PFIZER/BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE NEUTRALIZES BRAZIL VARIANT IN LAB STUDY

NEW YORK - The COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer Inc and BioNTech SE was able to neutralize a new variant of the coronavirus spreading rapidly in Brazil, according to a laboratory study published in the New England Journal of Medicine on Monday.

Blood taken from people who had been given the vaccine neutralized an engineered version of the virus that contained the same mutations carried on the spike portion of the highly contagious P.1 variant first identified in Brazil, the study conducted by scientists from the companies and the University of Texas Medical Branch found.

The scientists said the neutralizing ability was roughly equivalent the vaccine's effect on a previous less contagious version of the virus from last year.

The spike, used by the virus to enter human cells, is the primary target of many COVID-19 vaccines.

In previously published studies, Pfizer had found that its vaccine neutralized other more contagious variants first identified in the United Kingdom and South Africa, although the South African variant may reduce protective antibodies elicited by the vaccine.

Pfizer has said it believes its current vaccine is highly likely to still protect against the South African variant. However, the drugmaker is planning to test a third booster dose of their vaccine as well as a version retooled specifically to combat the variant in order to better understand the immune response.

'MURDEROUS REGIME': ROBREDO SLAMS 'BLOODY SUNDAY' KILLINGS OF ACTIVISTS IN CALABARZON

MANILA - "The Filipino people deserve better than this murderous regime."

This was Vice President Leni Robredo's outcry after a crackdown against activists in Calabarzon killed 9 people Sunday.

An environmental activist and a coordinator of left-wing group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan were among those who were killed, according to rights groups. Several activists were also arrested during the police raids in the region.

"There is no other way to describe this: It was a massacre. And it came just two days after the President himself ordered state forces to 'ignore human rights,' kill communist rebels, and 'finish them off,' in his rant before the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict," Robredo said in a statement, referring to President Rodrigo Duterte's order to the police and the military on Friday to "ignore human rights" in going after communist rebels.

The Vice President, a outspoken critic of Duterte, lamented the continuing killings in the Philippines amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and since Duterte assumed power in 2016 on a promise to eradicate the illegal drug trade through use of force.

"Sa panahon kung kailan patuloy na nadadagdagan ang bilang ng mga namamatay, nagugutom at naghihirap dahil sa pandemya, ito ang masakit na katotohanan: Patuloy ang pagpatay sa Pilipino. Maglilimang taon nang pinapatay ang mga mahihirap sa ngalan ng isang drug war," Robredo said.

Denouncing the killings, she demanded an honest and independent probe on the Calabarzon killings.

"Nananawagan tayo na magkaroon ng malinis at independent na imbestigasyon para masigurong mapapanagot ang dapat mapanagot, at uusad ang hustisya," Robredo said.

Robredo called on the public to be careful, reach out, and check on their loved ones, and never give in to fear amid "difficult and dangerous times" in the Philippines.

VP ROBREDO TO WOMEN: ANSWER CALLS TO LEADERSHIP

MANILA — Vice President Leni Robredo urged yesterday women to answer calls to leadership as the world marked International Women’s Day.

“Even in spheres where women participation has improved, gaps in gender balance at the highest levels of leadership still need to be filled to truly create a more inclusive, holistic climate of change,” Robredo said in a statement. “Let us answer the calls to leadership, face the trials of our time with resolve and strive towards a fairer, kinder, more humane world, where no one is left behind.”

President Duterte, in a separate statement, called for the breaking of barriers that prevent women from realizing their full potential and the “backward mindset” that fueled inequality.

Duterte, who has drawn flak for remarks perceived to be demeaning to women, urged Filipinos to celebrate the indispensable role of women in the nation’s progress by supporting advocacies that fight for and acknowledge women’s inalienable rights as equal partners of men.

He noted that in the past several decades, international organizations, women’s rights movements and various governments have worked together and made significant strides in addressing gender inequality.

“Let us elevate women to their rightful place in society by empowering every Filipina to break not only the barriers that have long hindered them from reaching their full potential, but also the backward mindset that fueled a culture of gender oppression and inequality,” his statement read in part.

“While there is still much to be done to completely free women from this bondage of inequality, we can nonetheless proudly claim that concrete, sustainable and inclusive actions have been taken by our government to create an environment where women’s rights are respected and their contributions to society are recognized,” it also read.

Robredo, although saying she remains focused on addressing people’s needs amid the COVID-19 pandemic, is not discounting the possibility of seeking the presidency in 2022. Several groups are already backing this bid.

She ranked 5th in a Pulse Asia survey on the Filipinos’ preferred presidential bets for 2022. Presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio topped the poll.

SC DEFERS ORAL ARGUMENTS ON ANTI-TERROR LAW

MANILA — For the second time, the Supreme Court suspended its oral arguments on the Anti-Terrorism Law after some of the SC justices went on self-quarantine as a precaution against COVID-19.

The fifth oral argument scheduled today was reset to March 16, SC clerk of court Edgar Aricheta announced yesterday.

“Considering that some of the SC magistrates are on quarantine as a precaution against COVID-19, you are hereby informed of the suspension of the oral arguments scheduled on March 9,” Aricheta said.

Solicitor General Jose Calida, counsel for the government officials named respondents in the 37 petitions, was supposed to deliver today his opening statement to be followed by the interpellation of the SC justices.

4 MILLION FILIPINOS JOBLESS IN JANUARY EVEN AS ECONOMY FURTHER REOPENS

MANILA - Unemployment rose in January with around 4 million adult Filipinos, representing 8.7 percent of the labor force, jobless in the first month of the year compared to the same period last year, the Philippine Statistics Authority said on Tuesday.

January's unemployment rate contrasted with the 5.3 percent jobless rate in the same month last year with the estimated number of persons out of work at 2.39 million, before the country felt the full brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For 2020, the average jobless rate was 10.4 percent, or 4.5 million adult Filipinos, the highest since 2005.

The underemployment rate for January 2021 settled at 16 percent, data showed.

An independent survey by the Social Weather Stations meanwhile put the average joblessness rate for 2020 at a record-high 37.4 percent.

Government economic managers have said that employment should recover this year as the economy gradually reopens and bounces back to positive growth.

Businesses, especially small firms, suffered from significant loss of income due to the months-long lockdown. In June 2020, DOLE said some 2,000 companies declared permanent closure, redundancy or retrenchment.

During the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in Luzon last year, unemployment in the country ballooned to 7.3 million, as the jobless rate rose to 17.7 percent in April, the Philippine Statistics Authority said.

DFA: RECORD SPIKE AMONG PINOYS ABROAD

MANILA — New COVID-19 cases among Filipinos abroad increased by 761, a record single-day high for this year, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported yesterday.

The new cases brought to 15,850 the number of Filipinos abroad who have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19.

The agency attributed the spike to an increase in infections from an unnamed country in the Middle East.

“The reported spike is a record-high for the year and is due to increase in cases in a country in the Middle East,” the DFA said.

According to the DFA, the number of active cases is 5,274, while 9,536 have recovered,

including 10 new recoveries.

The DFA reported two new fatalities among overseas Filipinos. The death toll now stands at 1,040.

“To date, the total number of countries and territories with confirmed cases among Filipinos abroad remains at 87,” the DFA said.

'BAKIT NAKA-BONNET, M-203?' CALBAYOG MAYOR'S SLAY NOT A SHOOTOUT, SAYS LAWMAKER

MANILA - A lawmaker on Tuesday called on the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct an "impartial" investigation into the death of Calbayog City Mayor Ronald Aquino, who he said was killed in an ambush and not a shootout.

"Humihingi ako ng tulong (I am asking for help). I can't get justice from the Philippine National Police, I believe so," Samar 1st District Rep. Edgar Mary Sarmiento told Teleradyo.

Sarmiento refuted the police's claim the incident was a shootout.

"Ako'y nasasaktan na pinalalabas na shootout doon po sa ground zero. Maliwanag na maliwanag na sinasabi ng mga witnesses na talagang binaril muna ang sasakyan ni mayor," he said.

"Doon naman sa mga nang-ambush, masakit sabihin kaya lang mga naka uniporme ito, mga miyembro pa ng PNP. Akoy nagtataka bakit naka-bonnet at saka naka M-203 pa. Talagang handang-handa."

Monday's supposed encounter in Barangay Lonoy, Calbayog City also led to death of 3 others, including Aquino's close-in security detail and driver. Sarmiento also claimed 2 members from the PNP were killed in the incident.

Sarmiento believes the killing was politically motivated.

"It all boils down to politics. The reason why Samar belongs to the top 12 poorest provinces of this land," he said.

SENATOR EYES INCENTIVES FOR COMPANIES ASSISTING AUTHORITIES ON ONLINE SEXUAL ABUSE CASES

MANILA — Sen. Risa Hontiveros is mulling granting incentives to private companies that assist law enforcement in cracking down on the abuse and exploitation of children.

“We need companies to be proactive in the fight against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC). Providing incentives may be the most effective way to ensure this," the senator said.

This comes as the Senate committee on women, chaired by Hontiveros, on Tuesday resumes its hearing on Senate Bill No. 2068, or the Anti-[OSAEC] Law, which also imposes penalties on private companies that do not comply with their obligations under the bill.

EXECS MAY FACE RAPS OVER CAR PLATE ANOMALIES

MANILA — Plunder charges may be filed against officials of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) over the allegedly anomalous procurement deal for vehicle license plates, according to Sen. Richard Gordon.

He said the Senate Blue Ribbon committee, which he chairs, continues to gather evidence sufficient for the panel to recommend the filing of plunder complaints, but based on the previous hearings on various alleged irregularities in the two agencies, there appears to be enough to charge certain officials for the heinous crime.

“The act of making people suffer – whoever causes damage to third parties and other agencies – that (violates the) anti-graft law. Now, since a huge amount of money is involved, they (officials) may be liable for plunder. That’s what we’re looking at now,” Gordon told dzBB over the weekend.

The threshold for plunder – a non-bailable offense – is P50 million.

He said officials from both the Aquino administration and the present government committed various violations of the law starting in 2013 when the DOTr – then called Department of Transportation and Communications – opened the bidding for the procurement of plates without appropriation.

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PHIVOLCS RAISES ALERT LEVEL 2 OVER TAAL VOLCANO

MANILA - State seismologists on Tuesday raised alert level 2 over Taal Volcano which warns of probable magmatic activity that may or may not lead to an eruption.

Under alert level 2, the second-lowest in a 5-step system, evacuation is not yet recommended but the public is reminded that Taal Volcano Island is a permanent danger zone and entry must remain strictly prohibited, Phivolcs said in its 8 a.m. bulletin.

"Local government units are advised to continuously assess previously evacuated barangays around Taal Lake for damages and road accessibilities and to strengthen preparedness, contingency, and communication measures in case of renewed unrest," it said.

"Residents of these barangays are advised to be always prepared, to keep calm and listen to information only from trusted or verified sources."

"Civil aviation authorities must advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano as airborne ash and ballistic fragments from sudden explosions and wind-remobilized ash may pose hazards to aircraft.

Some 28 volcanic tremor episodes were recorded in the past 24 hours, totaling 866 since the onset of increased activity on February 13, Phivolcs said.

Residents who returned to the volcano island following its eruption last year were evacuated 3 days later as Phivolcs raised alert level 1.

NO TOTAL LOCKDOWNS IN CALOOCAN, MANILA

MANILA — The Caloocan government yesterday denied reports of a city-wide lockdown following the surge in the number of COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila.

Mayor Oscar Malapitan said he would not declare lockdowns amid the rising cases of COVID-19 infections.

“There will be no lockdowns in Caloocan for now,” Malapitan said in a statement.

Starting tomorrow, Caloocan will reimpose the use of color-coded quarantine passes in going to the markets and the implementation of a 10 p.m.-4 a.m. curfew to prevent the transmission of COVID-19.

In Manila, police director Brig. Gen. Leo Francisco denied a viral Facebook post about lockdown in Binondo.

However, Mayor Isko Moreno ordered authorities to enforce barangay-level lockdowns in areas where COVID-19 cases are rising.

Moreno ordered a heightened police visibility to remind people to comply with the minimum health protocols.

Francisco vowed to comply with Moreno’s directive.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

DID JOSHUA REALLY CONGRATULATE JULIA AND GERALD? ACTOR DISOWNS VIRAL FACEBOOK POST

MANILA — Did Joshua Garcia really congratulate his ex-girlfriend Julia Barretto on her newly announced relationship with Gerald Anderson?

That doesn’t appear to be the case, as Garcia on Sunday disowned a Facebook page named after him which had posted the congratulatory message, with a photo of the couple.

“FYI po, this one is not mine and I don’t have any active Facebook account. Kindly spread the info. Thank you,” Garcia wrote in Instagram Stories, sharing a screenshot of the page.

Garcia did not include the viral post congratulating Barretto and Anderson in the screenshot.

The post includes a photo of Anderson and Barretto taken during their promotional cycle for their 2019 film “Between Maybes,” with the caption, “Congratulations Gerald Anderson and Julia Barretto.”

Over the weekend, Anderson and Barretto separately confirmed being in a relationship, after nearly a year of rumors romantically linking the two.

The confirmation roused an apparent reaction from actress Bea Alonzo, Anderson’s former girlfriend prior to Barretto, who pertained to “time as the ultimate truth-teller.”

At the height of the controversy surrounding Anderson and Alonzo’s breakup in July 2019, the latter similarly had to disown a Twitter account, named after her, whose viral tweets pertained to cheating in a relationship.

Like Garcia now, Alonzo said at the time, “FYI I’m not on Twitter.”

Garcia, Barretto’s last boyfriend prior to her romance with Anderson, had only recently filmed with her the viral music video of Moira’s “Paubaya,” where the former couple appeared to have closure as they exchanged apologies from a script they had personally written.

SPORTS

NBA SCORES MARCH 7

NOTE: NEXT GAME WILL RESUME ON MARCH 11TH 2021

FINAL

           1          2          3          4          T

All Stars  1-0     40        60        46        24        170

All Stars  0-1     39        41        45        25        150

NBA: GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO FUELS TEAM LEBRON IN ALL-STAR ROMP

Giannis Antetokounmpo made all 16 of his shots in a historic 35-point performance Sunday night that propelled Team LeBron to a 170-150 victory over Team Durant in the NBA All-Star Game in Atlanta.

After earlier capturing the NBA 3-Point Contest, Stephen Curry bombed in six 3-pointers in the first half and eight in all, totaling 28 points for Team LeBron, which won each of the first three quarters en route to a 146-125 lead that it massaged into the winning margin.

Each team lost a player when it was announced earlier in the day that Philadelphia 76ers stars Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons would not be allowed to play due to COVID tracing. Each had gotten a haircut Saturday from a barber who subsequently tested positive.

20-year-old Zion Williamson replaced Embiid in the Team Durant starting lineup, becoming the fourth-youngest starter in NBA history.

The win was the fourth in a row for the team selected by LeBron James under a revised roster dispersal that started in 2018. James played just 13 minutes in the first half before sitting out the entire second half with the game relatively in hand.

Down 146-125 after three periods, the closest Team Durant got in the fourth quarter was 15.

Durant did not play in the game because of a hamstring injury.

Team LeBron took command of the game with a 27-8 flurry over the final 3:54 of the second quarter.

Damian Lillard contributed 11 points, Curry seven, Antetokounmpo five and Chris Paul four to go with five assists as they did all the scoring in a burst that turned a one-point lead into a 100-80 halftime advantage.

Antetokounmpo's 16-for-16 game doubled the previous All-Star record of the Philadelphia 76ers' Hal Greer, who made all eight of his shots in the 1968 in-season classic.

For his effort, Antetokounmpo, who was 3-for-3 on 3-pointers, was selected as the game's Most Valuable Player.

Lillard finished with 32 points, Jaylen Brown 22 and Paul George 17 for Team LeBron. Paul added team-highs in assists with 16 and rebounds with eight.

Bradley Beal had 26 points to pace Team Durant.

Kyrie Irving had 24 points and 12 assists in the losing effort, while James Harden and Jayson Tatum chipped in with 21 points, Donovan Mitchell 15 and Zach LaVine 13.

Kawhi Leonard was Team Durant's leading rebounder with nine to complement eight points and eight assists.

INDICATORS

FOREX $1 = P 48.56

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

It's not that I'm so smart, it's just that I stay with problems longer. - Albert Einstein