Turkey to acquire further 6.5 million Sinovac today

 

A vial of Sinovac Biotech Covid-19 vaccine
Source: AFP/Getty image/Reuters

The Turkish News
By Edward Era Barbacena
Manila, Philippines

Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said that Turkey will acquire further 6.5 million of Sinovac vaccine from Beijing, and is expected to arrive today.    The second shipment will allow the ongoing rollout amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Three million doses of Sinovac vaccine have already arrived and 10 million doses in total are expected in Turkey's second consignment from Sinovac Biotech.

" It will reach us in accordance with the procurement plan and the vaccine program will continue without interruption," Koca said in a statement  on twitter on Sunday.

Over 600,000 Turkish have already been inoculated with the vaccine in just two days since the vaccine rollout began in mid-January.

An American woman who was accused of stealing Pelosi's laptop to sell it to Russia was finally arrested

 

Photo courtesy of Reuters

The American Political News
By Angelo Locsin

An American woman who was accused of stealing Pelosi's laptop to sell it to Russia was finally arrested.

Washington - Federal authorities arrested an American white woman from Pennsylvania who allegedly stole a laptop or hard drive from  US House of Representatives speaker Nancy Pelosi's  office during the January 6 insurrection by the legion of Trump supporters at the Capitol.

The white woman was identified as Riley June Williams who was charged of unlawfully breaching the Capitol building with disorderly conduct was arrested on Monday.

According to the FBI, William was seen in a CCTV footage stealing a laptop or hard drive from Pelosi's office.  An investigation is being conducted weather she tries to sell it to the intelligence, a different said, that she tries to sell the stolen device to a friend in Russia.

According to New York Times, Williams had voluntarily turned herself in to the authorities on Monday.  

According to the affidavit filed with the US District Court for the Court of Columbia, the FBI received a tip from a reliable source the Williams had an intimate relationship to this so-called "friend" whom she tries to sell the device to.

The tipser said in a statement that Williams  " intended to send the computer device to a friend in Russia, who then planned to sell the device to SVR,  Russia's  foreign intelligence service," according to the affidavit.  

" The transfer of the computer device to Russia fell through for unknown reasons and Williams still has the computer device or destroyed it,"  as stated in the affidavit.  The investigation remains open.

It is not yet known when she will appear in court to face charges.

In addition, the FBI said that Williams had deactivated her mobile number, took down her social media account and moved to a different location in Pennsylvania in Harrisburg, that she shares with her mother.

The stealing of computer devices that may contain important information had been a great concern after insurrection on January 6 by the supporters of President Trump who's term ends on the 20th of January.

Many of those who participated on the siege and breached of the Capitol in an attempt to stop the certification of the victory of President-elect Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election in November, were tracked down and arrested.

Trump plans to leave Washington on the morning of inauguration day of Biden

The American Political News
By Angelo Locsin
Manila, Philippines

President Donald Trump is now planning to depart on the morning of of inauguration day on Wednesday after considering leaving on Tuesday, according to sources of Reuters.

Trump had already made it clear before that he will not attend the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden, but instead he is planning a ceremonial farewell  at Joint Base Andrews, the base located just outside Washington where Air Force One is headquartered. This may include a 21-salute.

According to sources, Trump's plan depart on inauguration day is still indefinite and may change.  It is not yet clear weather Trump would give a statement on Wednesday.

The sources said that Trump may fly to Palm Beach, Florida to start his post-presidency at his Mar-a-Lago club.  He is likely to be in Florida by the time that Biden is inaugurated  around midday on Wednesday.

Some advisers have been trying to convince. Trump to host Biden for a White House meeting ahead of the inauguration but Trump shows no sign of willingness to such request.

Trump will be the 4th US President to boycott his successor's inauguration and the first one in 150 years.  He is also the first one to be impeached twice. According to Reuters' sources, Trump will issue more pardons before his term ends. He is also considering the unprecedented option of pardoning himself.

Sources: Reuters

Philippine Journalist Maria Ressa faces third libel case

 

Philippine Yellow Journalism and Media Crisis
Published by Anilov Mijarez
Manila, Philippines

Manila - Philippine journalist and Rappler CEO Maria Ressa now faces her third libel case, this time over the malicious article that she published regarding  " thesis for sale " at the De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde.

The article was published on in January of 2020, stating that Saint Benilde professor Ariel Pineda allow his students to pass their thesis subject 20,000 PHP through a middle man

Pineda is a well known professor in the Export Management Program and a program director who is also dedicated to Saint Benilde.  

Along with Ressa, Rambo Talabong is also charged with libel, Ressa is being sued for her capacity as chief editor of Rappler, a position she renounced since her first libel case in June of 2020.

Both Ressa and Talabong have issued and posted 30,000 PHP bail, according to their lawyer Theodore Te.

The information regarding the third cyber libel case was dated December 7, 2020 and was filled before the  Manila Regional Trial Court branch 24.

The article published by Rappler contains false, malicious, derogatory, and highly libelous imputation as well as offensive insinuation against the good name, character and reputation of Pineda.

However, Talabong and Rappler stood firm by their story regarding the allegation.

" I spent weeks reporting and weeks more doing everything to ensure that the story is fair." Talabong said in a statement.

Te raised the concern that cyber libel is now being used as first option for those who don't agree with the published news.

" That's the problem with libel and cyber libel laws which make these acts criminal - a private dispute becomes a public offense where the government gets involved. As a result, the implications of freedom of expression and of the press are significant." Te said.

Te, Talabong and Rappler say the case makes decriminalization  of libel and cyber libel more imperative with former calling on congress to re-examine these laws.

" We reiterate the multi-sectoral call to decriminalize libel and to stop these relentless attacks against journalists who, despite obstacles thrown their way, continue to shine the light of pandemic and forms of everyday terror." Rappler said.

" No journalist should be intimidated for doing their job." Talabong said

US President Donald Trump refuses to accept responsibility over the January 6 insurrection

 

The American Political News
Published by Angelo Locsin
Manila, Philippines

US President Donald Trump who facing impeachment on a charge of "incitement of insurrection" on Tuesday refuses to take full responsibility of the actions committed by his supporters who breached the US State Capitol on January 6.

Trump told reporters that his speech the day before the Wednesday insurrection - in which he urged his supporters to march on the Capitol and fight - had been analyzed by unnamed others, who he said believe it was appropriate.

" If you read my speech..what I said was totally appropriate," he told reporters when asked if he would take any responsibility when his supporters breached and stormed the US State Capitol on January 6.

"They've analyzed my speech  and my words and my final paragraph, and my final sentence and everybody... thought it was appropriate," he said in a statement before leaving to Alamo, Texas to visit and sign his signature wall on the border of Mexico.

Trump remarks on Tuesday, was his first in public since the January 6 insurrection, though he released a video denouncing the actions his supporters, he still refuses to concede.

FBI is now looking for the unidentified man who was carrying the confederate flag in the Capitol

 

The FBI is now looking for this unidentified
man who was seen carrying a confederate flag

The American Political News
Published by Edward Era Barbacena
Manila, Philippines

FBI is now looking for the unidentified man who was carrying the confederate flag in the Capitol

The FBI is now asking help from the people to identify the man seen carrying a confederate flag in the hallway of the Capitol during the January 6 insurrection.

FBI specifically asking the man about the man in what describes as photograph #30. In addition, the agency has posted number of bulletins seeking help in identifying dozens of other trump supporters who participated on January 6 breached of the Capitol whose images were captured and is now circulating online.

The FBI " is seeking the public assistance in identifying the individual who made unlawful entry into the US  Capitol on January 6," its Washington field Office tweeted.

Before Wednesday, the insurgents waving confederate flag hadn't been within six months of the Capitol.

Some of the trump supporters who stormed the US State Capitol who already been identified  and some have came forward.  Many will face criminal charges and some have lost their jobs  for participating the insurrection.

Ten newly born infants instantly died in a hospital fire in India

 

The Indian News
Published by Angelo Locsin 

10 newly born infants died when a fire broke out in a government-run hospital in western India on Saturday evening, officials said.

There were 17 babies placed in NICU when the fire quickly spread in the early hours of Saturday that consumed the Bhandari District General Hospital in Maharashtra state.

Seven died of suffocation due to heavy smoke produced by the ravaging fire while three, due to serve burn injuries, Maharashtra health minister Rajesh Tope told the media.

Seven infants were rescued by nurses and ward staff.  All 17 infants admitted at the hospital's NICU were age from few days to three months.

After the horrific incident, the government has ordered a thorough investigation and safety audit of all neonatal care units in the state.

Trump supporters literally defacated and smeared poop all over the Capitol's hallway during the January 6 insurrection

 

The American Political News
Published by: Edward Era Barbacena
Manila, Philippines

Trump supporters literally defacated and smeared poop all over the Capitol's hallway during the January 6 insurrection

Pro-trump rioters not only desecrated the US State Capitol, not only they smashed doors, broke windows, looted staffs but they also did what is far more grim and really disgustingly gross - they took a dump on the American democracy - literally.

Some of what we can say Trump supporters who stormed and infiltrated the Capitol on January 6,  defacated the historic building  and "tracked" their feces in several hallways.

A source close to Senator Chuck Schumer said staffers to the New York Democrat found out about the fecal fiasco on Thursday.

The vile assailants, whose violent invasion left 5 people dead, apparently went no.2 in one of the bathrooms and then smeared their disgusting feces around the building leaving behind brownish "foot prints."

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un plans to expand nuclear weapon arsenasl and declares the United States as the formidable nemesis

 

North Korean Leader speaks during the 8th
 congress of the worker's party in Pyongyang

The South Korean News
Published by: Anilov Mijarez
Manila, Philippines

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un plans to expand nuclear weapon arsenal and declares the United States as the formidable nemesis

As the United States struggles to endure its international political and social turmoils,  it is now facing a new external threat from the far east asia with a horrendous threat of nuclear response.  This is one of a new concerns that the incoming Biden's administration has to face aside from the political mess that President Donald Trump would be leaving.

North korea's communist leader Kim Jong Un challenges the United States by advancing the country's nuclear weapon arsenals and declares the United States as North Korea's biggest and worst enemy.  State media reported on Saturday.

Kim Jong Un  told officials in a congress meeting to develop missiles with multiple war heads,  under water nuclear missiles and nuclear powered submarines. North Korea is now following the steps of Russia on upgrading and expanding its nuclear weapon arsenals against the United States.

Kim also said that North Korea must should advance the precision long range attack on targets in a 9,230 mile striking distance, meaning the US mainland and develop technology to manufacture lighter nuclear weapons but as dreadful as the conventional ones.

Kim's remarks are viewed as a pre-emptive verbal strike against the incoming Biden's administration who has labeled Kim as a " thug."

" The key to establish a new relationship between the North Korea and the United States, is weather the United States withdraws its hostile policy." Kim said in a statement.

Kim reiterated that he won't use his nuclear weapons unless  " hostile forces " will try to use their nuclear weapons against North Korea first. But Kim said that North Korea must modify and advance its military and nuclear capabilities in the light of possible American invasion - but failed to provide any examples  of such threat by the Americans.

In the past, Kim mentioned that United States military collaborations and military drill exercises with South Korea are proof of hostility.

Capitol police officer who was severely beaten by Trump supporters during January 6 insurrection, passes away

 

The American Political News
Published by: Angelo Locsin
Manila, Philippines

Washington - Brian Sicknick a US Capitol police officer who engaged against the Trump supporters on January 6 when they infiltrated the US State Capitol, passes away on Thursday evening.

Sicknick was severely beaten by Trump supporters and was struck on the head with fire extinguisher while performing his duty. He was one of the five individuals who died in the violence perpetuated by Trump acolytes.

Sicknick was injured while physically engaging against the furious Trump supporters and collapsed after returning to his division.

"He was taken to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries." Capital police statement said.

Prosecutors in the US attorney's office plan to open a federal murder investigation into the Sicknick's death.  A law official told the media.

The world witnessed the horrific scene of 
insolent insurrection committed by the legion
of trump supporters on January 6.

Sicknick was originally from South River, New Jersey and the youngest of the three sons, according to the statement issued by his brother Sicknick on behalf of his grieving family.

" Brian is a hero and that is what people would like to remember."  Ken Sicknick said

Sicknick family is very proud of his service to the country and he died while performing his sworn duty.

Sicknick wanted to be a police officer in all of his entire life and joined the New Jersey National guard in his pursuit of his goal.

According to the statement released by the New Jersey governor Phil Murphy's Office, Sicknick was a staff sargent of the New Jersey National guard

He served as a right-wing member and a leader of the 108th security force squadron, 108th Wing, at a joint base Mcguire-Dix-Lakehurst. Murphy said.

Sicknick's services included two deployments -- one was a part of the Southern Watch and the other was a part of Enduring Operation Freedom - Murphy added.

" Officer Sicknick gave his life protecting the  United States Capitol, and by extension, our very own democracy from violent insurrection." Murphy concluded.

US Speaker Nancy Pelosi orders the US flag to half-staff at the Capitol to honor the death of Brian Sicknick.

" The sacrifice of Sicknick reminds us of our obligation to those we serve: to protect our country from all threats foreign and domestic. May it be a comfort to Officer Sicknick's family so that many mourn with and pray with them at this sad time." Pelosi said in a statement

Twitter Bans President Donald Trump

 

The American Political News

Published by:  Edward Era Barbacena

Manila, Philippines

Washington - After Facebook and Instagram banned Trump, Twitter took its turn to deny Trump access to its platform, the company said on Friday.

Twitter have finally scrutinized Trump's account and made a thorough review on the contents that were said insinuating violence and hatred.

" After close review of recent tweets from the @realDonaldTrump account and the context around them we have permanently suspended due to the risk of further incitement or violence." Twitter said.

It took violence and mayhem perpetuated by trump's Acolytes on January 6 that made facebook and instagram to take away Trump's privileges to use the social media service.

It took two tweets by Trump on Friday afternoon that made Twitter to make a move to draw the line. The controversial tweets made by Trump have clearly violated the company's policy against the justification of violence, Twitter said and " these two tweets must be read in the context of broader events and the country and the ways in which the President's statement can mobilize by different audiences, including to incite violence, as well as in the context of the pattern of behavior from this account in recent weeks."

The first tweet was referring to his legion of supporters.

" The 75,000,000 great American patriots who voted me, AMERICA FIRST and MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, we will have GIANT VOICE long into the future. They will not be disrespected or treated unfairly in any way shape or form!!!"

The second tweet was all about Trump's plan to ditch Biden's inauguration.

" To all those who have asked, I will not be going to the inauguration on January 20th."

According to Twitter, the second tweet in regards to the inauguration, can be viewed as a strong statement that the recent election was not a legitimate one. It is also said that the tweet can be interpreted as an insinuation by Trump the the inauguration can be a "safer" target for insurrection and havoc by his followers because he was not attending.

Trump's other statement about American patriots suggested that "he plans to continue to support, empower and shield those who believe that he won the election." Twitter said.

Twitter bans specifically addresses @realDonaldTrump account and not Trump himself.

Twitter will enforce strict policy against ban evasions to ensure that Trump does not circumvent his personal account's suspension. Twitter told CNN.

" If it's clear that another account is being used for the purpose of evading a ban, it is also subject to suspension." Twitter said in a statement. For government account such as @Potus and @Whitehouse,  we will not suspend the account but will take action to limit their use. However, these accounts will be transitioned over to the new administration  in due course and will not be suspended by Twitter unless absolutely necessary to alleviate real-world harm."

Twitter also plans to prohibit any action by Trump to utilize third party to act on his behalf on twitter.

Trump sought to test Twitter ban evasion on Friday at around 8:30 PM when he or someone acting on his behalf posted four intriguing tweets from @Potus account.

" As I have been saying for long time, Twitter has gone further and further in banning free speech, and tonight, Twitter employees have coordinated with the Democrats and the Radical Left  in removing my account from their platform to silence me." Trump tweeted.

This tweet just vanished instantly.

Sources: Reuters and CNN

Washington Post Editorial Board seeks for Trump removable from the office after inciting violence at the Capitol

 

The American Political News

Published by:  George E. Smith

Manila, Philippines

WA - The Editorial Board of  the Washington Post called for President Donald Trump to be removed from the office in an opinion piece published on Wednesday.

President Donald Trump is now being criticized and mocked after the legions of his supporters breached and desecrated the US State Capitol building on Wednesday in an attempt to prevent the certification of the President-elect Joe Biden as the winner of the US presidential election occurred on November 2020.  Trump has been refusing to concede and accept the results of the election and made several baseless accusations against the Democrats for stealing the election.  He also made his thousands of supporters believe that the election was totally rigged.  

However, there were substantial proof to support trump's allegations against the Democrats in tipping the election for Joe Biden's favor.  In addition, several lawsuits were filed by his legal team in order to invalidate and overturn the results of the election.

The Post Editorial Board said that Trump's refusal to accept his embarrassing election defeat and his relentless  incitement of his blind followers has lead  Wednesday to the unimaginable :  an assault to the US State Capitol by unruly Trump supporters and mobs that overwhelmed the police and drove congress from its chambers while finalizing  the electoral votes.

President Trump is liable for such acts of insolence and sedition perpetuated by his legions of followers and being in the office poses a grave  threat and imminent danger to the American democracy.

The reiterated that President Trump must be removed from the office. " Trump is unfit to remain in the office " for the remaining days of his term, he should be replaced by Vice president Mike Pence under the auspices of the 25th amendment which provides for the removal of the sitting president  should they be  " unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office." 

New York detects its first variant coronavirus

 

The American News

Published by: Angelo Locsin

Manila, Philippines

New York - NYC was once the epicenter of covid-19 now faces a new threat.  Governor  Andrew Cuomo says that the state detects its first case of variant coronavirus - a more contagious type of coronavirus and spreads more rapidly.  This is the mutated form of coronavirus.  This has raised a concern about possible threats to the hospital capacity and accommodation if left uncontrolled and unmonitored.

Cuomo says on Monday that the variant coronavirus was detected in a man in his 60s who was from Albany and had not travelled recently. This suggest that the transmission of the disease is now on going within the state of New York.  So far, medical authorities in NY has carried out 5,000 test for the UK strain and has only detected 1 positive case. Cuomo says that this may be a "game changer"  if the new strain increases hospitalization and forces region to close down again.

Source: Reuters

England to under lockdown again

 

The English News

Published by: Edward Era Barbacena

Manila, Philippines

UK's prime minister Boris Johnson has just announced that everyone in England must stay at home unless permitted in the beginning of the new lockdown starting midnight as a response to the rapid sure of coronavirus in the country.

All schools and colleges will be closed to all students and must switch to online learning until the halfway of February.

In a televised address, Johnson urge citizens to comply to the stay-at-home order immediately as the coronavirus cases and patients spike in numbers.

He also reiterated that the first four priorities will be inoculated with covid-19 vaccine by the mid of February.

Speaking from Downing street, Johnson said that the weeks ahead will be the " hardest yet " but he also emphasized that it would be the phase of the tough struggles.

Scotland earlier issued the stay-at-home order and joined Whales in closing schools to all students at all levels.

Northern Ireland's Storming Executive are also meeting to discuss new measures amid the rise of the covid-19 toll.

On Monday, Great Britain have detected more than 50,000 new covid-19cases in just a week.

An additional 58,784 cases and fatalities of 407 in the last 28 days were reported but death toll from  Scotland was not obtained.

Johnson's announcement came after the British Chief Medical Officers recommended that the Covid threat level must be increased to 5 - its the highest level.

They warned that the "material risks" of health care services may become overwhelmed in some areas in the country in the next 21 days.

Level 5 means the NHS may not be able to cope up with the additional surge of covid-19 and health services may become stagnant.

NHS providers which symbolize health care trust, said hospitals and medical facilities are now in the very "critical point" and that "immediate and decisive action" is expedient.

Source: BBC News

Trump pressured top election officials to overturn his defeat in Georgia

 

The American Political News

Published by: Anilov Mijarez

Manila, Philippines

As US President Donald Trump's term nearly ends, he is now on a desperate moves as he pressured Georgia's top election officials to find enough votes to overturn his embarrassing defeat in the state. According to a recorded audio of a Saturday phone call obtained by the Washington Post, in Trump's latest effort to push baseless claims regarding voter

 fraud.

The Washington Post published on Sunday an hour-long phone call conversation between Trump and Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, a fellow Republican.  Trump flattered, begged and at the same time threatened Raffensperger with such obnoxious criminal consequences in an attempt to undo his imminent defeat in Georgia to Democrat President-elect Joe Biden.

Washington Post said that all throughout the phone call conversation, Raffensperger and his office general counsel rejected Trump's assertion and told the president that he was relying on   mere rumors and debunked conspiracy theories of what was clean, fair, honest and accurate election. The audio excerpts published by Washington Post confirmed that.

" The people of Georgia are angry, the people in the country are angry," Trump said according to an excerpt of the recording published by  WA Post. " And there's nothing wrong with saying, you know, um, that you've recalculated."

" So look. All I want to do is this. I just want to find 11,780 votes which is one more than we have. Because we won the state." Trump said in a recording that there's "no way"  he lost the state of Georgia.

The White House refused to provide comment. Raffensperger Office didn't immediately respond to comment.  The Biden transition office had no immediate comment.

Georgia is one of the several crucial swing state where Trump lost the November 3, 2020 US Presidential election to Biden, and where Trump since then sought baseless lawsuits and allegations to overturn election results.

Sources:

The Washington Post

Reuters

18 people attending funeral died when roof collapsed in New Delhi

 

The Indian News

Published by: Angelo Locsin

At least 18 people who were attending funeral died after a roof that they were sheltering under collapsed due to heave rains on Sunday in New Delhi.

Around 80 mourners have congregated under a shelter at a crematorium  in the district of Ghaziabad when the roof collapsed trapping them  under the rubble.

Rescuers have to use canine sniffers to find those who have survived under the rubbles and were rushed immediately to a nearby medical facility for treatment. Many were still in critical condition. Senor police officer  Ijaj Raja later said that the rescue operation had been completed.

The cause of the collapse was not immediately clear but authorities said that they will conduct thorough investigation.

Bangkok to undergo partial lockdown

 

The Thai News

Published by:  Edward Era Barbacena

Thailand's capital city's nightlife will be temporarily unavailable to the people of the night as the ban on selling liquors on bars, nightclub and restaurants to take on effect on Saturday due to the increase in cases of covid-19 in the country.

Thailand has been efficient in controlling the spread of the covid-19 pandemic since it was detected on January last year.  On November, the total cases was only less than 4,000.

Unexpectedly, the cases have skyrocketed last December by more than 40 percent and cases have reached to a staggering 7,300.

In Bangkok, where more than 2,600 cases were detected, local government have decided to impose partial lockdown in order to curb the spread of the pandemic that will take effect on Saturday.

Establishments like nightclubs, restaurants, shopping malls, cockpit arenas, gyms, sports centers massage parlors, barber shops and salons will be shut down and will not be allowed to operate for the meantime.

Local government unit have announced that public schools will be closed for two weeks and dozens of checkpoints will be set across the nation's capital.

Nationwide restrictions and closures are expected to be carried out from January 4 and will be lifted up by February 1 - thus it will provide a 2 days grace period of business owners to prepare.

Anger echoed the social media as people were infuriated on the new restrictions  with business owners expressed frustrations on the partial lockdown.

Florida detects variant covid

 

The American News

Published by:  Edward Era Barbacena

The variant coronavirus that has been rapidly spreading across the Great Britain has been detected in the state of Florida on the first day January,  Florida health official said on Thursday, making it as the third state in the US to acquire the variant covid.

The Florida Department of Health that the case involves a male in his 20s from Martin county that had no history of any travel.  Other two cases were also detected Colorado and California on December, 2020.

On Wednesday, California governor Gavin Newsom said that the variant coronavirus B.1.1.7 was detected in southern California.

A day earlier the first case of variant coronavirus was identified in Colorado in a man who's also in his 20 with no history of travel as well.