ZELENSKY URGES US HELP AGAINST RUSSIA -- AND GETS $1 BN MORE WEAPONRY

WASHINGTON, United States — Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelensky made a desperate appeal for help against Russia to the US Congress on Wednesday, and within hours of the speech, President Joe Biden responded by promising $1 billion in new weapons to fight "war criminal" Vladimir Putin's invading army.

The Ukrainian president's video address from embattled Kyiv, bolstered by a montage of horrific TV footage of Ukrainian civilians under Russian assault, delivered an emotional gut-punch to US lawmakers.

Bearded and dressed in a military green T-shirt, the Ukrainian leader invoked September 11 and Pearl Harbor as he pleaded again for a Western-enforced no-fly zone to bar Russian warplanes, something Biden has rejected as almost certainly leading to what he says would be "World War III."

"Remember Pearl Harbor, terrible morning of December 7, 1941, when your sky was black from the planes attacking you," he said, recalling the air raid that brought the United States into World War II.

"Protect our sky," he said.

But in a nod to Western concerns, Zelensky added that an alternative to the no-fly zone would be more powerful weapons to allow Ukrainians to defend themselves.

Just hours later, Biden delivered his response: an extra $800 million in military aid, which added to another installment last week brings the latest deliveries to $1 billion -- and $2 billion since Biden took office.

The new batch includes 800 Stinger anti-aircraft systems, thousands of anti-tank weapons including 2,000 of the now-famously deadly Javelin rockets, 100 "tactical" drones, 20 million rounds of small arms ammunition and 25,000 sets of helmets and body armor.

Biden also ramped up the rhetorical offensive against the Kremlin, telling reporters for the first time that Putin "is a war criminal." Putin's spokesman called this "unacceptable and unforgivable."

WHO: GLOBAL RISE IN CORONAVIRUS CASES IS ‘TIP OF THE ICEBERG’

Figures showing a global rise in COVID-19 cases could herald a much bigger problem as some countries also report a drop in testing rates, the WHO said on Tuesday, warning nations to remain vigilant against the virus.

After more than a month of decline, COVID cases started to increase around the world last week, the WHO said, with lockdowns in Asia and China's Jilin province battling to contain an outbreak. Read full story

A combination of factors was causing the increases, including the highly transmissible omicron variant and its cousin the BA.2 sub-variant, and the lifting of public health and social measures, the WHO said.

"These increase are occurring despite reductions in testing in some countries, which means the cases we're seeing are just the tip of the iceberg," WHO's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters.

Low vaccination rates in some countries, driven partly by a "huge amount of misinformation" also explained the rise, WHO officials said.

New infections jumped by 8% globally compared to the previous week, with 11 million new cases and just over 43,000 new deaths reported from March 7-13. It is the first rise since the end of January.

The biggest jump was in the WHO’s Western Pacific region, which includes South Korea and China, where cases rose by 25% and deaths by 27%.

The WHO's Maria Van Kerkhove said at the briefing that BA.2 appears to be the most transmissible variant so far.

However, there are no signs that it causes more severe disease, and no evidence that any other new variants are driving the rise in cases.

DFA TO FILE DIPLOMATIC PROTEST OVER INCURSIONS IN PHILIPPINE RISE — PALACE

MANILA —  The government is expected to protest the incursions in the Philippine Rise, an area off the province of Aurora that is part of the Philippines' continental shelf.

"When it comes to the Philippine Rise, the Department of Foreign Affairs will take the necessary course of action which is to file a diplomatic protest," acting presidential spokesman Martin Andanar said at a press briefing Wednesday.

Andanar was asked to react to the statement of National Security Council deputy director general Rufino Lopez, who had revealed that Chinese ships have been intruding into the Philippine Rise.

During a Senate hearing last Tuesday, Lopez was asked whether there are incursions in the Philippine Rise that are similar to the incidents reported in 2018.

Lopez said there are still incursions in the area and that the Navy and the Coast Guard are "trying their best to conduct proper reports of all of these incursions.”

DOLE BACKS 4-DAY WORK WEEK SCHEME IF IT REDUCES COST: EXEC

MANILA - The Department of Labor and Employment supports the proposed 4-day work week scheme if it will reduce cost, an official said Thursday.

The proposal was made by Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Chua in place of the wage hike sought by labor groups to cushion soaring oil prices' impact to the commuting public.

"Yes if this is meant to save cost then I think the Civil Service Commission will want to issue guidelines on this. Even prior to this proposal there were already offices implementing 4-day work week," DOLE Undersecretary Benjo Benavidez told ANC's Headstart.

"We can appeal to the private sector to implement a 4-day work week because again it’s a management prerogative. Employers have to decide on this, it’s within their sole jurisdiction."

The labor agency has also proposed a P24 billion wage subsidy for minimum wage earners, Benavidez said.

"I think that's more or less P5,000 for a minimum wage earner for a period of 3 months. We've requested additional funding from the Office of the President. I think this is now under consideration," he said.

"Given the limitation of funding, we deem it proper to prioritize 1 million of micro enterprises. They are the most affected."

Meantime, it would be up to business process outsourcing firms whether to direct its employees to return onsite to enjoy benefits under the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) law and Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) law, Benavidez said.

PHILIPPINES ON LAST MILE OF VAX CAMPAIGN, SAY DOH

MANILA — The Department of Health (DOH) is not surprised that lines have dwindled in vaccination sites as the COVID-19 inoculation campaign enters the homestretch.

DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said it was expected that the enthusiasm to get the jabs would decline at this point. “We are on to the last mile of our vaccination program. When we say last mile, we are now looking for those who are not yet vaccinated,” she said at a briefing yesterday.

Data showed there are now 64.6 million individuals who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, comprising 71.84 percent of the target population.

On the other hand, some 69.8 million are partially vaccinated, or 77.6 percent of the target population. Some 11.2 million have received their booster shots.

BIR ADMITS IT DEMANDED MARCOS FAMILY FOR ESTATE TAX, BONGBONG CRIES 'FAKE NEWS'

MANILA — The Bureau of Internal Revenue confirmed it sent a written demand to the Marcos heirs regarding the payment of their estate tax liabilities amounting to P203.8 billion, the political party of Manila City Mayor and presidential candidate Isko Moreno disclosed Wednesday.

In a letter addressed to Aksyon Demokratiko Chairman Ernesto Ramel Jr., BIR Commissioner Ceasar Dulay said his office “did send a written demand to the Marcos heirs on December 2, 2021, regarding their tax liabilities.”

Dulay’s letter dated March 14 was received the following day, March 15, at Moreno's campaign headquarters. Aksyon Demokratiko released the letter to the media on Wednesday, March 16.

At a campaign stop in Silay City, Negros Occidental, Moreno Domagoso thanked Commissioner Dulay for sending a demand letter to the Marcos heirs, saying they have yet to pay the P203-B estate tax liability they owe the Philippine government.

“We have received the copy of the letter of Commissioner (Cesar) Dulay of BIR that they wrote on December 2, 2021, urging the Marcos family to pay their taxes because this is what they rightfully owe,” Moreno told reporters in Silay Plaza shortly before embarking on a motorcade.

At the Kapihan sa Manila Bay session earlier Wednesday morning, Marcos — whose camp falsely claimed that collection was put on hold because it was unclear how much they should pay — said it was an issue of fake news.

"There’s a lot of fake news involved there, let’s leave it to the lawyers to discuss it because the so-called facts that they quote are not facts at all,” Marcos said when asked about the estate tax issue.

"They are just presumptions, they are not familiar with the cases or they choose not to be familiar with the case so yeah, it’s in the courts...In my case whatever the court orders me to do, I will do."

Retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio told reporters that the assessment of the tax owed is "already final and inappealable, regardless of any error in the computation."

MEDAL OF VALOR AWARDEES, RETIRED AFP, PNP GENERALS BACK BBM

MANILA — A group of retired police and military generals and ranking officials has expressed support for the presidential bid of former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Retired chiefs of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Medal of Valor awardees, former service commanders and at least 100 retired generals and senior officers issued a manifesto expressing their full support behind the candidacy of Marcos.

They made the move after President Duterte and presidential candidate Sen. Panfilo Lacson revealed an intelligence report that the campaign of Vice President Leni Robredo has been allegedly infiltrated by communists.

The group decided to support Marcos, believing he will initiate true reforms in the police and military.

“We invite everyone to rally around (former) senator Marcos as the best candidate to initiate true and genuine reforms in the institutions of our country, foster national healing and unity and most of all, provide the support for the vast majority of our people who are most dependent on the service of the national government,” the manifesto read.

EX-DILG CHIEF, BASILAN LAWMAKER BACK ROBREDO

MANILA — More local officials in Mindanao, including a former governor who served in the Cabinet of President Duterte, have formally endorsed the presidential bid of Vice President Leni Robredo.

Former South Cotabato governor and interior secretary Ismael Sueno endorsed Robredo during her visit to Koronadal City on Tuesday, saying it is “getting clearer and clearer every day” that she will be the next president of the country.

“During the first months of the Duterte administration, VP Leni was holding a Cabinet position. I… sat beside her during the Cabinet meetings. And our meetings would start with the President praising VP Leni, saying good things about her,” Sueno said.

“This was an opportune time or chance for VP Leni to be ‘sipsip’ to the President and get a much higher Cabinet position, but she was silent and very determined and focused. She had a strong sense of morality,” he added.

TRIAL COURTS IN ALERT LEVEL 2 PHYSICALLY OPEN, WITH 80% ON-SITE WORKFORCE

MANILA — Trial courts in areas under Alert Level 2 will be physically open until the end of March, with an on-site operational force of at least 80%.

The latest resolution from the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases placed 14 areas in Luzon, 13 in Visayas and 31 localities in Mindanao until March 31.

The Office of the Court Administrator, in its circular dated March 16, said courts and judicial offices in these areas are physically open and will maintain a skeleton force of at least 80% workforce.

For judges without court space or facilities but have their own personnel, they may maintain a workforce of 50% to 75%, Court Administrator Raul Bautista Villanueva said.

Operations of night courts in these 58 areas under Alert Level 2 shall remain suspended.

Meanwhile, courts in areas under Alert Level 1, including Metro Manila, shall have courts and judicial offices fully operation with full on-site workforce reporting physically.

The National Capital Region and 47 areas shall be under loose restrictions in Alert Level 1 from March 16 to 31.

Judges without court space or facilities, but have personnel may opt to maintain a skeleton workforce of at least 75%.

Night courts are allowed to operate in these areas and executive judges may also conduct jail visitations, Villanueva added.

Flag raising or lowering ceremonies may also be conducted.

The Supreme Court conducted its first flag-raising ceremony since the pandemic started on February 21. It held its first en banc session physically on March 1.

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PHILIPPINES AMONG TOP COUNTRIES WITH WOMEN IN SENIOR MANAGEMENT

MANILA - The Philippines remain one of the top countries with women executives despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on jobs, a survey by P&A Grant Thornton said.

The global average in terms of women in senior management increased based on the survey conducted from October to November 2021, however, the average in the Philippines declined, P&A Grant Thornton chairperson Marivic Espano told ANC.

In the Philippines, the average declined to 39 percent from 48 percent Espano said.

"During the pandemic, we saw that many families lost their kasambahay because of the need to go back to their provinces, that, I think affected the situation of women...The challenge of helping our children cope with this kind of new educational system really puts pressure on women," Espano said.

"Although there was a slight decrease globally, the Philippines continues to be in the top 4 in the countries with a significant number of women in senior role," she added.

Meanwhile, the gender pay gap is "not seen as a significant concern" in the Philippines, she said.

MERALCO OPENS BIDS FOR 180 MW EMERGENCY POWER SUPPLY

MANILA — Power firm Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said Thursday that it has begun the emergency procurement for 180 megawatts (MW) of baseload power as it moves to augment its supply in the summer months.

The power provider said it is currently seeking bids to provide additional power supply which would also cover for the output of power plants affected by the Malampaya project's "continued inability to supply adequate natural gas fuel."

"Meralco is inviting all interested parties to submit their offers for the contract," the firm said in an emailed statement shared with reporters.

"Interested bidders have until March 31 to submit their expressions of interest. A pre-bid conference will be held on April 7, while bid submission deadline will be on May 4," it added.

The firm said it is issuing its call to bid after the Energy department greenlit the terms of reference for Meralco's competitive selection process for the emergency procurement.

The 180-MW of baseload power will form part of the company's 350-MW requirement that will help enhance available supply during the dry season.

Last month, Meralco entered into a power supply agreement with San Miguel Corp.'s unit South Premiere Power Corp. for an initial 170-MW of peaking power. The deal is up for approval with the energy regulator.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

POLAND WINS 70TH MISS WORLD; PH FINISHES IN TOP 12

Karolina Bielawska of Poland was proclaimed the 70th Miss World in Puerto Rico, with the pageant also using its platform to show support for conflict-torn Ukraine.

She bested 39 candidates who returned to Puerto Rico for the coronation night, which was postponed multiple times due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Shree Saini of the United States, who also won the Beauty with a Purpose challenge, finished first runner-up, with Olivia Yace of Côte d'Ivoire named second runner-up.

The Philippines' Tracy Perez finished in the Top 12, replicating the semi-final finish of her predecessor Michelle Dee in 2019. The country only has one Miss World crown so far, won by Megan Young in 2013.

Miss World dedicated a segment during the pageant to show its solidarity with Ukraine after Russia's military invasion in February.

Outgoing queen Toni-Ann Singh sang her rendition of "The Prayer" as Miss World's organizers and candidates gathered on stage.

SPORTS

ALASKA DEF. NLEX, 93-79, FORCES DO-OR-DIE (PBA QUARTERFINALS) MARCH 16

No. 7 Alaska Aces defeated no.2 NLEX Road Warrriors, 93-79 to force a do-or-die game in the quarterfinals of the 2021 PBA Governors' Cup on Wednesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

New import Mark Cornelius Saint Fort led the Aces with a double-double game of 17 points (4/12 FG, 3/7 3P, 6/7 FT), along with 14 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal in 30 minutes of play. Jeron Teng with another solid game of 16 points (6/13 FG 1/5 3PT, 3/4 FT), 6 rebounds and 3 assists. Abu Tratter finished with a double-double performance of 12 points, 10 rebounds and 1 steal while Mike Tolomia and Yousef Taha added 10 points and 9 points, respectively.

The Scores:

ALASKA 93 – Saint Fort 17, Teng 16, Tratter 12, Tolomia 10, Digregorio 9, Taha 9, Ahanmisi 6, Bulanadi 5, Ilagan 3, Racal 3, Faundo 3, Stockton 0, Adamos 0.

NLEX 79 – Clark 25, Alas 17, Trollano 12, Rosales 7, Paniamogan 5, Quinahan 4, Nieto 3, Soyud 2, Chua 2, Ighalo 2, Miranda 0, Varilla 0.

Quarters: 12-26, 40-38, 64-55, 93-79.

GINEBRA DEF. TNT, 104-92, FORCES DO-OR-DIE (PBA QUARTERFINALS) MARCH 16

No. 6 Barangay Ginebra defeated no. 3 TNT Tropang Giga, 104-92 to force a do-or-die game in the quarterfinals of the 2021 PBA Governors' Cup on Wednesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

Justin Brownlee led the Barangay with a double-double performance of 38 points (17-27 FG, 2/5 3PT) along with 12 rebounds, 3 blocks, 1 assist and a steal. Scottie Thompson was two assists shy of a triple double of 23 points on 8-of-15 shooting including two 3-pointers, 15 rebounds, 8 assists and 2 blocks in 45 minutes of play.

The Scores:

GINEBRA 104 – Brownlee 38, Thompson 23, J. Aguilar 21, Tenorio 7, Pinto 6, Standhardinger 6, Chan 3, Caperal 0, Onwubere 0, Devance 0.

TNT 92 – Fuller 22, Rosario 20, M. Williams 19, Pogoy 12, K. Williams 12, Castro 5, Reyes 2, Montalbo 0, Erram 0, Khobuntin 0, Heruela 0, Ganuelas-Rosser 0.

Quarters: 28-14, 50-45, 71-70, 104-92.

NBA SCORES MAR 15

FINAL

1          2          3          4          T

Nets36-33         48        38        30        34        150

Magic18-52       30        26        33        19        108

AMWAY CENTER, ORLANDO, FL

SCORING LEADERS

K. Irving BKN

60 PTS 6 REB 4 AST

C. Anthony ORL

19 PTS 4 REB 7 AST

FINAL

1          2          3          4          T

Grizzlies48-22   32        42        30        31        135

Pacers23-47     25        24        21        32        102

GAINBRIDGE FIELDHOUSE, INDIANAPOLIS, IN

SCORING LEADERS

D. Bane MEM

21 PTS 4 REB 6 AST

J. Smith IND

15 PTS 8 REB 2 AST

FINAL

1          2          3          4          T

Pistons18-51     22        29        22        25        98

Heat46-24         29        28        11        37        105

FTX ARENA, MIAMI, FL

SCORING LEADERS

J. Grant DET

22 PTS 4 REBT. Herro MIA

29 PTS 5 REB 4 AST

FINAL

1          2          3          4          T

Suns55-14        33        34        31        33        131

Pelicans28-41   29        30        26        30        115

SMOOTHIE KING CENTER, NEW ORLEANS, LA

SCORING LEADERS

D. Booker PHO

27 PTS 5 REB 8 AST

H. Jones NO

22 PTS 5 REB

INDICATORS

FOREX $1 = P 52.31

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Thinking will not overcome fear, but action will. - W. Clement Stone