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ASEAN chair Philippines seeks broader engagement with Myanmar anti‑junta forces

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MANILA — The Philippines, serving as the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), said it is looking to expand dialogue with opponents of Myanmar’s military junta as part of efforts to advance regional peace initiatives, Reuters reported.

In an interview, ASEAN special envoy on the Myanmar crisis, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, said Manila expects to engage more political and ethnic groups from Myanmar and remains open to developments surrounding the country’s ongoing general elections — though the Philippines has not endorsed the vote.

Official results from the first two of Myanmar’s three‑phase elections show a majority of seats won by a party allied with the military, despite low voter turnout and widespread criticism from Western governments that the polls are a one‑sided effort to legitimize army rule. ASEAN has not sent observers to monitor the elections.

Lazaro’s comments came as Manila hosted a “stakeholders’ meeting” in Tagaytay this week, bringing together various political and ethnic groups from Myanmar to discuss de‑escalation, humanitarian aid access and political dialogue under the stalled ASEAN Five‑Point Consensus peace plan. Representatives such as the Chin National Front praised early efforts to speak with multiple sides of the conflict.

The Philippine chairmanship aims to widen dialogue and bolster ASEAN’s engagement with stakeholders beyond the junta, even as the civil conflict in Myanmar persists and peace efforts remain deeply challenged.

Chinese EV shipment arrives in Argentina during Milei’s open-trade push

ZÁRATE, Argentina — A cargo vessel carrying more than 5,800 electric and hybrid vehicles from Chinese automaker BYD docked Wednesday at a river port in eastern Argentina, marking the country’s first large-scale arrival of Chinese electric vehicles amid sweeping trade liberalization under President Javier Milei.

The ship, BYD Changzhou, unloaded the vehicles at Zárate Port in Buenos Aires province following a 23-day voyage from Singapore. The delivery comes as Milei’s administration accelerates the dismantling of import barriers, sharply diverging from the protectionist policies long associated with Argentina’s Peronist governments and from the tariff-focused rhetoric of U.S. President Donald Trump.

“This milestone reflects a long-term vision in Argentina to invest and steadily expand our dealer network across the entire national territory,” said Stephen Deng, BYD’s country manager in Argentina.

For decades, Argentina maintained one of the region’s most closed economies, shielding domestic industry through high tariffs and strict import controls. Under Milei, a self-described libertarian, the government has moved in the opposite direction, slashing trade barriers, simplifying customs procedures, and stabilizing the peso to make imported goods more accessible.

Official figures show Argentina recorded a 30% increase in imports last year compared with the previous year, fueled in part by a surge in low-cost consumer goods from Asian online retailers. Chinese vehicle manufacturers, previously subject to import levies of up to 35%, are now benefiting from a new policy allowing 50,000 electric and hybrid vehicles into the country tariff-free in 2025, provided they are priced under $16,000.

Claudio Damiano, a transportation professor at the National University of San Martin, described the shipment as symbolically significant. “For decades people in Argentina had this vision that everything here must be manufactured here,” he said. “The boat has a symbolic value as the first step for BYD. Everyone’s wondering how far it will go.”

The arrival of Chinese EVs also drew attention in Europe, where European Union lawmakers on Wednesday voted to delay ratification of a proposed free trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc which includes Argentina that would reduce barriers for European electric vehicle exports.

Chinese imports to Argentina surged more than 57% last year, far outpacing growth in shipments from the United States. Chinese investment has expanded in Argentina’s energy and mining sectors, reinforcing Beijing’s growing economic footprint in the country.

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Milei defended his deregulation agenda, telling business and political leaders that it would foster a “more dynamically efficient economy.” He branded his strategy “Make Argentina Great Again,” echoing Trump’s political slogan even as the two leaders’ approaches to trade diverge sharply.

Economist Andrés Civetta of consulting firm Abeceb said Chinese automakers are well positioned to benefit from Argentina’s zero-tariff EV quota. “Chinese manufacturers have the technology and the ability to meet the price limits set by the government,” he said. “China has won the race.”

However, concerns have been raised by Western automakers and opposition lawmakers over potential unfair competition. Domestic EV producer Sero Electric warned that Argentina’s aging power grid and limited service infrastructure could struggle to support a rapid influx of electric vehicles.

“Honestly, we’re not worried,” said Sero Electric founder Pablo Naya, noting that the country’s EV market remains underdeveloped. “But if or when Argentine infrastructure and consumer aspirations eventually catch up to China, then that would get complicated for us. We’d have a problem.”

The government has yet to announce additional regulatory safeguards or incentives for local manufacturers as the first wave of Chinese EVs enters the Argentine market.

VP Sara kinasuhan ni Trillanes ng plunder, malversation, at graft sa Ombudsman

MAYNILA — Naghain si dating senador Antonio Trillanes IV, kasama ang civil society group na The Silent Majority, ng mga reklamong plunder, malversation, at graft laban kay Vice President Sara Duterte sa tanggapan ng Ombudsman nitong Miyerkules.

Sa reklamong inihain, inakusahan si Duterte ng umano’y hindi tamang paggamit ng bilyon-bilyong pisong confidential funds at iba pang pondo ng pamahalaan. Ayon sa mga nagrereklamo, saklaw ng mga alegasyon ang kanyang panunungkulan bilang vice mayor at mayor ng Davao City, gayundin ang kanyang mga tungkulin bilang bise presidente at dating kalihim ng Department of Education.

“Tayo ay nanawagan sa Ombudsman na bigyan ng mabilis na aksyon ang mga kasong naisampa para mapanagot siya sa kanyang mga kasalanan sa ating bayan,” pahayag ni Trillanes.

“This is about accountability,” dagdag pa niya sa panayam sa mga mamamahayag.

Wala pang pahayag ang kampo ni Pangalawang Pangulo Duterte hinggil sa mga reklamong inihain laban sa kanya. Ang Ombudsman ay inaasahang magsasagawa ng paunang pagsusuri upang matukoy kung may sapat na batayan ang mga alegasyon para sa karagdagang imbestigasyon.

Assassin of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe sentenced to life in prison

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TOKYO — A Japanese court on Wednesday sentenced Tetsuya Yamagami, the man who admitted to assassinating former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, to life imprisonment, closing a landmark case that exposed longstanding ties between Japan’s ruling party and the controversial Unification Church.

The Nara District Court handed down the sentence after finding Yamagami, 45, guilty of murder in the July 2022 killing of Abe, one of Japan’s most influential postwar political figures. Prosecutors had sought a life term, citing the gravity of the crime and the danger it posed to the public at a crowded campaign event.

Abe was shot on July 8, 2022, while delivering a campaign speech outside a train station in the western city of Nara. Television footage captured two gunshots as Abe raised his fist before collapsing, clutching his chest. Officials said he died almost instantly. Yamagami was apprehended at the scene.

Yamagami pleaded guilty at the start of the trial in October, telling investigators he targeted Abe to draw attention to what he described as close ties between Japanese politicians and the Unification Church, which he blamed for his family’s financial ruin and a troubled childhood.

“I had no grudge against his family and no excuse to defend myself,” Yamagami said in an earlier court session, according to NHK, as he apologized to Abe’s widow, Akie Abe.

Prosecutors argued that the attack was especially egregious because it was carried out in a public setting, endangering bystanders. Defense lawyers sought a sentence of no more than 20 years, citing Yamagami’s upbringing and the hardships he faced as the child of a church adherent.

Takashi Fujimoto, one of Yamagami’s attorneys, called the court’s decision “regrettable,” saying it failed to consider their request for clemency. He added that the defense team would consult with Yamagami about a possible appeal.

The case triggered widespread scrutiny of the Unification Church’s relationship with Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Investigations into the church’s fundraising and recruitment practices led to a court ruling that stripped its Japanese branch of tax-exempt religious status and ordered it dissolved. The church has appealed, and the case remains pending.

The National Police Agency also moved to strengthen protection for political figures in the wake of the assassination, citing vulnerabilities in security at public campaign events.

Abe, Japan’s longest-serving postwar prime minister, held office for a total of nine years before stepping down in 2021. A dominant figure within the LDP, he maintained close ties with U.S. President Donald Trump and was known for his conservative views on security and historical issues. His political legacy continues through allies and protégés, including Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who took office in October as Japan’s first female leader.

Yamagami told investigators he initially planned to target the head of the Unification Church but chose Abe instead after seeing a video message Abe sent to an event linked to the church-affiliated Universal Peace Federation.

The case has drawn attention to the experiences of children of church members, particularly those affected by aggressive donation practices. Lawmakers subsequently passed legislation aimed at restricting coercive fundraising by religious and other organizations.

Investigators said Yamagami’s mother joined the church during his childhood and made large donations that eventually drove the family into bankruptcy. His lawyers said the suicide of his older brother in 2015 deepened Yamagami’s resentment toward the church.

Public reaction to the case has been mixed. Thousands signed petitions seeking leniency for Yamagami, while others sent care packages to his family and to the detention center where he is being held.

As the legal process concludes, the assassination of Shinzo Abe continues to reverberate through Japan’s political landscape, reshaping debates on religious influence, political accountability, and the security of public officials.

Trump rules out force on Greenland at Davos, calls Iisland ‘our territory’

DAVOS, Switzerland — U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he would not use military force to acquire Greenland, but declared the Arctic island “our territory” during a keynote address at the World Economic Forum, a stance that has intensified diplomatic friction with European allies, particularly NATO partner Denmark.

Speaking before an audience of global business leaders and heads of state in the Swiss Alps, Trump emphasized U.S. economic performance while criticizing Europe’s trajectory. His remarks on Greenland, however, dominated reactions across the forum.

“This enormous unsecured island is actually part of North America,” Trump said. “That’s our territory.”

Trump argued that U.S. leadership drives global growth, adding, “When America booms the whole world booms,” and, “You all follow us down and you follow us up.” He dismissed European opposition to his position on Greenland, suggesting Washington was best placed to control the strategically important territory.

The president’s arrival in Davos was briefly delayed after a minor electrical issue aboard Air Force One forced the aircraft to return to Washington and switch planes. The delay did not affect his scheduled appearance.

Diplomatic Tensions and Tariff Threats

Trump’s comments come amid heightened tensions with European leaders following his threat to impose steep tariffs on Denmark and seven other U.S. allies unless they negotiate a transfer of Greenland’s semi-autonomous status. He said the proposed tariffs would begin at 10% next month and rise to 25% by June, a move economists warn could increase costs and slow economic growth.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that any such action would prompt a firm response from the bloc.

“The European Union and the United States have agreed to a trade deal last July,” von der Leyen said in Davos. “And in politics as in business — a deal is a deal. And when friends shake hands, it must mean something.”

French President Emmanuel Macron, addressing the forum earlier, cautioned against what he described as a growing climate of instability in global security and economics, urging leaders to reject “the law of the strongest.”

In London, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also took a firm line, saying, “Britain will not yield on our principles and values about the future of Greenland under threats of tariffs, and that is my clear position.”

Market Reaction and Domestic Agenda

U.S. financial markets reacted sharply to the escalating rhetoric. The S&P 500 fell 2.1%, its steepest decline since October, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 1.8% and the Nasdaq composite slid 2.4%.

Despite the foreign policy focus, Trump said he planned to use the Davos platform to highlight domestic priorities, including efforts to address housing affordability and inflation. U.S. home sales are at a 30-year low, with elevated mortgage rates and high prices keeping many buyers out of the market.

Trump has proposed purchasing $200 billion in mortgage securities to help lower borrowing costs and has called for restrictions on large financial firms buying residential properties.

Scott Lincicome, vice president for economic issues at the Cato Institute, warned that renewed trade disputes could undermine investor confidence and worsen affordability pressures. “Significantly undermining investors’ confidence in the U.S. economy in the longer term would likely increase interest rates and thus make homes less affordable,” he said.

“Board of Peace” Initiative

Foreign policy is expected to remain central to Trump’s Davos agenda. A White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the president plans to unveil details of a proposed “Board of Peace” on Thursday, an initiative intended to oversee the U.S.-brokered ceasefire in Israel’s war with Hamas. The body could potentially take on a broader mandate, positioning itself alongside or in competition with international institutions.

Trump is also scheduled to hold around five bilateral meetings with foreign leaders during the two-day forum. More than 60 heads of state are attending the event, and approximately 30 countries are expected to join the proposed board.

As Trump concluded his address, he acknowledged the significance of the gathering, calling it “an interesting trip,” one that has already underscored the growing strain between Washington and its traditional allies.

Hinarang ng BJMP ang mga damit at gadgets ni Bong Revilla

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Quezon City — Ipinahayag ng Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) na hindi pinayagan ang pagpasok sa Quezon City Jail-Male Dormitory ng mga gadgets at damit ni dating senador Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.

“Lahat damit na hindi authorize, lahat ng hindi dilaw pinauwi natin sa kanyang abugado. Gadgets pinauwi rin natin,” ani Jail Superintendent Jayrex Bustinera, tagapagsalita ng BJMP, sa ulat ng “24 Oras” ni Mariz Umali nitong Miyerkules.

Dagdag pa niya, “BJMP personnel are professional. We have zero tolerance for VIP treatment.”

Ito ay kasunod ng paglabas ng warrant of arrest at hold departure order ng Sandiganbayan Third Division noong Lunes laban kay Revilla at anim pang indibidwal kaugnay ng umano’y P92.8-milyong ghost flood control project sa Pandi, Bulacan.

Sumuko si Revilla sa PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group sa Camp Crame noong Lunes ng gabi, at na-transfer sa QC Jail noong Martes.

Noong Miyerkules, binisita siya ng kanyang mga anak at kapatid sa kanyang selda, ngunit tumangging magbigay ng pahayag.

Ayon sa BJMP, ang visiting hours para sa persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) ay mula 1 p.m. hanggang 5 p.m. tuwing Martes hanggang Biyernes, at mula 8 a.m. hanggang 5 p.m. tuwing Sabado at Linggo.

Si Revilla at ang kanyang mga co-accused, kabilang ang dating DPWH Bulacan engineers na sina Brice Hernandez, Jaypee Mendoza, Arjay Domasig, at finance section chief Juanito Mendoza, ay inilagay sa magkakahiwalay na selda habang isinasailalim sa mandatory seven-day quarantine.

Ang dalawang iba pang akusado, sina engineers Emelita Juat at Christina Pineda, ay ililipat sa Quezon City Jail Female Dormitory sa Camp Caringal matapos maipadala ng PNP ang return of warrant.

Pagkatapos ng seven-day quarantine, makakasama na ni Revilla at ng apat pang co-accused ang ibang PDLs sa kanilang selda.

Sa kabila ng pagkakakulong, nabigyan si Revilla ng gulay sa hapunan at manok sa tanghalian. Ayon sa BJMP, hihilingin din sa mga jail guards na magsuot ng body cameras upang maitala ang kanilang pang-araw-araw na interaksyon sa mga PDLs.

Bagama’t nakapag-post si Revilla ng bail sa kanyang graft case, nananatili siyang nakakulong para sa malversation charges.

Sinabi naman ni Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, na kapwa taga-Cavite kay Revilla, na, “The law is the law, there’s no special favor here. I have to do my job.”

Dagdag ni Remulla, siya rin ang kasama ni Revilla nang ilipat ito sa QC Jail bilang kanyang “last act of friendship” sa dating senador.

Macron: Europe “won’t give in to bullies” after Trump’s tariffs

DAVOS, Switzerland — French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday delivered a sharp rebuke of U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to impose steep tariffs on European allies, declaring that Europe would not be intimidated or surrender its principles in the face of economic pressure.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Macron said France and the European Union would not “passively accept the law of the strongest,” warning that such an approach would lead to Europe’s “vassalization.” He underscored the bloc’s commitment to territorial sovereignty and the rule of law, even as he described a global shift toward what he called a “world without rules.”

“We don’t give in to bullies,” Macron said, adding that Europe preferred “respect to bullies” and the “rule of law to brutality.”

Macron’s remarks came after Trump threatened to impose escalating tariffs on several European countries, including France, if the United States is not allowed to acquire Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark and a fellow NATO member. The French leader also criticized what he called Washington’s “endless accumulation” of tariffs, describing their use as leverage against territorial sovereignty as “fundamentally unacceptable.”

European leaders, who have largely sought to keep a measured tone to prevent the dispute from escalating, are set to convene an emergency summit in Brussels on Thursday to discuss the Greenland issue and potential responses.

The European Union has previously prepared tariffs on €93 billion ($108 billion) worth of U.S. goods, which could be reactivated as early as Feb. 6. Macron has also urged the bloc to consider deploying its Anti-Coercion Instrument, informally dubbed the “trade bazooka” which could restrict U.S. access to EU public tenders or limit trade in services, including technology platforms.

Tensions intensified after Trump threatened a 200% tariff on French wines and champagnes and posted what appeared to be private messages exchanged with Macron on his Truth Social account. A source close to the French president confirmed the authenticity of the exchange, in which Macron questioned Trump’s stance on Greenland and suggested convening a broader G7 meeting.

Macron said he would not alter his schedule in Davos to meet Trump, who is due to arrive later in the week. French officials said the president was being singled out because of his outspoken defense of democratic principles and European sovereignty.

“By leading the resistance, France becomes a target,” lawmaker Pieyre-Alexandre Langlade, an ally of Macron, told Reuters.

Impeachment complaint laban kay Pangulong Marcos Jr. itinuturing na ‘dead on arrival’ sa Kamara

MAYNILA — Itinuturing na “dead on arrival” at “basura” sa Kamara de Representantes ang inihaing impeachment complaint laban kay Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. kaugnay ng umano’y korapsyon sa 2025 national budget, partikular sa unprogrammed funds.

Ayon kay Senior Deputy Minority Leader at Caloocan City Rep. Edgar Erice, wala umanong sapat na batayan ang reklamo upang ito ay mapatunayan. “It’s dead on arrival, basura, no way na mapo-proved pa ito,” pahayag ni Erice.

Sinabi pa ng mambabatas na bagama’t nagtataka siya sa motibo sa likod ng paghahain ng reklamo, boboto umano siya upang agad itong ibasura sa Kamara.

Ang impeachment complaint ay inihain ni Atty. Andre de Jesus at inindorso ni Pusong Pinoy Partylist Rep. Jernie “Jett” Nisay.

Nang tanungin kung posibleng isa itong kaso ng “impeach me,” sinabi ni Erice na maaari umano itong lumitaw sa isasagawang pagdinig ng Justice Committee, kung saan masusuri ang motibo at mga alegasyon sa reklamo.

Dagdag pa niya, minadali umano ang paghahain ng impeachment at wala siyang nakikitang matibay na ebidensiya maliban sa mga ulat na lumabas sa mga pahayagan. Aniya, malabo rin itong umusad dahil sa umiiral na 1-year bar rule, at binigyang-diin na malapit na ring magtapos ang termino ng Pangulo.

Binigyang-diin din ni Erice na ang mga grounds na nakasaad sa reklamo, kabilang ang mga alegasyon ng kidnapping, ang umano’y pagsuko kay dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte sa International Criminal Court (ICC), at ang paratang ng graft and corruption kaugnay ng P100-bilyong insertions na tinukoy ni dating Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co, ay mahirap umanong patunayan at itinuring din niyang walang sapat na batayan.

Rio de Janeiro zoo treats animals to popsicles during scorching summer heat

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil — Animals at Rio de Janeiro’s BioParque Zoo were given popsicles and frozen treats on Tuesday as the city endured another day of extreme summer heat.

Zoo officials said the icy snacks were tailored to the dietary needs of each species. Some animals received frozen fruit, while others were offered specialized mixtures, including frozen blood for certain predators. A group of monkeys enjoyed watermelon popsicles, while a jaguar carefully tried to fish out ground chicken popsicles from a floating tray in its water tank.

“When she tries to fish out the frozen food, she ends up ingesting water as well,” said Letizia Feitoza, a biologist at the zoo. “This is important for her hydration.”

Officials emphasized that the frozen treats are part of the zoo’s routine animal care, helping provide thermal comfort during periods of extreme heat. Similar measures were implemented last summer when high temperatures affected much of Brazil’s southeast.

The mercury in Rio de Janeiro rose above 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) on Sunday and Monday, prompting city authorities to issue a Level 3 heat alert and warn residents of health risks associated with prolonged exposure.

Despite the sweltering conditions, visitors flocked to BioParque Zoo to watch the animals enjoy their frozen treats. “I thought it was really cool,” said Lorena Carvalho, a teacher visiting the zoo. “I think it brings them more comfort.”

LTO, maglulunsad ng online portal para sa sumbong laban sa pasaway na motorista at tauhan

MAYNILA — Magkakaroon ng bagong online platform ang Land Transportation Office (LTO) para tumanggap ng mga sumbong laban sa pasaway na motorista at maging sa mga tauhan ng ahensiya.

Sa panayam ng Super Radyo dzBB nitong Martes, inihayag ni LTO Chief at Transportation Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao na tatawaging “Isumbong Mo Kay Chief” ang naturang portal, na inaasahang mailulunsad sa susunod na linggo sa pamamagitan ng website at Facebook page ng ahensiya.

Ayon kay Lacanilao, bagaman tumatanggap na ng mga reklamo ang kasalukuyang Facebook page ng LTO, sa bagong portal ay puwede nang isumbong hindi lamang ang pasaway na motorista kundi pati na rin ang mga tauhan ng ahensiya. Sinabi rin ng opisyal na siya mismo ang titingin sa mga sumbong upang matiyak na maaaksyunan ang mga problema.

Ipinaliwanag din niya na sa pamamagitan ng portal, maiiwasan ang paglabas o pag-leak ng impormasyon, lalo na kung ang sumbong ay may kinalaman sa mga tauhan ng LTO. Binanggit ni Lacanilao na dumadami ang mga motoristang walang disiplina sa kalsada, kaya malaking tulong ang pagkakaroon ng video o larawan ng insidente upang mas mabilis itong maaksyunan.

Babala ng opisyal, mas mabigat ang ipapataw na parusa sa mga motorista na mananakit, lalo na kung may namamatay, at maaari itong humantong sa pagbawi ng kanilang lisensiya sa pagmamaneho. Sa nakalipas na mga araw, sunod-sunod ang mga pinadalhan ng show cause order (SCO) ng LTO, kabilang ang driver ng pickup truck na nakasagasa at nakapatay ng batang babae sa Ilocos Sur, ang tricycle driver sa Quezon City na umano’y nag-counter flow, ang driver ng sports utility vehicle na dumaan sa bike lane kahit naka-blinker, at isang kawani ng gobyerno na umano’y nanuntok ng kapwa motorista.