PALACE SAYS 'NO ONE CAN DIMINISH' PH ARBITRAL WIN THAT CHINA CALLS 'WASTEPAPER'

MANILA — Malacañang said on Wednesday “no one can diminish” the 5-year-old arbitral award that junked Beijing's claims to the West Philippine Sea, despite China's recent remark that the award was a piece of “wastepaper.”

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian, on the fifth anniversary of the ruling on Monday, said that the arbitration award was “illegal, null and void.”

“It is nothing more than a piece of wastepaper,” he said at a press briefing, quoted by multiple news reports.

In response, Palace spokesman Harry Roque quoted President Rodrigo Duterte's remark in September last year before the United Nations General Assembly, where he said the Philippines “firmly reject[s] attempts to undermine” the ruling.

“The President in the UN said it forms part of international law, and no one can diminish that,” Roque said in a press briefing.

PHILIPPINES WELCOMES US SUPPORT FOR 2016 ARBITRAL AWARD, REAFFIRMATION OF MDT

MANILA — The Philippines' top diplomat welcomed the open support of longtime ally the United States for the 2016 arbitral ruling on the South China Sea, as well as its reaffirmation of its commitment to the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty.

During the Special ASEAN-US Foreign Ministers' Meeting on Wednesday (Manila time), Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. stressed that the five-year-old arbitral award is binding international law.

The Hague-based United Nations-backed tribunal sided with the Philippines, invalidating China's expansive claims in the South China Sea, part of which is the Philippine Sea.

"As such, it contributes to the rules-based order in ASEAN and benefits all the countries that use the vital artery that is the South China Sea. The rest is bluster," Locsin said.

The DFA chief also stressed that the landmark ruling is the "most authoritative application of UNCLOS on the maritime entitlements of features in the South China Sea."

On the fifth anniversary of the Hague ruling, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed Washington's July 13, 2020 policy branding Beijing's claims to offshore resources in the contested waterway as "completely unlawful."

“We also reaffirm that an armed attack on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft in the South China Sea would invoke US mutual defense commitments under Article IV of the 1951 US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty,” Blinken added.

PHILIPPINES LIFTS TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF OFW DEPLOYMENT TO ISRAEL

MANILA — The Philippines on Wednesday lifted the temporary suspension of the deployment of overseas Filipino workers to Israel more than two months since the policy was imposed amid the violence that erupted then in the Gaza Strip.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III ordered the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Israel to lift the temporary suspension effective immediately.

According to a memorandum addressed to Labor Attache Rodolfo Gabasan, the temporary deployment suspension which took effect on May 20, 2021 is lifted as recommended by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

It said low-level incidents have been noted after a truce was reached between Hamas militants and the Israeli Defense Force on May 21, 2021.

Some 400 caregivers bound for Israel and hired by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) were directly affected by the deployment suspension.

Bello earlier explained he only wanted to make sure of the OFWs' safety before deploying them.

The exchange in rocket attacks and airstrikes between Hamas militants and the Israeli Defense Force started on May 10 and lasted for 11 days before both sides were pressured by the international community to de-escalate hostilities.

Around 29,000 Filipinos work in Israel and 91 in the Palestinian territory of Gaza, according to the DFA.

COMELEC EYES ANTIGEN TEST FOR 2022 POLL BETS

MANILA — While the rules are not yet clear, the Commission on Elections will require candidates for the 2022 polls to submit antigen test results, according to Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon.

In a post on social media yesterday, Guanzon said requiring candidates to submit results of their antigen test for COVID-19 will be part of the 2022 election rules amid the pandemic.

Guanzon said those who cannot afford an antigen test “need not worry about the expenses,” although she did not elaborate if the Comelec would shoulder the cost of the candidates’ tests.

She also did not provide details if the test would be required during the filing of the certificates of candidacy (COC), which will take place from Oct. 1 to 8, or on any other election-related activities of the Comelec.

“Elections under the new normal: Comelec will require an antigen test for candidates. Those who can’t afford need not worry about the expense,” Guanzon said on her official Twitter account @rowena_guanzon.

The Comelec said it has yet to issue guidelines regarding the filing of COCs.

ROQUE: NEXT QUARANTINE CLASSIFICATIONS SET

MANILA — The government’s pandemic task force has decided on the updated quarantine classifications of areas, but local executives have been given time to appeal their groupings, Malacañang said yesterday.

The classification of areas placed under general community quarantine “with some restrictions,” GCQ “with heightened restrictions” and the stricter modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) last July 1 will lapse today.

“There is (a decision already), but the LGUs (local government units) were given until today to appeal.

So I am not at liberty to announce the final quarantine classification because the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases) needs to meet to discuss the pending appeals,” presidential spokesman Harry Roque said at a press briefing.

Metro Manila, the country’s economic center, and the provinces of Rizal and Bulacan were categorized as GCQ with some restrictions while Laguna and Cavite were placed under GCQ with heightened restrictions.

Roque said the COVID-19 attack and the health care utilization rates would be studied to determine the classification of Metro Manila and other areas.

PHILIPPINES TO EXPORT EXCESS OXYGEN SUPPLY TO INDONESIA AMID COVID-19 PANDEMIC

MANILA — The Philippines will be exporting excess oxygen supply to Indonesia to help the neighboring country's fight against its surging COVID-19 cases.

Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia Leehiong Wee said Wednesday he met with Philippine Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez over the plan to export oxygen tanks to Indonesia.

"Kulang na kulang [sa Indonesia] atsaka napaka-mahal (Oxygen supply is lacking and very expensive in Indonesia)," Wee told ABS-CBN's TeleRadyo.

Wee said they are now talking with exporters over the plan to deliver oxygen tanks to Indonesia.

He clarified that it will not be a donation, but a Filipino company will be selling the supply to the neighboring country.

Concerns are mounting in Indonesia as regions of the country struggle to cope with a spike in coronavirus cases due to the highly contagious Delta variant, which first emerged in India.

Indonesia on Wednesday reported a record 54,000 infections, up more than tenfold on the number of cases at the start of June.

As health experts warn the country could be the next India, the government has scrambled to boost capacity and secure sufficient oxygen supply.

PHILIPPINES INCLUDES INDONESIA IN TRAVEL BAN TO WARD OFF COVID-19 DELTA VARIANT

MANILA — The Philippines is adding Indonesia to a travel ban that aims to keep out the more infectious Delta COVID-19 variant driving a surge in coronavirus infections in Southeast Asia, Malacañang said on Wednesday.

President Rodrigo Duterte has approved the suspension of the entry of travelers from Indonesia "beginning 12:01 a.m. of July 16, 2021 until 11:59 p.m. of July 31, 2021." said his spokesman Harry Roque.

This restriction covers "those with travel history to Indonesia within the last fourteen (14) days preceding arrival in the Philippines," he said in a statement.

Passengers from Indonesia who arrive before 12:01 a.m. of July 16, 2021 "may still be allowed to enter the country but will be required to undergo a full 14-day facility quarantine notwithstanding a negative Reverse Transcription - Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) result," said the Palace official.

"This action is undertaken to prevent the further spread and community transmission of COVID-19 variants in the Philippines," he added.

JOEL VILLANUEVA EYES REELECTION IN 2022

MANILA - Sen. Joel Villanueva said Thursday he is eyeing reelection in 2022, but left open the possibility of seeking another position.

"Yes, I would like to confirm that I would be running in the 2022 elections," he told ANC's "Headstart".

Villanueva bared he had been doing consultations with his political group Citizens' Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC) and some churches for a possible Senate bid.

"Yes 'yun 'yung plano (That's the plan). Siyempre (Of course), we don't want to close doors. Ang filing naman is sa (The filing [of certificate of candidacy is on) October pa but 'yun ang napag-usapan ngayon (that's what we talked about," he said.

The senator said some leaders in Bulacan suggested that he run for governor.

"Open naman tayo sa lahat (I'm open to everything) but right now the plan is to run for reelection," he said.

Villanueva, a former director-general of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, ranked second in the 2016 senatorial election, garnering more than 18.4 million votes.

He was also representative of CIBAC party-list during 12th, 13th and 14th Congresses.

In the latest Pulse Asia survey, Villanueva ranked between 18th to 29th places in the senatorial preferences in next year's elections. There were 58 possible senatorial candidates included in the June 2021 poll.

DUTERTE DOESN’T NEED BOOSTER SHOT – PALACE

MANILA — President Duterte, who has been fully vaccinated with China-made Sinopharm jabs, will not need COVID-19 booster shots like San Juan Rep. Ronaldo Zamora, Malacañang said yesterday.

Last Tuesday, Zamora’s son, San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora, explained that the lawmaker had to take two Pfizer shots as a booster after being fully vaccinated with Sinopharm doses because a test revealed he had zero antibodies against COVID-19.

Health experts have said antibody tests do not provide an accurate gauge of the efficacy of COVID vaccines.

Asked if Duterte might also need booster shots, presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said: “No. In a previous talk to the people, the President said his antibodies were tested and he had a high antibody count.”

Duterte, 76, got his second dose of Sinopharm vaccine last July 12, more than two months after he received his first shot.

WHY MMDA IS HESITANT TO REIMPOSE NUMBER CODING

MANILA - Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chair Benhur Abalos on Thursday said the agency has yet to reimpose the number coding scheme in the capital region as this could lead to more crowding in public transportation vehicles.

The number of private vehicles plying Metro Manila's major thoroughfares this year is at 399,000, about 6,000 automobiles below the 405,000 vehicles pre-pandemic, Abalos told ABS-CBN's TeleRadyo.

"Kung ibabalik natin ang number coding, karamihan sa atin na iisa lang ang sasakyan ay magji-jeep at magbu-bus," he said.

"Ang iyong kotse ay ang iyong personal health bubble. Ibig sabihin, kung nandiyan ka sa kotse mo, protektado ka maski papaano," he said.

If number coding would be reimposed, several motorists may also resort to carpooling, Abalos said.

"Baka magsiksikan sa kotse, magsama na kung sino at baka magkahawahan," he said.

Even without the number coding scheme, traffic in Metro Manila has so far been "manageable," the MMDA chief said.

"Dati sa southbound ang takbo ay 11 kilometers per hour. Sa ngayon po ay 27 kilometers per hour," he said.

"Mas mabilis pa rin kung ikukumpara mo from pre-pandemic," he said.

Abalos did not say when Metro Manila mayors would decide on whether or not to reimpose the number coding system.

The number coding scheme has been suspended since last year, after parts of the Philippines was placed on lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

1SAMBAYAN ‘WELCOMES’ POSSIBLE NOMINATION OF PACQUIAO AS ITS PRESIDENTIAL BET

MANILA — In a shift in opposition coalition 1Sambayan’s stance, it said Thursday that it would “welcome” a possible nomination of Sen. Manny Pacquiao as its presidential candidate in next year’s elections.

“Siguro kung mayroong mga kaibigan si Sen. Manny Pacquiao na magno-nominate sa 1Sambayan, welcome,” Fr. Albert Alejo, one of the convenors of the coalition, said in a press briefing.

Alejo said should someone nominate Pacquiao, the boxer and lawmaker would be asked if he is willing to submit to the selection process of 1Sambayan. If he agrees, the coalition will interview and screen him according to their criteria.

1Sambayan had previously shut its doors on the possibility of Pacquiao becoming one of its nominees for president or vice president.

The opposition coalition, however, changed its tune as Pacquiao has fallen out of President Rodrigo Duterte’s favor and is rumored to be booted out as president of the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino – Lakas ng Bayan.

THE REST

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PH POSTS 3,806 MORE COVID-19 CASES; ACTIVE CASES LOWEST IN OVER 4 MONTHS

MANILA - The Philippines on Wednesday confirmed 3,806 more COVID-19 cases, with total active infections the lowest in more than 4 months, data from the health department showed.

Based on the latest bulletin, the country now has 1,485,457 total recorded coronavirus cases, of which 44,408 or 3 percent are active.

The ABS-CBN Investigative and Research Group (IRG) pointed out that the day's active cases is the lowest since March 10, when the country registered 42,795.

On Monday and Tuesday, the positivity rate was below 11 percent.

COVID-related deaths increased to 26,232 after 140 additional fatalities were recorded.

The case fatality rate is at 1.77 percent, the highest since March 31, ABS-CBN's data team noted.

There were 6,296 recoveries, bringing the total recuperations to 1,414,817 or 95.2 percent of the cumulative total infections.

AIRASIA PHILIPPINES AIMS TO VACCINATE ENTIRE WORKFORCE BY Q4

MANILA - AirAsia Philippines said Thursday it plans to fully vaccinate its workers against COVID-19 by the fourth quarter of the year.

In a statement, AirAsia said it was "optimistic" that all employees that have direct contact with passengers will be fully vaccinated.

"We are optimistic that by August, those who directly interact with our guests such as Pilots, Cabin Crew, Ground Staff and Ramp Agents will be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Our target is to have all Filipino Allstars inoculated by Q4 of 2021 as we prepare for the strong rebound of air travel in the Philippines," spokesperson Steve Dailisan said.

In the meantime, the low-cost carrier has been operating flights manned by fully vaccinated crew.

"As a frontliner, I feel more confident flying our guests to our various destinations, and I have peace of mind whenever I come home to my family because now, I am protected against the severe effects of COVID-19," Capt. Nielfren Baldo AirAsia pilot said.

To date, 60 percent of its 1,500 Filipino employees have been vaccinated against COVID-19, AirAsia said.

SKYWAY 3 VOLUME DROPS AS TOLL COLLECTION STARTS

MANILA — The number of motorists using the Skyway Stage 3 expressway significantly declined as toll collection started on Monday, Skyway Operations and Maintenance Corp. president and CEO Manuel Bonoan said yesterday.

The number of motorists that passed through the elevated tollway reached a little over 60,000 on Monday, down from the average of 100,000 motorists during seven months of toll-free use, he told The STAR.

Bonoan, however, is optimistic pre-toll collection traffic numbers along Skyway 3 would eventually return.

“It takes time, but it will return. I’m sure that our traffic will go back to that level of 100,000 until such time that the other routes become congested,” he said.

“I’m sure they will go back because travel is much faster when you use the Stage 3,” Bonoan said.

With the Skyway 3, travel time between Makati and North Luzon Expressway takes about 20 minutes, while travel between Alabang and NLEX is only 30 minutes, according to Bonoan.

On Monday, heavy traffic was experienced near toll booths of the expressway and on EDSA as some motorists opted not to use the Skyway 3 due to the start of toll collection, with end-to-end users from Buendia in Makati to Balintawak in Quezon City having to pay P264.

Bonoan said the buildup was caused by some motorists using the wrong brand of RFID instead of Autosweep, while there were those who came with insufficient or no load.

Bonoan said there was a small buildup seen along the Skyway 3 yesterday morning, but noted that it was not significant and traffic flow turned out generally smooth.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

COCO MARTIN, JULIA MONTES TO SHOOT FILM IN ORIENTAL MINDORO

After seven years, Coco Martin and Julia Montes are finally set to reunite onscreen, with photos of the rumored couple at their filming location making the rounds online.

Alegre, whose real name is Jennifer Cruz and is the incumbent mayor of Pola, Oriental Mindoro, announced that Martin and Montes will co-star in a film set in the coastal municipality.

The trip was for “localization familiarization,” Alegre wrote.

The film will be helmed by acclaimed director Brillante Mendoza, according to Alegre in an interview re-posted fan pages dedicated to Martin and Montes.

The project will film for two weeks, and will also include Raymart Santiago in the cast, Alegre added.

“Proud ako na gagawin ito sa Pola at isa tayo sa napasama sa movie,” Alegre said. “Proud na proud ang mga Polenio na doon ito gagawin sa Pola kasi, would you imagine, gagawin sa isa sa maliit na bayan lang sa Oriental Mindoro and yet nakikilala siya sa filmmaking.”

No other details were revealed.

Martin and Montes’ “love team” first rose to popularity in 2012, via the phenomenal teleserye “Walang Hanggan.” They went on to co-star in a film, “A Moment in Time” in 2013, and another series, “Ikaw Lamang” in 2014.

SPORTS

NBA SCORES JULY 14

NOTE: NEXT GAME WILL RESUME ON JULY 18

FINAL

1          2          3          4          T

2 Suns2-2         23        29        30        21        103

3 Bucks2-2       20        32        24        33        109

GAME 4: SERIES TIED 2-2, FISERV FORUM, MILWAUKEE, WI

SCORING LEADERS

            D. Booker PHO

42 PTS 1 REB 2 AST

            K. Middleton MIL

40 PTS 6 REB 4 AST

INDICATORS

FOREX $1 = P 50.30

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

You must do the thing you think you cannot do. --Eleanor Roosevelt