PHILIPPINES GETS 2.28 MILLION MORE PFIZER DOSES

MANILA — The Philippines on Thursday night received 2.28 million doses of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine from the COVAX Facility, marking the arrival of the biggest shipment yet of the jabs in the country.

An Air Hongkong plane carrying the doses landed at the Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay around 8:47 p.m., per News5.

The Philippines got its first ever supply of Pfizer's vaccine in May of about 193,000 doses. Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said the newly arrived will be given to those in the A1 to A3 priority list, or health workers, senior citizens, and those with comorbidities.

The Freeman has reported that Cebu also received 210,000 Pfizer doses tonight at the Mactan Cebu International Airport, while 111,150 doses went to Davao. The three metropolitan areas — Metro Manila, Metro Cebu and Metro Davao, are so far the only areas in the country with capability for storing the said jabs.

The Philippines has administered over 6.31 doses of COVID-19 vaccine as of June 8, according to official figures. That would amount to 1.68 million Filipinos fully vaccinated, while 4.63 million have received their first dose.

G7 TO PROVIDE 1 BILLION COVID-19 VACCINE DOSES ‘TO WORLD’ BY 2023

G7 leaders will agree to expand global COVID vaccine manufacturing to provide at least one billion doses to the world through sharing and financing schemes, Britain said Thursday.

The UK, which is hosting the big powers' gathering in southwest England, added it would donate at least 100 million surplus doses within the next year, including five million beginning in the coming weeks.

The commitment follows growing calls for richer countries to step up their efforts to share COVID-19 shots with less developed nations, with charities warning the current situation is leading to "vaccine apartheid".

Britain, which has orders for more than 400 million doses, has faced criticism for failing to begin making donations to poorer countries.

But on the eve of welcoming world leaders from the group of seven wealthy nations to their first summit in almost two years, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson vowed that would soon change.

"As a result of the success of the UK's vaccine program we are now in a position to share some of our surplus doses with those who need them," he said.

"In doing so we will take a massive step towards beating this pandemic for good.

"At the G7 Summit I hope my fellow leaders will make similar pledges so that, together, we can vaccinate the world by the end of next year and build back better from coronavirus."

DUTERTE TO ATTEND INDEPENDENCE DAY RITES

MANILA — President Duterte will personally attend the commemoration activities for the country’s Independence Day on Saturday, presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr said yesterday.

“The President will personally attend the commemoration of Independence Day, which will be held outside Metro Manila, but I’m not at liberty to say where for security reasons,” Roque said.

“Our message is that Filipinos, even from the start, are ready to lay down their lives for the freedom of the nation,” he added.

Duterte did not attend the Independence Day rites in Rizal Park last year as part of measures to protect the Chief Executive from COVID-19. He however paid tribute to the modern-day heroes – doctors and heathcare workers – at the forefront of the government’s fight against the coronavirus.

When he attended the rites in 2018 in Cavite, the President was heckled by members of left-leaning groups who managed to join the crowd.

As he was heckled, Duterte said the Constitution guarantees the freedom of the press, freedom of assembly and freedom of expression. He then asked the police to deal with the protestors peacefully and to exercise maximum tolerance, adding “we cannot agree at all times for all seasons but at least we have this exercise, once every six years, to elect the leader of the country.”

Meanwhile in Japan, Hard Rock Café branches in Tokyo and Yokohama are offering a Filipino menu for the whole month of June, in celebration of the 123rd anniversary of the proclamation of the Philippine independence

Hard Rock Roppongi, Ueno and Yokohama are participating in the Eats More Fun in the Philippines campaign called “Meet Philippines,” offering the chicken inasal sandwich, pansit bihon, and banana turon with mango sauce.

ON INDEPENDENCE DAY, COMMUTERS CAN GET FREE MRT RIDES

To celebrate the country’s Independence Day, the Metro Rail Transit is giving free rides to commuters who will ride the railway during the rush or peak hours tomorrow.

MRT-Line 3 on Thursday announced that those who will ride the railway from 7 a.m to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on June 12 do not need to pay for their fares.

It is the transportation department’s way to commemorate the country’s 123rd anniversary of the proclamation of Independence Day.

MRT-3 is the railway that follows the route of the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue or EDSA, the metro’s main thoroughfare.

'VACCINE SHOTS, NOT GUNSHOTS': JUDGE CALLS FOR CEASEFIRE BETWEEN GOV'T, REDS AFTER MASBATE BLAST

MANILA - A judge is calling for a ceasefire between state forces and communist rebels after the Masbate landmine explosion that killed a union leader and football player.

"I'm personally calling for a ceasefire while we have this pandemic, even if the peace talks have collapsed," Naga City RTC Branch 61 Judge Soliman Santos Jr. told ANC's "Rundown".

"Let's have vaccine shots and not gunshots. In fact, maybe we can extend the vaccination to the mass base or guerrilla zones of the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front)," he added.

For the judge, no one is safe until everyone gets inoculated against the respiratory illness.

"Maybe, those in power on both sides can give some consideration to this call as one way of learning from this sad experience of the Masbate incident victimizing the Absalon family," added Santos, who is also an editorial board member of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

CHIEF JUSTICE GESMUNDO HOLDS PRESS CONFERENCE

MANILA — Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo will be taking questions from the members of the press covering the Judiciary on Friday.

This will be the first time Gesmundo will be facing the media in a virtual press conference, entitled “SC in Focus: Towards a Technology-Driven Judiciary,” since he was appointed to the high court in April.

Gesmundo is the 27th chief justice of the country. He is President Rodrigo Duterte’s fourth chief justice pick and will reach retirement age in November 2026.

He took over the post vacated by Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta who retired a year early.

The change of leadership at the Judiciary came weeks after the SC condemned attacks on the legal profession. He is is also taking the helm of the Judiciary as it deliberates on the 37 legal challenges filed against the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, one of the most contested laws in the country.

The press conference coincides with the 120th anniversary of the Supreme Court.

Watch the press conference LIVE starting 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 11.

'CORRUPTION ENSUES': GATCHALIAN HAS 'GRAVE RESERVATIONS' OVER GOV'T TAKEOVER OF POWER GRID

MANILA - Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Friday said he has reservations on the proposal to give back to government the control over the country's power grid.

Sec. Alfonso Cusi of the Department of Energy gave the proposal during Thursday's hearing of Gatchalian's Committee on Energy. The hearing looked into the recent power outages due to the low power supply in the Luzon grid.

While the senator commended Cusi for coming up with "comprehensive solutions," such as reviewing the franchise of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, a private company that operates and maintains the state-owned power grid, he said he has reservations in government taking back control.

"I have a lot of reservations, grave reservations in government stepping back into business because when government steps into business, corruption ensues and that’s for sure. The whole reason why the government moved out of the power sector is because of corruption," Gatchalian told ANC's Headstart.

He said he is more "open" to strengthening DOE and the Energy Regulatory Commission by giving them more power and bigger budget to perform their mandate.

TOURIST SPOTS, RESORTS SA BAYAN NG NAVAL SARADO SA ARAW NG KALAYAAN

Ipinag-utos ng lokal na pamahalaan ng bayan ng Naval sa Biliran ang pagpapasara sa lahat ng tourist destinations sa munisipalidad sa Sabado, Hunyo 12, 2021, Araw ng Kalayaan, dahil pa rin sa banta ng COVID-19.

Nakapaloob ang naturang kautusan sa Executive Order No. 017 na pinirmahan ni Mayor Gerard Roger Espina nitong Biyernes.

“Whereas due to the imminent threat of COVID-19 infections in the Province of Biliran and by prudence, a closure of tourist destinations and resorts must be resorted to curb the spread of infections," ayon sa EO.

COVID-19 TASK FORCE ALLOWS GYMS, MUSEUMS TO REOPEN IN METRO MANILA PLUS

MANILA — The inter-agency task force leading the country’s COVID-19 response said on Friday it allowed the reopening of gyms, museums, and other establishments in Metro Manila and surrounding Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal provinces.

The IATF, in its meeting on Thursday, gave green light to the indoor non-contact sports venues in the NCR Plus area at 30 percent of their capacity, said Malacañang ang task force spokesman Harry Roque.

These establishments —including gyms, fitness studios, skating rinks, and racket sports courts—must have Safety Seal Certifications, he said in a statement.

The coronavirus task force also allowed the reopening of historical sites and museums in NCR Plus at 20 percent venue capacity, Roque said.

They must follow health and safety protocols and have the approval of their respective local government units, he said.

"Guided tours in these historical sites and museums, however, remain prohibited," added the Palace official.

Home to some 24 million people, the NCR Plus area is under general community quarantine "with restrictions" until June 15.

TUITION HIKES LOOM DUE TO TAX HIKE, SAYS GROUP

MANILA - A looming 150 percent increase in corporate income tax for private schools will lead to tuition hikes if not the shutdown of schools, a group of private schools warned Friday.

The Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations of the Philippines warned that more private schools may shut down following the issuance of BIR's Revenue Regulation 5-2021, which increases the tax rate for proprietary educational institutions from 10 to 25 percent.

"Sigurado (Certainly), the cost of education will go up... Kung hindi man magsara (If it will not close down), it will drive the cost higher," Cocopea managing director Joseph Noel Estrada told Teleradyo's "Sakto".

Data from the Department of Education as of September 2020 showed that nearly 900 private schools had suspended their operations due to the pandemic, when many families struggled financially.

Cocopea, which represents about 2,500 private schools and education stakeholders, has asked the Court of Tax Appeals to stop the implementation of the BIR regulation.

The petitioners opposed a provision in RR No. 5-2021 which inserted the phrase "non-profit" in the definition of PEIs. They argued that the new BIR regulation was inconsistent with Sec. 27 (B) of the Tax Code because the term "non-profit" only pertained to hospitals.

Several senators have also urged the BIR to rescind the policy, which is feared to lead to more school closures.

Malacañang, however, said it supports the BIR regulation, saying it followed the original definition of the Tax Code when it crafted the new ruling.

TAGLE GETS ANOTHER VATICAN POST

MANILA — Pope Francis on Wednesday appointed former Manila archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle to a new post in the Vatican, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) reported yesterday.

In an article, the CBCP said the pope named Tagle as a new member of the Congregation for the Eastern Churches, which supports the Eastern Catholic churches around the world.

“As prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples or Propaganda Fide, which oversees the church’s vast ‘mission territories,’ Tagle’s new appointment was not surprising,” CBCP said.

With his new post, the CBCP said that Tagle will work with Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, who has been prefect of the Congregation for Eastern Churches since 2014.

Formerly known as Congregation for Oriental Churches, the Congregation for Eastern Churches was established by Pope Pius IX in 1862 as part of the Propaganda Fide. It was later declared by Pope Benedict XV as independent in 1917, and in the same year was renamed to the Congregation for Eastern Churches.

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'KABILAANG KASALAN, BIRTHDAY': MASS GATHERINGS BLAMED FOR COVID-19 SPREAD IN BARMM

MANILA - The health ministry of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on Friday attributed the spike in COVID-19 cases in their area to mass gatherings like weddings and birthday celebrations.

Director General Dr. Amirel Usman of BARMM's Ministry of Health said discouraging people from social gatherings is a challenge since many still do not believe in COVID-19.

"Marami pa ring gatherings ang nangyayari dito sa amin. However po, ang BARMM government ay tinututulan natin na magkaroon ng gatherings but for the past one month ay talagang nakikita nating may mga birthday kabilaan, may kasalan at ibang events,” said Usman.

Aside from weddings and birthdays, people also pay last respects to those who died which also contributes to the possible spread of the virus.

"Minsan po yung namamatay na yun COVID positive or COVID suspect so hindi na po natin natetest," he said.

There were also government-related events like meetings which may cause infection.

In an interview on TeleRadyo, Usman said they have recorded 97 new cases last Thursday which brings the total number of confirmed infections in BARMM to 7,432.

“Pinakamaraming kasong naitala pa rin sa Lanao del Sur, sumusunod po ang Cotabato City, pumapangatlo ang Maguindanao, followed by Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi,” he said.

Of the total confirmed cases, Usman said 273 have died while the positivity rate is 14 percent.

“For the past 2 weeks, nakatala kami ng 12.6 percent increase ng aming kaso so right now ang BARMM nasa moderate risk,” he said.

COVID-19 TASK FORCE LIFTS STAY-AT-HOME RULE FOR FULLY VACCINATED SENIORS IN SOME AREAS

MANILA — The inter-agency task force leading the country’s COVID-19 response said on Friday it eased restrictions for fully vaccinated senior citizens in areas under the two loosest lockdown levels.

The IATF "allowed the movement of fully vaccinated senior citizens in areas under General Community Quarantine and Modified General Community Quarantine," Malacañang and task force spokesman Harry Roque said in a statement.

"Puwede nang lumabas si lolo’t lola… Kaya mga lolo, lola, kung naiinip na sa bahay, magpabakuna na po tayo," he added in a taped message.

Elderly individuals who have completed the inoculation process must present their COVID-19 vaccination card and observe health protocols, said Roque.

Interzonal travel is still prohibited for fully vaccinated seniors, "except for point-to-point travel," he said.

MASBATE VICE MAYOR ARRESTED OVER 2019 SLAY OF VICE MAYOR

MANILA — The incumbent vice mayor of Batuan town in Masbate has been arrested over the 2019 killing of then town Vice Mayor Charlie Yuson III.

Authorities said they arrested Nelson Cambaya, 58, in Barangay Quinapagian, Mercedes, Camarines Norte at around 5 p.m., Thursday.

Cambaya is facing charges of frustrated murder and murder. Bail is set at P200,000 for the first charge, while no bail is recommended for the second charge.

Cambaya is alleged to be one of the gunmen who killed Yuson and is among the seven ordered arrested by a Manila court over the slay.

The court also ordered the arrest of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office board member Sandra Cam, who had surrendered herself to authorities.

Yuson was shot dead while having breakfast in an eatery in Sampaloc, Manila on Oct. 10, 2019. His companion, Alberto Alforte IV, was wounded in the attack.

Yuson’s wife, Lalaine, accused Cam, their family’s political rival, of masterminding his death.

Cam has denied any involvement in Yuson’s death.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

BEA, JOHN LLOYD AND CGM MET UP VIRTUALLY; HERE’S WHAT THEY’RE WORKING ON

MANILA — Bea Alonzo and John Lloyd Cruz met virtually with their long-time collaborator Cathy Garcia-Molina on Wednesday, for the restoration of their 2010 film “Miss You like Crazy.”

A screenshot of the Zoom session was shared on Instagram by Leo Katigbak, head of ABS-CBN Film Restoration Project or Sagip Pelikula.

Katigbak and “Miss You Like Crazy” screenwriter Vanessa Valdez were also part of the meeting.

“Candid moment. The last time the 5 of us were together was for a ‘One More Chance’ special recording. That time, it was over Italian food and face-to-face,” Katigbak wrote, referring to a previous collaboration.

“We have to settle for Zoom for now but it doesn’t make the moment any less special. It was a wonderful Wednesday indeed.”

In her own Instagram Stories update, where she shared Katigbak’s photo, Valdez thanked the ABS-CBN executive for “restoring and preserving our films, and for finding a way to make our lives intersect once again.”

“It may have been brief and fleeting, like ferries passing each other on the Pasig River. But truly meaningful and transformative. Like the friendship, connection and love Mia and Allan found in each other,” she said, referring to the characters of Cruz and Alonzo in the movie.

“Miss You Like Crazy” is the latest restored film by Sagip Pelikula that is slated for a digital release.

Its premiere date has yet to be announced.

Katigbak did not yet share details of the meeting, and whether the virtual reunion will be shown as a primer for the restored version’s release, similar to Sagip Pelikula’s previous offerings.

SPORTS

NBA SCORES JUNE 9

FINAL

1          2          3          4          T

3 Nuggets0-2    21        21        25        31        98

2 Suns2-0         25        27        34        37        123

GAME 2: PHO LEADS 2-0, PHOENIX SUNS ARENA, PHOENIX, AZ

SCORING LEADERS

N. Jokic DEN

24 PTS 13 REB 6 AST

D. Booker PHO

18 PTS 10 REB 2 AST

INDICATORS

FOREX $1 = P 47.76

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Do the thing you fear and the death of fear is certain. - Ralph Waldo Emerson