DUTERTE SIGNS ESTATE TAX AMNESTY EXTENSION

MANILA — President Duterte yesterday signed Republic Act 11569 extending the estate tax amnesty for another two years or until June 14, 2023.

The law amended Section 6 of Republic Act 11213 on the availment of the estate tax amnesty that expired last June 14.

“The executor or administrator of the estate, or if there is no executor or administrator appointed, the legal heirs, transferees or beneficiaries, who wish to avail of the Estate Tax Amnesty shall, within June 15, 2021 until June 14, 2023, file with the Revenue District Office of the Internal Revenue, which has the jurisdiction over the last residence of the decedent, a sworn Estate Tax Amnesty Return, in such forms as may be prescribed in the implementing rules and regulations (IRR),” the provision reads.

“The payment of the amnesty tax shall be made at the time the Return is filed, provided, that the nonresident dependents, the Estate Tax Amnesty Return shall be filed and the corresponding amnesty tax be paid at the Revenue District Office No. 39, or any other Revenue District office which shall be indicated in the IRR,” the new law states.

SC JUNKS PETITION CHALLENGING OMBUDSMAN’S SALN RESTRICTIONS

MANILA — The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition questioning Ombudsman Samuel Martires' memorandum circular limiting access to statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALNs) of public officials.

In a resolution dated February 2 but made public only on Wednesday, the SC en banc denied the petition filed by a certain Louis Biraogo on procedural grounds, saying there was no actual case and that he filed the wrong petition at the wrong court.

Biraogo had sought to secure Vice President Leni Robredo's SALN supposedly to study her office’s use of a mansion in Quezon City which was allegedly paid for using taxpayer’s money.

After receiving no response to his request, he allegedly called the Ombudsman’s office and was verbally told they could not grant his request due to Martires’ memorandum circular.

In September last year, Martires released a memorandum requiring prior written and duly notarized consent of the public official who filed the SALN before it is released to a requesting party.

Biraogo questioned the Ombudsman’s memorandum before the Supreme Court claiming that this violates his constitutional right to information.

But the high court rejected his petition, saying he failed to present an actual case or controversy because there was only an alleged verbal refusal on the part of the Ombudsman to accommodate his request, which it described as a “bare, self-serving and unsubstantiated allegation.”

A YEAR BEFORE DUTERTE STEPS DOWN, PALACE SAYS VOWS KEPT; ACTIVISTS AWAIT 'DAY OF RECKONING'

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday marked the start of his last year as Chief Executive, with Malacañang saying that he delivered on his campaign promises, while activists looked forward to a "day of reckoning" for killings under his administration.

Duterte, who won on a campaign against crime and unleashed a war on drugs upon taking office, remains popular, as consistently seen in surveys, said his spokesman Harry Roque.

He said the President "made inroads" against corruption and red tape, and signed into law the free tuition and universal healthcare bills. As for the country's COVID-19 response, the government is offering free coronavirus tests and vaccines, Roque said.

"Needless to say, marami po tayong nakamit doon sa mga pinangako ni Presidente, lalong-lalo na sa laban sa droga," he said in a press conference.

More than 6,000 people have been killed in over 200,000 anti-drug operations conducted since July 2016, according to official data. Human rights groups estimate the number could be several times higher.

Many suspects have been put on "drug watch lists" by local officials and then visited by police at their homes -- a situation which often ends in a deadly shooting that officers say was self-defense.

Protesters marched in Manila on Wednesday to mark Duterte's last year in office and call on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to proceed with a full inquiry into the alleged crimes against humanity under the drug war.

"The magnitude of the mass murders point to a systematic and organized campaign to do away with due process and rule of law," said BAYAN secretary-general Renato Reyes Jr.

"We say, no more. We do not wish to see an extension of Duterte’s reign of terror beyond 2022. We do not wish to see another six years of brazen disregard for due process and the rule of law. We say no more, to tyranny and abuse of power," he said in a statement.

FDA CHIEF: VERY FEW CATCH COVID-19 AFTER FULL VACCINATION

MANILA — Very few people catch COVID-19 after completing their vaccination, the Philippine drug regulator said on Wednesday, as it sought to allay concerns about whether jabs provide enough protection against the more contagious coronavirus Delta variant.

Indonesia, which has reported record daily cases recently due to a surge in the Delta variant, saw hundreds of medical workers infected by COVID-19 despite being vaccinated with Chinese-made Sinovac shots, officials said earlier this month.

In the Philippines, some 3.7 million people have received at least 1 dose of the Sinovac vaccine as of June 20, said Food and Drug Administration chief Eric Domingo.

In the 4-week interval between their first and second Sinovac shots, 1772 people caught COVID-19. Eleven of them experienced severe symptoms and died, Domingo said in a televised public briefing.

He said among 1.6 million people who have received their second Sinovac jab, only 27 were infected with the novel coronavirus within 14 days, while 33 caught the pathogen 2 weeks from their vaccination. None of them had severe symptoms

"Thirty-three out of 1.6 million is a very, very low percentage," said Domingo.

"Meron pa po na nagkakaroon ng COVID, pero kakaunting-kaunti na lang po, even after the first dose, pero drastically goes down after the second dose," he aded.

AMID PROPOSAL TO ARM CIVILIANS, PNP ORDERS OPS VS PRIVATE ARMIES, LOOSE GUNS

MANILA — Despite pushes to arm civilian volunteers, the Philippine National Police is clamping down on private armies and loose guns around the country, its chief said Thursday.

“I am directing all police offices and units nationwide to intensify operations against private armed groups and loose firearms. We shouldn't just focus on Mindanao but every area in the country,” Police Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said in a statement.

Over 130 armed groups are being monitored in Mindanao alone by authorities, according to the National Task Force on the Disbandment of PAGs.Eleazar said the PNP wants to ensure credible, orderly and peaceful elections in 2022, adding that the police organization is already polishing its security measures for the coming elections.

“Elections are approaching and we know that there are some politicians who use private armed groups for their personal interests, particularly to win their candidacies by force. We will not allow that,” he said.

“Local police offices should intensify their intelligence gathering measures to keep a close eye on all potential private armed groups as well as syndicates involved in gunrunning activities.”

UNEMPLOYMENT, UNDEREMPLOYMENT FURTHER EASE IN MAY: PSA

MANILA - The Philippines’ unemployment rate further eased to 7.7 percent in May from 8.7 percent in April, while underemployment also declined to 12.3 percent from 17.2 percent in April, the state statistics bureau said on Thursday.

The Philippine Statistics Authority said this meant the total number of unemployed individuals 15 years old and over decreased by 408 thousand individuals to 3.73 million from 4.14 million in April.

The PSA said the jobless rate in May was the lowest since March’s 7.1 percent.

The total number of people who had jobs was at 44.72 million in May 2021 or 1.45 million increase in employment from the previous month’s level of 43.27 million, the PSA said.

“The labor force participation rate (LFPR) in May 2021 was placed at 64.6 percent, equivalent to 48.45 million individuals who were either employed or unemployed. This is higher than the LFPR reported in the months of January (60.5 percent), February (63.5 percent), and April (63.2 percent) of 2021.”

May’s underemployment rate was also the lowest reported since January 2021, the agency said.

“In terms of magnitude, about 5.49 million persons were reported underemployed in May 2021. The highest estimate was reported in February 2021 at 7.85 million,” PSA said.

The economy contracted a record 9.6 percent in 2020, and continued shrinking by 4.2 percent in the quarter of the year.

SENATE HEARING ON LUZON POWER SUPPLY SHORTAGES

MANILA — The Senate Committee on Energy on Thursday resumes its hearing on the recent spate of rotational blackouts in Luzon.

The committee's chairman, Sen. Win Gatchalian, in a statement Wednesday said it has been reviewing the performance of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) and its compliance with its obligations under the Constitution, the Electric Power Industry Reform Act, its franchise, and concession agreement.

"There are many things they have to comply with and our review will continue. If they will comply then the franchise should not be moved," Gatchalian said in Filipino.

"We are giving them time to make corrections and if they don’t correct or they don’t comply, that’s the time we will do something more drastic, to the point that the franchise might be revoked."

DENR NAGLUNSAD NG KAMPANYA PARA MAALAGAAN MGA WATERSHED SA BANSA

Katuwang ng ahensya ang JICA o Japan International Cooperation Agency, iba't-ibang local government units at mga pribadong sektor sa "Save Our Watersheds" na layuning paigtingin ang kaalaman ng bawat mamamayan sa kahalagahan ng watershed sa buhay ng tao at kalikasan.

Batay sa datos ng DENR, nasa 130 na watersheds ang nasa kritikal na sitwasyon ngayon at nangangailangan ng agarang rehabilitasyon at proteksyon.

Ayon kay Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu, kailangang maiangat ang antas ng kaalaman ng bawat isa sa kahalagahan ng watershed upang maagapan ang sitwasyon sa 130 critical watersheds.

Binigyang diin din ng kalihim na mahalaga ang papel ng mga puno para maprotektahan ang mga ito.

"Climate change greatly contributes to watershed degradation while human activities are still largely connected to the country's watershed… The watershed can do so [many] things, if you have lot of rain it will prevent flooding possibly, if there are no rains or there are no typhoons the water in the watershed that has the reservoir will now become small streams, small creeks that will run in the river then will go to what we need,” paliwanag ni Cimatu sa event.

HIGIT 500 KASAPI, TAGASUPORTA NG CPP-NPA SA MASBATE SUMUKO

Umabot sa 505 na miyembro at tagasuporta ng Communist Party of the Philippines, New People’s Army at National Democratic Front sa Masbate ang nasa kostodiya ngayon ng militar sa probinsiya.

Ayon kay Capt. John Paul Belleza, tagapagsalita ng 9th Infantry Division ng Philippine Army sa Bicol, sumuko ang mga ito sa militar dalawang linggo matapos ang nangayaring pagpapasabog sa Barangay Anas, Masbate City na ikinamatay ng football player na si Kieth Absalon at pinsang si Nolven Absalon.

Inako ng NPA na sila ang nasa likod ng pagpapasabog.

"Yung assessment natin dito ay after ng incident na inamin ng communist terrorist group na sila talaga ang may kagagawan ng krimen na 'yun, nagkaroon ng atmosphere kung saan 'yung mga Masbateño is nagalit na and even 'yung former rebels na-dissapoint na din kaya maraming sumuko," ani Belleza.

"Sumuko sila voluntarily sa area kung saan meron tayong Community Support Program team na na-deploy sa area kung saan ini-educate nila 'yung community as to the nature ng CTG (communist terrorist group)," aniya.

Ipapasailalim sa mga interbensiyon at iba pang programa ng gobyerno ang mga sumuko.

“Magkakaroon ng evaluation for them and titingnan kung sino 'yung qualified na makatanggap ng financial assistance at iba pang tulong para makapag-bagong buhay." sabi ni Belleza.

Kinasuhan na ng pulisya sa Bicol ang 24 na itinuturong responsable sa pagkamatay ng magpinsang Absalon.

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FULLY VACCINATED MAKATI ELDERLY TO GET INCENTIVES

MANILA — Senior citizens in Makati who have completed their two doses of COVID-19 vaccine will receive incentives from the city government.

In a statement yesterday, Mayor Abby Binay said fully vaccinated senior citizens would receive P1,000 worth of gift certificates.

Binay thanked the elderly residents who have received their two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

“This is a step toward returning to normalcy,” she said.

City hall will announce how the senior citizens will claim the gift certificates.

PNP CHIEF CRACKS WHIP ON COPS WITH MISTRESSES

MANILA — Police officers should stay loyal to their spouses or face the wrath of Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar.

The PNP chief yesterday warned policemen who have mistresses that he will not hesitate to impose sanctions against them.

He said having extramarital affairs is a violation of their code of ethical standards, which should be punished.

In an interview over Teleradyo, he said in Filipino that “if a spouse complains, the police officer may be removed from service if (the allegation) is proven.”

Eleazar issued the answer in response to a question of the perception that some police officers could not save portions of their salaries because they have mistresses.

PNP Internal Affairs Service inspector general Alfegar Triambulo said he has only encountered around two to three cases of police officers getting kicked out of the service because of infidelity since he became IAS chief in 2016.

The cases involved policemen who, apart from cheating on their wives, also physically abused them.

He said in a text message that most of the complainants are only after financial support from the police officers.

CEBU RESUMES COVID-19 VACCINATION

CEBU — The Cebu City government will resume its COVID-19 vaccination today.

Councilor David Tumulak said the vaccination sites at the University of Cebu-Banilad, UC along J. Alcantara street, Robinsons Galleria, SM Seaside and the NOAH Complex would be opened.

The city government suspended its vaccination for almost a week due to a shortage of vaccines.

City health officer-in-charge Jeffrey Ibones reiterated his appeal to the Department of Health-Central Visayas office for more vaccine allocation.

The city government received 5,000 doses yesterday.

FILIPINA RECIPIENT OF THE DIANA AWARD 'EXCITED' FOR FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES

MANILA - Former Ateneo badminton player Shawntel Nicole Martinez Nieto was feted with a global prestigious award named after Britain's Princess Diana.

For organizing a food program that aided communities affected by the pandemic, Nieto was among 400 inspiring young people worldwide honored with The Diana Award 2021.

"I'm definitely at a loss for words still. I feel so much gratitude for the recognition. I'm excited for the opportunity that can come about," she told ANC's "Rundown."

"But I'm also deeply humbled knowing that this award is not a culmination but it’s the start of more things to come hopefully with my work here in the Philippines and perhaps abroad," she added.

Established in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, The Diana Award is "the most prestigious accolade a young person aged 9-25 years can receive for their social action or humanitarian work," according to the charity's website.

Nieto, 25, is the first Filipino recipient of the coveted award. She was nominated by her colleagues under the Global Changemakers Association and the Dalai Lama Fellowship.

To date, the "One Cainta Food Program" that Nieto co-founded has helped 400,000 people and distributed 1.1 million goods in Cainta and 6 other cities.

"We knew there was a need to support our fellow Filipinos and we just wanted to do what we can to try help out," she said.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

ARA MINA, DAVE ALMARINEZ GET MARRIED

Actress Ara Mina and businessman Dave Almarinez got married on Wednesday afternoon in Baguio City.

The two exchanged wedding vows in a ceremony at Alphaland Baguio Mountain Lodges, with close friends and family in attendance.

The couple got engaged in January this year.

Mina, who has a daughter from a previous relationship, has referred to Almarinez as an “answered prayer.”

“Thank you for not giving up on me. You are the reason why we have stronger days together,” Mina told Almarinez in her January announcement of their engagement.

“God led us to each other for a greater purpose. Let us both live it with faith and love,” she said at the time.

Among the celebrities in attendance at their wedding were Mina's sister Cristine Reyes, Jenny Miller, Barbie Imperial, Melissa Ricks, Samantha Bernardo, Jaycee Parker, and Jessa Zaragoza.

Mina, a screen veteran, is currently seen in the ABS-CBN teleserye “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,” while Almarinez is the president and CEO of the state-run Philippine International Trading Corporation.

BRANDON BOYD UNVEILS ART COLLAB WITH HEART EVANGELISTA

Brandon Boyd has finally unveiled his art collaboration with Heart Evangelista.

In an Instagram post on Tuesday, the Incubus frontman posted photos from his newest project for Moonlight Arts Collective, which includes his own work and a painting by Evangelista.

Founded by Boyd, Moonlight Arts Collective is described as a place for "hand-signed, limited art from cultural icons who draw, paint, photograph, and moonlight as visual artists."

"See a new collective art project I've been concocting with some great co-conspirators!" said the singer-songwriter, who is also a visual artist.

Another painting by Evangelista was shown on Instagram Stories by Moonlight Arts Collective, which means the actress shared at least two artworks for the collaboration.

Evangelista teased an "art project" with Boyd last May by sharing a screengrab of a video call with the Incubus frontman and two other personalities.

The actress, who has been painting since she was a child, has been known for her artworks featuring melancholic women.

She has held exhibits both in the Philippines and abroad, with her paintings also seen on designer bags, gowns, and accessories, to name a few.

SPORTS

NBA SCORES JUNE 29

FINAL

1          2          3          4          T

3 Bucks2-2       22        16        24        26        88

5 Hawks2-2       25        26        36        23        110

GAME 4: SERIES TIED 2-2, STATE FARM ARENA, ATLANTA, GA

SCORING LEADERS

J. Holiday MIL

19 PTS 5 REB 9 AST

L. Williams ATL

21 PTS 5 REB 8 AST

INDICATORS

FOREX $1 = P 48.80

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Men do not desire to be rich, but to be richer than other men. - John Stuart Mill