DUTERTE TO ATTEND ASEAN SUMMIT VIRTUALLY OCTOBER 26-28
MANILA — President Duterte will attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit from Oct. 26 to 28 virtually, Malacañang said yesterday.
“The President will attend via Zoom or computer hook-up from Oct. 26 to 28,” presidential spokesman Harry Roque said at a media briefing.
He said as in past years, the ASEAN Summit would be followed by ASEAN-Korea, ASEAN-China, ASEAN-US, ASEAN-Japan, ASEAN-Australia, ASEAN-Plus Three, East Asia Summit, ASEAN-India and ASEAN-Russia meetings.
Duterte has been attending international summits virtually since the outbreak of the pandemic in 2020.
The 10-member regional bloc earlier decided to exclude Myanmar junta leader Min Aung Hlaing from the virtual summit.
The decision broke ASEAN’s decades-long policy of non-interference in the affairs of member-nations.
ASEAN is composed of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. had said ASEAN would lose credibility if the leader of the junta in Myanmar would be allowed to attend a virtual regional summit.
The Philippine government refused to comment on the military takeover in Myanmar in February, calling it an “internal matter.”
In the same month, Locsin blamed the West for “destroying” Myanmar’s leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
Myanmar’s leader has lost the support of Western nations as she had stayed silent on the atrocities against Rohingya Muslims.
BIDEN TO BE FIRST US PRESIDENT TO JOIN ASEAN SUMMIT IN 4 YEARS
WASHINGTON/BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN—US President Joe Biden will take part in a virtual summit with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Tuesday, the first time in four years Washington will engage at the top level with a bloc it sees as key to its strategy of pushing back against China.
The US embassy in Brunei told Reuters that Biden will lead the US delegation for the ASEAN-United States summit, part of a series of ASEAN leaders' meetings this week.
The United States has not joined the meetings at the presidential level since Biden's predecessor, Donald Trump, attended an ASEAN-US meeting in Manila in 2017.
Analysts say Biden's meeting with the 10-nation bloc reflects his administration's efforts to engage allies and partners in a collective effort to push back against China.
They expect Biden to focus on collaboration on COVID-19 vaccine distribution, climate change, supply chains and infrastructure.
He is also expected to assure ASEAN that a recent US focus on engagement with India, Japan and Australia in the so-called Quad format and a deal to supply Australia with nuclear-powered submarines are not intended to supplant ASEAN's central role in the region.
SENATE BILLS FILED VS CANDIDATE SUBSTITUTION
MANILA — Senators are seeking to ban the substitution of an electoral aspirant who voluntarily withdraws candidacy in any forthcoming election.
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian filed a bill banning the option to substitute an electoral aspirant who voluntarily withdraws candidacy in any forthcoming election. Senate Majority Leader Miguel Zubiri, Senators Nancy Binay, Grace Poe and Joel Villanueva are co-authors of the bill.
While the Omnibus Election Code allows substitution to replace an official candidate of a registered or accredited political party who dies, is disqualified for any cause or withdraws from the electoral race, Gatchalian pointed out that the last has been abused over the years and is observed as a mockery of the process of filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs).
FIRMS TOLD: SECURE SAFETY SEAL, INCREASE CAPACITY
MANILA — To increase operational capacity, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) advised restaurants and other establishments to secure a safety seal.
Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said establishments granted a safety seal from DOLE and other concerned government agencies are allowed at least 10 percent additional operational and venue capacity as provided under the supplemental guidelines on the implementation of the safety seal program.
Bello noted that firms in areas under Alert Level 2 who have secured a safety seal are granted 20 percent additional operational and venue capacity.
In areas under Alert Level 2, allowed capacity is 70 percent, and with a safety seal from DOLE or DTI that is another 20 percent so it’s almost 90 percent, almost full capacity, Bello explained at a virtual forum Sunday.
Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the increase in allowable occupancy was meant to encourage businesses to apply for the safety seal and strengthen health protocols in establishments and workplaces.
“This seal is one of the government’s measures to restart the economy under the new normal and increase employment opportunities by making the reopening of business more viable for operation,” Lopez explained.
PALACE SAYS 'CANNOT CLAIM TO BE PERFECT' IN DRUG WAR
MANILA — The government "can't claim to be perfect" in its anti-narcotics crackdown, as with any other program, Malacañang said on Monday, after the justice department released information that indicated foul play in dozens of drug killings during the Duterte administration.
Vice President Leni Robredo on Sunday said the agency's report confirms there were "many lapses" in the drug war, including the lack of evidence that suspects were killed because they resisted arrest.
"Like any other government program, we cannot claim to be perfect," Palace spokesman Harry Roque said, when asked to react to Robredo's remark.
"Pero ang sinasabi natin, ‘wag naman iyong gawain ng ilang mga bugok ay maapektuhan iyong buong program. Nothing is perfect," he said in a press briefing.
The findings of the justice department prove that the Philippines "is undertaking and performing its obligation insofar as the right to life is concerned," added the official.
The Philippines has come under pressure from the United Nations to investigate allegations of systematic murders of drug suspects, and the International Criminal Court recently announced it would investigate President Rodrigo Duterte's anti-drug campaign.
Duterte last week said he takes "full responsibility" for the campaign.
"If there is any person who is going to prison, it would be me," he said in a speech.
MUNTINLUPA MAYOR FRESNEDI VOICES SUPPORT FOR ROBREDO, PANGILINAN
MANILA — Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi is the latest local chief executive to declare his support for Vice President Leni Robredo and her running mate Sen. Francis Pangilinan in the 2022 elections.
In a statement sent to reporters, Fresnedi said that the country needs a campaign to bring back good governance that prioritizes the people’s welfare, particularly amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The Muntinlupa mayor, a member of the Robredo-chaired Liberal Party of which Pangilinan is president, is seeking a congressional seat in next year’s elections.
"I'm supporting VP Leni for president and Senator Kiko for vice president, believing that the two are deserving to be the leaders of the 110 million Filipinos,” Fresnedi said.
"They have the sincerity and the competence to serve and lead. We can see their love of country, and love for the Filipinos. What they offer comes with no reservations. They are offering their services, their lives, their time to serve the people of the Philippines for the next six years."
Fresnedi joins Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas and Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno among local chief executives who have declared their support for Robredo and Pangilinan.
Moreno was a key Mindanao official of the Liberal Party before joining the ruling PDP-Laban, which President Rodrigo Duterte chairs.
Political realignments are common during election season although eyes are also on November 15, the last day for substitution of candidates.
MORE THAN 5,000 ERRING COPS AXED FROM SERVICE SINCE JULY 2016: AÑO
MANILA - More than 5,000 police officers have been dismissed from service since the first year of the Duterte administration in 2016, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said on Monday.
In a taped public briefing, Año said 5,178 cops have been kicked out from the force since July 2016.
Fifty jail officers and 16 fire officers have also been dismissed.
Last June, 84 police officers tested positive for illegal drug use and were dismissed while 28 others in the Philippine National Police were arrested over their involvement in narcotics, according to Año.
The Department of Justice last week released a 20-page information table on 52 cases involving deaths during police anti-narcotics operations in the country.
Of the cases the DOJ reviewed, majority were buy-bust operations wherein suspects allegedly drew their guns and resisted arrest. Some medical reports showed suspects tested negative for gunpowder nitrates.
The DOJ said the policemen that were involved in the 52 cases were found administratively liable and meted penalties, ranging from reprimand and suspension to demotion and dismissal from service.
Earlier this month, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra announced they found potential criminal liability on the part of police officers but held off disclosing key details or making the report public
BATA, DJANGO BACK PACQUIAO PRESIDENCY: ‘IT’S AN HONOR’
Billiards legends Efren “Bata” Reyes and Django Bustamante are backing Manny Pacquiao’s presidency, the senator and world champion boxer said in a statement on Monday.
“Isang karangalan na makasama ko sa aking vision to transform our country into a progressive, modern and corrupt-free nation ang mga tulad ni Reyes at Bustamante,” Pacquiao said.
He met with Reyes and Bustamante donning Pacquiao’s campaign shirt at a pool hall, where they raised hands in support of the boxer’s candidacy in next year’s elections.
Reyes is a global icon in his sport, having won world titles and captivated both avid and casual fans with his shot-making skills that earned him the moniker “the Magician.”
Bustamante has brought home international championships, too, and in their prime he and Reyes made the Philippines the focus of the global billiards world.
With Pacquiao, their peaks in the 2000s brought honor the country.
“As athletes, we both share the passion of bringing pride and honor for all Filipinos and for our country,” Pacquiao added.
“Titiyakin po namin na magpapatuloy ang pagtulong sa ating mga atleta even in our own capacity. Mabuhay ang mga atletang Pilipino.”
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MARIKINA WINS ASEAN’S ESC AWARD
MANILA — Marikina was among the recipients of the prestigious Association of Southeast Asian Nations Environmentally Sustainable Cities Award during the 5th ASEAN ESC and Certificates of Recognition Award held in Jakarta recently.
The city of Marikina received the highest scores for all three categories on clean air, land, and water through the assessments conducted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Marikina’s air quality is within the standards of the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The city also has a dedicated anti-smoke belching unit, which conducts daily roadside inspections to check the emission level of motor vehicles.
The city posted a 47 percent reduction in the number of apprehended smoke belchers from 4,183 violators in 2018 to 2,204 in 2019.
The award giving body said 100 percent of Marikina’s households have access to water provided by Manila Water. The provided tap water meet s the drinking water standards of the World Health Organization.
Parañaque received a certificate of recognition under the category “Clean Land for Big Cities.”
The city was cited for its solid waste management program.
SM OPENS VAX CENTER FOR KIDS IN MANDALUYONG
When the news broke out that children with comorbidities can get vaccinated, Paul Vincent Lim immediately registered his son for vaccination. As early as 9:00 am, Lim and his 15-year-old son were already at the SM Megamall Mega Trade Hall, waiting to get inoculated.
"The benefits outweigh the risk. The moment I knew that he was eligible for inoculation, I did not hesitate to register his name. His pediatrician also approved of it so we pushed through," said Lim.
Lim's son is just one of the 1.2 million children aged 12 to 17 with comorbidities in the country. And on that day, he was able to get his son the protection against the viral infection still going around with a vaccine.
In cooperation with the Department of Health (DOH), the Inter-Agency Task Force and National Task Force Against COVID, National Vaccination Operation Center (NVOC), and the Mandaluyong City Local Government Unit, SM Supermalls opened the SM Megamall Pediatric Vaccination Center to Filipino children who have underlying medical conditions on October 21.
"At SM, we remain committed to providing accessible and convenient vaccination areas to our communities and beyond. Now that the rollout of the inoculation of minors with preexisting conditions has started, we will continue to lend a helping hand to the government and give them the necessary support to boost the country's vaccination drive," said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan.
ISKO URGES GOV'T: FILE CASES VS DENR OVER OPENING OF DOLOMITE BEACH
MANILA - Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso on Tuesday challenged the national task force overseeing the COVID-19 pandemic to file cases against Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) officials for opening the dolomite beach in the capital city.
The influx of people to the man-made beach along Manila Bay "can be a super spreader," Domogoso told ANC's Headstart.
"Sila ang nagpapatupad, sila din ang lumalabag," he said referring to the lack of physical distancing and the presence of children below 12-years old in the area.
"File charges in violation [of health protocols] sa mga kapwa nila nasa (against their fellow officials in the) national government," he said, as he called on the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) against COVID-19 to address the issue.
"If they cannot implement it within their offices, then there is no point implementing it sa mga taongbayan (to the public)."
FULLY VACCINATED TRAVELERS MAY NOW VISIT BAGUIO CITY
MANILA — The city government of Baguio City has allowed the entry of fully vaccinated travelers, subject to guidelines.
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong said Monday they will accept leisure travel applications from fully vaccinated individuals starting October 25. Acceptance will be based on guidelines to be contained in an executive order to be issued later, the Public Information Office said in a statement posted on its Facebook page.
Magalong said he hopes the reopening of Baguio “will spur economic activity” especially since the city was placed under strict restrictions for two months due to a rise in cases.
In a post on Tuesday morning, the PIO said fully vaccinated tourists may visit Baguio City, except those who will be coming from localities under Enhanced Community Quarantine, modified ECQ or on Alert Level 4 or 5.
COOLER DAYS EXPECTED WITH ONSET OF ‘AMIHAN’
MANILA — Expect colder mornings and nights as the country’s weather bureau announced the onset northeast monsoon or amihan season.
In a statement, PAGASA said strong to gale force northeasterly winds have prevailed over Northern Luzon due to the strengthening of the high pressure system over Siberia—a vast territory in Russua—and enhanced by the passing of low pressure areas.
Weather forecasters also observed a “gradual cooling” of the surface air temperature over the northeastern part of Luzon.
“With these developments, the northeast wind flow is expected to gradually become more dominant over Northern Luzon, bringing cold and dry air,” PAGASA said.
“Surges of cold temperatures may also be expected in the coming months,” it added.
The weather bureau also warned that La Niña could enhance the northeast monsoon rainfall. This could trigger floods, flash floods and rain-induced landslides.
Amihan typically occurs from October to late March.
ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE
CELEBRITIES CONGRATULATE KRIS AQUINO ON HER ENGAGEMENT
MANILA – Congratulatory messages poured in for Kris Aquino after she made an Instagram post Sunday night where she revealed her engagement to former Interior Secretary Mel Sarmiento.
In the now viral post, Aquino mentioned Sarmiento in her caption for the first time while sharing a clip of them together.
Saying she is already looking forward to becoming a Sarmiento, Aquino thanked him for being her “best friend and the man I said yes to spending the rest of my life with.”
Several celebrities were extremely elated for Aquino that they flooded her post with comments sharing her excitement.
Among them were Angel Locsin, Anne Curtis, Mariel Rodriguez, Bea Alonzo, Ogie Alcasid, Alex Gonzaga, Chesca Kramer, Miles Ocampo, K Brosas, Moira dela Torre, Neri Miranda, Pokwang and Jinkee Pacquiao.
In the same post, Aquino thanked her late brother, former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, saying she and Sarmiento would not have reconnected if not for him.
Aquino also called her brother a “matchmaker in heaven.”
Sarmiento was the third and final DILG secretary under former President Aquino’s term, replacing Mar Roxas, who had tendered his resignation to focus on his presidential campaign.
Prior to his stint with the Aquino administration, Sarmiento was secretary general of the Liberal Party, the late president’s political party.
From 2010 to 2015, Sarmiento was congressman of Western Samar. Before joining the House of Representatives, he was the vice mayor and later mayor of Calbayog City, until he ran for a congressional seat.
Aquino was formerly married to basketball star James Yap. They had a civil wedding in 2005. They welcomed Bimby two years later in 2007. They separated in 2010, and their marriage was nullified two years later in 2012.
SPORTS
NBA SCORES OCT 24
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Hornets3-0 27 23 29 32 111
Nets1-2 31 27 20 17 95
BARCLAYS CENTER, BROOKLYN, NY
SCORING LEADERS
M. Bridges CHA
32 PTS 9 REB 2 AST
K. Durant BKN
38 PTS 5 REB 3 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Celtics1-2 22 31 36 18 107
Rockets1-2 30 21 21 25 97
TOYOTA CENTER, HOUSTON, TX
SCORING LEADERS
J. Tatum BOS
31 PTS 9 REB 2 AST
J. Green HOU
30 PTS 4 REB 3 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Magic1-2 27 25 22 36 110
Knicks2-1 29 28 23 24 104
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, NEW YORK, NY
SCORING LEADERS
C. Anthony ORL
29 PTS 16 REB 8 AST
J. Randle NY
30 PTS 16 REB 3 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
76ers2-1 36 23 28 28 115
Thunder0-3 26 25 27 25 103
PAYCOM CENTER, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK
SCORING LEADERS
S. Curry PHI
28 PTS 3 REB 3 AST
S. Gilgeous-Alexander OKC
29 PTS 6 REB 8 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Warriors3-0 29 31 30 29 119
Kings1-2 31 31 26 19 107
GOLDEN 1 CENTER, SACRAMENTO, CA
SCORING LEADERS
S. Curry GS
27 PTS 7 REB 10 AST
H. Barnes SAC
24 PTS 7 REB 1 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Grizzlies2-1 24 32 34 28 118
Lakers1-2 29 33 25 34 121
STAPLES CENTER, LOS ANGELES, CA
SCORING LEADERS
J. Morant MEM
40 PTS 3 REB 10 AST
C. Anthony LAL
28 PTS 3 REB 1 AST
INDICATORS
FOREX $1 = P 50.68
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
A problem well stated is a problem half solved. – C. F. Ketterring
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