – the lowest recorded in both areas so far this northeast monsoon season, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

PAGASA said the coldest temperature was registered in Baguio City at around 5 a.m., which was colder than last year’s 9.4 degrees Celsius.

But the temperature in La Trinidad town in Benguet was even reportedly colder at 7.9 degrees Celsius.

In Metro Manila, the lowest temperature was recorded at the PAGASA Science Garden in Quezon City at 6 a.m. This surpassed the previous record of 19.9 degrees Celsius logged on Jan. 31.

The state weather bureau said the northeast monsoon would continue to bring cold and dry air over the country this month.

The coldest temperature recorded in Baguio City was 6.3 degrees Celsius on Jan. 18, 1961.

In Metro Manila, the lowest temperature was registered at 14.5 degrees Celsius on Jan. 11, 1914 in Port Area, Manila.

WALANG PASOK: CLASS, WORK SUSPENSIONS ON FEBRUARY 22 DUE TO 'AURING'

MANILA, Philippines — A number of local government units announced suspension of classes and work on Monday, February 22 due to the inclement weather brought by Tropical Depression Auring.

Auring was last seen 205 kilometers east northeast of Maasin City in Southern Leyte or 85 km east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar. It packed maximum sustained winds of 45 km per hour and gusts of up to 55 kph.

It is heading north northwest at 20 kph. The cyclone is expected to make landfall over Eastern Samar in the next six to 12 hours as a tropical depression or a remnant low pressure area.

PAGASA said moderate to heavy rains will affect residents of Bicol region, Northern Samar, Samar, Eastern Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Marinduque, Romblon and Quezon province. Meanwhile, light to moderate with at times heavy rains will be experienced in Aurora, and the rest of Visayas, MIMAROPA and CALABARZON.

17 CHINESE DENIED ENTRY AT NAIA

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) intercepted 17 Chinese at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) last week for allegedly attempting to enter the country illegally.

The Chinese arrived at the NAIA on two separate flights.

Immigration personnel intercepted first the 16 Chinese at the NAIA Terminal 3, who flew in from Zhengzhou, China.

The Chinese said their trip was sponsored by a tech company in the Philippines, according to BI intelligence division chief Fortunato Manahan Jr.

During questioning, the group gave conflicting statements and failed to establish the purpose of their trip.

“The purpose of their travel was doubtful. That’s why they were denied entry,” Manahan said.

Also intercepted at the NAIA Terminal 2 was a Chinese man who arrived from Bangkok, Thailand.

The traveler said he was affiliated with a solar energy company in the Philippines.

The BI said the foreigner’s travel documents were found inconsistent with his statements.

The Chinese travelers were sent back to their port of origin. They were included in the BI blacklist and banned from reentering the Philippines.

'AURING' WEAKENS BEFORE LANDFALL OVER EASTERN SAMAR

MANILA, Philippines (Updated 8:22 a.m.) — Tropical Depression Auring may make landfall over Eastern Samar as a tropical depression or a remnant low pressure area, state weather bureau PAGASA said Monday morning.

The tropical cyclone turned north-northwestward and is headed to Eastern Samar, where it is forecast to make landfall in the next six to 12 hours.

"Post-landfall, “AURING” is forecast to weaken considerably due to significant terrain interaction and the increasing wind shear, leading to deterioration into a remnant low within 24 hours, possibly sooner," PAGASA said in its 5 a.m. advisory.

At 7 a.m., Auring was located 205 km east northeast of Maasin City, Southern Leyte or 85 km east of Guian, Eastern Samar. It packs maximum winds of 45 kph and gustiness of up to 55 kph. It is moving north northwestward at 20 kph.

Areas under signal no. 1 will experience the combined effects of amihan and Auring, which will bring strong breeze with occasionally higher gusts.

Other areas that will experience these are Aurora, Quezon, Marinduque, Romblon, Oriental Mindoro, Batanes, Babuyan Islands, the northern portions of Ilocos Norte and mainland Cagayan, Cuyo Islands, Cagayancillo Islands, and the rest of Visayas and Bicol Region.

The seaboards of areas under signal no. 1, as well as the eastern seaboard of Central Luzon, the eastern seaboard of Southern Luzon, the southern seaboard of Luzon and the remaining seaboards of Visayas will experience rough seas in the next 24 hours.

Forecast position

24 hours (Tuesday morning): 60 km northwest of Romblon, Romblon

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

FILIPINO LIFE COACH HITS AMAZON BESTSELLER

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino author Myke Celis’ book “#BestMeEver A Self-Discovery Workbook To Heal Your Past, Accept Your Present And Find Yourself Again” became number one International Best Seller at Amazon recently.

In a statement sent to Philstar.com, the celebrity life coach said he couldn’t believed that his book became an international hit.

"Totally surreal and extremely grateful. One year after, on the same month. How amazing is that? I guess it's meant to be. My heart is overflowing this love month! Thanks to all those who got copies of my book,” Celis said.

The book was bestowed with the official best seller badge at Amazon, after it ranked in 4 categories #1, #2, #8 and #9 in Education Workbooks, Gay Studies, Journaling and Parent And Adult Child Relationship, respectively.

Celis also said that he is about to launch his sixth book this April. This will follow the successful launch of #MyPocketCoach, a virtual coaching platform of the celebrity life coach launched earlier in January.

"I can't wait to finish my next book which will be launched this April 2021. Hopefully, the Universe aligns once more in my favor to give birth to another best seller which can inspire people globally to become their best. It will have a different feel to it. 'Will share with you guys again soon," he said.

SPORTS

NBA SCORES FEB 20

FINAL

           1          2          3          4          T

Warriors  16-15 15        32        22        31        100

Hornets  14-15  24        21        24        33        102

SCORING LEADERS

            K. Oubre Jr. GS

25 PTS, 6 REB, 1 AST

            T. Rozier CHA

36 PTS, 3 REB, 4 AST

FINAL

           1          2          3          4          T

Heat  13-17       36        23        22        15        96

Lakers  22-9      23        29        25        17        94

SCORING LEADERS

            K. Nunn MIA

27 PTS, 5 REB, 3 AST

            K. Kuzma LAL

23 PTS, 4 REB, 0 AST

FINAL

           1          2          3          4          T

Suns  19-10      28        37        31        32        128

Grizzlies  13-13 15        19        30        33        97

SCORING LEADERS

            D. Booker PHO

23 PTS, 5 REB, 5 AST

            G. Dieng MEM

15 PTS, 4 REB, 2 AST

FINAL

           1          2          3          4          T

Kings  12-17     21        37        25        31        114

Bulls  13-16       28        40        27        27        122

SCORING LEADERS

            M. Bagley III SAC

26 PTS, 11 REB, 2 AST

            Z. LaVine CHI

38 PTS, 4 REB, 3 AST

FINAL

           1          2          3          4          T

Wizards  10-17  31        30        28        29        118

Trail Blazers  18-11       43        12        37        19        111

SCORING LEADERS

            B. Beal WAS

37 PTS, 7 REB, 3 AST

            D. Lillard POR

35 PTS, 6 REB, 12 AST

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Genius could be the ability to say a profound thing in a simple way. - Charles Bukowski