MAYNILA. Naghihintay na lamang ang Philippine Navy ng opisyal na kahilingan mula sa Department of Justice (DOJ) bago simulan ang pagsisid sa Taal Lake kaugnay ng imbestigasyon sa mga nawawalang sabungero na umano’y itinapon sa lawa.
Ayon kay Navy spokesperson Captain John Percie Alcos, nakahanda silang magpadala ng tatlong team, binubuo ng 12 technical divers mula sa elite unit na Naval Special Operations Command (NAVSOCOM), o mas kilala bilang Navy SEALS. Gagamit sila ng underwater drones para tumulong sa pagsisid at paghahanap.
Ang NAVSOCOM ay eksperto sa Sea, Air and Land (SEAL) operations gaya ng reconnaissance, demolition, intelligence gathering, at mga underwater mission.
“There are numerous ways on how to recover or how to look for targets underwater itself. We could send underwater drones to check on the safety, how the water is, ano ma-encounter sa ilalim. The moment we find what we have to recover—object or cadaver,” ayon kay Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, tagapagsalita ng Philippine Navy para sa West Philippine Sea.
Dagdag pa niya, maaaring ideploy ang tatlong diving teams upang magsagawa ng operasyon para tukuyin at iahon ang anumang buto, kalansay, o labi ng mga sabungero kung mapapatunayang itinapon nga ang mga ito sa lawa, gaya ng isiniwalat ng testigong si alyas “Totoy.”
Aminado rin ang mga opisyal na mahalagang gamitin ang underwater drones upang matukoy kung may makukuhang ebidensya sa ilalim ng lawa, lalo na kung may mga labi pa ngang naroon.
GAZA. Despite the ongoing war between Hamas and Israel that has reduced much of Gaza to rubble, many Palestinians remain firm in rejecting U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed plan to relocate Gaza’s population to neighboring countries.
Mansour Abu Al-Khaier, a 45-year-old technician, stands among the ruins of Gaza and asks, “This is our land. Who would we leave it to, where would we go?” His sentiment reflects widespread opposition among Gazans to the Trump-backed proposal, which is supported by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
At a White House dinner on Monday, Trump and Netanyahu discussed progress on the initiative, which they say involves cooperation from surrounding countries. The goal, according to Netanyahu, is to give Palestinians a “better future,” possibly in other nations. “If people want to stay, they can stay. But if they want to leave, they should be able to leave,” Netanyahu said.
The plan, however, has raised alarms from human rights advocates. U.N. human rights spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani questioned the voluntariness of any transfer under current conditions. “This raises concerns with regards to forcible transfer,” she said during a briefing in Geneva.
Trump first floated the idea shortly after assuming office in January, proposing that Jordan and Egypt take in Gazans. Both countries quickly rejected the plan, along with many Palestinians and human rights groups, who labeled it a form of ethnic cleansing.
The proposal resurfaced amid one of the deadliest conflicts in Gaza’s history. According to the Gaza health ministry, more than 57,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began in October 2023, following a Hamas-led attack in southern Israel that left 1,200 people dead and 251 taken hostage. Israel says about 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with 20 believed to be alive.
Some surveys, like one by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research, suggest nearly half of Gaza’s population would leave if given the opportunity, driven by the severe humanitarian crisis marked by shortages of food, water, fuel, and medicine.
Still, many residents strongly reject permanent displacement. “We have the right to leave of our own free will and visit other countries, but we reject the plan of displacement as Palestinians,” said Saed, a 27-year-old Gazan. Others, like Abu Samir el-Fakaawi, are even more resolute. “I will not leave Gaza. This is my country. Our children, families, and friends are buried here,” he said.
A U.S.-backed aid group proposal obtained by Reuters outlines plans to construct “Humanitarian Transit Areas” inside or outside Gaza, aimed at replacing Hamas rule. Critics argue this represents a broader agenda to reshape Gaza’s demographics and governance by force.
Palestinians view displacement as one of the most painful legacies of the 1948 Nakba, when hundreds of thousands were expelled or fled during Israel’s founding. That trauma continues to shape Palestinian identity and their calls for self-determination.
Israel insists it is targeting militants and denies accusations of undermining Palestinian statehood, pointing to its historical and biblical claims to the land.
With no resolution in sight, the people of Gaza are left to endure the violence while resisting proposals they see as another chapter of dispossession.
TANAY, RIZAL. Arestado ang isang 63-anyos na lalaki matapos nitong barilin ang isang drayber at pasahero sa isang insidente ng road rage sa bayan ng Tanay noong Linggo, Hulyo 6.
Ayon sa ulat ng Rizal Provincial Police, nagsimula ang insidente nang agawin umano ng suspek ang linya ng isang pickup vehicle, dahilan para tamaan ng kanyang side mirror ang gilid ng naturang sasakyan. Huminto ang dalawang sasakyan, at dito na nagkaroon ng pagtatalo.
Sa gitna ng tensyon, bumaba ang suspek, kinuha ang kanyang baril sa likurang bahagi ng sasakyan, at sunod-sunod na pinaputukan ang drayber ng pickup na may sakay na apat na pasahero.
“Yung driver ang nasa critical condition. Pinagbabaril niya, multiple shots, and then umikot siya sa kabilang side at binaril din yung kasama sa kabilang upuan, sa paa tinamaan,” pahayag ni Police Colonel Feloteo Gonzalgo, provincial director ng Rizal PPO.
Agad namang naisugod sa ospital ang mga biktima. Nakalabas na ang isang pasahero na tinamaan ng bala sa paa, habang patuloy na nagpapagaling ang drayber na nasa kritikal na kondisyon.
Matapos ang insidente, hinabol ng mga awtoridad ang suspek at nahuli ito sa isang checkpoint sa bayan ng Morong.
Nasamsam mula sa loob ng sasakyan ng suspek ang isang .40-caliber pistol, ilang bala, dalawang matatalim na gamit, at isang blinker.
“May blinker pa sa loob ng sasakyan, para bang talagang ginagamit na niya sa kanyang pagtakas, for example, para mabilis siyang makaalis,” dagdag ni Gonzalgo.
Ayon sa pulisya, inamin ng suspek ang pamamaril dahil umano sa “sobrang galit.” Tumanggi na itong magbigay ng karagdagang pahayag habang nakakulong sa Tanay Municipal Station.
Nahaharap ang suspek sa kasong frustrated murder, reckless imprudence resulting in serious physical injuries and damage to property, at illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
In a case decided by the Supreme Court (SC), it was unjust for an international school to pay foreign-hires higher salaries than Filipino local-hires due to a violation of the equal protection clause of the Bill of Rights of the 1987 Constitution. The SC also held that it was unlawful for a college to dismiss a probationary faculty member who expected that she be given a third consecutive (and more) semester of teaching, even though that was supposedly a management prerogative. Welcome to the world of teaching in the Philippines, where navigating complex legal systems may land you in kindergarten, for you are treated like a kid.
Complicated it may be, but it is worth it for Filipinos who have taken up the teaching profession to continue educating the young. (The two mentioned cases were docketed as G.R. No. 128845, June 1, 2000, International School Alliance of Educators, petitioner, vs. Hon. Leonardo A. Quisumbing in his capacity as the Secretary of Labor and Employment; Hon. Cresenciano B. Trajano in his capacity as the Acting Secretary of Labor and Employment; Dr. Brian Maccauley in his capacity as the Superintendent of International School-Manila; and International School, Inc., respondents, https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2000/jun2000/gr_128845_2000.html; and G.R. No. 235863, October 10, 2022, Vanessa Laura Arcilla, Petitioner, vs. San Sebastian College-Recoletos, Manila, Respondent, https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2022/oct2022/gr_235863_2022.html.)
Administrators of schools, colleges, and universities do not always lose when they face illegal dismissal cases. But they almost always lose in final decisions from the Supreme Court. We say this not to complacently compel managements not to indiscriminately fire those they deem unworthy of continuing under their employment, nor are we asking the teaching profession to be bold even when it is all done in a shambles in front of students and administrators.
The call of the times is simple: industrial peace.
Time and again, the magistrates hold that when the law is clear, there is no need to interpret it. If a party interprets the clear language of the law, industrial peace gets duped. Rindi ang Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) sa alingasngas ng parehong kampo sa magkakaibang sitwasyon. At kapag nagkahablahan, it usually reaches the labor arbiter (LA), National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC), Court of Appeals (CA), and SC as if to say that the employee-employer relationship should be subject to any force of external tribunals, not within the educational institution’s HR.
In a college-employer’s lost case mentioned above, the SC said in part: “When a full-time employee’s probationary status overlaps with a fixed-term contract not specifically used for the fixed term it offers—as when the fixed term is merely for a convenient arrangement to coincide with the school’s academic year—the probationary nature of the employment prevails. The employer cannot simply invoke the expiration of the fixed term. The employment may only be terminated for a just or authorized cause or due to the employee’s failure to meet the reasonable standards made known to the employee at the time of the engagement.”
So the SC has steadily watched over Article 1702 of the Civil Code (“In case of doubt, all labor legislation and all labor contracts shall be construed in favor of the safety and decent living for the laborer”) and Article 4 of the Labor Code (“Construction in Favor of Labor. – All doubts in the implementation and interpretation of the provisions of this Code, including its implementing rules and regulations, shall be resolved in favor of labor.) The preference for labor is required due to an enormous distinction in power between an employer and an employee.
Teachers and professors, also perceived as “persons in authority” for purposes of the Revised Penal Code (RPC), have to protect themselves even as the State has to also be vigilant against abuses to ensure that an employer’s exercise of powers, especially in most extreme forms such as termination must be for justifiable reasons and with proper observance of administrative due process. Doing the opposite, an employer’s action or inaction will “punish” the teachers and professors lopsidedly.
“Petitioners claim that the respondent’s suspension was not illegal and not baseless, as it was an exercise of the school’s management prerogative, in keeping with their own standard of morality. They argue that there is no absolute standard of morality, as the standard must be based on the surrounding circumstances where the questioned action takes place. They submit that the respondent, as a teacher in a Christian educational institution, was obliged to teach and exemplify Christian values. Considering that the respondent violated the standard of morality observed by the school, her suspension was reasonable.
“Petitioners also argue that procedural due process was substantially followed. While they admit that there was no written initial notice, they aver that procedural due process was substantially complied with as: (1) respondent was allowed to explain her side; (2) she admitted the violation; and (3) and her suspension was reduced in writing. According to petitioners, ‘in the meeting with the BWS Administrative Team, [respondent] openly and voluntarily admitted her breach of school policy regarding unwed pregnancy and she expressed willingness to undergo suspension until after her marriage.’ They thus maintain that respondent’s suspension was mutually agreed by the parties.”
This leads us to finding ways on how teachers and professors cross (maitawid lang talaga) situations of institutional mismanagement:
• Pooling resources and teaching creatively. Academic personnel may need to get creative when dealing with outdated books, no or poor internet connection, and substandard facilities. They sometimes compensate and look for alternative (e)-resources or reprocess existing online tools. They may collaborate to share materials, plan together, or create group resource-sharing programs.
• Raising awareness. Some professors and teachers engage in advocacy to air grievances like a lack of consultative meetings, overcrowded classrooms, or poor admin policies. They may do so by addressing these concerns in letters of request, appeals, meetings, or even talking to responsible media like what came to light at UST and Lyceum recently.
• Union involvement. Educators may be part of unions or professional organizations that help address systemic issues in their institutions, including unfair labor practice (ULP). “Substantive, coherent, and coordinated measures that revolve on a definite vision and comprehensive strategy are needed” though, says Atty. Benedicto Ernesto R. Bitonio Jr., referring to International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions and, perhaps, the Philippine constitutional context of encouraging unionism. An SC decision read, “In the hierarchy of constitutional values, this Court has repeatedly held that the right to abstain from joining a labor organization is subordinate to the policy of encouraging unionism as an instrument of social justice.”
• Providing students with stability. In times of institutional mismanagement, students often feel stressed or disillusioned. Teachers and professors sometimes provide an emotional anchor for students, offering support, mentorship, and guidance. They may also focus on building resilience, helping students navigate challenges both in academics and in the broader context of academic life. Even in the face of low morale or lack of institutional support, some educators focus on finding innovative ways to engage students and keep their motivation high. Academic personnel may go beyond regular class hours, such as working overtime, organizing extra classes and bible studies, or even spending their own money on materials, to compensate for systemic shortfalls.
• Sharing best practices. Teachers and professors often rely on each other for moral and professional support. They share best practices for managing classrooms, teaching difficult subjects, or coping with admin problems. More experienced educators may mentor new teachers (Who says retirees need to retire?), helping them deal with poorly handled student and faculty manuals.
• Political and legal action. Teachers and professors sometimes try to bring systemic issues to the attention of local or national governments, hoping for policy changes that could improve the situation. In severe mismanagement cases of labor rights violations, inhumane conditions of work, or discriminatory policies, they might turn to legal channels to seek justice. Some roll with the changes as they find ways to manage mismanagement and wrong organizational culture.
Our God, who is the Great Employer, can see us dare to struggle. It must be with courage and faith, knowing fully well that our labor is not in vain as it can lead to spiritual maturity and overall growth. Finally, we are reminded in Colossians 4:1, “Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.”
SAN PABLO CITY. Newly elected Mayor Najie Gapangada on Tuesday unveiled his administration’s vision to transform San Pablo into a greener, more liveable, and economically vibrant city, beginning with the creation of eco-parks and a bold urban planning initiative led by renowned architect Felino “Jun” Palafox Jr.
Speaking at his first official press conference held at City Hall, Gapangada said the eco-park program is designed to provide local jobs, promote sustainable tourism, and ease the burden of long commutes for San Pableños.
“San Pableños should not have to leave the city to earn a decent living,” the mayor said. “Eco-parks will not only protect our environment, but they will also generate employment and improve the quality of family life by giving people more time at home.”
The planned eco-parks will include green recreational areas, nature trails, and community facilities designed to blend with the local landscape while promoting environmental conservation.
To guide the city’s transformation, Gapangada announced a partnership with Palafox, a Harvard-trained urban planner known for designing sustainable cities across the Philippines and abroad. The collaboration will focus on walkable communities, green infrastructure, disaster-resilient planning, and efficient land use.
“We are honored to welcome Architect Palafox to San Pablo. With his expertise, we can plan our growth responsibly, preserving our heritage while preparing for the future,” the mayor said.
Focus on Work, Health, and Education
Gapangada outlined a three-pronged governance program centered on work, health, and education. While plans are underway to attract private investors for these sectors, the mayor emphasized that timing is crucial, especially with the anticipated opening of the South Luzon Expressway Toll Road 4 (TR4) next year.
TR4, a major infrastructure project connecting Sto. Tomas, Batangas to Lucena, Quezon, includes a stretch through San Pablo. Once completed, the expressway is expected to cut travel time from over three hours to just 45 minutes, opening a faster gateway for tourism, commerce, and logistics in the region.
“We are positioning San Pablo to take full advantage of the economic benefits TR4 will bring,” the mayor said. “We want to be ready when the door opens.”
City Press Corps and Media Partnership
During the same event, City Information Officer Rolando Inciong announced the formation of a San Pablo Press Corps, an independent media group modeled after the Malacañang Press Corps.
“We invite all local and regional media to be part of this initiative,” Inciong said. “Together, let’s highlight the beauty, hospitality, and hardworking spirit of San Pableños. It’s time we tell our own stories and attract partners who believe in our potential.”
The mayor’s address was well-received by attendees from both the private and public sectors, many of whom noted the shift in tone toward transparency, inclusivity, and sustainability.
Gapangada concluded the press conference with a message of optimism:
“This is just the beginning. San Pablo is open for ideas, open for investment, and open for progress, with every San Pableño at the heart of it.”
During the same event, City Information Officer Rolando Inciong announced the formation of a San Pablo Press Corps, an independent media group modeled after the Malacañang Press Corps.
KERRVILLE, Texas. Search and rescue teams continued scouring mud-soaked riverbanks and flying surveillance aircraft over flood-ravaged central Texas on Monday, as the official death toll from Friday’s devastating flash floods rose to 78, with dozens still missing.
The hardest-hit area is Kerrville, a town along the Guadalupe River, which was turned into a deadly torrent by torrential rains that fell before dawn on July 4. Kerr County alone accounted for 68 fatalities, including 28 children, according to Sheriff Larry Leitha. Among the dead were individuals at Camp Mystic, a nearly century-old Christian summer camp for girls, where dozens were initially reported missing.
As of Sunday, 10 girls and one camp counselor remained unaccounted for. State officials also confirmed 10 additional flood-related deaths across Burnet, Tom Green, Travis, and Williamson counties, with 41 people still listed as missing beyond Kerr County.
Freeman Martin, director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, warned that the death toll would likely increase as waters recede and searches intensify. “It’s hot, there’s mud, they’re moving debris, there’s snakes,” Martin said, describing the hazardous conditions faced by hundreds of emergency responders.
A total of more than 850 people have been rescued since Friday, some found clinging to trees. Search teams are using eight helicopters and a remotely piloted MQ-9 Reaper drone equipped with surveillance sensors to cover the devastated terrain.
According to Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice, rainfall totals exceeded predictions from the National Weather Service, with up to 15 inches (38 cm) falling on two branches of the Guadalupe River. The resulting surge overwhelmed the single river channel running through Kerrville.
Texas officials had warned of possible flash floods ahead of the July Fourth holiday, but the storm’s severity surprised many. Public officials, including Governor Greg Abbott, promised a full investigation into the adequacy of early warnings and weather forecasts once rescue operations conclude.
President Donald Trump issued a major disaster declaration on Sunday, activating the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and prompting deployment of U.S. Coast Guard aircraft to assist in ongoing operations. Trump also announced plans to visit the flood zone on Friday.
However, questions have emerged about whether staffing shortages at the National Weather Service, caused by recent federal workforce reductions, contributed to the storm’s underestimation. Reports indicated that the San Antonio office, which oversees Kerr County, had a vacancy in the warning coordination meteorologist position due to early retirements under Trump’s administration.
Former NOAA Director Rick Spinrad warned that reduced staffing at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) may have hampered preparedness efforts.
When asked about the potential role of federal cuts in the disaster response, Trump deflected, stating, “That water situation, that all is, and that was really the Biden setup. But I wouldn’t blame Biden for it, either. I would just say this is a 100-year catastrophe.”
In the meantime, emergency operations continue around the clock as families, officials, and volunteers race against time to locate the missing and bring relief to the affected communities.
QUEZON CITY. Kicking off the 20th Congress, San Pablo City Representative Loreto “Amben” S. Amante wasted no time in pushing for inclusive and compassionate legislation. He filed two key bills aimed at expanding support for Filipino senior citizens and persons with special needs.
The first proposal, House Bill No. 360, titled “An Act Granting Benefits to Filipino Septuagenarians, Amending for This Purpose Republic Act No. 11982 Which Amended Republic Act No. 10868 or the Centenarians Act of 2016, and for Other Purposes,” seeks to lower the age requirement for receiving the Centenarian Grant from 100 to 70 years old.
Under current law, Filipino centenarians are entitled to a one-time cash gift of ₱100,000, along with a letter of felicitation from the President. Amante’s bill aims to address the reality that most elderly citizens do not live to see 100. By lowering the threshold to 70, the bill would allow more Filipino seniors to enjoy the government’s recognition and financial assistance during their later years.
House Bill No. 361, on the other hand, is titled “An Act to Establish Centers for Individuals with Special Needs (ISN) in the Country, Providing Funds Therefor, and for Other Purposes.” This bill mandates the creation of government-funded centers nationwide to serve as residential and care facilities for individuals diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, ADHD, and other cognitive or developmental conditions.
According to recent data from the Department of Health and the Autism Society Philippines, there is a growing need for inclusive facilities and long-term care solutions, particularly for indigent and abandoned persons with special needs. The proposed ISN centers would provide comprehensive services, including therapy, shelter, education, and vocational training, easing the burden on families and caregivers.
Rep. Amante emphasized that these measures reflect a broader vision of inclusive governance: “Our senior citizens and individuals with special needs deserve support and dignity. These bills are part of our commitment to a more compassionate and responsive government,” he said.
The two measures are expected to undergo committee deliberations in the coming weeks. Advocates from senior citizen groups and special needs communities have welcomed the proposals and expressed hope that Congress will act swiftly to pass them.
If enacted, both bills could mark a significant step forward in addressing social welfare gaps and ensuring that no Filipino is left behind.
KERRVILLE, Texas. Walang Pilipino ang kabilang sa mga nasawi sa matinding pagbaha sa Texas, ayon sa Philippine Consulate General sa Houston.
“As of now, there are still no reports of any Filipino casualties. The Consulate remains hopeful that none will be reported in the coming days,” ayon sa pahayag ng konsulado.
Patuloy ang pakikipag-ugnayan ng konsulado sa Filipino community sa Kerr County, Kerrville City, at iba pang bahagi ng Central Texas, na matinding naapektuhan ng biglaang pagbaha, upang matiyak ang kalagayan ng mga kababayang apektado.
“The Consulate is in direct contact with the Filipino community in Kerrville City and is aware that our kababayans living there are doing okay,” ayon sa Assistant to Nationals (ATN) ng konsulado.
Dagdag pa rito, patuloy na binabantayan ng konsulado ang mga kaganapan sa rescue at search operations sa mga apektadong lugar, partikular sa Kerr County, na isa sa mga pinakamatinding tinamaan ng baha.
Base sa ulat ni Texas Governor Greg Abbott sa isang press conference noong Linggo, umabot na sa 78 ang bilang ng mga nasawi, kung saan 68 ay mula sa Kerr County kabilang ang 28 bata. Sampung iba pa ang namatay sa ibang bahagi ng Texas at 41 ang naiulat na nawawala.
Nakikipag-ugnayan din ang konsulado sa mga lokal na awtoridad upang makakalap ng karagdagang impormasyon at agarang makatugon kung may mga Pilipinong nangangailangan ng tulong.
“The Consulate General in Houston is in contact with local authorities and members of the Filipino community in the affected areas to gather more information, and stands ready to extend necessary and appropriate support to any Filipino who may have been affected,” ayon sa pahayag.
Hinimok ng konsulado ang mga Pilipino sa Texas na patuloy na subaybayan ang mga emergency advisory at makipag-ugnayan sa mga awtoridad kung kinakailangan ng tulong.
RIO DE JANEIRO. U.S. President Donald Trump warned that countries aligning with BRICS and its “anti-American policies” would face an additional 10% tariff, escalating tensions as the group’s leaders gathered in Brazil for a high-stakes summit.
Trump made the threat Sunday on Truth Social, writing, “Any Country aligning themselves with the Anti-American policies of BRICS, will be charged an ADDITIONAL 10% Tariff. There will be no exceptions to this policy. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” He did not elaborate on which BRICS positions he considers anti-American.
The BRICS group, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has expanded in recent years to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Over 30 more nations have reportedly expressed interest in joining as full members or partners.
Meeting at Rio de Janeiro’s Museum of Modern Art, leaders of the increasingly diverse bloc addressed global instability, trade conflicts, and institutional reform. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva opened the summit by comparing BRICS to the Cold War-era Non-Aligned Movement, saying, “BRICS is the heir to the Non-Aligned Movement. With multilateralism under attack, our autonomy is in check once again.”
The summit’s joint statement warned that rising tariffs threaten global trade, while also condemning attacks on Iran’s infrastructure, voicing concern for Gaza, and criticizing a “terrorist attack” in India-administered Kashmir. The bloc also supported Ethiopia and Iran’s bid to join the World Trade Organization.
The leaders called for reforms in international governance, particularly at the United Nations and the International Monetary Fund, to reflect the 21st century’s multipolar reality. “If international governance does not reflect the new multipolar reality of the 21st century, it is up to BRICS to help bring it up to date,” Lula said, also criticizing the outcomes of U.S.-led wars in the Middle East.
Trump’s announcement comes as his administration races to conclude numerous trade deals before a self-imposed July 9 deadline for a new round of retaliatory tariffs. India’s foreign ministry has yet to comment on his statement.
China’s President Xi Jinping was notably absent from the summit, sending Premier Li Qiang instead. Russian President Vladimir Putin attended virtually, avoiding international travel due to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court over the war in Ukraine.
Despite questions about the cohesion of the expanded BRICS membership, leaders moved forward on joint economic initiatives. They backed a BRICS Multilateral Guarantees pilot under the New Development Bank to reduce financing costs for member states. They also issued a separate statement on artificial intelligence, calling for safeguards to prevent unauthorized data use and promote fair compensation mechanisms.
Brazil, which is also hosting the upcoming UN climate summit in November, used the BRICS platform to emphasize the role of developing countries in addressing climate change. China and the UAE, in separate meetings with Brazilian Finance Minister Fernando Haddad, expressed interest in supporting the proposed Tropical Forests Forever Facility to fund conservation efforts worldwide.
As the BRICS bloc gains diplomatic weight, the summit underlined its ambition to become a leading voice for the Global South, even as geopolitical rivalries and global uncertainty continue to test its unity.
MAYNILA. Ilang opisyal at miyembro ng Philippine National Police (PNP) ang umano’y nakatanggap ng regular na payola mula sa negosyanteng si Charlie “Atong” Ang, ayon sa whistleblower na si Julie “Dondon” Patidongan alyas “Totoy.”
Sa isang panayam sa telebisyon, inihayag ni Patidongan na may isang Police Colonel na umano’y tumatanggap ng hanggang P2 milyon kada buwan mula kay Ang. Bukod dito, sinabi rin niya na may iba pang mga pulis na binabayaran sa tuwing may itatrabaho o papataying sabungero.
Ipinakita ni Patidongan ang mga diumano’y “petty cash vouchers” bilang ebidensyang nagpapakita ng mga halagang ibinayad umano sa mga pulis. Isa sa mga voucher ay nagpapakita ng P2.6 milyon na ibinayad sa isang yunit ng pulisya, na may label na “intel.” Aniya, “Kapag sinabing intel, ‘yun na ‘yung P500,000, ‘yun na ‘yung bayad sa mga pinatay nila.”
Ayon pa sa kanya, “Yung overall naman na kinukuha ng isang colonel, ang monthly niya ay P2 million.”
Nauna nang itinanggi ni Atong Ang ang lahat ng akusasyon at naghain na ng mga kaso laban kay Patidongan.
Sa mga naunang rebelasyon, sinabi ni Patidongan na umabot sa 100 sabungero ang pinaslang, higit pa sa 34 na naunang naiulat na nawawala. Ayon sa kanya, mula sa mismong sabungan ay kinukuha ang mga sabungero na nasangkot umano sa pandaraya sa pustahan, kung saan sinasadya raw nilang ipatalo ang kanilang manok upang tayaan ang kalaban.
Si Patidongan ay dating manager sa mga farm ni Ang at nagsilbing aide nito sa loob ng 15 taon. Ngunit ayon sa kanya, napilitan siyang isiwalat ang mga impormasyon matapos umanong makatanggap ng banta ang kanyang pamilya.
“Sa totoo lang, kaya ko naman sana dalhin hanggang libingan itong sikreto namin ni Atong Ang. Ang problema, pamilya na ang pinag-uusapan dito,” pahayag ni Patidongan.
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