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Prince Hisahito marks coming of age amid succession concerns

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TOKYO. Japan’s Prince Hisahito, the only son of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, formally celebrated his coming-of-age rituals on Saturday, making him the first male royal to reach adulthood in 40 years. Hisahito, who turned 18 last year, is second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne and is widely expected to become emperor one day.

However, the elaborate ceremonies highlight the pressing succession concerns facing the world’s oldest monarchy. After Hisahito, there are no younger male heirs. The male-only succession system, enshrined in the 1947 Imperial House Law, excludes women from ascending the throne despite public support for female emperors, such as Princess Aiko, the only child of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.

Historians and experts have long warned that the system is unsustainable. Traditionally, female succession was permitted, and there have been eight female emperors in Japanese history. Proposals to allow women to reign, or to extend royal status to the spouses and children of princesses, have stalled due to political resistance from conservatives.

Former Imperial Household Agency chief Shingo Haketa earlier noted that Hisahito bears the heavy burden of the family’s future. “The fundamental question is not whether to allow male or female succession line but how to save the monarchy,” he said.

Prince Hisahito, a biology student at Tsukuba University, is known for his interest in insects, particularly dragonflies, and has co-authored an academic paper on insect populations in Tokyo. His coming-of-age rituals included multiple ceremonies at the Imperial Palace, visits to sacred shrines and mausoleums, and traditional rites of wearing the crown. He also received the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum, a high honor in the imperial tradition.

The prince is the youngest member of the 16-member all-adult Imperial Family and one of only two male heirs younger than Emperor Naruhito. Succession concerns remain unresolved, underscoring the uncertain future of the Japanese monarchy.

Anutin wins Thailand premiership, defeats ruling party rival

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BANGKOK. Anutin Charnvirakul was elected prime minister of Thailand on Friday after securing a decisive victory in parliament, defeating the candidate of the Shinawatra family’s once-dominant ruling party and ending a week of political uncertainty.

With strong support from the opposition, Anutin surpassed the required majority in the lower house, concluding days of negotiations and maneuvering that sidelined the Pheu Thai party, which had long been considered the most successful political force in the country.

Anutin, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party and a veteran political dealmaker, has long positioned his party as a key player between rival elites. His win over Chaikasem Nitisiri marked a setback for Pheu Thai, the political base of billionaire Thaksin Shinawatra. Thaksin departed for Dubai late Thursday following his daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s dismissal as prime minister last week by court order.

Anutin received 63% of the parliamentary vote, more than double Chaikasem’s tally. “I will work my hardest, every day, no holidays, because there is not a lot of time. We have to ease problems quickly,” he told reporters after his election.

The political shift was accelerated by Anutin’s withdrawal from the ruling coalition in June, which left the government weakened amid protests and declining popularity. His victory was secured through an agreement with the progressive People’s Party, the largest bloc in parliament, in which he pledged to hold a referendum on constitutional amendments and call new elections within four months.

Anutin, 58, previously served as deputy prime minister, interior minister, and health minister, playing a key role in Thailand’s COVID-19 response. A staunch royalist, he is also known for leading the move to decriminalize cannabis, sparking a surge in marijuana businesses across the country.

He will head a minority government without the participation of the People’s Party, facing challenges including sluggish economic growth, high household debt, and weak consumer spending.

Pheu Thai, despite its loss, vowed to return to power. “We will return to finish the job for all the Thai people,” the party said.

Meanwhile, Thaksin, who previously returned to Thailand in 2023 to serve an eight-year sentence for abuse of power before receiving a royal pardon and parole, confirmed in a post on X that he was in Dubai for medical reasons but would return by September 8 to face a pending Supreme Court ruling.

Lahat ng opisyal ng DPWH nagsumite ng courtesy resignation — Dizon

MAYNILA. Kumpirmado na ang Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) ay nakatanggap ng courtesy resignations mula sa lahat ng opisyal nito, ayon kay DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon sa kanyang pagharap sa House Committee on Appropriations.

“100% na pong nag-submit, at we are now in the process of reviewing [their courtesy resignations],” pahayag ni Dizon.

Dagdag ng kalihim, nasa proseso na sila ng pagsusuri sa mga resignation at mayroon na ring ilang opisyal na tinanggal at pina-dismiss.

“Kahapon lang po, mayroon na po tayong mga tinanggal at pina-dismiss at makakaasa pa po tayong merong mga susunod po sa mga susunod na araw at susunod na linggo,” ani Dizon.

Iginiit din ni Dizon na kanyang ipinahinto ang imbestigasyon ng Anti-Corruption Task Force ng DPWH upang matiyak na isang independent body ang magsasagawa ng pagsisiyasat sa umanong multi-bilyong pisong anomalya sa mga ghost flood control projects.

Binigyang-diin ng kalihim na ang ganitong uri ng katiwalian ay nagiging posible lamang sa pamamagitan ng pakikipagsabwatan ng ilang tiwaling opisyal, kontraktor, at Local Government Units (LGUs).

Trump cites ‘very deep’ negotiations with Hamas, pushes to release hostages

WASHINGTON. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that Washington is engaged in “very deep” negotiations with Palestinian militant group Hamas and pressed for the release of all hostages held in Gaza.

“We are in very deep negotiation with Hamas,” Trump told reporters, warning that the situation would be “tough” and “nasty” if hostages remained in captivity.

“We said let them all out, right now let them all out. And much better things will happen for them but if you don’t let them all out, it’s going to be a tough situation, it’s going to be nasty,” Trump said, adding that Hamas was “asking for some things that are fine,” without elaborating further.

Palestinian militants took more than 250 hostages into Gaza after an October 2023 attack in Israel that killed about 1,200 people, according to Israeli figures. Israel’s subsequent assault on Gaza has killed tens of thousands, displaced the entire population, and triggered accusations of genocide and war crimes from rights groups and international courts—allegations Israel denies.

Trump had pledged a swift end to the Gaza war during his presidential campaign, but a resolution remains out of reach.

According to Israeli estimates, about 50 hostages are still in Hamas custody, with around 20 believed to be alive. Hamas has indicated willingness to release some hostages in exchange for a temporary ceasefire, while Trump has maintained his call for the release of all.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that the war will only end if all hostages are freed, Hamas is disarmed, Israel secures control over Gaza, and an alternative civilian administration is established. Hamas, in contrast, is demanding an end to the war and a full Israeli withdrawal.

Senador, kongresista, pinaniniwalaang sangkot sa P96-M ghost flood control project sa Bulacan

MAYNILA. Ipinahayag ni House Infrastructure Committee (Infra Comm) Co-Chairman at Bicol Saro Rep. Terry Ridon na posibleng isang senador o kongresista ang responsable sa pagpasok ng P96 milyong flood control project na tinukoy bilang “ghost project” sa Brgy. Sipat, Plaridel, Bulacan.

Ayon kay Ridon, ang alokasyon para sa proyekto ay hindi nagmula sa National Expenditure Program (NEP) o sa House General Appropriations Bill, kundi mula umano sa Bicameral Conference Committee kung saan pinag-iisa ng House Committee on Appropriations at Senate Finance Committee ang kani-kanilang bersiyon ng pambansang pondo.

“Hindi po ‘yan executive proposal. Ibig sabihin po niyan, either congressman o senador ‘yung nagpasok niyan bilang line item sa ating 2024 budget,” ani Ridon.

Dagdag pa niya, tanging Bicameral Conference Committee noong 2023 ang makapagtutukoy kung sino ang nagpasok ng line item. Maaari rin aniyang masagot ito ni dating DPWH District Engineer Henry Alcantara o ng Wawao Builders, na sangkot sa proyekto.

Samantala, sinabi ni DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon na bumisita siya sa lugar noong Huwebes at nadismaya nang matuklasang tatlong linggo pa lamang nitong Agosto sinisimulan ang proyekto. Batay umano sa dokumento ng DPWH, nakasaad na natapos na ang proyekto at nabayaran na ang Wawao Builders noon pang Hulyo 2024.

“Ang tawag diyan patay na binubuhay, gustong isalba at takpan ang kanilang mga kalokohan,” wika ni Dizon. Dagdag niya, dapat sanang matapos ang proyekto sa loob ng 270 araw.

“Klarong-klaro na ghost project ito pero dahil sa nangyayari, hinahabol ngayon… Kahayupan na ito. Hindi tao ang mga taong ito,” ayon kay Dizon na nagpahayag ng matinding pagkadismaya.

Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani dies at 91

MILAN. Giorgio Armani, the Italian fashion designer who placed Italy at the forefront of global fashion and became known for dressing Hollywood stars, has died at the age of 91, the Armani Group confirmed on Thursday.

“With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder, and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani,” the company said in a statement. “We, the employees and the family members, who have always worked alongside Mr. Armani, commit to protecting what he built and to carrying his company forward in his memory, with respect, responsibility, and love.”

Armani was widely recognized not only as a designer but also as a businessman, leading a company that generated about 2.3 billion euros ($2.7 billion) in annual revenue.

The designer had been unwell for some time and missed his group’s shows at Milan Men’s Fashion Week in June — the first time he was absent from one of his catwalk events.

Hollywood actress Julia Roberts, who famously wore an Armani suit at the 1990 Golden Globes, posted a photo with Armani on Instagram along with a broken heart emoji, writing: “A true friend. A legend.”

Mauro Barbieri, who worked for Armani in Milan for 32 years, described him as approachable and humble: “He would laugh with us and was really down to earth,” he told Reuters.

A funeral chamber will be opened in Milan on Saturday and Sunday to allow the public to pay their respects. His funeral will be held in private on Monday.

Known as “Re Giorgio” (King Giorgio) in Italy, Armani was deeply involved in every aspect of his business — from design to advertising and even last-minute adjustments before runway shows.

The company had been preparing to celebrate its 50th anniversary during Milan Fashion Week this month with an exhibition and other events.

Leadership of the Armani Group is expected to continue under family members Silvana and Roberta Armani, nephew Andrea Camerana, and long-time associate Pantaleo Dell’Orco. However, his passing has raised questions about the company’s future.

Armani’s minimalist style, particularly his tailored jackets, was a breakthrough in the late 1970s and 1980s, especially among women in professional fields who embraced the balance of elegance and strength in his designs.

2 warship ng China namataan sa Bajo de Masinloc

MAYNILA. Kinumpirma ng Philippine Navy na dalawang barkong pandigma ng China ang namataan 40 nautical miles timog-silangan ng Bajo de Masinloc habang isinasagawa ang Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) kasama ang Estados Unidos, Canada, at Australia noong Setyembre 2–3.

Ayon kay Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, kabilang sa mga natukoy na barko ang isang Luyang-class destroyer at isang Jiangkai-class frigate. Aniya, sinundan ng mga barko ng Tsina ang international task group ngunit hindi ito nakilahok sa anumang joint patrol, taliwas sa naunang pahayag ng China.

“These ships were monitored during the conduct of the 10th MMCA (Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity) involving the US Navy, the Royal Canadian Navy, the Royal Australian Navy and the PN,” ani Trinidad, na tumutukoy sa naval exercises na isinagawa sa karagatan ng Zambales.

“They were observed following the international task group and were not conducting any surface serials or synchronized movement that would generally indicate a joint patrol contrary to publications by the Southern Theater Command,” dagdag niya.

Tinukoy rin ni Trinidad na bahagi umano ng “malign influence operations” ng Beijing ang ganitong pahayag upang bigyang-katwiran ang presensya ng mga barko sa loob ng exclusive economic zone (EEZ) ng Pilipinas.

Ang Bajo de Masinloc, o Scarborough Shoal, ay matatagpuan 124 nautical miles mula Zambales at sakop ng 200-nautical-mile EEZ ng bansa.

DPWH engineer ng Bulacan, sinibak; Co nasa US na

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MAYNILA. Sinibak ni Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon si dating Bulacan First District Engineer Henry Alcantara, kasabay ng imbestigasyong isinasagawa kaugnay ng umano’y maanomalyang flood control projects.

Sa ambush interview matapos inspeksiyunin ang isang flood control project sa Barangay Sipat, Plaridel, Bulacan, sinabi ni Dizon na bukod sa dismissal ay irerekomenda rin niya sa DPWH Legal Service ang pagsasampa ng kasong kriminal laban kay Alcantara sa Office of the Ombudsman sa susunod na linggo.

“He is now dismissed. I will call for summary dismissal of Henry Alcantara,” kumpirmasyon ni Dizon. Next week, I will ask the DPWH Legal to recommend filing of appropriate charges against Henry Alcantara. Well, obviously, criminal ito. Pagnanakaw ito e, P100 million… We will recommend filing of charges with the Ombudsman,” dagdag niya.

Ang hakbang na ito ay kasunod ng pag-amin ni Alcantara sa Kamara na nag-isyu siya ng certificate of completion sa P55 milyong flood control project sa Baliwag, Bulacan, na kalaunan ay natuklasang isang ghost project.

Ayon kay Dizon, Wawao Builders ang contractor sa proyekto na idineklarang kumpleto noong 2024, subalit natuklasang tatlong linggo pa lamang nagsisimula ang aktwal na konstruksiyon.

Samantala, binanggit din ang isa pang flood control project sa Barangay Piel, Baliwag, na dinalaw ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. noong Agosto 20, na iniuugnay naman sa SYMS Construction Trading.

Tiniyak ni Dizon na bukod sa lifetime ban, sasampahan ng kaso ang mga kumpanyang sangkot. Kasama ring sisibakin sina suspended Assistant District Engineer Brice Ericson Hernandez at Engr. Jaypee Mendoza ng DPWH Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office.

Matatandaang inamin din ni Alcantara na minsan siyang gumamit ng alyas at pekeng ID upang makapasok sa casino, bagay na ipinagbabawal sa mga empleyado ng gobyerno.

Isyu kay Rep. Zaldy Co

Samantala, kumpirmado namang nasa Estados Unidos si dating House Appropriations Committee Chairman at AKO Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co para sa medical treatment.

Ayon kay House spokesperson Atty. Princess Abante, may kumpletong travel documents at clearance mula sa Kamara si Co para makapagpagamot.

Si Co ay kabilang sa iniimbestigahan kaugnay ng umano’y P13.8 bilyong insertion sa DPWH infrastructure projects sa ilalim ng panukalang P6.352 trilyong 2025 national budget. Binanggit din ni Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco na matagal nang hindi aktibong nakikilahok si Co sa mga plenary session, pagdinig, at iba pang aktibidad ng Kamara.

Nais naman ni Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice na ipatawag si Co at dating Senate Finance Committee Chairman Grace Poe upang magpaliwanag hinggil sa umano’y budget insertions.

Sa pagdinig ng Infra Committee, inamin ni dating DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan na nadagdagan ng P100.8 bilyon ang kanilang infrastructure projects para sa 2025.

26 nations commit to postwar security guarantees for Ukraine, Macron says

PARIS. Twenty-six countries have pledged to provide postwar security guarantees to Ukraine, which could involve an international presence on land, at sea and in the air, French President Emmanuel Macron announced following a summit of Kyiv’s allies on Thursday.

Macron said he and fellow European leaders, along with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, held a call with U.S. President Donald Trump after the meeting, adding that Washington’s contributions would be finalized in the coming days.

Asked later about his contacts with Russia, Trump said: “Yeah, I will be. We are having a very good dialogue,” referring to a potential conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The summit brought together 35 leaders from the “coalition of the willing,” mainly European nations, to finalize security guarantees and seek U.S. backing, which participants said was vital to make the commitments effective. The measures aim to reassure Ukraine and deter future Russian aggression.

“The day the conflict stops, the security guarantees will be deployed,” Macron said at a press conference at the Elysee Palace in Paris, standing alongside Zelenskiy.

Officials acknowledged peace remains a distant prospect but stressed the importance of being prepared. Macron clarified that while some nations may deploy to Ukraine, others will provide support through training or equipping Ukrainian forces from outside the country. He did not specify troop numbers.

Germany and several others pledged involvement, but Berlin said any military commitment would depend on the scale of U.S. participation. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated Italy would not send troops but could contribute to ceasefire monitoring and training outside Ukraine. France and Britain signaled readiness to deploy troops after the war.

Zelenskiy welcomed the outcome, noting: “Twenty-six countries agreed to provide security guarantees. Today, for the first time in a long time, this is the first such serious, particular substance.”

During the leaders’ call, Trump urged Europe to stop buying Russian oil and called for greater economic pressure on China, which he said was supporting Moscow. A White House official confirmed he also emphasized closer coordination on sanctions targeting Russia’s energy sector and China.

Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said his country will not send troops but could support naval security in the Black Sea, including de-mining, and expressed interest in forming a regional security alliance with Romania and Turkey.

European governments have stressed that any forces in Ukraine would require U.S. security guarantees as a safeguard. Trump has not explicitly committed to this, though his envoy Steve Witkoff met European and Ukrainian diplomats before attending the summit’s opening.

European officials also voiced concern about the lack of direct peace talks between Putin and Zelenskiy since Trump hosted Putin in August, urging Washington to apply more pressure on Moscow.

Putin on Wednesday suggested negotiations were possible “if common sense prevails,” though he warned he was prepared to continue the war if necessary. He dismissed the idea of NATO troop deployments to Ukraine, while NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte responded that Russia should not have a say in Ukraine’s security arrangements.

“Why are we interested in what Russia thinks about troops in Ukraine? It’s a sovereign country,” Rutte said in Prague before joining the Paris summit virtually. “Russia has nothing to do with this. I think we really have to stop making Putin too powerful.”

BOC tututok sa yate, chopper ng government contractors

MAYNILA. Tiniyak ng Bureau of Customs (BOC) na sisiyasatin din ang mga ari-arian ng iba pang kontratista ng mga flood control projects na posibleng sangkot sa mga anomalya.

Kasunod ito ng pagsasagawa ng search warrant sa 12 luxury cars ng mag-asawang kontratista na sina Sarah at Curlee Discaya upang masuri kung nakapagbayad ang mga ito ng tamang buwis at duties. Ayon kay BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, kabilang din sa kanilang titingnan ay mga yate, pribadong helikopter at iba pang mamahaling ari-arian ng mga kontratista.

Giit ni Nepomuceno, hindi lamang mga Discaya ang target kundi lahat ng contractors na may kahina-hinalang ari-arian. “Hindi lang naman sasakyan ang ating binabantayan. Marami pang posible sa point of view ng BOC, kung ano yung may halaga na ipinapasok dito sa bansa. Gusto natin, yan ay nagbayad ng tamang buwis, duties and taxes, at tama ang kanilang mga dokumento at walang nilabag na probisyon ng ating Anti-Smuggling Law,” aniya.

Samantala, lalo pang tumitindi ang galit ng publiko matapos masilip ang marangyang pamumuhay ng ilang pamilya ng government contractors at ilang opisyal ng DPWH sa kabila ng mga alegasyon ng anomalya sa mga proyektong flood control.