BONG GO DROPS OUT OF PRESIDENTIAL RACE

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte's anointed successor Sen. Christopher "Bong" Go said on Tuesday he was withdrawing his candidacy in the 2022 elections.

Go said he was removing himself from the presidential race because he did not want to add to Duterte's problems.

"Ayoko ko rin pong lalong maipit si Pangulong Duterte. Higit pa po sa tatay ang pagmamahal ko sa kanya," Go told reporters in a chance interview.

"Matanda na po siya at marami na rin siyang naibigay para sa bayan kaya ayaw ko na pong dagdagan pa ang kaniyang problema," he added.

Go did not elaborate. The President's daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio is running for vice president in tandem with a different contender, former senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

Duterte earlier branded Marcos as a "weak leader," while praising his longtime aide Go as "honest" and hard-working.

Go said his family did not want him to run for president.

"In the past few days I realized that my heart and my mind are contradicting my action. Talagang nagre-resist po ang aking katawan, puso at isipan. Tao lang po ako na nasasaktan at natatakot din... Sa ngayon po iyon po ang mga rason ko, that is why I am withdrawing from the race," he continued.

Go added he had "no ambition" for the top job and had only prepared to run for vice president. Duterte in October said his daughter would run for president with Go as running-mate.

"Humihingi po ako ng paumanhin sa inyo… Hindi ko po ito napaghandaan," Go told his supporters.

ISKO SAYS WON'T REFUSE DUTERTE ENDORSEMENT OF PRES'L BID AFTER BONG GO DROPS OUT

Manila Mayor Francisco Isko Moreno Domagoso on Tuesday said he will not refuse President Duterte's endorsement if the latter chooses to back his presidential bid.

This, after Duterte's chosen successor, Sen. Christopher "Bong" Go announced he is withdrawing his candidacy for president in the 2022 elections.

"Life must go on, tuloy ang buhay," Domagoso said about Go's withdrawal.

Asked about the possibility that he would be endorsed by Duterte, he said: "Di ako tatanggi. Ang pulubi di makakapamili. Kailangan ko lahat ng klaseng tulong, ordinaryong tao, kahit sinong tao, kasi mabigat na laban ito. Malaki ang Pilipinas."

Go on Tuesday said he would no longer run for president in the 2022 elections, saying he did not want to burden the President.

"Matanda na po siya at marami na rin siyang naibigay para sa bayan kaya ayaw ko na pong dagdagan pa ang kaniyang problema," he said.

Go did not elaborate. But the President's daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio is running for vice president in tandem with a different contender, former senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

Domagoso, Aksyon Demokratiko’s standard bearer, has denied that he is Duterte's secret candidate after he was described by some quarters as "Duterte Lite." However, he has welcomed any endorsement from Duterte if the latter chooses to do so.

DUTERTE URGES FILIPINOS: BE A HERO LIKE ANDRES BONIFACIO, EMULATE HIS LOVE OF COUNTRY

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday urged Filipinos to "become a hero" like Katipunan leader Andres Bonifacio and emulate his love of country as the Philippines battled the COVID-19 pandemic.

Duterte, in commemorating the 158th birth anniversary of Bonifacio, said the bravery and patriotism of Filipinos who fought for independence from Spain "must serve as our guiding post in beating the odds that hinder our progress as a people and as a nation."

"I invite every Filipino to become a hero like Bonifacio by participating actively in our nation-building efforts, especially those challenges times when we have to secure our nation’s health, safety, and wellness," said the President.

"In this light, I call on our kababayans to emulate Gat Andres Bonifacio’s strong sense of civic duty, courage, love of country in our daily lives even in the simplest ways. May we be challenged to give our very best for the benefit of our people and nation," he continued.

During a ceremony at the Pinaglabanan Shrine, Duterte offered a wreath and posthumously conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu with the Rank of Magalong to Bonifacio.

The hero's great granddaughter received the award meant for individuals who rendered extraordinary service or exceptional contributions to an advocacy of the President.

This is the second and last time that Duterte led the Bonifacio Day rites during his term. He attended the ceremony for the first time in 2019.

Bonifacio Day is a regular holiday.

PH TO LOSE OIL, ENERGY IF IT DOESN'T PROTECT RECTO BANK, SAYS CARPIO

MANILA - The Philippines must protect and develop Recto Bank (Reed Bank) as losing it could lead to 12 to 14 hours of blackouts, retired Supreme Court justice Antonio Carpio said Tuesday.

Recto Bank, situated 85 nautical miles from Palawan, is said to be rich in oil and natural gas.

"We are now being pressured to produce gas from the West Philippine Sea, Malampaya is running out of gas. To avoid 12 to 14 hour brownouts, we will have to import LNG (liquefied natural gas) and that will make our power very expensive. It’s one of the most expensive already in Asia," Carpio told ANC's Headstart.

"Without Malampaya we’ll be having 12 to 14 hours of daily brownouts in Luzon. Factories will close, schools will close, it will be worse than the pandemic. You cannot even work from home because there's no power, no internet so we really have to preserve and develop Reed Bank."

China's use of water cannon against Philippine boats in Ayungin Shoal on Nov. 16 is a "big escalation" in the two nations' maritime dispute, according to Carpio.

"A state cannot use force to settle territorial or maritime dispute with another state. They must use peaceful means such as negotiation, mediation or arbitration and that's what we did in Scarborough Shoal."

China's use of water cannons, however, does not trigger the Mutual Defense Treaty of the Philippines and US because it was not an armed attack, Carpio said.

"But the Americans have reiterated if the Chinese were using armed force that will trigger the operation of the treaty...that should give us assurance why we should be very forceful in protecting our rights in the West Philippine Sea," he added.

"They want the Philippine Navy out of Ayungin Shoal because it’s too close, we can monitor what they're doing and with our Navy in Ayungin Shoal we can use that as a jumping board to protect our oil and gas in Reed Bank."

The Philippines will have to wait for the next administration to make a move against China as President Rodrigo Duterte won't do so, Carpio said.

"Remember, President Duterte said President Xi is my protector. In case of a mutiny, he will protect me. How can that vassal go against his protector.

We will have to wait for the next administration," he said.

"There’s no long term strategy because Duterte is only thinking of himself, of his commitment to President Xi."

PHILIPPINES SUSPENDS DECISION TO ALLOW VACCINATED TOURISTS ENTRY

MANILA — The Philippines has temporarily suspended a decision to allow fully vaccinated tourists entry in a bid to prevent a new, heavily mutated coronavirus variant taking off in the country where most of the population remains unvaccinated.

It comes as the Southeast Asian nation on Monday launched a three-day vaccination drive targeting nine million people as young as 12 in an effort to accelerate the roll-out of jabs.

So far, the country has not reported any cases of the Omicron strain, which was first detected in South Africa and has since spread around the globe.

Manila announced plans last week to allow fully vaccinated tourists from most countries to enter from December 1 as it seeks to revive the nation's battered economy.

But the government's Covid-19 task force reversed course over the weekend as it announced the suspension of flights from seven European countries, in addition to an earlier ban on arrivals from several African nations.

"The IATF deemed it necessary to suspend the entry of foreign tourists, given worldwide concerns over the Omicron variant," Bureau of Immigration commissioner Jaime Morente said Monday, using the acronym for the task force.

The decision is a major blow to tourism operators across the archipelago nation, which have been devastated by a plunge in international visitors and restrictions on domestic travel since borders shut in March 2020.

MORENO SIGNS P22.2 BILLION BUDGET FOR NEXT YEAR

MANILA — Manila Mayor Isko Moreno yesterday signed the city government’s budget for 2022 amounting to P22.2 billion.

Moreno said half or about 53.86 percent of the city’s budget would be allocated for social services, including healthcare, education, social amelioration and food security programs.

He said the city government was able to increase next year’s budget despite the pandemic, from P17.8 billion in 2020 and P20 billion in 2021.

“We increased the budget allocation for social services para maramdaman ng mga residente na may gobyerno sa Manila, na may masasandalan silang gobyerno sa Manila,” Moreno said.

He was joined by Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna, city budget officer Grace Chua, Rep. Yul Servo-Nieto and members of the city council during the budget signing.

This is the last city budget Moreno signed as mayor as he is set to leave city hall to run for president next year.

More hospital equipment and COVID-19 medicines will be procured by the city government next year, Moreno said.

MAY POLLS A RESET BUTTON FOR PINOYS – ROBREDO

MANILA — The May 2022 elections are a chance for Filipinos to hit the reset button to start a new kind of politics where ordinary citizens can get elected to public office, Vice President Leni Robredosaid yesterday.

Robredo hopes to see a change in the political environment in the country.

“Our politics has become exclusive for the moneyed and prominent names,” Robredo said at the signing of the “Covenant Vision of a Robredo Presidency” with the Alliance of Labor Leaders for Leni Robredo (ALL4Leni).

“The 2022 elections are important, especially now that the big political families have joined forces. This is our opportunity to hit the reset button that if we defeat them, we can begin a different kind of politics where everyone will have a chance,” she added.

She said the inclusion of labor leader Sonny Matula in her senatorial slate is a “symbolism” that she and her team are serious in starting a change in politics.

“Maybe attorney Sonny will have difficulty because we’re still in the old politics, but since this is already turning into a people’s movement, anything is possible. Our strength lies in our hands. I hope you don’t lose hope because this is one chance where we can start change, not immediately, but in order to reach our goals… each step is precious,” Robredo said mostly in Filipino.

BALIK FACE SHIELD DAHIL SA BANTA NG OMICRON OK KAY DUTERTE

MAYNILA— Suportado ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ang pagbabalik ng mandatory na pagsusuot ng face shield kung sakaling makapasok sa bansa ang bagong Omicron COVID-19 variant.

Sinabi ito ni Duterte sa meeting Lunes ng gabi kasama ang health experts at mga miyembro ng Gabinete.

Pero aniya, ang Inter-agency Task Force na raw ang bahala sa pagdedesisyon nito.

"I would suggest to the task force to make a statement whether or not really 'pag dumating itong Omicron na ito, since we have a dearth of data, in the meantime would just dictate maybe we could be strict again," ani Duterte.

Ayon kay Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, hindi maiiwasan ang pagdating ng Omicron variant kaya iminungkahi niya ang pagsusuot ng face shield sa close spaces, matataong lugar at mga close-contact setting.

"I think now, with the threat of this Omicron variant, it (face shield) will be an added layer of protection that will be good for the public," ani Duque.

"'Pag pumasok po 'yung Omicron at tumaas 'yung Alert Level, i-impose ulit natin," ani Interior Secretary Eduardo Año.

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TOTAL NEW CASES AT 16-MONTH LOW

MANILA — The Philippines yesterday logged its lowest singe-day tally for new COVID-19 cases since July 2020 at 665 cases, data from the Department of Health (DOH) showed.

Based on the DOH case bulletin, there are 665 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the overall tally to 2,832,375.

This is the lowest since July 14, 2020 when 634 cases were documented.

AROUND 2.4M FILIPINOS GET COVID-19 JAB ON 1ST DAY OF 3-DAY VACCINATION DRIVE

MANILA – Around 2.4 million Filipinos got vaccinated on the first day of the national vaccine drive against COVID-19, the Department of the Interior and Local Government said Tuesday.

“Doon sa ating VORS or vaccination operation reporting system, kaninang alas singko, umaabot sa 2.4 million,” Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año said.

He stressed, however, that these are not yet official figures. Official data may be out at about 10 a.m. Tuesday, he said.

The government was eyeing the vaccination of 3 million individuals daily during the 3-day vaccination drive.

Año said government is satisfied so far with the turnout at the nationwide vaccine drive.

“We are satisfied doon sa performance natin kahapon because nakita natin ang daming dumagsa, marami talagang nagpabakuna. May mga lugar talaga na na-ooverwhelm, but in general naman, maganda talaga ang turnout," he said.

“At umikot tayo, tiningnan natin yung mga vaccination sites, specifically I went sa area ng Calabarzon, at maganda talaga yung resulta at nakita naman natin walang anumang nangyaring tinatawag nating spreader event.”

“Na-kontrol ng ating (local government units) at kapulisan at iba pang ahensya yung mga lugar na kung saan tayo nabakuna,” he noted.

MARCOS SEEKS DISMISSAL OF DQ PETITIONS

MANILA — Presidential aspirant former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said yesterday the Commission on Elections (Comelec) should dismiss outright the petition that sought the cancellation of his certificate of candidacy (COC) because he is qualified to run for president.

In a statement, Marcos, through his legal counsel Estelito Mendoza, said that this was their position in a five-page answer they submitted to the Comelec. Aside from their request for outright dismissal of the petition against Marcos, they also asked for the petition to be discussed in face-to-face argument and not through virtual or video conferencing.

The case stemmed from the petition filed by a group led by  Fr. Christian Buenafe who claimed that Marcos could not run for public office because he was convicted by a Quezon City court for his multiple failure to file income tax returns from 1982 to 1985.

They argued that his conviction perpetually disqualified him from seeking any public office as the same involves moral turpitude.

But Marcos’ camp countered that the petition is “bereft of any specific allegation of a material representation required under Section 74 of the Omnibus Election Code.”

“It is relevant and the commission can take judicial notice, that respondent had previously been elected to several elective positions in government, specifically inter alia provincial governor of Ilocos Norte, member of the House of Representatives and member of the Philippine Senate,” Mendoza said.

Taking into account the qualifications of the various elective positions he has been elected to and occupied as enumerated, he said “it is of judicial notice that the respondent has all the qualifications of a president under Section 2, Article VII of the Constitution and consequently there can be no violation of Section 78 in relation of Section 74 of the Omnibus Election Code upon which a petition such as the one now before the commission.”

Mendoza said the former senator did not commit a crime involving moral turpitude.

“(What) is clear and certainly beyond dispute is that the CA (Court of Appeals) decision does not, and no inference can be made from its decision that (Marcos), BBM (Bongbong Marcos) in this case, has been found by the CA of committing a crime involving moral turpitude,” he added.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

‘WALANG KUPAS!’ SHARON CUNETA EARNS RAVES FOR ‘FPJ’S ANG PROBINSYANO’ ROLE

MANILA—Brilliant as ever. That’s how viewers of “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” described “Mega Star” Sharon Cuneta, as she portrayed a conflicted Aurora in her first full scene in the series that aired Monday.

The screen and music icon was first glimpsed as her character in the ABS-CBN program on November 26.

In the November 29 episode, Aurora was revealed to be the estranged daughter of Don Ignacio (Tommy Abuel).

Residing abroad, Aurora was called by Don Igancio’s aide, Lucia (Vangie Labalan), to plead her to come home, as her father lay in critical condition after the ambush carried out by Mara (Julia Montes) and her family.

While at first doubtful, Aurora found herself in tears as she contemplated returning to the Philippines to reunite with Don Ignacio.

The reason behind Aurora and her father’s rift has yet to be explained.

As Cuneta’s first speaking scene in “Ang Probinsyano” aired, viewers shared their excitement with the screen veteran’s addition to the six-year-old series, with many praising her portrayal.

“Wala ka pa ring kupas, Mega Star Shawie!” fan Mirasol Gascon commented on YouTube.

“Iba talaga pag Mega Star, ibang level ang hugot!” wrote viewer Steph Flor.

“Ramdam ko ‘yung gigil na medyo may galit na naiiyak. Galing mo, Mega!” said @SGoms30 on Twitter.

Others, meanwhile, shared their theories as to Aurora’s connection with the rest of the main characters. Creative head and lead star Coco Martin had earlier hinted that Cuneta’s role will neatly tie together the current storylines.

“Ang Probinsyano” airs new episodes weeknights, and can be accessed via Kapamilya Online Live, Kapamilya Channel, A2Z Channel 11, TV5, CineMo, iWant TFC, TFC, WeTV, and iflix.

SPORTS

NBA SCORES NOV 28

FINAL

1          2          3          4          T

Warriors18-2     20        24        31        30        105

Clippers11-9     24        18        26        22        90

STAPLES CENTER, LOS ANGELES, CA

SCORING LEADERS

S. Curry GS

33 PTS 5 REB 6 AST

P. George LAC

30 PTS 5 REB 5 AST

FINAL

1          2          3          4          T

Bucks13-8        26        26        39        27        118

Pacers9-13       26        21        27        26        100

GAINBRIDGE FIELDHOUSE, INDIANAPOLIS, IN

SCORING LEADERS

            G. Antetokounmpo MIL

26 PTS 13 REB 3 AST

            C. LeVert IND

23 PTS 2 REB 1 AST

FINAL

1          2          3          4          T

Celtics11-10      27        27        26        29        109

Raptors9-12      26        25        25        21        97

SCOTIABANK ARENA, TORONTO, ON

SCORING LEADERS

            M. Smart BOS

21 PTS 8 REB 6 AST

            F. VanVleet TOR

27 PTS 6 REB 3 AST

FINAL

1          2          3          4          T

Kings8-13         25        27        22        27        101

Grizzlies10-10   38        38        30        22        128

FEDEXFORUM, MEMPHIS, TN

SCORING LEADERS

            B. Hield SAC

14 PTS 6 REB 1 AST

            D. Brooks MEM

21 PTS 6 REB 1 AST

FINAL

1          2          3          4          T

Pistons4-16       21        27        22        36        106

Lakers11-11      23        28        32        27        110

STAPLES CENTER, LOS ANGELES, CA

SCORING LEADERS

J. Grant DET

32 PTS 6 REB 4 AST

L. James LAL

33 PTS 5 REB 9 AST

INDICATORS

FOREX $1 = P 50.39

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

To think is easy. To act is hard. But the hardest thing in the world is to act in accordance with your thinking. - Johann von Goethe