DUTERTE TOLD: VICE PRESIDENT IS NOT IMMUNE FROM SUIT

MANILA - The Vice President of the Philippines is not immune from suit, President Rodrigo Duterte was reminded after saying Saturday he would run for the post in next year’s elections if it means having legal immunity.

"The 1987 Constitution explicitly states that the President is immune from suit. The same, however, is not true for the Vice-President," former Senator and incumbent Sorsogon Governor Francis "Chiz" Escudero, a lawyer, said Sunday on Twitter.

"It's a matter that may be brought up to the Supreme Court but most legal scholars opine that the VP is not covered," he said.

Albay 1st Dist. Rep. Edcel Lagman, also a lawyer, echoed the same position.

Former Supreme Court Public Information Office chief Theodore "Ted" Te, promptly countered Duterte's claim as well.

"The VP is not immune from suit by law or by tradition. Non-issue. Non-story," Te wrote on Twitter on Saturday night.

In a speech at the PDP-Laban’s national assembly in Clark, Pampanga on Saturday, Duterte said he is aware of the lawsuits his critics plan to file after his six-year term ends next year.

“They keep on threatening me with lawsuits and everything. (Former Senator Antonio) Trillanes and itong si (former Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio) Carpio and his ilk. Panay ang takot sa akin na mademanda ako,” he said.

“Sabi ng batas, kung presidente ka, bise presidente ka, may immunity ka. Eh di, tatakbo na lang ako na bise presidente," added Duterte, a lawyer.

“And after that, tatakbo uli ako na bise presidente, at bise presidente, at bise presidente.”

Duterte, 76, is facing possible investigation by the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity that his administration committed under the drug war and during his time as Davao City mayor.

COAST GUARD CHALLENGES, FOLLOWS CHINESE WARSHIP OUT OF WEST PHILIPPINE SEA

MANILA — A coast guard patrol vessel challenged a Chinese "navy warship" at Marie Louise Bank in the West Philippine Sea last week and followed it until it left Philippine waters, the Philippine Coast Guard said.

In a release, the coast guard said BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) reported sighting a ship flying the flag of the People's Republic of China and with Chinese markings at the bank, which is 147 nautical miles from El Nido, Palawan, on July 13.

The PCG said BRP Cabra issued a radio challenge to the Chinese ship while monitoring it on radar. It then moved closer to the ship to get a better view of what the Chinese ship was doing in Philippine waters.

The Chinese ship did not respond, prompting BRP Cabra, to use its Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) to repeat the challenge. It was then that the Chinese ship started moving out of Maria Louise Bank, with BRP Capra following it to make sure it left the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone.

The coast guard said that the Chinese ship only sent a radio message when BRP Cabra was around 500-600 yards, or 0.25-0.30 nautical miles away. "Philippine Coast Guard 4409, this is Chinese Navy Warship 189. Please keep two nautical miles distance from me," the coast guard quotes the Chinese naval vessel as saying.

On June 30, BRP Cabra also challenged and drove away five "Chinese ships" and two "Vietnamese vessels" they monitored in Marie Louise Bank.

The PCG said its patrol vessel also checked on Filipino fishers on a boat from Occidental Mindoro who were fishing in the bank at the time. "They said their fishing has been peaceful and bountiful and they have not been abused or harassed by other vessels," the PCG said in Filipino.

The PCG said BRP Cabra's patrol in the Marie Louise Bank and Kalayaan Island Group was part of a mission under Task Force Pagsasanay. The task force was formed in April to ensure the safety and security of Filipino fishers in Philippine waters.

ANTI-TERROR COUNCIL TAGS NDF AS TERRORIST ORGANIZATION

The Anti-Terrorism Council has designated the National Democratic Front as a terrorist organization, calling it an “integral and inseparable part” of the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army.

The designation of the NDF as a terrorist organization comes a few months after the Anti-Terrorism Council also designated the CPP-NPA as terrorist organizations last December 2020.

In a resolution signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea last June 23, the Anti-Terrorism Council noted that Article X of the 2016 CPP Constitution "shows that the NDF a.k.a. NDFP is the core and most consolidated group that provides support to the armed and organizational expansion of the CPP/NPA."

It noted that CPP founder Jose Maria Sison identified the CPP/NPA as allied organizations of the NDF while his wife Juliet de Lima-Sison was recently named interim chairperson of the NDF negotiating panel.

The Anti-Terrorism Council, in May this year, also designated 19 alleged CPP-NPA leaders as terrorists

STILL NOT A REGISTERED VOTER? PROCESS MADE EASIER WITH COMELEC MALL REGISTRATION

MANILA - Eligible voters may now register in Robinsons malls and satellite sites, the Commission on Elections said.

There are limited number of slots due to mall hours and strict adherence to health protocols, according to the poll body.

Application forms are available for free at booths or may be downloaded and accomplished online. Registrants must bring at least one valid ID and their own ballpen, Comelec said.

In its initial list released Friday, Comelec said these malls will serve as satellite sites:

Luzon

Robinsons Place Lipa: July 16-17, 23-24, 30-31; August 6-7 and 13-17

Robinsons Place Malolos: July 30-31

Robinsons Place Santiago: July 30-31

Robinsons Place Manila: August 21 and 28

Robinsons Novaliches: August 20 and September 18

Robinsons Magnolia: August 30

Visayas

Robinsons Place Ormoc: July 17 and 24

Robinsons Galleria Cebu: September 27-30

Robinsons Cybergate Cebu: September 1, 18, and 25

Robinsons Place Dumaguete: July 17

Robinsons Place Bacolod: August 20-21

Mindanao

Robinsons Place Tagum: August 6-7

Robinsons Place Iligan: September 1-15

Robinsons Place Valencia: September 1-30

Robinsons Place GenSan: September 20-24

The poll body has also updated its list of satellites sites in Metro Manila, which are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Comelec earlier said it was "on track" to reach the minimum 61 million total registered voters for the upcoming polls with some 2 months remaining for the sign up period.

DILG DENIES BILLIONS ALLOCATED FOR DAVAO REGION TO BE USED FOR 2022 POLLS

MANILA - The Department of the Interior and Local Government denied Monday that billions of pesos in anti-insurgency funds allocated to the Davao Region will be used in the 2022 polls.

Davao Region received P4.3 billion of P16.24 billion funding for the government's anti-insurgency campaign including P1.64 billion for Davao City, which is the hometown of President Rodrigo Duterte, two government bodies confirmed Monday.

National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict spokesperson Joel Egco said the government did not favor Davao when it allocated billions in funds to the area.

"Wala pong pinapaboran dito kung hindi yung (No one is favored here except) most of the barangays is that where, as you said, used to be under [the influence of communist terrorists] ay nandun sa (are in) Davao City. That's the only reason there. Davao provinces, I mean," Egco told ANC's "Rundown".

He noted that 4 of 5 guerrilla fronts were operating in Davao Region.

Under the Barangay Development Program, villages cleared of "communist influence" were given P20 million for various projects, such as farm-to-market roads, school buildings and livelihood projects.

DILG acting spokesperson Odilon Pasaraba denied the funds will be used for election purposes.

"There are accountability mechanisms in place. The spending of the funds is managed by the recipient barangays themselves, not the DILG, nor the NTF-ELCAC. That's to be underscored," he said.

"Allegations such as these are clear attempts to discredit the working strategy and the principles involved in this project," he added.

COURT JUNKS ANTI-TERRORISM CASE VS 2 AETA FARMERS AMONG FIRST CHARGED UNDER ATA

MANILA — An Olongapo court has junked the violation of the Anti-Terrorism Act case against Aeta farmers Japer Gurung and Junior Ramos, the first known to have been charged under the much-feared law.

The Olongapo Regional Trial Court Branch 97 granted the Demurrer to Evidence — which challenges the sufficiency of prosecution evidence — filed by Gurung and Ramos, as assisted by the Public Attorney’s Office.

Presiding Judge Melani Fay Tadili ordered their release.

“After a careful examination of the records, the Court holds that the prosecution failed to discharge the burden of providing the identities of the accused as the perpetrators of the crime of violation of Section 4 of [Republic Act 11479. Thus, the case for violation of this law against the accused must be dismissed,” the nine-page order dated July 15 read.

PASIG MAYOR VICO SOTTO SAYS TO SEEK REELECTION

MANILA - Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto on Monday said he would "definitely" seek reelection in next year's polls.

The first-term mayor had ended the 27-year hold of the Eusebio family in Pasig in the 2019 midterm elections.

"Definitely. We've made a lot of gains pero sa totoo lang limited ang nagawa namin dahil sa pandemya," Sotto told ANC's Headstart when asked if he would continue his run as Pasig mayor.

"Sa 2 taong mayor ako, 9 months lang ang walang pandemic. We had 9 months to clean things up. We're building momentum steadily."

Under Sotto's leadership, the city has collected P9 billion in taxes last year and has doubled the number of regularized government workers since he assumed office.

The young mayor said his achievements, such as being named an anti-corruption champion by the US State Department, should spark discussion on said issues.

"If it sparks a discussion, that we talk about these issues and more people will be inspired to participate then mission accomplished ako dun (my mission is accomplished)," he said.

When asked about the presidency, Sotto said he does not entertain such thoughts.

"Kalokohan lang yun. Una 32 (years old) lang ako. I don’t entertain those thoughts, whether now or the future. Dapat magfocus ako sa trabaho ngayon," he said.

DOH TO HOSPITALS: ANTICIPATE SURGE, ENHANCE CAPACITY

MANILA — Amid the threat posed by the Delta variant, the Department of Health (DOH) is advising hospitals and other medical institutions to prepare for a possible surge in COVID-19 cases.

“We need to improve our health system capacities. We need to mobilize and prepare everything,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said during the Laging Handa public briefing Saturday.

Vergeire said medical facilities must take all necessary measures to ensure they can accommodate more COVID-19 cases caused by the more transmissible Delta variant.

Hospitals, Vergeire said, must expand the number of beds, conduct an inventory of oxygen supply, and preposition logistics such as drugs and other medical supplies.

“Our hospitals need to be prepared with everything they will be needing,” she stressed.

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FACE SHIELDS REQUIRED: SOFT OPENING NG DOLOMITE BEACH SA MAYNILA PATULOY NA BINIBISITA

MAYNILA - Patuloy ang pagdating ng mga bisita sa pangalawang araw ng pagbukas ng dolomite beach sa Manila Bay.

Dapat may suot na face mask at face shield ang mga bisita at kailangan mag-obserba ng physical distancing. Para iwas siksikan, mayroon lamang 5 minuto para makapasyal sa white sand beach.

Naging kontrobersiyal ang proyekto noong nakaraang taon kung saan naglaan ng milyon-milyon ang gobyerno sa gitna ng COVID-19 pandemic.

Dinurog na dolomite rock ang ginamit bilang artificial white sand na itinatambak sa Manila Bay, na bahagi ng P389-milyon na beach nourishment project ng DENR.

BIKE PARADE LAUNCHED VS CHILD ABUSE

MANILA — The Child Rights Network conducted yesterday a bike parade to drum up public support for Congress to pass legislation that will prevent, if not totally eradicate, violence against children (VAC).

The three-hour “Padyak to #EndVAC,” which started at the Boy Scout Memorial Circle along Timog Avenue and ended on Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City, drew participants from child welfare organizations.

The group urged Congress to work for the passage of legislation seeking to address online sexual abuse and exploitation of children, increasing the age of statutory rape and prohibiting child marriages.

“Although people’s mobility has been restricted by the pandemic, violence against children continued to proliferate. More children are abused and exploited even at their home,” Eule Rico Bonganay, coordinator of Salinlahi Alliance for Children’s Concerns, said.

Cases of violence against children have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic started in March last year, Bonganay said.

Based on the report of Save the Children Philippines in 2020, at least one in six children reported violence at home during the pandemic.

COURTS CLOSED TOMORROW

MANILA — All courts in the country will be closed tomorrow in observance of the Muslim holiday Eid’l Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice, the Supreme Court (SC) has announced.

“In view of Proclamation No. 1189, declaring July 20 as a regular holiday throughout the country, there will be no work in all courts nationwide,” the SC said in its official Twitter account.

Malacañang issued Proclamation 1189 declaring Eid’l Adha as a regular holiday.

Eid’l Adha is one of two Islamic holidays celebrated worldwide yearly.

359 REPATRIATED PINOYS FROM DUBAI ARRIVE IN DAVAO

DAVAO CITY — An estimated 359 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and returning Filipinos (ROF) who were repatriated from Dubai arrived yesterday morning at the Davao International Airport.

The Filipinos arrived on a chartered Philippine Airlines flight, according to Generose Tecson, city tourism officer.

The OFWs and ROFs were subjected to reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests 48 hours before they boarded their flight.

They will undergo quarantine for 14 days in a facility in Davao City to prevent them from possibly spreading COVID.

On the seventh day from the date of their arrival, the Filipinos will undergo another swab test.

Those who test negative will be sent home after completing the 14-day quarantine period.

Last Thursday, 138 OFWs also arrived in this city from Bangladesh.

FABIAN INTENSIFIES, NEARS SEVERE TROPICAL STORM CATEGORY

MANILA - Tropical Storm Fabian slightly intensified Monday morning and is forecast to reach severe tropical storm category within 12 hours and typhoon category by Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning, state weather bureau PAGASA said.

Packing 85 kph winds and gusts of up to 105 kph, Fabian's center was estimated at 1,090 km east northeast of extreme Northern Luzon as of 4 a.m. and moving north northwestward at 10 kilometers per hour.

It is forecast to exit the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning. PAGASA, however, said there is an increasing possibility that the tropical cyclone will either re-enter the PAR or exit the PAR much later than the current forecast due to a southward shift in the orientation of the track forecasts.

The country's sixth storm this year is unlikely to bring heavy rainfall throughout the forecast period but will continue to influence the southwest monsoon and the tropical depression off extreme Northern Luzon (outside the Philippine area of responsibility), PAGASA said.

Monsoon rains will be experienced in the next 24 hours over Ilocos Region, Zambales, Bataan, Occidental Mindoro, and Palawan, PAGASA added,

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

SEVERAL ABS-CBN STARS RECEIVE RECOGNITION FROM TWO AWARD-GIVING BODIES

MANILA – Several ABS-CBN personalities were recognized by two award-giving bodies for their exemplary work recently.

During the third Laguna Excellence Awards, Jodi Sta. Maria and Iza Calzado were named Outstanding TV Actress of the Year for their performance in “Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin.”

Luis Manzano and Boy Abunda both won the Outstanding Male TV Host of the Year award for their work in “ASAP Natin ‘To” and “Tonight With Boy Abunda,” respectively.

Seth Fedelin was named Outstanding Male TV Personality of the Year for his role in “Huwag Kang Mangamba”, while Vivoree Esclito won Outstanding Female TV Personality of the Year.

In the music scene, Moira Dela Torre clinched the Outstanding Female Recording Artist of the Year, while Martin Nievera got the Outstanding Male Concert Performer of the Year.

Jayda Avanzado got recognized as the Outstanding Female Pop Artist of the Year, and Inigo Pascual was named Outstanding Male Pop Artist of the Year.

John Rendez won the Outstanding Male Singer of the Year, and Popstar Royalty Sarah Geronimo was named the Outstanding Female Concert Performer of the Year.

Meanwhile, at the 4th Asia Pacific Luminare Awards, Joseph Marco and Kim Chiu bagged the award for Favorite and Versatile Actor and Actress of the Year, respectively, while Jane De Leon was honored as the Most Empowered Entertainment Personality of the Year.

“TV Patrol” anchor Bernadette Sembrano was also named Favorite Newscaster of the Year.

Other Kapamilya stars and personalities who received recognition are the following:

DJ Jhai Ho - Outstanding TV Talk Show Host of the Year

Ejay Falcon - Favorite and Dedicated Actor of the Year

Jake Cuenca - Most Precise and Focused Actor of the Year

Angeline Quinto - Favorite Female Singer of the Year

Andi Abaya - Most Impressive Teen Actress of the Year

Luis Manzano - Favorite Male TV Host of the Year

Boy Abunda - Favorite and Accomplished TV Host of the Millennium

The various awards come even as ABS-CBN was denied a broadcast franchise by the government in July last year.

SPORTS

PBA: NLEX ROUTS GINEBRA FOR FIRST WIN IN PH CUP

The scores:

NLEX (94) -- Alas 20, Ravena 19, Semerad 11, Trollano 11, Quinahan 10, Cruz 9, Soyud 7, Miranda 5, Oftana 2, Porter 0, McAloney 0.

Ginebra (75) -- J. Aguilar 15, Tenorio 11, Thompson 12, Pringle 8, Standhardinger 8, Caperal 8, Chan 2, Ayaay 2, Chan 4, Devance 3, Tolentino 2, Enriquez 2, Dillinger 0.

Quarterscores: 26-15; 41-35; 72-55;94-75.

PBA: Meralco holds off San Miguel for back-to-back wins

The scores:

Meralco 93 - Newsome 17, Black 14, Hugnatan 13, Pinto 11, Quinto 7, Maliksi 7, Pasaol 7, Belo 7, Hodge 4, Almazan 4, Jackson 0.

San Miguel 87 - Romeo 18, Tautuaa 17, Perez 17, Lassiter 11, Santos 8, Ross 5, Fajardo 5, Cabagnot 4, Gotladera 2, Pessumal 0.

Quarters: 18-25; 42-41; 74-59; 93-87

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Man is a luxury loving animal. Take away play, fancies, and luxuries, and you will turn man into a dull, sluggish creature, barely energetic enough to obtain a bare subsistence. A society becomes stagnant when its people are too rational or too serious to be tempted by baubles. - Eric Hoffer