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EU leaders convene in a Belgian castle to tackle mounting pressure from Russia, China, and Trump

Venus L Peñaflor
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EU leaders convene in a Belgian castle to tackle mounting pressure from Russia, China, and Trump

BILZEN-HOESELT, Belgium — Leaders of the 27-member European Union gathered Thursday at the historic 16th-century Alden Biesen castle in Belgium as the bloc confronts mounting geopolitical and economic pressures from Russia, China, and U.S. President Donald Trump.

The high-level meeting comes at a critical juncture for the EU, which is reassessing its diplomatic, economic, and security strategies amid shifting global dynamics marked by trade tensions, military threats, and intensifying competition.

“We all know we must change course, and we all know the direction,” Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said ahead of the talks. “Yet it sometimes feels like we’re standing on the bridge of the ship staring at the horizon without being able to touch the helm.”

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made a symbolic joint arrival, crossing the castle’s drawbridge side by side, a gesture underscoring unity between the EU’s two traditional powerhouses despite notable policy differences.

“We share this sense of urgency that Europe must take action,” Macron said as he stood alongside Merz on a blue welcome carpet.

The session is designed to shape the agenda for a broader EU summit scheduled for late March, where leaders are expected to outline more concrete policy responses.

Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni are leading calls for deregulation, strengthening the EU’s single market, improving relations with Washington, and pursuing expanded trade agreements, including the recent Mercosur deal with South American nations.

“We want to make this European Union faster, we want to make it better, and above all we want to ensure that we have competitive industry in Europe,” Merz said.

In contrast, Macron continues to champion “strategic autonomy,” a vision of a Europe less dependent on the United States, particularly in defense and industrial policy. He has urged EU nations to prioritize purchasing from European manufacturers as military spending increases in response to Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Merz and Meloni, however, argue that procurement should remain open to both European and foreign firms.

Macron also warned of intensified global competition and economic coercion.

“There is also an increased pressure on us, with competition sometimes unfair competition — that is very intense, with very strong pressure from China, tariffs imposed on us by the Americans with threats of coercive practices,” he said.

Leaders are expected to debate new financial mechanisms to shield the bloc from volatility in the global trading system, particularly as Trump’s sweeping tariffs and China’s restrictions on critical mineral exports reshape supply chains.

Macron renewed his proposal for joint EU borrowing, describing it as “Eurobonds for the future” that could offer an opportunity “to challenge the hegemony of the dollar.”

Meanwhile, many EU officials support elements of a 2024 economic strategy proposed by former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi. The plan calls for cutting regulatory barriers, boosting infrastructure investments, and expanding trade partnerships. Draghi is scheduled to address leaders during the gathering.

“We have way too many barriers that prevent money and capital from moving from one country to another, way too many obstacles to simplification,” said Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament. “No more words, but more action.”

Germany and Italy are expected to push for streamlined regulations, a strengthened single market, and an “ambitious trade policy based on shared rules and a level playing field.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the economic dimension of geopolitical strength.

“Our power on the global stage depends greatly on our strength on the economic front,” she said in a speech Wednesday.

According to the latest Eurobarometer survey, citizens across the bloc are calling for a more unified and assertive EU leadership in response to military threats, economic strain, and climate instability.

“There has never been a better time for European leaders, national political leaders, to actually leverage on these European citizens’ demand for greater European action,” said Alberto Alemanno, a professor of EU law at HEC Paris.

As leaders deliberate inside the castle walls, the outcome of their discussions may determine how effectively the European Union navigates an increasingly volatile global landscape.

Hiniling ni Duterte sa ICC na i-disqualify ang 3 abogado ng mga biktima ng war on drugs

Venus L Peñaflor
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Hiniling ni Duterte sa ICC na i-disqualify ang 3 abogado ng mga biktima ng war on drugs

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Hiniling ni dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte sa International Criminal Court (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber I na utusan ang ICC Registry na bawiin ang pagtatalaga sa tatlong common legal representatives ng mga biktima ng kanyang war on drugs.

Ayon sa 11-pahinang dokumento na may petsang Pebrero 11, hiniling rin ng depensa na ipasuspinde ang access ng mga abogado na sina Joel Butuyan, Gilbert Andres, at Nicolene Arcaina sa case record habang naghihintay ng desisyon ang Pre-Trial Chamber.

Iginiit ng depensa na dapat silang i-disqualify dahil sa impediment to representation at posibleng conflict of interest. Ayon sa kanila, si Butuyan at Andres ay may propesyonal na ugnayan kay Arcaina dahil sa kanilang pagtatrabaho sa CenterLaw Philippines. Dahil dito, dapat ay alam nila ang isang sitwasyon na kinasasangkutan ng abogado, na naka-redact sa dokumento.

“To compound matters, the Prosecution has since confirmed that both Joel Butuyan and Gilbert Andres had been given access to [REDACTED] prior to 30 January 2026, when Counsel wrote his email to them,” ayon sa pleadings.

“As such, both Joel Butuyan and Gilbert Andres should have known that Nicolene Arcaina was [REDACTED] at the same time that they were processing her appointment to their team,” dagdag pa ng depensa.

Ipinahayag din ng depensa na magkakaroon ng conflict of interest kaugnay ng papel ni Arcaina bilang victim’s case manager at iba pang hindi ibinunyag na tungkulin na kanilang tinukoy bilang “structurally incompatible.”

“Whereas the Prosecution is a minister of justice tasked with a truth-seeking function and disclosure duties, victims’ counsel are partisan representatives owing duties only to their clients and are not subject to comparable disclosure obligations,” ayon pa rin sa plea.

Wala pang pahayag mula sa mga nasabing abogado. Ayon sa GMA News Online, ilalathala ang kanilang komento kapag ito ay natanggap na.

Noong nakaraan, tinutulan ng legal team ni Duterte ang pagtatalaga nina Butuyan at Andres bilang kinatawan ng mga biktima ng war on drugs noong panahon ng kanyang termino bilang Pangulo at Mayor ng Davao City. Inabisuhan na rin ng ICC Registry ang Pre-Trial Chamber I tungkol sa pagtatalaga ng mga legal representatives.

Nakasaad sa iskedyul ng Chamber na magsisimula ang confirmation of charges hearing sa Pebrero 23, 2026.

Inakusahan ng ICC Prosecutor si Duterte sa 49 insidente ng pagpatay at tangkang pagpatay sa pagpapatupad ng kanyang anti-narcotics campaign, “kahit na mas malawak ang aktwal na bilang ng mga biktima sa nasabing panahon.”

Ayon sa tala ng pamahalaan, humigit-kumulang 6,200 drug suspects ang napatay sa ilalim ng administrasyong Duterte. Gayunpaman, ayon sa mga human rights organization, maaaring umabot sa 30,000 ang bilang dahil sa mga hindi naiulat na kaugnay na pagpatay.

Canada’s gun laws under scrutiny after school shooting

Venus L Peñaflor
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Canada’s gun laws under scrutiny after school shooting

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Eight people were killed and more than 25 injured in a school shooting in the remote mountain town of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, raising urgent questions about Canada’s strict gun laws. The country bans assault-style firearms, enforces a national freeze on the sale, purchase, and transfer of handguns, and requires lifetime background checks for gun owners. Programs for surrendering firearms and “Red Flag” laws further aim to prevent individuals who pose a danger from accessing guns.

The 18-year-old suspect, Jesse Van Rootselaar, was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted wound following the attack. Authorities said she first killed her 39-year-old mother and 11-year-old stepbrother at home before going to the nearby school and opening fire. A young family member escaped and alerted neighbors, who contacted police.

At the school, victims included a 39-year-old teacher and five students, ages 12 to 13. One was found in a stairwell and the rest in the library. Police said the suspect had no known connection to the school victims, and there is no indication anyone was specifically targeted.

Police recovered a long gun and a modified handgun at the scene. Officers arrived within two minutes of the initial call and were reportedly fired upon as they approached. Initial reports of nine fatalities were later corrected to eight after a victim airlifted to a medical center was mistakenly thought to have died.

Tumbler Ridge, a town of approximately 2,700 residents, is located more than 1,000 kilometers northeast of Vancouver near the Alberta border. The local secondary school enrolls roughly 175 students in grades 7 through 12. Both the secondary and elementary schools will remain closed for the rest of the week.

Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed condolences and ordered flags at government buildings flown at half-staff for seven days. “Parents, grandparents, sisters, and brothers in Tumbler Ridge will wake up without someone they love. The nation mourns with you, and Canada stands by you,” he said.

Mayor Darryl Krakowka described the tragedy as “devastating” for the close-knit community. The shooting is Canada’s deadliest since the 2020 Nova Scotia rampage, underscoring the challenges of preventing gun violence even under stringent firearm regulations. Authorities continue to investigate the suspect’s motive.

8 MARINA, 6 PCG personnel sinibak sa paglubog ng MV Trisha Kerstin 3

Arman B. Cambe
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8 MARINA, 6 PCG personnel sinibak sa paglubog ng MV Trisha Kerstin 3

MANILA, Philippines — Sasampahan ng kaukulang kaso ang passenger at cargo firm na Aleson Shipping Lines, Inc., gayundin ang ilang opisyal at tauhan ng Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) at Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) kaugnay ng umano’y kapabayaan at seryosong safety lapses na nagresulta sa paglubog ng MV Trisha Kerstin 3, na ikinasawi na ng 52 katao.

Sa isang pulong balitaan, tiniyak ni Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez na pananagutin ng Department of Transportation (DOTr) ang shipping line at mga opisyal ng pamahalaan na mapatutunayang nagkulang sa kanilang tungkulin.

Ipinahayag ng kalihim ang kanyang pagkadismaya matapos mabatid na nakapaglayag ang MV Trisha Kerstin 3 sa kabila ng mga natukoy na safety deficiencies, kabilang ang mga isyu sa passenger capacity certification, drydock/repair compliance, at seaworthiness certification.

Batay sa inisyal na imbestigasyon ng MARINA, kabilang sa mga posibleng sanhi ng trahedya ang overloading ng mga pasahero at cargo, hindi paggamit ng weigh bridge sa Global Port Zamboanga Terminal Inc. para sa rolling cargoes at private vehicles, at inconsistencies sa bilang ng mga nakatala sa Passenger Manifest kumpara sa aktuwal na dami ng pasaherong sakay ng barko.

Kaugnay nito, iniutos ni Lopez ang agarang pagsibak sa walong tauhan ng MARINA, kabilang ang Zamboanga Regional Director, at anim na tauhan ng PCG kabilang ang mga nagsagawa ng pre-departure inspection at ang Zamboanga Station Commander dahil sa command responsibility.

Inatasan din ng kalihim ang MARINA na magsampa ng administrative charges laban kina Zamboanga Regional Director Engr. Jedini Nur Sibal, Marina Shipping Operations Specialist Engr. Bevin Bibi, at Marina Shipbuilding Specialist II Jose Ray Quimiguing dahil sa neglect of duty.

Nanindigan ang DOTr na pananagutin ang lahat ng sangkot upang matiyak ang hustisya para sa mga nasawi at maiwasan ang kahalintulad na trahedya sa hinaharap.

Polish woman jailed in UK for murdering partner and burying her in garden

Venus L Peñaflor
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Polish woman jailed in UK for murdering partner and burying her in garden

DERBY, United Kingdom — A 40-year-old woman has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the 2010 murder of her partner, whose remains were discovered buried in the garden of a Derby property more than 15 years after her disappearance.

Anna Podedworna, of Boyer Street, Derby, was found guilty of murdering Izabela Zablocka following a jury trial at Derby Crown Court. On Wednesday, Mrs Justice Williams KC sentenced her to life in prison with a minimum term of 21 years.

The court heard that Zablocka, 30, was last heard from on 28 August 2010 after calling her mother in Poland. She failed to contact her daughter, Katarzyna, known as Kasia, on 4 September 2010, her 10th birthday, raising alarm among family members.

Judge Williams said in sentencing: “It is clear from the evidence in this trial that Izabela was a loved family member, who enjoyed a close bond with her mother, grandmother and her daughter.”

Addressing the long-term impact on Zablocka’s daughter, the judge added: “As a result of your violent, manipulative and cruel actions, Kasia grew up not knowing what happened to her beloved mother who had suddenly vanished from her life without any explanation.”

The two women had moved to the United Kingdom from Poland in search of work and were living in the Normanton area of Derby at the time of the killing.

Prosecutor Gordon Aspden KC told the court that shortly after Zablocka’s final phone call, she was murdered by Podedworna. Her body was subsequently dismembered and buried in the back garden of a Princes Street property, where concrete was later laid over the site.

Police investigations revealed that Podedworna had previously worked as a “skilled butcher,” with experience deboning and portioning carcasses using large knives.

The case remained unresolved for more than a decade. In 2025, Zablocka’s daughter, now an adult, contacted Polish journalist Rafal Zalewski to investigate her mother’s disappearance. After being confronted by Zalewski outside her home, Podedworna later contacted Derbyshire Police and disclosed the burial location. A full-scale excavation of the Princes Street property led to the recovery of Zablocka’s remains.

Judge Williams told the defendant she deserved “no credit” for eventually contacting police, stating: “You have shown no remorse. You only did this to put forward a false account of Izabela’s death.”

In a victim impact statement read in court, Kasia described the lasting trauma of her mother’s disappearance.

“As a young child I was incredibly close to my mother, she was my whole world, so the fact she simply vanished from my life without a single word of explanation was a horrific experience for me,” she said.

“The worst part was the soul-crushing uncertainty… Even though I lived in limbo for years, in my heart, I always knew my mother didn’t leave me on purpose.”

Podedworna claimed she acted in self-defence, but both the jury and the judge rejected that account.

In mitigation, defence counsel Clive Stockwell KC said the defendant had previously been of good character and is the mother of two young children. However, the judge noted that she had lied repeatedly to family members and authorities over the years, obstructing justice.

Detective Inspector Kane Martin, who led the investigation, described the case as “particularly challenging and distressing.”

“Izabela was a much-loved mother, daughter, and granddaughter — nothing can bring her back but it is my hope that today’s sentencing allows her family to lay her memory to rest,” he said.

The case concludes a 15-year search for answers by Zablocka’s family, whose persistence ultimately led to the uncovering of the crime.

Editor’s Note: This report contains details that some readers may find distressing.

10 dead in British Columbia school shooting

EDGARDO HERNAL
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10 dead in British Columbia school shooting

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — A mass shooting at a secondary school in northern British Columbia has left 10 people dead, including the suspected gunwoman, in what authorities describe as one of Canada’s deadliest incidents of violence in recent years.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed that seven victims were killed in the attack at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School on Tuesday. An eighth victim died while being transported to hospital. Two additional bodies were later discovered at a nearby home believed to be connected to the suspect.

Police said more than 25 individuals were injured in the shooting, including two who were airlifted to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The suspect, identified only as a woman, was found dead at the scene from what investigators described as a “self-inflicted injury.” Authorities have not released her name, and her motive remains under investigation.

RCMP Superintendent Ken Floyd said police officers responded within two minutes of receiving reports of gunfire. Investigators are working to determine how the victims were connected to the suspect.

School shootings are rare in Canada.

Tumbler Ridge, a community of approximately 2,700 residents located more than 1,000 kilometers north of Vancouver near the Alberta border, is home to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, which enrolls about 175 students from Grades 7 to 12.

Video footage circulating online showed students exiting the school with their hands raised as police vehicles surrounded the campus and a helicopter circled overhead.

Mayor Darryl Krakowka described the tragedy as deeply personal for the tight-knit town.

“I broke down,” Krakowka said, calling the loss “devastating” for what he described as a “big family.”

“I have lived here for 18 years. I probably know every one of the victims,” he added.

Families gathered at a local recreation center awaiting updates as authorities followed strict identification protocols.

The Rev. George Rowe of Tumbler Ridge Fellowship Baptist Church said the emotional toll was overwhelming.

“It was not a pretty sight. Families are still waiting to hear if it’s their child that’s deceased and because of protocol and procedure the investigating team is very careful in releasing names,” Rowe said.

“The big thing tonight was my having to walk away and the families still waiting to find out. It is so difficult. Other pastors and counselors are there so they are not alone.”

Rowe, a former teacher at the high school whose three children graduated from the institution, said, “To walk through the corridors of that school will never be the same again.”

British Columbia Premier David Eby called the incident an “unimaginable tragedy” and urged residents to support the grieving community.

“I know it’s causing us all to hug our kids a little bit tighter tonight,” Eby said. “I’m asking the people of British Columbia to look after the people of Tumbler Ridge tonight.”

Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was “devastated” by the shooting, writing in a social media post: “I join Canadians in grieving with those whose lives have been changed irreversibly today, and in gratitude for the courage and selflessness of the first responders who risked their lives to protect their fellow citizens.”

Carney’s office confirmed he has suspended a planned trip to Halifax and Munich, where he was scheduled to announce a defense industrial strategy and attend the Munich Security Conference.

Tuesday’s attack marks Canada’s deadliest mass shooting since 2020, when a gunman in Nova Scotia killed 13 people and set fires that left another nine dead.

Gunman detained, hostages freed after school shooting in southern Thailand

Venus L Peñaflor
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Gunman detained, hostages freed after school shooting in southern Thailand

HAT YAI, Songkhla Province, Thailand — A tense hostage situation at a secondary school in southern Thailand ended Wednesday after police detained an armed 18-year-old suspect and secured the release of all hostages, authorities said.

Deputy Superintendent Wichian Soboon confirmed that the suspect, who entered Patongprathankiriwat School in Hat Yai district earlier in the afternoon with a firearm, was arrested following a swift police response.

Local officials said the gunman opened fire inside the campus before holding students and teachers hostage. At least three people were injured during the incident, according to police.

Videos circulating on social media showed chaotic scenes as police and special forces surrounded the school, evacuated pupils and staff, and brought the situation under control. Authorities emphasized that all hostages were freed safely.

The motive for the attack has not been publicly disclosed. Police are continuing their investigation into how the suspect gained access to the weapon and the circumstances leading up to the incident.

Gun violence remains an issue in Thailand, which previously saw a deadly 2022 attack at a childcare centre that killed 36 people, including 22 children.

Officials have not released the names of the injured or further details about their conditions. Emergency responders and counselling teams are assisting those affected as the community begins to recover.

Kalayaan LGU officials, ipinagbawal ang pagpasok sa China, Hong Kong, Macau

Venus L Peñaflor
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Kalayaan LGU officials, ipinagbawal ang pagpasok sa China, Hong Kong, Macau

MAYNILA — Ipinagbawal ng China ang pagpasok sa mainland China, Hong Kong, at Macau ng mga opisyal at empleyado ng lokal na pamahalaan ng munisipalidad ng Kalayaan, Palawan, matapos ideklara ng naturang bayan ang Chinese Ambassador sa Pilipinas na si Jing Quan bilang persona non grata.

Sa pahayag ng Chinese Embassy in the Philippines nitong Martes, Pebrero 10, sinabi ni embassy spokesperson Ji Lingpeng na ang hakbang ay isinagawa “batay sa prinsipyo ng reciprocity,” kasunod ng mga resolusyong ipinasa ng Kalayaan LGU laban sa Chinese envoy.

“The so-called ‘Kalayaan Municipality’ council of the Philippines adopted resolutions in 2023 and 2026 declaring the Chinese ambassador to be a persona non grata in the municipality,” ani Ji.
“Based on the principle of reciprocity, the individuals involved in fabricating the said resolutions are not welcome to enter China (including Hong Kong and Macao).”

Kabilang sa mga ipinagbawal makapasok sa China, Hong Kong, at Macau ang mga sumusunod na opisyal at indibidwal na may kaugnayan sa lokal na pamahalaan ng Kalayaan:

  • Mayor Beltzasar S. Alindogan
  • Vice Mayor Maurice Phillip Alexis S. Albayda
  • Councilor Nonelon B. Balbontin
  • Councilor Nonie C. Gapuz
  • Councilor Roberto M. Asiado
  • Councilor Hubert B. Llavan
  • Councilor Francis P. Polizon
  • Councilor Marilou S. Vales
  • Councilor Monico A. Abogado
  • Councilor Eugenio B. Bito-onon
  • Hermoso A. Ornopia
  • Tracylie Shierjun R. Malabayabas
  • Arzel E. Belidan
  • Vicencio R. Milan
  • Allan D. Dellosa
  • Mary Cristina J. Lagrosa

Noong 2023, idineklara rin ng lokal na pamahalaan ng Kalayaan ang dating Chinese ambassador sa Pilipinas na si Huang Xilian bilang persona non grata.

Samantala, sinabi ni Ambassador Jing Quan na handa siyang agad umalis ng bansa “with immense pride and honor” sakaling ideklara rin siyang persona non grata sa buong Pilipinas. Ito ay kasunod ng paghahain ng Senate Resolution No. 256 na kumokondena sa mga pahayag ng Chinese Embassy laban sa mga opisyal ng Pilipinas na bumabatikos sa Beijing.

King Charles III pledges cooperation with police as Epstein scandal deepens

EDGARDO HERNAL
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King Charles III pledges cooperation with police as Epstein scandal deepens

LONDON (AP) — King Charles III has taken unprecedented steps to distance the British monarchy from the escalating scandal involving his younger brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, signaling a sharp break from past royal practice as scrutiny over the late financier Jeffrey Epstein intensifies.

In a statement released Monday, Buckingham Palace said it is prepared to cooperate fully should police launch a formal investigation into Mountbatten-Windsor’s links to Epstein. The announcement followed revelations from newly released U.S. Justice Department documents that detailed continued contact between the two men well after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor for prostitution.

Since October, King Charles has stripped Mountbatten-Windsor of his remaining royal titles, including the right to be called a prince, ordered him to vacate Royal Lodge near Windsor Castle, and publicly expressed concern for the women and girls abused by Epstein. The moves mark the most decisive effort yet to isolate the former prince from the rest of the royal family.

“Fifty or 100 years ago, you can imagine the gentlemen’s agreements that would have buried this kind of story,” said Ed Owens, author of After Elizabeth: Can the Monarchy Save Itself? “But we live in a more democratic age where accountability matters. By taking the moral high ground, the king is acknowledging that public opinion demands justice.”

The palace’s latest stance was prompted by allegations that Mountbatten-Windsor sent confidential reports to Epstein following a 2010 tour of Southeast Asia, which he undertook as Britain’s trade envoy. The correspondence was uncovered by journalists reviewing millions of pages released by the U.S. Justice Department.

Thames Valley Police, which covers areas west of London including Mountbatten-Windsor’s former residence, said it was “assessing” the reports. The palace swiftly responded.

“The King has made clear, in words and through unprecedented actions, his profound concern at allegations which continue to come to light in respect of Mr. Mountbatten-Windsor’s conduct,” Buckingham Palace said. “While the specific claims are for Mr. Mountbatten-Windsor to address, if we are approached by Thames Valley Police we stand ready to support them.”

Mountbatten-Windsor has denied any wrongdoing in his relationship with Epstein.

British newspapers prominently featured the palace’s statement on Tuesday, with The Sun running the headline: “King: We’ll Help Cops on Andy.”

According to Craig Prescott, a constitutional law expert at Royal Holloway, University of London, the king’s actions are aimed at containing the damage and protecting the institution.

“As long as the scandal remains confined to Prince Andrew, the monarchy is relatively safe,” Prescott said, noting that public support for the monarchy remains largely intact.

The royal family has struggled to manage the fallout since 2010, when Virginia Giuffre alleged that Epstein trafficked her to Britain to have sex with Mountbatten-Windsor while she was still a minor. Giuffre, who was 17 at the time, died by suicide last year.

Under Queen Elizabeth II, whose approach was guided by the principle of “never complain, never explain,” the palace largely avoided public comment. That strategy unraveled in 2019 after Mountbatten-Windsor’s widely criticized BBC interview, in which he offered implausible explanations and failed to express sympathy for Epstein’s victims.

Shortly afterward, Elizabeth removed her son from royal duties, though he retained his title until last year. In October, amid the release of a critical biography and the looming disclosure of U.S. court documents, King Charles removed his brother’s remaining honors.

Mountbatten-Windsor vacated Royal Lodge months ahead of schedule and has since relocated to the Sandringham Estate, a privately owned royal property in eastern England.

Owens warned that while cooperation with police may lead to further negative headlines, it could be necessary to restore public trust.

“This will bring more unwanted scrutiny,” he said. “But this is how the monarchy attempts to finally exorcise the shadow of Jeffrey Epstein.”

Kinontra ng China ang resolusyon ng Senado tungkol sa West Philippine Sea

Venus L Peñaflor
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Kinontra ng China ang resolusyon ng Senado tungkol sa West Philippine Sea

MAYNILA — Binatikos ng China na tinawag nitong “anti-China” na resolusyon matapos aprubahan ng Senado ng Pilipinas ang Resolution No. 256, na pumuna sa mga pahayag ng Embahada ng China sa Maynila laban sa mga opisyal ng Pilipinas na kumwestiyon sa mga aksyon ng Beijing sa West Philippine Sea.

Ayon kay Ji Lingpeng, tagapagsalita ng Embahada ng China, “We firmly reject and strongly condemn the said anti-China resolution. Some Philippine legislators repeatedly resort to threats and intimidation against Chinese diplomats.”

Dagdag niya, “They claim to represent public opinion but actually twist facts and mislead the public. The said Senate resolution is nothing but a political stunt.”

Ang resolusyon ng Senado ay pumuna sa mga pahayag mula sa Embahada ng China na, ayon sa mga mambabatas, ay tumutukoy sa mga opisyal ng Pilipinas na sumusuporta sa mga karapatan ng bansa sa West Philippine Sea. Binanggit din ng resolusyon ang Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) na gumawa ng kinakailangang hakbang diplomatikong ipagtanggol ang dignidad ng Pilipinas at tiyakin na ang ugnayan sa ibang bansa ay naaayon sa internasyonal na batas at itinatag na prinsipyo ng diplomasiya.

Ipinahayag ni Ji ang pagkadismaya sa reaksiyon ng mga opisyal ng Pilipinas sa kanyang tinawag na “insulto” sa pinuno ng China. “Put it this way: if a foreign official spokesperson were to insult or attack the Philippine head of state, national heroes, or religious leaders, would they stay silent and pretend nothing happened?” ani Ji.

Ayon pa sa opisyal, ang aksiyon ng Senado ay “for their own political interest” at nakasisira sa mga pagsisikap na pagbutihin ang ugnayan ng China at Pilipinas. “Such behavior only disgraces themselves. However, the price of their hypocrisy, ignorance, and recklessness is paid by the ordinary people,” dagdag niya.

Ani Ji, patuloy na itataguyod ng embahada ang kooperasyon sa pagitan ng China at Pilipinas sa kabila ng resolusyon. “No matter how many anti-China resolutions these people introduce, whether it’s 10 or even 100, it will not in the slightest weaken the Chinese embassy’s resolve,” sabi niya.

Tumugon naman si Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III sa mga pahayag ng embahada, at iginiit na sinusubukan lamang nitong patahimikin ang Senado. “He is claiming that we are intimidating Chinese diplomats, yet he continues to speak disrespectfully against us and calls the Senate resolution a mere political stunt,” ani Sotto.
“I can say the same thing to him, that he knows little about how diplomacy works. Respect begets respect,” dagdag niya.

Sa hiwalay na pahayag, sinabi ni Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, may-akda ng resolusyon, na nilabag ng China ang Vienna Convention at pinagtibay ang pananaw na ang China ay isang bully. “We rest our case and reiterate our call for the DFA to take the necessary diplomatic measures to uphold the dignity of the Republic of the Philippines and to ensure that relations with other states are conducted in accordance with international law and established principles of state relations,” ani Pangilinan.

Ayon sa mga senador, lumampas na ang Embahada ng China sa linya sa pamamagitan ng pagsasali sa pambansang debate ng Pilipinas sa isang di-makatwirang paraan.

Ang mainit na palitan ng pahayag ay naganap sa gitna ng patuloy na tensiyon sa diplomasya sa pagitan ng Manila at Beijing, kabilang ang mga hindi pagkakaunawaan na kinasasangkutan ng Philippine Coast Guard at ni Commodore Jay Tarriela, na kritikal sa presensya ng China sa West Philippine Sea. Iniulat na nagsampa ng pormal na protesta ang mga diplomatiko ng China laban kay Tarriela at tinawag ang Philippine ambassador sa Beijing para talakayin ang kanyang mga pahayag.

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