COVID-19 VACCINATION ROLLS OUT IN PROVINCES
MANILA — Inoculations against COVID-19 were conducted in more provinces yesterday after the delivery of Sinovac vaccines donated by China.
Philippine Airlines carried 10,580 doses to Iloilo; 17,480 to Cebu; 6,600 to Bacolod; 17,940 to Cotabato; 8,940 to Butuan; 2,680 to Tagbilaran, and 6,900 to Tacloban yesterday.
The flag carrier said it has transported 145,520 Sinovac vaccines across the country since Wednesday.
At least 10,200 doses arrived at the Zamboanga International Airport and 10,800 doses at the Tuguegarao City airport in Cagayan on Cebu Pacific flights.
The Department of Health (DOH) has yet to announce a vaccine rollout in Cagayan Valley, which is comprised of the provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya and Batanes.
NEDA SUBMITS PORK TARIFF CUT PROPOSAL TO DUTERTE
MANILA — The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has submitted to President Duterte the proposal to cut tariff rates on pork imports to as low as five percent to address supply shortage caused by African swine fever (ASF).
In a text message, acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Chua confirmed that he has signed the Committee on Tariff and Related Matters (CTRM)-approved tariff rates for pork imports “as recommended.”
Chua was referring to the proposed adjustment on the most favored nation (MFN) tariff rates for both in-quota and out-quota imports for pork over a one-year period.?For in-quota or those within the minimum access volume (MAV), a five percent tariff is proposed for the first three months and will be increased to 10 percent afterwards.
Current imports under MAV, which is at 54,000 metric tons, are slapped with a 30 percent tariff. For those outside MAV, a proposal of 15 percent tariff is initially eyed, before hiking to 20 percent.
At present, out-quota imports are levied at 40 percent. The proposal covers meat of swine, fresh, chilled or frozen.
Yet lawmakers argued that removing tariffs would further burden hog raisers already suffering from the ASF.
The government has been scrambling to bring down meat prices that contribute to high inflation, even resorting to a 60-day price cap on pork and chicken while directly transporting hogs from ASF-free zones to Metro Manila. Still, supply was not enough to fill the demand for the whole year, thus the need to import more at lower tariffs.
Prices of pork are still high and supply is tight, as more commercial raisers shy away from investing out of fear of losses should their livestock contract the disease.
DID FACEBOOK RESTRICT NTF-ELCAC SPOKESPERSON’S ACCOUNT?
MANILA — The usually vocal spokesperson of President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-communist task force has been relatively silent on her main platform, Facebook, for a few days now, apparently due to her account getting restricted by the social media giant over violations of its community standards.
A post by a certain Angel Abella shared on the profile of National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict spokesperson Lorraine Badoy showed that the latter has been restricted by Facebook from posting or commenting for 30 days after it took down at least three posts that violated community standards.
The apparent restriction on the account of Badoy came after she baselessly labelled Rappler “a friend and ally” and “mouthpiece” of communist rebels in separate Facebook posts where she aired her grievances over two fact-check articles by the news site correcting false claims on Lumads and an Indigenous school that caters to them.
Incidentally, these posts about Rappler could no longer be found on Badoy’s profile, indicating that they may have been taken down.
A Facebook company spokesperson confirmed to Philstar.com that they have removed several posts from its platform for violating its policy against violence and incitement, but did not say whether these were Badoy’s posts.
Facebook also said that it restricted an account from posting for three days due to repeated violations of their community standards, but did not say if this was Badoy’s account.
“We do not allow people to post content that could contribute to offline harm. Accounts that repeatedly violate our policies may face stronger enforcement action such as restrictions on posting,” a Facebook company spokesperson said.
ASTRAZENECA VACCINE DOSES, SINIMULAN NANG IHATID SA ILANG OSPITAL SA METRO MANILA
MAYNILA—Sinimulan nang ihatid sa ilang priority hospitals sa Metro Manila nitong Biyernes ang bahagi ng unang batch ng AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines mula sa COVAX facility ng World Health Organization.
Kasama sa mga pagdadalhan ng naturang bakuna ang Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) sa Muntinlupa, Cardinal Santos Medical Center sa San Juan, at Ospital ng Parañaque.
Pasado alas-8 ng gabi umalis sa cold storage facility sa Marikina City ang refrigerated truck na naghatid ng AstraZeneca vaccines sa mga ospital.
Sabado ng umaga, nakatakdang mag-roll out ng AstraZeneca vaccine sa health workers ang Ospital ng Parañaque. Inaasahang dadaluhan ito ni Vaccine Czar Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr.
Patuloy naman ang rollout ng mga bakuna ng Sinovac sa mga ospital sa Metro Manila.
COURT ORDERS RELEASE OF JOURNALIST, TRADE UNIONIST ARRESTED ON HUMAN RIGHTS DAY
MANILA — A Mandaluyong court on Friday ordered the release of journalist Lady Ann Salem and trade unionist Rodrigo Esparago a month after junking the illegal possession of firearms and explosives case against them.
Mandaluyong Regional Trial Court Branch 209 Judge Monique Quisumbing-Ignacio granted Salem’s and Esparago’s motion for release despite opposition from the prosecution, according to their lawyer Kristina Conti.
Just before 6 p.m., Salem and Esparago were released.
"Ni hindi namin in-expect today 'yung release pero nagpapasalamat po kami unang-una kay judge... mabilis niya nakita ang katotohanan sa gawa-gawang kaso na isinampa sa amin, napakabilis nito kumpara sa ibang political prisoners," Salem told reporters in brief remarks upon release.
Salem and Esparago were arrested during a dawn raid in their condominium in Mandaluyong on December 10, 2020, incidentally Human Rights Day. They were accused of “gun-running.”
But Quisumbing-Ignacio, on February 5, junked the illegal possession of firearms and explosives case against them declaring void the search warrant against them for being vague since it was used to justify police seizure of laptops and cellphones not listed in the warrant.
The court also took note of inconsistent statements given by the informant and police operatives to conclude that probable cause was not sufficiently established when the search warrants were issued by Quezon City Regional Trial Court Executive Judge Cecilyn Burgos-Villavert.
The court also excluded the evidence recovered for being “fruits of the poisonous tree,” a doctrine which simply means that evidence obtained from illegal arrest, search or seizure cannot be used in court against the accused.
COURT JUNKS DE LIMA PLEAS IN DRUG CASE
MANILA — A Muntinlupa court yesterday affirmed its decision to dismiss a demurrer for evidence and motion for bail filed by detained Sen. Leila de Lima in one of two remaining drug cases against her.
Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court Branch 205 Judge Liezel Aquiatan, in her omnibus order, denied the motions for reconsideration filed by De Lima and her co-accused Ronnie Dayan for lack of merit.
Last month, the judge cleared De Lima of one of three counts of conspiracy to commit drug trading filed against the senator, who is accused of receiving proceeds from illegal drug trading in the New Bilibid Prison for her senatorial campaign.
In affirming the dismissal of the demurrer, the judge said that both De Lima and Dayan “must present their evidence to prove their innocence of the crime charged.”
De Lima, in her motion for reconsideration, argued that the court did not cover all arguments that were cited in her demurrer to evidence and motion for bail.
“The omnibus order created an unfair impression that the witnesses all testified to a seamless and wholly credible narration of accused De Lima’s guilt when, in fact, the prosecution’s own witnesses undermined the prosecution’s own case,” the motion read.
“The failure to rule on continuing objections that are clear on the record raises doubts as to whether the records were even consulted to get a full picture of the nature and tenor of witnesses’ testimony, which may account for why the facts were presented lopsidedly to support the prosecution’s case,” it added.
THE REST
========
COVID-19 VARIANTS SPREADING
52 more South African, 31 UK variant cases, 42 other mutations – DOH
DAVAO CITY — Fifty-two more cases of the South African variant and 31 new cases of the United Kingdom variant have been detected among COVID-19 patients in the country, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said yesterday.
Duque revealed the updated tally of new variant cases of COVID-19 during the press briefing here at the Southern Philippines Medical Center, following the ceremonial rollout of the Sinovac jabs in Mindanao.
He said the latest cases of the new COVID-19 variants were detected by the Philippine Genome Center (PGC), which also reported 42 more “mutations of potential clinical significance.”
“Samples comprising this run came from the National Capital Region (NCR), Central Visayas and returning overseas Filipinos (ROFs) in response to the increased number of cases in these areas,” the DOH said in a statement.
Speaking of the South African variant, B.1.351, the DOH said 41 of the 52 new cases have “indicative addresses in NCR or Metro Manila,” while 11 cases are “being verified if these are local cases or ROFs.”
One case from NCR has recovered, while the remaining 51 cases are still tagged as active and being managed.
In total, there are now 58 South African variant cases in the country – 55 of them active and the other three have died.
Duque has maintained that this variant is not as contagious as the more widespread strain of COVID-19, so it does not impact the efficiency of the vaccination program.
On the other hand, the DOH said that 28 of the 31 new UK variant cases also indicated NCR as their addresses while three cases are being verified if local or ROFs. All 31 are active cases.
This brings to 118 the total number of UK variant cases in the country – 39 of them active, two of them recovered and 77 dead.
42 NEW MUTATIONS FOUND
The DOH said that out of the 42 new COVID-19 cases with “mutations of potential clinical significance,” 34 have indicative addresses in Central Visayas.
Six of them came from NCR, while two cases were being verified if they are local transmissions of COVID-19 or ROFs.
The new cases raised to 85 the total number of mutations found among COVID-19 patients. They were found to have N501Y and E484K mutations which are associated with South African and UK variants.
Data show that of the 85 cases, 21 are currently active while 62 have recovered. Two are still being verified.
“Everyone is reminded of their individual responsibilities to follow the minimum public health standards at all times and in all settings,” the DOH maintained.
BIGGEST SPIKE IN COVID CASES
Yesterday, the DOH recorded a total of 3,045 new cases of COVID-19, the biggest spike in nearly five months.
The last time the DOH documented more than 3,000 was on Oct. 16, 2020 with 3,139 cases.
The 3,045 cases raise to 587,704 the country’s COVID-19 caseload since the pandemic broke out.
With 19 among the new cases succumbing to the virus, the death toll has reached 12,423.
The DOH said 178 new recoveries from the illness brought to 535,207 the total recovered cases, while the active cases stood at 40,074 or 6.8 percent of the COVID-19 caseload.
CONSTITUTION FRAMER JOAQUIN BERNAS DIES
MANILA — Fr. Joaquin Bernas, SJ — one of the framers of the 1987 Constitution — passed away early Saturday.
The Jesuit priest, a lawyer and a noted constitutionalist, was 88 years old.
Bernas' passing was confirmed by Ateneo Law School Dean Jose Maria Hofileña in a memo to the school community.
"We take solace in the knowledge that his was an earthly life filled with meaning and purpose. An earthly life dedicated to service, standards of excellence, to the greater glory of God," Holifeña said.
"He has contributed immeasurably to keeping the Ateneo Law School true to its identity and calling. The Ateneo Law School's debt of gratitude to Fr. Bernas can never truly be fully repaid."
Bernas served as president of the Ateneo de Manila University from 1984 to 1993. He also served as the Dean of the Ateneo Law School twice before retiring in 2004.
Ateneo School of Government Dean Tony La Viña later Wednesday took to Twitter to pay tribute to Bernas, whom he also celebrated as a "bar topnotcher, prolific author and columnist, [and] academic leader."
2 BAR NI-RAID SA MAKATI, MGA PAROKYANO SINITA SA PAGSUWAY SA PHYSICAL DISTANCING
MAYNILA - Sinalakay ng mga awtoridad ang dalawang bar sa Makati City kung saan nasita ang nasa 60 hanggang 70 katao dahil sa hindi umano pagsunod sa health protocol habang patuloy ang quarantine.
Ayon kay police Lt. Exequiel Caluya, Deputy Sub-station Commander ng Poblacion Police Community Precinct, nakipag-ugnayan sa kanila ang Makati Public Safety Department na naging lead unit ng raid.
Dalawang high end bars ang pinuntahan ng awtoridad Biyernes ng gabi hanggang Sabado ng madaling araw.
Unang tinungo ng pulis ang isang club sa General Luna Street sa Barangay Poblacion, at isinunod ang bar sa Burgos Street sa pareho ring barangay.
Ayon sa pulisya, magkakatabi ang mga customer kaya tinikitan sila dahil sa paglabag sa physical distancing sa gitna ng patuloy na banta ng COVID-19.
"Sumunod na lang sila sa rules, lalong-lalo na sa social distancing kasi mahigpit pa rin po," ayon kay Caluya.
Hindi na ikinulong ang mga customer pero kailangan nila magbayad ng P1,000 multa. Hindi pa matiyak kung ipapasara ang dalawang bar.
ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE
GERALD ANDERSON FINALLY ADMITS RELATIONSHIP WITH JULIA BARRETTO, 'GHOSTING' BEA ALONZO
MANILA — Kapamilya actor Gerald Anderson finally admitted that he and Kapamilya actress Julia Barretto are in a relationship.
In a one-on-one interview with Boy Abunda uploaded today, the host asked Gerald if Julia is the reason behind his smile.
"Yes, Tito Boy... It's a yes," Gerald revealed, ending years of speculation that the “Between Maybes” co-stars are together.
"I'm very happy,” he added.
Boy also asked Gerald the “ghosting” issue which his ex-girlfriend Bea Alonzo claimed.
“Tito Boy, I can remember that moment like kahapon lang siya nangyari. But I can’t... I don’t have the guts to put someone in a bad light because gusto ko linisin ‘yung image ko or ‘yung side ko," he said.
Gerald said that he’s guilty of “ghosting” Bea and their relationship back then when it was very rocky.
"Ganito lang po ‘yun. Ano po ba ang definition ng ghosting? Kasi ang dating sa akin is parang nasa gitna kami ng dinner tapos nag-decide ako mag-back out and ‘di magpakita kahit kailan. ‘Yun ba ang definition? Or is it walking away from a very unhealthy, toxic — not saying na siya ‘yung toxic, but being together, we were very toxic... Hindi narerespeto ‘yung explanation na binibigay mo, hindi tinatanggap. After months and months and months and months of being on the rocks and [puro] away... I mean, ‘yun lang. I’m just gonna leave it at that. Bahala na po kung paanong ano, but if ‘yun ‘yung ghosting, I’m guilty of one of those two,” he said.
Gerald and Julia starred in the 2019 movie “Between Maybes.” Since then, rumors of them romantically together circulated online. The couple remained mum on their relationship until Gerald revealed it today.
TV5 TO SIMULCAST ABS-CBN’S PRIMETIME BIDA STARTING MARCH 8
MANILA — Starting Monday, March 8, ABS-CBN primetime offerings led by the long-running “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” will be simulcast on TV5, through an expanded partnership between the networks and Cignal.
The Coco Martin-starrer, which will not end in April 2021, contrary to a media report, will air on TV5 at its usual 8 p.m. time slot, to be followed by “Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin,” “Walang Hanggang Paalam,” and “Pinoy Big Brother: Connect.”
The simulcast will allow “Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin” to reach a nationwide audience on free TV as it airs its last two weeks. Similarly, “PBB: Connect” will be seen by more Filipinos as it counts down to its March 14 finale.
“We welcome the inclusion of ABS-CBN entertainment shows in our roster of programs. We believe that this content deal will benefit Filipino viewers across the country because of TV5's extensive coverage," said Robert P. Galang, Cignal and TV5 president and CEO.
SPORTS
NBA SCORES MARCH 4
NOTE: Next game will resume on March 8th 2021
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Raptors 17-19 34 36 22 33 125
Celtics 19-17 31 35 35 31 132
SCORING LEADERS
C. Boucher TOR
30 PTS, 5 REB, 0 AST
J. Tatum BOS
27 PTS, 12 REB, 5 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Clippers 24-14 22 39 26 30 117
Wizards 14-20 25 29 33 32 119
SCORING LEADERS
K. Leonard LAC
22 PTS, 5 REB, 3 AST
B. Beal WAS
33 PTS, 7 REB, 3 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Pistons 10-26 27 19 28 30 104
Knicks 19-18 33 26 34 21 114
SCORING LEADERS
W. Ellington DET
17 PTS, 0 REB, 3 AST
J. Randle NY
27 PTS, 16 REB, 7 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Nuggets 21-15 28 33 21 31 113
Pacers 16-19 29 23 22 29 103
SCORING LEADERS
M. Porter Jr. DEN
24 PTS, 11 REB, 0 AST
M. Turner IND
22 PTS, 12 REB, 0 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Bucks 22-14 31 30 23 28 112
Grizzlies 16-16 17 34 33 27 111
SCORING LEADERS
G. Antetokounmpo MIL
26 PTS, 11 REB, 8 AST
J. Morant MEM
35 PTS, 6 REB, 5 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Heat 18-18 31 24 22 26 103
Pelicans 15-21 15 30 25 23 93
SCORING LEADERS
J. Butler MIA
29 PTS, 3 REB, 9 AST
B. Ingram NO
17 PTS, 5 REB, 9 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Thunder 15-21 27 23 31 26 107
Spurs 18-14 24 37 23 18 102
SCORING LEADERS
S. Gilgeous-Alexander OKC
33 PTS, 3 REB, 8 AST
D. DeRozan SA
20 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Kings 14-22 27 29 34 29 119
Trail Blazers 21-14 30 29 30 34 123
SCORING LEADERS
D. Fox SAC
32 PTS, 8 REB, 12 AST
D. Lillard POR
44 PTS, 1 REB, 7 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Warriors 19-18 23 28 22 25 98
Suns 24-11 34 28 25 33 120
SCORING LEADERS
J. Poole GS
26 PTS, 3 REB, 1 AST
C. Payne PHO
17 PTS, 5 REB, 10 AST
INDICATORS
FOREX $1 = P 48.56
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one getting burned. – Buddha
Comments (0)