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Eric Dane, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ star and ALS advocate, dies at 53

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Eric Dane, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ star and ALS advocate, dies at 53

LOS ANGELES — Eric Dane, best known for his roles as Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy and Cal Jacobs on HBO’s Euphoria, passed away Thursday at the age of 53. His representatives confirmed that Dane died from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), less than a year after publicly announcing his diagnosis.

A statement from his family said Dane spent his final days surrounded by close friends, his wife Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia. “Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight. He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always,” the statement read.

Dane rose to prominence in the mid-2000s with his role as Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy, a character he portrayed from 2006 to 2012 and briefly reprised in 2021. Despite his character’s death in a plane crash, Sloan left a lasting mark on the series, influencing the renaming of Seattle Grace Hospital to Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital.

In 2019, Dane took on a more complex role as Cal Jacobs in Euphoria, a departure from the charming McSteamy persona. He also starred in TNT’s The Last Ship as Navy captain Tom Chandler, a role during which production paused in 2017 as Dane navigated personal challenges, including depression.

Dane publicly revealed his ALS diagnosis in April 2025, a progressive disease that attacks nerve cells controlling voluntary muscles, often leading to death within three to five years. He used his platform to advocate for ALS awareness, speaking at a Washington news conference on health insurance prior authorization and receiving the ALS Network’s Advocate of the Year award in September 2025.

Born November 9, 1972, in Northern California, Dane moved to Los Angeles after high school to pursue acting. He appeared in numerous guest roles, including Saved by the Bell, Married… With Children, Charmed, and X-Men: The Last Stand, before his breakout on Grey’s Anatomy.

Dane’s memoir, Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments, is scheduled for release in late 2026 under Maria Shriver’s The Open Field imprint of Penguin Random House. The book will chronicle his career milestones, family life, and ALS journey.

Dane is survived by his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their daughters, Billie Beatrice and Georgia Geraldine. Although Dane and Gayheart separated in 2017, they remained committed to co-parenting and supporting each other through his illness.

“Eric knows that I am always going to want the best for him… So whatever I can do or however I can show up to make this journey better for him or easier for him, I want to do that,” Gayheart said in a heartfelt statement.

This marks the end of a life celebrated for its talent, resilience, and dedication to raising awareness about ALS, leaving a legacy that spans both television and advocacy.

ICC rules trials cannot proceed without the accused if charges are confirmed

Venus L Peñaflor
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ICC rules trials cannot proceed without the accused if charges are confirmed

THE HAGUE — The International Criminal Court confirmed on Friday that trials cannot proceed in the absence of the accused once charges are confirmed, following a request by former President Rodrigo Duterte to skip the upcoming confirmation of charges hearing.

ICC spokesperson Oriane Maillet explained that under Article 63(1) of the Rome Statute, an accused person must be present during the trial. “Should the charges be confirmed, the ICC does not permit trials to take place in the absence of the accused,” she said.

The Pre-Trial Chamber I of the ICC granted Duterte’s request to waive his right to attend the hearing next week, citing Article 61, Paragraph 2(a) of the Rome Statute and Rule 124 of the Rules of Procedure and Evidence, which allow a pre-trial hearing to proceed without the suspect if they voluntarily waive their right to be present.

Maillet clarified that the waiver was signed by Duterte and confirmed that he understood the consequences of not attending the hearing, as thoroughly explained by his legal counsel. “Moreover, the Chamber considers that, in the present circumstances of the case, it is appropriate to proceed with the hearing on the confirmation of charges in the absence of Mr. Duterte,” she added.

The ICC emphasized that Duterte’s absence is not due to health reasons. The Pre-Trial Chamber I had previously assessed that the former president is fit to participate in pre-trial proceedings.

This ruling underscores the ICC’s adherence to procedural safeguards while allowing flexibility in the pre-trial phase, balancing the rights of the accused with the efficiency of judicial proceedings.

Kagawad patay sa taga sa Quezon; suspek sumuko kay Raffy Tulfo

Arman B. Cambe
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Kagawad patay sa taga sa Quezon; suspek sumuko kay Raffy Tulfo

Dolores, Quezon – Patay ang isang barangay kagawad matapos umanong pagtatagain ng kanyang kainuman sa bayan ng Dolores noong Pebrero 17, 2025.

Kinilala ang biktima na si Alvin Sanchez, barangay kagawad ng Brgy. Sta. Cruz Putol sa San Pablo City. Itinuturong suspek ang isang Aldwin Ortega.

Batay sa paunang ulat, magkasama umanong nag-iinuman ang dalawa bago naganap ang insidente. Makalipas ang pangyayari, sumuko ang suspek kay Raffy Tulfo at inilahad ang kanyang panig hinggil sa nangyari.

Ayon sa suspek, nagawa umano niya ang krimen dahil diumano’y gumawa ng “malisya” ang biktima at nais umano nitong makipagtalik.

Sa naturang programa, nakausap din sa telepono ang kapatid ng biktima. Ayon dito, matagal nang magkakilala ang dalawa mula pa noong 2022 at umano’y nagkaroon ng relasyon. Iginiit ng kapatid na umano’y nanghihingi ng pera ang suspek sa biktima ngunit hindi ito nabigyan. Aniya, unang sinaksak ng suspek ang kagawad at habang tumatakbo palayo ang biktima ay hinabol at pinagtataga hanggang sa mapatay.

Sa kasalukuyan, nasa kustodiya na ng Dolores Police Office ang suspek habang patuloy ang imbestigasyon sa insidente. Inihahanda na rin ang pagsasampa ng kaukulang kaso laban sa kanya.

Trump sets 10-15 days window for Iran nuclear deal, warns of ‘bad things’

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Trump sets 10-15 days window for Iran nuclear deal, warns of ‘bad things’

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Donald Trump warned Iran on Thursday that it must reach a “meaningful” agreement over its nuclear program within the next 10 to 15 days or face unspecified consequences, amid a significant US military buildup in the Middle East.

Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace, his initiative aimed at securing stability in Gaza, Trump signaled that time was running out for Tehran.

“You’re going to be finding out over the next, probably 10 days,” Trump said. “They must make a deal. If that doesn’t happen… bad things will happen.”

Later, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, he clarified the timeline. “I would think that would be enough time — 10, 15 days, pretty much maximum,” he said. “We’re either going to get a deal, or it’s going to be unfortunate for them.”

Trump reiterated that Iran “can’t have a nuclear weapon,” adding, “You can’t have peace in the Middle East if they have a nuclear weapon.”

The remarks come amid a large-scale deployment of US military assets to the region, including aircraft carriers, warships, and fighter jets. A senior American official said the buildup is expected to be completed by mid-March.

Hebrew media outlets also reported that a US Air Force plane used to command special forces operations landed at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv.

Trump recalled US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities in June and suggested further action remained possible. “Now, we may have to take it a step further — or we may not. Maybe we’re going to make a deal,” he said.

The US president has previously threatened military action against Iran, initially over a deadly crackdown on anti-regime protesters last month that reportedly killed thousands, and more recently over Tehran’s nuclear activities. However, he had not previously set a specific timeframe for potential action.

In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a separate warning to Tehran.

“If the ayatollahs make a mistake and attack us, they will receive a response they cannot even imagine,” Netanyahu said.

Israel’s public broadcaster Kan reported that the country is preparing for a scenario in which Iran launches a preemptive strike amid escalating tensions with the United States. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has reportedly been on high alert since January, with preparations focusing on air defense systems, intelligence, operational planning, and civil defense readiness.

The preparedness level is said to mirror that seen before the 12-day conflict in June 2025, when Israel struck Iranian nuclear sites, citing steps toward nuclear weaponization. Iran responded with missile barrages targeting Israeli military installations and cities, and the United States later conducted strikes before brokering a ceasefire.

Iran maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, though it has enriched uranium to levels that Western powers say have no civilian application. Tehran has also limited access for inspectors from the United Nations atomic agency at certain facilities.

The US and Israel accuse Iran of seeking to develop a nuclear weapon ,an allegation Tehran denies.

Washington is pressing Iran to completely abandon uranium enrichment, halt development of long-range ballistic missiles, cease support for proxy militias in the region, and stop using force to suppress domestic protests. Iranian officials have rejected discussions beyond the nuclear file, calling restrictions on its missile program a “red line.”

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said negotiators from both sides met Tuesday and agreed on “guiding principles.” However, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt indicated that significant differences remain.

The escalating tensions have drawn international alarm. Russia warned against an “unprecedented escalation of tension” around Iran and urged restraint.

Poland urged its citizens to leave Iran, with Prime Minister Donald Tusk saying that Poles may have only hours to evacuate. Germany also reduced its troop presence in northern Iraq, citing growing regional instability.

As diplomatic efforts continue, the coming days are expected to be critical in determining whether negotiations will produce a breakthrough or whether the region edges closer to renewed military confrontation.

Binatikos ni Gadon ang planong pagtakbo ni Sara; Marcos at Leni magkikita sa Naga

Venus L Peñaflor
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Binatikos ni Gadon ang planong pagtakbo ni Sara; Marcos at Leni magkikita sa Naga

MAYNILA — Umiinit agad ang usapin sa 2028 presidential elections matapos igiit ni Presidential Adviser on Poverty Alleviation Secretary Larry Gadon na taktika lamang umano ni Vice President Sara Duterte ang pagdedeklara ng kanyang planong pagtakbo sa pagkapangulo upang mailihis ang atensyon mula sa kinakaharap na impeachment proceedings.

Ayon kay Gadon, napakalayo pa ng 2028 subalit maaga nang nag-anunsyo si Duterte ng kanyang planong kandidatura, isang hakbang na para sa kanya ay bahagi ng depensa sa umiinit na isyu.

“Dahil unang-una, ang Philippine politics is divided only to two major camps, that is Marcos and Aquinos. Ang mga Marcos natural hindi na siya iboboto,” pahayag ni Gadon. Iginiit pa niyang hindi umano makukuha ni Duterte ang suporta ng mga Marcos loyalist, kabilang ang tinatawag na Solid North at mga kaalyado ng pamilya Marcos sa iba’t ibang rehiyon.

Dagdag pa niya, maging ang oposisyon ay hindi rin umano papanig sa Bise Presidente. “Tingnan naman natin ang mga ‘leftist’ o ’yung mga nasa kaliwa. Hindi rin siya iboboto dahil galit na galit sa mga Duterte ang mga iyan,” ani Gadon, sabay banggit na maaaring pumuwesto ang mga ito sa Liberal Party o sa iba pang alyansa.

Sa kabila ng matitinding pahayag, wala pang tugon mula sa kampo ni Duterte hinggil sa akusasyon na ang kanyang maagang pagdeklara ay may kaugnayan sa impeachment issue. Gayunman, malinaw na ang maagang paggalaw sa 2028 ay nagdaragdag kulay at tensyon sa pambansang politika.

Marcos at Robredo, Magtatagpo sa Naga

Samantala, kinumpirma ng Malacañang na magkikita sina Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at dating Vice President Leni Robredo sa Naga City sa Sabado, Pebrero 21.

Ayon kay Palace Press Officer Atty. Clare Castro, bibisitahin ng Pangulo ang anti-flood operations sa kahabaan ng Sagop Creek—isa sa mga kritikal na daluyan ng tubig sa lungsod. Bahagi ito ng Oplan Kontra Baha na layong mabawasan ang pagbaha sa mga low-lying areas sa Bicol Region.

“Double time ang trabaho ng mga kawani ng DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) para ibsan ang mga pagbaha,” ani Castro.

Nilinaw din ng opisyal na ang pagbisita at maging ang pagsusuot niya ng kulay pink na naging campaign color ni Robredo noong 2022 elections ay walang kinalaman sa anumang negosasyong politikal para sa 2028.

“Wala po kasing talagang napag-uusapan sa pangangampaniya o kung sino ang magiging kandidato sa 2028,” giit ni Castro.

Gayunman, tila nag-iwan siya ng pahaging ukol sa posibleng pag-uusap ng dalawang lider. “’Yun lang po ang binigay na impormasyon. Kung ano pa ang mapag-uusapan nila, abangan natin,” dagdag pa niya.

Habang malayo pa ang susunod na halalan, malinaw na maagang umiikot ang mga pyesa sa political chessboard ng bansa. Sa pagitan ng mga alegasyon, pagkikita ng dating magkatunggali, at mga umugong na alyansa, nagiging makulay at masalimuot na agad ang landas patungong 2028.

Philippines rebukes China embassy over ‘coercive’ job loss warning

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Philippines rebukes China embassy over ‘coercive’ job loss warning

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has formally criticized the Chinese embassy in Manila following warnings that worsening bilateral relations could jeopardize millions of jobs, escalating tensions amid ongoing disputes in the South China Sea.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Monday it took “strong exception” to the embassy’s statement, accusing Beijing of implying that economic cooperation could be leveraged as a tool for political pressure. “This framing risks being perceived as coercive and undermines constructive bilateral dialogue,” the DFA said.

The dispute stems from a recent academic forum in which Philippine Coast Guard Commodore Jay Tarriela presented a caricature of Chinese President Xi Jinping. Beijing’s embassy demanded that Tarriela be held “accountable” for what it called “smears and slanders,” prompting a strong rebuke from the Philippine Senate.

Lawmakers passed a resolution condemning the embassy’s intervention as “improper” and affirmed that Tarriela was acting within his official duties. Some senators also called for the expulsion of Chinese embassy officials or the recall of Ambassador Jing Quan.

A spokesman for the Chinese embassy, Ji Lingpeng, issued a warning stating that “any serious damage to diplomatic relations, including downgrading of those relations, would cost millions of jobs.”

In response, the DFA urged the embassy to “adopt a responsible and measured tone in public exchanges,” while emphasizing Manila’s continued commitment to diplomatic engagement despite “continued illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive activities” by China in the South China Sea. Deputy Assistant Secretary Rogelio Villanueva Jr. said, “We are committed to managing the situation at sea peacefully.”

Manila-based Stratbase Institute dismissed the Chinese warning over job losses as “exaggerated and not supported by empirical evidence,” citing Philippine central bank data showing that Chinese foreign direct investment inflows totaled just $3.1 million in the first eleven months of 2025—a decline of more than 50 percent from the previous year. China accounted for only 0.55 percent of total net investment inflows into the Philippines in 2024.

While China remains the Philippines’ largest source of imports, the United States continues to be the country’s top export market, highlighting an asymmetry in the trade relationship.

The rebuke comes amid broader maritime tensions between the two countries over contested areas in the South China Sea. China has repeatedly been accused of conducting dangerous maneuvers against Philippine vessels, including deploying water cannons and obstructing resupply missions to Filipino-held outposts. China, in turn, claims the Philippines is intruding on what it considers sovereign territory.

A 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague invalidated China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea under international law, a ruling Beijing has refused to recognize.

The Chinese embassy did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor shakes British royal family

Venus L Peñaflor
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Arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor shakes British royal family

LONDON — Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former British prince stripped of his royal titles over his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office, marking an unprecedented moment in modern royal history.

The arrest of a sibling of the reigning monarch, Charles III, represents an extraordinary development that is expected to intensify scrutiny of the monarchy.

Mountbatten-Windsor, who has consistently denied wrongdoing in connection with his friendship with Epstein, has faced years of controversy over the relationship. Concerns resurfaced following the recent release of millions of pages of documents from the U.S. Justice Department’s investigation into Epstein, which included correspondence between the two men.

In a statement, Thames Valley Police said a man in his 60s from Norfolk, eastern England, had been arrested and remained in custody. While authorities did not formally identify the suspect, in line with British protocol, they referred inquiries to their statement when asked to confirm whether Mountbatten-Windsor was involved.

Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said police had launched a formal investigation after assessing allegations that Mountbatten-Windsor sent confidential trade reports to Epstein in 2010, when he was serving as Britain’s special envoy for international trade.

“Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office,” Wright said. “We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”

Police confirmed they were conducting searches at two properties. Images circulating online appeared to show unmarked police vehicles and plainclothes officers outside Wood Farm, Mountbatten-Windsor’s residence on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.

Policing commentator Danny Shaw told the BBC that suspects are typically held between 12 and 24 hours before being charged or released pending further investigation. The maximum period of detention without charge is 96 hours, subject to extensions approved by senior officers and a Magistrate’s Court. It remains unclear when Mountbatten-Windsor was taken into custody.

Shaw added that the former royal would be treated like any other detainee. “There’ll be no special treatment for him,” he said, noting that he would be held in a standard custody cell.

Royal historian Craig Prescott of Royal Holloway, University of London, described the development as “the most spectacular fall from grace for a member of the royal family in modern times.”

The controversy surrounding Mountbatten-Windsor dates back to 2019, when the late Elizabeth II removed him from public duties following a widely criticized interview with the BBC in which he attempted to explain his ties to Epstein.

Last year, further details about the relationship emerged in a published book, prompting King Charles to strip Mountbatten-Windsor of the right to use his princely title and order him to vacate his residence near Windsor Castle. He subsequently moved to the king’s estate in Norfolk.

Buckingham Palace announced last week that it would cooperate with any police inquiry into Mountbatten-Windsor’s links to Epstein. Following Thursday’s arrest, King Charles reiterated his position.

“Let me state clearly: the law must take its course,” the monarch said in a statement signed “Charles R.” “As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter.”

He added: “My family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.”

Epstein was arrested in 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges in New York and later died by suicide in jail while awaiting trial.

Former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol sentenced to life for imposing martial law

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol sentenced to life for imposing martial law

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to life imprisonment Thursday after being found guilty of leading an insurrection through his brief imposition of martial law in December 2024, a decision that concludes one of the country’s most turbulent political crises in decades.

Judge Jee Kui-youn of the Seoul Central District Court ruled that Yoon, 65, committed rebellion by mobilizing military and police forces in an unlawful attempt to seize control of the National Assembly of South Korea, arrest political opponents and consolidate unchecked power for an indefinite period.

The court found that Yoon’s order to deploy troops to surround the Assembly building on Dec. 3, 2024, was central to its determination that the declaration of martial law amounted to insurrection.

“This court finds that the purpose of (Yoon’s) actions was to send troops to the National Assembly, block the Assembly building and arrest key figures… in order to prevent lawmakers from gathering to deliberate or vote,” Jee said. “It’s sufficiently established that he intended to obstruct or paralyze the Assembly’s activities so that it would be unable to properly perform its functions for a considerable period of time.”

Yoon’s decree — the first declaration of martial law in South Korea in more than four decades — granted sweeping powers, including suspending political activities, restricting media operations and authorizing arrests without warrants. The measure lasted about six hours before lawmakers, breaking through a military blockade, convened and unanimously voted to lift it.

The conservative leader was impeached on Dec. 14, 2024, and formally removed from office by the Constitutional Court of Korea in April 2025. He has remained under arrest since July while facing multiple criminal trials, with the rebellion charge carrying the most severe penalty.

In court, an expressionless Yoon listened as the life sentence was delivered in the same courtroom where former presidents and military rulers have previously been convicted of treason and corruption.

Yoon’s legal team criticized the ruling. Lawyer Yoon Kap-keun described it as a “predetermined verdict” based solely on the prosecution’s arguments and said the defense would consider filing an appeal.

During the trial, Yoon argued that the martial law decree was intended to raise public awareness about what he described as legislative paralysis by liberal opponents, and that he would have respected lawmakers’ decision had they voted against it. Prosecutors countered that his actions clearly sought to disable the legislature and exceeded constitutional authority.

The court also convicted five former military and police officials involved in implementing the decree. Among them was former Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun, who received a 30-year prison term for planning the operation and directing military counterintelligence officers to arrest 14 political figures, including National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik and current President Lee Jae Myung.

Outside the courthouse, hundreds of police officers monitored gatherings of both Yoon supporters and critics. While some demonstrators demanded the death penalty, no major clashes were immediately reported.

A special prosecutor had sought capital punishment, arguing that Yoon’s actions posed a grave threat to South Korea’s democracy. However, analysts widely anticipated a life sentence, noting that the failed power grab did not result in casualties. South Korea has maintained a de facto moratorium on executions since 1997.

Political leaders reacted swiftly. Jung Chung-rae of the liberal Democratic Party said the ruling reflected a “lack of a sense of justice” for not imposing the death penalty. Song Eon-seok, floor leader of the conservative People Power Party, publicly apologized, acknowledging the party’s “deep sense of responsibility” for the national disruption.

Last month, Yoon was separately sentenced to five years in prison for resisting arrest, fabricating the martial law proclamation and bypassing a legally required Cabinet meeting before declaring the measure.

Yoon is the first former South Korean president to receive a life sentence since former military ruler Chun Doo-hwan, who was sentenced to death in 1996 for his role in the 1979 coup and the 1980 Gwangju crackdown before his punishment was commuted to life imprisonment. He was later pardoned and died in 2021.

The ruling marks a historic chapter in South Korea’s democratic journey, underscoring the judiciary’s role in addressing abuses of executive power.

Philippine Vice President Duterte announces 2028 presidential bid as fresh impeachment complaints emerge

Venus L Peñaflor
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Philippine Vice President Duterte announces 2028 presidential bid as fresh impeachment complaints emerge

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday declared she will run for president in the 2028 national elections, setting the stage for a high-stakes political contest as she confronts renewed impeachment efforts and pending criminal complaints that could bar her from public office if convicted.

In a televised address, Duterte confirmed her presidential plans and renewed accusations of corruption and misgovernance against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., her former running mate in the 2022 elections. The alliance that propelled both leaders to victory has since unraveled into a bitter political rift.

Duterte’s announcement comes amid mounting legal and political challenges. Multiple impeachment complaints have been filed against her in the House of Representatives, including allegations of the illegal use and mishandling of approximately $10.3 million in confidential funds from the Office of the Vice President and during her tenure as education secretary under Marcos. Another complaint cites alleged unexplained wealth, including funds in personal bank accounts. An anti-graft prosecutor has said efforts are underway to access the accounts as part of a separate criminal investigation.

In her speech, Duterte asked the public for forgiveness over issues confronting the country, including corruption, law-and-order concerns, and inflation.

“Politicians often avoid announcing their plans early so they wouldn’t be the target of attacks,” she said. “But this administration has long destroyed my name.”

She left a subsequent news conference without taking questions.

The president, who is constitutionally limited to a single six-year term, did not immediately respond to Duterte’s remarks. Presidential spokesperson Claire Castro urged the vice president to address the allegations against her, including questions over confidential funds and her frequent overseas trips.

“She should ask forgiveness for focusing on destroying reputations of other people instead of doing her work and helping the government,” Castro said.

Duterte previously survived an impeachment case on procedural grounds. The House voted to impeach her and transmitted the complaint to the Senate for trial. However, the Supreme Court of the Philippines later ruled that the House violated a constitutional provision limiting it to processing only one impeachment case per year against an impeachable official.

One of the new impeachment complaints references a 2024 online news conference in which Duterte said that if she were assassinated, she had arranged for the president, the first lady, and the House speaker to be killed — remarks that drew widespread condemnation.

During earlier House investigations, Duterte declined to answer detailed questions and skipped some televised hearings. Her lawyer, Michael Poa, has said she is prepared to confront the accusations and is confident that “a fair and impartial review will demonstrate that the accusations are devoid of both factual and legal basis.”

The vice president and her family have also blamed Marcos for the detention of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, who faces possible trial for crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court over his administration’s deadly anti-drug campaign. The tribunal ordered his arrest and detention in the Netherlands last year.

Foreign policy differences have further widened the divide between the Marcos and Duterte camps. Rodrigo Duterte strengthened ties with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin during his presidency. Marcos has since deepened defense cooperation with Washington in response to China’s increasingly assertive actions in the disputed South China Sea.

Sara Duterte has faced criticism for not publicly condemning China’s actions in the contested waters. Castro warned voters to scrutinize candidates carefully.

“Let’s be cautious and analytical. Somebody who is seeking your vote may be a Manchurian candidate,” she said.

With more than two years before the next presidential election, Duterte’s early declaration signals the beginning of what is expected to be a contentious and closely watched political battle.

With reports from Associated Press

Logan Paul’s Pikachu illustrator card sells for record $16.5 million

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Logan Paul’s Pikachu illustrator card sells for record $16.5 million

NEW YORK — Social media personality and professional wrestler Logan Paul has set a new global record in the collectibles world after selling his rare Pikachu Illustrator Pokémon card for $16.5 million at auction.

The sale took place Monday at Goldin Auctions following 41 days of competitive bidding. Paul had originally purchased the card in 2021 for $5.275 million, which at the time was the highest recorded price for a Pokémon card. Since then, the card, often called the “Holy Grail” of Pokémon collectibles, had gained additional fame after Paul displayed it at WrestleMania 38 in 2022 inside a custom case adorned with a diamond necklace.

Guinness World Records adjudicator Sarah Casson confirmed during the auction’s livestream on YouTube that the $16.5 million sale set not only a new record for a Pokémon card, but also for any trading card sold at auction.

“Oh my gosh, this is crazy,” Paul said, as he placed the card around the neck of the winning bidder, A.J. Scaramucci, a venture capitalist and son of former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci.

The Pikachu Illustrator card was originally designed by Atsuko Nishida in 1998 for a Japanese illustration contest. Only a few dozen copies are known to exist, and Paul’s card is believed to be the only one with a perfect quality rating of 10. Its sale further cements the card’s status as the most sought-after item among Pokémon collectors worldwide.

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