1.5M MORE DOSES OF SINOVAC COVID-19 VACCINES ARRIVE IN PH
The Philippines on Friday welcomed 1.5 million more doses of the COVID-19 vaccine that it purchased from Chinese pharmaceutical company Sinovac.
The delivery, on board a Cebu Pacific plane from Beijing, arrived at 7:59 a.m. at NAIA Terminal 2, Pasay City.
Health Sec. Francisco Duque III and vaccine czar Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr. were at the airport to receive the vaccine package.
The doses will then be transported to a refrigerated storage in Marikina.
Including Friday's batch, there are now 5 million CoronaVac vaccines that have arrived in the country, based on government numbers shown in ABS-CBN News' vaccine tracker.
ALARM RAISED OVER DUTERTE'S 'PIECE OF PAPER' REMARK ON PHILIPPINES' ARBITRAL WIN
MANILA — Maritime law expert Jay Batongbacal sounded the alarm on President Rodrigo Duterte’s remarks comparing the Philippines’ award in the West Philippine Sea arbitration to a piece of paper he will throw away.
In a tweet video report by News5, Batongbacal noted Duterte’s statement echoed what China said when it lost in the international tribunal in 2016. “Nakakabahala po iyan (That is worrying),” he said.
“Nakakalungkot na madinig na kung sino pa yung nanalo siya pa yung nagpawalang bahala sa kung gaano kahalaga itong sinasabi niyang papel na ito… Nakakabahala po iyan,” Batongbacal, currently a University of the Philippines College of Law professor, said.
Referring to the Philippines’ win, Duterte said on Wednesday night in Filipino: “That paper in reality between nations, that paper is nothing. Whoever is tough, the United States, the United Kingdom, they can do whatever they want. We won. When I came into office the ships where already in the West Philippine Sea, Chinese boats, we have nothing.”
He added that he “pursued” the arbitral ruling but “nothing happened.”
But Batongbacal noted that in the past years, Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam, referred to this arbitral award as basis to challenge the excessive claims of China.
“It is not right that who won is the one saying that this is just all trash,” he added.
Rep. Manuel Cabochan III (Magdalo party-list) also slammed Duterte’s “defeatist stance” on the West Philippine Sea.
A former Philippine Navy officer, Cabochan said the president’s remarks “are detrimental to our claims. Instead of protecting our rights and territory, he turns into a lawyer for China.”
"Duterte is out of his mind. The arbitration win of the Philippines is not just a piece is paper. It is a legal affirmation of what is ours; an affirmation that China's claims are baseless and illegal," he added.
DUTERTE CHALLENGES CARPIO FOR DEBATE
In the same speech that aired Wednesday night, Duterte also challenged retired Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, part of the Philippine delegation in the West Philippine Sea arbitration, to a debate.
The president said in Filipino: “Supreme Court justice, we’re both lawyers. You want a debate? I have two, three questions. Who ordered the retreat? And what did you do after the retreat. Filed a case. Then won. But can we enforce it?”
In a statement, Carpio responded to Duterte: “I gladly accept the challenge anytime at the president’s convenience.”
The Philippine Bar Association, the oldest private organization of lawyers in the country, offered to host the debates between Duterte and Carpio. The PBA added that the Filipino "public will benefit immensely from a frank and straighforward discussion on a matter that affects the entire citizenry."
"The PBA will provide a balanced arena fit for two lawyers of eminent stature and experience to dispassionately discuss the core issues relating to the dispute on the West Philippine Sea. The PBA stands ready to provide this forum for free and at no cost to either parties conformably with its staunch advocacy to promote the Rule of Law," the PBA also said.
CARPIO ACCEPTS DUTERTE DEBATE DARE ON WEST PH ISSUE, URGES PRESIDENT TO RESIGN
MANILA — Retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio on Thursday accepted President Rodrigo Duterte’s challenge to a debate on the West Philippine Sea issue and urged the chief executive to resign immediately for making a false claim about him.
Duterte recently sought to blame the administration of his predecessor, former president Benigno Aquino III, for the loss of Scarborough Shoal in 2012 following a standoff with China. On Wednesday night, he dared Carpio to debate on the issue.
"I gladly accept the challenge anytime at the President’s convenience," Carpio said in a statement to the media.
The President also alleged that Carpio and former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario were involved in the withdrawal of Philippine ships from Scarborough Shoal eight years ago. Duterte offered to resign if proven he is lying.
Both Carpio and Del Rosario were part of the Philippine team that pursued an arbitration case against China over incursions into the country's exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea in 2013, which led to a ruling that invalidated China's 9-dash line claim in 2016, shortly after Duterte became President.
On Wednesday night, Duterte, who has been cozying up to China, called this ruling just a piece of paper.
"President Duterte should now resign immediately to keep his word of honor," Carpio said, issuing a swift rebuttal.
"I state under oath that I was never involved in the decision to withdraw Philippine Navy ships from the West Philippine Sea during the 2012 Scarborough standoff. I was serving in the Supreme Court at that time and all I knew about the withdrawal of Philippine Navy ships was what I read in the newspapers," he said.
Almost a decade later, Chinese vessels continue to encroach into the Philippines' EEZ in the waters.
Del Rosario and Carpio said Duterte "unfortunately" set aside the arbitration ruling in exchange for up to $24 billion in Chinese investment and aid pledges.
'TSINA ANG PANALO DITO': IBP CALLS FOR DIALOGUE INSTEAD OF DEBATE ON WEST PH SEA ISSUE
MANILA - A dialogue between administration officials and various sectors on the West Philippine Sea will do the country good than a debate between President Rodrigo Duterte and retired Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, a lawyers' group said Friday.
"A debate is healthy but at this time mas maganda siguro unahin muna 'yong dayalogo at diskusyon na wala munang nakatutok na mga camera para maiwasan 'yong pamumulitika o grandstanding o kaya'y hindi pagkakaunawaan," Integrated Bar of the Philippines president Domingo Egon Cayosa told Teleradyo.
For Cayosa, a debate will not solve the country's maritime dispute with China. It may result to further confusion on the public, he added.
"Tuwang-tuwa ang Tsina pag-debate tayo ng debate. Tuwang-tuwa ang Tsina kung nag-aaway ang ating mga leaders at iba't ibang sektor kasi nga watak-watak tayo," he said.
He added, "Ang panalo dito Tsina. Tsina ang panalo kasi tuwang-tuwa sila na 'yong ating mga leaders at iba't ibang sektor nag-aaway habang ang Tsina unified ang kanilang intention to grab what is legally ours."
Should there be a dialogue on the issue on the West Philippine Sea, it should be inclusive, Cayosa said.
"This is not a fight between 2 persons. This is the interest of our country," he said.
BANGKO SENTRAL 'STUDYING' CENTRAL BANK-ISSUED DIGITAL CURRENCY, SAYS DEPUTY GOV
MANILA - The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is "studying" central bank-issued digital currencies and comparing notes with its counterparts to see its viability, an official said Friday.
The use of cryptocurrencies in central banks is "not a race" as the interest of public safety and a reliable payment system are their "overarching policy objective," BSP Deputy Governor Mert Tangonan told ANC.
"Cryptocurrency, or CBDC (central bank-issued digital currency), we have a technical working group that is studying, that has done research on CBDC and we are also comparing notes with other jurisdictions in the region," Tangonan said.
"And yes, it is very much in our horizon to see how and when it’s best to make this available," he added.
Cryptocurrencies have gained popularity in recent years as well as the supposedly immutable ledger called blockchain.
Many users globally are trading cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, but many are also wary of the virtual money because of its volatility.
12 PINOY SA MV ATHENS BRIDGE MULA INDIA NAGPOSITIBO SA COVID-19
MANILA - Labindalawa mula sa 21 Pilipino na nakasakay sa MV Athens Bridge mula India ang nagpositibo sa COVID-19.
Dalawa sa 12 rito ang nasa kritikal na kondisyon at nasa medical facility na. Ang natitirang 10 ay hinatiran ng mga medical equipment sa loob ng barko para doon muna mag-quarantine.
Umalis ang barko sa India noong Abril 22 at dumating sa Vietnam Mayo a-uno para sa RT-PCR test. Dito nalaman na positibo ang 12 tripulante ng MV Athens Bridge.
Kahapon, Mayo 6, natanggap ng Philippine Coast Guard ang hiling ng kapitan ng barko para sa isang medical evacuation ng crew members nito.
Dumaong ang barko sa OSS Port of Manila.
Sinigurado ring walang ibang barko o bangka na makalalapit sa MV Athens Bridge.
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PH REPORTS 6,637 NEW COVID-19 CASES, 191 ADD'L DEATHS
MANILA — The Philippines on Thursday reported 6,637 additional COVID-19 cases, pushing the country's total to over 1.080 million, according to the health department.
The country now has a total recorded 1,080,172 coronavirus infections, of which, 63,170 or 5.8 percent are active.
According to the Department of Health (DOH), the relatively low number of COVID-19 infections announced was due to the "low number" of samples received on Tuesday for testing.
There were 44,997 people who underwent testing on the said date, of which 14.7 percent were found positive for the disease.
Total recoveries rose to 999,011, with 6,091 more people who recuperated from the disease. The total accounts for 92.5 percent of the country's overall tally.
COVID-related fatalities climbed to 17,991, with 191 newly-announced deaths, the highest in over 3 weeks, according to the ABS-CBN Investigative and Research Group.
MAKATI TO LAUNCH DRIVE-THROUGH VACCINATION TODAY
MANILA — The Makati City government is set to launch its drive-through COVID-19 vaccination program today to serve residents who are persons with disabilities (PWDs) and bedridden individuals, Mayor Abby Binay said yesterday.
Around 100 persons will receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine while in their vehicles during a dry run at the Ayala Malls Circuit today.
The city government also vowed to provide service vehicles for those who do not own cars but want to avail themselves of drive-through vaccination.
Like the usual vaccination sites, potential vaccine recipients at drive-through vaccination sites would also undergo screening, counseling and monitoring, but they would no longer get out of their cars.
Binay said the city government came up with the idea of drive-through COVID-19 vaccination “in response to numerous requests from PWDs and families with a bedridden member.”
“We understand the predicament of those who have no means of transportation or are physically unable to go through regular procedure,” she added.
ARREST ORDER VS FACE MASK 'VIOLATORS' PRONE TO RIGHTS ABUSES: CHR, MAKABAYAN BLOC
MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte's latest order to arrest and detain Filipinos caught improperly wearing face masks could lead to possible human rights abuses, the Commission on Human Rights and the Makabayan bloc in Congress said Thursday, with the latter urging the chief executive to backtrack on the policy.
"Magbubunga na naman ito ng katakot-takot na arrests at paglabag sa karapatan ng mga mamamayan. Sobrang napakalaking parusa ito sa mga tao. Sa halip na arestuhin, magbigay ng face mask," ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro said in a virtual presser.
The Commission on Human Rights raised the same concern as well.
"In the absence of clear guidelines, we are concerned that such directive may be prone to excessive discretion and abuse," said CHR spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia.
"Given the overcrowded conditions of jails and other detention facilities in the Philippines, detention may not be sound in preventing the further spread of COVID-19 in communities," she added.
De Guia said "intensive education and information campaigns" and "not fear" will result in better compliance with safety protocols.
"We may be in quarantine due to the pandemic, but rights should not be on lockdown," she said, even as she reiterated "the need for everyone to observe health protocols during the pandemic, including the proper wearing of face masks."
Duterte on Wednesday instructed police to arrest people who do not wear their anti-virus masks properly.
“My orders to the police are, those who are not wearing their masks properly, in order to protect the public . . . arrest them and detain them, investigate them why they are doing it,” Duterte said in a taped speech.
ELEAZAR APPOINTMENT AS PNP CHIEF WELCOMED
MANILA — The country’s leaders welcomed with high hopes and expectations yesterday the appointment of Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar as the 26th Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, even if his tenure ends in just six months.
Malacañang said President Duterte has high expectations of the incoming PNP chief, whose capabilities to lead the country’s 220,000-strong police force are a cause for optimism.
“We greet police Lt. General Guillermo Eleazar on his appointment as the next chief of our national police. The President and the people have high expectations of you,” presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said at a press briefing.
MANDALUYONG LIFTS LIQUOR BAN
MANILA — After over a month, Mandaluyong City has lifted its liquor ban despite the extension of the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) in Metro Manila.
In an ordinance enacted on May 3 and made public on Wednesday night, the city government lifted the ban on the sale and delivery of liquor during the ECQ and MECQ, “provided that the necessary health protocols mandated by the IATF are properly observed,” referring to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.
The ordinance stated that the city government wanted to help local businesses involved in liquor retail and wholesale recoup their losses during the almost seven-week prohibition due to the imposition of ECQ and MECQ.
Under the ordinance, once a spike in COVID-19 infections occurs, the mayor may ask the city council to reimpose the liquor ban.
TRB’S 3-STRIKE POLICY STARTS MAY 15
MANILA — The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) will penalize RFID users who insist on using tollways’ cashless lanes despite insufficient load starting on May 15.
The TRB’s stricter regulation prescribes that violators receive a warning on the first and second offenses. On the third offense, the motorist’s driver’s license would be confiscated and they will be fined P1,000.
The three-strike policy is “timely. We are just trying to give justice and fairness to many responsible and compliant RFID subscribers who are inconvenienced by the irresponsibility of the few who would not want to load or who would not want to be responsible subscribers,” TRB spokesman Julius Corpuz said in an interview aired over CNN Philippines on Wednesday.
ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE
GOLDEN GLOBES ORGANIZERS APPROVE CHANGES ON DIVERSITY, ETHICS
The membership of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the group that hands out the annual Golden Globe awards for television and film, on Thursday approved widespread changes designed to diversify its ranks and address ethics complaints.
Steps include hiring a chief diversity officer, emphasizing recruitment of Black journalists, and widening the pool of potential applicants for the group of foreign entertainment journalists.
The organization also voted to add at least 20 new members to the current 87 this year and to expand its roster by 50% over the next 18 months.
The board of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) proposed the changes earlier this week and its membership approved them on Thursday.
"Today's overwhelming vote to reform the association reaffirms our commitment to change," HFPA President Ali Sar said in a statement.
The moves follow an investigation published in February by the Los Angeles Times that noted there were no Black people currently in the HFPA.
The newspaper also raised long-standing ethical questions over the close relationships between the HFPA and movie studios that may influence the choice of Golden Globe nominees and winners.
The controversy overshadowed the Golden Globes ceremony in February, one of the major Hollywood award shows each year leading up to the Oscars.
The new rules require that HFPA members stop accepting promotional items from film and TV studios and that the group post a public list of members with links to their work.
"We understand that the hard work starts now," Sar said. "We remain dedicated to becoming a better organization and an example of diversity, transparency and accountability in the industry."
SPORTS
NBA SCORES MAY 5
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Celtics35-31 39 24 37 32 132
Magic21-45 27 18 30 21 96
SCORING LEADERS
K. Walker BOS
32 PTS 3 REB 4 AST
M. Wagner ORL
20 PTS 4 REB
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Trail Blazers37-29 29 38 35 39 141
Cavaliers21-45 28 29 23 25 105
SCORING LEADERS
D. Lillard POR
32 PTS 3 REB 9 AST
K. Love CLE
18 PTS 8 REB 2 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Grizzlies33-32 33 40 34 32 139
Timberwolves20-46 29 34 40 32 135
SCORING LEADERS
J. Morant MEM
37 PTS 4 REB 10 AST
A. Edwards MIN
42 PTS 6 REB 7 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
76ers45-21 39 36 33 27 135
Rockets16-50 30 33 28 24 115
SCORING LEADERS
J. Embiid PHI
34 PTS 12 REB 2 AST
K. Olynyk HOU
27 PTS 11 REB 8 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Suns47-19 38 27 23 15 103
Hawks37-30 42 25 30 38 135
SCORING LEADERS
D. Booker PHO
30 PTS 3 REB 5 AST
C. Capela ATL
18 PTS 10 REB
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Kings29-37 30 26 29 19 104
Pacers30-35 26 21 21 25 93
SCORING LEADERS
M. Bagley III SAC
31 PTS 12 REB
D. Sabonis IND
17 PTS 13 REB 8 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Wizards30-36 37 34 24 39 134
Bucks42-24 29 42 32 32 135
SCORING LEADERS
B. Beal WAS
42 PTS 4 REB 3 AST
J. Holiday MIL
29 PTS 5 REB 6 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Knicks37-29 12 31 26 28 97
Nuggets44-22 34 30 25 24 113
SCORING LEADERS
I. Quickley NY
18 PTS 3 REBN. Jokic DEN
32 PTS 12 REB 6 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Spurs31-34 26 16 21 31 94
Jazz48-18 38 28 34 26 126
SCORING LEADERS
L. Samanic SA
15 PTS 5 REB 1 AST
J. Clarkson UTA
30 PTS 6 REB 4 AST
INDICATORS
FOREX $1 = P 47.98
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
He who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead; his eyes are closed. - Albert Einstein
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