DUTERTE ADMITS WRONG TO PROMISE QUICK END TO DRUG PROBLEM

MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte acknowledged it could be "hubris" that motivated him to promise to end in three to six months the problem of illegal narcotics in the country.

Duterte, who is set to finish his term in less than three months, said he was wrong to have underestimated the country’s problem with illegal drugs, alleging he was then unaware of the involvement of some members of the Philippine National Police's top leadership in the narcotics trade.

“Sinasabi ko I can clean it in six months. Then after that, I realized na nagkamali talaga ako … Maybe it’s hubris. It was campaign time. Payabangan naman ’yang kampanya,” Duterte said during the inauguration of the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway in Cebu on Wednesday.

“Eh pagdating ko sa Maynila, dala-dala ko 'yung chief of police ko, iyang si Bato (Ronald dela Rosa) ... Six generals of the PNP were playing with drugs. Sabi ko, 'Paano tayo mabubuhay nito?' " the president added, referring to then PNP chief Dela Rosa, who is now a senator.

Despite his misgivings and even with his term coming to an end, Duterte continued to warn those involved in illegal drugs.

“Itapon mo 'yan at wala ka talagang problema sa akin. Ngayon, hindi na ako Presidente in a few days. But if you continue to f*** the Filipino, I might find a way really to just ... No quarters given, no quarters asked,” he said.

Duterte, who is currently facing allegations of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court for the thousands of deaths under his administration’s bloody war on drugs, earlier said that he wants his successor to have the same ferocity as he did in fighting against the scourge of illegal narcotics.

Local and international human rights advocates have denounced his violent drug war, wherein authorities said 6,200 individuals have been killed for resisting arrest.

DUTERTE SIGNS JUDICIARY MARSHALS LAW

MANILA — President Duterte has signed into law a measure creating the Office of the Judiciary Marshals, which will be responsible for the safety of members of the judicial branch as well as the integrity of the courts and its proceedings.

Duterte signed Republic Act 11691 or the Judiciary Marshals Act on April 8, documents released by Malacañang yesterday showed.

The Office of the Judiciary Marshals will be under the supervision of the Supreme Court (SC) through the Office of the Court Administrator.

The responsibilities of the office include protecting and defending justices, judges, court officials and personnel, including their families.

The Judiciary Marshals Office is also expected to conduct threat assessments and undertake investigations and forensic analysis of crimes and other offenses committed against members of the judiciary.

The office is also tasked to ensure that court proceedings, trials and hearings, including judicial conferences, seminars and meetings are conducted in a safe and orderly manner.

GOV'T IDENTIFIES 44 CLOSE CONTACTS OF PHILIPPINES' FIRST BA.2.12 PATIENT

MANILA - At least 44 close contacts of the Philippines' first case of the omicron BA.2.12 subvariant have been identified as of Thursday, the Department of Health said.

The foreign female patient from Finland had 9 close contacts in Quezon City and 5 close contacts in Benguet, according to Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said.

All of them are "being closely monitored", while some have been tested and turned out negative, she added.

The DOH also identified 30 "near contacts" of the patient in the airplane, Vergeire said.

"We were able to see most of them were fully vaccinated. Some were tested and negative. Nobody is experiencing symptoms as of this time," she told ANC's Headstart.

The BA.2.12 is a subvariant of omicron that comprises majority of the COVID-19 cases in the US, according to the DOH, citing data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US-CDC).

It is presently not a variant of interest or variant of concern.

FILIPINOS TOLD TO GET BOOSTER AMID THREAT OF OMICRON BA.2.12 SUBVARIANT

MANILA — An infectious disease specialist warned Thursday that the slow booster uptake could drive a fresh surge of COVID-19 infections in the country amid the threat of a new sublineage of omicron.

Dr. Rontgene Solante, chief of the Adult Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Unit at San Lazaro Hospital in Manila, said the omicron BA.2.12 subvariant is still highly transmissible but does not appear to cause severe infection.

"'Yun 'yung ano natin concern ngayon specially with a lot of these super spreader events tapos mababa 'yung booster uptake natin. So these are multifactorial na puwede tayong tataas ang mga kaso," he told TeleRadyo.

Solante stressed the need for booster dose "to maintain and sustain that protection" from the vaccine as it wanes after several months.

He urged Filipinos to strictly follow health protocols and to complete their inoculation if they are still unvaccinated.

If eligible for a booster, they should get it immediately, added Solante, who is also a member of the government's vaccine expert panel.

BONGBONG TO SKIP FINAL COMELEC PRESIDENTIAL INTERVIEW

Ex-senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is skipping the final Commission on Elections presidential panel interview, saying he wants to focus on his presidential campaign before the May 9 polls.

"With less than 2 weeks before the May 9 elections, frontrunner Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. has decided to forego his participation in the Comelec's presidential panel interview, which was scheduled on May 1, 2022," his spokesman, Atty. Vic Rodriguez, said in a statement.

Marcos thanked the poll body for its invitation and acknowledged the importance of the event.

"He opted, however, to conclude the entire 90-day campaign period with visits to his supporters and compliances with previous commitments for political events, like town hall meetings and political rallies," Rodriguez added.

Marcos, who is leading in several pre-election surveys, skipped the first two Comelec-sponsored debates last March 19 and April 3.

The Marcos camp said he will not participate in debates that only intend to pit candidates against each other, claiming that the public is supposedly tired of "political mudslinging".

The poll body has changed the format for the final round of debates following their postponement amid the controversy over a contractor's failure to pay Sofitel for hosting the events.

Comelec Commissioner George Garcia said the poll body would instead hold panel interviews with the candidates, which will be aired on Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas member stations from May 2 to 6.

Only 2 presidential candidates - Ernesto Abella and Faisal Mangondato - have given their solid assurances that they will participate in the panel interviews as of Thursday morning, according to Comelec spokesman James Jimenez.

ZUBIRI DROPPED FROM ROBREDO'S SENATE SLATE

MANILA — Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri has been dropped from Vice President Leni Robredo’s ticket due to his "open endorsement of another presidential candidate."

Robredo’s spokesperson, Barry Gutierrez, said this was “in contravention of the agreement with all guest candidates” of not endorsing a presidential bet.

Zubiri has been quoted as introducing former Sen. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., as "our president."

"With 12 days remaining before elections, we are moving forward with our 11-candidate Senate slate," Gutierrez said.

Robredo’s supporters had long been calling for Zubiri’s removal from the vice president’s Senate slate after describing Marcos as “our president” and for frequenting his sorties while not attending even a single rally of the de facto opposition presidential candidate.

At rallies where a video presentation of Robredo’s Senate bets were shown, Kakampinks often booed when Zubiri was shown on screen.

The tandem of Sen. Panfilo "Ping" Lacson and Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III has also removed Zubiri from their slate after his endorsement of Marcos.

'IN THE WORKS’: MARCOS JR. SAYS HE GOT DUTERTE'S ‘TACIT’ ENDORSEMENT

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — A possible endorsement by President Duterte on the presidential bid of former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is in the works, an official of his political party bared.

Cabinet Secretary Melvin Matibag, secretary general of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) faction of Energy Sec. Alfonso Cusi, revealed that they are now working on the President’s attendance in a grand rally of the UniTeam tandem of Marcos and presidential daughter Sara Duterte-Carpio.

“We’re planning the joint rally (of UniTeam and PDP-Laban) but we still need to fix the schedule. Hopefully PRRD (President Duterte) will attend,” he told The STAR as he joined the UniTeam grand rally here Tuesday night.

Matibag said they are expecting the President to attend the joint rally being planned since he has actively been attending rallies of PDP-Laban where he has been endorsing their senatorial candidates.

“We are hoping that it will happen… Anyway we already talked about it, that’s I’m here joining. We’re really supporting the UniTeam,” Matibag bared.

He said the main challenge so far is the meeting of schedules of their parties.

“We’re hoping that it happens except that there’s just a small time left in the campaign and that is the concern. But we are hoping it happens,” Matibag explained.

At a press conference here last Tuesday afternoon, the former senator said he is “crossing our finger” to get Duterte’s endorsement that he believes would further boost his campaign.

Marcos believes that he has already been receiving the President’s “tacit endorsement” even if the President doesn’t publicly announce it.

“As chair of PDP-Laban, he allowed the release of the party’s endorsement of me and Inday Sara, so for me that’s already tacit endorsement,” he explained.

Marcos believes that the President could just be delaying his decision to endorse “because he doesn’t want the candidates to be too reluctant.”

Marcos said he also understands the hesitation of the President in making the endorsement since he wants to be fair to all the candidates.

“So I’m still hoping to get the endorsement because I believe his endorsement will be of big help for us,” he commented.

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AUGUST 30 DECLARED NATIONAL PRESS FREEDOM DAY

MANILA — President Duterte has signed into law a measure declaring Aug. 30 of every year as National Press Freedom Day as his administration continues to draw flak over its actions that allegedly discourage independent and critical reporting.

Republic Act 11699 signed by Duterte on April 13 states that National Press Freedom Day will be a working holiday in honor of Marcelo del Pilar, father of Philippine journalism.

Del Pilar, who wrote under the pen name “Plaridel,” was born on Aug. 30, 1850.

The education department, Commission on Higher Education and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, in consultation with the Office of the President and media organizations, were directed to lead public and private schools at all levels in “organizing consciousness-raising activities on the importance of the press, their rights and social responsibilities and the elimination of all forms of violence against the press.”

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines has claimed that the Philippine press is “under siege” under Duterte, citing the cases filed against Rappler chief executive officer Maria Ressa, the cyber attacks against Bulatlat, Kodao and the Northern Dispatch, the arrest of journalist Lady Ann Salem and the shutdown of ABS-CBN, which displaced thousands of workers during the pandemic.

The Philippines’ ranking in the World Press Freedom Index dropped two notches from 136 in 2020 to 138 last year even if it is said to be the home of the freest press in Asia.

Officials have insisted that Duterte respects press freedom, noting his issuance of an executive order on freedom of information and the creation of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security.

They have also noted that Duterte has not filed libel cases against his critics.

ROBREDO VOLUNTEER IN QUEZON REPORTED MISSING

QUEZON — A volunteer for presidential candidate Leni Robredo in Candelaria town in this province has been reported missing.

Dante Gatdula, 57, head of the Robredo People’s Council (RPC) and Akbayan chairman in Candelaria, was reported missing by his wife Betsie on Sunday, according to Senior M/Sgt. Pedrito Mendoza.

Betsie told police that her husband failed to return when he left their home at around 7 a.m. on April 23 to attend a meeting with the RPC group.

“Busy siya sa pag-aasikaso sa general rally sa April 28 sa Lucena. Siya ang naghahanap ng mga sasakyan ng mga pupunta mula Candelaria at mga poll watchers,” she said.

Betsie said her husband’s phone number could no longer be reached when she tried to contact him.

Police have yet to determine if Gatdula’s disappearance is connected to politics.

BPI 'PREPARED' TO COMPETE WITH FINTECH, DIGITAL BANKS: CEO

MANILA - The Bank of the Philippine Islands is prepared to compete with fintech and digital banks by accelerating its digital offerings, investing in innovation, and introducing new products to maintain its market share, its president and CEO Jose Teodoro "TG" Limcaoco said Thursday.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has approved purely digital banks as a new banking category with no physical network, therefore, having more flexibility in their offerings such as higher deposit interest rates.

Traditional banks, on the other hand, already have an established distribution channel, large customer base, and brand recognition, Limcaoco said in BPI's annual shareholders' meeting.

"Traditional banks like BPI continue to be stalwarts of the industry...To maintain our market leadership, we have to make investments in technology, accelerate the digitalization of our business and operations and to improve our customer offering that will all be key," Limcaoco said.

"While fintechs leverage on their low-cost model, BPI will capitalize on the strength of our brand, our significant presence plus a robust digital platform to compete," he added.

BPI now offers pure online and mobile account opening, just like in digital banks. It also has a suite of mobile apps, with more platforms to launch soon, BPI chairman Jaime Zoble De Ayala said.

Limcaoco said it would also offer higher rates for the unbanked.

"Soon, as early as possible next month, we will be offering a high yield deposit product to primarily unbanked Filipinos who are digitally savvy," he said.

FLASHFLOODS DISPLACE THOUSANDS IN MAGUINDANAO, NORTH COTABATO

COTABATO CITY — Flashfloods spawned by heavy rain swept through villages in several towns in Maguindanao and North Cotabato on Tuesday.

Around 10,000 villagers were affected, according to initial reports by concerned local government units.

Even the upland Barangay Itaw in South Upi, Maguindanao was hit with floods about a foot deep.

The Ampatuan municipal government reported that Barangay Saniag was submerged in floods. Low-lying areas in Midsayap and Aleosan in North Cotabato were also inundated.

In Davao de Oro, a resident reportedly died while more than 100 families were displaced by flooding in Maco town.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

DANIEL PADILLA GETS BIRTHDAY SURPRISE

MANILA -- Actor Daniel Padilla celebrated his 27th birthday on Tuesday, while he was in lock-in taping for his upcoming series with girlfriend Kathryn Bernardo, “2 Good 2 Be True.”

Star Magic's Inside News on Thursday uploaded a video showing the highlights from the surprise birthday party for the actor.

For his special day, Padilla was surrounded by his family and loved ones, including Bernardo.

Padilla was also visited at the set by executives of ABS-CBN, his home network of 11 years. Among them were ABS-CBN chairman Mark Lopez, president and CEO Carlo Katigbak, COO Cory Vidanes, and TV production head Laurenti Dyogi.

His “2 Good 2 Be True” family also joined the celebration.

JUDY ANN SANTOS, RYAN AGONCILLO MARK 13TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

MANILA -- Celebrity couple Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo are celebrating their 13th wedding anniversary on Thursday, April 28.

To mark the special occasion, the two turned to their respective social media pages to share their greetings for each other.

"13 years married...18 years together...2 years na lang, 2 dekada na tayong magkapiling.. best decision ever! Through ups and downs, back pains and stiff necks.. life with you and our little ones.. will always be my greatest blessing.. i love you with all my heart.. @ryan_agoncillo," Santos wrote in her post.

For his part, Agoncillo simply wrote "13" with a heart emoji.

Santos and Agoncillo were first paired as a love team in 2004 for the fantaserye “Krystala.” They confirmed their relationship after the series ended and have been inseparable ever since.

They tied the knot at San Juan Nepomuceno Church in San Juan, Batangas on April 28, 2009. They have three children – Yohan, Lucho and Luna.

SPORTS

KAI SOTTO TO JOIN 2022 NBA DRAFT

MANILA — Philippine basketball star Kai Sotto has taken the next step toward his dream of reaching the NBA as he declared for the 2022 Rookie Draft on Thursday.

After one year of playing in the Australian NBL with the Adelaide 36ers, Sotto announced that he will join other NBA aspirants in the annual draft — becoming the first full-blooded Filipino to do so.

He announced his decision on Instagram along with his message of thanks to the Adelaide 36ers community.

"Thank you, Adelaide! Thank you, Australia! It has been an unforgettable year," Sotto wrote.

Sotto played 23 games for the 36ers and averaged 7.52 points, 4.48 rebounds and 0.52 assists per game.

"I have declared for the 2022 NBA Draft," Sotto said after expressing his gratitude to his supporters.

"Please pray for and support me during my quest to fulfill my ultimate dream," he added.

This is the first year that Sotto is eligible to enter the NBA draft.

Sotto joins the draft class spearheaded by the likes of US NCAA standouts Jabari Smith Jr. Paolo Banchero and Chet Holmgren.

NBA SCORES APR 26

FINAL

1          2          3          4          T

8 Hawks1-4       22        20        22        30        94

1 Heat4-1         21        33        21        22        97

GAME 5: MIA LEADS 4-1, FTX ARENA, MIAMI, FL

SCORING LEADERS

D. Hunter ATL

35 PTS 11 REB 2 AST

V. Oladipo MIA

23 PTS 1 REB 3 AST

FINAL

1          2          3          4          T

7 Timberwolves2-3        31        24        30        24        109

2 Grizzlies3-2    28        25        21        37        111

GAME 5: MEM LEADS 3-2, FEDEXFORUM, MEMPHIS, TN

SCORING LEADERS

K. Towns MIN

28 PTS 12 REB 1 AST

J. Morant MEM

30 PTS 13 REB 9 AST

FINAL

1          2          3          4          T

8 Pelicans2-3    20        26        32        19        97

1 Suns3-2         32        27        30        23        112

GAME 5: PHO LEADS 3-2, FOOTPRINT CENTER, PHOENIX, AZ

SCORING LEADERS

B. Ingram NO

22 PTS 5 REB 5 AST

M. Bridges PHO

31 PTS 5 REB 2 AST

INDICATORS

FOREX $1 = P 52.12

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

The deeper that sorrow carves into your being the more joy you can contain. Is not the cup that holds your wine the very cup that was burned in the potter's oven? – Kahlil Gibran