PHILIPPINE TRAVEL BAN VS COVID-19 VARIANTS TO STAY UNTIL SEPT. 5

MANILA— The Philippines is extending the suspension of entry of travelers from 10 countries until Sept. 5 to arrest the spread of more contagious COVID-19 variants linked to an uptick in infections, Malacañang said on Friday.

President Rodrigo Duterte approved the extension of the travel ban until Sept. 5 from the end date Aug. 31, said his spokesman Harry Roque.

The restriction covers India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, Roque said in a statement.

"These travel restrictions form part of the pro-active measures to slow down the rising number of COVID-19 cases, stop further spread of variants, and increase the country's existing health care capacity," he said.

The travel ban exempts Filipinos who are part of repatriation efforts or special commercial flights, Malacañang earlier said.

WHO MONITORING NEW CORONAVIRUS VARIANT NAMED 'MU'

GENEVA - The World Health Organization has said it is monitoring a new coronavirus variant known as "Mu", which was first identified in Colombia in January.

Mu, known scientifically as B.1.621, has been classified as a "variant of interest", the global health body said Tuesday in its weekly pandemic bulletin.

The WHO said the variant has mutations that indicate a risk of resistance to vaccines and stressed that further studies were needed to better understand it.

"The Mu variant has a constellation of mutations that indicate potential properties of immune escape," the bulletin said.

The WHO currently identifies four Covid-19 variants of concern, including Alpha, which is present in 193 countries, and Delta, present in 170 countries.

Five variants, including Mu, are to be monitored.

After being detected in Colombia, Mu has since been reported in other South American countries and in Europe.

The WHO said its global prevalence has declined to below 0.1 percent among sequenced cases. In Colombia, however, it is at 39 percent.

PHILIPPINE DEBT HITS P11.61 TRILLION IN JULY AS GOVERNMENT BORROWS MORE, PESO WEAKENS

MANILA – The Philippines’ debt climbed further hitting P11.61 trillion at the end of July, the Bureau of Treasury reported on Wednesday.

The country’s total debt increased by P444.43 billion or 4 percent due to the peso’s depreciation and as the national government borrowed more money from both foreign and local lenders, Treasury said.

Of the total debt stock, 30.1 percent was foreign debt, while the remaining 69.9 percent was borrowed from local sources.

“From the start of 2021, total outstanding debt has grown by P1.82 trillion or 18.53 percent,” Treasury noted.

Domestic debt amounted to P8.12 trillion, which is P181.04 billion or 2.3 percent higher compared to the end-June 2021 level as a result of the net issuance of government securities.

Growth in domestic obligations amounts to P1.42 trillion or 21.28 percent from the beginning of the year owing to heightened financing requirements.

The country’s foreign debt stood at P3.49 trillion, which was P263.39 billion or 8.2 percent higher from the previous month.

Increased borrowing from foreign lenders added P159.34 billion, including P146.17 billion from the issuance of US dollar global bonds.

PACQUIAO SAYS TO FILE COMPLAINT VS QUIBOLOY OVER DISINFORMATION CLAIMS

MANILA - Senator Manny Pacquiao said Wednesday he will file a complaint against Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ church, for spreading misinformation that the People's Champ allegedly had a P3.5 billion project in his home province Sarangani.

Pacquiao, who represented Sarangani from 2010 to 2016, said the building that Quiboloy showed on his social media posts dated back to 1996 and was not the one that he had constructed for P300 million to P500 million.

"Ito si Quiboloy po gumagawa ng issue na di niya alam. Dapat di siya nakikialam sa gobyerno. Magpokus na lang po siya dun sa pag-evangelize sa kanyang mga disipulong naniniwala sa kanya," he told ANC's Headstart.

"Ako mismo magfa-file ng case against him. Desidido na po ako kasi may gobyerno naman tayo at pinagkakatiwalaan natin na lahat ng kasalanan ay idaing natin sa gobyerno at mabigyan ako ng katarungan at parusahan sila."

4 SENATORS BACK PROBE ON GO'S LINKS IN PHARMALLY DEAL: GORDON

MANILA - Sen. Richard Gordon on Tuesday said at least 4 senators are in favor of investigating Sen. Christopher "Bong" Go's links with former officials who were tagged in the questionable purchase of COVID-19 supplies.

At least 3 former officials from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) who were involved in transactions with Pharmally - a company using bogus addresses in its incorporation records - worked under Go when he headed the Presidential Management Staff from June 2016 to October 2018, Gordon told reporters in an online press conference.

"Bong Go knows them... It's quite obvious that these people are his proteges," he said.

"I cannot believe he didn't know them. I cannot believe he had no influence over these people. I cannot believe these people got these appointments na hindi dumaan sa kaniya (that did not pass through him)," he said.

Gordon was referring to former DBM officials Lloyd Christopher Lao, Warren Liong, and Anderson Lo who were allegedly involved in the transfer and disbursement of P67 billion from the Department of Health (DOH) to the DBM's Procurement Service (PS-DBM).

Liong was Go's batchmate in La Salle, while Lao and Lo were part of President Rodrigo Duterte's campaign team in 2016, said Gordon, who heads the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.

"Kapag tinahi-tahi mo yan, there seems to be a pattern that is emerging. Wala pa kami sinasabi ano iyon," he said.

"There may be some explanations that need to be made... I asked my fellow senators, 'Ano ba sa tingin ninyo?' Kapag umabot sa (Senate) ethics committee, sabi nila, 'We will support you,'" he said.

Gordon said Go, who heads the Senate Health Committee, never launched an investigation into the alleged procurement of overpriced pandemic supplies.

"Mukhang ang lalaki noong amounts na pinipirmahan and I don't hear Malacañang investigating them... that arouses suspicion," Gordon said.

Hours after Gordon's virtual press conference, Go delivered a privilege speech on the Senate plenary blasting Gordon for allegedly trying to push a narrative against him and the Duterte administration.

"Sobrang unfair naman po na para lang sumikat ka, ikaw na ang nag-iimbestiga at nagtatanong, ikaw pa ang sasagot at huhusga," Go said.

"Tapos magagalit ka kapag hindi ayon sa gusto mo ang sagot. Tapos ngayon nandadamay ka pa ng kapwa mo senador," he said.

Go also accused the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chairperson of "bullying" him during the panel's proceedings.

"Kahit sa mga hearings, umpisa pa lang, noon pa magkatabi tayo sa isang hearing, kahit sa mga hearing, ang trato mo sa akin parang resource person lang na pwede mong barahin habang nagsasalita," he said.

Go said he is ready to face investigations to prove his innocence.

"Handa po akong magpa-imbestiga bilang senador. Handa po akong magpa-imbestiga, wala po akong tinatago, wala po akong kinakatakutan," he said.

PACQUIAO TO PROBE BONG GO IF COMPLAINT FILED OVER MEDICAL SUPPLY CONTROVERSY

MANILA - Senator Manny Pacquiao said Wednesday he will take action if a complaint against Senator Christopher "Bong" Go would be filed before the Senate ethics committee, which he chairs.

At least 4 senators are in favor of investigating Go's links with former officials who were tagged in the questionable purchase of COVID-19 supplies, Senator Richard Gordon earlier said.

These include Budget Undersecretary Christopher Lao and former economic adviser Michael Yang, who heads Pharmally Pharmaceuticals from which government allegedly brought overpriced medical supplies.

"As chairman of ethics committee, kung may mga reklamo po na mai-submit sa committee ko po, mararapat lamang na aksyunan ko po," Pacquiao told ANC's Headstart.

OVER 200 GROUPS URGE LENI TO RUN FOR PRESIDENT

MANILA — More than 200 groups representing different sectors and grassroots organizations across the country are support ing calls urging Vice President Leni Robredo to run for president next year.

The groups, which volunteers said had around 500,000 members, held a virtual gathering on Monday to highlight Robredo’s leadership during the pandemic.

The program featured beneficiaries of various initiatives of the Office of the Vice President as well as the signing of a manifesto expressing support to Robredo should she decide to run for higher office.

“Vice President Robredo’s leadership quality is already a cut above the rest and it stood out even more during the pandemic,” said Team Leni Robredo convenor Joseph Quesada.

“Despite her office’s meager budget, the Vice President has managed to find ways to help provide the needs of our frontline health workers like personal protective equipment,” said Gia Sison of the Healthcare Workers For Leni.

COMELEC OKS VOTER REGISTRATION IN MECQ AREAS STARTING SEPTEMBER 6

MANILA — The Commission on Election has approved the resumption of voter registration in areas under modified enhanced community quarantine, spokesperson James Jimenez said.

In a tweet on Wednesday, Jimenez said the Comelec en banc has approved “conduct of registration from 8AM to 5PM in areas under [MECQ] starting September 6.”

He added that voter registrations in malls tapped by the commission will also be allowed.

No other details have been given.

ROBREDO DODGES CORONAVIRUS AGAIN

MANILA — Vice President Leni Robredo announced Tuesday that she tested negative for coronavirus after what she called her “closest call” with the virus.

“I’ve been exposed so many times but the latest was my closest call to date. So thank God, really!! I was again spared,” Robredo said in a Facebook post.

Robredo had been in quarantine since last week after having “very close contact” with an employee of her office who tested positive for COVID-19.

She said that while she wants to return to the office following her testing negative for the virus, she will still complete the 14-day quarantine following health protocols and will be working from home until then.

HOUSE BILL WANTS JAIL TERM VS VACCINE HOPPERS, HOARDERS

MANILA — Having “unauthorized vaccines” as well as “vaccine hoarding” may soon be considered a crime once a bill in the House of Representatives is approved by Congress and signed into law by President Duterte.

House Bill 10106, or the “Anti-Vaccine Hoarding Act” authored by Quezon City Rep. Alfred Vargas, makes vaccine hoarding or getting additional vaccinations or boosters punishable by 15- to 60-day imprisonment and a fine of P100,000 to P500,000.

“Vaccine hoarding and unauthorized vaccinations have jeopardized the proper delivery of public health services and the welfare of every Filipino who has been deprived of the opportunity to be protected from the corona virus,” Vargas said, following reports of individuals allegedly hoarding vaccines and getting additional vaccinations, or third shots.

“These acts are inimical to the public health system and the overall welfare of the public, thus must be penalized. These are selfish and detrimental to the collective recovery and protection of the Filipino people,” he added.

The Metro Manila Council (MMC), composed of all 17 mayors of Metro Manila, also passed a resolution calling for penalties against vaccine hoppers and hoarders.

CHED PUSHES FOR CLASSROOM LEARNING IN MORE COLLEGE PROGRAMS

MANILA — The Commission on Higher Education on Tuesday said the pandemic task force has proposed to President Rodrigo Duterte to allow more college programs to hold limited in-person classes.

Duterte in February this gave his nod to CHED's proposal for students in medicine and health allied programs, citing the need to train more personnel amid the coronavirus pandemic.

CHED chairperson Prospero de Vera III said the IATF had endorsed their call to Duterte to allow face-to-face classes in engineering, maritime, and hotel and restaurant management programs.

"So I hope the president will approve it so we can expand the limited face-to-face to more [programs] that need hands-on experience," De Vera said over Laging Handa.

Schools applying to conduct physical classes would have to pass safety inspections by CHED and the Department of Health, as well as by their local government.

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PHILIPPINES, US HOLD JOINT COAST GUARD DRILLS IN SUBIC

MANILA — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Tuesday conducted a joint maritime exercise with the United States Coast Guard (USCG) at the vicinity waters off Subic Bay in Zambales.

The two coast guards held the exercises to promote security and enhance law enforcement interoperability in Philippine maritime jurisdiction, the PCG said in a statement released Wednesday.

The PCG sent units under Task Force Pagsasanay such BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301), BRP Sindangan (MRRV-4407), BRP Capones (MRRV-4404), PCG-manned Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel, BRP Lapu-Lapu (MMOV-5001) and airbus helicopter CGH-1451.

The USCG, meanwhile, deployed USCG Cutter Munro (WMSL 755) with Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Scan Eagle.

"The success of the joint maritime exercise between the PCG and USCG will not only strengthen international partnerships for immediate response to calamities and disasters but will also ensure that our personnel could effectively perform their mandated functions in countering terrorism and other acts of lawlessness in our country’s waters,” PCG Commandant Admiral George Ursabia said.

WHO LOOKING INTO WHETHER PHILIPPINES' FACE-SHIELD POLICY WORKS

MANILA — The World Health Organization on Tuesday said it is looking into the experience of Filipinos in using face shields as protection against COVID-19.

The Philippines is one of the few countries that advocate the use of face shields in addition to face masks, Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe, WHO representative to the Philippines, said.

"The face shields are being used to reduce the likelihood of infection through the eyes. That’s not actually an additional layer although it boosts the protection provided by poor mask-wearing practices," Abeyasinghe said.

In a separate statement issued by the DOH, the WHO official said: "face shields may reduce the likelihood of infection through protection of the eyes and provide an additional layer of protection for those who are not wearing their masks properly."

He said that while the country was able to "sort of delay the speed at which the Delta variant is spreading, we don’t know if face shields are a contributory factor."

"So while we are understanding all of these issues, it’s best to look for evidence and make our decisions based on that."

7 BULACAN COPS WHO KILLED 6 IN FAKE 'BUY-BUST' FACE MURDER CHARGES

MANILA — Seven cops from Bulacan who faked a drug buy-bust operation and killed 6 passersby in February last year are now facing murder and arbitrary detention charges, the Justice department said in a press statement Tuesday.

The 7 cops, according to a DOJ panel, “unlawfully and forcibly” took the 6 victims in Towerville, Brgy. Sto. Cristo in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan on February 13, 2020 and acted as if they were drug suspects.

The cops supposedly detained the victims in a room at the San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan police station where they were “blindfolded and hand-tied.”

“The DOJ Panel resolved that the unsuspecting victims were taken because ‘they happened to pass by the area where a buy-bust operation took place,’” the DOJ press statement said.

No copy of the DOJ panel’s joint resolution has yet been released to the media despite request.

But according to the press statement, the DOJ panel relied on the eye-witness account of a person who was ordered to watch over the victims while they were detained.

RED CROSS RT-PCR TESTS HIT 4 MILLION

MANILA — The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has conducted four million RT-PCR swab and saliva tests in its 14 molecular laboratories nationwide, an official said yesterday.

The PRC said the number of tests it conducted made it the country’s “top testing agency.”

“As the premier humanitarian organization in the country, the Red Cross will always be there to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable. From testing to vaccination, and all things between, anything related to COVID-19 response, we will always act on it,” PRC chairman Sen. Richard Gordon said.

Meanwhile, the PRC said 138,020 doses have been administered at the organization’s vaccination centers while 18,689 doses were administered in mobile vaccination buses.

The PRC said the public can register for vaccination through its hotline 1158.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

KATHRYN BERNARDO, DANIEL PADILLA START WORK ON NEW SERIES

MANILA — Reel and real-life sweethearts Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla have started work on their new series, with director Mae Cruz Alviar attached to the project.

Alviar, who previously directed the couple in “Crazy Beautiful You” in 2015 and “Can’t Help Falling in Love” in 2017, posted on Monday a photo of a package specially designed with the text, “KathNiel Look Test.”

A look test is a pre-production process where cast members try on wardrobe, makeup, colors, and accessories, among others, to see how they would appear onscreen with their co-actors.

On the same day, Bernardo posted a snap through Instagram Stories showing a gift she received with a letter.

The message, from RSB, wishes Bernardo to “enjoy the journey.”

RSB is Ruel S. Bayani, ABS-CBN head of scripted and narrative programs.

Padilla previously confirmed that he and Bernardo will first focus on their series, before a movie that’s already in its planning stage.

SPORTS

PBA RESUMES WITH TRIPLE-HEADER ON WEDNESDAY

MANILA -- The PBA will resume its All-Filipino Cup on Wednesday, marking its return to action with a triple-header at the Don Honorio Ventura State University (DHVSU) Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.

The league had been forced to stop its conference on August 3 due to the spike in COVID-19 Delta variant cases. But they received the go-signal to resume their games last week, after getting approval from the local government of Pampanga as well as the DHVSU which will serve as the venue.

The schedule for the next five playing dates was released Tuesday afternoon.

TNT Tropang GIGA (3-0), one of two unbeaten teams, resumes its drive against winless Blackwater (0-4) at 12:30 p.m. San Miguel Beer (3-1) and TerraFirma (0-4) face off at 3 p.m., followed by the Meralco (4-1) and Magnolia (4-0) showdown, which wraps up the triple-header.

The PBA is imposing stricter health and safety protocols, with violators facing stiff sanctions.

Among the guidelines is a regular RT-PCR test every Monday, as well as antigen tests in the morning of every game day.

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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

I learned about business from my failures; I learned about myself from my successes. - Dawn Mata Crane