DUTERTE HOPES SUCCESSOR MAKES PEACE WITH COMMUNISTS

MANILA — President Duterte has expressed hope that the next administration will succeed in talking peace with communist rebels who have been fighting the government for more than five decades.

Duterte has also acknowledged that the communists are right about their assertion that feudalism is still prevalent in the Philippines as he recalled being a friend of the rebels when he was still a mayor.

He said his relationship with communists changed when he became the president because the security of the nation is now his to protect.

“Kung hindi kayo maghinto, away talaga tayo (if you don’t stop, we’d really be enemies). But we were friends,” Duterte said during a visit to families affected by tropical storm Agaton in Capiz last Saturday.

“But I hope that whoever comes in next after me, they would try to reconnect and I pray that it would succeed. I am just for the nation. Everything that I do, everything that I say, it is really about my country, nothing else,” he added.

#WITHDRAWLENI MEMES SET SOCIAL MEDIA ABUZZ

New memes featuring Vice President Leni Robredo are making the rounds online, hours after her fellow presidential candidates called for her withdrawal.

Using the hashtag #WithdrawLeni, netizens edited Robredo's face into memes where she is seen in front of an ATM, supposedly withdrawing money. She is also seen holding a receipt.

One of her supporters said their group, the Creatives With Leni, decided to post the meme on their page as a funny reaction to what happened earlier.

Several other variations of the meme also circulated online.

Robredo herself joined in on the fun, replying to a comment to her post asking if she has already withdrawn.

Aksyon Demokratiko standard bearer Isko Moreno Domagoso earlier challenged Robredo to withdraw from the presidential race in May.

"I am calling for Leni to withdraw, kasi whatever you're doing is not effective against the Marcos. Withhdraw. Come and join us," Domagoso said in a press conference where fellow presidential candidates Sen. Panfilo Lacson and former Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales were also present.

The Manila City mayor alleged that Robredo's camp has been asking other candidates to step aside and support her fight against survey frontrunner former Sen. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., even as it is the Vice President who is supposedly fueling the late dictator's son's possible victory.

CALL FOR ROBREDO TO WITHDRAW NOT PART OF PRESSCON'S AGENDA: DOMAGOSO'S PARTYLIST

MANILA - Presidential aspirant Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso's call for Vice President Leni Robredo to withdraw was not in the agenda of Sunday's press conference, his partylist said Monday.

Aksyon Demokratiko Partylist chairman Ernest Ramel said Domagoso made the call when the media "unfairly" framed the elections as a "two-way race".

"That's why it went to that conversation na naging anti-Leni Robredo na is because it's the media who put those questions in and of course eventually the sentiments ng candidates came out about her. It was that way because (of) the questions by the media, they keep on pounding on issues by VP Leni Robredo. That's why the gentlemen obliged them," he told ANC's Headstart.

"It wasn't part of the agenda...Napunta na sa iba't ibang tanungan so I think the emotions and what was happening in the last 2 weeks came into the fore," he added when asked why the media should be blamed.

The media had "preferred to beat a dead horse," said Ashley Acedillo, spokesperson of Sen. Panfilo Lacson, in a separate interview with Headstart.

"Mas marami sanang issue na dapat matalakay (Many issues could have been tackled)," he said.

The press conference's 3-point agenda were to state that presidential hopefuls Domagoso, Lacson, and Sen. Manny Pacquiao will not withdraw, that they were willing to serve in each others' administration, and that they will push for a "clean, honest, and peaceful" elections, Acedillo said.

There was also a "concerted effort" to play the "gender card" following Domagoso's call, Ramel said.

"They used that gender card. It was a very concerted effort. People in their offices using the gender card. It’s as if the Vice President is helpless," he said.

"Reducing it to the gender card is sexist. Hindi naman ganun ang kaso with the Vice President. Like (Panfilo Lacson's spokesperson) Ashley (Acedillo) said earlier, she's a very capable politician."

Speaking privately with Robredo was "not an option anymore," Ramel said, noting that the Vice President led unity talks and said she would not run for presidency.

"How could you deal with someone na, as Senator Panfilo Lacson said, she decieved once, she deceived twice and she will deceive everytime moving forward. Wala na 'yung trust with dealing wih her and talking about this," he said.

ROBREDO AFTER RIVALS' REMARKS: NO MORE HURTFUL WORDS, FOCUS ON CAMPAIGN

MANILA - Even as she thanked those who defended her from statements issued on Sunday against her by her three rivals in the May 9 presidential race, Vice President Leni Robredo said the people's emotions should not get over them and any hurtful remarks should no longer be made.

Presidential candidate and incumbent Vice President Leni Robredo thanked supporters for defending her following Sunday's press conference by three of her rivals but said hurtful remarks should come to an end.

In a statement issued on her Facebook account late Sunday night, Robredo acknowledged that a lot had been said during the day, which, according to her, either irked and angered some, or were simply dismissed by others.

"Nagpapasalamat ako sa lahat na dumipensa. Pero may pakiusap lang ako. Mula bukas, 20 campaign days na lang natitira. Kailangan wag tayong magpatalo sa emosyon," said the presidential aspirant who became a subject of the Easter Sunday press conference of Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso, Sen.Panfilo Lacson and former Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales at the Manila Peninsula Hotel.

"Huwag nang magbitaw ng masasakit na salita. Focus lang muna tayo sa kampanya - tao sa tao, puso sa puso. May bayan tayong kailangan ipaglaban," she added.

Domagoso, Lacson and Gonzales, during their press conference, declared that they are not backing out of Halalan 2022 amid calls for them to withdraw from the race. Instead, the 3, offered themselves as alternatives to the leading candidates, ex-senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Robredo.

The 3 candidates said people associated with Robredo or her camp were asking them to withdraw their candidacies, as well as stripping them of their support groups.

For Lacson, Robredo's efforts to unite the opposition before the filing of candidacies in October last year was supposedly intended to make them all "unite under her."

"I would like to reinforce the statement of Sen. Ping. Yes, I was fooled also in my face by the Vice President. She said so many times, 1,000 times, with all exaggeration, that she will never run for President... We (were) made to believe to unite. But we were fooled literally, in our face. So that kind of person cannot be trusted," Domagoso added.

Following an assessment shared by Gonzales that the No. 2 candidate in pre-election surveys may need to give way to those ranked third until sixth if there is a huge margin with the first placer, Domagoso challenged Robredo to pull out of the presidential race instead.

The latest survey, conducted by Pulse Asia in March, showed Robredo in second place after former Sen. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr.

FORMER ISKO SUPPORTERS TAKE OFFENSE AT MANILA MAYOR'S TIRADES

MANILA — Former leading figures of Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso's volunteer group said Sunday that they were offended at statements made at a joint press conference earlier in the day, saying canidates who took part in it have "become the greatest allies of Marcos in this election."

The press conference was called by Moreno, Sen. Panfilo "Ping" Lacson and former national security adviser Norberto Gonzales. While it was meant to announce that they were not withdrawing from the presidential race, the candidates also took potshots at Vice President Leni Robredo, who is trailing survey frontrunner Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

In a statement, Thomas Orbos, Elmer Argaño, Rommel Abessamis, Philip Evardone, and Ed Cojuangco said that the presidential candidates "have taken the road of vindictive machismo attacking a lady."

They said the three candidates seem to be more "scared of the No. 2 than the No. 1," in reference to pre-election surveys.

"She is our best bet and we thought you would understand that you would be doing a great service to our country to have a united front," the group said.

However, the group still hopes that the other presidential candidates change their minds.

"Our call for unity for VP Leni is the only chance left for our country.  Love of country is what made you run in the first place. True unity, despite obvious personal and political differences, to prevent a dark past  is more than ever, love of country as well," they said.

BBM, SARA MAINTAIN LEAD IN LATEST OCTA SURVEY

MANILA — Former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and his running mate, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, maintained their lead in the latest pre-election Tugon ng Masa survey conducted by the Octa Research Group.

Based on the poll results released yesterday, both Marcos and Duterte-Carpio topped the poll with voter preference scores of 57 percent for their bids or president and vice president, respectively.

The Octa survey, conducted from April 2 to 6 with 1,200 respondents, showed the UniTeam tandem winning against other candidates in all areas nationwide across all socio-economic classes.

Vice President Leni Robredo and Senate President Vicente Sotto came in second for the presidential and vice presidential races, respectively, with both of them scoring 23 percent.

A closer look at the poll showed that Marcos got 35 percent in the National Capital Region (NCR), 66 percent in Balanced Luzon, 56 percent in the Visayas and 50 percent in Mindanao.

He also dominated in all socio-economic classes getting 51 percent for the A, B, and C; 59 percent in the D class and 44 percent in the E class.

Robredo, on the other hand, received a voter preference score of 25 percent in the NCR, 21 percent in Balanced Luzon, 23 percent in the Visayas, and 23 percent in Mindanao.

The survey results showed that she got scores of 28 percent from the A, B, and C class, 20 percent from the D class and 33 percent from the E class.

Duterte-Carpio, like Marcos, led in all areas with 34 percent for the NCR, 55 percent in Balanced Luzon, 62 percent in the Visayas, and 66 percent in Mindanao while getting 58 percent from the A, B, ad C socio-economic class category, 58 percent from the D class and 46 percent from the E class.

Sotto, on the other hand, received scores of 21 percent in the NCR, 25 percent in Balanced Luzon, 25 percent in the Visayas, and 19 percent in Mindanao while getting 15 percent from the A, B, and C class, 24 percent from the D class and 23 percent from the E class.

The survey also showed Manila Mayor Isko Moreno ranking a far third with nine percent, followed by Sen. Manny Pacquiao at fourth with seven percent and Sen. Panfilo Lacson at fifth spot with four percent in the presidential race.

In the vice presidential race, Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan came in third with 12 percent and Dr. Willie Ong at fourth spot with seven percent while Lito Atienza, Manny Lopez, Walden Bello, Rizalito David, and Carlos Serapio got scores of less than one percent.

BURIED ALIVE: ABUYOG LANDSLIDE SURVIVORS DON'T WANT TO GO HOME

Zenaida Perez was preparing to evacuate their home in Barangay Pilar, Agaton, Leyte when a wall of mud and rock hit their village past 3 p.m. last April 12.

"We were preparing our things for evacuation. I visited my parents' home because I thought my boys were playing [Mobile Legends] but they were just at home, sleeping. When I got home, I was climbing up the stairs when it hit us. I didn't know what happened next because I was buried," she said in Filipino in an interview with ABS-CBN's TeleRadyo.

Perez said she was able to grab her youngest daughter before the landslide hit but lost her grip. "Hawak ko na yung anak ko pero nabitawan ko," she said.

Perez's daughter was one of 49 confirmed fatalities during the landslide on Holy Tuesday. She would have turned 9 on Monday.

Her sons sustained several bruises while her husband was also rescued despite swallowing sand after being buried in the muck.

"Nakalunok siya ng buhangin. Natabunan din siya ng dagat," she said.

Perez is currently caring for her family including her father whose foot was placed in a cast after sustaining an injury during the landslide.

Their house in Pilar is still standing but it is doubtful that she will go back there.

According to Abuyog Mayor Lemuel Traya, only 5-10 percent of houses in Barangay Pilar were left standing after last week's disaster. Owners of these remaining structures have no desire to go back, he said.

"Ayaw na nilang bumalik. Ang gagawin natin ay permanent relocation," he said.

At least 53 people have died in Abuyog as of April 17, including 49 who were killed in the landslide, the mayor said. A total of 103 people remain missing while 1,610 remain in evacuation centers.

Two other coastal villages near Barangay Pilar have also been abandoned. "Walang tao, takot bumalik (There are no people, they're afraid to go back)," the mayor said.

Recovery operations with Philippine Navy divers are ongoing, he said, but not in the landslide area, which remains unstable.

NAZARENE PARADE CANCELED DUE TO ‘UNRULY’ DEVOTEES

MANILA — The procession of the Black Nazarene was canceled on Friday because of an “unruly” crowd of devotees wanting to see the wooden image two years into the pandemic.

At least 1,255 uniformed personnel were deployed to secure the Quiapo Church and the procession route, according to the Manila Police District (MPD).

But the procession that started at midnight was called off after a few minutes because the crowd swelled to 70,000, the MPD said.

“The crowd became unruly, forcing the ground commander and the church leaders to implement the contingency plan, which is to immediately return the image to the church,” police said.

Around 2,700 people attended the Santo Entierro procession around Quiapo Church later that night, police added.

The traditional Good Friday procession of the Black Nazarene has been canceled for two years amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

THE REST

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PHILIPPINES RECORDS 195 NEW COVID-19 CASES, LOWEST SO FAR IN 2022

MANILA - The Philippines recorded 195 fresh COVID-19 cases on Sunday, the lowest daily tally so far in 2022.

It is also the lowest tally since December 21, 2021, according to ABS-CBN Data Analytics Team head Edson Guido.

Of the fresh infections, 72 are from Metro Manila.

The country's total cases climbed to 3,683,042 of which 21,038 are active. Guido said the number of active cases is the lowest since January 1.

The Department of Health also logged 5 new deaths due to the disease, raising the total to 59,969.

BIR: NO EXTENSION OF INCOME TAX PAYMENT DEADLINE

MANILA - The Bureau of Internal Revenue would not extend the deadline for the filing of annual income tax returns this year, an official said Monday.

"All info on filing have long been posted sa website and FB page ng BIR. FB account ng BIR has been uploading daily reminder. All Regional Offices and District Offices have also been campaigning for the filing deadline today," BIR Deputy Commissioner Atty Marissa Cabreros in a message to reporters.

The deadline was earlier moved from April 15 to April 18 due to the Holy Week break.

The BIR, however, said it would allow for the filing of a tentative ITR which may be amended until May 16 without penalty.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

MAJA SALVADOR, RAMBO NUÑEZ ANNOUNCE ENGAGEMENT

MANILA — Actress Maja Salvador is now engaged with boyfriend Rambo Nuñez.

Maja took to her Instagram account on Sunday to announce her engagement, posting photos of the proposal.

"My new beginning @rambonunez," Maja captioned the post.

For his part, Rambo also posted photos of his proposal on his Instagram account.

“The best part is yet to come my love @maja,” he wrote in the caption.

Celebrities such as Kim Chiu, Sarah Lahbati, Isabelle Daza, Miles Ocampo, Ruffa Gutierrez and Lovi Poe, to name a few ,congratulated the couple in the comments section.

“Congrats maj!!!! Finally!!!! Congrats @rambonunez,” Kim commented.

“YESSSSS!!! Congratulations, you guys!” Sarah said.

“Aww congrats you guys!!” Lovi wrote.

It was in March 2019 when Maja confirmed that she and Rambo are back together in each other's arms after they had a relationship when she was just 21 years old.

SPORTS

GINEBRA DEF. MERALCO, 115-110 (PBA FINALS GAME 5) APRIL 17

Barangay Ginebra defeated Meralco Bolts, 115-110 in game 5 to take a commanding 3-2 lead in their best-of-7 series of the 2021-2022 PBA Governors' Cup Finals on Sunday in front of 18,251 crowd at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

Justin Brownlee led Gin Kings with a huge double-double of 40 points on 13-of-17 shooting including five 3-pointers along with 11 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks and a steal in 44 minutes of play. Scottie Thompson was one rebound shy of a triple double of 19 points (8/15 FG, 3/7 3PT), 11 assists, 9 rebounds, 1 steal and a block.

Arvin Tolentino with a solid game of 16 points (5/10 FG, 4/9 3PT, 2/2 FT), 4 rebounds, 3 steals and 1 assist while Christian Standhardinger and LA Tenorio added 13 points and 10 points, respectively.

Finals Game 6 is on Wednesday, April 20 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

The Scores:

GINEBRA 115 – Brownlee 40, Thompson 19, Tolentino 16, Standharindger 13, Tenorio 10, Pinto 8, J. Aguilar 6, Chan 3.

MERALCO 110 – Bishop 30, Newsome 27, Black 25, Maliksi 12, Almazan 6, Belo 4, Hodge 2, Quinto 2, Banchero 2.

Quarters: 25-22, 54-43, 82-73, 115-110.

NBA SCORES APR 16

FINAL

1          2          3          4          T

5 Jazz1-0          20        25        28        26        99

4 Mavericks0-1 23        20        22        28        93

GAME 1: UTA LEADS 1-0, AMERICAN AIRLINES CENTER, DALLAS, TX

SCORING LEADERS

D. Mitchell UTA

32 PTS 6 REB 6 AST

J. Brunson DAL

24 PTS 7 REB 5 AST

FINAL

1          2          3          4          T

7 Timberwolves1-0        41        24        32        33        130

2 Grizzlies0-1    33        29        30        25        117

GAME 1: MIN LEADS 1-0, FEDEXFORUM, MEMPHIS, TN

SCORING LEADERS

A. Edwards MIN

36 PTS 2 REB 6 AST

J. Morant MEM

32 PTS 4 REB 8 AST

FINAL

1          2          3          4          T

5 Raptors0-1     27        24        37        23        111

4 76ers1-0        35        34        38        24        131

GAME 1: PHI LEADS 1-0, WELLS FARGO CENTER, PHILADELPHIA, PA

SCORING LEADERS

P. Siakam TOR

24 PTS 3 REB 7 AST

T. Maxey PHI

38 PTS 4 REB 2 AST

FINAL

1          2          3          4          T

6 Nuggets0-1    27        20        23        37        107

3 Warriors1-0    26        32        32        33        123

GAME 1: GS LEADS 1-0, CHASE CENTER, SAN FRANCISCO, CA

SCORING LEADERS

N. Jokic DEN

25 PTS 10 REB 6 AST

J. Poole GS

30 PTS 1 REB 3 AST

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Whenever one finds oneself inclined to bitterness, it is a sign of emotional failure. – Bertrand Russell