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ITCZ magdadala ng ulan sa Mindanao, bagyong Halong patuloy na mino-monitor

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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ITCZ magdadala ng ulan sa Mindanao, bagyong Halong patuloy na mino-monitor

MAYNILA – Magiging maulan sa ilang bahagi ng Mindanao ngayong Lunes dahil sa epekto ng Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), ayon sa Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Sa ulat ng ahensya, makakaranas ng maulap na kalangitan na may kalat-kalat na pag-ulan at pagkidlat-pagkulog ang Zamboanga Peninsula at Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) bunsod ng ITCZ isang belt kung saan nagtatagpo ang mga hangin mula sa hilaga at timog hemisphere.

Babala ng PAGASA, ang katamtaman hanggang malakas na buhos ng ulan ay maaaring magdulot ng flash floods o pagguho ng lupa.

Samantala, ang Metro Manila at nalalabing bahagi ng bansa ay makakaranas ng pangkalahatang maayos na panahon na may bahagyang maulap hanggang maulap na kalangitan at mga pulu-pulong pag-ulan o pagkidlat-pagkulog dahil sa localized thunderstorms. Posible rin ang flash floods o landslides sa panahon ng matinding thunderstorm.

Inaasahang magiging banayad hanggang katamtaman ang pag-alon sa lahat ng baybaying dagat.

Kasabay nito, patuloy ring mino-monitor ng ahensya ang Severe Tropical Storm Halong na nasa labas pa ng Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

Sa datos ng PAGASA kaninang alas tres ng madaling-araw, tinatayang nasa 2,105 kilometro silangan-hilagang silangan ng Extreme Northern Luzon ang sentro ng Halong, na may taglay na pinakamalakas na hangin na 100 kilometro kada oras malapit sa gitna at pagbugsong aabot sa 125 kilometro kada oras. Kumikilos ito pa-hilagang kanluran nang mabagal.

“Less likely ito na pumasok ng ating Philippine Area of Responsibility… pero in the event na pumasok man ito ng PAR, ang ibibigay nating local name para sa bagyong ito ay Quedan,” ani PAGASA weather specialist Daniel James Villamil sa isang public weather forecast.

Kung sakaling pumasok ang Halong sa PAR, ito ay dadaan lamang sa pinakahilagang bahagi ng boundary ng bansa.

Dagdag pa ni Villamil, walang magiging direktang epekto ang Halong sa lagay ng panahon at karagatan ng Pilipinas sa mga susunod na araw dahil mananatiling malayo ang sentro nito sa bansa.

Sanae Takaichi becomes Japan’s first female ruling party leader

Venus L Peñaflor
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Sanae Takaichi becomes Japan’s first female ruling party leader

TOKYO — Sanae Takaichi, a 64-year-old conservative lawmaker admired for her alignment with former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s political vision, has been elected president of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), the first woman ever to lead the long-dominant and male-dominated party. Her victory positions her to become Japan’s next prime minister.

In a nation that consistently ranks low in global gender equality indexes, Takaichi’s rise marks a historic moment. Yet her ultra-conservative stance has drawn criticism from those who view the LDP as an obstacle to women’s advancement.

Takaichi, who has previously served as Minister of Economic Security, Internal Affairs, and Gender Equality, made minimal mention of gender issues during her campaign. But after winning the leadership, she said while posing for the customary photo: “Now that the LDP has its first female president, its scenery will change a little.”

First elected to parliament in 1993 from her hometown of Nara, Takaichi has built a career defined by loyalty to the LDP’s traditionalist wing. A self-described workaholic, she has often expressed a preference for study over socializing. After two previous unsuccessful bids for party leadership, she said she had learned the importance of networking to gain wider support.

In her first remarks as LDP president, Takaichi urged party lawmakers to “work like a horse,” adding: “I will abandon the word ‘work-life balance.’ I will work, work, work and work.” Her statement quickly trended on social media, sparking both praise for her dedication and concern about her work ethic.

Women make up only about 15% of Japan’s lower house of parliament, and just two of the country’s 47 governors are female. While Takaichi has pledged to “drastically increase” the number of female ministers, analysts warn she may face constraints from the LDP’s male heavyweights, whose backing is crucial to sustaining her leadership.

Once a drummer in a heavy-metal band and a motorbike enthusiast in her youth, Takaichi is known for her strong advocacy of national security, military strengthening, nuclear fusion research, cybersecurity, and tougher immigration policies.

She supports financial aid for women’s health and fertility treatments, but has also emphasized traditional gender roles. Recently, she discussed her own experiences with menopausal symptoms and underscored the importance of educating men about women’s health issues.

Takaichi upholds male-only succession in Japan’s imperial family, opposes same-sex marriage, and rejects revising civil law to allow married couples to keep separate surnames, a move critics say perpetuates gender inequality.

A known revisionist on wartime history and a frequent visitor to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, Takaichi’s stance could strain relations with China and South Korea. Her hardline views also raise concerns for the LDP’s coalition with Komeito, a Buddhist-backed moderate party, though she has said maintaining the alliance is “crucial.”

Takaichi’s leadership marks a symbolic breakthrough for Japanese politics. Yet, her conservative record suggests that her rise may not necessarily herald a shift toward greater gender equality in Japan’s political establishment.

Netanyahu seeks to announce full hostage release in coming days

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Netanyahu seeks to announce full hostage release in coming days

TEL AVIV, Israel — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he hopes to announce the release of all hostages from Gaza “in the coming days,” as Israel and Hamas prepare for indirect talks in Egypt on Monday over a new U.S. plan to end the war.

In a brief statement Saturday evening, Netanyahu said he had dispatched a delegation to Egypt “to finalize technical details,” adding that “our goal is to contain these negotiations to a time frame of a few days.”

Netanyahu also signaled that Israel would not fully withdraw from Gaza, an enduring demand of Hamas. He said Israel’s military would retain control of territories currently under its hold, and that disarming Hamas would proceed in the plan’s second phase, either diplomatically or through a military path by us.”

His comments came after Hamas said it accepted some elements of the U.S. proposal. In response, U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed Hamas’s statement but warned that “Hamas must move quickly, or else all bets will be off.”

Trump later said that the ceasefire would begin immediately once Hamas confirms the “initial withdrawal line.” A map shared in his post appeared to show much of Gaza still open to Israeli forces.

Trump has also ordered Israel to stop bombing Gaza. Though there were some reports of reduced airstrikes, hospital officials said at least 22 people were killed Saturday—many of them women and children.

Israel’s military announced that its forces have been instructed to shift to a defensive posture under the first phase of the U.S. plan, suspending active strikes.

However, an Israeli strike in Gaza City’s Tuffah neighborhood killed at least 17 people and wounded another 25, said Al-Ahli hospital director Fadel Naim. “The strikes are still ongoing,” Naim stated.

Earlier Saturday, the director of Shifa Hospital, Mohamed Abu Selmiyah, said Israeli strikes had killed five Palestinians in different areas of Gaza City.

Trump appears determined to deliver on pledges to end the war and secure all hostages ahead of the October 7, 2025, second anniversary of the Hamas attack. His most recent proposal has gathered broad international backing.

Monday’s indirect talks in Egypt are intended to pave the way for the exchange of hostages from Gaza and Palestinian detainees from Israeli custody, officials said.

A senior Egyptian official, speaking anonymously, said U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff will lead the American delegation in Egypt. The talks are also expected to focus on maps outlining Israel’s proposed withdrawal from certain areas of Gaza.

Reinforcing the proposal, Hamas has stated its willingness to release the remaining 48 hostages (about 20 believed alive) within three days and to surrender power and disarm.

Israel would, in return, halt its offensive, withdraw from portions of Gaza, release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, and allow humanitarian aid entry and reconstruction.

Despite the negotiations, questions remain over full disarmament and political control of Gaza. Hamas affirmed its willingness to release hostages and hand over governance to other Palestinian entities but said it would only further negotiate the remaining elements of the plan.

Israel’s political landscape is tense. Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, members of Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition, criticized the plan’s progress, though they stopped short of threatening to leave the government immediately.

At a large rally in Tel Aviv, some attendees voiced cautious hope that an end to the conflict may finally be within reach. Families of hostages expressed optimism, saying the prospect of reunion “has never been closer.” They urged Trump to continue pressing forward and warned that “extremists on both sides” will try to derail the plan.

Still, uncertainty looms among Palestinians in Gaza. “We want practical implementation. We want a truce on the ground,” said Sameer Qudeeh in Khan Younis. “I hope Hamas ends the war, because we are truly tired,” added Mohammad Shaat.

Israeli forces cautioned civilians against returning to Gaza City, labeling it a “dangerous combat zone.” Some residents reported no recent troop advances, but continued artillery and airstrikes. “We can still see the quadcopters everywhere,” said Mohamed al-Nashar.

In southern Gaza, the Palestine Red Crescent Society said its Saraya field hospital admitted 10 bodies and over 70 wounded following strikes on Saturday.

Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that the Palestinian death toll has exceeded 67,000, women and children constituting roughly half of the fatalities.

LPA tumindi, may posibilidad pumasok sa PAR bilang tropical depression

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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LPA tumindi, may posibilidad pumasok sa PAR bilang tropical depression

MAYNILA — Isang low pressure area (LPA) sa silangan ng Taiwan ang nabuo nitong Sabado ng hapon at naging isang tropical depression, ayon sa Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Ayon sa 3 p.m. bulletin ng PAGASA, ito ay nasa 2,275 kilometro silangan-hilagang-silangan ng Extreme Northern Luzon. Sa ngayon, wala pa itong direktang epekto sa anumang bahagi ng bansa.

Ayon sa Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), inaasahang pansamantala itong papasok sa Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) sa Martes bilang isang severe tropical storm bago magtungo Ryukyu Islands. Kapag pumasok sa PAR, bibigyan ito ng lokal na pangalan na Quedan.

Batay sa karaniwang polisiya, magsisimula ang PAGASA ng issuance ng tropical cyclone bulletins kapag ang sistema ay pumasok o inaasahang pumasok sa PAR. Mananatiling naka-monitor ang ahensya upang masundan ang landas, bilis, at lakas nito.

Bagama’t may potensyal na lumakas pa, hindi pa rin matitiyak ang pagbabago ng intensity dahil nakadepende ito sa kondisyon ng karagatan at hangin sa paligid. Ayon sa teknikal na mga modelo tulad ng TC-Threat Potential Forecast ng PAGASA, ang pagbabago ng mga forecast ay maaaring mangyari habang umuusad ang sistema.

Mananatiling alerto ang mga lokal na pamahalaan sa darating na mga araw, lalo na kung ang landas nito ay papalapit sa kapuluan ng Pilipinas.

San Pablo City at DICT, nagbukas ng Digital Transformation Center para sanayin ang 20,000 kabataan

Venus L Peñaflor
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San Pablo City at DICT, nagbukas ng Digital Transformation Center para sanayin ang 20,000 kabataan

SAN PABLO CITY, Laguna — Inilunsad ng Pamahalaang Lungsod ng San Pablo at Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) ang isang makabago at progresibong hakbang tungo sa digitalization sa pamamagitan ng opisyal na pagbubukas ng kauna-unahang Digital Transformation Center (DTC) sa Laguna.

Ang kasunduan para sa proyekto ay nilagdaan nina Mayor Najie B. Gapangada Jr. at DICT Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda, sa harap nina DICT Region IV-A Regional Director Reniel A. Villaflor at Ferdinand Alcos, tagapamahala ng San Pablo City Digitalization and Management Information Office.

Ayon kay Director Villaflor, layunin ng DTC San Pablo na magsagawa ng pagsasanay para sa mahigit 20,000 katao, partikular sa mga kabataan, sa larangan ng Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Software Programming, Digital Hardware Management, Digital Networking, at Data Science.

Ipinaliwanag ni Villaflor na maraming benepisyo ang makukuha ng mga lalahok sa training program, kabilang ang libreng scholarship para sa mga kursong dating may mataas na bayad, pagpapaunlad ng kasanayan at mas mataas na oportunidad sa trabaho, gayundin ang tulong sa mga freelancers at nagsisimula pa lamang sa digitalization sa pamamagitan ng modernong teknolohiya at kaalamang makukuha sa DTC. Magkakaroon din ng co-working space sa DTC San Pablo para sa mga negosyante at startup developers na nais paunlarin ang kanilang mga proyekto sa lungsod.

Dagdag pa ni Villaflor, buo ang suporta ng National Government sa mga proyektong magpapalakas ng teknolohikal na imprastraktura ng San Pablo. Kabilang dito ang underground cabling project para sa internet at kuryente, kung saan ang San Pablo City ang magsisilbing pilot area ng buong rehiyon.

Binigyang-diin naman ni Mayor Gapangada ang layunin ng proyekto bilang daan tungo sa mas modernong kinabukasan. “Hindi lamang ito sentro ng teknolohiya, kundi tulay sa mas maliwanag na kinabukasan ng bawa’t San Pableño,” ani ng alkalde.

Ayon kay Ferdinand Alcos, ang DTC San Pablo ay magiging malaking tulong sa pagpapaunlad ng lungsod, pagpapabuti ng pamahalaang lokal, at pagpapabilis sa paghahatid ng serbisyo publiko. Itinalaga naman si DICT Officer Desiree Lechuga upang subaybayan ang mga programa at pasilidad ng DTC San Pablo na matatagpuan sa Mega Capitol. Target ng programa na makatulong sa mahigit 800,000 katao na makahanap ng hanapbuhay gamit ang kanilang natutunang digital skills.

Pinangunahan ang ribbon-cutting ceremony nina Director Villaflor, Dr. Maria Graciela R. Bucad (TOD Head ng DICT IV-A), City Councilor Carmela Acebedo, San Pablo City Chief of Staff Raul Polinag, Deputy Administrator Paolo Lopez, Ferdinand Alcos, at MISO Administrator Jiggs Alcantara.

Ang San Pablo City ay isang component city sa lalawigan ng Laguna, bahagi ng rehiyong CALABARZON. Batay sa 2020 census, mayroon itong populasyon na 285,348 at lawak na 197.56 square kilometers. Si Henry Rhoel R. Aguda, na hinirang bilang DICT Secretary noong Marso 2025, ay dating CEO ng UnionDigital Bank at kilala sa kanyang malawak na karanasan sa digital infrastructure at financial technology.

Ang pagbubukas ng DTC San Pablo ay bahagi ng mas malawak na programa ng pamahalaan para sa digital literacy, inclusion, at innovation, na layuning gawing sentro ng teknolohiya at oportunidad ang San Pablo City.

Ang kasunduan para sa proyekto ay nilagdaan nina Mayor Najie B. Gapangada Jr. at DICT Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda, sa harap nina DICT Region IV-A Regional Director Reniel A. Villaflor at Ferdinand Alcos, tagapamahala ng San Pablo City Digitalization and Management Information Office.

10 Pinoy seafarers ligtas na nakauwi matapos ang atake sa Gulf of Aden

Venus L Peñaflor
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10 Pinoy seafarers ligtas na nakauwi matapos ang atake sa Gulf of Aden

MANDALUYONG CITY – Ligtas na nakauwi sa bansa ang sampung Pilipinong seafarers na kabilang sa mga tripulante ng cargo vessel na inatake kamakailan sa Gulf of Aden, ayon sa Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) nitong Linggo.

Ayon sa DMW, dumating sa Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 noong Sabado ng gabi ang mga marino, kung saan personal silang sinalubong ni DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac kasama ang ilang opisyal ng ahensya.

Ang barkong MV Minervagracht, na may bandilang Olandes, ay inatake sa karagatan, 120 nautical miles timog-silangan ng Aden, Yemen, noong Setyembre 29. Batay sa ulat ng United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), tinamaan ng isang hindi pa natutukoy na projectile ang barko at nagliyab, ayon sa Reuters.

Nasagip ng mga rescuers ang 19 na tripulante na pawang mga Russian, Ukrainian, Filipino, at Sri Lankan. Kinumpirma ng DMW na ligtas ang 12 Pilipinong crew, ngunit dalawa sa kanila ay nagtamo ng mga sugat.

Ayon sa DMW, naging posible ang kanilang pagbabalik sa tulong ng Philippine Embassy sa Ankara, Philippine Consulate General sa Istanbul, Migrant Workers Offices (MWOs), at ng licensed manning agency at lokal nitong ahente sa Istanbul.

“Lubos naming ipinatutupad ang utos ng Pangulo. Tutulungan namin kayo sa inyong ganap na panunumbalik, sa paghahanap muli ng trabaho, pagkakaroon ng kabuhayan, at pagsasanay,” pahayag ni Cacdac sa mga marinong Pilipino, alinsunod sa direktiba ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. na tulungan ang mga seafarers sa oras ng pangangailangan.

“Pero ang mahalaga ay makasama muna ninyo ang inyong pamilya,” dagdag pa ng kalihim.

Tiniyak din ni Cacdac na makatatanggap ng sapat na tulong ang mga marino.
“Sisiguruhin namin ang maayos na delivery ng inyong mga benepisyo at karapatan. Bukod dito, nag-aalok din ang pamahalaan sa pamamagitan ng DMW ng mga serbisyong pangkalusugan, kabilang ang physical at mental health support at psychosocial counseling, upang madagdagan ang tulong na ibinibigay ng inyong licensed manning agency,” aniya.

Nagbigay rin ng financial assistance ang DMW, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), at Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) sa mga seafarers. Bukod dito, nakatanggap din sila ng training vouchers mula sa Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) at pansamantalang accommodation mula sa kanilang manning agency.

Kabilang sa mga sumalubong sa kanila sa paliparan sina OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan, DMW Undersecretary Bernard Olalia, DFA Assistant Secretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Ezzedin Tago, DMW Assistant Secretaries Jerome Pampolina at Venecio Legazpi, DMW Deputy Administrator Jasmin Gapatan, at iba pang kinatawan ng DMW, OWWA, DFA, MIAA Medical Team, DSWD, at ng licensed manning agency.

Movie Review: Dwayne Johnson shines in ‘The Smashing Machine,’ critics divided

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Movie Review: Dwayne Johnson shines in ‘The Smashing Machine,’ critics divided

Benny Safdie’s solo directorial debut, The Smashing Machine, starring Dwayne Johnson as mixed martial arts (MMA) pioneer Mark Kerr, has been released to both critical anticipation and scrutiny. The A24 production, based on John Hyams’s 2002 documentary of the same name, explores Kerr’s rise in the late 1990s MMA, his struggle with addiction, and the personal battles that defined his career.

The film, rated R for language and some drug abuse, runs for 123 minutes and has received a two-and-a-half-star rating out of four.

Safdie, known for his unsettling collaborations with his brother Josh in films such as Uncut Gems, approaches Kerr’s story with a more conventional style. Despite its gritty VHS-like aesthetics, critics note that The Smashing Machine is “a surprisingly conventional and oddly untroubled movie,” offering less intensity than many expected.

Johnson’s performance has been singled out as one of the highlights of the film. Shedding much of his trademark screen charisma, Johnson transforms into Kerr with a subdued presence. His portrayal has been described as earnest and deeply committed, moving away from his larger-than-life wrestling and action star persona.

In the opening of the film, Kerr reflects on the dominance he feels in the ring, declaring that an opponent’s fear can be detected: “You can smell in their scent.” Early victories feed his belief in invincibility, but the story soon turns as he suffers a controversial setback in Japan’s Pride Fighting Championship. Although the match is officially declared a tie, the sting of defeat lingers.

Beyond the ring, the narrative centers on Kerr’s dependence on opioids and his turbulent marriage with Dawn Staples, played by Emily Blunt. Their relationship is portrayed as both supportive and confrontational, marked by frequent conflicts. At one point, Kerr confronts her directly, saying, “Treat me like a man.”

The film also highlights Kerr’s friendship and rivalry with trainer and fellow fighter Mark Coleman, portrayed by former Bellator champion Ryan Bader. Bader’s inclusion, along with Johnson’s own proximity to combat sports, contributes to the documentary-like feel of the film.

While Johnson’s performance has been praised as among his finest, the film itself has been critiqued for avoiding deeper exploration of MMA’s violent world. Critics argue that instead of grappling with the brutality of the sport and its consequences, it settles for “a blander appreciation of these MMA combatants.”

Despite these criticisms, what resonates strongly is the portrayal of Kerr as a man confronting vulnerability. The film presents him not only as a dominant figure in the ring but also as someone learning to live with defeat.

The Smashing Machine is currently in release under A24.

Israel seizes final Gaza flotilla boat, moves to deport activists

Venus L Peñaflor
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Israel seizes final Gaza flotilla boat, moves to deport activists

TEL AVIV – The Israeli navy intercepted the last vessel in an international aid flotilla bound for Gaza on Friday, completing a series of operations that stopped 42 boats attempting to breach the blockade of the enclave.

The Marinette, the final boat in the Global Sumud Flotilla, was seized about 42.5 nautical miles (79 km) from Gaza and redirected to Ashdod port, Israeli army radio reported. Organisers said all vessels carrying humanitarian aid and volunteers had now been blocked.

“Israeli naval forces have now illegally intercepted all 42 of our vessels—each carrying humanitarian aid, volunteers, and the determination to break Israel’s illegal siege on Gaza,” the flotilla said in a statement.

A live broadcast from the Marinette showed activists holding up a handwritten note reading, “We see a ship! It’s a warship,” as Israeli forces approached. Video then captured soldiers boarding, ordering those aboard to raise their hands and remain still.

The interception followed the detention of around 450 activists on Thursday, including Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg. Israel’s foreign ministry confirmed Friday that four Italians had already been deported, while the rest of the detainees were “in the process of being deported.” The ministry said all participants were “safe and in good health.”

The flotilla set sail in late August in an attempt to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza, imposed nearly two years ago after Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attacks. Israel has repeatedly defended the blockade as a legal measure, warning flotilla organisers that they were entering an “active combat zone.” It had offered to transfer aid directly to Gaza but labelled the flotilla a political stunt.

At Ashdod port on Thursday night, Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir described the detained activists as “terrorists” in a video statement. Some of those seated on the ground were heard shouting “Free Palestine” in response.

The flotilla’s interception has sparked widespread protests abroad. Demonstrations erupted Thursday in European cities, as well as in Karachi, Buenos Aires, and Mexico City. In Italy, tens of thousands joined a day-long general strike in support of the flotilla.

One vessel docked separately in Cyprus, carrying 21 foreigners. Authorities there said it requested to refuel and cited humanitarian reasons for entering Larnaca.

The operation comes as Israel faces mounting international scrutiny over its war in Gaza, which has killed more than 66,000 people, according to Palestinian health authorities. The offensive began after Hamas-led militants killed about 1,200 people and took 251 hostage in Israel on October 7, 2023.

Israel is also defending itself against genocide allegations at the International Court of Justice, a charge it rejects, saying its military campaign is an act of self-defence.

This week, Israel accepted a new U.S.-backed proposal to end the war, which would require Hamas to surrender. U.S. President Donald Trump has said Washington would temporarily oversee governance of Gaza under the plan and warned Hamas that the siege would continue if the group refuses the terms.

Corruption update: Frozen assets, ethics complaint at bid-rigging cases

Venus L Peñaflor
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Corruption update: Frozen assets, ethics complaint at bid-rigging cases

MAYNILA — Sunod-sunod na aksyon ang isinampa ng mga ahensya ng pamahalaan laban sa mga contractor at opisyal ng gobyerno kaugnay ng lumalaking kontrobersiya sa flood control projects, na tinaguriang “Trillion Peso Scandal.”

P1 bilyong ari-arian ng Discayas, naka-freeze

Kinumpirma ni Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon na ipinaabot na sa Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) at Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) ang listahan ng mga ari-arian ng mag-asawang contractor na sina Pacifico “Curlee” at Cezarah Rowena “Sarah” Discaya para sa posibleng forfeiture.

Ayon kay Dizon, ang P1 bilyong halaga ng kanilang yaman ay inisyuhan na ng freeze order ng AMLC dalawang araw matapos ang pormal na kahilingan ng DPWH. Tumanggi siyang tukuyin ang detalye dahil sa data privacy, ngunit kinumpirma niyang kabilang dito ang isang mansiyon na kamakailan ay binato ng putik ng mga residente.

Ipinaliwanag ni DPWH Undersecretary Ricardo Bernabe III na mahalaga ang pag-freeze upang hindi ma-dispose ang mga ari-arian. “Actually… they can file civil forfeiture proceedings if found that the proceeds used to buy these assets are from unlawful activities, money laundering activities,” ani Bernabe.

Nauna nang inihayag ng AMLC na inisyuhan ng Court of Appeals ng freeze order ang 836 bank accounts, 12 e-wallets, 24 insurance policies, 81 motor vehicles, at 12 real estate properties na konektado sa mga iniimbestigahan. Sa kabuuan, umaabot na sa P2.9 bilyon ang halaga ng frozen assets kaugnay ng anomalya.

Ethics complaint laban kay Sen. Escudero

Samantala, inireklamo sa Senate Ethics Committee si Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero kaugnay ng umano’y P30 milyong campaign donation noong 2022 mula sa contractor na si Lawrence Lubiano.

Ayon sa reklamong inihain ni Atty. Marvin Aceron, lumobo ang bilang ng kontrata ng Centerways Construction and Development Inc. matapos mahalal si Escudero, na nakakuha umano ng 112 kontrata na nagkakahalaga ng P16.67 bilyon mula 2021 hanggang 2025, kumpara sa 12 kontrata lamang bago ang halalan.

Inihayag din ni Aceron na majority stockholder si Lubiano sa Metroways Health Care and Medical System Inc. na nakakuha rin ng kontrata sa Bicol. May anim na grounds ang reklamo kabilang ang conflict of interest, integrity of public procurement, at conduct unbecoming a member of the Senate.

Itinanggi ni Escudero ang alegasyon at sinisi si dating House Speaker Martin Romualdez na umano’y nasa likod ng reklamo. Ani Escudero, ito ay bahagi ng “harassments at scripts para mapagtakpan ang mga isyu laban sa kanya.”

Bid-rigging cases laban sa contractors

Bukod dito, pormal na ring nagsampa ng kaso ang DPWH laban sa ilang contractor at dating opisyal ng ahensya kaugnay ng bid-rigging at bid manipulation.

Isinumite sa Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) ang dalawang reklamo: una, laban sa Wawao Builders, IM Construction Corporation, SYMS Construction Trading, St. Timothy Construction Corporation (na pagmamay-ari ng mga Discaya), at ilang dating opisyal ng Bulacan First District Engineering Office; at ikalawa, laban sa Sunwest, Inc., na iniuugnay kay dating Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, at mga opisyal ng DPWH Regional Office IV-B.

Ayon kay Dizon, maaari silang maharap sa hanggang P110 milyong multa para sa unang paglabag at hanggang P250 milyong multa para sa mga kasunod na paglabag. Sa kaso ng mga Discaya, na nakakuha ng 1,214 flood control contracts na nagkakahalaga ng P77.934 bilyon mula 2016 hanggang 2025, maaari silang maharap sa hanggang P300 bilyong penalty.

“Mas malaki pa ang penalty kesa sa amount of contracts… Ang Discaya ang pinakamadami… Discaya ang champion dito,” ani Dizon.

Dagdag pa niya, umaasa ang DPWH na bibilisan ng PCC ang pagproseso ng kaso. “In the case of the Discayas sila na mismo ang umamin na kasama sila sa bid-rigging… under oath nila sinabi ito sa Blue Ribbon,” ayon pa rin sa kanya.

Church of England appoints Sarah Mullally as first female archbishop of Canterbury

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Church of England appoints Sarah Mullally as first female archbishop of Canterbury

CANTERBURY, England – The Church of England on Friday named Sarah Mullally as the next Archbishop of Canterbury, making her the first woman to hold the 1,400-year-old office. The 63-year-old bishop, a former nurse, will succeed Justin Welby, who resigned amid controversy over his handling of a child abuse cover-up.

Mullally, currently Bishop of London, will assume leadership of the Anglican Communion, representing about 85 million members worldwide. Her appointment highlights deep divisions within the church, particularly over the role of women in leadership and the blessing of same-sex couples.

Laurent Mbanda, archbishop of Rwanda and chairman of a global grouping of conservative Anglican churches, told Reuters the appointment made it impossible for the Archbishop of Canterbury “to serve as a focus of unity within the Communion.”

Mullally has previously supported blessings for same-sex couples, a stance that has fueled disputes within the Anglican Communion, especially in Africa and Asia, where homosexuality is criminalised. Addressing clergy and laity in Canterbury Cathedral, she said she aimed “to help every ministry to flourish, whatever our tradition.”

She also pledged to confront the misuse of power after sexual abuse scandals, vowing improvements in safeguarding. “My commitment will be to ensure that we continue to listen to (abuse) survivors, care for the vulnerable and foster a culture of safety and well-being for all,” she said.

Mullally condemned rising antisemitism in Britain following a synagogue attack in Manchester on Thursday that left two men dead. “Mindful of the horrific violence of yesterday’s attack on a synagogue in Manchester, we are witnessing hatred that rises up through fractures across our communities,” she said, adding that her Christian faith gave her hope in a world often “on the brink.”

In an interview with Reuters, she acknowledged that debates over same-sex relationships will remain unresolved for the foreseeable future. “It may not be resolved quickly,” she said.

Mullally has also voiced strong opposition to proposed assisted dying legislation in Britain’s parliament, calling it “unworkable and unsafe” and warning it poses risks to the most vulnerable.

Before entering church leadership, Mullally worked as a cancer nurse and rose to become England’s Chief Nursing Officer in the early 2000s. She was ordained as a priest in 2002 and became one of the first women consecrated as a bishop in 2015.

“There are great commonalities between nursing and being a priest. It’s all about people, and sitting with people during the most difficult times in their lives,” she once said.

Linda Woodhead, professor of theology and religious studies at King’s College London, said Mullally’s appointment was well-suited to the Church’s challenges. “Her emphasis on unity, gentleness and strength is exactly what the Church, and nation, needs right now,” she noted.

Mullally is married to Eamonn and has two adult children. Her appointment was formally announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office with the consent of King Charles, the Supreme Governor of the Church of England.

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