#HALALAN2022: SCALED DOWN FILING OF CANDIDACY KICKS OFF

MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is set to kick off Friday one of its major Halalan 2022-related activities: the filing of the the certificates of candidacy (COC).

Contenders for the over 18,000 national and local elective posts up for grabs in the May 2022 polls are set to troop to Comelec offices to submit their COC, amid restrictions and limitations brought by the pandemic still raging in the Philippines.

This year’s filing of COC would be a departure from the usual festive and crowd-filled occasion, as aspirants are only allowed to bring at most 3 companions.

Comelec leased Sofitel Hotel’s 2,000 person-capacity Harbor Garden Tent to ensure the 8-day activity complies with COVID-19 protocols mandating distancing.

"Ginawa natin ito para matiyak ang kaligtasan ng ating aspirants," said Comelec spokesman James Jimenez.

Media personnel were asked to present a negative antigen test result from the past 24 hours before being allowed entry in the tent. Aspirants and their companions will also also be asked for the same proof.

SARA DUTERTE CAN 'TECHNICALLY' RUN AS DAD'S SUBSTITUTE IN 2022 RACE: COMELEC SPOKESMAN

MANILA — Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio can "technically" join the 2022 polls as a substitute of her father President Rodrigo Duterte even if she misses the filing of candidacies this October, an election official said on Friday.

Substitute contenders can file their candidacies until Nov. 15, provided they are from the same party as the original candidate, said Commission on Elections spokesman James Jimenez.

Duterte-Carpio, who has led all pre-election surveys on the presidency, heads regional party Hugpong ng Pagbabago.

Her father, who said he would run for vice president, belongs to a faction of the PDP-Laban, a rival of the wing led by Sen. Manny Pacquiao.

Asked if a substitute can take oath in the original candidate's party until Nov. 15, Jimenez told ABS-CBN's TeleRadyo, "Technically, yes. Puwede."

PACQUIAO RETIRES FROM BOXING, AS HE EYES PRESIDENCY

MANILA --  With his eye on a far more ambitious objective, Manny Pacquiao on Wednesday made it official: He's done with boxing.

The development came nearly two weeks after he announced he was running for president, a prospect that had loomed for years for the many-time world champion fighter who transitioned into public service starting in 2010 as Sarangani congressman.

"It is difficult for me to accept that my time as a boxer is over. Today, I am announcing my retirement.," Pacquiao, 42, said in an emotional video posted on his Facebook account.

"I never thought that this day would come," admitted the "Pacman," who retires with a record of 62 wins, eight losses, and two draws. Thirty-nine of his victories came by knockout.

"As I hang up my boxing gloves, I would like to thank the whole world, especially the Filipino people, for supporting Manny Pacquiao."

If that decision holds — un-retiring is not unusual in boxing — it means that his illustrious career in the history of prizefighting has come to a close.

An electrifying figure and a ring dynamo never before seen at his size, Pacquiao leaves his sport with a scroll-like list of accomplishments that assures him many times over of a spot in its Hall of Fame in Canastota.

But his most remarkable feat is this — he transformed himself from a scrawny 112-pound flyweight title-holder into a brawny 154-pound light-middleweight king of the ring to become the only world champion in eight weight classes.

He fought professionally for 26 years, figuring in monumental bouts against fellow boxing legends Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto, Juan Manuel Marquez and Floyd Mayweather Jr.

In all, Pacquiao reportedly raked in about $220 million in boxing earnings, regularly making Forbes' annual list of richest athletes.

Not bad for somebody who worked his way up from a pandesal vendor when he was a young boy and whose family had struggled to get by.

"Who would have thought that Manny Pacquiao will end up with twelve major world titles in eight different weight divisions? Even me, I'm amazed at what I have done," Pacquiao said.

Although previously aligned with President Rodrigo Duterte under the ruling PDP-Laban Party, Pacquiao and his followers, including Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III, son of one of the party's founders, have formed their own faction to rival that of Duterte's.

Manny Pacquiao on Friday filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for president in the May 9, 2022 elections.

Pacquiao submitted his COC at Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Pasay City, where the Commission on Elections set up a tent to accept certificates filing amid the pandemic.

He is the first presidential aspirant to file a COC. He is tapping former Manila mayor and House Deputy Speaker Lito Atienza as running-mate.

GROUP SEEKS INDEPENDENT PROBE ON RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN PH DESPITE ICC CASE

MANILA – Even while the International Criminal Court (ICC) has moved to investigate President Rodrigo Duterte and his war on drugs, an independent investigation on alleged human rights abuses in the Philippines is still needed, a civil society group has said.

Civicus, an international civil society alliance, on Thursday released a brief calling on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to “establish an independent investigative mechanism, mandated to conduct an in-depth investigation into human rights violations and abuses in the Philippines, with a view to contributing to accountability and justice for victims.”

The group noted that killings of activists and lawyers and attacks on press freedom in the Philippines continued even after the government signed a deal with the United Nations for a joint program on human rights.

“Look, the ICC probe came out of tireless research and advocacy from civil society and we’re really glad that this is proceeding. But it only [looks] at violations happening between 2011 and 2019, and not violations happening after that. And it only [looks] at serious human rights violations, crimes against humanity, and so forth,” said Civicus civic space researcher Josef Benedict.

“So definitely there are many other violations that will not be investigated by the International Criminal Court and therefore this investigative body is still very necessary to look at many other violations that have happened in the Philippines,” he added.

In the interview, Benedict also blasted a UNHRC resolution that called for technical cooperation and capacity-building for promotion and protection of human rights in the Philippines, but stopped short of launching an independent probe into killings in the country.

“It was an extremely weak resolution because ultimately, what we want to do is to address the culture of impunity in the Philippines for the violations that have been happening there,” he said.

“While technical assistance is good, it only takes you up to some level, and what we see is that the Philippines government basically ignoring many of the commitments they have made at the human rights council.”

DUTERTE CERTIFIES 2022 BUDGET BILL AS URGENT

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte has asked Congress to expedite the passage of the proposed P5-trillion national budget for next year that will be crucial for the nation’s recovery from the COVID pandemic.

In a message received by the office of Speaker Lord Allan Velasco on Wednesday, the President certified the 2022 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) as urgent.

Duterte cited the need for immediate enactment of the GAB, docketed in the chamber as House Bill 10153, in order to maintain and continue the operations of the government.

He said the swift passage of the budget by Congress is crucial in funding programs, projects and activities for 2022 and in ensuring budgetary preparedness to enable the government to effectively perform its mandate.

Velasco and House appropriations committee chair Eric Yap thanked the President for granting their request for the issuance of a certificate of urgency, which would allow both the House and the Senate to pass the 2022 GAB on second and third readings on the same day.

With the President’s certificate, the House was expected to approve the budget measure on both second and third readings last night before going into recess from today until Nov. 7.

DTI WANTS ALL BUSINESSES OPENED, AT DIFFERENT CAPACITIES

MANILA, Philippines — To ensure business continuity and further economic recovery, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) yesterday proposed the opening of all businesses at varied operating capacities under Alert Levels 1 to 4, except for those considered high risk and non-essential.

“We propose hopefully that we allow the MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises), businesses to open for continuity from Alert Levels 1 to 4, and just adjust the operating capacities. The good approach is to have continuity in operations and jobs, regardless of alert levels, changes only in operating capacity. So there’s continuity, not open-close-open system,” Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said.

He added the requirement to have only vaccinated customers could also be applied to indoor operations of sectors such as dine-in restaurants, personal care service establishments, and gyms at Alert Level 4.

While business continuity is being pushed, Lopez said there would still be exclusions but with a shorter list for high-risk non-essential establishments. Currently, the DTI hopes Metro Manila could be downgraded to Alert Level 3, and for government to allow the reopening of gyms and fitness centers.

GREEN GROUPS ASK DUTERTE TO BAN SINGLE-USE PLASTICS

MANILA, Philippines — Environmental groups called on President Rodrigo Duterte to ban single-use plastics in order to address the waste management problem in the country.

In a letter sent to the Office of the President on Wednesday, the organizations asked Duterte to order the National Solid Waste Commission to immediately release the list of non-environmentally accepted products and packaging (NEAPP).

The implementation of Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, which was passed in 2021, still falls short, the groups stressed.

In February, NSWC agreed to include plastic straws and stirrers in the NEAPP list. The resolution, however, has yet to be released.

“It has been two decades; the commission is still to release the NEAPP list. This mandate is long overdue,” the letter read.

HOUSE RATIFIES CHILD MARRIAGE BAN BILL

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives has ratified the final version of the measure seeking to ban child marriages.

In session last Monday, the House plenary approved the bicameral conference committee report reconciling the disagreeing provisions of the versions of the proposed Child Marriage Ban Law passed by the chamber and the Senate.

The chamber’s version, House Bill 9943, seeks to declare child marriage as illegal and impose penalties on violators.

It defines child marriage as the formal union between children under 18 years of age or between an adult and a child. It shall include an informal cohabitation outside of wedlock between an adult and a child or between children below 18.

The bill seeks to impose penalties of imprisonment and a fine of P40,000 on “any person who causes, fixes, facilitates or arranges a child marriage,” and a longer prison term and fine of P50,000 if the person is “ascendant, parent, adoptive parent, step parent or guardian of the child.”

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PHILIPPINES ADDS 14,286 NEW COVID-19 CASES

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health on Thursday logged 14,286 additional cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of infections to 2,549,966.

Active cases: 138,294 or 5.4% of the total

Recoveries: 8,268, pushing total to 2,373,378

Deaths: 130, bringing toll to 38,294

Positivity rate was 22%, based on the results of 62,369 people tested on Tuesday.

"Nationally, we saw a 10% decrease in tests done this week compared to the previous week. Meanwhile, decline is also more evident in NCR with a 14% decrease," the DOH said.

"Note as well that the testing output today in NCR is lower than the seven-day moving average of test done in the region," it added.

The agency is investigating the decline in testing output.

DOJ CHIEF: LOCAL ORDINANCES CAN ALLOW MANDATORY VACCINATION

MANILA, Philippines — Local governments could implement the mandatory vaccination of their constituents against COVID-19 provided they have the ordinance to back it up, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said yesterday.

“Local government units (LGUs), through their legislative organs, may also exercise police power,” said Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, citing as an example the local ordinance prohibiting video game arcades within a certain distance from schools.

Likewise, an LGU may exercise its police power to compel all residents in its jurisdiction to get vaccinated in order to increase their protection against the pandemic. But first, the LGU should pass an ordinance requiring inoculation against COVID-19, said Guevarra.

“Theoretically, a local ordinance compelling all residents within the territory of the LGU to get themselves vaccinated against COVID-19 may be enacted even without a national law on the matter,” he said.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

BEATRICE GOMEZ OF CEBU CITY CROWNED MISS UNIVERSE PHILIPPINES 2021

Beatrice Gomez of Cebu City is set to represent the Philippines in the Miss Universe pageant in December, after she was crowned the national winner Thursday night, besting 27 other candidates.

Gomez was named Miss Universe Philippines 2021, succeeding Rabiya Mateo, at the conclusion of the three-hour coronation night held at the Hennan Resort Convention Center in Panglao, Bohol.

Two new titles, rooted from the pageant organization’s advocacies, were also awarded: Katrina Dimaranan of Taguig is Miss Universe Philippines Tourism 2021, while Victoria Vincent of Cavite is Miss Universe Philippines Charity 2021.

Neither will compete in any international pageant. The titlists, however, are in line to take over, respectively, should the national winner be unable to finish her reign.

Completing the queen’s court are Maureen Wroblewitz of Pangasinan, who finished 1st runner-up; and Steffi Aberasturi of Cebu Province, who placed 2nd runner-up.

The final 28 candidates had been trimmed down from the official 100 delegates announced in July. That number was narrowed down to 75, then 50, then 30, through a series of preliminary challenges. Two candidates withdrew due to health reasons.

The coronation night, which included live audience members capped at 100, was hosted by KC Montero and featured performances by Sam Concepcion and Michael Pangilinan.

The finale event, as well as the pageant’s preliminary leg, had overcome numerous roadblocks in the past few months, due to the recent COVID-19 surge in the country and resulting restrictions.

The 2021 Miss Universe Philippines pageant is the second under the new eponymous organization, which had secured the local license in 2019 after 55 years with Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc.

As Miss Universe Philippines 2021, Gomez will compete in the 70th Miss Universe pageant to be held in December in Eilat, Israel.

Aside from continuing the Philippines’ 11-year streak of placing the semifinals, Gomez is aiming for a fifth Miss Universe crown for the country, after the wins of Gloria Diaz in 1969, Margarita Moran in 1973, Pia Wurtzbach in 2015, and Catriona Gray in 2018.

BEA ALONZO STARS IN HOLLYWOOD MOVIE PRODUCED BY PACQUIAO ‘ANGEL WARRIOR’

Actress Bea Alonzo is set to star in a Filipino-Hollywood produced film “Angel Warrior,” produced by Inspire Studios that includes Sen. Manny Pacquiao.

According to a report by Variety, Alonzo will play the “she-devil” lead of a World War II-based story written by Cyrus Nowrasteh.

She will portray Tala, “a pre-war era Filipina whose near-death experience transforms her into an underground.”

The character also provides aid to the Filipino and American guerrillas staying in Panay during the country’s resistance against the Japanese.

Alonzo also confirmed her new project on Instagram: “And the secret is out!! Yes, I’ll be doing a World War 2 film soon. I’ll keep you posted about the future developments.”

The film is expected to start shooting in mid-2022 before it is released later in the same year.

Aside from Pacquiao, Inspire Studios is composed of founder and CEO Francis Lara Ho and executive produced by John Shepherd.

The upcoming movie will also be presented in Los Angeles on October 2 in time for the Filipino-American History month.

SPORTS

SAN MIGUEL ELIMINATES NORTHPORT, 100-95 (PBA) QUARTERFINAL GAME 2

San Miguel Beermen eliminates NorthPort Batang Pier, 100-95 in Game 2 of their best-of-3 quarterfinal series in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup on Thursday at the Don Honorio Ventura State University (DHVSU) Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.

CJ Perez led the Beermen with 21 points (6/12 FG, 2/4 3PT, 7/9 FT), 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks in 30 minutes of play. Moala Tautuaa with a solid game of 17 points (5/13 FG, 1/2 3PT, 6/6 FT), 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal. June Mar Fajardo with a double-double of 12 points, 12 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 block while Arwind Santos had his own double-double of 11 points and 13 rebounds. Marcio Lassiter finished the game with 15 points including 4 three-pointers, Chris Ross and Terrence Romeo with 11 points each.

SMB advances to the best-of-7 semifinal series against the top seed TNT Tropang GIGA.

The Scores:

SAN MIGUEL 100 - Perez 21, Tautuaa 17, Lassiter 15, Fajardo 12, Romeo 11, Ross 11, Santos 11, Cabagnot 2, Pessumal 0.

NORTHPORT 95 - Slaughter 27, Malonzo 17, Onwubere 14, Bolick 12, Taha 9, Balanza 8, Rike 5, Doliguez 3, Elorde 0, Ferrer 0.

Quarters: 17-19, 46-39, 74-66, 100-95.

MAGNOLIA ELIMINATES RAIN OR SHINE, 96-86 (PBA) QUARTERFINAL GAME 2

Magnolia Pambansang Manok Hotshots eliminates Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 96-86 in Game 2 of their best-of-3 quarterfinal series in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup on Thursday at the Don Honorio Ventura State University (DHVSU) Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.

Paul Lee topscored for the Hotshots with 24 points (6/18 FG, 4/11 3PT, 8/9 FT), 3 assists and 2 rebounds. Calvin 'The Beast' Abueva with a huge double-double perfromance of 20 points (6/11 FG, 1/3 3PT, 7/8 FT), 19 rebounds and 1 block. Jio Jalalon also tallied double digits with 16 points on 7-of-15 schooting, 6 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals.

Magnolia advances to the best-of-7 semifinal series against the winner of Meralco/NLEX matchup.

The Scores:

MAGNOLIA 96 - Lee 24, Abueva 20, Jalalon 16, Sangalang 13, Barroca 8, Corpuz 5, Dela Rosa 3, Ahanmisi 3, Reavis 2, Pascual 1, Dionisio 1.

RAIN OR SHINE 86 - Yap 16, Nambatac 13, Mocon 9, Caracut 9, Wong 8, Santillan 8, Belga 8, Asistio 7, Norwood 3, Borboran 3, Ponferada 2, Torres 0, Guinto 0, Tolentino 0.

Quarters: 28-17, 49-41, 71-69, 96-86.

INDICATORS

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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Many times we overestimate the problems and underestimate our potentials. Faith in ourselves alone will give us the true estimate of both.