Cricket 'fairy tale': Philippines amateurs chase World Cup berth

MANILA -- The Philippines is better known for boxers than batsmen and its cricket team has not played for three years, but the side of amateurs hope to make their mark in T20 World Cup qualifiers.

As the lowest-ranked side in the eight-team qualifying tournament taking place this month in Oman featuring the likes of Nepal, Ireland and United Arab Emirates, few are more surprised than the Philippines to be pulling on the pads at global level.

"It's like a fairy tale," said skipper Jonathan Hill, a high-school teacher in Jervis Bay in Australia's New South Wales, where he plays club cricket. 

The Philippines team is made up of mainly Indian expats in Manila and Filipino-Australians based in Australia who take time off from their day jobs to train and play. 

Preparations for the biggest fixtures of their lives have been "far from ideal", Hill said. 

The last time the Philippines played a match was three years ago -- a victorious, rain-soaked five overs against Vanuatu in a regional qualifying tournament in Port Moresby which unexpectedly secured their berth in Oman.

After the Covid pandemic hit and competitions were cancelled, players were left mostly to train alone as lockdowns and border closures made it impossible to gather in one place. 

When the 14-strong squad assembles in Oman this week for Friday's opening clash against Canada, it will be the first time some of the players have met.

"We're definitely heavy underdogs," said Hill.

"But at the end of the day cricket is still a game. 

"It's bat versus ball and the thing I love most about it is that it's not just skill level or fitness level or even intellect -- so much of cricket is about heart and that's something we've always played with."

- Fundraising appeal -

The top two teams in Oman will book spots in the T20 World Cup in Australia later this year.

"We will try our best," said 42-year-old off-spinner Vimal Kumar, who took a break from his lending and trading business in Manila recently to join a rare practice session in the Philippine capital.

"It's an unpredictable game, you never know who is going to win." 

The players are paying a heavy price to get to Oman. 

While the global governing body, the International Cricket Council, covers the cost of flights and accommodation for the Philippines, other expenses are left to the players to shoulder. 

A GoFundMe campaign recently launched by the Australia-based coach Henry Tyler seeks to raise AUS$7,500 (US$5,300) for expenses including training balls, travel insurance and the hire of practice nets.

"In order to represent the Philippines we must take unpaid leave from our work," Tyler wrote in the fundraising appeal, which as of Sunday had yet to reach its goal. 

Cricket has been played socially in the Philippines for more than a century but it never flourished in the former US colony where basketball and boxing have long been the most popular sports.

- Huge step up -

That started to change in 1999 when two expats in Manila started the Philippine Cricket Association. 

A few years later the Philippines joined the ICC as an associate member and they now have national men's and women's teams as well as domestic leagues.

Since making their international debut in 2011, the men's side have scored some victories over other minnows in the region. 

But playing against top-20 ranked teams in World Cup qualifiers is a huge step up.

Faisal Khan, co-founder of the cricket association and manager of the national squad, admitted the odds were stacked against them.

But he said the experience of playing "one step below the World Cup" was more important than winning.

"Let's get better and better," he said.

"Who knows, maybe one day we will be playing in the World Cup." 

Agence France-Presse

Football: Philippines' success can inspire next generation, says Stajcic

Philippines' coach Alen Stajcic hailed qualification for next year's Women's World Cup as a "once-in-a-lifetime" achievement that can inspire a new generation of players.

The Philippines defeated Taiwan in a penalty shootout in Pune, India, on Sunday to secure a semi-final berth at the Women's Asian Cup and, in addition, a place at the World Cup finals in Australia and New Zealand next June.

That marks the Philippines' first-ever qualification for a major global soccer finals in either the men's or women's game and Stajcic, who was appointed in November, believes it can have a positive impact on children throughout the archipelago.

"It's an unbelievable achievement by the group, it's a moment in history for the country and no one can ever take that away from the group, it's a new bar that's been set," said the Australian.

"Now every young kid, girl and boy, back in the Philippines knows they can be inspired and get to the World Cup themselves.

"I know the group is really proud of each other but I know they're even more proud that they've inspired the next generation."

Hailing from a country where basketball is the dominant sport, a squad drawn largely from the Filipino diaspora in the United States went into the tournament ranked as outsiders.

The Malditas were handed a challenging drawn in the group phase, which saw them pitted against Australia, who finished as Asian Cup runners-up in 2014 and 2018, as well 2019 World Cup qualifiers Thailand.

However, they emerged from their group second behind the Australians before defeating three-time Asian champions Taiwan to secure the World Cup berth and also set up an Asian Cup semi-final with South Korea in Pune on Thursday.

"I'm not even worried about the semi-final at the moment," said Stajcic.

"I usually wouldn't say that, but we've just qualified for the World Cup and we're going to enjoy that.

"It's a remarkable achievement, it's a once-in-a-lifetime, one that's never been done before. So you just really have to soak up these moments." 

(Reporting by Michael Church in Hong Kong, Editing by Robert Birsel)

-reuters

Abra health worker wounded in shooting

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — A barangay health worker was wounded in a gun attack in Dolores, Abra on Tuesday.

Ana Maria Macapagat, 45, a resident of Barangay Cabaroan, Dolores, was in a tricycle on her way home after her duty at the task force on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the village when she was shot at past 5 p.m.

The tricycle driver, an unidentified barangay councilman, was unhurt.

Brig. Gen. Rwin Pagkalinawan, Cordillera police director, said they are investigating the incident, the first attack against a health worker in the region.

The Department of Health had condemned attacks, discrimination and harassment against health workers, noting that they help the country survive the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, the city council of Lipa in Batangas has passed an anti-COVID-19 discrimination ordinance.

The measure prohibits any person from committing any action ”which causes stigma, disgrace, shame, humiliation, harassment or discrimination” against frontliners, COVID-19 patients  and persons suspected to be infected with the flu virus.

Frontliners are defined as medical and non-medical personnel, such as doctors, nurses, health volunteers, hsopital staff, janitors and security personnel. – With Arnell Ozaeta

philstar.com

Dasma residents tell Pacquiao: Stay home

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Manny Pacquiao and his family have been told to stay home by his neighbors in an exclusive village in Makati City after a video showing him partying with another lawmaker infected by the coronavirus went viral on social media.

In a letter to the senator, Barangay Dasmariñas homeowners said Pacquiao is effectively a “person under monitoring” after a video of Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III partying at Pacquiao’s house circulated on the internet.

Pimentel, who announced this week he contracted the disease, received public condemnation for breaching quarantine protocol when he accompanied his pregnant wife to a hospital and exposed health workers to the virus. He also went shopping at an S&R store.

Pacquiao earlier said members of PDP-Laban, including their president Pimentel, had a meeting at Pacquiao’s residence in Makati last March 4.

Pimentel said he received his test results on the evening of March 24. He took a swab test last March 20 after having experienced body pains.

“Many of your colleagues in Senate have been identified to be COVID-positive. Therefore, you have to be quarantined at your own house,” Barangay Dasmariñas residents told Pacquiao.

“For your own family and household’s safety, please have yourself self-quarantined, stay home. No one, including any of your household, can come out,” they added. “If you need something, please call the barangay... We can procure things for you and send it to your doorstep.” – philstar.com

S&R workers now also under quarantine because of Pimentel

MANILA, Philippines  — Corroborating social media reports, S&R Membership Shopping confirmed Sen. Koko Pimentel was at its Taguig branch days after he started experiencing symptoms linked to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The senator has been on the receiving end of much criticism after he repeatedly breached his self-quarantine despite knowing he could be a carrier of the virus.

This comes as the latest in a row between the senator and Makati Medical Center after Pimentel accompanied his wife to the hospital on Tuesday night despite the results of a COVID-19 test still pending.

According to a statement issued on S&R Membership Shopping's Facebook page Thursday afternoon, CCTV footage placed the senator at the membership shopping center's Bonifacio Global City branch on Monday, March 16, at exactly 1:59 p.m.

This was exactly two days after, in his own recounting, Pimentel began experiencing "flu-like symptoms," at which point he supposedly isolated himself from his family.

"As a result, S&R employees who were in contact with the senator were already placed in quarantine [while] S&R BGC also took extra disinfection steps," the statement read.

It is not clear how many workers of the shopping center were affected.

Supermarket staff and other workers in industries related to food are exempted from quarantine restrictions are allowed to report to work.

Unlike the many that they serve, essential workers—which includes medical frontliners and staff—have to also contend with the suspension of mass transportation because of the quarantine.

Makati Medical Center: Pimentel exposed health care workers to possible infection
In a separate statement issued earlier, Makati Medical Center slammed what it said was Pimentel’s “irresponsible and reckless action.”

“By being in MMC, Sen. Pimentel violated his home quarantine protocol, entered the premises of the MMC-DR, thus, unduly exposed health care workers to possible infection,” they said.

Meanwhile, the shopping center, in their statement, assured customers that their stores and equipment were disinfected daily while employees were "constantly reminded" of the precautions and safety measures to take amid the outbreak.

As of this writing, the national count of COVID-19 patients has eclipsed 600 after the Department of Health recorded 84 more patients on Wednesday.

This, as the country is still under a nationwide state of calamity after President Rodrigo Duterte said that the number of cases is still steadily rising despite government intervention.

The rising number of cases is expected is more patients get tested for COVID-19 — Franco Luna

philstar.com

Philippines logs 13 new COVID-19 cases; total now at 230

MANILA, Philippines  — The Philippines detected 13 additional novel coronavirus cases on Friday, raising the total to 230 since the country first confirmed an infection in late January.

A vast majority of COVID-19 infections are in Luzon, prompting President Rodrigo Duterte to place the main island under enhanced community quarantine.

The Department of Health also reported one new fatality, bringing the death toll to 18.

A 65-year-old Filipino male from Quezon City, identified as Patient 124, passed away on Tuesday. He had a travel history to Singapore, which has 345 confirmed cases.

Meanwhile, the number of recoveries in the Philippines still stands at eight.


There are additional 506 patients under investigation for possible COVID-19 infection and 6,321 persons under monitoring.

There are concerns that the number of new coronavirus cases in the Philippines may be bigger due to the country’s very limited testing program. Only 1,269 tests have been conducted since January.

Secretary Francisco Duque III on Friday designated the UP-Philippine General Hospital and the Dr. Jose M. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital as exclusive facilities for patients infected with the new coronavirus.

This, after 11 private hospitals called on the government to centralize efforts into one or two facilities as the escalating health crisis continues to overwhelm healthcare centers.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Thursday warned that millions of people could die from COVID-19 if the virus spreads unchecked as he appealed for a coordinated global response to the pandemic.

The virus has infected nearly 244,517 people across the globe and caused over 10,000 deaths. More than 86,000, meanwhile, have recovered.

philstar.com

With COVID-19 cases rising, Philippines now under state of calamity

MANILA, Philippines  — President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday evening declared a nationwide state of calamity in the Philippines as a result of the worsening spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Invoking Republic Act 10121, the newly issued Proclamation 929 declares a state of calamity for a period of six months unless lifted earlier extended "as circumstances may warrant."

The proclamation enjoins all government agencies to render full assistance in combating the spread of the new pathogen.

The declaration also directs law enforcement agencies including the Armed Forces of the Philippines "to undertake all necessary measures to ensure peace and order."

Section 16 of RA 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 reads:


Section 16. Declaration of State of Calamity. - The National Council shall recommend to the President of the Philippines the declaration of a cluster of barangays, municipalities, cities, provinces, and regions under a state of calamity, and the lifting thereof, based on the criteria set by the National Council. The President's declaration may warrant international humanitarian assistance as deemed necessary.

The declaration and lifting of the state of calamity may also be issued by the local sanggunian, upon the recommendation of the LDRRMC, based on the results of the damage assessment and needs analysis.

Mark Timbal, spokesperson of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, confirmed to Philstar.com that meetings on recommending the state of calamity began on Monday.

"This was formally recommended today," he said.

The proclamation admitted that "the number of confirmed cases continues to rise despite government intervention."

The Department of Health confirmed earlier on Tuesday that there is already a community transmission of the virus. This is declared when a person is diagnosed with the disease despite not having been to a high-risk area and not having been in contact with any other confirmed cases.

There are 187 recorded cases of the virus in the Philippines with four recoveries as of press time.

Last Thursday, the chief executive also hoisted Code Red Sub Level 2 which placed Metro Manila under community quarantine, restricting travel and movement.

philstar.com

Intense quakes, seismic activity could mean Taal Volcano eruption — Phivolcs

MANILA, Philippines — State volcanologists on Saturday morning said that continuous volcanic earthquakes and other seismic activity could be signs of an impending eruption of the Taal Volcano.

Since the volcano's phreatic (steam-driven) eruption on Sunday afternoon, a total of 666 volcanic earthquakes were recorded by the Philippine Seismic Network. one hundred seventy-four of these were felt, registering magnitudes 1.5 to 4.1. and ranging from Intensity I (scarcely perceptible) to Intensity V (strong).


Between 5:00 a.m. today and yesterday, 32 volcanic earthquakes were plotted with magnitudes between 1.5 to 3.3.

Meanwhile, the Taal Volcano Network tallied 876 volcanic earthquakes including six tremor events and 20 low-frequency earthquakes.

“Such intense seismic activity likely signifies continuous magmatic intrusion beneath the Taal edifice, which may lead to further eruptive activity,” state volcanology bureau Phivolcs said in its 8:00 a.m. volcano bulletin on Saturday.

Phivolcs also reiterated that the Alert Level 4 (hazardous eruption imminent) is still in effect meaning "total evacuation of Taal Volcano Island and high-risk areas as identified in the hazard maps within the 14-km radius from Taal Main Crater and along the Pansipit River Valley where fissuring has been observed."

For the past 24 hours, the volcano's main crater has steadily emitted steam. It has also seen infrequent weak explosions that formed white to dirty white ash plumes as tall as 600 meters and dispersed ash southwest.

“Civil aviation authorities must advise pilots to avoid the airspace around Taal Volcano as airborne ash and ballistic fragments from the eruption column pose hazards to aircraft,” the state volcanology bureau said.

It also advised residents to continue protecting themselves from the effects of heavy and prolonged ashfall.

source: philstar.com

'I'm so sorry': Bretman Rock on dancing to Philippine national anthem

MANILA, Philippines — Internet sensation Bretman Rock has apologized for his controversial video showing him dancing to the tune of the Philippine national anthem.

A Twitter user posted a screenshot of a conversation between her and Bretman.

“I just want to inform y'all, the video of Bretman singing and disrespecting our national anthem on his story was 3 mos ago. and he deleted it immediately and HE APOLOGIZED IMMEDIATELY. I HOPE U CONSIDER THAT,” the Twitter user wrote.

Replying to the post, Bretman thanked the user, saying he will take full responsibility for his action.


“Thank you so much for understanding, I can promise you it will never happen again, I take full responsibility and I truly am so sorry,” Bretman commented.

The Hawaii-based Filipino makeup artist and vlogger was criticized recently for dancing and twerking to "Lupang Hinirang."

National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) reminded the public that such an activity actually violates the Republic Act No. 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.

The NHCP also said that the national anthem should be respected at all times, and that it shall not be played for mere amusement and entertainment purposes, with a few exceptions.

source: philstar.com

UP Manila Oblation Run highlights HIV awareness

MANILA, Philippines — The increasing cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) took center stage in the annual Oblation Run held at the University of the Philippines in Manila yesterday.

Members of the UP Manila chapter of the Alpha Phi Omega (APO) fraternity ran naked around the campus calling for collective effort to address the problem.

“We all have a role to play in properly educating the public about HIV/AIDS. First and foremost, we must break the stigma surrounding sex and reproductive health and the stigma on people living with HIV/AIDS,” the group said.

“HIV/AIDS is a persistent threat to our communities, especially to the youth who make up majority of newly diagnosed cases,” it added.

The group noted that 35 Filipinos test positive for HIV every day, a dramatic increase compared to just one per day in the previous year.


“In July 2019 alone, 1,100 new cases were recorded by the Department of Health. Almost 20 percent of the new cases have advanced stage of HIV infection or AIDS,” it added.

The United Nations Program on HIV-AIDS (UNAIDS) earlier projected that there there will be 201,000 HIV cases in the Philippines by 2025 if the current rate is not abated.

“UNAIDS considers the HIV/AIDS situation in the country as the fastest-growing epidemic in the world,” noted the fraternity.


HIV screening booths were set up at the UP Manila campus in time with the Oblation run.

The annual Oblation Run, officially called the Ritual Dance of the Brave, is a tradition started by APO in UP Diliman in 1977 as a form of dissent against martial law.

source: philstar.com

Applying for insurance through postpaid plan – Here’s what we think

MANILA, Philippines — Say it’s been an auspicious year and you receive a mid-year bonus. Immediately your hands itch at the notion of tapping “checkout” from your favorite online shopping app, or you make haste to the nearest mall, having mentally readied your wish list, just in time for a mid-year sale.

A new pair of kicks to satisfy your sneakerhead obsession? That new gaming console—on sale, plus freebies? Or maybe, a new set of wardrobe to complement your style?

The struggle is all the more real. But something makes you stop and think.


As a young working Filipino, you are reminded of your priorities, like providing for the family, or fulfilling more important personal needs. One of which, as you’ve ubiquitously heard time and time again, is getting insurance.

However, you still end up having reservations regarding requirements and hefty costs.

Worry no more, this we can say with confidence. We found the answer in BIMA, the newest player in microinsurance, which Philstar.com had the experience of understanding firsthand.

A safe and trusted Swedish insurance company, we learned that BIMA is now in the Philippines to offer affordable insurance tailored for the needs of young Filipino professionals.

Of its current offerings, we highly recommend the Bundle Insurance Protection product that comes with P360,000 Personal Accident Protection and P40,000 Life Protection. Available for a minimum premium of only P300 a month, it can easily be added on-top of your monthly bills and expenses.


Another exciting thing about BIMA is that one can apply—more like subscribe—to its offerings via a postpaid plan, which this author tried.

Without the need to meet with traditional insurance agents, BIMA really understands its young target market who are always busy and on the go.

Easy, no-fuss processing

Based on our experience, here’s what you’ll simply need to do:

First, submit your postpaid mobile number to their website and get in touch with a BIMA representative. What’s great is that there are no health checks nor paperwork required, all that’s needed is an eligible postpaid mobile account.

Then, the representative calls your mobile phone. After confirming submission of the postpaid mobile number, the representative proceeds to ask for basic information such as name, date of birth, location (no need for full address, just the city or province will do), and one choice of beneficiary.

After this, the representative guides you in activating the insurance policy by sending a text message to BIMA (Key in “BIMA300” and send to 2462). Within moments, you will receive the confirmation message.

Once the representative has ascertained receipt of the confirmation message, a digital copy of your BIMA Policy Card is sent to your email summarizing the details of the insurance policy, which simply means you’re all set!

Do note that BIMA’s insurance offers are only available to subscribers of Smart Communications, but will soon become available to other telco subscribers such as Sun Cellular and Globe Telecom.

Benefits that we loved

Aside from ease and convenience, we also discovered BIMA’s slew of benefits. With an affordable monthly premium to pay on a rolling basis, you instantly get a coverage of up to P400,000 on your BIMA Insurance.

Much like traditional insurance, it sufficiently covers death or permanent disability due to accident, illness and natural causes.

What’s even better is that on top of the bundled insurance coverage, BIMA is offering a limited-time free P100,000 coverage on the first month.

You can all the more rest easy knowing that you get proper security and insurance for you and your family, especially since you’re basically paying only P10 a day for protection.

There’s one last thing that we loved with BIMA. Since your postpaid is subscribed to the insurance plan, your monthly payment will be charged to your account. This takes off the burden of going to payment centers or banks just to settle your monthly premium.

Additionally, BIMA’s insurance products are renewable monthly. It is a month-to-month basis insurance that you can quit anytime, if you so choose. All you have to do is key in “BIMA300 OFF” and send to 2462.

Processing of claims too is fast and simple, with only 10 working days of claim approval after validation.

So why choose BIMA?

With the emergence of affordable insurance, no one can be without a safe place to land their feet in dire situations.

Given its affordability, ease and benefits, BIMA is a strong microinsurance that’s apt for Filipinos looking for no-nonsense protection. It certainly lives up to its purpose of “protecting the future of every family” wherever they may be.

source: philstar.com

Taiwanese woman fined for wearing string bikini in Boracay

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — For wearing a bikini that was described as “literally a string“ while strolling on a beach in Boracay, a Taiwanese tourist has been fined P2,500.

Personnel of the Malay police said they brought the woman and her boyfriend to the police station a day after photos of her and her boyfriend, also a Taiwanese, on Puka beach went viral on social media.

“What she did was more of a public indecency. We issued her a citation ticket,” Maj. Jess Baylon, Malay police chief, said.


Baylon said the woman violated Section 5 of Municipal Ordinance 203. However, what the provision prohibits is “taking lewd or excessively erotic pictures.”

The ordinance regulates the activities of photographers in Malay.


Baylon said the Taiwanese couple claimed they were models. “She said she was just expressing herself. She didn’t know she was violating something,” he said.

 “I’m confident about myself. It’s just normal for us,” Baylon quoted the woman as saying.

It was learned that the couple arrived in Boracay on Tuesday and left yesterday.

source: philstar.com

Sushmita Sen thanks ‘second home’ Philippines for 25 years as Miss Universe

MANILA, Philippines — Miss Universe 1994 Sushmita Sen celebrates 25 years of being a Miss Universe winner by thanking Filipinos and describing the Philippines as her second home.

In a lengthy Instagram post, Sushmita posted photos of her with family members celebrating her milestone.

She began her post by thanking her home country, India, for giving her the “proudest identity.”

“What a journey!!! Thank you my Motherland India, for giving me my proudest identity #INDIAN. The love,respect & adulation I have been showered with for 25 years, is undoubtedly my life’s greatest earning!” Sushmita wrote.

She added that she thanked God for winning the Miss Universe crown in the Philippines as Filipinos continue to overwhelm her with their love.

“As we celebrate 25years of making History, of India winning Miss Universe for the very first time...I want to remember & Thank the people of my second home #philippines. I Thank God for the privilege of having Won Miss Universe in their beautiful country, they continue to overwhelm me with their love & belonging to this day, even naming their children ‘Sushmita’ #mahalkitaphilippines,” she said.

She also thanked the people who were with her in her journey as Miss Universe.

“My gratitude to Mr. Martin Brooks (then President of MU organisation) all the chaperones, travel managers, Ms. Barbara, resident manager Ms. Jane, for being such a FORCE of change, for teaching an 18year old me in 1994, the power of professionalism, Value for one’s word, earning of reputation, commanding of respect & to always have a inclusive Global view,” Sushmita said. 

“Their teachings have helped me make many important decisions in the past 25yrs, thereby shaping the Woman I am today I remember with great love all 77 contestants who competed for Miss Universe 1994!! And, of course, the beyond gracious Miss Colombia @carogomezfilm who won first runners up that year, and yet celebrated India’s first victory as if it were her own!!!” she added.

To conclude her post, she thanked everyone around her for inspiring her to keep growing and more authentic.

“Thank you God, family, friends, my children & all of you, who have consistently inspired me to keep growing & be more of my authentic self!!! Your wishes came pouring in & have me overwhelmed, THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUCH!!! “May the Universe always conspire in your favour” I love you guys, #yourstruly #43rdmissuniverse #indiasfirst #missuniverse1994 #india #duggadugga,” the 43-year-old actress said.

Following her win as Miss Universe 1994 in the Philippines, where she competed with Filipina actress Charlene Gonzales, Sushmita became one of Bollywood’s most awarded superstars.

Sen, the first Miss India to win the Miss Universe title, became famous for her answer to the pageant question, “What is the essence of being a woman?”

“The origin of the child is the mother and is a woman. A woman is one who shows a man what love and sharing and caring is all about. That is the essence of a woman,” she said.

source: philstar.com

Comelec must explain VCM glitches — Duterte

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has to explain to the people the reported massive malfunctioning of vote counting machines (VCMs) that marred yesterday’s midterm national and local elections.

“The Comelec is an independent body. Let the Comelec first explain to the people before any investigation,” the President told reporters after casting his vote at Precinct 1245A Cluster 361 at the Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School here.

The President said he respects the Comelec as an independent constitutional body, thus he is giving it the chance to explain to the people what exactly happened and why such disruptions took place that could possibly have disenfranchised thousands of voters.

He said a separate investigation is in order even after Comelec issues an explanation.

Before casting his vote, Duterte presented his passport when asked by an election officer to present an ID. He skipped biometric fingerprinting as his Berger’s disease has rendered data from his fingerprint unreadable or inaccurate. Instead he was made to undergo manual check of his fingerprint.

A “kodigo” came in handy when the President cast his vote, assisted by long-time partner Cielito Avanceña.

He arrived at the polling precinct at 4:32 p.m. and stayed for about 20 minutes. Sources said the President’s precinct was the only cluster allowed to be located in a separate building, for security reasons.

There were seven other voters at the precinct when President cast his vote. The chair where he sat to cast his vote in the 2016 elections was put out of its glass case so he could put his signature on it. It has been displayed in the principal’s office since Duterte’s election victory in 2016.

Before leaving the polling precinct, President Duterte said he was glad there were no reports of massive violence that could have seriously disrupted the conduct of the elections.

The President said he was in contact with both the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police almost every hour to check on the progress of the polls.

“I have yet to receive something that is more than just the ordinary violence. Nothing that big that would disrupt the conduct of the election,” the President maintained.

Meanwhile, Duterte said the election victory of administration-backed candidates would mean an affirmation of his presidency and his controversial programs.

He reiterated his readiness to resign from his post if he feels he no longer enjoys the confidence of the general public.

The President had actively endorsed the senatorial candidates of his political party Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) as well as local candidates of his Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod party.

He told reporters he is optimistic his candidates – at least most of them – would get elected. –  With Christina Mendez

source: philstar.com

Psei down in morning trade as investors digest Luzon quake aftermath

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine shares were in the red at the end of the morning trade Tuesday as investors digest the aftermath of a magnitude 6.1 earthquake that struck Luzon on Monday.

As of market recess Tuesday, the bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index was down 0.72% or 55.97 points to 7,776.46. The broader All Shares index was also in the negative territory, down 0.41% or 19.75 points to 4,814.93.

“Investors may remain on the sidelines as they gather more information regarding the aftermath of last night's earthquake. If there's any indication, Philippine iShares were slightly down -0.61% to 34.46,” Luis Limlingan of Regina Capital said in a market commentary.


Authorities say that as of mid-morning on Monday, 11 people have been confirmed dead in the aftermath of the earthquake.

The quake — which was tectonic in origin — hit Castillejos, Zambales at around 5:11 p.m. Monday. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology earlier recorded a magnitude 5.7 quake before revising it to magnitude 6.1.

A total of 447 aftershocks were recorded as of 10 a.m. Tuesday following the tremor that hit Luzon and swayed buildings in Metro Manila.

‘Cautious’

Stocks were generally lower in Asian trade on Tuesday as investors move cautiously ahead of a deluge of corporate results later in the week.

Tokyo stocks were trading down with profit-taking before 10 days of holidays in Japan weighing on the market.

With many markets opening after an extended Easter break, Hong Kong Shanghai, Taiwan, Singapore were all down, while Australia and Seoul were trading up.

"Some of the world's biggest technology companies are reporting earnings this week as well as a raft of the big European banks," Nick Twidale, chief operating officer at Rakuten Securities Australia, said in a note to clients.

"Investors will be hoping for some better-than-expected results from both groups to keep the topside momentum in global equities, however if the data starts to show a significant slowing across these key industries then expect both stocks and risk trades to start to come under some heavy pressure."

Major earnings releases expected this week include Amazon, Facebook, Microsoft, Exxon Mobil and auto maker Tesla.

Aerospace giant Boeing will report earnings on Wednesday for the first time since a deadly March 10 plane crash plunged the company into crisis-mode. — Ian Nicolas Cigaral with AFP

source: philstar.com

Samsung finally brings Galaxy M20 to the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — Whenever there’s an announcement of a new smartphone, some of us tend to hold off and wait for a year or so just for the price of that precious piece of tech to drop significantly. There’s really nothing wrong if you’re the type of person who is always on the look out for a gadget that can give you more bang for your buck, right?

But the good news is, the waiting game is finally over. So if you got yourself a five-year-old relic smartphone then you should definitely go and get the latest offer of Samsung in the midrange category – the Galaxy M20.

The first thing that you have to know about the Galaxy M20 is its noticeable teardrop notch façade that’s been on numerous smartphone designs since Apple introduced it with the iPhone X. Yes, years after the famous notch design, Samsung kind of finally joined the club.


The Samsung Galaxy M20 comes with a spacious 6.3-inch Infinity V Display that features a bezel-less edge to edge 2340 x 1080 FHD+ crystal clear resolution that provides a whole new level of viewing experience.

As battery usage remains one of the issues that smartphones face today, Samsung compliments the Galaxy M20’s feats with a massive 5000mAh battery.

You may be wondering, how that translates to every day use, right? Well, with a fully charged Galaxy M20, you can have up to 17 hours of video playback. So, if you like binge-watching your favorite Netflix series, then this smartphone is definitely for you. But if the Galaxy M20 happen to run out of juice, fret no more – because it has a Type-C fast charger that gives you three times faster charging capability.

Playing games, watching videos or even using your favorite social media apps simultaneously are ridiculously easy with the Galaxy M20, because it runs with an Exynos 7904 1.8GHz octa-core processor paired with 3GB RAM and 32GB of internal storage that can also be expanded with up to 512GB via microSD.

What’s really nice about the new Galaxy M20 is its ultra-wide dual rear cameras composed of a 13-megapixel F1.9 that is suitable for low light photography and a five-megapixel F2.2 lens.

While on the front, the Galaxy M20 sports an 8-megapixel F2.0 selfie camera. It has an AI-solution that can optimize scenes in real-time. Apart from that, it also automatically adjusts the saturation, white balance and brightness.

Of course, the Galaxy M20 also has a biometric authentication that easily lets users unlock the device using either their fingerprint or face recognition. Aside from that, it comes with two stylish color variants: Charcoal Black or Ocean Blue.

The Samsung Galaxy M20 is priced at P10,990 that can be purchased exclusively via Lazada, Shopee, Argomall, Abenson, and MemoXpress.

Users may visit the online merchants’ websites to know more about their promos with the Galaxy M20. Each purchase of the smartphone also comes with access to the Samsung Members app, an online community that offers news, tips, diagnostic checks, and exclusive benefits like event invitations, special offers, and discounts on Samsung services.

For information, visit samsung.com/ph.

source: philstar.com

US Navy exec axed for paid sex in the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — The commander of a United States Navy submarine was relieved from his post in August following his admission of hiring female prostitutes while the vessel was docked in the Philippines early last year, according to a report published in a Washington state newspaper on Friday.

Capt. Travis Zettel, commander of the USS Bremerton, was fired in August “following a loss of confidence in his ability to command the Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine, which is now tied up in Bremerton for decommissioning,” the Kitsap Sun reported.

The Bremerton, Washington-based daily said it based its report on documents received through a Freedom of Information Act request.


The report said the incident occurred during the submarine’s port call in Subic Bay on March 1. Zettel was reportedly seen with 10 “provocatively dressed females outside the front door of (his) hotel” at dinnertime of that day, according to a tipster interviewed by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) agents over the Department of Defense Inspector General’s hotline.

The report added that Zettel told the tipster and another sailor that he had “requested/ordered 10 girls to arrive at the hotel.” Another sailor, according to the newspaper, told investigators he saw “Zettel walking around and talking to other sailors in his command with three local females holding onto his arm.”

In May, almost a month after the vessel arrived in Bremerton for decommissioning, the NCIS launched a criminal probe and confronted Zettel with the allegations, the Kitsap Sun report said.

Zettel, a Puyallup, Washington native commissioned in 1998 and first served on board the USS Salt Lake City before carrying out various assignments aboard other subs, “admitted culpability in the payment of female accompaniment,” it added.

After he was reprimanded and relieved of his command, Zettel was administratively reassigned to the staff of Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor-based Submarine Squadron 19, the report said, quoting Navy officials then.

The other sailor, who was also interviewed by authorities but said he “did not participate in prostitution,” was not “pursued for disciplinary action,” the report said.

The STAR tried to reach the US embassy but it was unavailable for comment.

Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. called the United States a “responsible state” for the decision to relieve Zettel.

“He was fired by the US government. Now that’s a responsible state,” Locsin said in a post on Twitter. – With Pia Lee-Brago

source: philstar.com

Maine Mendoza a 'brave, strong role model' — Lang Leav

MANILA, Philippines — Novelist and poet Lang Leav described Kapuso actress Maine Mendoza as a “brave” and “strong role model for all women.”

In Maine’s New Year post on Instagram, the “Eat Bulaga” host said 2018 was one of her memorable years yet as she quoted the Cambodian-Australian novelist and poet, “’Don’t stay where you are needed. Go where you are loved.’ - Lang Leav ♥”

Lang commented on Maine’s post, “Such a brave, strong role model for all women. Sending you lots of love Maine. Happy 2019. Keep shining.”

From being an online sensation with her dubmash videos to being paired with Alden Richards in the hit noontime show, Maine has taken a solo career.

Maine said she “took all the lessons learned from my mistakes and difficult times last year to make 2018 one of the best, most memorable years yet.”

The “Phenomenal Star” said she’s glad to have finally moved on from toxic energy and people who used to drain her.

“I am happier now than I have ever been and am incredibly blessed with so many wonderful things - from the very start of the year until today. Couldn’t be more grateful for everything! I am just so so glad to have finally moved on from the toxic energy and people that used to drain me - the best realisation and resolution still,” she wrote.

“Cheers to a great year! And may we always find the courage to let go of what’s weighing us down. Hoping 2019 is even more exciting and fruitful for all of us. Happy New Year, everyone!” she added.

source: philstar.com

Zero-tolerance vs litterbugs in Boracay

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will adopt a zero-tolerance policy against litterbugs in Boracay after trash was found on the beaches during the first day of the dry run of the island’s reopening, an official said yesterday.

Photos of discarded trash along Boracay’s famous White Beach went viral on social media hours after the island was reopened to local tourists for a test run ahead of its scheduled reopening on Oct. 26.

DENR Undersecretary for solid waste management and local government unit Benny Antiporda said they would strictly enforce the guidelines against littering on the island.


Antiporda said they held a dialogue with the Compliant Association of Boracay (CAB) whose members include owners of hotels, resorts, retail shops and restaurants.

He said the DENR and other government agencies in charge of Boracay’s rehabilitation support the CAB’s proposal to designate its pollution officers as marshals to go after litterbugs.

He asked CAB members to use social media to remind Boracay visitors to dispose of their trash properly.

The DENR also recommended citizen’s arrest against litterbugs, Antiporda said.

The CAB earlier asked Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu to deputize its members as Boracay marshals to police public areas on the island.

As marshals, the CAB said their pollution officers would be on the lookout for litterbugs.

The DENR said littering is a criminal offense and violators may face a fine or be made to render community service from eight to 16 hours.

Under Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, establishments are required to designate a pollution control officer who would ensure compliance with the law, among others.

source: philstar.com

Napoles daughter back from Indonesia, to face US cases

MANILA, Philippines — Jeane Catherine Napoles, the youngest daughter of detained businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles, returned to the Philippines on Friday, one of the family lawyers said.

“Jeane arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport at exactly 3:35 a.m. on Friday. I personally fetched her for the reason that the family is concerned of any eventuality in light of her recent indictment in the US,” counsel Ian Encarnacion told The STAR.

On Friday, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra told the media that Jeane Catherine left the Philippines on July 27 based on records of the Bureau of Immigration.

Guevarra, however, said he had no knowledge of where Jeane was heading.

Jeane’s departure from the Philippines came days before the US Department of Justice announced on Wednesday her indictment by a federal grand jury for conspiracy to commit money laundering, domestic money laundering and international money laundering concerning the wealth that her mother supposedly amassed from the pork barrel fund scam.


Also indicted by the jury were Napoles, her two other children Jo Christine and James Christopher and her brother Reynaldo Lim and his wife Ana Marie.

Guevarra said that aside from Jeane, all the other indicted members of the Napoles family are still in the Philippines.

Encarnacion confirmed Jeane left for Indonesia on July 27, but stressed that the trip had no connection with her recent indictment.

“It was a purely business trip. She sourced raw materials for a clothing business of a friend. The flight was booked sometime in June when we had no knowledge yet of any indictment,” Encarnacion said.

Encarnacion said Jeane’s return on Friday was also scheduled and not out of fear that she might get arrested on foreign soil.

“She is ready to face the cases against her. We will exhaust all legal remedies available to prevent her possible extradition to the US. We maintain her innocence and we look forward to having these cases dismissed,” Encarnacion said.

Justice Secretary Guevarra confirmed Jeane Catherine returned to the country last Friday.

“She flew back yesterday from Denpasar, Indonesia via Zest Air,” Guevarra said.

Jeane Catherine has no pending cases in the Philippines following the Court of Tax Appeals’ dismissal of her P17.46-million tax evasion cases in December last year.

Encarnacion also revealed that he and some other lawyers were on the way to Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig to meet with Napoles and the other members of the family.

“We will be having initial discussions on our legal strategy, on how we will go about these new cases and the possibility of extradition,” Encarnacion said but refused to elaborate.

Napoles is detained at Camp Bagong Diwa on five counts of plunder and multiple counts of graft and malversation pending before the Sandiganbayan in connection with the multibillion-peso pork barrel scam.

Jo Christine and James Christopher are also facing graft and malversation cases at the Sandiganbayan in connection with the pork scam but they are currently out on bail.

Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang earlier said they have jurisdiction over the Napoles family members facing cases at the anti-graft court. This means their extradition may only come after the cases are resolved.

When asked if the Sandiganbayan can temporarily relinquish its jurisdiction over the Napoleses in light of an existing Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) between the Philippines and the US, Tang said: “That is something that has to be studied. There is no SC (Supreme Court) decision yet on that issue that can guide us.”

On the possibility that Napoles would be extradited, Guevarra said the DOJ would provide security for whistle-blower Benhur Luy if he would have to give his testimony before the US courts.

“If he’s requested to testify by US prosecutors, we can make the proper security arrangements,” Guevarra said.

Another option is for the prosecutors from the US government to come to the Philippines to personally get Luy’s sworn statement.

“US prosecutors may simply take his deposition in the Philippines in the presence of defense counsel,” Guevarra added.

Luy had testified that he sent government funds to the alleged accounts of Napoles in the US. He said public funds from former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. reportedly went to the implementing agencies while some were wired to the US.

In its statement released on Wednesday, the US justice department said that based on investigation, Napoles had some $20 million she had amassed from the pork barrel fund scam transmitted to her US bank accounts. The amount was used for the purchase of assets including real estate and dozens of luxury vehicles.

The US Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California said Napoles and her family members attempted to quietly liquidate their assets in the US and secretly repatriate most of the resulting funds back to the Philippines and to other accounts in the US and the United Kingdom when the issue came to light in the media.

It also said part of the amount was withdrawn and used to finance the lifestyle and open a fashion business for Jeane Catherine.

Napoles, the report added, had also used the money for her real estate binge, purchase of shares in numerous businesses and for financing the lifestyle of her other family members.

It was reported that in 2015, the US government won a court order to freeze the $12.5 million worth of assets bought by Napoles and others using the alleged stolen funds.

The DOJ had earlier turned down Napoles’ application for witness protection in her bid to be a state witness in the pork scam.  – Evelyn Macairan

source: philstar.com