DUTERTE JOINS PDP-LABAN BETS ON LAST DAY OF FILING

MANILA— President Duterte yesterday appeared at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) filing venue at the Sofitel Harbor Garden Tent in Pasay City to support eight PDP-Laban senatorial aspirants, mostly his Cabinet secretaries, who filed their certificate of candidacy (COC) on the last day of filing.

In a show of confidence, Duterte raised the hands of Information and Communications Secretary Gregorio Honasan III, Agrarian Reform Secretary John Castriciones, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo, Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission Commissioner Greco Belgica and former public works secretary Mark Villar.

They, together with staunch Duterte supporters Sagip party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta, broadcaster Rey Langit and actor Robin Padilla, will form PDP-Laban’s senatorial slate in the 2022 elections.

PDP-Laban secretary-general Melvin Matibag earlier said the party wants to field 12 candidates in its senatorial lineup, including presidential spokesman Harry Roque, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III and Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, but the three were not present during Friday’s filing.

FOR HER PRESS FREEDOM EFFORTS, MARIA RESSA WINS THE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE

MANILA - For her "efforts to safeguard freedom of expression," veteran journalist Maria Ressa has been awarded the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize, the Norweigan Nobel Committee announced on Friday.

Ressa, the CEO of online news site Rappler, was named along with Russia's Dmitry Muratov.

"Ms Ressa and Mr Muratov are receiving the Peace Prize for their courageous fight for freedom of expression in the Philippines and Russia," chairwoman Berit Reiss-Andersen of the Norwegian Nobel Committee told a news conference.

"At the same time, they are representatives of all journalists who stand up for this ideal in a world in which democracy and freedom of the press face increasingly adverse conditions," she added.

The Nobel Peace Prize will be presented on Dec. 10, the anniversary of the death of Swedish industrialist Alfred Nobel, who founded the awards in his 1895 will.

In a statement, Nobel Peace Prize body said Ressa "uses freedom of expression to expose abuse of power, use of violence and growing authoritarianism in her native country, the Philippines."

Ressa in 2012 co-founded Rappler, which gave "critical attention on the Duterte regime’s controversial, murderous anti-drug campaign," the award-giving body added.

"The number of deaths is so high that the campaign resembles a war waged against the country’s own population. Ms Ressa and Rappler have also documented how social media is being used to spread fake news, harass opponents and manipulate public discourse," it added.

Nobel laureates will receive 10 million Swedish kronor (SEK) or $1.15 million, a diploma, and a gold medal, based on the Nobel Prize website.

Among notable Nobel peace laureates include former US President Barack Obama (2009), Nelson Mandela (1993), and Aung San Suu Kyi (1991).

In a live video with Rappler, Ressa dedicated her win to her colleagues in Rappler.

"I think what we have to do as journalists is to just hold the line... When you attack the media, it's oftentimes shooting the messenger... The recognition of how difficult it is to be a journalist today, this is for you Rappler," Ressa said.

"I hope, energy for us to continue the battle for facts... We'll just keep doing on what we are doing," she added.

WORLD LEADERS CONGRATULATE RESSA, MURATOV ON NOBEL PEACE PRIZE WIN

MANILA— World leaders on Friday sent congratulations to journalists Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov for winning the Nobel Peace Prize, citing their fearless fight for the truth.

Ressa, CEO of online news site Rappler, and Russia's Muratov were given the award "for their courageous fight for freedom of expression in the Philippines and Russia."

"I congratulate Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov on being awarded the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize," UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said in a press conference.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, meanwhile, tweeted: "Congratulations, @MariaRessa and Dmitry Muratov. Free, independent, and fact-based journalism is more important than ever ..."

US President Joe Biden said in a statement the two journalists "have pursued the facts -- tirelessly and fearlessly."

"They have worked to check the abuse of power, expose corruption, and demand transparency. They have been tenacious in founding independent media outlets and defending them against forces that seek their silence," he said.

Former US State Secretary Hillary Clinton said she was "thrilled" when she found out that Ressa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani activist and the world's youngest Nobel Prize laureate, said she was "excited to congratulate"

Ressa and Muratov.

"The Nobel committee rightly recognize their work to protect freedom of expression and promote a free press. We must keep fighting for our right to speak freely, challenge leaders and improve social systems," she tweeted.

PHILIPPINES OKS NEW QUARANTINE PROTOCOLS FOR TRAVELERS FROM 'GREEN, YELLOW' COUNTRIES

MANILA— The Philippines on Friday started the implementation of shorter quarantine protocols for international travelers coming from countries classified as low risk and moderate risk for COVID-19.

Fully vaccinated individuals coming from “green” (low risk) and “yellow” (moderate risk) nations and jurisdictions need to undergo facility-based quarantine until the release of their negative RT-PCR test results taken on the fifth day, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said.

They will then be required to undergo home quarantine until their 10th day. The day of their arrival will be considered their first day.

Meanwhile, unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or individuals whose vaccination status cannot be independently verified or confirmed as valid or authentic by local authorities coming from “green” or “yellow” countries will undergo facility-based quarantine until the release of the RT-PCR taken on the seventh day.

After that, they need to undergo home quarantine until their 14th day.

Foreign nationals are required to secure their own pre-booked accommodation of at least six days for the fully inoculated, and at least eight days for the unvaccinated, the partially vaccinated, and individuals who vaccination status cannot be independently confirmed as valid or authentic.

ISKO MORENO CALLS ROBREDO 'FAKE LEADER WITH FAKE COLOR' FOR RUNNING AS INDEPENDENT BET IN 2022 PRESIDENTIAL RACE

MANILA - Manila Mayor and presidential aspirant Isko Moreno Domagoso on Friday called Vice President Leni Robredo a "fake leader with a fake color," a day after the country's second-in command filed her certificate of candidacy as an independent candidate.

Robredo, the current chairperson of the Liberal Party, earlier said she filed as an independent candidate to show willingness to cooperate with other parties and sectors.

"Wag kayong malilinlang sa pagpapalitan ng kulay... Ang tanso, tubugin man ng ginto ay tanso pa rin," Domagoso told new members of Aksyon Demokratiko, where he sits as party president.

"A fake leader with a fake color is a fake character," he said.

Robredo recently swapped the LP's trademark yellow campaign color for pink and blue as her new hues for the 2022 national elections, saying pink is now considered as the new color of revolution.

Domagoso's statements against Robredo comes after the vice president said unity talks with the Manila Mayor bogged down due to his stance on the family of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

The Aksyon Demokratiko - who is positioning himself as a "healing president" - earlier said that Marcos' scions should be given a chance to prove that they are nothing like their father, whose administration is marred by human rights abuses and massive corruption.

"You cannot talk of unity when you yourself hindi mo nga ma-unify sarili mong [party] (when you can't even unify your own party)," Domagoso said when asked to react on Robredo's statement.

'TRUE FACE': TRILLANES SAYS ISKO MORENO A 'PRETENDER' AFTER HIT VS ROBREDO

MANILA - Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Friday said Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso has finally shown his "true face" after the latter called Vice President Leni Robredo a "fake leader."

Domagoso's earlier made the statement against Robredo after she filed as an independent candidate to show willingness to cooperate with other parties and sectors.

"He (Domagoso) was never with us from the beginning. All this projection that he could be sold as part of the opposition is just a front. And that he was just trying to play both sides of the political aisle," Trillanes told ANC's After the Fact.

Domagoso's statements against Robredo came after the Vice President said unity talks with him to challenge the Duterte administration's bets in the 2022 elections bogged down due to his stance on the family of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

The Manila mayor has said that Marcos' scions should be given a chance to prove that they are nothing like their father, whose administration was marred by human rights abuses and massive corruption.

"You cannot talk of unity when you yourself hindi mo nga ma-unify sarili mong [party] (when you can't even unify your own party)," Domagoso said in response to Robredo's statement.

"You're not even proud of your party. Kung kayang mong iwan ang mga kasama mo [sa partido], paano pa kaya kaming 110 million Filipinos?" he claimed.

Trillanes said Domagoso's remarks were similar to the language used by supporters of incumbent President Rodrigo Duterte to attack those who criticize the Chief Executive.

"'Yan 'yung saloobin ni Isko. That's what I've been telling that he was never with us in the opposition. Because kung nasa opposition ka, you wouldn't even utter those words, much less to the Vice President," the former senator said.

"You can see that it's going to be part of their propaganda or vilification campaign against the Vice President."

Robredo on Friday explained she is running as an independent presidential candidate to show that she is open to forging alliances with other political parties.

In a public briefing with her runningmate Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, Robredo also clarified that she did not resign as the chairperson of the Liberal Party.

MAYOR SARA REITERATES RUN FOR REELECTION

MANILA— Presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio shut the door for a presidential run despite consistently topping various surveys on possible presidentiables in next year’s polls.

“I am presenting myself to the Dabawenyos for the third and last time of my life as a politician,” Duterte-Carpio said, as she maintained she is bent on seeking reelection as Davao City mayor for her third and final term.

Duterte-Carpio further said she has no plans of seeking a higher position in the future for she wants to end her life as a politician only as Davao City mayor. And despite not running for president, she said she could still help others even without the country’s highest position.

Her announcement was made amid the clamor from thousands of supporters who gathered to urge the Davao mayor to run for president during the last day of the filing of certificate of candidacy (COC) yesterday

Duterte-Carpio filed for reelection last Saturday, the second day of the filing of the COC. Likewise, she said she has no plans of withdrawing her candidacy for Davao City mayor. As of late yesterday afternoon, her mayoralty bid was challenged by Joseph Hannibal Elizalde and one Teodoro Mantilla.

“I have been honored with the gift of trust and respect of many of our fellow Filipinos, a gift that is one in a million. Thank you to everyone who have expressed their support. Many of you do not know me and yet you carry me over your shoulders,” she said to her supporters.

THE REST

========

PHILIPPINES SEES 10,670 MORE COVID-19 CASES

MANILA— Health authorities on Friday logged 10,670 more coronavirus cases to bring the Philippines' caseload to 2,643,494.

DOH said two laboratories did not submit screening results. The agency also added 104 deaths from October 5 and 6 after no fatalities were reported on the said days due to technical issues.

Active cases: 118,203 or 4.5% of the total

Recoveries: 7,691 bringing the number to 2,486,059

Deaths: 191, or now 39,232 overall

Updated protocols for 'green, yellow' list countries

The pandemic task force approved a shorter facility-based quarantine period for travelers from countries in the government's yellow and green lists.

The Philippines received 2.1 million more doses of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine along with 661,000 doses of AstraZeneca.

The United Nations scored wealthy countries' move to begin administering COVID-19 booster shots, calling it "immoral and stupid" that prevents access of the jabs to poorer nations.

‘DON’T INJECT POLITICS INTO VACCINATION’

MANILA— National Task Force against COVID-19 chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. yesterday called on local government units (LGUs) to unite and set aside politics in implementing the government’s vaccination program.

“Now, we are encouraging all the LGUs to capacitate their municipalities and cities; I enjoin all the governors and the mayors to unite together. Let them set aside political inclination first,” Galvez said, adding that vaccine supply is now “overflowing.”

Galvez, also the vaccine czar, said governors, mayors and congressmen should not use the vaccination program as a weapon against their political opponents.

“Do not use this vaccination as a political weapon. We have seen here in Rizal and other areas in Bulacan that once there is unity among the municipality and the governors, the vaccination is fast,” Galvez said. “And we encourage everybody, that congressmen, governors and mayors should and have to work as one, to vaccinate as one.”

With a stable vaccine supply, Galvez said LGUs no longer need to buy directly from manufacturers.

ELEAZAR WARNS BETS VS COLLUDING WITH REDS

MANILA— Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar has warned candidates against colluding with communist rebels to ensure their victory in next year’s elections.

Eleazar said politicians caught collaborating, including giving “permit to campaign fees” to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), would be held accountable.

“We in the PNP will not hesitate to use the full force of the law against you and those who would give in to the permit to campaign and permit to win of the CPP-NPA-NDF in whatever form,” he said in a statement.

Eleazar said those giving financial or material support to communist rebels could face charges for violation of Republic Act 10168 or the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act.

HUMAN RIGHTS CHAMPION CHITO GASCON PASSES AWAY

MANILA — Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Chair Jose Luis “Chito” Gascon has passed away, his brother said Saturday.

He was 57.

"Sa dami mong laban, sa COVID pa tayo natalo," Gascon's brother Miguel said in a Facebook post.

Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, without mentioning Gascon in a tweet, said the human rights leader supposedly gave up his bed in a hospital so that other COVID-19 patients could use it.

"Before he died, he asked to be taken home so that others can use his hospital bed," Leonen said in a tweet.

"This is what being a human being looks like, a true leader," he added.

Gascon was appointed to the rights body in 2015 by then president Benigno Aquino III. At the change of administration, he fought rights abuses in the Philippines, including alleged extrajudicial killings in the drug war.

In a speech in 2017, he said: "We have entered a period of darkness, the sun is gone, night has fallen."

Gascon was a political activist and social reformer whose work for over three decades focused on human rights, democracy and governance.

Meanwhile, Vice President Leni Robredo said Gascon touched many lives as he fought for his beliefs.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

ELY BUENDIA TO SHARE STAGE WITH SON EON IN 'SUPERPROXIES'

MANILA -- Eon Drake Buendia, the son of rock star Ely Buendia, is following in the footsteps of his dad.

On October 9, 21-year-old Eon will be introduced to the music world when he shares the stage with his dad and performs with him for the first time in the virtual concert “Superproxies” on KTX.

The title was taken after the Eraserheads song “Superproxy,” which Buendia penned with Francis M. for the band’s 15-track “Cutterpillow” album in 1995.

Eon was “a bit apprehensive” basically because he doesn’t really like to be associated with his dad. “Not in that way,” Buendia told ABS-CBN News. “Not as a career path and I don’t blame him.

“He surely wants to carve his own career path and not be compared to me. He is also very, very excited being in this concert. He hasn’t been playing live for a long time now. Any chance he gets, I’m pretty sure it’s more of excitement than apprehension for him.”

Eon is now in fourth year taking up Music at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (CSB) and not at the University of the Philippines, the alma mater of Buendia and where The Eraserheads was formed.

“Malayo sa amin ang Diliman,” Buendia pointed out. “He went to CSB because that [school] is more accessible.”

“Superproxies” is the first online concert for Buendia, who belatedly decided on performing virtually amid this pandemic.

SPORTS

MERALCO DEF. MAGNOLIA, 91-86 (PBA) SEMIS GAME 3

Meralco Bolts defeated Magnolia Hotshots, 91-86 to trim their deficit at 2-1 in their best-of-7 semis in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup on Friday at the Don Honorio Ventura State University (DHVSU) Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.

Chris Newsome topscored for Bolts with 17 points (6/14 FG, 2/2 3PT), along with 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 steal in 42 minutes of play. John Pinto finished with 16 points (5/8 FG, 1/3 3PT), 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 block while Mac Belo added 14 points (5/8 FG, 2/5 3PT), 5 rebounds and 2 assists.

Paul Lee paced the Hotshots with 18 point (5/11 FG, 2/6 3PT), 1 rebound and 1 assist while Ian Sangalang added 15 points (7/13 FG, 1/4 FT) and 7 rebounds.

The Scores:

MERALCO 91 - Newsome 17, Pinto 16, Belo 14, Baclao 10, Maliksi 9, Quinto 8, Caram 8, Hodge 7, Hugnatan 2.

MAGNOLIA 86 - Lee 18, Sangalang 15, Abueva 12, Dela Rosa 10, Jalalon 9, Dionisio 8, Ahanmisi 8, Corpuz 2, Barroca 2, Reavis 2, Melton 0.

Quarters: 24-14, 47-37, 73-54, 91-86.

TNT DEF. SAN MIGUEL, 115-98 (PBA) SEMIS GAME 3

TNT Tropang GIGA uses strong first half beat San Miguel Beermen, 115-98 to take a 2-1 lead in their best-of-7 semifinal series in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup on Friday at the Don Honorio Ventura State University (DHVSU) Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.

RR Pogoy led Tropang GIGA with 26 points (9/20 FG) including 3 three-pointers along with 4 steals, 3 assists and 2 rebounds 34 minutes of play. JP Erram finished the fame with a double-double performance of 21 points (7/12 FG, 3/5 3PT), 13 rebounds and 3 steals.

The Scores:

TNT 115 - Pogoy 26, Erram 21, M.Williams 20, Rosario 14, Montalbo 9, Castro 9, Heruela 4, Khobuntin 4, Marcelo 2, Reyes 2, Mendoza 2, Exciminiano 0, Alejandro 0.

SAN MIGUEL 98 - Romeo 22, Perez 14, Fajardo 14, Cabagnot 12, Tautuaa 11, Santos 9, Pessumal 5, Lassiter 3, Ross 3, Gamalinda 3, Zamar 2, Gotladera 0, Comboy 0.

Quarters: 29-20, 54-42, 85-68, 115-98.

INDICATORS

FOREX $1 = P 50.58

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Friendship is always a sweet responsibility, never an opportunity. - Kahil Gibran