PHILIPPINES, US SET MORE HIGH-LEVEL MEETS TO STRENGTHEN ALLIANCE
MANILA — The Philippines and the United States have discussed ways to further strengthen the alliance between the two countries with more high-level visits, meetings and defense-related activities in the first half of 2022.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. met on Saturday with US Undersecretary of State for political affairs Victoria Nuland on the sidelines of the G7 Ministerial Meetings in Liverpool, United Kingdom held from Dec. 10 to 12.
“I was very pleased with their firm assurances that the United States continues to regard the Philippines as a crucial ally in the region, and that it stands ready to support the Philippines, including against armed attacks on our armed forces, public vessels or aircraft in the Pacific,” Locsin said.
On the other hand, Nuland said: “We are proud to stand with you and we are very proud to see how you stood for international law.”
During the meeting with Locsin, Nuland said they discussed ways to further support the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region.
Building on the series of visits by Philippine and US officials this year, including the most recent Bilateral Strategic Dialogue, the DFA said the two officials discussed the next steps to strengthen relations and cooperation within the context of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United Nations to address current and emerging challenges.
Locsin and Nuland also tackled preparations for the Special US-ASEAN Summit the US is proposing to host in January.
“They also discussed arrangements for the Two-Plus-Two Ministerial Dialogue that was previously agreed upon by the respective defense and foreign secretaries,” the DFA said in a statement.
BONG GO FORMALLY WITHDRAWS CANDIDACY FOR 2022 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS
MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte's preferred successor Sen. Christopher "Bong" Go formalized on Tuesday his withdrawal from the 2022 elections.
Go personally went to the Commission on Elections main office in Manila to withdraw his candidacy for president.
The senator in late November said he was dropping out of the race because he did not want Duterte to be "trapped in the middle."
The President's daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio is running for vice president in tandem with a different contender, former Sen. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.
Duterte earlier branded Marcos as a "weak leader," while praising his longtime aide Go as "honest" and hard-working. He categorically said he is not supporting Marcos' presidential bid in an interview last Nov. 14.
Political observers say Go's withdrawal from the race would likely benefit the Marcos/Duterte-Carpio ticket as it would consolidate the Dutertes' voter base behind the 43-year-old mayor and that support could extend to Marcos.
"There is no more confusion in terms of administration support," said Aries Arugay, visiting fellow at the ISEAS Yusof-Ishak Institute and political science professor at the University of the Philippines.
Marcos is up against other presidential aspirants, including former boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, Vice President Leni Robredo, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso, and Sen. Panfilo Lacson.
Marcos is facing several disqualification cases grounded on a nearly 3-decade old conviction for tax evasion.
SARA DUTERTE BACKS 7 SENATE BETS INCLUDING HER DAD
MANILA -Vice presidential aspirant and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has named 7 candidates in her senatorial slate for the 2022 national elections.
Topping the list is her father, President Rodrigo Duterte, who is seeking a Senate seat in 2022.
The other candidates in her slate are former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, former senator Jinggoy Estrada, resigned Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar, former Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro, former Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, and Antique Representative Loren Legarda.
Duterte-Carpio, who is running with the only son and namesake of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, made the announcement Tuesday.
Marcos has also endorsed the candidacies of Estrada, Roque and Villar.
1.5 MILLION DOSES OF JANSSEN COVID VACCINE DONATED BY DUTCH GOV’T ARRIVE IN PH
MANILA—The Philippines received on Monday night more than 1.5 million doses of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine, part of the 7.5 million doses expected to arrive this week in what is so far the second-largest donation from a foreign country thanks to the Dutch government.
The shipment of 1,526,400 doses of the Janssen vaccine arrived around 10:15 p.m. at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the National Task Force Against COVID-19 said.
The single-shot vaccine developed by Johnson & Johnson is among 8 brands granted emergency use authorization in the Philippines.
The total 7,538,400 doses of the Janssen vaccine that the Netherlands is donating to the Philippines through the COVAX vaccine-sharing program is expected to be delivered in full on Wednesday.
The shipment of a second batch of 945,600 doses is scheduled on Tuesday afternoon, to be followed in the evening by another batch of 2,011,200 doses. The last batch of 3,055,200 doses is set to arrive Wednesday afternoon, according to the NTF.
Based on ABS-CBN's monitoring of vaccine deliveries to the Philippines, this is the second largest donation from another country, next to the United States' cumulative total of 15.7 million doses of Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines since July 2021.
GROUPS LAY OUT HUMAN RIGHTS AGENDA FOR 2022 POLLS, ENDORSE ROBREDO AND OTHER ADVOCATES
MANILA — Groups and advocates on Monday laid out their human rights agenda for the 2022 elections and endorsed candidates — among them Vice President Leni Robredo, who is running for president — whom they believe will help push this agenda forward if elected.
Including human rights in the campaign for the 2022 elections is essential, Rose Trajano of the Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates said, because "from the moment you open your eyes in the morning until you close them at night, everything is connected to human rights."
The advocates, grouped under Human Rights Vote 2022, have put forward an agenda centered on the primacy of life, social justice and accountability. They called for an end to the "war on drugs", a return to peace talks with communist rebels, the protection of human rights defenders and the prosecution of those who attack and harass them.
"There is no place for the central policy of killing in the political and legal landscape," Cagayan de Oro-based rights worker Brylle Chavez said at the launch of the human rights agenda, which was held at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani in Quezon City and online.
Human Rights Vote 2022 said that Robredo, who has been critical of the "war on drugs" and other policies of the Duterte administration, has "demonstrated a proven record of effective COVID-19 response, clean and accountable governance and a respect for human rights.
Aside from Robredo, the human rights advocates also endorsed the candidacies of re-electionists Sen. Leila de Lima and Risa Hontiveros as well as of human rights lawyer Chel Diokno, former Rep. Teddy Baguilat (Ifugao), women's rights advocate and former Bangsamoro Transition Authority member Samira Gutoc, labor leaders Luke Espiritu and Sonny Matula, and former Rep. Neri Colmenares (Bayan Muna).
COURT DROPS SC EXEC, JUDGE IN SUIT VS IATF
MANILA — The Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) has dropped a Las Piñas City judge and a Supreme Court official from a suit filed by a court clerk assailing the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) resolution requiring unvaccinated employees to get regular COVID-19 tests.
In her order dated Dec. 13, Manila RTC Branch 41 Judge Rosalyn Mislos-Loja granted the motions of Las Piñas RTC Branch 198 Judge Pia Cristina Bersamin-Embuscado and Supreme Court deputy clerk of court and chief administrative officer Maria Cunanan.
The Manila judge dropped them as respondents in the case filed against the IATF by Kathryn Joy Hautea-Nuñez, clerk of court in the Las Piñas RTC.
Hautea-Nuñez asked the Manila RTC to declare Item of IATF Resolution 148-B unconstitutional for preventing her to report to work unless she can show vaccination status or she can get regular RT-PCR tests.
However, the Manila judge said the petitioner should have exhausted all administrative remedies before seeking declaratory relief from the court.
There was also no written policy yet requiring the petitioner to get vaccinated or get tested for onsite work, because the SC Office of the Court Administrator, which oversees lower courts, has not yet issued a circular on the assailed IATF resolution.
The petitioner also could not sue Cunanan of the Supreme Court Office of Administrative Services (OAS-SC) over the IATF resolution because the office only covered the Supreme Court and not the lower courts.
COMELEC JUNKS ALL BIDS TO JOIN PLEA VS MARCOS COC
MANILA — The Commission on Elections has dismissed all petitions-in-intervention filed by three different parties in the first plea filed urging the cancellation of presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s certificate of candidacy (COC).
The Comelec’s Second Division did not admit and treated as “mere scraps of paper” the Petitions-in-Intervention filed by ten tax professionals, represented by lawyer Howard Calleja, and by two other parties, from Partido Federal ng Pilipinas and another from three PFP officials.
“Further, no future motions for intervention and/or petitions-in-intervention relative to the instant case shall be entertained by this Commission,” the division held in a 14-page order promulgated on Monday.
As it is, the only petition to cancel Marcos’ COC was first filed by six civic leaders through their lawyer Theodore Te.
The plea cited the Quezon City Regional Trial Court’s 1995 conviction of Marcos for failure to file income tax returns for four years.
The Comelec is looking to finalize the list of candidates for national posts in December.“
BSP FORMS TASK FORCE TO PROBE BDO UNAUTHORIZED TRANSACTIONS
MANILA - The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has formed a task force to investigate fraudulent transactions that victimized account holders of BDO, an official said Tuesday.
Cybercriminals transferred BDO clients' funds to Unionbank accounts, which were then used to buy Bitcoin from the cryptocurrency market, the central bank earlier said.
The team is composed of cybersecurity and anti-money laundering specialists, including legal officers, said Mhel Plabasan, director of BSP Technology Risk and Supervision Department.
"The intention really is for us to get to the bottom of the issue and for us to identify the exact amount and number of customers who have been affected by this incident," he told ANC's Rundown.
"The (BSP) governor mentioned last night we have to complete the investigation in 30 days. We have to make sure all vulnerabilities on the part of BDO, receiving bank, or Instapay will be resolved or will be remediated."
BDO has claimed the hacking stemmed from a "sophisticated fraud request due to a web service due for replacement by 2022," Plabasan said.
"We are guided by existing regulations. If there are weakness then the involved institutions will be subjected to monetary or nonmonetary penalties or other escalated actions," he said.
The investigation also aims to "scrutinize the customer onboarding process of UnionBank, Plabasan added.
"Initially, based on prelim info, there are actually real persons behind. There are real persons behind 'Mark Nagoyo.' We will ensure the person behind Mark Nagoyo and the accomplices will be dealt with to the fullest extent of the law," he said.
BSP SAYS SHIFT TO PHILIPPINE EAGLE IN P1,000 DESIGN NOT MEANT TO REVISE HISTORY
MANILA - The decision to replace the design of the P1,000 bill with a Philippine eagle from 3 notable national heroes is not meant to revise history, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Tuesday.
The BSP over the weekend revealed the new P1,000 design showing a Philippine eagle, replacing Josefa Llanes-Escoda, Gen. Vicente Lim and Jose Abad Santos.
However, historical groups and several lawmakers have criticized the decision.
In an interview with Teleradyo, BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said the decision is in line with the global trend.
"Kasi pinagaaralan namin, sa ibang bansa ganon ang trend. 'Yung eagle symbolizes the whole country. Isang ibon na endangered," Diokno said.
"Hindi naman natin kinakalimutan ang mga bayanı. Ang mga bayani, bayanı 'yan kahit nasa pera o wala. It was not an attempt to revise history, hindi mo naman mapapalitan ang kasaysayan ng isang bansa," he added.
Diokno, meanwhile, said the shift to polymer or plastic bills instead of paper is more cost-effective and hygienic.
Polymer lasts 5 times longer compared to paper bills. It can also withstand disinfection, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Abaca, which is partly used in printing paper bills, can instead be used for land titles or passports, the central bank chief said.
The new P1,000 design in polymer bills will start circulating next year.
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DOST TO UNVEIL TALLEST 3D PRINTED RIZAL MONUMENT
MANILA — The tallest ever 3D monument of Dr. Jose Rizal, a futuristic printed statue of the national hero, will be unveiled by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) during Rizal Day celebrations on Dec. 30.?Science Secretary Fortunato dela Peña said the monument would depict Rizal as a scientist.
“It will be the first monument statue, 12.5 feet high, to be done by 3D printing,” Dela Peña told The STAR.
He said the statue was designed by artist professor Jose Manuel Sicat of the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts. It is being made at the DOST Advanced Manufacturing Center of the Metals Industry Research and Development Center and will stand at the DOST Plaza.
Dela Peña explained the monument would not be a replica or just be a design variation on the Rizal monument in Rizal Park, Manila but would be entirely new.
The DOST had earlier proposed the theme “Jose Rizal: Filipino scientist” in 3D to the National Historical Commission for the 125th year of the hero’s martyrdom, which was approved by the commission.
BAKUNAHAN 2 TO BE POSTPONED IN SOME AREAS AMID ODETTE THREAT
MANILA—Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Monday announced the second round of the "Bayanihan, Bakunahan" Program will be postponed in areas that will be likely affected by tropical depression Odette.
Duque, during a weekly public briefing led by President Rodrigo Duterte, said that instead of holding Bakunahan 2 in affected cities and provinces on December 15 to 17 it will be held on December 20 to 22.
Citing the state weather bureau's bulletin, Duque said the regions of Southern Tagalog, Central and Eastern Visayas, and Northern Mindanao will likely postpone the program in their areas.
"Kailangan po malayo sa peligro ang ating mga kababayan sa panahon nitong bagyong Odette," he said.
Duque said areas in Northern and Central Luzon, and Calabarzon can continue with Bakunahan 2.
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council was making the necessary preparations in coordination with its regional and local counterparts.
16 MANDALUYONG BARANGAYS COVID-19 FREE
MANILA — Sixteen barangays in Mandaluyong have been declared free of COVID-19, Mayor Menchie Abalos reported yesterday.
Citing data from the local health department, Abalos said only one COVID-19 case was recorded in the city on Sunday.
The COVID-free barangays are Bagong Silang, Barangka Ibaba, Barangka Ilaya, Burol, Daang Bakal, Hagdan Bato Itaas, Hagdan Bato Libis, Harapin ang Bukas, Mabini-J. Rizal, Mauway, Namayan, Pag-asa, Pleasant Hill, Poblacion, San Jose and Vergara.
Abalos urged the public to follow minimum health standards such as wearing of face masks and frequent hand washing.
Meanwhile, the city government on Sunday started the distribution of food boxes to at least 350,000 families during its annual “Pamaskong Handog.”
Abalos led the gift-giving activity in Barangay Mauway.
ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE
SHARON CUNETA SHOWERS JULIA MONTES WITH COMPLIMENTS
MANILA – Now that she is beginning to know more about her co-stars in “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,” screen veteran Sharon Cuneta could not help but shower actress Julia Montes with compliments.
On Instagram, Cuneta shared several photos of her and Montes while on the set of ABS-CBN series, saying how much the two of them are alike in so many ways.
“Sa lahat ng nakasama kong mas mga batang artista sa more than 60 movies ko, si Julia Montes ang nakita kong pinakapareho ko sa tunay na buhay,” Cuneta wrote.
“Bungisngis, malambing, mabait. At magaling na artista,” she added, describing Montes.
Cuneta then expressed how much she adores Montes saying, “Love this girl!”
Both stars are recent additions to “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” and their casting is part of the ongoing sixth anniversary celebration of the series.
Montes, who plays Mara, joined the show in July this year, while Cuneta was first glimpsed as her character Aurora 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 asked by Don Igancio’s aide, Lucia (Vangie Labalan), to come home, as her father lay in critical condition after the ambush carried out by Mara and her family.
“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 DEC 12
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Bucks18-10 26 35 32 19 112
Knicks12-15 16 32 31 18 97
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, NEW YORK, NY
SCORING LEADERS
K. Middleton MIL
24 PTS 8 REB 4 AST
Q. Grimes NY
27 PTS 3 REB 3 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Nets19-8 31 29 26 30 116
Pistons4-22 24 33 34 13 104
LITTLE CAESARS ARENA, DETROIT, MI
SCORING LEADERS
K. Durant BKN
51 PTS 7 REB 9 AST
C. Cunningham DET
26 PTS 8 REB 6 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Mavericks13-13 28 28 24 23 103
Thunder8-18 27 19 25 13 84
PAYCOM CENTER, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK
SCORING LEADERS
J. Brunson DAL
18 PTS 9 REB 3 AST
S. Gilgeous-Alexander OKC
18 PTS 4 REB 5 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Pelicans8-21 26 26 30 15 97
Spurs10-16 28 26 29 29 112
AT&T CENTER, SAN ANTONIO, TX
SCORING LEADERS
B. Ingram NO
27 PTS 7 REB 9 AST
D. White SA
24 PTS 8 REB 9 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Timberwolves12-15 33 23 33 27 116
Trail Blazers11-16 26 29 29 27 111
MODA CENTER AT THE ROSE QUARTER, PORTLAND, OR
SCORING LEADERS
A. Edwards MIN
24 PTS 4 REB 3 AST
A. Simons POR
26 PTS 1 REB 3 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Magic5-23 25 27 10 32 94
Lakers15-13 18 31 36 21 106
STAPLES CENTER, LOS ANGELES, CA
SCORING LEADERS
C. Anthony ORL
21 PTS 6 REB 5 AST
L. James LAL
30 PTS 11 REB 10 AST
INDICATORS
FOREX $1 = P 50.32
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Fear not those who argue but those who dodge. - Marie von Ebner Eschenbach
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