SC CAN’T STOP CANVASSING, PROCLAMATION OF WINNERS, MARCOS JR. SAYS

MANILA — The Supreme Court cannot stop the canvassing of votes and the proclamation of winners in the presidential and vice presidential race, presumptive President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. told the high court in a filing on Thursday afternoon.

Citing various constitutional provisions, Marcos Jr., through lawyer Estelito Mendoza, said the language and intent of the provisions show they are “mandatory and the Supreme Court is without jurisdiction to prevent their implementation."

Among constitutional provisions Marcos cited are the provisions on judicial review under section 1 of Article VIII of Constitution and an Article VII provision mandating that the president and vice president’s 6-year term starts on June 30 at 12 noon and ends on June 30 at 12 noon, six years later.

Marcos Jr. also invoked section 4 of Art. VII of the Constitution which states that the election returns for the president and vice president shall be opened by the President of the Senate “not later than 30 days after the day of the election” during a joint public session of the Senate and the House of Representatives, which shall then canvass the votes.

“The person having the highest number of votes shall be proclaimed elected,” a portion of the provision said.

SC REQUIRES COMMENT ON PETITION TO CANCEL MARCOS JR. COC

The Supreme Court on Thursday ordered Marcos Jr., Comelec, the Senate and the House of Representatives to comment, within 15 days, on a petition for certiorari filed by a group of civic leaders led by Fr. Christian Buenafe, which seeks to overturn the ruling of the Comelec junking their plea to cancel Marcos’ certificate of candidacy.

The same petition urged the high court to issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) to halt the canvassing of votes and the proclamation of frontrunner Marcos.

On Friday, Mendoza claimed the high court's resolution has denied the petition for a TRO.

"That is extremely stated in the SC resolution that the TRO is denied. I believe that the SC resolution states that the prayer is denied," he told ANC's Headstart.

The SC has not yet given the petition due course, according to lawyer Pacifico Agabin, former dean of the University of the Philippines College of Law.

"The resolution ordering the respondent to comment does not mean it has given due course to the petition. It is routinary and in all cases the SC requires respondents to comment on the petition," he told ANC's Headstart in a separate interview.

"Usually that resolution of SC requires the respondents to comment because it is in the interest of fairness and due process that the SC does not take nay positive action until afer it has heard the side of both parties."

SOTTO WARNS OF ‘CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS’ IF SC HALTS CONGRESSIONAL CANVASS

MANILA — Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III warned Thursday that the country could be plunged into a “constitutional crisis” if the Supreme Court orders Congress to stop canvassing votes for president and vice president as asked for in petitions against presumptive president Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

“If that happens, we will be courting a constitutional crisis from the fact that Congress can no longer meet after June 3rd,” Sotto said in a text message shared to reporters. “Who will then conduct the canvass as mandated by the Constitution?”

Article VII, Section 4 of the 1987 Constitution directs Congress to canvass the votes for president and vice president and then proceed to proclaim winners for the respective elective posts.

Congress will be convening in a joint session beginning May 24 for the canvassing of votes, with the goal of proclaiming a president-elect and a vice-president elect by May 27. Based on the partial, unofficial count, Marcos and his running mate, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, are slated to occupy these positions.

But if the SC ends up granting the prayer of the petitioners against Marcos — which separately seek the nullification of his candidacy and his disqualification from the presidential race — for it to order a halt to canvassing, the 18th Congress may end on June 30 without having proclaimed anyone as president or vice president.

“So, no president or vice president by June 30? What do they propose? Holdover? Tell me if that is not a crisis!” Sotto said.

SINGAPOREAN LEADER INVITES MARCOS FOR A STATE VISIT

MANILA - Singaporean President Halimah Yacob has invited presumptive Philippine President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to make a state visit to "strengthen the friendship between our two countries."

"I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to make a State Visit to Singapore," Yacob said in a May 14, 2022 letter posted Wednesday on the website of Singapore's Foreign Ministry, as she also congratulated Marcos on his electoral success.

"I wish you every success in steering the Philippines to greater heights," she said.

"Singapore and the Philippines share a warm and longstanding relationship, underpinned by strong economic cooperation and robust people-to-people ties," Yacob said.

OPLE EYES AMENDMENT TO EXISTING MIGRATION LAW

MANILA — If ever she accepts the offer to head the newly created Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) advocate Susan Ople is looking at amending existing migration laws.

In an interview with One News’ “The Chiefs” aired over Cignal TV/TV 5 on Wednesday night, Ople said stricter policies are necessary to address the new “battlefield” of human trafficking and illegal recruitment.

“Hihingi lang kami ng amendments na maipasa yong third country illegal recruitment,” Ople said, noting that illegal recruiters operating outside the country escape prosecution due to territorial barriers.

“Filipino illegal recruiters anywhere in the world should not escape the reach of our laws,” she said.

Ople said the DMW needed to work with social platforms and mount a unified campaign against online trafficking and illegal recruitment of migrant workers.

She said social media is now the new battlefield for illegal recruiters, who course their instructions to their victims online.

Ople said the government should be adept to control the illegal activity.

With the reopening of the global economy and huge demand for OFWs, Ople said controlling human trafficking and illegal recruitment would be a major challenge to the DMW.

PALACE ON CHR DRUG WAR REPORT: REHASHED ISSUES

MANILA — Malacañang yesterday described as “rehash of old issues” the Commission on Human Rights (CHR)’s latest report on President Duterte’s drug war even as it claimed that the outgoing administration would be leaving behind “a legacy of a safe and secure Philippines.”

In a report released this week, the CHR claimed that the government has “failed in its obligation to respect and protect the human rights of every citizen” and has “encouraged a culture of impunity that shields perpetrators from being held to account.”

According to the report, drug-related killings have become rampant and widespread during the administration of Duterte and that the victims targeted had actual or perceived links to illegal drugs.

The victims “were killed with disproportionate and/or excessive force or in a brutal manner whether during alleged operations by law enforcers or during attacks by unidentified or private persons,” the report said.

“Contrary to the claims of self-defense, available information indicated intent to kill by the police operatives and disproportionality of force used to repel aggression  — with the fatal location and number of gunshot wounds sustained by the victims,” it read.

“There were possible violations of the rights of the drug suspects, and lapses in the observance of protocols established by law and reiterated in PNP (Philippine National Police) manuals,” it added.

E-SABONG, DIGITAL SALES TAX CAN HELP PAY PHILIPPINE DEBT: SOLON

MANILA - House Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Joey Salceda on Friday enumerated ways on how the Philippines could raise new revenues to pay for its COVID-19 debt, which was earlier estimated to need P326 billion annually.

In an interview with ANC, the Albay 2nd District Representative said the majority of the money should be generated from new sources and should be recurring instead of one-off sources.

For 5 years, the country should be able to raise P1.6 trillion in fiscal expansion, he said, to cover the principal and interest of the debt.

The Bureau of Treasury said the total outstanding national government debt hit P12.68 trillion in March. Likewise, the country's debt-to-GDP ratio rose to 63.5 percent in the same month.

"Definitely the first approach is to look at organic flows…P900 trillion n'yan (of that) should come from organic flows and the rest should come from privatization," Salceda said.

VIRTUAL FIESTA SA MALAYSIA PARA SA KALAYAAN NG PINAS, IMBITADO ANG MGA PILIPINO

MALAYSIA – Ipagdiriwang ng mga Pilipino sa Malaysia ang ika-124 anibersaryo ng Independence Day o kasarinlan ng Pilipinas sa June 12 na tinaguriang “Virtual Fiesta sa Embahada 2022.”  Pinapangunahan ito ng Embahada ng Pilipinas sa Malaysia kasama ang The Filipino Channel o TFC bilang media partner.

Ibinahagi sa TFC News ni Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Charles C. Jose ang layunin ng nasabing online celebration.

“Layunin ng virtual fiesta na magbigay ng isang programa para sa ating mga kababayan at iparating sa kanila ang mga kasiyahan ng pagdiriwang ng Kalayaan 2022. Hindi man tayo makapagtipon physically sa ngayon, nalulugod kaming maghandog ng isang online show para sa mga Filipinos dito sa Malaysia,” pahayag ni Ambassador Jose.

Mabubusog din sa Pinoy entertainment ang lalahok sa virtual fiesta dahil magtatanghal ang ilang Filipino performers/artists.

“Ang focus ng ating virtual celebration ay ang ating mga Overseas Filipinos dito sa Malaysia, kaya this year, ginawa namin itong mas interactive. Kasama sa virtual fiesta ang mga featured TFC artists, and our very own Filipino community members na hinikayat naming makilahok sa ating online show.

Interactive rin ang virtual fiesta dahil hinihikayat ang mga Pilipino sa Malaysia na magpadala ng kanilang dance video clips sa saliw ng kanta ng Star Magic PPop girl group BINI na “Kapit Lang.”

US WARSHIP TO BE NAMED AFTER FILIPINO SAILOR

History was made today after US Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro announced that a future Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer will be named USS Telesforo Trinidad (DDG 139) in honor of a Filipino sailor who rescued two crew members when their ship caught fire more than a century ago.

"My first time learning about Petty Officer Trinidad’s story was as a midshipman at the Naval Academy and since being sworn in as Secretary, I have wanted to honor his heroic actions by naming a ship after him," said Del Toro.

"This ship and her future crew will be a critical piece in strengthening our maritime superiority while also emphasizing the rich culture and history of our naval heritage."

Born November 25, 1890 in Aklan, Trinidad showed extraordinary heroism when a boiler exploded on board the USS San Diego in January 21, 1915.

Trinidad was driven out by the explosion but immediately returned to rescue a fellow sailor, Fireman 2nd Class R. W. Daly, who had been injured, taking him to safety.

"As he was carrying Daly through the No. 4 fireroom, an explosion of No. 3 boiler hit Trinidad, which burned him in the face," the US Navy said.

Despite his injury, Trinidad assisted in the rescue of another injured shipmate from the No. 3 fireroom.

For his bravery, the U.S. Navy awarded him the Medal of Honor, becoming the first and only Asian-American thus far to receive the highest possible recognition in the US naval force.

ERC SUBMITS PROPOSALS TO LOWER POWER RATES

MANILA — Outgoing Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Chairperson Agnes Devanadera is submitting her proposals to the incoming administration to lower power rates, including suspension of excise tax on coal and petroleum and removal of double VAT imposition in pass-on costs.

Devanadera, whose term will end on July 9, is pushing for the temporary suspension of excise tax on coal and petroleum products to immediately address the impact of increasing international fuel and coal prices and supply disruption due to the Ukraine-Russian War.

She said this is the most effective way to lower power rates since it can be felt immediately by electricity consumers and has the least impact to stakeholders, other than electricity consumers.

Citing Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), its generation rate pre-Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law was P5.8623 per kilowatt-hour, which increased to the current P5.8724 per kWh.

“If excise tax under the TRAIN Law will be temporarily suspended, the rate reduction that can be felt will be at P0.101 per kWh,” she said.

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OCTA SEES 19% INCREASE IN COVID-19 CASES IN METRO MANILA

MANILA — COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila are rising, with OCTA Research flagging Friday an uptick in the number of infections in the capital region, which it still classifies as “low risk” for the disease.

In a new report, the private research group that has been analyzing government data on the pandemic said the daily average of new COVID-19 cases in the region increased by 19% on May 13 to May 19 compared to the previous week from just 59 cases to 71.

The average number of new cases for every 100,000 people also increased to 0.50 from 0.42, along with the reproduction number, or the measure of how infectious a disease is, which spiked to 0.90 from 0.76 in the past week.

The positivity rate, or the ratio of people testing positive over the total number of tests conducted, remained at 1.2%, which is well below the World Health Organization’s 5% threshold for reopening.

Healthcare utilization rate remained at 22%, but the occupancy of intensive care units slightly increased to 20% from 19% last week.

DOLE: WAGE BOARDS IN ILOCOS, CAGAYAN, CARAGA OK MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE

MANILA — The regional wage boards of Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, and Caraga have approved an increase in the salary of minimum earners there, the labor department has announced.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said the Ilocos Region's wage board approved an increase of between P60 and P90 "in 2 to 3 tranches."

Once implemented, the minimum wage range in Ilocos will be P372-P400, from the current P282-P340, the agency said.

Aside from this, the wage board approved a monthly wage hike of between P500 and P1,500 for domestic workers located in cities and first-class municipalities, setting the new monthly rate at P5,000.

Cagayan Valley's wage board likewise approved a P50 to P75 wage hike, which will be implemented in 2 to 3 tranches. This brings the region's minimum wage rate to P400-P420, from the present P345-P370.

The wage board in Caraga, meanwhile, agreed a P30-wage hike for minimum wage earners in the region, raising the monthly minimum rate to P350 from the current P320.

3 MISTULANG SINKHOLE LUMITAW SA TAAL, BATANGAS KASUNOD NG PAG-ULAN

Ikinabahala ng mga residente ng Taal, Batangas ang mga pagguho ng lupa na lumikha ng 3 malalalim ng hukay na mistulang sinkhole.

Ayon sa lokal na pamahalaan, naitala ang mga pagguho ng lupa sa Barangay Apakay.

Isa sa mga ito ay may lalim na 10 metro at lawak na nasa 4 na metro. Halos lamunin nito ang bakod at gate ng bahay ng residenteng si Pepito Balbacal.

“Natatakot ka, siyempre buhay nakalaan d'yan. Mamaya mahulog ka d'yan, malalim 'yan,” ani Balbacal.

Tumawid ang mistulang sinkhole sa kalsada hanggang patungo sa gubat, kung saan mala-bangin din ang naging pagguho ng lupa.

Nangyari ang mga pagguho ng lupa matapos ang magkakasunod na malakas na pag-ulan nitong mga nakalipas na araw.

Simula nang pumutok ang Bulkang Taal noong 2020, may mga naitala nang ibang pagguho ng lupa sa Barangay Laguile at Barangay Cawit, ayon sa lokal ng pamahalaan. Iniulat din na nasa 89 bahay ang napinsala ng mga pagguho.

Hiniling na ni Taal Mayor Pong Mercado sa Phivolcs na masusing pag-aralan ang mga naglitawang hukay. Magpapadala ng mga tauhan ang ahensya sa Barangay Apakay ngayong Biyernes ng hapon.

CEBU PACIFIC EYES RESTART OF INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS FROM CEBU, TO REOPEN SEOUL ROUTE IN JULY

MANILA - Cebu Pacific is planning to restart international flights from its hub in Cebu starting with flights to Seoul (Incheon) in South Korea.

In a statement, Cebu Pacific said it is eyeing to operate twice weekly flights from Cebu to Seoul every Thursday and Sunday beginning july 3.

Flight 5J 128 is estimated to depart the Mactan Cebu International Airport at 12:25 p.m., and is set to arrive at Seoul International Airport at 6:10 p.m., the carrier said.

“We are very happy to restart this flight as we know passengers in the Visayas and Mindanao have been looking forward to travel internationally again, without needing to pass by Manila," Cebu Pacific Chief Commercial Officer Xander Lao said.

"We hope to expand our international network more in the coming months as we’ve already stabilized operating over 100% of our pre-pandemic domestic capacity,” he added.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

AFTER ELECTION WIN, ARJO ATAYDE SAYS HE WON'T QUIT SHOWBIZ

MANILA -- Actor Arjo Atayde has no plans of quitting show business even after he who won the congressional race for the first district of Quezon City.

"Actually, kakatapos ko lang rin po mag-shoot for 'Cattleya Killer' right before the campaign, but I won’t be stopping showbiz,” Atayde said in a report published by entertainment website PUSH on Thursday night.

Atayde stressed that acting will be his main source of his income but his his priority will now be on public service.

“Iyan ang aking hanapbuhay. So, I can’t stop that. Of course, I have to prioritize, especially this one (public service). But of course hindi na mawawala sa akin ang pag-aartista. Kasi that’s one thing [that] I love to do the most and at the same time, make a living. Andon ang hanapbuhay ko,” Atayde explained.

In the interview, Atayde also expressed his gratitude to all those who voted and supported him including his family and his girlfriend, actress Maine Mendoza.

“Overwhelming po. My family, Maine, all of my friends are all my backbone. I am just very happy that they’re always there and very supportive so what could I ask for more,” Atayde shared.

Atayde, 31, is a political neophyte. He has said his experience during the COVID-19 pandemic convinced him of the need to try his hand at public office.

The son of screen veteran Sylvia Sanchez, Atayde is best known as an acclaimed actor, having won the top acting prize in the Asian Academy Creative Awards in 2020.

SPORTS

NBA SCORES MAY 18

FINAL

1          2          3          4          T

4 Mavericks0-1 18        27        24        18        87

3 Warriors1-0    28        26        34        24        112

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

SCORING LEADERS

L. Doncic DAL

20 PTS 7 REB 4 AST

S. Curry GS

21 PTS 12 REB 4 AST

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Begin with the end in mind' is based on the principle that all things are created twice. There's a mental or first creation, and a physical or second creation to all things. - Stephen R. Covey