Wednesday, April 29, 2026


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Ligtas na pagdaan sa Strait of Hormuz hindi agad magpapababa ng presyo ng fuel sa bansa – DOE

Venus L Peñaflor
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Ligtas na pagdaan sa Strait of Hormuz hindi agad magpapababa ng presyo ng fuel sa bansa – DOE

MAYNILA — Ang desisyon ng Iran na payagan ang ligtas na pagdaan ng mga langis na patungong Pilipinas sa Strait of Hormuz ay bahagi ng hakbang ng pamahalaan para sa risk management at hindi agad magreresulta sa pagbaba ng presyo ng langis sa bansa, ayon kay Secretary Sharon Garin ng Department of Energy (DOE) nitong Sabado.

Sa isang post sa Facebook, sinabi ni Garin na nakatiyak ang Pilipinas ng “safe and preferential access” sa Strait of Hormuz. Dagdag niya, makatutulong ito sa pagbawas ng panganib ng pagkaantala ng suplay ng langis, sa pagprotekta sa mga kargamento na konektado sa Pilipinas, at sa pagpapahusay ng kaligtasan ng mga Pilipinong seafarers sa gitna ng digmaan sa pagitan ng US at Israel laban sa Iran.

“Ito ay Risk Management, dahil sa panahon ng pandaigdigang tensyon, ang pagbawas ng panganib ay isang makabuluhang tagumpay na,” ani Garin.

Dagdag niya, “Gusto rin nating pamahalaan ang inaasahan ng publiko. Ang hakbang na ito ay hindi agad magpapababa ng presyo ng gasolina, at hindi rin nito nalulutas ang pangmatagalang structural challenge sa enerhiya. Ito ay patuloy nating tinutugunan bilang prayoridad.”

Binanggit din ni Garin na ang mga tanong at alalahanin tungkol sa saklaw at epekto ng kasalukuyang kasunduan ay “bahagi ng isang malusog at maalam na pampublikong talakayan.”

Ayon sa Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), nakamit ng Pilipinas ang ligtas na pagdaan sa Strait of Hormuz kung saan dumadaloy ang 20% ng langis at liquefied natural gas sa buong mundo matapos ang pag-uusap sa telepono ni Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro at Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi.

Tiniyak ni Araghchi kay Lazaro na papayagan ng Iran ang “ligtas, walang sagabal, at mabilis na pagdaan sa Strait of Hormuz ng mga barkong may watawat ng Pilipinas, mga pinagkukunan ng enerhiya, at lahat ng Pilipinong seafarers,” ayon sa DFA noong Huwebes.

Bilang paglilinaw aniya, ito ay hindi perpektong solusyon, at hindi nito inaalis ang lahat ng panganib,” ani Garin.

Batay sa Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS) trading mula Marso 30 hanggang Abril 2, ayon sa isang pinagkakatiwalaang source sa industriya ng langis, posibleng tumaas ang retail diesel ng P17 hanggang P19 kada litro sa susunod na linggo.

Maaaring itulak nito ang presyo ng regular diesel hanggang P165 kada litro at premium diesel lampas sa P170 kada litro.

Ang presyo ng gasolina naman ay inaasahang tataas ng P3 hanggang P5 kada litro, na posibleng magdala sa presyo ng super premium, premium, at regular na gasolina sa humigit-kumulang P120, P117, at P110 kada litro, ayon sa pagkakasunod.

Ipinakita ng datos ng DOE na ang paggalaw ng presyo ngayong linggo, ang ika-13 para sa buong taon, ay nagresulta sa kabuuang net increase na P48.20 kada litro para sa gasolina, P90.05 kada litro para sa diesel, at P78.10 kada litro para sa kerosene.


New Insights into the Crucifixion: A Data-Driven Look at Jesus’ Death

Venus L Peñaflor
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New Insights into the Crucifixion: A Data-Driven Look at Jesus’ Death

JERUSALEM — The crucifixion of Jesus Christ remains one of history’s most studied events, not only for its religious significance but also for its historical and psychological dimensions. Historical records, forensic studies, and population estimates from the 1st century provide insight into the human and social impact of this moment.

Crucifixion, the method used, was reserved by Roman authorities for non-citizens, rebels, and criminals. Ancient sources, including Josephus, indicate that thousands were crucified during uprisings in Judea. For a figure like Jesus, who reportedly had hundreds of followers, the event sent a clear signal to both local populations and Roman rulers.

Modern forensic studies provide insight into the physical toll of crucifixion. Victims typically suffered extreme blood loss, asphyxiation, and shock. According to historical accounts and research, Jesus endured scourging with a flagrum (a multi-thonged whip embedded with metal or bone), which tore the skin and caused deep lacerations, and a crown of thorns that punctured the scalp. He was forced to carry a heavy crossbeam, likely worsening pre-existing injuries, before being nailed to the cross. Piercing of the wrists and feet with iron nails caused severe trauma to muscles and tendons, and his death likely resulted from a combination of exhaustion, blood loss, and asphyxiation within six to nine hours.

The crucifixion occurred during the Passover festival, when Jerusalem’s population swelled from roughly 50,000 to over 100,000 residents. This period of high population density increased tensions between Roman authorities and local communities. Executions served not only as punishment but also as political deterrence against rebellion.

Eyewitnesses reported unusual phenomena during the crucifixion, including darkness over the land for approximately three hours. While debated by historians, these accounts underscore the intense impact the event had on those who witnessed it. By 30–33 AD, Jesus’ teachings had already gathered several hundred dedicated followers in Judea, who would play a key role in spreading his message.

Astronomical studies, including analyses using NASA’s historical eclipse data, note a lunar eclipse on April 3, AD 33, which may align with biblical accounts of darkness over the land and a moon appearing blood-red after Jesus’ death. Scholars caution that NASA itself does not make theological claims, but the eclipse data offers a temporal marker for historians studying the event.

Estimated data from historical and forensic analyses indicate that the crucifixion lasted six to nine hours, with four to six Roman soldiers overseeing the execution, and immediate witnesses numbering between 50 and 120. Within twenty years, the early Christian movement had grown from a few hundred followers to tens of thousands, reflecting the profound social and cultural ripple effects of Jesus’ death.

By examining historical, social, and physiological data, researchers gain a clearer understanding of the crucifixion as both a human tragedy and a transformative historical event, with enduring significance that continues to shape faith, culture, history, and belief worldwide.

India begins long-delayed census with implications for welfare and political representation

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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India begins long-delayed census with implications for welfare and political representation

NEW DELHI — India has launched its long-delayed national population census, a massive undertaking expected to influence the distribution of welfare programs and reshape political representation across the country.

The census, considered the largest population count in the world, was originally scheduled for 2021 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and logistical challenges. The last census in 2011 recorded a population of 1.21 billion. Current estimates place the population at more than 1.4 billion, making India the world’s most populous nation.

The first phase of the census began Wednesday and will continue through September. During this stage, enumerators will visit households across the country to collect data on housing conditions, infrastructure, and access to basic facilities. Each area is expected to be surveyed over the course of about a month.

Authorities said the process will combine traditional in-person interviews with digital tools, including a multilingual smartphone application that allows residents to submit information. The system is also integrated with satellite-based mapping to improve accuracy and coverage.

A second phase, scheduled from September until April 1 next year, will gather more detailed demographic information, including social and economic characteristics such as religion and caste.

More than 3 million government workers are expected to take part in the census. In 2011, around 2.7 million enumerators surveyed over 240 million households nationwide.

A key and potentially contentious aspect of the new census is its broader attempt to document caste data. Caste remains a deeply rooted system of social hierarchy in India, influencing access to resources, education, and economic opportunities. While hundreds of caste groups exist—particularly among Hindus—reliable and updated data on their population distribution remains limited.

The last comprehensive caste enumeration dates back to 1931 during British colonial rule. Since independence, beginning with the 1951 census, official counts have been limited to historically marginalized communities, including Dalits and Adivasis, classified as Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and eligible for government benefits.

Successive governments have avoided conducting a full caste census, citing concerns that it could intensify social divisions and potentially lead to unrest.

The data collected through the census plays a critical role in shaping public policy, including the allocation of government welfare programs. It may also trigger a redrawing of electoral boundaries, as parliamentary and state legislative seats are adjusted to reflect population changes.

Recent legislation passed in 2023, reserving one-third of legislative seats for women, could further amplify the impact of any expansion in representation, increasing the number of positions allocated to female lawmakers.


Making sense of the phrase ‘too risky to share’

DC Alviar
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Making sense of the phrase ‘too risky to share’

First off, a blessed, solemn Holy Week and if it’s April 5, 2026, happy Easter. I miss how things used to be… It’s too risky to share. It seems like each scroll through social media we read the phrase “too risky to share” but it’s shared anyway. From kidding harmlessly to confessing profoundly, netizens write captions and posts until readers ask themselves what it means by that risk. 

Or if it’s real. 

Parang nakakahiya. Why is it posted in the first place? It may be another step without much depth or it may be the other way. Nagpapakatotoo lang.

“Too risky to share” makes sense (of course, we give the sharer the benefit of a doubt). We’ve not been comfortable volunteering all our information all the time; more so in public. It therefore expresses emotion with some protection. Lusot: “I’ll be honest, though it’s embarrassing.”

Asked why one is doing a penitencia, the usual response is, “Marami akong kasalanan.” Or: “Nagbabawas ng kasalanan.” “Too risky to share” is a declaration that “I’m not alone.” Which also means an invitation: “Join me or bear with me.” Many think that the generation now calls for more resistance and enough resilience (or enough of it). Wala nang hiya-hiya ngayon.

Losing its weight

Since it’s not really a risk, there is nothing insensitive to feel sorry about and no danger to speak of. From the very simple “wala lang” and “may masabi lang” to the most complicated: “I’m OK but no, I’m not… Too risky to share.” 

The phrase in question only means that the sharer tries to accessorize their post with it. Trying to be deep, the sharer’s post instead becomes an empty well.  (Isn’t that the reason the culture of reading can never be revived?) So young people will turn to optics. But the message is the message and it is incumbent upon them to understand its being more prevailing, never mind how good the medium is.

Following the moral direction

May this Holy Week prompt us to ask God to give us space to reflect, to grieve, and to hold on to what is right since we’re weighed down by conflict after conflict, distrust after distrust. We keep on communicating and world leaders conduct meeting after meeting, but this follows with war after war after war.

Maybe it helps if the US Congress is asked first of its approval before Donald Trump wage wars. But it’s too risky to share that he is his constituents’ leader. 

Some say that the US+Israel vs Iran (more popularly called US-Israel vs Iran) is a necessary evil in geopolitics. They say that US+Israel vs Iran (more popularly called US-Israel vs Iran) is a necessary evil in geopolitics.  I beg to differ. For the sake of national interest and security, there is reason to believe that it’s illogical; with the US “helping” Israel wage wars, I hope that peace-loving Americans will come out of their senses and stop their war-freak leaders, especially Trump. His mercurial temperament is the problem. He can’t do it in his own home, but his neighbor, his fellow American citizens, and some of their leaders have allowed and continue to allow it to go international.

That Israel and the US waging wars without rules must end. But it’s hard to start ending it if we’re only the Philippines and Filipinos. We still can help end it with God’s help. We need to communicate with Him. He is the ultimate Ruler, eternal Judge, and sender of the Savior, his Son Jesus Christ, who is the name above Trump, Netanyahu, and all other names.

If “without rules” is not the case for the Prime Minister of Israel, take a close look and read slowly the November 21, 2024 initial order of warrant of arrest issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC): “Charges: Allegedly responsible for the war crimes of starvation as a method of warfare and of intentionally directing an attack against the civilian population, and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts from at least 8 October 2023 until at least 20 May 2024.” 

He could have and should have done a Private Benjamin: Be sorry. It’ your best move. In initial phases of amity with Americans (or Trump/MAGA supporters), too much disclosure that you’re ready to receive their all-out support for your all-out war can cause discomfort. But going easy on your neighboring countries, which also brave deep, decades-old domestic problems on their own, will win Israel’s truly chosen battle: spreading love.

God who is slow to anger may ask Netanyahu to retract so many words, especially this: “History proves that unfortunately and unhappily, Jesus Christ has no advantage over Genghis Khan.” There’s no good argument overcoming morality (not even in war) with atrocities and so much power. Just be sorry. Recognize your wrongdoing. Vengeance belongs to the God of Israel, and you may accumulate worldwide popularity, rather than notoriety, when you begin to rule with the power of non-retaliation.

Some things are better left unsaid to leaders like Trump and Netanyahu… Too risky to share.


Pope Leo XIV, the first US pope, emerges as vocal critic of Trump over Iran war

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Pope Leo XIV, the first US pope, emerges as vocal critic of Trump over Iran war

VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV, the first American to lead the global Catholic Church, has taken a markedly more assertive stance on international affairs, publicly urging Donald Trump to end the escalating Iran war in a significant shift from his earlier silence on U.S. politics.

For much of his first 10 months as pope, Leo avoided commenting on his home country and refrained from mentioning Trump. However, that approach has changed in recent weeks as he increasingly criticized the conflict and directly appealed to the U.S. president to pursue a path toward de-escalation.

In a public statement, Leo called on Trump to find an “off-ramp” to end the war, an American colloquialism seen by analysts as a deliberate attempt to communicate more directly with U.S. leadership.

Observers say the pope’s evolving tone signals an intention to position the Vatican as a counterweight to Trump’s foreign policy. Massimo Faggioli, a Vatican expert and professor at Trinity College Dublin, noted that Leo’s remarks appear carefully calibrated.

“I don’t think he wants the Vatican to be accused of being soft on Trumpism because he’s an American,” Faggioli said, adding that the pope’s use of familiar language was likely intentional.

Supporters within the Church say Leo is continuing a longstanding papal tradition of advocating peace. Blase Cupich, a close ally of the pope, said the difference lies in how the message is delivered.

“What is different … is the voice of the messenger,” Cupich told Reuters, noting that English-speaking audiences are now hearing the Vatican’s call for peace in more familiar terms.

In recent remarks, Leo took an unusually strong stance, saying God rejects the prayers of leaders who wage war with “hands full of blood.” The comments were widely interpreted by some conservative Catholic commentators as directed at Pete Hegseth, who has used religious language in defending U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran.

The statement prompted a response from the White House. Karoline Leavitt said there was nothing wrong with leaders encouraging prayers for military personnel.

Peace advocates have welcomed the pope’s intervention. Marie Dennis of Pax Christi said Leo’s appeal reflects “a heart broken by unrelenting violence” and resonates with those seeking an end to the conflict.

The pope’s criticism has been building over time. He previously questioned whether the Trump administration’s immigration policies aligned with Church teachings, though he avoided naming specific officials at the time. He also reshaped U.S. Catholic leadership in December, replacing Timothy Dolan with Ronald Hicks in a move seen as significant within Church circles.

In March, Leo intensified his calls for peace, urging Christian political leaders who initiate wars to reflect on their actions and saying that indiscriminate airstrikes should be banned.

Michael Czerny said the pope’s message carries global weight because it speaks to the common good, particularly for vulnerable populations.

“Pope Leo’s moral voice is credible, and the world wants desperately to believe that peace is possible,” Czerny said.

Leo is set to deliver a major message during upcoming Easter events at St. Peter’s Basilica, where his address is expected to include a renewed appeal for peace amid ongoing global tensions.

Tiniyak ng Iran ang ligtas na pagdaan ng mga barkong Pinoy sa Strait of Hormuz

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Tiniyak ng Iran ang ligtas na pagdaan ng mga barkong Pinoy sa Strait of Hormuz

MAYNILA – Inihayag ng Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) noong Huwebes na tiniyak ng Iran ang ligtas na pagdaan ng mga barkong may watawat ng Pilipinas, mga pinagkukunan ng enerhiya, at lahat ng Pilipinong seafarers sa Strait of Hormuz, na apektado ng kasalukuyang tensyon sa Middle East.

Ayon sa DFA, nagkaroon si Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro ng produktibong pag-uusap sa telepono kay Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Aragchi upang talakayin ang mas matibay na bilateral cooperation sa iba’t ibang larangan.

Tiniyak ng Iranian minister na “papayagan ng Iran ang ligtas, walang sagabal, at mabilis na pagdaan sa Strait of Hormuz ng mga barkong may watawat ng Pilipinas, mga energy sources, at lahat ng Pilipinong seafarers.”

Dahil dito, nakamit ng Pilipinas ang status bilang “non-hostile country,” na magbibigay proteksyon sa mga Pilipinong seafarers at makakatulong sa seguridad ng enerhiya ng bansa. Ayon sa DFA, “ang positibong hakbang na ito ay mahalaga para sa Pilipinas, dahil hindi lamang nito titiyakin ang kaligtasan ng mga Pilipinong seafarers sa lugar kundi makakatulong din sa enerhiya ng bansa.”

Nagsimula ang pagpapatupad ng Iran ng blockade sa Strait of Hormuz noong Marso, ayon sa European Union naval officials, na nag-monitor ng mga radio warning na ipinadala sa maraming tanker. Gayunpaman, ipinaabot ng Tehran sa mga miyembro ng International Maritime Organization na ang mga “non-hostile vessels” ay maaaring mag-transit sa Strait of Hormuz kung makikipag-ugnayan sa mga awtoridad ng Iran.

Ayon sa Financial Times, tinukoy ng Iran sa liham nito na ang mga barkong konektado sa US at Israel, pati na rin ang “ibang kalahok sa agresyon,” ay hindi kwalipikado para sa innocent o non-hostile passage.

Ayon kay Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro, “Mahalaga ito para sa proteksyon ng ating mga seafarers at sa suplay ng enerhiya ng bansa.” Idinagdag niya na si Secretary Lazaro ang mismong humiling sa pulong, na inilarawan bilang “exceptionally warm and open,” kasama si Energy Secretary Sharon Garin at Iranian Ambassador Yousef Esmaeilzadeh.

Ayon kay Castro, “Ipinahayag ni Ambassador Esmaeilzadeh na matagal na nilang hinihintay ang aming pakikipag-ugnayan at muling tiniyak ang kanilang kahandaang tumulong sa Pilipinas sa pagpapaunlak ng kahilingan. Napagkasunduan naming ipasa ang lahat ng detalyadong kahilingan sa pamamagitan ng opisyal na diplomatic channels upang mapabilis ang proseso.”

Ang hakbang na ito ay kritikal sa gitna ng tumataas na presyo ng langis at ng deklarasyon ng Pilipinas ng national energy emergency dahil sa krisis sa langis na dulot ng tensyon sa Gitnang Silangan.

Oil prices surge, Asian stocks decline after Trump signals continued Iran attacks

Venus L Peñaflor
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Oil prices surge, Asian stocks decline after Trump signals continued Iran attacks

Global oil prices jumped sharply while Asian stock markets fell on Thursday following remarks by Donald Trump indicating that the United States would continue its military campaign against Iran, raising concerns over prolonged supply disruptions and economic instability.

Brent crude futures climbed by $6.33, or 6.3 percent, to $107.49 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude rose $5.28, or 5.3 percent, to $105.40 per barrel. The surge reversed earlier losses of more than $1 recorded before Trump’s televised address.

The price spike comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly after Iran moved to close the Strait of Hormuz, a key passageway for global energy shipments. The disruption has affected roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies, intensifying what analysts describe as one of the most severe energy crises in decades.

“We are going to finish the job, and we’re going to finish it very fast. We’re getting very close,” Trump said on Wednesday, adding that US military objectives could be achieved within two to three weeks.

Investor sentiment across Asia weakened following the speech, with markets reacting to the prospect of sustained high energy costs. Southeast Asian economies, which depend heavily on imported oil, were particularly affected.

A key regional benchmark, the MSCI Emerging Markets Asia Index, fell by 2.3 percent, while regional currencies slipped by 0.2 percent.

In South Korea, the KOSPI dropped 4.2 percent after earlier gains. President Lee Jae Myung called on lawmakers to swiftly approve a 26.2 trillion won ($17.3 billion) supplementary budget to stabilize the economy amid what he described as the “worst energy security threat” linked to the Middle East crisis.

Other regional markets also recorded losses. Singapore’s Singapore Exchange slipped 0.8 percent after opening at a two-week high, while Malaysia’s benchmark index declined by 1 percent. Stocks in Indonesia and Taiwan fell by approximately 1 percent and 1.4 percent, respectively.

In mainland China, the Shanghai Composite Index dropped 0.53 percent, while the CSI 300 Index lost 0.74 percent. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index declined by 1.1 percent, with technology shares falling even further.

According to Patrick Fok of Al Jazeera, Iran had earlier attempted to ease tensions by sending a message to the United States, stating it had “no enmity” with Americans and was acting in self-defense. The move briefly boosted investor confidence and lifted Wall Street stocks.

However, renewed uncertainty following Trump’s latest remarks has weighed heavily on global markets. Analysts note that any signs of de-escalation could quickly restore investor confidence and trigger a rebound in both oil prices and equities.

Trump says Iran objectives nearly complete as fresh missile strikes hit Israel

Venus L Peñaflor
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Trump says Iran objectives nearly complete as fresh missile strikes hit Israel

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Donald Trump told Americans in a prime-time televised address on Wednesday that U.S. military operations against Iran are nearing completion, but offered no clear timeline for ending the conflict, even as new hostilities erupted shortly after his speech.

In a 19-minute address, Trump said U.S. forces had destroyed Iran’s naval and air capabilities and severely weakened its ballistic missile and nuclear programs.

“I can say tonight that we are on track to complete all of America’s military objectives shortly, very shortly,” Trump said. “We’re going to hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks.”

However, within hours of the speech, Iran launched a fresh round of missile strikes toward Israel, according to multiple reports, including coverage by WION. Israeli authorities said air defense systems were activated to intercept the attack.

The renewed strikes underscored the volatility of the conflict and raised questions about the prospect of a near-term resolution, despite the president’s assertion that the most difficult phase of the war had already passed.

Trump signaled that military operations would continue and warned of further escalation if Tehran refuses U.S. terms in ongoing negotiations. He said key energy and oil infrastructure could be targeted if no agreement is reached.

“Our armed forces have delivered swift, decisive, overwhelming victories,” he said, adding that discussions remain ongoing with what he described as a “less radical” group in Iran.

Still, the address left major questions unanswered, including the fate of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil shipments that has remained effectively closed since the war began on February 28.

Trump also urged oil-dependent nations to take responsibility for securing the waterway. “The countries of the world that receive oil through the Hormuz Strait must take care of that passage,” he said.

He reiterated U.S. support for regional allies, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain, and said they would not be left vulnerable.

Domestically, Trump sought to ease concerns over rising fuel prices, attributing the increase to Iranian actions in the region. He described the spike as a short-term consequence and expressed confidence that prices would soon decline.

Financial markets reacted after the speech, with stocks falling and oil prices rising, reflecting investor concerns that the conflict may persist longer than anticipated.

The latest exchange of strikes highlights the ongoing risk of escalation, even as the U.S. administration maintains that its core military objectives are close to being achieved.

Artemis II astronauts begin historic lunar mission in NASA’s return to deep space

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Artemis II astronauts begin historic lunar mission in NASA’s return to deep space

CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida — Four astronauts have embarked on a landmark mission around the moon, marking humanity’s first crewed lunar voyage in more than 50 years and a critical step in NASA’s renewed push toward establishing a long-term presence on the lunar surface.

Launched aboard the towering Space Launch System rocket from Kennedy Space Center, Artemis II lifted off before a crowd of tens of thousands who gathered along nearby roads and beaches. The launch evoked scenes from the historic Apollo program, as spectators witnessed the beginning of a new chapter in space exploration.

The crew commander, Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen of Canada represent the most diverse team ever sent on a lunar mission. It includes the first woman, the first person of color, and the first non-American astronaut to take part in such a journey, all aboard NASA’s Orion capsule.

Following liftoff, the astronauts will spend the first 25 hours in Earth orbit, conducting system checks before committing to a 10-day mission that includes a lunar flyby. Unlike the historic Apollo 8 mission, Artemis II will not enter lunar orbit. Instead, the spacecraft will pass beyond the moon, traveling approximately 4,000 miles farther into space before looping back toward Earth for a Pacific Ocean splashdown.

During the mission, the crew will test manual control capabilities of the Orion spacecraft, maneuvering near the rocket’s detached upper stage to evaluate handling in case of system failure. The astronauts are also expected to document the journey through photographs, potentially capturing views of lunar features never before seen directly by human eyes. They will also observe portions of a solar eclipse from space as the moon briefly blocks the sun.

Artemis II serves as a crucial test flight for systems designed to support human life, including equipment not present during the uncrewed Artemis I mission more than three years ago. These additions increase mission complexity and risk, prompting NASA to proceed cautiously before sending the crew on the full lunar trajectory.

Officials say the success of Artemis II is essential to the agency’s broader plans, which include a series of missions aimed at building a sustainable human presence on the moon, supported by robotic systems and advanced infrastructure. The long-term objective extends beyond the moon, with the program viewed as a stepping stone toward future crewed missions to Mars.

The timeline for upcoming missions has recently been accelerated under NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, with preparations for future lunar landings now moving at a faster pace. Artemis II is expected to pave the way for more complex missions, including docking exercises and eventual landings near the moon’s south pole.

Despite the mission’s significance, risks remain. Engineers have previously encountered technical challenges, including hydrogen fuel leaks and system delays, though the launch proceeded without major incident. NASA has not publicly detailed its full risk assessment but acknowledges that the mission carries inherent uncertainties.

Still, for many, Artemis II represents a defining moment for a new generation. With decades having passed since humans last walked on the moon, the mission signals a renewed global interest in lunar exploration.

As Koch noted ahead of launch, the goal is to make the moon feel accessible once again: a destination not just of the past, but of the future.

Humiling ang Pilipinas ng ‘non-hostile country’ status sa Iran para sa ligtas na pagdaan sa Strait of Hormuz

Venus L Peñaflor
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Humiling ang Pilipinas ng ‘non-hostile country’ status sa Iran para sa ligtas na pagdaan sa Strait of Hormuz

MAYNILA — Hiniling ng pamahalaan ng Pilipinas sa Iran na italaga ang bansa bilang isang “non-hostile country” upang matiyak ang ligtas na pagdaan ng mga barkong may bandilang Pilipino sa Strait of Hormuz sa gitna ng tumitinding tensyon sa Middle East.

Ayon kay Claire Castro, mahalaga ang hakbang na ito upang maprotektahan ang mga Pilipinong seafarer at matiyak ang tuloy-tuloy na suplay ng enerhiya ng bansa. Dagdag niya, tinatapos na ng Department of Energy ang mga detalye para sa agarang pagpapadala ng pormal na kahilingan.

Ginawa ang kahilingan sa pulong nina Tess Lazaro at Sharon Garin kay Iranian envoy Yousef Esmaeilzadeh, na inilarawan ni Castro bilang “exceptionally warm and open.”

Sinabi ni Castro na si Lazaro ang personal na naghain ng kahilingan, habang ipinahayag naman ni Esmaeilzadeh ang kahandaan ng Iran na tumulong sa mga partikular na pangangailangan ng Pilipinas. Napagkasunduan din ng magkabilang panig na idaan sa opisyal na diplomatic channels ang mga detalye upang mapabilis ang proseso.

Batay sa mga opisyal ng European Union na nagmomonitor sa rehiyon, nagsimula ang pagpapatupad ng Iran ng blockade sa Strait of Hormuz noong Marso, kung saan nagpadala ito ng mga radio warning sa iba’t ibang oil tanker.

Ang nasabing daanan ay itinuturing na pinakamahalagang ruta ng pagluwas ng langis sa mundo, kung saan dumadaan ang humigit-kumulang 20 porsiyento ng global supply ng langis at liquefied natural gas mula sa mga bansang Gulf patungo sa pandaigdigang merkado.

Inaasahan namang makikipag-usap si Lazaro sa Iranian Foreign Minister upang matiyak ang mga kasunduang ito sa pinakamataas na antas, ayon sa Malacañang.

Sa hiwalay na pahayag sa X, sinabi ni Lazaro na tinalakay sa pulong ang mahahalagang larangan ng kooperasyon, kabilang ang enerhiya, at binigyang-diin ang layunin na palalimin pa ang ugnayan ng dalawang bansa.

Nauna nang nagpahayag si Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ng hangarin na magsagawa ng high-level talks sa Iran upang matiyak ang ligtas na pagdaan ng mga barko ng Pilipinas sa Strait of Hormuz.


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