Saturday, May 9, 2026


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Edukasyon, POGO, at ang ‘sana’ kada SONA

Sa pagbubukas ng ikatlong regular na sesyon ng ikalabing siyam na Kongreso, maximum tolerance ang pinairal umano sa paligid ng Batasang Pambansa dahil nga sa kinaaabangang State of the Nation Address (SONA) ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos sa maulang hapon ng Hulyo 22. Alamin natin ang katotohanan diyan sa mga police-beat reporter sa Quezon City maging sa mga pinuno ng mga kilos-protesta sa loob ng tatlong araw. Iyon na nga’t natuloy ang talumpati niyang meron mga “pasabog” na sa tingin naman ng iba’y kalkulado na at natural lamang na banggitin.

Tatlo sa mahahalagang paksa sa naitalumpati ang nais nating bigyan ng reaksyon:

Una, hindi raw kathang isip ang West Philippine Sea, kundi atin ito. Pinasalamatan pa niya ang mga sundalo sa pagtataguyod ng depensa sa teritoryo ng bansa. Pangalawa, nagbigay-hamon ang Pangulo sa wala pang isang linggong nakaupong bagong kalihim ng edukasyon, kasabay ng pagbibida ng mga nagawa na at gagawin pa sa pampublikong basic education at higher education sa ilalim ng DepEd at CHED (may maiksing banggit din sa TESDA). Pangatlo, ang agarang paglalansag ng Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

May diin at mukhang ayaw paawat sa Tsina ang Commander in Chief. Sa larangan ng international relations, importante ang mariing pahayag niya ng tamang pag-angkin sa teritoryo, sa maritime security, at sa pagpapalakas kahit man lang ang loob ng tumatao para sa ating tanggulang pambansa sa nadesisyunan na ng UNCLOS pabor sa Pilipinas, pero “pinag-aagawan” pa rin sa mga aktwal na pangyayari at dokumentadong ulat ng pangha-harass ng kalapit bansa nating bully.

Kailangang pagbutihin ni dating senador at ngayo’y Education Secretary Sonny Angara ang pamumuno sa kagawaran lalo na’t may malulungkot na usapin, ayon sa Pangulo, sa kahinaan sa krikal na pag-iisip, mga mabababang marka sa matematika, agham, at pag-unawa sa mga binabasa ng mga kabataang mag-aaral sa mga pandaigdigang assessment.

Hindi sapat itong pagtutulak sa bago niyang itinalagang lider sa edukasyon kung salat sa detalye ng implementasyon sa mga patakarang pampaaralan, pangguro, pandagdag-sweldo, at holistic approach ng pangangalaga sa mga mag-aaral. Ito’y OK pa rin dahil hindi na yung dating nakaupo sa kagawarang may pinakamataas na badyet taon-taon ang pag-uusapan natin at ang kanyang mga hindi nagawa.

Isinabay sa SONA ang pagpapalabas ng malisyosong video na gumagamit umano ng ipinagbabawal na gamot si Marcos Jr. na itinuring namang isip-bata ang pagkakagawa ng palabas sa social media sa labas ng bansa sa tingin ng Defense Secretary.

Kapansin-pansing hindi binanggit sa SONA si Vice President Sara Duterte, kaya walang aasahang konkretong pamamaraan para mapagtibay at mapagkaisa ang mga pulitikal na gawain ng pamahalaan. Sa kabila ito ng itinulak na kampanyang “unity” dalawang taon pa lamang ang nakararaan noong magsanib-pwersa ang mga Marcos at mga Duterte sa eleksyon. Hindi sinipot ng VP at bagong bitaw na Education Secretary ang pagtatanghal ni Marcos na hindi naman pinatagal at umabot lamang ng humigit kumulang isa’t kalahating oras.

Nakabawi ang Pangulo sa pagsasara ng mga POGO at tama namang sabihing moral na responsibilidad ito ng administrasyon. Naglipana ang mga salot sa lipunan, pekeng negosyo at scam, pati karahasan na lalong napatunayan umano ng mga otoridad matapos ang kanilang sunod-sunod na pagsalakay sa mga ilegal na gawain sa bisa ng mga search warrant ng mga korte.

Napunan na ng malakihang pondo ang Maharlika Investment Fund, pero hindi ito nabanggit sa talumpati. Kung bakit hindi ipaalam sa publiko ang estado ng pondo at detalyadong alokasyon sa mga uunahing sektor ng enerhiya, imprastraktura, at agrikultura matapos ang unang taon ng pagkakatatag ng MIF ay hindi ko alam, at wala ring nakaaalam kung sinong tagapayo/PR expert ang nagpayo para ikubli ito sa mahalagang taunang talumpati. At ang patuloy na pagtaas ng presyo ng mga bilihin, pagkain, lalo na ang bigas, may pakiramdam si Pangulong Marcos na ikinalulugmok ito ng mga mahihirap, pero nai-bida pa rin niya ang kakarampot na mga paninda mula sa mangilan ngilang KADIWA Centers.

Nasa 100 ang performance rating ni Marcos Jr. kung tatanungin ang isa sa mga tagapayo niyang si Larry Gadon.

Tuloy ang pagmamatiyag. Sana lang. Ganyan naman kada SONA.

“West Philippine Sea, atin ito’ — Pangulong Marcos ipinaglaban ang pagmamay-ari sa kanyang SONA

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MAYNILA. Sa kanyang ikatlong State of the Nation Address (SONA) na ginanap sa Batasang Pambansa kahapon, mariing ipinahayag ni Pangulong Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ang tiyak na pagmamay-ari ng Pilipinas sa West Philippine Sea.

“Ang West Philippine Sea ay hindi isang kathang-isip natin lamang. Ito ay atin. At ito ay mananatiling atin, hangga’t nag-aalab ang diwa ng ating mahal na bansang Pilipinas,” pahayag ng Pangulo sa kanyang talumpati.

Ayon sa Pangulo, sa kabila ng mga isyu ukol sa territorial sovereignty, patuloy na igiginiit ng gobyerno ang karapatan at interes ng bansa. Sinabi niya na ang paggamit ng diplomatic channels at mekanismo sa ilalim ng rules-based international order ay ang tanging katanggap-tanggap na paraan upang maresolba ang mga hindi pagkakaunawaan.

Patuloy din aniya ang gobyerno sa paghahanap ng paraan upang mabawasan ang tensyon sa pinag-aagawang teritoryo, nang hindi isinasantabi ang posisyon at prinsipyo ng bansa.

“The Philippines cannot yield. The Philippines cannot waver,” diin pa ng Pangulo.

Dagdag pa niya, ngayon ay nagkakaroon na ng mas mataas na kamalayan ang mga Filipino sa pagbabantay sa ating aerial at maritime domain. Kaya’t patuloy ang pagpapalakas ng depensa ng bansa sa pamamagitan ng pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga bansang may katulad na mithiin.

Inilatag din ng Pangulo ang importansya ng mga batas tulad ng Maritime Zones at Archipelagic Sea Lanes na nagsisiguro sa mandato at magtatatag sa puso at isipan ng mga mamamayan.

Sa pagtatapos ng kanyang pahayag, nagpasalamat ang Pangulo sa buong Sandatahang Lakas, Coast Guard, at mga mangingisda sa West Philippine Sea. Ang kanyang pahayag ay nagdulot ng sigawan at standing ovation mula sa mga bisita sa plenaryo ng Kamara.

“POGO bawal na!” — Pangulong Marcos ipinahayag ang pagbabawal sa lahat ng POGO sa bansa

MAYNILA. Tuluyan nang ipinagbawal ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ang operasyon ng Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) sa bansa. Ang anunsyo ay ginawa sa kanyang mahigit isang oras na State of the Nation Address (SONA) na tumanggap ng sigawan at standing ovation mula sa mga dumalo sa plenaryo ng Kamara.

“Ating maririnig ang malakas na sigaw ng taumbayan laban sa mga POGO,” pahayag ng Pangulo, na nagbigay-diin sa pagnanais ng publiko na matapos na ang mga operasyon ng mga POGO.

Ayon kay Pangulong Marcos, ang POGO ay nagpapanggap na lehitimong entidad ngunit sa katunayan, nagdudulot ito ng mas malalim na problema, kabilang ang financial scamming, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, brutal torture, at murder.

“Kailangan na matigil ang pang-aabuso at hindi pagrespeto sa ating batas, at kailangan na rin matigil ang panggugulo ng POGO sa ating lipunan at paglapastangan sa ating bansa,” aniya pa.

“Effective today, all POGOs are banned,” giit ng Pangulo sa kanyang pahayag.

Inatasan din ng Pangulo ang Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) na ihinto ang operasyon ng lahat ng POGO bago matapos ang taon. Kasabay nito, inatasan niya ang Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) na makipag-koordinasyon sa mga economic managers para makahanap ng bagong trabaho para sa mga Filipino na mawawalan ng kabuhayan dulot ng pagbabawal.

“Mga minamahal kong kababayan, lagi po nating labanan ang mali at ang masama. Lagi po natin ipaglaban ang tama at ang mabuti,” ang pagtatapos ng Pangulo.

China and the Philippines forge deal to ease tensions at disputed South China Sea shoal

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MANILA. In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, China and the Philippines have reached a deal to reduce tensions at the fiercely contested Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, the Philippine government announced on Sunday.

The shoal, known as Ayungin to Filipinos and Ren’ai Jiao to the Chinese, has been a flashpoint for hostile encounters between the two nations. The agreement was achieved after a series of high-level meetings in Manila and the exchange of diplomatic notes, designed to address the situation without conceding either side’s territorial claims.

Two Philippine officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the deal to The Associated Press. The government later issued a brief statement highlighting the deal’s focus on de-escalation: “Both sides continue to recognize the need to deescalate the situation in the South China Sea and manage differences through dialogue and consultation and agree that the agreement will not prejudice each other’s positions in the South China Sea,” said the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila.

Shortly after, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that discussions had led to a “provisional arrangement” for the humanitarian resupply of living necessities to Ren’ai Jiao. However, the text of the agreement has not been made public by either side.

The deal comes amid a backdrop of escalating confrontations. Chinese forces have employed powerful water cannons and aggressive tactics to obstruct the delivery of supplies to Filipino navy personnel stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre, a deteriorating warship grounded at the shoal. The territorial standoff reached a peak on June 17, when Chinese forces rammed and boarded two Philippine navy boats, seizing supplies and damaging the vessels. This confrontation, which injured several Filipino personnel, was documented in video and photographs released by the Philippine government.

The U.S. and its allies, including Japan and Australia, have condemned the aggressive actions and called for adherence to international law and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea—a critical global trade route.

In addition to China and the Philippines, other nations such as Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan have competing claims in the South China Sea, heightening regional tensions. The U.S. has emphasized its commitment to defend the Philippines, its treaty ally, in the event of an armed attack in these contested waters.

The recent deal represents a potential step toward stability. According to the Philippine officials, key demands from China—such as restrictions on construction materials for fortifying the grounded ship and advance notice for inspections—were removed from the final agreement, signaling a compromise from both sides.

The effectiveness and longevity of this agreement remain to be seen, but it offers a glimmer of hope for managing one of the South China Sea’s most contentious disputes.

Global stock markets react mixed after Biden withdraws from 2024 presidential race

Global stock markets displayed a mixed reaction on Monday following President Joe Biden’s surprising withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race, which has introduced additional uncertainties about the future of the world’s largest economy.

Biden’s announcement on Sunday, coupled with his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic candidate against former President Donald Trump, has yet to significantly impact financial markets, according to Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management. “U.S. yields and the dollar opened slightly weaker in Asia but then rebounded, suggesting investors were fully clued into this outcome. The odds of a Trump victory also haven’t changed much,” Innes noted.

European markets showed early gains, with Germany’s DAX rising 0.8% to 18,311.32, and the CAC 40 in Paris gaining 0.8% to 7,596.64. In London, the FTSE 100 saw a 0.5% increase to 8,194.82. Futures for the S&P 500 were up 0.3%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average edged 0.1% higher.

In Asia, however, the sentiment was less optimistic. Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 1.2% to 39,599.00. The Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong gained 1.3% to 17,635.88, whereas the Shanghai Composite Index dropped 0.6% to 2,964.22. This decline followed China’s unexpected cut in its one-year benchmark loan prime rate (LPR) from 3.45% to 3.35% and a reduction in the five-year LPR from 3.95% to 3.85%. The People’s Bank of China implemented these measures to stimulate growth and address a persistent property slump. This move came after a report showing that the Chinese economy grew at a slower-than-expected rate of 4.7% annually in the second quarter.

Australian markets saw a slight dip, with the S&P/ASX 200 falling 0.5% to 7,931.70, while South Korea’s Kospi declined by 1.1% to 2,763.51.

On Friday, major U.S. indices experienced declines, with the S&P 500 dropping 0.7%, marking its first losing week in three and the worst since April. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.9%, and the Nasdaq composite lost 0.8%. These losses followed a massive technology outage that disrupted global flights, banking, and medical services. Cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike attributed the outage to a faulty update on Microsoft Windows, not a cyberattack, and has since deployed a fix. The incident led to a significant drop in CrowdStrike’s stock by 11.1%, while Microsoft’s shares fell by 0.8%.

In early Monday trading, U.S. benchmark crude oil remained steady at $78.64 per barrel, while Brent crude increased by 7 cents to $82.70 per barrel. The U.S. dollar weakened to 156.64 Japanese yen from 157.49 yen, and the euro rose slightly to $1.0892 from $1.0877.

Israel declares two more hostages dead as Gaza ceasefire talks continue

JERUSALEM. Israel announced on Monday that two more hostages held by Hamas in Gaza have been declared dead, as efforts to secure a ceasefire deal and negotiate the release of approximately 120 captives are set to resume later this week.

The Israeli military is continuing to investigate the deaths of Yagev Buchshtab, a 35-year-old sound technician, and Alex Dancyg, a 76-year-old historian. Both were abducted from their homes in kibbutzim near the Gaza border during Hamas’ October 7 attack on southern Israel.

In a statement, the Hostage Families Forum expressed their anguish: “Yagev and Alex were taken alive and should have returned alive to their families and to their country. Their death in captivity is a tragic reflection of the consequences of foot-dragging in negotiations.”

Dancyg, who also held Polish citizenship, has drawn a reaction from Poland’s foreign ministry, which expressed sorrow over his death and reiterated its demand for the unconditional release of all abductees from Gaza.

Israeli authorities have now pronounced about a third of the hostages still held in Gaza as deceased. Negotiations are expected to continue later this week, with an Israeli team scheduled to mediate discussions aimed at achieving a ceasefire and addressing the issue of hostage releases in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

Ginang, pinatay sa taga ng kapitbahay sa kalsada

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INDANG, Cavite. Natagpuang patay ang isang ginang sa tabi ng kalsada matapos pagtatagain ng kanyang kapitbahay sa Brgy. Kayquit 1, bayang ito sa Cavite, noong kamakalawa ng gabi.

Ang biktima ay kinilalang si Rosalie Cantillos, 47-anyos, may-asawa, at residente ng nasabing barangay. Ayon sa ulat ng pulisya, agad na naaresto ang suspek na si alyas Willy, 40-taong-gulang na kapitbahay.

Sa imbestigasyon, natuklasan na 6:30 ng gabi nang ang biktima ay naglalakad pauwi nang harangin ng suspek. Nagkaroon ng komprontasyon ang dalawa, na nauwi sa pagbunot ng suspek ng kanyang dalang bolo at pinagtataga si Cantillos hanggang sa humandusay ito sa kalsada.

Kasalukuyan pang inaalam ng mga awtoridad ang motibo sa pagpatay ng suspek sa kanyang kapitbahay.

Israel orders the evacuation of a section within Gaza’s humanitarian zone

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip. The Israeli military issued an evacuation order on Monday for a section of the Gaza Strip designated as a humanitarian zone, citing plans for a military operation against Hamas militants entrenched in the area.

In response, thousands of Palestinians, including many with children and essential belongings, began their exodus from the eastern part of the Muwasi humanitarian zone in the southern Gaza Strip. The zone, which stretches about 14 kilometers (8.6 miles) along the Mediterranean, has become a refuge for approximately 1.8 million Palestinians. The conditions there are dire, with tent camps lacking sanitation and medical facilities, and limited access to aid. “We do not know where we are walking,” said Kholoud Al Dadas, a displaced resident. “This is our seventh or eighth time we have been displaced. While we were sleeping in our homes, they started shooting at us, bombing from everywhere.” Moments later, Al Dadas collapsed from exhaustion, and bystanders rushed to help.

The Israeli military’s operation targets Hamas militants who have reportedly used the area to launch rockets into Israel. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have been conducting strikes in central and southern Gaza, with one recent strike resulting in the death of one person and injuries to three outside the Al Aqsa hospital in Deir-Al-Balah. Additionally, at least 15 people, including four women and six children, were killed in strikes in Khan Younis, according to hospital officials and an Associated Press journalist.

The evacuation order comes amid ongoing cease-fire negotiations, with U.S. and Israeli officials optimistic about reaching an agreement. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that a negotiating team will continue talks on Thursday. Netanyahu, who departed for the U.S. on Monday, is set to meet with President Joe Biden and address Congress. Netanyahu emphasized the enduring alliance between Israel and the U.S.: “Our enemies must know that Israel and the United States stand together tomorrow and always.”

Compounding the humanitarian crisis, the World Health Organization recently reported traces of the polio virus in Gaza’s sewage system. The virus’s presence has raised concerns about deteriorating water and sanitation conditions. The Israeli military has announced plans to vaccinate soldiers and collaborate with organizations to provide vaccines for Palestinians.

In a separate incident, Israeli police reported the death of a Canadian citizen near the Gaza border. The man, who reportedly threatened security forces with a knife, was shot and killed by Israeli forces. The attack occurred near Netiv HaAsara, a town that had previously been targeted during the ongoing conflict.

The war in Gaza, ignited by an attack from Hamas militants on southern Israel on October 7, has resulted in over 38,900 deaths, including both combatants and civilians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The conflict, which has also seen the kidnapping of about 250 hostages, has spurred calls for a cease-fire and increased international involvement to address the escalating crisis.

Movie Review: “Twisters” storms onto screens with a new generation of disaster thrills

In the realm of disaster films, our relationship is often a mix of admiration and skepticism. The latest entry, “Twisters,” embodies this paradox perfectly. The film, hitting theaters on Thursday, has sparked discussion with its striking promotional poster featuring actors Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell, and Anthony Ramos facing a fiery cyclone swirling with debris. While some question why the stars aren’t reacting to the tempest, others dismiss such queries, suggesting that if you’re focused on the logic of a flaming tornado, this film might not be for you.

This mix of disbelief and enthusiasm seems to be a fundamental aspect of disaster movies, which often thrive on audacious premises. Directed by Lee Isaac Chung, known for the acclaimed “Minari,” “Twisters” fits comfortably into this tradition, embracing its inherent absurdity with gusto.

The film is a modern homage to Jan de Bont’s 1996 classic “Twister,” which remains a nostalgic favorite for many. Its memorable lines and the loss of stars like Philip Seymour Hoffman and Bill Paxton have only amplified its charm. The new film introduces fresh faces and a new story but can’t help but reference its predecessor with nods that might be seen as either affectionate or distracting.

The plot centers on Kate (Daisy Edgar-Jones), whose earlier attempt to control a tornado with science ended in tragedy. Five years later, she’s drawn back to Tornado Alley by her old friend Javi (Anthony Ramos) for a new study. The screenplay, penned by Mark L. Smith (“The Revenant”) with a story credit to Joseph Kosinski, presents new characters while acknowledging the legacy of the original. Despite this, the film’s frequent references to “Twister” might overshadow its own identity. Lines like “I’m not back” and similarities to Carey Elwes’ iconic look might leave some viewers feeling nostalgic but questioning the film’s originality.

Chung’s direction seeks to ground the film’s chaos in a realistic setting, featuring regionally appropriate styles and music. The supporting cast, including Sasha Lane and Katy O’Brian, is well-chosen, and the chemistry between leads Powell and Edgar-Jones is palpable. Their performances elevate the film, even as it tackles complex concepts like sodium polyacrylate.

It’s difficult to predict how “Twisters” will be remembered decades from now. Will it become a beloved classic like its predecessor, or will it be seen as a product of its time? For now, it may not seem poised for timeless status, but that doesn’t diminish its current entertainment value.

“Twisters,” a Universal Pictures release, is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association for “intense action and peril, injury images, some language.” The film runs for 122 minutes and is currently rated two and a half stars out of four.

Paris uses AI, jets, and police squadrons for Olympic Security, raising concerns among critics

PARIS. As Paris prepares to host the Olympics starting this Friday, the city is witnessing an unprecedented security operation aimed at ensuring the safety of athletes and visitors. A year ago, Tony Estanguet, head of the Paris Olympics, confidently declared that France’s capital would be “the safest place in the world” during the Games. With just days before the opening, this ambitious claim is taking shape with heavy police presence, fighter jets, and advanced surveillance technology.

The French capital’s security strategy is being driven by a range of challenges, including recent extremist attacks and heightened international tensions related to conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Unlike previous Olympic host cities such as Rio de Janeiro and London, Paris has opted to stage many events within its bustling city center and along the River Seine, complicating the security landscape.

In response, Paris has mobilized up to 45,000 police officers and gendarmes, supported by an additional 10,000 soldiers. This marks the establishment of the largest military camp in Paris since World War II, designed to ensure rapid response to any threats. The city is also patrolled by armed military units, though they lack arrest powers and can only detain suspects until police arrive.

General Éric Chasboeuf of the counter-terror military force, Sentinelle, remarked on the public’s evolving perception: “At the beginning, it was very strange for them to see us and they were always avoiding our presence, making a detour. Now, it’s in the landscape.”

Paris skies will be monitored by Rafale fighter jets, AWACS surveillance flights, and Reaper drones. A no-fly zone extending 150 kilometers (93 miles) around the city will be enforced during the opening ceremony. Additionally, AI-equipped cameras will aid in identifying potential security threats, including abandoned items and crowd surges.

The Olympic security measures also involve international cooperation, with over 40 countries contributing at least 1,900 police reinforcements. The recent assassination attempt on former U.S. President Donald Trump underscored the risk of lone-wolf attacks, prompting heightened vigilance.

General Philippe Pourqué noted, “No one can guarantee that there won’t be mistakes. There, however, it was quite glaring,” referencing the Trump incident as a stark reminder of security vulnerabilities.

The French government has conducted extensive background checks on ticket holders and personnel, blocking over 3,900 individuals from accessing the Games due to security concerns. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin emphasized vigilance towards certain nationalities but refrained from directly linking exclusions to geopolitical conflicts.

Critics, however, are raising concerns about the long-term impact of such extensive security measures. The group Saccage 2024 has denounced the “repressive arsenal” of surveillance technology, questioning whether the security benefits of the Games justify potential infringements on privacy and freedoms.

As the opening ceremony approaches, Paris remains under intense scrutiny, balancing the need for robust security with the rights and freedoms of its residents.