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00:00.0
Good morning, I am Nica Lazo.
00:13.2
Join us as we give you the rundown of the news you need to know today.
00:19.8
Evacuations in Albay begin today as the Mayon volcano emits lava.
00:26.4
The ASEAN bloc is set to conduct its first-ever joint military drill in the South China Sea.
00:35.1
The Philippine Central Bank announces a cut on the reserve requirement ratio of banks.
00:41.8
And the U.S. and U.K. announce a new economic pact to counter threats from China and Russia.
00:53.3
That orange lava flow is seen on the Mayon volcano in the Philippine province by Thursday night.
00:59.4
The latest unrest comes after authorities raised the volcano's alert level to three,
01:04.3
signaling an increased likelihood of a hazardous eruption.
01:08.1
State volcanologists say Mayon volcano is already ripe for another eruption this year,
01:13.5
but they still hope the imminent eruption will still change its course.
01:19.3
The recurrence interval of its eruption is usually between three years to 10 years.
01:28.0
The last time it erupted was in 2018, so that's like five years ago.
01:33.7
So that's it. The soonest it would erupt would be three years.
01:38.6
Actually, we're looking at two possible eruptions here.
01:42.7
It would be the 2014 eruption. It's following the 2018 eruption. It proceeded to magmatic eruption.
01:54.3
In 2014, there was a rockfall and then there was a lava flow. It stopped afterwards.
02:01.7
So I hope this will happen this time because our countrymen are pitiful.
02:08.7
Evacuations are also expected to begin today for the residents living inside the six-kilometer permanent danger zone.
02:25.7
The provincial government of Malay has allocated 30 million pesos in calamity fund,
02:31.7
but local authorities are calling for more help to sustain the needs of evacuees.
02:39.7
We will have an evacuation because it's really dangerous for our people.
02:46.7
We will prepare. We also have coordination with the SWD for their food pack.
02:56.7
If we will reach seven kilometers, we will reach 30,000 families that we can evacuate.
03:03.7
What we need the most is food.
03:06.7
One more thing, because there will be no work for the families,
03:12.7
if there are children who need milk, maybe it's medicine.
03:20.7
When we are at the evacuation center, of course, there are a lot of people.
03:24.7
Maybe face masks as well because we are still taking care of COVID-19.
03:36.7
Let's now get the latest on the Mayon volcano in Albay.
03:39.7
Our correspondent Jose Carretero joins us for that.
03:42.7
Jose, good morning. What can you tell us about the happenings in Albay now?
03:47.7
Yes, good morning, Rica.
03:49.7
The provincial government of Albay will start the implementation of preemptive evacuation anytime today
03:55.7
as Mayon volcano continues to show signs of unrest.
03:58.7
According to Union Escobar, the head of the research division of Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office,
04:05.7
or APSIMO, residents inside the six-kilometer permanent danger zone will be preemptively evacuated.
04:12.7
Escobar said there are about 10,000 to 14,000 individuals living inside the six-kilometer permanent danger zone of the volcano will be evacuated.
04:22.7
These are from the cities and municipalities around Mayon volcano.
04:27.7
Escobar said the needs of the evacuees will be provided by the local government unit.
04:32.7
During the briefing yesterday, Escobar said the fund of the LGUs will last for two to three days.
04:38.7
After this, the provincial government of Albay will step in, which according to Escobar, the fund will last for 14 to 14 days.
04:47.7
But this will depend on the status of the volcano.
04:50.7
Should alert level will be raised to four, more residents will be evacuated, according to APSIMO, which will entail additional funds.
04:57.7
Once the funds are consumed, the provincial government will ask the help of the national government through the Office of Civil Defense.
05:04.7
Meanwhile, Rika, classes are now suspended in some parts of Albay, especially those schools that will be utilized as evacuation center.
05:13.7
As of now, Mayon volcano is on alert level three, which means as hard as eruption is possible in the coming days.
05:21.7
Thank you so much, Jose Carretera reporting live.
05:25.7
In other news, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. denies he is pushing away China while he's boosting ties with other countries.
05:34.7
Marcos spoke at an event hosted by a group that aims to promote better Philippine-China relations.
05:40.7
The president insists these relations remain fundamentally unchanged despite recent maritime tensions between the two countries.
05:49.7
He notes Beijing has agreed to establish communication lines with Manila to tackle their disputes in the West Philippine Sea.
05:58.7
We continue to foster the friendship, the relationship, the partnership that we have been developing with China since 1974 and 1975 when it became official.
06:11.7
So that's how I describe it. It is a continuing search to find solutions to the challenges that we face jointly with China.
06:25.7
Marcos Jr.'s remarks followed his earlier statement declaring his administration's neutral foreign policy.
06:32.7
Debris suspected to be part of a Chinese rocket recovered in waters near the Philippine province of Bataan.
06:39.7
The Philippine Coast Guard says the wreckage resembles the top section of China's Tanju rocket.
06:46.7
The debris is now in the safekeeping of the Coast Guard in Limay, Bataan.
06:50.7
China launched its Long March 7 rocket on May 10 in Hainan province.
06:56.7
The Philippine Space Agency had warned rocket debris might fall into the waters near Zambales province.
07:05.7
Southeast Asian nations set for their first ever joint military drills in the South China Sea.
07:11.7
The exercise, which will take place in the North Natuna Sea in September, comes amid Beijing's increased aggression in the disputed waters.
07:21.7
ASEAN bloc observer Timor-Leste will also be participating.
07:25.7
Indonesia says the drills will focus on maritime security and rescue and will not involve combat operations.
07:32.7
The ASEAN nations have held naval drills with the U.S. before, but never as a bloc on its own.
07:38.7
Beijing asserts ownership of most of the South China Sea despite competing claims from other Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines.
07:50.7
A world war erupts between the allies of House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Vice President Sara Duterte as a rift between President Marcos' top allies appears to be widening further.
08:01.7
RG Cruz with the full story.
08:08.7
Talks of a coup at the House of Representatives had started to simmer down by the time that 19th Congress adjourned Sine Diay last May 31.
08:15.7
But the apparent peace was shattered again less than a week later with the latest remark of Vice President Sara Duterte during an event of her office.
08:22.7
On Monday, Duterte reaffirmed in her speech at the Pasidungog, or tribute to the OVP's partners and supporters in Pasay City, her love and friendship with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
08:33.7
But not before a remark that caught the attention of the supporters of the president's cousin, Speaker Martin Romualdez.
08:39.7
Before anything else, I would like to acknowledge the all-out support of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the office of the Vice President.
08:59.7
Hindi ko nabanggitin ang middle initial niya.
09:03.7
Two days later, Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga would begin what would eventually be a series of pro-Romualdez press statements by six congressmen.
09:13.7
But while Reps. Elrey Villafuerte, Johnny Pimentel, and House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe would skip any direct reference to Duterte and stick to extolling Romualdez' achievements as Speaker while calling for an end to political bickering,
09:26.7
Barzaga pointedly claimed in his press release that Romualdez has a role in Duterte's vice presidency.
09:32.7
Barzaga's press release, which referred to him as a former president of the National Unity Party, pointed out that Romualdez tremendously helped in pushing for the vice presidential candidacy of Duterte, who was eventually recruited to join La Casa.
09:44.7
It also said that Romualdez became close to the vice president because he was among those who convinced her to run for the post under the UNITEAM ticket, which was headed by his cousin, who is now the president.
09:55.7
That was after Barzaga pointedly referenced Duterte's remark at her speech last Monday, where she mentioned she will no longer mention the president's middle initial, R, meaning Romualdez, and name the president and the Speaker's share as they are first cousins.
10:09.7
But by the end of the day on Wednesday, Duterte would fire back, especially at Barzaga.
10:13.7
Duterte came out to say that the Speaker had no role in her decision to run for vice president, calling the claim that Romualdez tremendously pushed for her candidacy acutely inaccurate and an insult to her supporters.
10:25.7
The VP also revealed that it was Senator Amy Marcos and eventually the president himself who were in discussions with her to be the president's running mate.
10:33.7
Netizens meantime dug up Duterte's speech back in June 2022, where she thanked Romualdez for his efforts as her campaign manager.
10:40.7
I'd like to personally thank, publicly thank, Congressman Martin Romualdez for taking me in, in La Caz CMD, and accepting the challenge to be my campaign, one of my two campaign managers during the last election.
11:00.7
It was not without irritations and challenges, but you did very well.
11:10.7
In her statement Wednesday, Duterte would go on to score the behavior of what she called sycophants in recent political developments, as she also maintained her support for the president.
11:20.7
On Thursday, Santa Rosa Representative Dan Fernandez opted for a softer approach to Duterte, appealing to her for unity, while Dalipe and Pimentel would reiterate calls to end the bickering while extolling Romualdez with no reference to Duterte.
11:33.7
For his part, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Don Gonzalez stuck to praising Romualdez.
11:38.7
Through it all, Romualdez has kept quiet. In his own press release on Thursday, Romualdez's office would only talk about how he welcomed the latest World Bank forecast,
11:47.7
indicating the Philippine economy is poised to expand faster than expected this year, before talking about how he intends to remain focused on his work and discussing his achievements as Speaker.
11:57.7
RG Cruz, ABS-CBN News.
12:02.7
And going back to our monitoring of the Mayon volcano in Albay, let's now talk to Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office, OIC, Eugene Escobar. Good morning, sir. Welcome to the program.
12:13.7
Yes, good morning also, and to all the listeners.
12:16.7
All right. So, Eugene, I understand that you will be starting the preemptive evacuation this morning. How many individuals or families are we talking about?
12:27.7
That is true. Based from the alert level status of Mayon volcano, we will be instituting or executing the evacuation of population inside the six-kilometer permanent danger zone.
12:40.7
This will comprise about 2,500 families or more than 10,000 individuals.
12:46.7
Sorry, if it's a permanent danger zone, why are there still families inside that six-kilometer radius?
12:53.7
Yes, because the establishment of the six-kilometer permanent danger zone was later than the inhabitants that were already present in the area.
13:04.7
And since the resources of the government is finite, we cannot relocate all at once this population.
13:13.7
So, the measure that we are doing right now is, little by little, we have actually several relocation centers intended for this population.
13:24.7
These are the remnants of these barangays that are inside the permanent danger zone.
13:35.7
Right. What's the situation now in your area, sir? I understand lava was seen flowing from Mayon last night.
13:44.7
Can you confirm that information? And also, what's the situation on the ground? Are we seeing some smoke coming from Mayon volcano?
13:52.7
Yes. If you can view, last night, there are only certain areas that the lava can be viewed because it's obscured by clouds.
14:03.7
But yes, there is more intensified activity in terms of the smoke coming from the vent.
14:10.7
And then, so far, outside Mayon volcano, we're still in normal activity, except for those people that will be affected by the eruption.
14:26.7
When you're seeing lava flowing out of the crater of Mount Mayon or Mayon volcano, is that usually indicative of a near eruption?
14:36.7
Are we talking about hours or days before we can expect Mayon to erupt?
14:41.7
According to the information from PheVox, the answer would be yes or no.
14:48.7
It all depends on the parameters which the volcano will be showing and how the instruments will read the activity of Mayon.
14:57.7
As mentioned by PheVox, the current flow that can be seen from the crater and the slopes are remnants of hardened material on the crater summit.
15:12.7
It does not signify a magmatic material.
15:18.7
But then, this movement from the crater can result to intrusion of magma to the crater, which will eventually result to a magmatic eruption.
15:31.7
So there are still a lot of unknown factors in this situation, sir.
15:36.7
You experienced rockfalls already, but were there ashes also that were spewed out of Mayon?
15:42.7
Is it affecting visibility and the air quality in the area?
15:46.7
Right now, we're checking the air quality, but visually, there is sort of a smog appearance in the air.
16:02.7
We're going to check it with PGASE and PheVox, whether it's from the ashes.
16:06.7
But the rockfalls, it is expected to cause ash to be suspended in the air and will be brought to certain directions according to the sources of the air, whether it's easterly or westerly.
16:24.7
We were talking last night to Kamalig Mayor and he was saying that from their part of town, they're not experiencing any ashfall yet, but other areas might be because of the direction of the wind.
16:37.7
So any information coming from those municipalities or localities as to their condition now?
16:44.7
So far, they have reported ashfall in Legazpi City, certain places in Santo Domingo, and some have actually reported as far as Sorsogon, they've felt ashes there.
17:00.7
How important is it for residents in those areas as of this point to wear the proper mask to filter out the ashes?
17:10.7
Yes, the ash particles of the Mayan volcano, these are fine materials, and once inhaled, it could stay inside your lungs.
17:22.7
And that is why we have released advisory for the public to wear face masks.
17:29.7
If not, they can use any type of cloth and then make it damp and cover their nose and mouth just so to prevent it from entering their lungs.
17:38.7
This is more critical in the elderly and in children.
17:44.7
Do we have enough relief packs, food packs, or perhaps even funds, Sir Eugene, to address a possible evacuation that could last for months, right?
17:55.7
That is correct. We are expecting at least a minimum of three months.
18:02.7
The last time, the longest that we had was around five months of evacuation.
18:08.7
Again, the resources of the government is finite.
18:11.7
So while we have currently resources available to provide relief commodities, food and non-food items, but this will only run for so much.
18:24.7
How many days, Sir?
18:26.7
Based on our estimate and meeting yesterday, current resources from the local government units and the provincial government would only last for around 14 to 15 days.
18:40.7
14 to 15 days, and we're expecting evacuation to last for five months, so that's quite a lot.
18:46.7
How do you intend to meet the gap?
18:49.7
Again, based on our experience from before, support from the national government will be automatic.
18:58.7
We have a close partnership with the Office of the Civil Defense and then other national agencies such as the DSWD.
19:05.7
Yesterday, in our meeting, the DSWD and the OCD have committed to provide support to the evacuation of residents of Mayon Volcano.
19:16.7
And support from non-government organizations and NGOs have started to call us asking what support we will be needing.
19:27.7
And so far, again, based on our experience, other agencies are coming in and they will provide support to their efforts.
19:37.7
How about other necessities like perhaps potable water, Sir?
19:40.7
Do we have contingencies in case the water supply will be affected by the eruption?
19:45.7
Yes. Currently, our provincial health office and the provincial engineering office with their water and sanitation team,
19:51.7
they will be distributing drinking water in the different evacuation centers.
19:56.7
For domestic use, the Bureau of Fire Protection of the respective localities will be distributing the water as needed.
20:05.7
And what about precautions against COVID, Sir?
20:08.7
I understand, of course, there are still concerns about COVID spreading in densely packed areas, possibly the evacuation centers.
20:16.7
Any precautions for that?
20:17.7
Yes. Part of our contingency during the evacuation is to still implement minimum health standards for COVID-19.
20:28.7
So meaning to say the number of individuals inside per room will be limited.
20:36.7
Second, as much as possible, we would like to group people from the same family or known individuals
20:44.7
so that should there be a COVID tracing would be easier for the health authorities.
20:51.7
Lastly, Sir, any message to your constituents?
20:54.7
What to prepare, what to expect in the coming days as we anticipate the eruption of Mayon Volcano?
21:01.7
Yes. We will call on everyone to evacuate inside the six-kilometer permanent danger zone.
21:09.7
This is what our government is doing for your safety.
21:13.7
And in our evacuation, we can bring our equipment, water, utensils, and food that we can use for the first two days.
21:28.7
And our support from the government will continue for the third and fourth days.
21:34.7
We are also calling on the general public to avoid entering the six-kilometer permanent danger zone.
21:41.7
Our farmers, orchid pickers, and ATV operators.
21:47.7
Although we welcome tourists, we do not prohibit tourists from entering.
21:54.7
They should not enter the six-kilometer permanent danger zone because it is dangerous.
22:24.7
Limulyo claimed last week that Tevez joined a group of 13 people who traveled to Timor-Leste on a private jet.
22:30.7
Tevez denies this.
22:31.7
The suspended congressman also calls for a probe into alleged attempts to bribe witnesses to the murder of Negros Oriental Governor Ruel Legamo,
22:39.7
in which Tevez is alleged to be the mastermind.
22:43.7
Now is the time for BBM to assess the integrity of his people.
22:52.7
Kung hindi masagot ni Boyeng Remulya, ang aking pinaka-importanteng dalawang tanong, sa tingin ko, dapat si Bakina siya ni BBM.
23:06.7
Ibabalik ko ang aking tanong.
23:09.7
Paano nagkasya ang 13 na tao sa isang nine-seater na airplane?
23:19.7
Paano nagkasya ang 6 na tao sa isang five-seater na helicopter?
23:30.7
Dahil kung hindi nilang masagot yun, then sinungaling yung pronouncement nila na yun.
23:42.7
Remulya dismissed the lawmaker's dare and urged him to face the accusations against him instead.
23:51.7
I don't have to prove anything here.
23:54.7
Siya yung kailangan niya i-prove na kaya niya humarap sa charges.
23:58.7
Umuwi na lang siya.
23:59.7
Doon siya magpaliwanag sa Korte.
24:09.7
Heavy smoke from Canadian wildfires continue to choke U.S. cities, halting flights and disrupting outdoor events.
24:16.7
In Washington, the air quality alert was raised to code maroon, the highest category, signaling hazardous conditions.
24:23.7
This prompted the White House to postpone an outdoor pride event.
24:27.7
A Major League Baseball game in the afternoon was also paused due to the noxious heavy smoke.
24:32.7
Meanwhile, in New York, Governor Katie Hochul reminds residents not to be complacent as air quality levels continue to pose unprecedented numbers.
24:43.7
The message is this is not over.
24:45.7
We might get a little respite, but I don't want people to let down their guard and to become complacent about this because we have to be prepared for the winds to shift.
24:54.7
This is the unknown.
24:56.7
We're tracking the large plume that is originating from primarily Nova Scotia and also Quebec, but also knowing that this is going to continue to have a negative impact on our health.
25:11.7
Despite the advice to stay indoors, the hazardous air quality levels did not stop some workers, from New Yorkers rather, from going outside.
25:20.7
We have Don Tagalog with this story.
25:23.7
The smoky haze from Canadian wildfires not only blanketed the Big Apple to near zero visibility at some point, but it also placed New York City on top of the list of the most polluted major cities in the world.
25:38.7
New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Zachary Eskal said this Canadian wildfire smoke continued to impact air quality in New York City and throughout the northeast coast.
25:51.7
At 4 p.m. today, or earlier today, as the mayor said, the AQI, Air Quality Index, hit 484.
26:01.7
It tops out at 500.
26:03.7
What does that mean?
26:05.7
Anything above 300 is considered hazardous.
26:09.7
People should avoid physical activity outdoors.
26:13.7
People, if you're especially in various risk groups, which I know Dr. Bassan will speak about a little bit more, should remain indoors, keep activities level low, and follow tips outlined by the mayor, including keeping your doors and windows closed, making sure your filters are clean, making sure you've closed the fresh intake on your A.C. if you have one.
26:33.7
Adam says this dangerously high levels of wildfire smoke that is choking the city is climate change related.
26:42.7
We're encouraging New Yorkers to stay home indoors tonight and tomorrow whenever possible, especially our vulnerable New Yorkers.
26:51.7
All New Yorkers should limit outdoor activity to the greatest extent possible.
26:57.7
If you must be outside, we recommend wearing a mask, especially if you are elderly or a younger child.
27:06.7
For the safety and well-being of Filipinos and its consular staff, the Philippine Consul General in New York has suspended consular operations on June 8 due to hazardous air quality.
27:18.7
But for these New Yorkers meeting and dining at this Filipino restaurant, life goes on despite the poor air quality index.
27:27.7
I guess it's my first time to experience to see such thick smoke being in New York City.
27:34.7
I think the last time I saw this much was back in 2001 during the 9-11 incident.
27:40.7
Actually, this afternoon, I noticed that half the people on the streets, at least, were wearing masks.
27:46.7
Like, oh, it's flashbacks to COVID-2020.
27:51.7
The plume of smoke that has blanketed Manhattan did not stop Boston resident Jeremiah DeSesto from dining al fresco with his cousin in New York.
28:01.7
The mayor also encouraged New Yorkers to limit outdoor activities as much as possible.
28:07.7
And if one needs to go outdoors, the city government recommend mask wearing, especially if you are elderly or a younger child.
28:17.7
Don Tagala, ABS-CBN News, New York.
28:23.7
Amnesty International Philippines has recognized some individuals and groups for their human rights work.
28:28.7
Among them, Professor Walden Belio and the Center for International Law as the most distinguished human rights defenders in the individual and organization categories.
28:36.7
Also given the Ignite Award for Outstanding Young Human Rights Defender is Francesca Pola-Garcia for her advocacy on violence against women, safe spaces, and equal rights for the LGBTQIA plus community.
28:50.7
Joining us now to talk about this is Professor Walden Belio himself and Rafael Pangalangan representing Center Law.
28:56.7
With us also is Mr. Rocky Rinabort, Chairperson of the Amnesty International Philippines Board of Trustees.
29:02.7
Professor Walden, Attorney Apa, and Rocky, good morning. Welcome to the program.
29:08.7
Good morning, Michael.
29:10.7
So, Rocky, let me begin with you.
29:11.7
Tell us a bit more about Ignite Awards.
29:14.7
I understand it's now in its third season.
29:16.7
What exactly were you looking for in this year's awards?
29:19.7
And when you chose Professor Walden and Center Law, what were the considerations?
29:27.7
So, basically, we started or we launched the Ignite Awards for Human Rights in May 2017, right?
29:35.7
It fundamentally recognizes, honors, and celebrates the exceptional contributions of individuals and organizations defending human rights and, of course, their impact on society.
29:49.7
For this year's season, we focused on our global campaign, which is the Protect the Protest.
29:58.7
Basically, we, so there were process, right?
30:05.7
We started in, I think, last year, and then just January this year, there was due diligence conducted to gather current information and testimonials from the communities and institutions,
30:21.7
which involved gathering information on how, of course, the work of Professor Belio and the Center for International Law Impact have contributed largely on the human rights work in the Philippines.
30:40.7
We do have criteria, of course.
30:44.7
We basically assess them based on, first, the impact of their human rights work, and then the coverage of their human rights work as well.
30:53.7
And then, of course, the credibility of both individuals and the organization, which we are going to award this June.
31:06.7
Professor Walden, first of all, congratulations for the award.
31:10.7
You've had a long, distinguished career in the academe and in protesting as well.
31:13.7
I mean, from the time you broke into the World Bank in the 80s up to your vice presidential bid last year, what to you was the most significant human rights work that you have done in your lifetime?
31:24.7
Well, first of all, thank you to Amnesty International, represented by Mr. Rinabor, as well as congratulations to Center Law and Attorney Pangalangan, whose father I have known, both distinguished lawyers.
31:43.7
And, Mike, thank you for inviting me here.
31:46.7
Well, I certainly have been involved in criticizing human rights abusers and calling for their punishment.
32:00.7
For instance, consistently, I have called for sending ex-president Duterte to a cell in The Hague, and hopefully that will still happen if the current president dares to cross the former president.
32:22.7
But a lot of my work has been in the area of economic human rights, because my sense is the political and military human rights abusers cannot be the only ones called accountable for big abuses.
32:41.7
I think we also need to call attention to those individuals and organizations that have created tremendous conditions of poverty and inequality through neoliberal policies.
32:56.7
As you all know, neoliberalism as an economic doctrine is now discredited fully, but its institutions, like free trade, structural adjustment, deregulation, privatization, continue to be institutionalized throughout the world, including in the Philippines.
33:16.7
And these are policies that have created tremendous poverty and inequality among people.
33:23.7
So I think those technocrats and intellectuals behind these policies should also be held responsible for human rights abuses.
33:35.7
And so I am for expanding the definition of human rights abusers to economic criminals.
33:47.7
And I think that this is going to be the trend in the future to make sure, because, you know, Mike, unless we call attention to these people, these policies will continue.
34:04.7
Ideas and policies have consequences, which is why I think that economic criminals, and I will name them, you know, tomorrow evening, should also be included in this category of human rights abusers.
34:27.7
Professor Walden, the decision to run for vice president last year, was that in a way a form of protest as well? And related to that, you were arrested for cyber libel over comments you made in the course of the campaign. So looking back, do you think it was all worth it?
34:41.7
Yes, I think it was all worth it, because in running for the campaign, we were promoting, you know, an approach based on social, political and economic agenda, instead of just pure power politics.
35:06.7
You know, at this point in time, we can see it occurring in Philippine politics with this bloody kind of competition for power now taking place, which, you know, it's a very terrible sight that our politicians are simply struggling for power.
35:30.7
So, yes, the running for vice president was to put an agenda of social and economic justice to the Filipino people. As for the cyber libel case, well, it's expected. I mean, it was expected that this would happen, given Duterte's penchant for vengeance politics.
35:57.7
So, but we have fairly good lawyers, and we have the support of the human rights community, and I think we will beat back this cyber libel case. So, was it worth it?
36:12.7
Yes, I definitely think so, because, you know, Mike, this cyber libel law is really immoral and unconstitutional. And it's really nothing else but a way by which bureaucrats and politicians can suppress the truth. And it's good that they have brought this. They have brought me and others to court on this so that we can challenge this all the way to the Supreme Court.
36:40.7
Professor Walden, I'm so sorry we don't have much time. I would just like to go to Attorney Apa as well. Let me go to you, Attorney Apa. You have degrees from Oxford and Cambridge. Your father was a former judge of the International Criminal Court, Judge Raul Pangalangan. You could have very well established a career outside the Philippines, but why choose Center for International Law? What advocacies or which advocacies actually appealed to you?
37:07.7
Right. So, thanks so much, Mike, for the question. It was instilled in me very early on into my life how the opportunities we receive should be redirected to the benefit of others. I remember being told at a very young age how it's not enough to pay things back. You have to pay things forward.
37:30.7
And that's largely been the driving force behind my decisions to continue my advocacy work in the public interest field in general and particularly in public advocacy in the Philippines. And when I was deciding the best medium to do so, the Center for International Law was at the top of my mind.
37:53.7
In fact, even during my Cambridge studies back in 2020, a number of my cohort had plans to go far and wide. And when they would ask me, it was always to head back home and join the Center for International Law.
38:09.7
And it's been such a fulfilling experience with this organization. And of course, this award to be received from this recognition received from AI is just a cherry on top. The driving force, the reason for why we do things isn't for the recognition, but for the difference that we affect in this world.
38:38.7
And I'm happy to see that it's been recognized by AI.
39:09.7
It's most definitely one of the projects that we have worked on most closely over the past half a decade or so. We've been advancing our anti-drug war advocacy on both legal and grassroots realms.
39:25.7
I couldn't agree more with Professor Velo earlier identifying the economic factors when it comes to human rights advocacy and human rights violations.
39:38.7
So when we engage in human rights work, we ensure that this isn't solely something advanced on the legal stage, but something that we engage in directly with those who are most affected.
39:55.7
So this goes from the grassroots all the way through domestic mechanisms, and of course, international mechanisms such as the ICC and the UN.
40:05.7
Are we seeing changes? Well, we've seen a different attitude expressed by the Marcos administration when it comes to recognition of whether or not there were abuses committed during the drug war as compared to the staunch stance of the Duterte administration before it.
40:23.7
But that difference is likewise reflected in the administration's treatment of the international, of the ICC proceedings in general.
40:33.7
I mean, there was the Sal Padelo approach, the cold shoulder approach, and today we see much more engagement with the ICC through the filing of pleadings and in fact, a pending appeal in so doing one way or another, recognizing the jurisdiction and the legitimacy of the court as well.
40:55.7
And very quickly, Rocky, former Senator Laila de Lima was one of the first awardees of the IGNITE Awards during her first season. Are you seeing any changes in the human rights situation six years since her arrest and her bail was recently denied? Very quickly.
41:11.7
Yeah, no. In fact, we are deeply disappointed that the court denied her petition for bail. Since her detention in 2017, the cases against her have been clearly fabricated and used to arbitrarily detain her, similar to the two previously dismissed cases, right?
41:33.7
And then the last case against her must be, we think it must be quashed. The Marcos administration must urgently free her and hold to account those responsible for violating her human rights.
41:48.7
On that note, thank you so much. I have many more questions, but we don't have time. Thank you so much for joining us this morning, Professor Walden Belio, Attorney Rafael Tangalangan, and Mr. Rocky Irvinabor of Amnesty International Philippines.
42:00.7
Thank you very much, Mike.
42:02.7
Now, here's a look at other stories that we are tracking today. Later at 9 in the morning, the Philippine Statistics Authority is set to release the April 2023 Labor Force Survey. Also happening today from the PSA is the release of the country's trade data for April 2023.
42:19.7
While at 11, we'll look into power distributor Miralco's upcoming rate adjustments for the month of June.
42:24.7
Service Manahan will be there at the Miralco Center in Pasig to monitor the press conference.
42:30.7
At 12 noon, the Philippine Development Budget Coordination Committee is set to hold a press briefing on its review of the country's medium term macroeconomic assumptions.
42:38.7
And lastly, the coverage on Mayon Volcano continues as evacuations begin for residents along the six kilometer permanent danger zone.
42:54.7
So until then, thanks for watching.
43:24.7
Let's now get a look at the local weather this weekend. ABS-CBN resident meteorologist Ariel Rojas joins us live for that. Good morning, Ariel.
43:40.7
Hi, good morning, Mika.
43:43.7
Tropical cyclone Chedding intensified into a typhoon and will continue to gradually intensify in the next two days.
43:49.7
Typhoon Chedding now packs winds of 130 kilometers per hour and with gusts up to 160 kilometers per hour.
43:56.7
At 4 this morning, it was located 875 kilometers east of Central Luzon. It is moving northwestward at a speed of 10 kilometers per hour.
44:04.7
As Chedding will remain far from land, it will not directly impact the country's weather.
44:10.7
However, beginning this afternoon, it will pull the southwest monsoon or Habagat and bring rains over Palawan and occidental Mindoro.
44:18.7
Intense afternoon thunderstorms are also expected over parts of Cordillera and Central Luzon, Panay, and the rest of Mindanao.
44:25.7
Chedding will continue to move slowly today and tomorrow as it recurves.
44:28.7
By tomorrow afternoon, it will pick up speed and start moving away from the country.
44:33.7
It will be out of the Philippine area of responsibility on Monday early morning.
44:38.7
This long weekend will be rainy due to the enhanced Habagat and thunderstorms.
44:42.7
On Saturday, rains will begin over the western parts of Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and Limaropa.
44:47.7
Saturday evening, most of northern Luzon, eastern Visayas, Misamis Oriental, and Caraga will be rainy.
44:52.7
On Sunday, there will be more rains over the western sections of central and southern Luzon and western Visayas.
44:59.7
Rains will be heavier in the afternoon over Ilocos and Limaropa, and in the evening over Hagayan Valley.
45:05.7
On Monday, Ilocos, Cordillera, Zambales, and Bataan will remain rainy, especially in the afternoon until evening.
45:12.7
For the vicinity of the rest of volcanoes, localities around Taal Volcano will be sunny Saturday morning until early afternoon,
45:18.7
cloudy for the rest of the day with some scattered rains, rainy on Sunday, and cloudy again on Monday.
45:24.7
The volcanic smog or fog tends to be concentrated near ground when the sky is cloudy.
45:30.7
So that will be some dangerous situation there, late Saturday and on Monday.
45:36.7
Near Mayon Volcano, thunderstorms are expected, but the towns to the west of the Volcano Ligao, Ginobatan, Camalig, and Daraga
45:43.7
will have more rains because of the enhanced habagat.
45:47.7
Here in Metro Manila, Friday and Saturday will be sunny.
45:50.7
We'll see sunny weather until early afternoon with chance of rains in the afternoon and evening.
45:55.7
On Sunday, it will be rainy, but less rains are expected on Monday.
45:59.7
That's the latest on the weather. Back to Eureka!
46:12.7
In the reserve requirement ratio of banks, the RRR refers to the amount of cash banks are required to hold as standby funds.
46:20.7
By cutting the RRR, banks can now lend more.
46:24.7
For universal and commercial banks, the cut is 250 basis points, while for thrift, rural, and cooperative banks, the reduction is 100 basis points.
46:33.7
Digital banks, meanwhile, will see their RRR lowered by 200 basis points.
46:36.7
The BSP, though, clarifies the lower reserve requirements do not constitute any shift in the monetary policy setting.
46:44.7
This comes ahead of the BSP's June 22 meeting with Governor Felipe Medalla, saying policymakers will likely keep interest rates on change.
46:53.7
More news overseas now. The US and UK announced an upgrade in ties as they announced a new plan for economic cooperation to counter what they called as growing competition from authoritarian states.
47:07.7
The President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak signed the so-called Atlantic Declaration at the White House Thursday.
47:13.7
Under that pact, the two countries will partner on advanced technologies, clean energy, and critical minerals.
47:20.7
Sunak described it as a first-of-its-kind partnership that will boost economic security.
47:25.7
The long-standing military and security partnerships of the US and UK have strengthened amid Russia's war in Ukraine and China's more aggressive posture in Asia.
47:35.7
Calls for greener transport options grow as the effects of climate change become more evident.
47:46.7
Even government is joining the push.
47:48.7
Let's talk more about this with its own founder, with On the Roads founder, rather, Dino Gingona.
47:54.7
On the Roads will be conducting an E-Bike Village Roadshow in September.
47:59.7
Good morning, Sardina. Thank you so much for joining the program.
48:01.7
Yes, Sardina, if you can unmute your microphone, if you may, please.
48:12.7
We're just waiting for Sardina to unmute his microphone for us to be able to get to talk with him.
48:18.7
On the Roads is having an E-Bike Roadshow coming this September.
48:23.7
Before we go, ABS-CBN News' OB Ranger Projects bags the Broadcast Innovation Trophy at the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Awards in Singapore.
48:33.7
The OB Ranger Projects stemmed the challenges faced by ABS-CBN News amid the non-renewal franchise.
48:39.7
It's an innovation to operate multi-camera live coverages without the usual equipment that relied on a franchise.
48:46.7
Also recognized in the awards is ABS-CBN Global, which nabbed the Excellence Award for OTT Platform for its live streaming app, Iowan TFC.
48:56.7
ABS-CBN's Big Dipper also earned the Innovation Award for Audio Description, providing an inclusive viewing experience for hearing-impaired audiences.
49:15.7
Featuring catchy visuals and anthems from the 90s, Transformers Rise of the Beasts follows two Hollywood talents bonding over their love for the musicals and shared struggles.
49:30.7
Beom Chavez talks to the stars of the newest Transformers film.
49:34.7
In Transformers Rise of the Beast, Anthony Ramos plays Noah, a former soldier struggling to find employment as a civilian who's desperate to support the medical needs of his younger brother.
49:47.7
In the middle of this, he meets Optimus Prime and other Transformers Autobots.
49:51.7
Ramos, who starred in A Star is Born with Lady Gaga and who first gained notice on stage through Broadway hits In the Heights and Hamilton, says that like his character, he knew firsthand what it means to go up against the glass ceiling.
50:06.7
Not many Latino talents have had a chance to lead a huge Hollywood franchise like Transformers, so he's mindful of its significance.
50:13.7
What does it mean to you to be the lead of a franchise as huge as this and how did you relate to the struggles of Noah?
50:43.7
My mom was a single parent. I'm a little brother, right? So in our movie, it's the opposite. I'm the big brother. I relate to that relationship a lot. The home team handshake they have, that's the thing that my dad used to say to me.
50:56.7
The movie, which is set in the 90s and features the era's iconic music, also stars Dominic Fishback, who plays a brilliant archaeology researcher who found the important object that the Autobots and their enemies were looking for.
51:09.7
The struggles of your character, you know, the way that she was not being recognized for her brilliance initially.
51:16.7
It resonates for sure. I think you work so hard, you give everything you have and like, they obviously, they talk about how acting is like mostly rejection. You know what I mean? So you go hard for things or you feel like, okay, your team might be like, okay, this is the one that's gonna bubble up, that's gonna get you to be able to do X, Y, Z and then you get it and you do it and it's like still crickets.
51:36.7
And it's okay, like as long as they see the work, you know, that's what matters.
51:40.7
Fishback bonded with Ramos on set and even sang his songs to him.
51:45.7
Your impromptu rap with Anthony Mack, it was iconic. Did you try one with him?
51:49.7
First of all, Inner Heights was the first musical I ever saw. I love that musical. And then getting to see, I got to see Anthony do it at the 10 year anniversary of Inner Heights. And then I watched the movie, obviously. And so we'd be on set and I'd be like, I'll just throw a line of light stuff or something like that.
52:08.7
Start singing different parts.
52:10.7
The only room with the view was the room with you in it.
52:13.7
Transformers Rise of the Beast also features the voice talents of Michelle Yeoh, Pete Davidson, Cristo Fernandez and Peter Cullen as the iconic voice of Optimus Prime. Yong Chavez, ABS-CBN News, here in Hollywood.
52:28.7
You've never faced anything like this.
52:34.7
Let's try this one more time. Joining us now, Own the Roads founder, Dino Di Guana, as calls for greener transport options grow. Good morning, Sir Dino. Thank you for joining us.
52:45.7
Thank you for having me.
52:47.7
Yes, just a very quick one, Sir Dino, because we're lacking time now. Tell us a quick thing about electric transport, the use of e-bikes as an alternative mobility and the cleaner transportation here in the country.
53:06.7
All right. Well, presently, it's in its infancy, meaning we're looking at China, the U.S., the, well, Europe.
53:31.7
Okay. You know, they're way, way ahead of us.
53:36.7
And Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia.
53:42.7
But what we want to do is basically bring it to the end user and allow them to appreciate,
54:05.7
appreciate the wonders of using this type of vehicle.
54:25.7
You know, it's nice that we have alternative sources of transportation now, especially in Metro Manila, where we are having intense traffic woes.
54:34.7
So let's talk about the roadshow, the village roadshow that you have bringing it closer to home so people can try electric bikes.
54:42.7
Where will the next roadshow be? And please do invite everyone to try it.
54:46.7
I'm glad you mentioned that.
54:50.7
You know, on the last roadshow, we apparently met with one really, someone that came in, right?
55:12.7
And then he had an open heart surgery.
55:23.7
And his doctor actually advised that he look into getting into an e-bike.
55:40.7
Go ahead, go ahead.
55:42.7
And we felt that this is some sort of a breakthrough.
55:53.7
A breakthrough in the sense that this fellow was advised by his doctor.
56:03.7
And, you know, it just opened a lot of, a lot of things for his health.
56:28.7
The other thing is, okay, we are taking the OTR or the…
56:40.7
Sorry, Sir Dino, we're lacking time now.
56:44.7
If you can invite everyone, please, to go to the roadshow where we will be able to try and test the e-bikes.
56:51.7
We will do one in Green Hills.
56:57.7
And then we plan to move to Dasmarinas Village, San Lorenzo Village, La Magallanes Village.
57:10.7
And then we move down south.
57:11.7
Well, we plan to move further down south to Santa Rosa, to Alabang, and we go regional.
57:32.7
So there will be a lot of places at the roadshow.
57:34.7
Davao and Iloilo.
57:38.7
Thank you for that, Sir Dino.
57:39.7
We will be able to test our e-bikes.
57:41.7
Hopefully, making sure that a lot of people will actually have access to alternative transportation.
57:46.7
Thank you for your time, Sir Dino.
57:54.7
And that's the Rundown today.
57:58.7
And I'm Mike Navaleo.
58:00.7
Heads Up comes your way next.
