PDP-LABAN FACTION, UNITEAM TO JOIN FORCES IN CAMPAIGN SORTIES
MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte's PDP-Laban faction and the UniTeam of Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio will soon unite in campaign rallies, the Cusi-led party wing has announced.
The Facebook post on Monday teased that the President could make an appearance during their sorties.
"Pinagsanib pwersa na lakas ng PDP Laban at UniTeam. Abangan," the post read.
The faction did not announce when and where this would happen but members of the media are already seeking additional details.
Duterte, who has yet to name his preferred successor, in late March formally endorsed 17 senatorial candidates most of whom were from the PDP-Laban Cusi wing and the UniTeam.
The UniTeam's Senate slate is also composed of several administration allies and former officials of the Duterte administration.
The PDP-Laban has endorsed Marcos, Jr. for the presidency, while they adopted Duterte's daughter as their vice-presidential candidate.
7 MORE PINOYS IN SHANGHAI CATCH COVID-19, TOTAL NOW AT 17
MANILA — Seven more Filipinos in Shanghai, China tested positive for COVID-19, the country's consul general in the Chinese financial capital said Tuesday.
The total number of confirmed infections among Filipinos in Shanghai stood at 17, Consul General Josel Ignacio told TeleRadyo.
Of the figure, 3 have been discharged from isolation facilities while 14 are considered active cases, he added.
China is trying to contain a wave of infections in Shanghai—its biggest city—which has been almost entirely locked down for weeks. It reported 52 new COVID deaths on Tuesday.
The economic hub of 25 million people is struggling to defeat China's worst outbreak in 2 years, despite weeks of strict measures. It has recorded over half a million cases since March 1.
Under its zero-COVID strategy, China imposed lockdowns, mass testing and travel restrictions to stamp out infections.
Ignacio reiterated that the government would provide food assistance to Filipinos affected by the lockdown.
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration will also give $200 to those who have contracted the coronavirus, he added.
DOH WORKING WITH VAXX SITES AFTER 2ND BOOSTER GIVEN TO ELDERLY, FRONTLINERS BY MISTAKE
MANILA - The Department of Health said Monday it was coordinating with vaccination sites after second COVID-19 booster shots were given to health workers and the elderly when the initial rollout was supposed to be limited to immunocompromised individuals.
The FDA earlier amended the emergency use authorization to include a fourth dose for the immunocompromised persons (ICPs), the elderly, and health workers.
But the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC) is still reviewing evidence for the additional jab for senior citizens and medical frontliners, the DOH said.
The health department said it was investigating reports that a hospital in Metro Manila administered second boosters to healthcare workers and senior citizens who were not immunocompromised.
The management of the hospital said it "unintentionally misinterpreted guidelines," according to the DOH.
The DOH and NVOC are currently coordinating with the relevant Health Care Facilities and Vaccination sites to prevent further instances of these events. The facilities in question have now since returned to administering boosters to ICPs only," it said in a statement.
PARTIDO FEDERAL FACTION SHIFTS SUPPORT TO ROBREDO FROM ISKO
MANILA - The Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) faction that earlier endorsed the presidential bid of Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso has switched its support to Vice President Leni Robredo, its chairman said Tuesday.
The faction's chairman Ahubakar Mangelan said he had reached out to the camp of Domagoso and said the party was "trying to evaluate again other presidentiables."
"During our deliberation with the national committee of PFP, we have found out VP Robredo is the person we want to support," he told ANC's Headstart.
"This is a party decision endorsing VP Leni for her presidency because of several calls of different civil society groups and parallel organizations...this is purely vol and unconditional."
Several volunteer groups have also shifted their support from Domagoso to Robredo.
The Manila mayor on Easter Sunday had called on Robredo to withdraw her candidacy, which was met with criticism.
Mangelan insisted he was still party chairman and said he was "hijacked from my position."
"There wasn't any normal process when Ferdinand (Bongbong) Marcos Jr. was elected as chairman of PFP when in fact I'm still alive and is the seating chairman," he said.
"BBM and myself are a victim of this particular situation. The one who issued CONA (Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance) for his candidacy was unauthorized."
TWITTER CONFIRMS SALE OF COMPANY TO ELON MUSK FOR $44 BILLION
Elon Musk, the world's richest man, struck a deal Monday to buy Twitter for $44 billion, capping a saga complete with hostile takeover threats before delivering him personal control of one of the most influential social media platforms on the planet.
Twitter famously served as a megaphone for former US president Donald Trump before the platform banned him, and Musk – a self-proclaimed "free-speech absolutist" – has said he wants to reform what he sees as the platform's over-zealous content moderation.
"Free speech is the bedrock of a functioning democracy, and Twitter is the digital town square where matters vital to the future of humanity are debated," Musk said in a statement released by Twitter.
"I also want to make Twitter better than ever by enhancing the product with new features, making the algorithms open source to increase trust, defeating the spam bots and authenticating all humans."
The publicly traded firm will now become a private company owned by Musk, who negotiated a purchase price of $54.20 per-share, Twitter said.
"Twitter has a purpose and relevance that impacts the entire world. Deeply proud of our teams and inspired by the work that has never been more important," the company's CEO Parag Agrawal said in a tweet.
MAKABAYAN ENDORSES 10 SENATE BETS FOR ‘REAL PATRIOTIC CHANGE’
MANILA — The progressive Makabayan coalition bared on Tuesday a full 12-person lineup of senatorial candidates it is supporting in the elections as its partners for “real patriotic change.”
In a statement read at a press conference, Makabayan said it is backing the following Senate bets, alongside its senatorial candidates former Rep. Neri Colmenares (Bayan Muna party-list) and Kilusang Mayo Uno chairperson Elmer Labog:
1. Former Rep. Teddy Baguilat (Ifugao)
2. Former Vice President Jejomar Binay
3. Sen. Leila de Lima
4. Free Legal Assistance Group chairperson Chel Diokno
5. Sorsogon Gov. Chiz Escudero
6. Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino president Luke Espiritu
7. Sen. Risa Hontiveros
8. Lawyer Alex Lacson
9. House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda (Antique)
10. Federation of Free Workers president Sonny Matula
“Inihahayag namin ang suporta sa kanila dahil sa track record nila ng pakikipagtulungan sa Makabayan sa mga piling mahahalagang isyu at laban ng mamamayan,” the coalition said.
Among these issues are socio-economic and political reforms to address the roots of the communist insurgency, pushing for the resumption of peace talks, human rights, amending the anti-terrorism law, stopping red-tagging and political repression, and asserting the country’s sovereignty against foreign powers.
“Mahalaga ang pagkakaisang ito upang maipanalo ang interes ng mamamayan at umangat ang kabuhayan ng nakararami, matigil ang paglabag sa mga karapatang pantao, at muling mabuksan ang usapang pangkapayaaan,” Makabayan said.
BULAY SAYS CALL TO ARREST COMELEC CRITICS A 'WARNING,' NOT A 'THREAT'
MANILA — Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Rey Bulay on Monday said he did not threaten the poll body’s critics following his statement last week of having them arrested.
Bulay said that rather than a threat, his statement was a “warning” to those who plan to induce lawless violence as a response to the results of the May 9 polls.
He said that there is a “world of difference” between criticisms and accusations of electoral fraud.
“So ang sinabi ko, to those that will comment lawless violence by inducement, with respect to the results of this election, you will be met with the full force of the law. It's no threat; it is the truth,” Bulay said.
“I am actually warning people to obey the laws kung sakaling hindi nila alam. Nowhere in the whole video did I mention the word ‘threat,’" the commissioner added.
Bulay earlier claimed that those accusing Comelec of favoring candidates in the 2022 polls that they could be arrested and jailed.
“’Yun po nagko-comment ng public opinion na ang Comelec ay may sina-side-an, kinakampihan at mandadaya, ako po ay nagwa-warning sa inyo.” Bulay said. “We will not hesitate to call upon the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) na ngayon sa panahong ito ay nasa ilalim ng control ng Comelec na patulan at ipahuli at ipakulong kayo ’yung manggugulo sa eleksyon na ito.”
Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon on Sunday blasted Bulay for his statement, reminding him not to be “onion-skinned” because people are only expressing their concerns about the elections.
Poll watchdog National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) also criticized Bulay’s statement, saying that “power and authority should not be weaponized against the people.”
MARCOS SPOKESPERSON'S FACEBOOK ACCOUNT IS SUSPENDED
MANILA — The Facebook account of Vic Rodriguez, spokesperson and chief of staff of presidential candidate Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., has been suspended.
Rodriguez claimed "FB/Meta suspended my account because I am for Bongbong Marcos." Meta is Facebook's parent company.
Based on screenshots provided by Rodriguez, Facebook said his "account, or activity on it, doesn't follow our Community Standards."
Facebook says that Rodriguez has 30 days to disagree with its decision.
"If you think we suspended your account by mistake, we can take you through a few steps to disagree with the decision," it said.
Rodriguez said the suspension of his account is "censorship of the highest degree and interference on a sovereign act."
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BSP SAYS INITIAL 10 MILLION PIECES OF P1,000 POLYMER BANKNOTE RELEASED TO BANKS
MANILA - The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on Tuesday said it released the first 10 million pieces of the new P1,000 polymer banknotes to banks last week.
The release is part of the phased issuance for the circulation of the newly designed currency, the central bank said in a statement.
The initial quantity is 2 percent of the total polymer banknotes to be circulated, the BSP said.
A total of 500 million pieces of the new bill is expected to be circulated alongside the previous paper version of the P1,000 banknote by 2023, the BSP said.
The bill officially started circulation last April 18.
"Prior to release, the BSP conducted technical briefings for bank personnel, machine suppliers, and cash-in-transit service providers to educate them on the design and security features of the polymer banknotes," the central bank said.
BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno earlier said the new polymer banknotes would be released through banks' over-the-counter transactions as ATMs in the country needed to be recalibrated to process the new currency.
PNP RESHUFFLES KEY OFFICERS AHEAD OF POLLS
MANILA — Several senior Philippine National Police officials were reassigned to new posts two weeks before the May 9 general elections, the PNP announced yesterday.
PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos said the latest movement of police unit heads was approved by the Commission on Elections.
“I trust that our competent police generals will be able to accomplish their tasks according to their specific functions,” Carlos said in a statement.
Among those reshuffled was Bicol police director Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo, who was transferred to the Logistics Support Service at Camp Crame as LSS deputy director for logistics.
Taking over the post vacated by Estomo is former LSS director Brig. Gen. Mario Reyes.
Reyes’ former deputy, Brig. Gen. Lorenzo Detran, will head the LSS.
Meanwhile, former PNP Health Service director Brig. Gen. Antonino Cirujales went on non-duty status ahead of his retirement on May 10.
He was replaced in an acting capacity by Col. Jezebel Dominguez.
NCRPO: UP TO 80,000 ATTENDED ROBREDO’S RALLY
MANILA — Police have reduced to around 70,000 to 80,000 the crowd estimate on the grand rally of presidential aspirant Vice President Leni Robredo along Diosdado
Macapagal Boulevard in Pasay on City on Saturday.
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said the rally was attended by groups of people coming from different areas displaying banners of support for Robredo and her running mate, Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan.
“It was attended by more or less 70,000 to 80,000 supporters and volunteers in 300 cars, 15 buses, 100 motorcycles and 15 public utility jeepneys,” the NCRPO said yesterday.
‘2 BOMBS PLANTED, ONLY 1 WENT OFF’
PARANG, Maguindanao — Perpetrators of a bus bombing that wounded six persons in this town on Sunday planted two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the vehicle, but only one went off, authorities said yesterday.
In separate statements issued yesterday, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region police and the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID) said there were indications that a group opposing the operation of the Rural Tours buses along the Dipolog-Pagadian-Cotabato-General Santos route could be responsible for the attack.
Operators and drivers of air-conditioned passenger vans plying the Cotabato-Pagadian route were reportedly affected by the bus company’s operation due to its lower fares.
Lt. Col. Joseph Macatangay, chief of the Parang police, said the IEDs used in the attack were identical with the bombs used by local terrorist groups in recent attacks in Central Mindanao.
The IED was detonated from a distance using a mobile phone.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) condemned the attack.
It urged bus operators to tighten their security to prevent terrorists from carrying out attacks.
40,000 COPS FIELDED TO SECURE MAY 9 POLLS
MANILA — At least 40,000 police officers will be deployed nationwide to secure the general elections on May 9, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said yesterday.
The figure represents 17.83 percent of the 224,305 members of the PNP.
PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos said the number is expected to increase as the election day approaches.
“Over 40,000 pero dadagdagan pa namin ‘yan this week and next week,” Carlos told journalists in an interview at Camp Crame.
He said around 16,000 police officers have been recalled from their posts and have completed reorientation in preparation for deployment to ensure safe and orderly elections.
ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE
LIVE NATION LAUNCHES IN PH WITH ACQUISITION OF MUSIC MANAGEMENT INT'L
MANILA -- Global entertainment company Live Nation has announced the launch of Live Nation Philippines through its strategic acquisition of Music Management International (MMI).
MMI’s Rhiza Pascua has been appointed managing director of Live Nation Philippines, signaling further growth across Asia, according to an official statement released Monday.
Since its inception three decades ago, MMI has become one of the leading promoters in the Philippines. When the world’s more prominent artists skipped going to Manila, Pascua worked diligently to convince artists, managers, and agents and put the country firmly on the global touring map of Asia.
In recent years, MMI has promoted the most number of sold-out concerts in the territory, including those of Madonna, Coldplay, U2, Harry Styles, Bruno Mars, Niall Horan, Maroon 5, The Chainsmokers, Dua Lipa, LANY, and many more.
“Rhiza is a formidable operator and has put the Philippines firmly on the global touring map. We have a long-standing and successful relationship with MMI, and the launch of Live Nation Philippines is the natural next step in our committed growth in the Asia Pacific region,” said Roger Field, president of Live Nation Asia Pacific.
“MMI adds another part to our network and our vision to deliver exceptional live entertainment experiences to music fans and more opportunities for artists to grow their audience across the world,” Field added.
With her appointment, Pascua said sky's the limit as the company looks forward “to bringing even more of the globe’s biggest stars and connecting fans with the artists they love and the magic of live."
KRIS AQUINO TO STAY ABROAD FOR OVER A YEAR FOR MEDICAL TREATMENTS
MANILA – Kris Aquino is set to leave the Philippines in a few days to get medical treatments abroad
The former Kapamilya TV host made the announcement as she commented on one of Regine Velasquez’s posts, where she told the veteran singer that her family sent a thank you gift.
“May hinanda akong THANK YOU from our family for you & pareng Ogie -- honestly I need to ask my sisters if it ever reached you -- because Alvin (your #1 fan) took care of everything -- he’s on leave now because his mom is in the hospital,” Aquino began.
She then apologized to Velasquez for her late birthday greeting, citing her current situation.
“Mare sorry if my greeting is late -- we leave in a few days and we’ll be gone for more than a year for my medical treatments. Medyo overwhelming,” she said..
Aquino added that she appreciates Velasquez for consistently checking in on her through common friends.
“Thank you dumalaw si Jas & Darla and they told me sobrang consistent kayo ni Pare asking kung kamusta ako,” she said.
Aquino has been battling autoimmune conditions, which has resulted in her drastic weight loss and ailing health. She has been chronicling her treatments and tests in recent months, including her trips abroad for medical procedures.
SPORTS
NBA SCORES APR 24
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
3 Bucks3-1 25 31 34 29 119
6 Bulls1-3 22 19 33 21 95
GAME 4: MIL LEADS 3-1, UNITED CENTER, CHICAGO, IL
SCORING LEADERS
G. Antetokounmpo MIL
32 PTS 17 REB 7 AST
Z. LaVine CHI
24 PTS 5 REB 13 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
3 Warriors3-1 21 31 37 32 121
6 Nuggets1-3 26 37 35 28 126
GAME 4: GS LEADS 3-1, BALL ARENA, DENVER, CO
SCORING LEADERS
S. Curry GS
33 PTS 3 REB 8 AST
N. Jokic DEN
37 PTS 8 REB 6 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
1 Heat3-1 25 30 25 30 110
8 Hawks1-3 26 15 20 25 86
GAME 4: MIA LEADS 3-1, STATE FARM ARENA, ATLANTA, GA
SCORING LEADERS
J. Butler MIA
36 PTS 10 REB 4 AST
D. Hunter ATL
24 PTS 3 REB 1 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
1 Suns2-2 22 29 23 29 103
8 Pelicans2-2 25 24 35 34 118
GAME 4: SERIES TIED 2-2, SMOOTHIE KING CENTER, NEW ORLEANS, LA
SCORING LEADERS
D. Ayton PHO
23 PTS 8 REB 1 AST
B. Ingram NO
30 PTS 4 REB 5 AST
INDICATORS
FOREX $1 = P 52.41
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
When I run after what I think I want, my days are a furnace of distress and anxiety. If I sit in my own place of patience, what I need flows to me, and without any pain. - Jalal ad-Din Rumi
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