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Review: When Life Gives You Tangerines – A poignant tale of love, dreams, and resilience

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Review: When Life Gives You Tangerines – A poignant tale of love, dreams, and resilience

Korean dramas are known for their emotional depth and breathtaking storytelling, and When Life Gives You Tangerines is no exception. Starring IU as Ae-sun and Park Bo-gum as Gwan-sik, this beautifully crafted series takes viewers on a heartfelt journey through love, personal struggles, and the passage of time, all set against the picturesque backdrop of Jeju Island.

A Story of True Love and Growth

At its core, When Life Gives You Tangerines is more than just a romance—it’s a story about two people who shape each other’s lives in profound ways. Ae-sun is a free-spirited woman who dreams of becoming a poet despite the limitations of her circumstances. Gwan-sik, on the other hand, is a hardworking and devoted man who quietly but steadfastly stands by her side. Their love is tested by time, societal expectations, and personal hardships, but what makes their relationship compelling is its authenticity. This is not a fairy-tale romance; it is raw, patient, and deeply moving.

Cinematic Excellence

From its stunning cinematography to its evocative soundtrack, the drama does a phenomenal job of immersing viewers in 1950s Jeju. The storytelling unfolds at a steady, reflective pace, allowing the audience to truly connect with the characters and their emotional journeys. IU and Park Bo-gum deliver stellar performances, breathing life into Ae-sun and Gwan-sik with remarkable nuance.

Is It True Love?

Absolutely. When Life Gives You Tangerines captures the essence of real love—one that isn’t just about passion or fleeting moments, but about understanding, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment. Gwan-sik’s devotion to Ae-sun, even when faced with life’s hardships, reflects a love that is pure and enduring. Unlike relationships built on convenience or infatuation, their love is rooted in genuine respect and shared aspirations.

What’s Next?

Fans will be thrilled to know that a continuation of the story is set for release soon! With the first installment leaving audiences deeply invested in Ae-sun and Gwan-sik’s journey, anticipation is high for what lies ahead in their evolving relationship. Will their love continue to withstand the test of time? We’ll soon find out.

Final Verdict: 9/10 ⭐

When Life Gives You Tangerines is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates thoughtful storytelling, breathtaking visuals, and love stories that feel real and deeply resonant. It’s a reminder that true love isn’t about grand gestures or material things—it’s about showing up, day after day, for the person who truly matters.

Stay tuned for the next chapter of Ae-sun and Gwan-sik’s love story!

‘Duterte ICC arrest and transfer means a lot to EJK victims’ 

DC Alviar
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‘Duterte ICC arrest and transfer means a lot to EJK victims’ 

Political communication has a defining attribute. First, we’ll use the space here to relay a message from the ICC prosecutor after the arrest and transfer of former Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte and tackle some views about the theory next week. 

That “(this) means a lot” to relatives of EJK victims means a lot to political communicators, too. Karim Khan says this and more: 

Statement of the ICC Office of the Prosecutor on the arrest of former Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte 

https://tinyurl.com/yvhkt564

The Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) welcomes the arrest and transfer of the suspect Mr Rodrigo Roa Duterte, former President of the Philippines, on 11 March 2025 by the Republic of the Philippines authorities. Mr Duterte has been arrested in the context of the Office’s ongoing investigation into the Situation in the Republic of the Philippines. 

ICC Prosecutor Karim A.A. Khan KC on the arrest of former Philippine President Duterte 

Based on its independent and impartial investigations, the Office of the Prosecutor alleges that Mr Duterte, as founder and head of the Davao Death Squad, then Mayor of Davao City, and subsequently as the President of the Philippines, is criminally responsible for the crime against humanity of murder (Article 7(1)(a) of the Rome Statute) committed in the Philippines between 1 November 2011 and 16 March 2019. Mr Duterte is alleged to have committed these crimes as part of a widespread and systematic attack directed against the civilian population. 

In the warrant of arrest it issued on 7 March 2025, Pre-Trial Chamber I determined that there are reasonable grounds to believe that Mr Duterte bears criminal responsibility for the crime against humanity of murder. The Chamber also noted that the case against Mr. Duterte falls within the jurisdiction of the Court as the alleged crimes occurred during the period when the Philippines was a State Party to the Rome Statute, the ICC’s founding treaty.  

The arrest of Mr Duterte is an important development in the Office’s pursuit of accountability in the Situation in the Republic of the Philippines for alleged crimes committed in the context of the so-called “war on drugs” campaign. 

The Office has been able to conduct this work through the coordinated efforts of its Philippines Unified Team, under the guidance and leadership of Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang, as well as its newly-established Tracking and Information Fusion Section and other relevant components of the Office. The Office is also grateful for the work of the Registry and the effective coordination of efforts to secure the arrest of the suspect. 

This is a crucial step in our continuous work to ensure accountability for the victims of the most serious crimes under ICC jurisdiction. The Office is now commencing preparations towards the initial appearance and subsequent judicial proceedings before the Court.    

The Office wishes to thank all the victims, survivors, witnesses, and activists from the Philippines who have stepped forward to cooperate in the Office’s investigation. Their strength, courage, and perseverance make these significant developments possible. Those who wish to further cooperate or who have relevant information are encouraged to do so via the Office’s Witness Appeal portal. 

The Office’s investigation in the Situation in the Republic of the Philippines continues. In pursuing further accountability in this situation, the Office hopes to engage with the Philippine authorities on potential avenues of cooperation and will continue to rely on the partnership of national authorities, regional and international organizations, civil society, and the communities affected by the Rome Statute crimes. 

More information: 

Office of the Prosecutor 

Situation in the Philippines 

Witness Appeal: Situation in the Republic of the Philippines 

Source: Office of the Prosecutor | Contact: OTPNewsDesk@icc-cpi.int 

URL: https://www.icc-cpi.int/news/statement-icc-office-prosecutor-arrest-former-philippine-president-rodrigo-roa-dutertesident-rodrigo-roa-duterte

Israel warns of more strikes as over 400 killed in Gaza airstrikes following ceasefire collapse

Venus L Peñaflor
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Israel warns of more strikes as over 400 killed in Gaza airstrikes following ceasefire collapse

JERUSALEM/CAIRO. Israeli airstrikes pounded Gaza on Tuesday, killing over 400 people, according to Palestinian health authorities, marking one of the deadliest days since the war erupted. The attacks shattered nearly two months of relative calm following a ceasefire, with Israel warning that the onslaught was “just the beginning.”

The ceasefire, which had largely held since January, brought temporary relief to Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, many of whom have been displaced by continuous bombings. However, both Israel and Hamas accused each other of violating the truce, reigniting violence that had been simmering beneath diplomatic negotiations.

Israel: No More Negotiations Without Pressure

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the renewed military campaign, citing Hamas’ rejection of proposals to extend the ceasefire.

“From now on, Israel will act against Hamas with increasing force. And from now on, negotiations will only take place under fire,” Netanyahu declared from the Kirya army base in Tel Aviv.

He urged civilians in Gaza to evacuate to “safer areas,” while holding Hamas responsible for every civilian casualty.

“Hamas has already felt the blow of our arm in the last 24 hours. And I want to assure you: This is just the beginning,” Netanyahu warned.

Heavy Bombardment Across Gaza

Israeli warplanes struck residential houses and tent encampments from northern to southern Gaza, including Gaza City, where witnesses reported missiles raining down late into the night.

Tanks also shelled areas near Beit Hanoun and eastern Khan Younis, forcing thousands of families to flee on foot, in cars, or riding rickshaws. The Israeli military issued evacuation orders, warning residents to leave “dangerous combat zones.”

The Palestinian health ministry reported 408 fatalities on Tuesday alone, with 562 more wounded. In overcrowded hospitals, piles of bodies wrapped in white plastic sheets, stained with blood, were stacked as medical teams struggled to keep up with the influx of casualties.

“It was a night of hell. It felt like the first days of the war,” said Rabiha Jamal, 65, a mother of five from Gaza City.

International Reaction and Humanitarian Crisis

The breakdown of the ceasefire sparked international condemnation. Egypt and Qatar, both key mediators, denounced Israel’s assault, while the European Union issued a statement expressing deep concern over the renewed hostilities.

Tom Fletcher, the UN emergency relief coordinator, warned that the “modest gains” made during the ceasefire had now been destroyed.

Meanwhile, Israel has halted aid deliveries into Gaza for over two weeks, worsening an already severe humanitarian crisis.

Despite widespread criticism, U.S. officials placed the blame solely on Hamas.

“Hamas could have released hostages to extend the ceasefire but instead chose refusal and war,” said White House National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes.

Hamas Officials Among the Dead

Hamas confirmed that several high-ranking officials were killed in the latest strikes, including:
🔹 Essam Addalees – De facto head of Hamas’ government
🔹 Ahmed Al-Hetta – Deputy justice minister
🔹 Mahmoud Abu Watfa – Head of Hamas-run security services

Hostage Crisis and Standoff in Truce Talks

Despite the escalating violence, Hamas reaffirmed its willingness to negotiate, claiming Israel had gone back on the deal by blocking humanitarian aid and refusing to engage in talks for a second-phase truce.

Hamas spokesperson Abdel-Latif Al-Qanoua told Reuters:

“We remain committed to implementing the ceasefire agreement as signed, but Israel has refused to proceed with the next phase.”

Israel had pushed for an agreement to extend the truce until after Ramadan and Passover in April, prioritizing the return of the 59 remaining hostages Hamas is still holding from the October 7, 2023 attack, which killed 1,200 Israelis, according to Israeli sources.

Since the war began, Palestinian health authorities report over 48,000 people have been killed in Gaza.

As Israel intensifies its military campaign in Gaza, it has also launched operations in the occupied West Bank, southern Lebanon, and Syria, escalating tensions across the region.

With both sides refusing to back down and civilian casualties mounting, the latest escalation threatens to plunge the region into an even deeper crisis. Will negotiations resume, or is this truly ‘just the beginning’ of another deadly chapter?

With report from Reuters

Matobato at Lascañas, posibleng tumestigo laban kay Duterte sa ICC

Venus L Peñaflor
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Matobato at Lascañas, posibleng tumestigo laban kay Duterte sa ICC

MAYNILA. Posibleng tumestigo laban kay dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte sa International Criminal Court (ICC) sina Edgar Matobato at Arturo Lascañas, ayon kay ICC Assistant to Counsel Kristina Conti.

Ayon kay Conti, maaaring maging mahalaga ang kanilang testimonya sa pag-uugnay kay Duterte sa Davao Death Squad (DDS). Si Matobato, isang umamin na hitman, ay naglahad ng mga pagpatay na umano’y iniutos ni Duterte, kabilang na ang insidente kung saan isang kidnapper umano ang ipinakain sa buwaya.

Samantala, si Lascañas, isang dating pulis, ay una nang itinanggi ang koneksyon ni Duterte sa DDS ngunit kalaunan ay umamin na may basbas ng dating pangulo ang mga operasyon at may bayad sa bawat pagpatay.

Noong 2024, inamin mismo ni Duterte sa Senado na may death squad siya, na lalong nagbigay ng bigat sa mga alegasyon laban sa kanya. Sa ngayon, si Matobato ay nasa proteksyon ng ICC, habang si Lascañas naman ay nabigyan ng limitadong immunity.

Patuloy na inaabangan kung ano ang magiging epekto ng kanilang mga testimonya sa imbestigasyong isinasagawa ng ICC laban kay Duterte.

Trump releases thousands of JFK assassination documents, sparking renewed debate

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Trump releases thousands of JFK assassination documents, sparking renewed debate

WASHINGTON. U.S. President Donald Trump has released a substantial collection of documents related to the 1963 assassination of former President John F. Kennedy, fulfilling a campaign pledge to enhance transparency regarding the historic event in Dallas, Texas.

The first batch of electronic files was made available on the National Archives website, with over 80,000 documents expected to be published following an extensive review by Justice Department lawyers. Among the released materials are classified memos, including one marked “secret,” detailing a 1964 interview by a Warren Commission researcher. The document includes handwritten notes about an inquiry into inconsistencies found in information provided by the State Department and the CIA concerning marriages between Soviet women and American men.

The files also reference conspiracy theories suggesting that Kennedy’s assassin, Lee Harvey Oswald, returned from the Soviet Union in 1962 with the intention of killing the president. Some Department of Defense documents from 1963 discuss Cold War tensions, particularly U.S. efforts to counter Cuban leader Fidel Castro’s support of communist movements in Latin America.

One document states that while Castro would likely avoid actions that could trigger a war with the U.S. or put his regime at immediate risk, he might still “intensify his support of subversive forces in Latin America.”

A Push for Full Disclosure

Trump had signed an order shortly after taking office in January mandating the release of the assassination-related documents. In response, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) identified thousands of previously unseen files related to the Kennedy assassination. The urgency of complying with Trump’s directive prompted the U.S. Justice Department to assign national-security lawyers to review the materials swiftly, as revealed in a Monday evening email obtained by Reuters.

“President Trump is ushering in a new era of maximum transparency,” said Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard in a post on X.

Despite the official conclusion that Oswald acted alone, public skepticism remains. Opinion polls indicate that many Americans believe Kennedy’s assassination was the result of a conspiracy. However, experts remain doubtful that the newly released documents will alter the established narrative that Oswald fired the fatal shots from the Texas School Book Depository as Kennedy’s motorcade passed through Dealey Plaza.

“People expecting big things are almost certain to be disappointed,” said Larry Sabato, director of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia and author of a book on the assassination. He suggested that some of the newly published pages may simply contain previously available material with minor redactions removed.

Future Releases and CIA Allegations

Trump has also vowed to declassify documents related to the assassinations of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and Senator Robert F. Kennedy, both of whom were killed in 1968. Additional time has been granted to determine the appropriate plan for releasing those records.

Meanwhile, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., son of the late senator and nephew of John F. Kennedy, has publicly alleged that the CIA was involved in his uncle’s assassination—an accusation the agency has consistently denied as baseless. Kennedy Jr. has also argued that his father was murdered by multiple gunmen, contradicting the official narrative.

One of the lingering questions surrounding the JFK assassination is the extent of the CIA’s knowledge of Oswald’s activities before the killing. Specifically, inquiries remain about Oswald’s visit to Mexico City six weeks before the assassination, during which he met with officials at the Soviet embassy.

“People have been waiting for decades for this,” Trump stated. “It’s going to be very interesting.”

Target ng DepEd na bawasan ng 57% ang paperworks ng mga guro

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Target ng DepEd na bawasan ng 57% ang paperworks ng mga guro

MAYNILA. Upang bigyang-diin ang pagtutok ng mga guro sa aktwal na pagtuturo, target ng Department of Education (DepEd) na bawasan ng 57% ang kanilang paperwork, mula sa 174 school forms na kasalukuyang ginagamit.

Ang inisyatibang ito ay alinsunod sa utos ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. na mapabuti ang kalidad ng edukasyon sa bansa at maibsan ang bigat ng mga administratibong gawain ng mga guro.

Ayon kay Education Secretary Sonny Angara, layunin ng bagong patakaran na pagaanin ang trabaho ng mga guro upang mas maraming oras ang mailaan nila sa paghahanda ng lesson plans at pakikisalamuha sa mga estudyante.

Sa ilalim ng bagong regulasyon, limang pangunahing forms na lamang ang kailangang sagutan ng mga guro, maliban sa ilang karagdagang dokumento para sa partikular na mga gawain.

Bukod dito, isinusulong din ng DepEd ang Data Management Framework upang gawing mas episyente ang reporting system at alisin ang mga hindi kailangang dokumentasyon. Kasabay nito, maglulunsad din ang ahensya ng mga information campaign upang ipaalam sa mga guro ang mga repormang ito.

Batay sa isang pag-aaral ng DepEd, maraming guro ang gumugugol ng labis na oras sa pagsagot ng mga school forms, na nagiging hadlang sa kanilang epektibong pagtuturo. Sa isang survey, 42% ng mga guro ang nagtatrabaho nang mahigit 50 oras kada linggo, kung saan malaking bahagi nito ay napupunta sa gawaing hindi direktang may kaugnayan sa pagtuturo.

Sa tulong ng bagong sistema, umaasa ang DepEd na mabibigyan ng mas malaking oras at atensyon ng mga guro ang kanilang mga estudyante, na siyang tunay na layunin ng edukasyon.

Chicago river turns vibrant green as St. Patrick’s Day festivities begin

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Chicago river turns vibrant green as St. Patrick’s Day festivities begin

CHICAGO. The Chicago River transformed into a vivid kelly green on Saturday as the city launched its annual St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, continuing a tradition that has captivated locals and tourists for over six decades.

Despite chilly morning temperatures, thousands of spectators lined the riverwalk and packed the bridges, cheering as members of the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Union Local 130 released the iconic dye into the water from boats. The tradition, which began in 1962, was originally discovered by accident when plumbers used a special dye to trace pollution sources in the river.

The dyeing process, which takes about 45 minutes, involves dispersing a secret powder-based dye that initially appears orange before mixing with the water to create the iconic emerald-green hue. While the exact formula remains undisclosed, organizers assure that it is environmentally safe and non-toxic.

A Symbol of Chicago’s Irish Heritage

The river dyeing event is a prelude to Chicago’s downtown St. Patrick’s Day parade, one of the largest Irish celebrations in the United States. This year, the parade featured traditional Irish music, bagpipers, dance troupes, and colorful floats, highlighting the city’s deep Irish-American roots.

St. Patrick’s Day, which officially falls on Monday, March 17, honors St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, who is credited with spreading Christianity in Ireland during the fifth century. The Chicago celebrations date back to 1843, when Irish immigrants first organized a local parade to commemorate the occasion.

A Lasting Green Glow

While the river remains a brilliant green for several hours, traces of the color can persist for a couple of days, depending on water flow and weather conditions. Chicago officials work closely with environmental agencies to ensure the process is safe for aquatic life and the ecosystem.

The tradition is a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from across the country who want to witness the unique spectacle. Hotels, restaurants, and bars across the city also experience a surge in business, with many offering special St. Patrick’s Day menus, Irish-themed drinks, and live entertainment throughout the weekend.

As Chicago continues to celebrate its Irish heritage, the glowing green river remains a beloved symbol of the city’s enduring St. Patrick’s Day spirit.

Duterte dinala sa ICC clinic dahil sa kakulangan ng gamot; 9 kasabwat sa war on drugs, tinukoy

Venus L Peñaflor
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Duterte dinala sa ICC clinic dahil sa kakulangan ng gamot; 9 kasabwat sa war on drugs, tinukoy

Dinala sa clinic ng International Criminal Court (ICC) detention facility sa The Hague si dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte upang subaybayan ang kanyang kalagayan matapos magkaroon ng kakulangan sa gamot, ayon kay dating Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, na bahagi ng kanyang legal team.

Ayon kay Roque, nagpadala sila ng mga tunay na gamot ni Duterte kasama ang reseta upang matiyak na hindi lamang substitute medicine ang ibibigay sa kanya. “Nagpadala rin kami ng tsinelas at medyas para sa kanya,” dagdag pa niya.

Sa kanyang unang pagharap sa korte, lumahok si Duterte sa pagdinig via video link matapos ihayag ni dating Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea na may iniinda itong sakit. Ngunit ayon sa presiding judge na si Iulia Motoc, natukoy ng doktor ng korte na si Duterte ay nasa maayos na mental at pisikal na kondisyon.

Bago siya dalhin sa Netherlands, inilabas ng anak niyang si Veronica “Kitty” Duterte ang medical certificate ng dating pangulo, na nagpapakitang tumaas sa 328 ang kanyang glucose level at inirekomendang maospital upang maiwasan ang komplikasyon ng diabetes.

ICC: 9 Kasabwat ni Duterte sa War on Drugs, Tinukoy

Siyam na indibidwal ang itinuring ng ICC bilang co-perpetrators ni dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte sa kontrobersyal na kampanya laban sa iligal na droga, batay sa aplikasyon ng warrant of arrest na inilathala sa website ng ICC.

Bagamat hindi isinapubliko ang pangalan ng karamihan para sa kanilang seguridad, pinangalanan sa dokumento si Senador Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, na itinuturing na utak ng Oplan Tokhang, at si Vicente Danao, dating hepe ng pulisya sa Davao City. Binanggit din si Bise Presidente Sara Duterte dahil sa kanyang dating posisyon bilang alkalde ng Davao City.

Kabilang sa ebidensyang isinama sa aplikasyon ang mga testimonya ng testigo, pampublikong pahayag ni Duterte, mga dokumento ng PNP at gobyerno, pati na rin ang drug watch list.

Tinukoy rin ang mga pag-amin ni Duterte sa publiko, kabilang ang kanyang pahayag na siya mismo ay may pananagutan sa libu-libong patayan sa war on drugs. Binanggit din ang kanyang sinasabing pagpopondo sa Davao Death Squad at ang kanyang viral na pahayag:

“Ang tanging kasalanan ko ay extrajudicial killings.”

Ayon sa mga abogado ng biktima, 6,000 kaso ang kanilang hinahawakan, ngunit 43 lamang ang isusumite sa ICC—19 noong alkalde pa si Duterte at 24 noong siya ay pangulo.

Pinili lamang ang mga kasong naglalarawan ng matinding karahasan sa giyera kontra droga dahil sa dami ng mga namatay.

Trump and Putin set for Tuesday talks on Ukraine war resolution

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Trump and Putin set for Tuesday talks on Ukraine war resolution

WASHINGTON. U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday in what could be a crucial moment in efforts to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. The conversation also presents an opportunity for Trump to further shape American foreign policy.

Trump revealed the planned discussion to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday evening while traveling from Florida to Washington. The Kremlin confirmed Putin’s participation on Monday morning.

“We will see if we have something to announce maybe by Tuesday. I will be speaking to President Putin on Tuesday,” Trump stated. “A lot of work’s been done over the weekend. We want to see if we can bring that war to an end.”

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the upcoming discussion but refrained from providing details, stating, “We never get ahead of events” and emphasizing that “the content of conversations between two presidents are not subject to any prior discussion.”

Trump’s approach to Russia and his firm stance toward Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have raised concerns among European allies. Zelenskyy faced sharp criticism during his visit to the Oval Office just over two weeks ago.

Despite Russia’s failure to overthrow the Ukrainian government following its full-scale invasion three years ago, Moscow still controls significant portions of the country. The Kremlin’s illegal annexation of four Ukrainian regions—Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia—following the 2022 invasion remains a contentious issue, as Russia does not fully control any of these territories.

Additionally, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the largest in Europe, remains under Russian control. The facility has repeatedly been caught in the crossfire, prompting the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to express continued concerns over a potential nuclear catastrophe.

Trump signaled that discussions would involve territorial matters and energy infrastructure. “We will be talking about land. We will be talking about power plants,” he said, describing the process as “dividing up certain assets.”

Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy, visited Moscow last week in an effort to advance negotiations. Meanwhile, Putin has previously demanded that Kyiv withdraw troops from the annexed regions as a condition for peace.

Amid growing speculation about his rapport with the Russian leader, Trump’s ties to Putin were highlighted in an interview with U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard on India’s NDTV. Gabbard remarked that Trump and Putin “are very good friends” and are focused on strengthening bilateral ties.

“We have two leaders of two great countries who are very good friends and very focused on how we can strengthen the shared objectives and shared interests,” Gabbard stated in the interview, excerpts of which were released Monday ahead of its full broadcast.

While pursuing peace talks with Russia, Trump is simultaneously pushing forward with his economic policies. He reaffirmed his commitment to imposing tariffs on April 2, despite market disruptions and economic concerns.

“April 2 is a liberating day for our country,” he declared. “We’re getting back some of the wealth that very, very foolish presidents gave away because they had no clue what they were doing.”

Although Trump has previously adjusted tariff plans, such as in negotiations with Mexico, he stated that he intends to stay firm on the upcoming trade measures. “They charge us and we charge them,” he said. “Then in addition to that, on autos, on steel, on aluminum, we’re going to have some additional tariffs.”

As Trump and Putin prepare for their high-stakes conversation, global leaders remain watchful of what could be a defining moment in the conflict and in U.S.-Russia relations.

San Pablo City and Alterna Verde Corp. tackle waste management head-on

Venus L Peñaflor
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San Pablo City and Alterna Verde Corp. tackle waste management head-on

SAN PABLO CITY. In a press conference held on March 15, 2025, San Pablo City Solid Waste Management Office officials and Alterna Verde Corporation addressed concerns surrounding the city’s waste management operations. Questions had been raised about the city’s partnership with Alterna Verde Corporation, particularly regarding payments made by the city and the acceptance of waste from neighboring towns for a fee.

San Pablo City’s Waste Management Before Alterna Verde Corporation

Before partnering with Alterna Verde Corporation, San Pablo City faced significant challenges in waste disposal. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) had previously ordered the closure of numerous landfills nationwide due to seepage and environmental violations, which posed risks to groundwater and ecosystems.

As a result, the city had to transport its waste to Gem Tech in Sta. Cruz, Laguna, an alternative disposal facility, at a cost of approximately ₱180,000 per day.

Clarifying the Role of Alterna Verde Corporation

Alterna Verde Corporation, a company specializing in renewable energy and waste management solutions, emphasized that it collects and processes residential waste in San Pablo City for free. This means the city does not incur costs for the collection and treatment of household waste.

However, the company charges commercial businesses for waste collection and processing, ensuring that business establishments contribute to maintaining sustainable waste management services.

Waste Acceptance from Neighboring Towns

Officials also addressed concerns regarding waste from other municipalities, clarifying that such practices are legally permitted under Philippine law. The Local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160) and the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (RA 9003) allow inter-local government cooperation in waste management. This means cities or municipalities with the capability to process waste can accept waste from neighboring towns, helping smaller LGUs comply with environmental regulations.

Alterna Verde Corporation’s Advanced Waste Processing Technology

Alterna Verde Corporation also highlighted its high-tech facilities and expertise in waste processing, which include:
✔ Bio-Methanation Technology – Converting waste into biogas and electricity
✔ Wind Energy Utilization – Harnessing wind power for renewable energy production
✔ Biofuel Processing – Creating alternative fuel sources from waste materials
✔ Hydroscrew Technology – Generating hydropower from wastewater

With these cutting-edge solutions, the company transforms waste into valuable resources while minimizing environmental impact.

Alterna Verde Corporation fully complies with national waste management and environmental regulations, including DENR standards and ECC requirements. The company actively engages in sustainability initiatives, such as biogas projects, showcasing its commitment to responsible and innovative waste solutions.

Regarding leachate treatment, their expertise in bio-methanation suggests a potential approach to managing leachate, particularly from organic waste sources. Bio-methanation involves anaerobic digestion, where microorganisms break down biodegradable material in the absence of oxygen, producing biogas and digestate. This method can effectively treat various types of wastewater, including leachate, by reducing organic pollutants and generating usable biogas.

A Matter Beyond Politics

Officials affirmed that waste management has been a key topic in various forums, but they stressed that it must rise above politics. They underscored that waste disposal and environmental protection are not battlegrounds for political agendas but urgent responsibilities. As a highly technical and vital public service, waste management should be driven by sustainability, efficiency, and long-term benefits—ensuring a cleaner, healthier future for the people of San Pablo City.

Commitment to a Sustainable Future

The San Pablo City Solid Waste Management Office assured the public that it is working diligently to develop a long-term and sustainable waste management system that will ensure efficient waste processing, environmental protection, and compliance with national regulations.

Together with Alterna Verde Corporation, the city government is committed to innovative solutions that will benefit both present and future generations, ensuring that San Pablo City remains at the forefront of eco-friendly and responsible waste management. Among its goals is to become a model waste-to-energy facility in the nation.

The press conference was facilitated by San Pablo City Solid Waste Management Office head Eng. Jojo Biglete, Alterna Verde Corporation’s CEO and General Manager Nervy C. Santiago, DVM, and Chief Marketing Officer Leovi Andrei E. Mendoza, together with San Pablo City Councilors Carmela Acebedo and Francis Calatraba.

Sustainable Energy in Action!  Alterna Verde Corps’ biogas pod at Sitio Balik, Brgy. Sto. Niño, San Pablo City, is turning organic waste into clean energy for the community. We harness the power of biogas technology to convert waste into clean, renewable energy! This biogas balloon is a key part of our sustainable waste management system, helping reduce landfill emissions while generating eco-friendly fuel.
Innovative Protection for the Environment! Alterna Verde Corporation’s advanced landfill liner technique ensures zero contamination of the water table, safeguarding communities and ecosystems. By using high-quality, impermeable barriers, they’re setting the standard for sustainable waste management.
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