Thursday, June 18, 2026


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Optional retirement age ng gov’t workers sa 56, aprubado sa House panel

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Optional retirement age ng gov’t workers sa 56, aprubado sa House panel

MAYNILA — Inaprubahan ng House Committee on Government Enterprises ang panukalang batas na naglalayong ibaba sa 56-anyos ang optional retirement age ng mga empleyado ng gobyerno, kabilang ang mga public school teacher.

Ang House Bill No. 207 ay inakda nina ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio at Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Louise Co. Layunin nitong amyendahan ang Section 13-A ng Republic Act No. 8291 o GSIS Act of 1997, na kasalukuyang nagtatakda ng optional retirement age sa 60-anyos para sa mga kawani ng gobyerno.

Suportado ni Tinio, na siya ring House Deputy Minority Leader, ang pag-apruba ng komite sa panukala. Ayon sa kanya, mahalagang hakbang ito tungo sa mas makataong polisiya sa pagreretiro para sa mga guro at iba pang government workers na matagal nang naglingkod sa publiko.

Sinabi ni Tinio na magbibigay ang panukala ng tunay na opsyon sa mga kawani na magretiro nang mas maaga sa edad na 56 matapos ang matagal na panahong pisikal, emosyonal at sikolohikal na pagod dulot ng kanilang trabaho.

Ayon pa sa mambabatas, matagal nang isinusulong ng mga guro ang naturang reporma dahil marami sa kanila ang napipilitang magpatuloy sa trabaho kahit may iniindang karamdaman at pagkapagod.

Binigyang-diin din niya ang mga hamong kinakaharap ng mga guro sa pampublikong paaralan tulad ng malalaking klase, mataas na pupil-teacher ratio, at mga tungkuling lumalampas sa regular na oras ng trabaho. Aniya, bukod sa pagtuturo ay pasan din ng mga guro ang advisory loads, paperwork at iba pang responsibilidad, maging sa panahon ng bakasyon.

Ayon kay Tinio, maraming public school teacher ang umaalis sa propesyon na may iniindang karamdaman at nagagamit ang kanilang retirement benefits sa gastusing medikal sa halip na sa pahinga, pangangailangan ng pamilya o maliit na kabuhayan.

Iginiit din niya na usapin ito ng dignidad at pagkilala sa sakripisyo ng mga guro at government workers.

Nilinaw naman ng mambabatas na hindi babaguhin ng HB 207 ang compulsory retirement age. Sa halip, magbibigay lamang ito ng opsyon para sa mga nais magretiro nang mas maaga.

Dagdag pa niya, isinasaalang-alang ng panukala ang usapin ng sustainability habang isinusulong ang kapakanan ng mga guro at empleyado ng gobyerno.

Hinimok ni Tinio ang liderato ng Kamara na pabilisin ang pagtalakay sa HB 207 sa plenaryo at nanawagan din sa Senado na magpasa ng counterpart measure upang agad itong maisabatas.

Ayon sa kanya, nararapat lamang na mabigyan ng pagkakataon ang mga guro at kawani ng gobyerno na makapagretiro nang mas maaga upang maranasan ang mas mahaba at mas malusog na panahon ng pahinga.

Pakistan pushes for breakthrough in US-Iran peace talks

Venus L Peñaflor
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Pakistan pushes for breakthrough in US-Iran peace talks

WASHINGTON/DUBAI — Pakistan is seeking to help bridge differences between Iran and the United States as negotiations continue over ending the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war, with key disputes centered on Iran’s uranium stockpile and proposed controls over the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian media reported Friday that Pakistani Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi met again with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in Tehran, two days after delivering Washington’s latest message to Iranian officials.

According to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim and ISNA news agencies, Naqvi is facilitating communication aimed at securing a framework for ending the conflict and resolving outstanding disagreements between Tehran and Washington.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Thursday that recent discussions showed “some good signs,” but warned that progress would be unlikely if Iran continued pursuing plans to impose tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

“There’s some good signs,” Rubio told reporters. “I don’t want to be overly optimistic. So, let’s see what happens over the next few days.”

A senior Iranian source told Reuters that negotiations had narrowed some gaps, although uranium enrichment and access to the strategic waterway remain major sticking points.

The conflict, which began on February 28, has disrupted global markets and driven oil prices upward, intensifying concerns over inflation. Before the war, roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passed through the Strait of Hormuz.

Financial markets remained sensitive to developments in the negotiations. The U.S. dollar hovered near a six-week high on Friday while oil prices climbed as investors questioned the likelihood of a diplomatic breakthrough.

“We’re coming to the end of week 12, we’re six weeks in the ceasefire, and I’m just not really that convinced we’re any closer to a resolution between the U.S. and Iran,” said Tony Sycamore, a market analyst at IG.

U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated Washington’s position on Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile, which the United States believes could support nuclear weapons development, although Tehran maintains the material is intended solely for peaceful purposes.

“We will get it. We don’t need it, we don’t want it. We’ll probably destroy it after we get it, but we’re not going to let them have it,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Thursday.

Before Trump’s remarks, two senior Iranian sources told Reuters that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei had instructed that the uranium stockpile should not be transferred abroad.

Trump also criticized Tehran’s proposals involving shipping fees in the Strait of Hormuz.

“We want it open, we want it free. We don’t want tolls,” Trump said, describing the strait as “an international waterway.”

Trump faces mounting domestic pressure ahead of the November midterm elections, with higher fuel prices contributing to public dissatisfaction and weighing on his approval ratings.

Iran submitted a fresh proposal to Washington earlier this week. Iranian descriptions of the offer suggest it largely mirrors earlier demands rejected by Trump, including authority over the Strait of Hormuz, compensation for war damages, sanctions relief, release of frozen assets, and the withdrawal of U.S. forces.

The International Energy Agency warned Thursday that the conflict has triggered what it described as the world’s worst energy shock, cautioning that peak summer fuel demand and limited new Middle East supply could push markets into a “red zone” during July and August.

Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has sharply declined from pre-war levels of 125 to 140 daily passages.

Iran has stated that it intends to reopen the strait to countries willing to comply with its conditions, potentially including fee arrangements.

Rubio argued that such measures would undermine diplomatic efforts and violate international norms.

“It would make a diplomatic deal unfeasible if they were to continue to pursue that,” Rubio said. “So it’s a threat to the world if they were trying to do that, and it’s completely illegal.”

Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have said the war aims include curbing Iran’s support for regional militias, dismantling its nuclear and missile capabilities, and weakening the Iranian leadership.

Despite months of conflict, Iran has maintained its stockpile of near-weapons-grade enriched uranium and continues to retain missile, drone, and proxy capabilities that regional rivals and Western governments view as a persistent threat.

Impeachment trial ni VP Sara posibleng magsimula sa Hulyo 6

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Impeachment trial ni VP Sara posibleng magsimula sa Hulyo 6

MAYNILA — Posibleng magsimula sa Hulyo 6 ang impeachment trial ni Vice President Sara Duterte, ayon kay Senador Erwin Tulfo nitong Huwebes.

Ipinaliwanag ni Tulfo na may 10 calendar days si Duterte upang magsumite ng tugon sa Articles of Impeachment na naipadala sa kanya kamakailan. Matapos nito, magkakaroon naman ng limang araw ang prosekusyon, na binubuo ng mga kinatawan ng House of Representatives, upang magsumite ng kanilang sagot.

Ayon sa senador, susundan ito ng mga pre-trial proceedings kabilang ang pagmamarka at paghahanda ng mga ebidensiya bago pormal na umarangkada ang paglilitis.

Sinabi ni Tulfo na inaasahang mas mapapaaga ang proseso dahil hindi muna magsasagawa ng sine die adjournment ang Senado. Dahil dito, posibleng maumpisahan ang trial bago ang nakatakdang State of the Nation Address ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sa Hulyo 27, 2026.

Napagkasunduan umano sa caucus ng mga senador na magsagawa ng regular na sesyon mula alas-10 ng umaga hanggang alas-1 ng hapon. Magkakaroon ng isang oras na break bago agad ipagpatuloy ang impeachment trial simula alas-2 ng hapon.

Ayon kay Tulfo, susundin din ang nabanggit na iskedyul tuwing Martes at Miyerkules. Tuwing Huwebes naman ay nakalaan para sa mga committee hearing at regular na sesyon, kaya walang trial sa araw na iyon.

Dagdag pa niya, magiging tuluy-tuloy ang trabaho ng Senado sa loob ng limang araw kada linggo, habang Sabado at Linggo lamang ang magiging pahinga ng mga senador.

Tiniyak din ni Tulfo na isasapubliko at ipamamahagi sa media ang opisyal na kalendaryo ng impeachment trial sa oras na ito ay pormal nang mapagtibay.

Batay sa legislative calendar, nakatakda sanang magsimula ang sine die adjournment ng Kongreso mula Hunyo 6 hanggang Hulyo 26, 2026.

Degrees, Deeds, and Diehard Duterte Supporters 

DC Alviar
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Degrees, Deeds, and Diehard Duterte Supporters 

Amidst the rising political tensions in the Philippines, several statements by senators that clearly show a strong bias towards their respective allies have once again become the center of discussion. One of the most criticized was the statement by DDS Sen. Rodante Marcoleta that law school deans should not be trusted. For many citizens, especially those who observe the political situation in the country, this type of speech from a lawyer and legislator is quite superficial and dangerous.

Law school deans are among those considered experts in the field of law. They are not just ordinary commentators; they are people who have devoted many years to studying, teaching, and analyzing the Constitution and the country’s legal system. So when a senator blatantly belittles their credibility, it only seems to show that political interests prevail over respect for the institution and truth.

It cannot be denied that such a statement came at a time when the camp of the Dutertes was under great pressure. First, the articles of impeachment against the  Vice-President has been received by the Senate twice in two years. Second, the issue of the possibility of the International Criminal Court arresting Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa in connection with the bloody drug war of his long-time boss Rodrigo Duterte is intensifying. In the eyes of many political observers, DDS senators are becoming defensive as they see their influence gradually diminishing, and the call for accountability is growing stronger.

It is in this context that the aggressive attacks on legal experts and even critics of the Dutertes, one of the worst dynastic clans the Philippine politics ever had, should be understood. When public opinion is weakening, trapos (traditional politicians) often resort to anti-intellectual or anti-elite rhetoric to maintain the support of their base. It is easy to tell the public not to believe experts, especially if their legal interpretations run counter to the interests of their camp. But this is perilous in a democratic society. When we begin to weaken institutions that play a crucial role in checks and balances, it becomes easier for the powerful to distort the truth to suit their own desires.

It is also noteworthy that the ranks of DDS senators are becoming more organized under the new leadership in the Senate. For some analysts, this is not just a simple political realignment but an attempt to protect Sara Duterte from issues that could damage her planned presidential run in 2028. The impeachment trial in the Senate is considered by many to be the most important stage to clearly examine the allegations against her. This is not just a simple political fight. It is a matter of accountability, transparency, and integrity in government.

According to surveys and observations by political analysts, many Filipinos still want the impeachment process to move forward so that the whole truth comes out. This is crucial not only for VP Sara but also for the State’s being republican and democratic as no official should be considered untouchable. Anyone who holds a high position in the government must be willing to answer public questions and face legal process if necessary.

The political dominance of the Dutertes is no longer as strong as it was in previous years. It is true that they still have a strong support base, but it is clear that they are no longer unbeatable as many once believed. As the 2028 elections approach, more names are emerging as possible strong presidential candidates (what more if they unite and fill one as their common standard-bearer). The ranks of voters looking for alternatives are also gradually expanding, also noting that there is still a large percentage of undecided voters pegged at around 40%.

And many more issues may emerge against Daughterty in the coming years. Politics is fast-moving, and previously buried issues may resurface once investigations and hearings begin to take hold. The real challenge now for citizens is how to remain critical and not simply succumb to propaganda or emotional rhetoric, this week’s crocodile tears in the Senate included.

Ultimately, the most important lesson from these events is the importance of truth, truth-telling, accountability, and respect for democratic institutions. It should not be normal to belittle experts just because their views are not in favor of one camp. Disparaging legal scholars should not be used as a defense to avoid difficult questions. What the country needs is intelligent discourse, not blind loyalty to politicians, especially in the era of deepfakes and political repression.

In months leading up to the 2028 elections, the battle of narratives and influence will intensify. But despite this, citizenry’s role is key: be critical, do not give in to fear or propaganda, and insist that anyone who wants to lead the country must be willing to be accountable to the law and the people.

 DEGREES AND DEEDS

Educated politicians usually have the intellect to explain controversial decisions, but Sen. Loren Legarda, who hails from Assumption and UP cannot simply fool her fellow alumni and their institutions of learning. They practically disowned her when she decided to favor a coup at the Upper Chamber in the very hours when it was about to see the Lower Chamber impeach Daughterty.

 Continue to like Marcoleta and Legarda and face the uselessness of “mataas na pinag-aralan.” Their degrees can only be likened to the proverbial flowers full of weeds. We must also watch their deeds because “maramimg nagagawa, marami ring nabubulsa.”

Philippines orders arrest of fugitive senator wanted by ICC after court ruling

Venus L Peñaflor
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Philippines orders arrest of fugitive senator wanted by ICC after court ruling

MANILA – The Philippine National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said Thursday it will arrest Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa without delay, following a court decision rejecting his bid to block the implementation of an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant.

Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida earlier gave law enforcement agencies the go signal to proceed with the arrest of the senator, a key figure in former President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, which has been linked to thousands of deaths.

“Fugitive Senator Dela Rosa will be arrested whether he likes it or not because we have to implement the law without fear or favour,” NBI Director Melvin Matibag said, describing the agency as the Philippine counterpart of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Duterte, 81, who led the Philippines from 2016 to 2022, is currently detained in The Hague and is set to stand trial on charges of crimes against humanity. He has denied all allegations.

Dela Rosa, who served as Duterte’s national police chief during the anti-drug campaign, briefly resurfaced last week after months in hiding before leaving the Senate premises early on May 14, following reports of imminent arrest.

His petition for a temporary restraining order was denied by the Supreme Court on Wednesday. The senator had argued that the ICC warrant, issued in November and unsealed earlier this month, has no legal standing in the Philippines.

Authorities said they are pursuing leads on his whereabouts. Justice Secretary Vida warned that anyone assisting the senator in evading arrest would face legal consequences.

“We are pursuing this so that the ends of justice may be achieved,” Vida said.

Dela Rosa has denied involvement in unlawful killings linked to the government’s anti-drug operations, which saw thousands of suspected users and dealers killed in police raids and alleged vigilante-style attacks.

Human rights groups have accused authorities of systematic abuses, including extrajudicial killings and staged crime scenes. Police have rejected these claims, insisting that those killed were armed and resisted arrest.

Philippine National Police Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez said the agency would act in accordance with the law following the justice department’s directive, while emphasizing that operations would remain professional and impartial.

“The PNP likewise assures the public that all actions undertaken shall remain impartial, professional, and within the bounds of the law, with full respect for the constitutional rights of all parties concerned,” Nartatez said.

This report is prepared for international distribution and includes material sourced from wire reporting, including Reuters.

Iran refuses to send enriched uranium abroad amid fragile peace talks, sources say

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Iran refuses to send enriched uranium abroad amid fragile peace talks, sources say

DUBAI – Iran’s Supreme Leader has directed that the country’s stockpile of near-weapons-grade uranium must remain inside Iran, according to two senior Iranian sources, a move that could complicate ongoing peace negotiations with the United States and Israel.

The reported order from Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei hardens Tehran’s position against one of Washington’s key demands in negotiations aimed at ending the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.

Israeli officials told Reuters that U.S. President Donald Trump had assured Israel that Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile would be removed from the country as part of any peace agreement. Israel has insisted that the removal of enriched uranium is essential to any long-term settlement.

Western governments, including the United States and Israel, have long accused Iran of seeking nuclear weapons, citing Tehran’s enrichment of uranium to 60 percent purity, a level significantly above civilian energy requirements and closer to the 90 percent threshold generally associated with weapons-grade material. Iran has consistently denied pursuing nuclear arms.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained that the conflict cannot be considered over until Iran’s enriched uranium is removed, its support for regional proxy groups ends, and its ballistic missile capabilities are dismantled.

“The Supreme Leader’s directive, and the consensus within the establishment, is that the stockpile of enriched uranium should not leave the country,” one Iranian source said, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the matter.

According to the sources, Iranian officials believe transferring uranium abroad would expose the country to future military pressure or attacks from the United States and Israel. As Iran’s highest authority on state matters, Khamenei holds final decision-making power on strategic issues.

Neither the White House nor Iran’s Foreign Ministry immediately responded to requests for comment.

A fragile ceasefire remains in place following hostilities that began after U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. The conflict expanded after Iran launched attacks targeting Gulf states hosting U.S. military facilities and fighting intensified between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement in Lebanon.

Despite mediation efforts led by Pakistan, negotiations have produced limited progress. The U.S. blockade of Iranian ports and Tehran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route, continue to complicate diplomatic efforts.

The Iranian sources said distrust remains high in Tehran, where officials suspect the ceasefire may be a tactical pause intended to create a false sense of security before possible renewed airstrikes.

Iranian negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said Wednesday that both “obvious and hidden moves by the enemy” suggested the United States was preparing for potential new attacks.

Trump also warned Wednesday that Washington remained prepared to launch further military action if Iran rejected a peace deal, though he indicated the United States could wait several days to receive what he described as “the right answers.”

While negotiators have reportedly narrowed differences on some issues, major disagreements remain over Iran’s nuclear program, particularly the fate of its uranium stockpile and Tehran’s demand that its right to enrich uranium be formally recognized.

Iranian officials have repeatedly stated that securing a permanent end to the conflict and obtaining credible guarantees against future attacks from the United States and Israel remain Tehran’s top priorities. They said detailed nuclear negotiations could proceed only after such assurances are secured.

Israel is widely believed to possess nuclear weapons, though it has maintained for decades a policy of neither confirming nor denying such capabilities.

Before the conflict, Iran had reportedly signaled openness to exporting half of its uranium enriched to 60 percent. However, sources said Tehran reconsidered that position following repeated threats of military action from Trump.

Israeli officials told Reuters it remains uncertain whether Trump will authorize new strikes or support renewed Israeli military operations. Tehran has warned it would respond forcefully to any attack.

Still, Iranian sources suggested compromise options remain possible.

“There are solutions like diluting the stockpile under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency,” one source said.

The International Atomic Energy Agency estimates that Iran possessed 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent when Israeli and U.S. strikes targeted Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025. The current condition and quantity of the remaining material remain uncertain.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said in March that most of the surviving stockpile was believed to be stored within tunnel facilities at Iran’s Isfahan nuclear site, with slightly more than 200 kilograms believed to remain there. The agency also believes some enriched uranium is stored at the Natanz nuclear complex, home to two enrichment plants.

Iran maintains that certain levels of highly enriched uranium are necessary for medical applications and to fuel a Tehran research reactor that operates using uranium enriched to approximately 20 percent.

Source: Reuters

DOH, nakikipag-ugnayan sa WHO kasunod ng Ebola outbreak

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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DOH, nakikipag-ugnayan sa WHO kasunod ng Ebola outbreak

MAYNILA — Kinumpirma ng Department of Health (DOH) na mahigpit itong nakikipag-ugnayan sa World Health Organization (WHO) kaugnay ng ulat ng pagkalat ng Ebola disease na dulot ng Bundibugyo virus, kasunod ng mga alerto na ipinapadala sa ilalim ng International Health Regulations (IHR).

Ayon sa DOH, nananatiling alerto ang ahensya at patuloy ang koordinasyon nito sa mga pandaigdigang health authority upang masubaybayan ang sitwasyon at mapalakas ang paghahanda ng bansa laban sa posibleng pagpasok ng sakit.

“Ang DOH ay laging handa at alerto. Naabisuhan na kami sa pamamagitan ng mga channel ng IHR at aktibo kaming nakikipag-ugnayan sa WHO,” pahayag ni DOH Undersecretary Albert Domingo.

Batay sa mga ulat ng WHO, ang Bundibugyo strain ng Ebola ay kabilang sa mga mas bihirang uri ng Ebola virus disease ngunit may kakayahang magdulot ng malubhang outbreak sa mga apektadong komunidad kung hindi agad makokontrol ang transmission. Patuloy ang isinasagawang surveillance at containment measures sa mga lugar na may naitalang kaso.

Sa panig ng Pilipinas, pinaigting ng DOH ang monitoring sa mga paliparan at iba pang entry points, kabilang ang pagpapatupad ng routine health screening at information drive para sa mga pasaherong mula sa mga bansang apektado.

Sa kasalukuyan, wala pang naitatalang kaso ng Ebola sa Pilipinas, ayon sa mga awtoridad sa kalusugan, ngunit nananatiling nakaantabay ang mga ospital at health facilities para sa agarang pagtukoy ng posibleng sintomas.

Patuloy na hinihikayat ng DOH ang publiko na manatiling maingat at sumunod sa mga ipinalalabas na health advisories habang isinasagawa ang masusing monitoring sa international situation.

Xi and Putin criticize U.S. policies but leave major gas deal unresolved

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Xi and Putin criticize U.S. policies but leave major gas deal unresolved

BEIJING – Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin presented a united front on global security issues during a summit in Beijing on Wednesday, jointly criticizing United States policies while stopping short of securing a long-anticipated major energy agreement.

In a joint statement released after the talks, China and Russia criticized U.S. President Donald Trump over Washington’s nuclear policy and plans for the proposed Golden Dome missile defense system. The two leaders argued that the project, designed as a ground and space-based missile interceptor network, could undermine global strategic stability.

The statement also expressed concern over the expiration of the treaty limiting U.S. and Russian nuclear arsenals. The agreement lapsed in February after no extension was finalized, with Moscow previously proposing a one-year renewal.

The summit highlighted both the strength and complexity of the China-Russia relationship. While Beijing continues to seek stable engagement with Washington, China remains closely aligned with Russia on several strategic and geopolitical issues.

Despite their coordinated messaging on security matters, the two countries failed to announce a breakthrough on the proposed Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline, a project Moscow has long pursued to expand natural gas exports to China.

The planned 2,600-kilometer pipeline, expected to pass through Mongolia, would transport up to 50 billion cubic meters of gas annually and significantly increase Russian gas sales to China. However, major issues, including pricing and contract details, remain unresolved.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said China remains interested in long-term Russian energy supplies and increased oil volumes, noting that exports had grown in recent months. The Kremlin later said both sides had reached a “general understanding” on the pipeline’s framework but offered no timetable or final agreement.

During the meeting at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, Xi welcomed Putin with formal honors, including a guard ceremony and gun salute.

Xi emphasized the importance of long-term strategic cooperation, describing energy and resource connectivity as a stabilizing force in bilateral relations. Chinese state media quoted him as saying that China and Russia should work together toward a “more just and reasonable” system of global governance.

Putin, meanwhile, described bilateral relations as having reached an “unprecedented level” and said ties continued to deepen.

The summit marked the latest in a series of high-level meetings between Xi and Putin, who have met more than 40 times and have repeatedly described their partnership as having “no limits” since formalizing strategic ties in 2022.

The Beijing talks came during a period of heightened geopolitical uncertainty, with ongoing conflict involving Iran, continuing war in Ukraine, and renewed debate over global security arrangements.

Following the summit, China and Russia signed agreements aimed at strengthening strategic coordination and issued a declaration promoting a multipolar world order. The document warned against growing international fragmentation and what both governments described as a return to the “law of the jungle” in global affairs.


Waste-to-energy technology gains global momentum as cities expand conversion systems

Venus L Peñaflor
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Waste-to-energy technology gains global momentum as cities expand conversion systems

Waste-to-energy (WtE) technologies continue to expand globally in 2026, with governments, urban planners, and industry operators increasingly adopting systems that convert municipal solid waste into electricity, fuel, and other usable energy products. Industry analysts and environmental policy observers say the sector is becoming an increasingly important part of both waste management strategies and broader energy transition efforts.

Across multiple regions, WtE projects are being developed or expanded as cities contend with rising volumes of solid waste and increasing pressure on landfill capacity. In many cases, these projects integrate a combination of thermal treatment, biogas production, and fuel recovery systems designed to reduce landfill dependence while generating usable energy for local consumption. In rapidly urbanizing countries such as India, public-private partnerships have become a common model for developing large-scale waste processing facilities. These facilities are typically designed to handle substantial daily waste volumes while producing electricity or fuel for municipal use. Local authorities have also been pursuing the redevelopment of existing landfill sites into energy recovery facilities as part of broader urban environmental programs.

Alongside electricity-focused systems, some municipalities are expanding bio-compressed natural gas programs that convert organic waste into transport fuel. Environmental planners note that these initiatives are increasingly viewed as complementary to traditional waste-to-energy plants, particularly in regions where biodegradable waste makes up a significant portion of municipal solid waste.

In Asia, several countries are already operating or expanding waste-to-energy systems at different levels of scale and technological maturity. China has developed one of the largest installed capacities globally, particularly in urban waste incineration combined with energy recovery. Japan has long relied on advanced incineration facilities with strict emissions control systems, while South Korea continues to expand integrated recycling and energy-from-waste infrastructure. Singapore operates a highly centralized waste-to-energy system shaped by limited land availability and strong resource efficiency policies. In India, waste-to-energy development is expanding rapidly, although implementation remains uneven across cities, with several large-scale projects currently under development.

Environmental and urban planning experts also note that continued reliance on sanitary landfills presents long-term operational and environmental risks. These include the potential for landfill fires linked to methane buildup, structural instability in older or overloaded sites, and leachate management challenges that can affect surrounding soil and groundwater. In some cases globally, poorly managed or aging landfill facilities have experienced slope failures or localized collapses, prompting renewed policy attention on improving waste diversion and recovery systems. These concerns are among the factors driving increased interest in waste-to-energy technologies as cities seek to reduce dependence on landfills while improving waste processing capacity.

Energy and environmental experts also point to ongoing changes in the design and operation of modern waste-to-energy systems. Newer facilities are increasingly incorporating automated sorting technologies, bio-digesters for organic waste, and digital monitoring tools that improve efficiency and help reduce emissions. Industry assessments indicate that hybrid systems combining thermal processes such as incineration and gasification with biological treatment methods like anaerobic digestion are becoming more common. Some research and pilot initiatives are also exploring waste-to-hydrogen production pathways, although these remain at an early stage in most countries.

Policy and industry observers widely note that waste-to-energy development is being supported by regulatory frameworks in several regions, particularly policies aimed at reducing landfill use, expanding renewable energy capacity, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. In parts of Europe, waste-derived energy is increasingly integrated into district heating systems that supply heat to residential and commercial buildings. In other regions, national energy strategies are gradually incorporating waste-derived fuels into broader energy diversification plans.

Market outlooks from industry research groups generally describe the sector as one with steady growth potential over the medium to long term, driven by urbanization, infrastructure investment, and decarbonization goals. However, analysts also caution that growth patterns vary widely depending on regulatory conditions, financing availability, and the maturity of local waste management systems.

Experts say several consistent trends are shaping the evolution of waste-to-energy systems globally. These include a gradual shift away from landfill disposal toward energy recovery and material reuse, increasing adoption of bio-CNG and waste-to-fuel technologies for organic waste streams, wider use of digital tools such as artificial intelligence and sensor-based monitoring to improve operational efficiency, and stronger integration of circular economy principles into waste management planning. Governments in several regions are also increasingly linking waste management policies with renewable energy and climate targets.

Despite the overall expansion, environmental and energy analysts emphasize that significant challenges remain. High capital requirements, uneven waste segregation practices, and lengthy project development timelines continue to slow deployment in many areas. They also note that adoption remains uneven globally, with advanced systems concentrated in select urban and industrial regions while other areas continue to rely heavily on traditional landfill disposal.

Even so, waste-to-energy is increasingly being viewed by policymakers and industry stakeholders as part of long-term urban infrastructure planning. Analysts suggest that its role is likely to expand further as cities seek integrated approaches to managing waste, generating energy, and addressing environmental sustainability pressures.

Alongside electricity-focused systems, some municipalities are expanding bio-compressed natural gas programs that convert organic waste into transport fuel.

Ibinasura ng SC ang hiling ni Dela Rosa na TRO laban sa ICC warrant

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Ibinasura ng SC ang hiling ni Dela Rosa na TRO laban sa ICC warrant

MAYNILA — Ibinasura ng Supreme Court (SC) sa botong 9-5-1 ang kahilingan ni Senador Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa para sa temporary restraining order (TRO) at status quo ante order (SQAO) na naglalayong pigilan ang pagpapatupad ng warrant of arrest na kaugnay ng kaso laban sa kanya sa International Criminal Court (ICC). Ang desisyon ay inilabas matapos ang isang special en banc session nitong Miyerkules.

Ayon sa SC, ang naging pasya ay tumutukoy lamang sa hinihinging interim relief at hindi pa pinal na desisyon sa pangunahing usaping legal na nakapaloob sa kaso. Tatalakayin pa rin ng Korte Suprema ang mahahalagang isyu na inilahad ng mga partido sa kani-kanilang pleadings at mosyon.

Sa kanyang manifestation, hiniling ni dela Rosa na pigilan ng mataas na hukuman ang pagpapatupad ng anumang warrant of arrest mula sa ICC, red notice o diffusion mula sa International Criminal Police Organization, at iba pang foreign judicial o quasi-judicial instruments kung walang kaukulang warrant mula sa hukuman ng Pilipinas. Kabilang sa mga ahensyang nais niyang mapigilan ay ang Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Justice, Department of Foreign Affairs, Philippine National Police, at Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.

Kasabay nito, nananatiling nakabinbin ang pangunahing petisyon na kumukwestiyon sa legalidad at pagpapatupad ng ICC warrant sa hurisdiksyon ng Pilipinas. Isa rin sa mga isyung pagdedesisyunan pa ng Korte Suprema ay kung maituturing bang “fugitive” si dela Rosa sa ilalim ng umiiral na batas at proseso.

Batay sa pinakahuling ulat, plano ng kampo ni dela Rosa na magsampa ng mosyon para hilinging muling pag-aralan ng Supreme Court ang naging desisyon nito sa TRO at ipagpatuloy ang paggamit ng iba pang legal na remedyo kaugnay ng kaso.


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