SOUTH AFRICA DETECTS NEW COVID-19 VARIANT; IMPLICATIONS NOT YET CLEAR
JOHANNESBURG—South African scientists have detected a new COVID-19 variant in small numbers and are working to understand its potential implications, they said on Thursday.
The variant — called B.1.1.529 — has a "very unusual constellation" of mutations, which are concerning because they could help it evade the body's immune response and make it more transmissible, scientists told reporters at a news conference.
Early signs from diagnostic laboratories suggest the variant has rapidly increased in the most populated province of Gauteng and may already be present in the country's other eight provinces, they said.
In a regular daily update on confirmed cases countrywide, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) later reported 2,465 new COVID-19 infections, slightly less than double the previous day's infections. The NICD did not attribute the latest resurgence to the new variant, although some leading local scientists suspect it is the cause.
South Africa has confirmed around 100 specimens as B.1.1.529, but the variant has also been found in Botswana and Hong Kong, with the Hong Kong case a traveller from South Africa. As many as 90% of new cases in Gauteng could be B.1.1.529, scientists believe.
"Although the data are limited, our experts are working overtime with all the established surveillance systems to understand the new variant and what the potential implications could be," the NICD said in a statement.
South Africa has requested an urgent sitting of a World Health Organization (WHO) working group on virus evolution on Friday to discuss the new variant.
FOCUS ON HUMAN RIGHTS CASES, MAKING JUSTICE MORE ACCESSIBLE IN COMING YEARS AT THE JUDICIARY
MANILA — Prioritizing human rights cases and making justice more accessible to the marginalized and underserved are on the roadmap of justice reform in the next four years among the Philippine justice and law enforcement sectors.
The European Union, in partnership with the Philippine Government, launched on Thursday the second phase of its Justice Sector Reform Programme: Government in Justice (GoJUST Programme), where the Supreme Court and the Departments of Justice and the Interior and Local Government presented projects in the next four years.
The EU has committed 19 million Euros or P1.1 billion for the second phase of the Government in Justice programme (GoJUST) for this period, it said in a release.
First launched in 2017, the government’s new reform program was able to open seven Justice Zones in Quezon City, Cebu City, Angeles City, Davao City, Bacolod, Naga City and Calamba City.
During the pandemic, GoJUST said they were able to strengthen the e-Dalaw system, which allowed Persons Deprived of Liberty to remain in contact with their families and counsels, albeit virtually, amid prison lockdown.
The program also helped prosecution offices and court decongest their dockets.
DUTERTE PARTICIPATES IN ASIA-EUROPE MEET
MANILA — President Duterte will participate via video conference in the 13th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit, which started yesterday and runs until today.
Duterte will join his counterparts from Asia and Europe in the exchange of views on multilateralism, growth and sustainable development, Malacañang said in a statement on Wednesday.
He is expected to speak on “Rebuilding a Resilient Future” as well as on international and regional issues at the Second Plenary and Retreat Sessions of the Summit today.
The 13th ASEM Summit is chaired by the Kingdom of Cambodia and carries the theme “Strengthening Multilateralism for Shared Growth.” The Philippines joined ASEM in 1996 as one of the founding members.
POLITICAL CLANS FORM COALITION TO SUPPORT BONGBONG-SARA TANDEM
MANILA — Arroyo, Duterte, Estrada, Marcos — some of the most prominent families in Philippine politics — are all coming together to support the presidential bid of former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and his running mate, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.
The coalition of political families seeking to secure power in the 2022 elections was sealed Thursday when their parties, Arroyo's Lakas – Christian Muslim Democrats, Duterte-Carpio’s Hugpong ng Pagbabago, Estrada's Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino and the Marcos-led Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, inked an alliance agreement at the Sofitel Plaza Manila in Pasay City.
The alliance — called by their critics as "unholy" — was likely forged as a result of Marcos Jr.’s lead in early pre-election surveys, according to political scientists Cleve Arguelles and Jean Franco.
"People are already joining the bandwagon. This also goes for businessmen supporting these political parties," Franco said.
Marcos Jr. said the coalition will bring back stability in politics and the country, adding that the interest of the Philippines was the "driving force" behind the parties teaming up.
MORE STUDIES NEEDED BEFORE PH CAN SAY IT HAS CONTROLLED COVID SPREAD: DOH
MANILA - Further studies are needed before the Philippines can declare it has controlled the spread of COVID-19, the Department of Health said Thursday, amid the decline in new infections and lower positivity rate over the past several days.
The country on Thursday recorded the lowest number of active COVID-19 cases this year at 17,796. It has also kept its daily fresh cases below 3,000 for 24 consecutive days.
It also reported a 2.3 percent COVID-19 positivity rate, the 13th straight day that it remained below 5 percent, the threshold of the World Health Organization. A relatively high rate means there's more virus transmission and people should be tested.
The country's virus cases have declined but there are still a lot of uncertain factors, according to Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire.
"Marami pang uncertain na nangyayari sa atin. Na-experience na natin in the past na napababa ang kaso but after sometime, tumaas pa rin. Kailangan natin ng (We need a) longer period to assess and evaluate what is happening," she told reporters.
"Kailangan pang pag-aralan nang maigi (We need to study this carefully), further studies, further evaluation because a lot of things are very uncertain at this point."
The coronavirus situation in other regions must also be considered, Vergeire said.
"Community response has been intensified. But if we compare to other areas in the country, some areas mababa pa rin ang pagbabakuna. Nakikita pa rin nating kailangan natin tulungan ang local governments nila for them to intensify their community response," she said.
"Pangatlo, kailangan handa ang health system kapag nasabi nating nakakapag-control tayo ng isang sakit."
BONGBONG OPEN TO DIALOGUE WITH DUTERTE
MANILA — Presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is open to a dialogue with President Duterte to clear up issues between them leading to next year’s elections, the former senator’s chief of staff said yesterday.
In an interview over One News channel, lawyer Vic Rodriguez said that until such a dialogue takes place, no comments about the President’s scathing comments will come from his boss, Marcos, nor their camp.
Duterte had recently referred to Marcos as a “weak leader” and expressed displeasure over his daughter, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, ending up as the latter’s running mate for vice president instead of seeking the presidency herself.
“We do not have any comments and since we are Filipinos who are entitled to our own opinion, we respect such an opinion, regardless if it is in favor or not to Marcos,” Rodriguez said.
A dialogue, though, would give Marcos a chance to explain his side on wedge issues with the President, he said.
Rodriguez underscored that Marcos, son and namesake of the late deposed president, still supports the Duterte administration.
“We have no comment, but we continue to respect and have high regard for Duterte. That does not change,” he said.
BI NAGHAHANDA NA SA INAASAHANG PAGDAGSA NG FOREIGN TOURISTS
MAYNLA—Naghahanda na ang Bureau of Immigration sa pagdagsa ng mga biyahero sakaling payagan na ang pagpasok ng mga banyagang turista sa bansa.
“Lalo na parating ang Kapaskuhan at eventually pag-open ng ating borders sa mga tourists nakikita natin its coming very soon, marami pong preparations ang Bureau of Immigration,” sabi ni Immigration spokesperson Dana Sandoval.
Sa panayam sa TeleRadyo Biyernes ng umaga, sinabi ni Sandoval na hindi muna pwedeng mag-leave ang kanilang mga frontline workers ngayong holiday season.
“Para ma-maximize manpower sa ating airports and seaports. Bukod po d’yan, may recent hiring tayo ng 99 immigration officers to augment ’yung frontlines natin,” sabi niya.
Muli rin nilang gagamitin ang e-gate na pansamantalang natigil dahil sa pandemya.
“There were fears of it na maging cause ng contamination, hinahawakan po kasi ito sa biometrics. But we resumed paggamit nito. We are following strict sanitation protocol kasi malaki ang naitutulong nito sa pag-proseso ng arriving passengers,” paliwanag niya.
HEALTH ADVOCATES BAT TO WAIVE PATENT PROTECTION FOR COVID-19 VACCINES, DRUGS
MANILA - Patent protection should be waived for vaccines, drugs, and diagnostic tools for COVID-19 so that poorer countries can have better access to these, health advocates in the Philippines said on Wednesday.
On Wednesday night, Asia Pacific Research Network, Ibon Foundation, along with other groups discussed the impact of the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) on the distribution of vaccines, medicines, and other diagnostic tools to prevent, contain, or treat COVID-19 amid the pandemic.
"TRIPS really put health in the framework of trade rather than in the framework of service. And this is why we are calling out the World Health Organization on why it allowed WTO to dominate the issue of health as an issue of trade," said Dr. Edelina Dela Paz, chairperson of Health Alliance for Democracy and national coordinator for Peoples Health Movement Philippines.
COMELEC REJECTS PLEA VS GRANT OF PERIOD EXTENSION TO FILE ANSWER TO MARCOS CAMPAIGN
MANILA — The Commission on Elections has rejected the appeal filed by the civic leaders’ group questioning the grant of extension of period to submit the answer of presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on their petition to cancel his Certificate of Candidacy.
The Comelec Second Division, in a three-page order dated November 22, denied the motion for reconsideration filed by the petitioners through their counsel, lawyer Theodore Te.
The Comelec division reiterated that there was justification found in the motion filed by Marcos that sought to extend the period to file Answer to November 22, from November 15.
“Verily, in the exercise of its power to suspend its rules under the provisions of Rule 1, Section 4 of the Comelec Rules of Procedure, in the interest of justice and the significance of the case at hand, the Commission (Second Division) deems it proper to allow both parties to be heard,” the order signed by Comelec Commissioner Socorro Inting read.
JOMA CHARGED FOR ATTACKS ON ISABELA MINING SITES
MANILA — Police have filed charges against Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chairman Jose Ma. Sison and nine suspected New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas in connection with the attacks on mining sites in Isabela province.
The charges against Sison and his co-accused were filed before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office in Ilagan City on Monday, according to Maj. Gen. Albert Ignatius Ferro, chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
These cases were for violation of Republic Act 9851 or the Philippine Act on Crime Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide and Other Crimes Against Humanity, and RA 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act.
Aside from Sison, the other respondents were identified as Joseph Bautista, Lourdes Bulan, Rey Busania, Garry Cantuba, Danny Soria and Raffy Valencia as well as three others who use the aliases Banong, Buding and Shai, all of the NPA’s Reynaldo Pinon Command Gitnang Isabela.
Ferro said the filing of cases against Sison and the guerrillas was a manifestation of the CIDG’s legal offensives against communist rebels.
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HUSTISYA HILING PARA SA 20 ANYOS NA NABARIL NG PULIS DAHIL UMANO WALANG MASK
MAYNILA — "Nakita ko na po na nakakabaong na."
'Yan ang hinagpis ng isang ina matapos pumanaw ang kaniyang anak nang mabaril ng isang pulis.
Humihiling ngayon ng hustisya ang pamilya ng binatang si Abelardo Vasquez, na nabaril ng pulis sa Bacolor, Pampanga dahil umano sa hindi pagsuot ng face mask at pag-iingay.
Ayon sa nanay ng biktima na si Lou, managot sana ang suspek na kinilalang si Police Cpl. Alvin Pastorin, isang intelligence officer sa Pampanga police.
Giit ni Lou, nagkukuwentuhan lang ang kaniyang 20 anyos na anak at mga pinsan nito sa labas ng bahay nang sitahin ng pulis noong Nobyembre 20.
Binaril umano ni Pastorin ang biktima nang malapitan. Nagtamo ng mga tama sa bala sa dibdib at leeg ang binata.
Ayon kay Lou, nagtatrabaho siya sa Angeles City nang mangyari ang insidente.
"Hndi ko siya nakita, nakita ko na po na nakakabaong na," aniya sa panayam sa TeleRadyo nitong Biyernes.
MGA DEBOTO DAGSA SA HULING BIYERNES NG NOBYEMBRE SA QUIAPO CHURCH
MAYNILA—Dahil huling Biyernes na ng Nobyembre, dagsa ang mga deboto ng Itim na Nazareno sa Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene.
Bawat misa ay mabilis na napupuno iyong 70 percent na capacity ng simbahan at punuan na rin ang Plaza Miranda.
Kahapon, nag-ikot ang Manila Police District at ang mga pari ng Quiapo Church bilang paghahanda sa Traslacion 2022.
Bagaman wala pa ring prusisyon sa ikalawang pagkakataon, idudungaw pa rin ang imahe ng Poong Nazareno sa simbahan. Bawal pa rin ang pahalik dahil sa banta ng COVID-19.
9 NA KOLEHIYO, UNIBERSIDAD SA CEBU CITY MAAARI NANG MAG-FACE-TO-FACE CLASSES
MANILA—Siyam na kolehiyo at unibersidad sa Cebu City ang pinayagan na ng Emergency Operations Center ng lungsod na magsagawa na ng limitadong face-to-face classes para sa ilang mga kursong inaalok nito, ayon sa alkalde Biyernes.
Sa isang panayam sa TeleRadyo, sinabi ni Mayor Michael Rama na kailangan pa ring sundin ang minimum public health standards.
“ ’Yung palaging ’yung sinasabi ko ’yung ‘WUHAN’, dapat hindi kinakalimutan ’yon — wash your hands, use your face mask, have your temperature checked, avoid crowded places, never touch your face, mouth, eyes, nose I-commit to memory ‘yan,” ani Rama.
Importante ring bakunado na ang mga estudyante.
ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE
JESSY MENDIOLA OPENS UP ABOUT BABY PLANS WITH LUIS MANZANO
MANILA – Jessy Mendiola revealed she and Luis Manzano are planning to have a baby of their own soon that’s why she has temporarily put on hold her showbiz career.
“Actually iniisp ng lahat pregnant ako eh. I’m not yet. I’ll tell everyone naman don’t worry about it,” she said in an interview with Push on Wednesday.
“I miss acting. I miss taping. I miss all of my katrabaho but siguro medyo hindi ko pa siya priority now kasi ang dami ko pang ginagawa na iba. I’m really focused on building my life with Luis and 'yung digital ko rin ang daming nangyayari. But I would love to go back. As in I miss acting, I miss shooting and hopefully sana may good script soon,” she added.
In preparation to having their own family, Mendiola said she continues to work out believing it would be healthy for her for when she gets pregnant.
“Priority din talaga ang health. I’m preparing for that. That’s why hindi pa ako [bumabalik]. I still work out naman. Mostly 'yun 'yung lagi nilang sinasabi na dapat daw kapag magbubuntis dapat hindi mag-workout, hindi magkilos-kilos. But it’s more of kung ano nakasanayan mo in life. Kung ma-workout kang tao you have to still continue doing it. But of course less weights, less strenuous activities,” she said.
When asked how many kids do they want, Mendiola said: “Sabi nga [ni Luis] gusto niya ng five. Sabi ko, ‘Yung totoo, basketball team?’”
For Mendiola, having three children is already enough.
“Kasi kami din ng sisters ko tatlo kami. Sana may twins kasi si daddy yata may twin 'yung brother niya. So may twins siya na mga kapatid. Sabi ko sana makuha natin 'yun. Pero sabi sa girls daw ang twins. Most likely magkakaroon ng twins,” she said.
Manzano and Mendiola, who have been together for more than four years, announced their engagement last December.
They got married in February this year.
SPORTS
NBA SCORES NOV 24
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Hornets12-8 24 28 30 24 106
Magic4-15 28 21 28 22 99
AMWAY CENTER, ORLANDO, FL
SCORING LEADERS
T. Rozier CHA
27 PTS 3 REB 5 AST
M. Bamba ORL
18 PTS 12 REB
FINAL/OT
1 2 3 4 OT T
Lakers10-10 26 34 22 30 12 124
Pacers8-12 31 35 18 28 4 116
GAINBRIDGE FIELDHOUSE, INDIANAPOLIS, IN
SCORING LEADERS
L. James LAL
39 PTS 5 REB 6 AST
M. Brogdon IND
28 PTS 7 REB 2 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Suns15-3 36 25 26 33 120
Cavaliers9-10 33 33 20 29 115
ROCKET MORTGAGE FIELDHOUSE, CLEVELAND, OH
SCORING LEADERS
D. Booker PHO
35 PTS 4 REB 3 AST
J. Allen CLE
25 PTS 11 REB 2 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Nets14-5 29 33 35 26 123
Celtics10-9 22 27 27 28 104
TD GARDEN , BOSTON, MA
SCORING LEADERS
P. Mills BKN
23 PTS 1 REB 2 AST
M. Smart BOS
20 PTS 3 REB 8 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Bulls12-7 32 32 18 31 113
Rockets2-16 30 25 35 28 118
TOYOTA CENTER, HOUSTON, TX
SCORING LEADERS
Z. LaVine CHI
28 PTS 2 REB 4 AST
D. House Jr. HOU
18 PTS 4 REB 1 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Pistons4-14 26 26 22 19 93
Bucks11-8 32 32 24 26 114
FISERV FORUM, MILWAUKEE, WI
SCORING LEADERS
T. Lyles DET
19 PTS 7 REB
G. Antetokounmpo MIL
33 PTS 7 REB 5 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Heat12-7 27 35 20 19 101
Timberwolves9-9 30 24 32 27 113
TARGET CENTER, MINNEAPOLIS, MN
SCORING LEADERS
B. Adebayo MIA
18 PTS 5 REB 3 AST
A. Edwards MIN
33 PTS 14 REB 6 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Raptors9-10 25 34 32 35 126
Grizzlies9-9 32 39 21 21 113
FEDEXFORUM, MEMPHIS, TN
SCORING LEADERS
G. Trent Jr. TOR
26 PTS 1 REB 4 AST
J. Morant MEM
23 PTS 6 REB 9 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Jazz12-6 21 28 32 29 110
Thunder6-12 25 27 28 24 104
PAYCOM CENTER, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK
SCORING LEADERS
J. Clarkson UTA
20 PTS 3 REB 5 AST
L. Dort OKC
27 PTS 3 REB 3 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Wizards11-7 27 23 23 29 102
Pelicans4-16 36 36 23 32 127
SMOOTHIE KING CENTER, NEW ORLEANS, LA
SCORING LEADERS
B. Beal WAS
23 PTS 5 REB 1 AST
B. Ingram NO
26 PTS 5 REB 3 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Hawks10-9 27 38 38 21 124
Spurs4-13 27 31 25 23 106
AT&T CENTER, SAN ANTONIO, TX
SCORING LEADERS
T. Young ATL
31 PTS 7 REB 11 AST
B. Forbes SA
23 PTS 3 REB 1 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
76ers10-9 34 27 23 12 96
Warriors16-2 23 29 34 30 116
CHASE CENTER, SAN FRANCISCO, CA
SCORING LEADERS
S. Curry PHI
24 PTS 1 REBS. Curry GS
25 PTS 4 REB 10 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Trail Blazers10-9 36 35 21 29 121
Kings7-12 32 37 24 32 125
GOLDEN 1 CENTER, SACRAMENTO, CA
SCORING LEADERS
D. Lillard POR
32 PTS 6 REB 10 AST
B. Hield SAC
22 PTS 4 REB
INDICATORS
FOREX $1 = P 50.39
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
You can’t go around being what everyone expects you to be, living your life through other people’s rules and still be happy and have inner peace – Vivekananda.
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