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Ex-DPWH execs na sina Bernardo, Alcantara itinalagang state witnesses ng DOJ

Venus L Peñaflor
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Ex-DPWH execs na sina Bernardo, Alcantara itinalagang state witnesses ng DOJ

MAYNILA — Kinumpirma ng Department of Justice (DOJ) nitong Huwebes na sina dating Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo at dating DPWH Bulacan District Engineer Henry Alcantara ay pormal nang tinanggap bilang state witnesses sa imbestigasyon ng pamahalaan kaugnay ng umano’y anomalya sa flood control projects.

Ayon kay Justice Acting Secretary Fredderick Vida, apat na indibidwal ang opisyal na isinailalim sa Witness Protection Program (WPP) kaugnay ng kontrobersiya sa flood management. Bukod kina Bernardo at Alcantara, tinanggap din bilang state witnesses sina DPWH Engr. Gerard Opulencia at Sally Santos, contractor at may-ari ng SYMS Construction Trading.

Ipinaliwanag ni Vida na ang isa sa mga karapatan ng state witnesses ay ang discharge from criminal liability sa mga kasong kanilang tinutulungan sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng ebidensya.

“Dun ’yun sa particular na kaso na tinutulungan nila kami, sa mga kasong sila ay nagbigay ng ebidensya na magagamit ng estado, dun sila dropped. Pero kung halimbawa meron kang isa pang kaso na ibang usapin,” ayon kay Vida.

Sa ilalim ng Rules of Criminal Procedure, maaaring iutos ng korte ang pag-discharge ng isa o higit pang akusado, sa mosyon ng prosekusyon at may pahintulot ng akusado, upang magsilbing testigo ng estado. Kinakailangan ding magsumite ang prosekusyon ng ebidensya at sinumpaang salaysay ng bawat proposed state witness bilang batayan ng discharge.

Bago ang kanilang pormal na pagtanggap, sina Bernardo at Alcantara ay itinuturing munang “protected witnesses” at nasa ilalim ng provisional acceptance sa WPP. Kasama rin sa provisional acceptance ang mga DPWH engineers na sina Brice Hernandez at Jaypee Mendoza, subalit sinabi ng DOJ na sa kasalukuyan ay “walang pangangailangan” na tanggapin sila sa programa.

“Base sa pagsusuri sa isinumiteng ebidensya, hindi sila magku-qualify as state witnesses to be discharged under the WPP,” pahayag ni Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon.

Dagdag pa niya, hindi maaaring isapubliko ng DOJ ang detalye ng naging resulta ng evaluasyon, ngunit sa ngayon ay wala umanong nakikitang batayan upang i-discharge ang dalawa kaugnay ng mga kasong kanilang inihain bilang state witnesses.

Ayon sa DOJ, ang apat na state witnesses ay nakapagbalik na ng mahigit P316 milyon sa kaban ng bayan bilang bahagi ng restitution, at inaasahang aabot sa kabuuang P1.5 bilyon ang matatanggap ng gobyerno.

Bernardo, Magbabalik ng P1 Bilyon

Samantala, sinabi ni Fadullon na nakapag-remit na si Bernardo ng P35 milyon noong Enero 13 bilang paunang bahagi ng kanyang restitution, na bahagi ng P1 bilyon na kanyang ibabalik sa ilalim ng memorandum of agreement (MOA) sa DOJ.

Ayon kay DOJ Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty, ang halagang ito ay nasa anyo ng manager’s check at nagmula sa downpayment sa pagbenta ng isa sa mga ari-arian ni Bernardo.

“Kung makuha niya ang balanse ay ibibigay niya sa DOJ,” ani Ty, na nagsabing inaasahang makukumpleto ang transaksyon sa ari-arian bago matapos ang Enero.

Nananatili sa Custody ng Senado

Kasunod ng anunsyo ng DOJ, sinabi ni Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III na mananatili muna si Alcantara sa custody ng Senado hanggang sa magkaroon ng karagdagang desisyon.

“Pag-uusapan namin sa Monday. As of now, they are still under the custody of the Senate,” ayon kay Sotto.

Sa hiwalay na pahayag, iginiit ni ML party-list Rep. Leila de Lima na dapat tiyakin na ang mga tinanggap bilang state witnesses ay nagsasabi ng buong katotohanan at ganap na naibabalik ang lahat ng umano’y ill-gotten wealth.

“Wala silang dapat pagtakpan. Wala silang dapat protektahan kundi ang katotohanan at interes ng taumbayan,” ani De Lima.

Noong Setyembre, hinatulan ng Senate Blue Ribbon Committee si Alcantara ng contempt dahil sa umano’y pagsisinungaling kaugnay ng ghost flood control projects sa Bulacan. Samantala, sa pagdinig ng komite noong Nobyembre, inugnay ni Bernardo ang ilang dating at kasalukuyang opisyal, kabilang si dating DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, sa umano’y pagtanggap ng kickbacks sa infrastructure projects.

Inamin ni Bernardo na siya umano ang nag-facilitate ng kickbacks para kina Senators Jinggoy Estrada at Mark Villar, Education Secretary Sonny Angara, dating senador Grace Poe, dating Caloocan City 2nd District Rep. Mitch Cajayon-Uy, San Jose del Monte City Mayor Rida Robes, at dating DPWH Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral, na umano’y nasa pagitan ng 15% hanggang 25% ng halaga ng proyekto.

Mariing itinanggi ng mga nasabing opisyal ang mga alegasyon laban sa kanila.

Trump says Iranian crackdown appears to ease; Tehran denies execution plans

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Trump says Iranian crackdown appears to ease; Tehran denies execution plans

WASHINGTON/DUBAI — U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that Iran’s violent crackdown on nationwide protests appears to be easing. At the same time, Iranian authorities denied reports that a detained protester is facing imminent execution.

Speaking to reporters, Trump said he had received information indicating that killings linked to the protests had slowed and that there was no current plan for mass executions of demonstrators. His remarks followed earlier warnings that the United States would respond strongly if Iran proceeded with executions related to the unrest.

“They say they’re not doing that,” Trump said, referring to executions, adding that the situation would be closely monitored.

Iranian state media separately reported that a 26-year-old man arrested in Karaj, west of Tehran, would not be executed, contradicting earlier reports by rights groups that the detainee had received a death sentence. Kurdish human rights group Hengaw said the execution had been postponed, citing information from the man’s family.

Iran’s foreign minister also denied reports of planned executions, telling U.S. media there was “no plan” to hang protesters, as Tehran sought to push back against international criticism of its handling of the demonstrations.

The protests, sparked by worsening economic conditions, represent one of the most serious internal challenges to Iran’s clerical leadership in recent years. Iranian authorities have accused the United States and Israel of stirring unrest and have described some protesters as “terrorists,” a claim denied by opposition groups.

Market reaction to Trump’s remarks was immediate, with oil and gold prices easing as concerns over a potential escalation between Washington and Tehran temporarily subsided.

In a separate interview, Trump commented on Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi, saying he “seems very nice,” but expressed uncertainty about whether he could unify opposition forces inside Iran.

Despite signs that protests may have slowed, tensions remain high. Sources told Reuters that Iran had warned neighboring countries it could target U.S. military bases in the region if Washington launches an attack. The United States has reportedly begun withdrawing some personnel from regional bases as a precaution.

People inside Iran told Reuters that street demonstrations appeared to have diminished since Monday, though an ongoing internet blackout continues to restrict independent verification of conditions on the ground.

Mga pamilya ng missing sabungeros, nanawagan kay Atong Ang na sumuko

Venus L Peñaflor
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Mga pamilya ng missing sabungeros, nanawagan kay Atong Ang na sumuko

STA. CRUZ, LAGUNA — Kasunod ng inilabas na arrest warrant laban kay businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, ilang pamilya ng nawawalang sabungeros ang hayagang nananawagan sa kanya na sumuko at harapin ang mga kasong isinampa laban sa kanya.

Kabilang si Charlene Lasco Biligán, kapatid ni Ricardo “Jonjon” Ricafort Lasco Jr., isa sa mga nawawalang sabungeros. Direktang inihayag ni Biligán ang panawagan sa negosyante.
“Sumuko na po kayo. Sumuko na kayo kasi sinabi naman na wala kayong kasalanan. Dito niyo patunayan kung talagang wala kayong kasalanan. Napakarami niyo pong abogado, napakarami pong magde-depensa sa inyo. Sa totoo lang ang ganda ng laban niyo, binigyan kayo ng pagkakataon para idepensa sarili niyo,” ani Biligán.

“Pero ang magkakaanak namin, bigla na lang sila nawala. Wala silang pagkakataon na idepensa sarili nila, pero sige lang, laban kami,” dagdag pa niya habang lumuluha.

Si Ang, isang kilalang negosyante at kontrobersyal na personalidad sa larangan ng sabong sa Pilipinas, ay iniuugnay sa pagkawala ng ilang sabungero sa mga nagdaang taon.

Ayon sa ilang pamilya ng nawawalang sabungeros, kahit may inilabas nang arrest warrant, hindi pa rin sila ganap na nagdiriwang.
“Masaya kami, there’s reason to celebrate, yet today hindi pa naman nakukuha si Atong Ang. Magandang move ito pero ang ultimate diyan, makukuha ba natin today,” dagdag ni Biligán.

Ang arrest warrant laban kay Ang at iba pang akusado ay sakop sa kaso ng pagkawala ng sabungeros sa Sta. Cruz, Laguna. Gayunpaman, hindi pa ito sumasaklaw sa kaso ni Jonjon Lasco, na isang master agent ng online sabong company na pag-aari ni Ang. Siya ay dinukot sa San Pablo, Laguna noong Agosto 30, 2021, na nakunan sa CCTV habang dinadala ng hindi kilalang mga lalaki.

Na-identify ng pamilya si Lasco sa video na ibinahagi ng pangunahing testigo ng kaso, si Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, na nagbigay ng testimony tungkol sa mga pagdukot.

Ayon kay Ted Lazaro, spokesperson ng Justice for Missing Sabungeros, hakbang lamang ang arrest warrant at kulang pa sa inaasahan ng mga pamilya.
“Pero kulang, kulang pa dahil ang gusto natin lahat ng sangkot, mapanagot din. Ayon sa testimonya ni Dondon Patidongan, ang gusto ng pamilya, ang gusto natin, lahat ng andun na pinangalanan dun sa ‘alpha list’ na tinatawag, ma-indict din sana,” ani Lazaro.

Inaasahan na haharap sa media ang ibang pamilya ng nawawalang sabungeros sa darating na Huwebes, na may dalang karagdagang ebidensya laban sa mga pinaniniwalaang responsable sa mga pagdukot.

Crane collapse on moving train in Thailand kills at least 32, dozens injured

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Crane collapse on moving train in Thailand kills at least 32, dozens injured

NAKHON RATCHASIMA, Thailand — At least 32 people were killed and 64 others injured, including seven critically, after a construction crane fell onto a moving passenger train in northeastern Thailand on Wednesday, authorities said. Three passengers remain missing, and 171 were believed to be on board the train when the accident occurred.

The crash took place in Nakhon Ratchasima province, about 200 kilometers northeast of Bangkok, on a section of a planned high-speed railway project that aims to link Thailand with China and Southeast Asia under Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Officials said the launching gantry crane was being used to build an elevated segment of the railway when it collapsed as the train traveled from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani province. The crane is a self-supporting structure designed to move along rails or wheels during construction.

Video from public broadcaster ThaiPBS showed rescue workers climbing atop overturned rail cars, some with large holes torn in their sides, while crane debris was scattered along the track.

A local resident, Samai Teechantuek, 62, who lives near the site, described the scene as chaotic and terrifying. “When the dust settled, I saw the top of the train carriage. I heard people shouting ‘save the children first!’ A conductor was pulling people out, and locals ran to help,” she said.

Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn confirmed that an investigation has been ordered. The accident follows a previous incident in August 2024, when a railway tunnel on the same route collapsed, killing three workers amid heavy rainfall.

The elevated segment is part of a Thai-Chinese high-speed railway project connecting Bangkok to Nong Khai province, bordering Laos. The project’s total cost exceeds 520 billion baht ($16.8 billion), with the affected section valued at more than 179 billion baht ($5.7 billion) and originally scheduled to start operations in 2027.

Anan Phonimdaeng, acting governor of the State Railway of Thailand, said the main contractor for the segment is Italian-Thai Development, while a Chinese firm handled design and supervision. Authorities will investigate the responsibilities of both companies, and legal action against the contractor is planned. The train suffered damages estimated at over 100 million baht ($3.2 million).

Italian-Thai Development issued a statement expressing condolences and pledging compensation for the families of the deceased and medical expenses for the injured.

The incident has reignited public criticism of construction safety in Thailand. The contractor was also involved in the State Audit Building collapse in Bangkok in March, which killed approximately 100 people during a major earthquake. Executives indicted in that case have yet to face trial. Chinese involvement in several high-profile projects, including expressway extensions in Bangkok, has also drawn attention.

In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning expressed condolences and emphasized Beijing’s focus on the safety of projects and personnel. “The relevant section appears to be constructed by a Thai company, and the cause of the accident is still under investigation,” Mao said.

The tragedy highlights ongoing concerns over construction standards, contractor accountability, and public safety on large infrastructure projects in Thailand.

Iran signals swift trials, possible executions as protest death toll tops 2,500

Venus L Peñaflor
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Iran signals swift trials, possible executions as protest death toll tops 2,500

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iran’s judiciary chief on Wednesday signaled that authorities would move swiftly to try and potentially execute suspects detained in nationwide protests, as the reported death toll from a sweeping security crackdown surpassed 2,500.

Judiciary head Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei said in remarks aired on Iranian state television that trials and punishments must be carried out quickly to have an effect, comments that came amid warnings from activists that executions could begin soon.

According to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, at least 2,571 people have been killed since demonstrations erupted late last month, making the current unrest the deadliest round of protests in Iran in decades and evoking comparisons to the turmoil surrounding the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The group said 2,403 of those killed were protesters, while 147 were government-affiliated personnel. It also reported the deaths of 12 children and nine civilians not taking part in demonstrations, and said more than 18,100 people have been detained.

Mohseni-Ejei’s comments appeared to directly challenge warnings from U.S. President Donald Trump, who said Washington could take “very strong action” if Iran proceeds with executions of protesters. Trump has repeatedly criticized Tehran over the deaths of demonstrators, months after the United States bombed Iranian nuclear sites during a brief but intense conflict launched by Israel in June.

“If we want to do a job, we should do it now,” Mohseni-Ejei said in the video. “If it becomes late, two months, three months later, it doesn’t have the same effect.”

Iranian authorities on Wednesday held a mass funeral for about 100 security force members killed during the unrest, a figure lower than an earlier official claim of 300. Tens of thousands of mourners attended the ceremony, waving Iranian flags and holding portraits of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Coffins draped in national flags were stacked several layers high and adorned with flowers and framed photographs.

Despite a reduced visible presence of anti-riot police and the paramilitary Basij in some areas, residents said fear remained widespread. Plainclothes security forces were still reported in several neighborhoods.

“We are very frightened because of these sounds of gunfire and protests,” said a mother of two in Tehran, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals. “We have heard many are killed and many are injured. Now peace has been restored but schools are closed and I’m scared to send my children to school again.”

Another resident, Ahmadreza Tavakoli, 36, said he witnessed a demonstration in Tehran and was shocked by the use of live firearms. “People were out to express themselves and protest, but quickly it turned into a war zone,” he told The Associated Press. “The people do not have guns. Only the security forces have guns.”

Regional concerns have also intensified. An Arab Gulf diplomat said several Middle Eastern governments were urging the Trump administration to avoid military action against Iran, warning that such a move could trigger “unprecedented consequences” and escalate into a wider regional war. The diplomat spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to brief the media.

The protests began on Dec. 28, initially driven by the collapse of the Iranian rial and worsening economic conditions under international sanctions linked to Iran’s nuclear program. As unrest spread, the government imposed a near-total internet blackout and cut international phone calls on Jan. 8, complicating efforts to independently verify casualty figures.

Activists said access to the satellite internet service Starlink has helped some Iranians bypass the shutdown. Mehdi Yahyanejad, a Los Angeles-based activist, said free Starlink subscriptions were functioning inside the country and had been tested using newly activated terminals. Starlink did not immediately comment.

Meanwhile, residents in northern Tehran reported that security forces were searching apartment buildings for satellite dishes, including Starlink equipment. While satellite television dishes are technically illegal in Iran, enforcement has been inconsistent in recent years.

With communications still restricted and foreign media largely barred, independent verification of events inside Iran remains difficult, even as international scrutiny over the government’s response to the unrest continues to mount.

Bahagyang lumakas si Ada; Signal No. 1 itinaas sa 11 lugar

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Bahagyang lumakas si Ada; Signal No. 1 itinaas sa 11 lugar

MAYNILA — Bahagyang lumakas ang Tropical Depression Ada habang kumikilos sa Philippine Sea silangan ng Mindanao, ayon sa pinakahuling Tropical Cyclone Bulletin ng PAGASA nitong Huwebes ng umaga. Nananatiling nasa ilalim ng Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) Signal No. 1 ang 11 lugar sa Luzon, Visayas at Mindanao.

Batay sa PAGASA, huling namataan ang sentro ng Tropical Depression Ada sa layong humigit-kumulang 385 kilometro east northeast ng Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur o 465 kilometro east ng Surigao City, Surigao del Norte. Taglay nito ang maximum sustained winds na 55 kilometers per hour malapit sa sentro, may gustiness na umaabot sa 70 km/h, at central pressure na 1000 hPa. Kumikilos ang bagyo pahilagang-kanluran o northwestward sa bilis na 20 km/h, habang ang strong winds ay umaabot hanggang 400 kilometro mula sa sentro.

Nakataas ang TCWS Signal No. 1 sa mga sumusunod na lugar: sa Luzon, Sorsogon at southeastern portion ng Albay kabilang ang Rapu-Rapu, Manito at Legazpi City; sa Visayas, Northern Samar, Samar, Eastern Samar, eastern portion ng Biliran na kinabibilangan ng Maripipi, Kawayan, Culaba, Caibiran at Cabucgayan, eastern portion ng Leyte kabilang ang Carigara, Barugo, San Miguel, Babatngon, Tacloban City, Tunga, Jaro, Alangalang, Santa Fe, Palo, Dagami, Pastrana, Tanauan, Tabontabon, Julita, Dulag, Tolosa, La Paz, Mayorga, Macarthur, Javier, Abuyog at Mahaplag, at eastern portion ng Southern Leyte na kinabibilangan ng Silago, Sogod, Libagon, Saint Bernard, Hinunangan, Hinundayan, Anahawan, San Juan, Liloan, San Ricardo, San Francisco at Pintuyan; at sa Mindanao, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte at Surigao del Sur.

Sa Heavy Rainfall Outlook, inaasahang makatatanggap ng tinatayang 50 hanggang 100 mm ng ulan ang Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte at Surigao del Sur.

Ipinaliwanag ng PAGASA na ang wind signals ay nagsisilbing babala sa pangkalahatang banta ng hangin dulot ng tropical cyclone. Maaaring bahagyang mas malakas ang lokal na hangin sa mga coastal at upland o mountainous areas na bukas sa ihip ng hangin, habang mas mahina naman sa mga lugar na nasisilungan mula sa umiiral na direksiyon ng hangin.

Dagdag pa ng ahensya, ang Northeast Monsoon at ang periphery of Ada ay magdadala ng strong to gale-force gusts, lalo na sa mga coastal at upland areas na bukas sa hangin, sa Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Norte, northern at eastern mainland Cagayan, eastern Isabela, Aurora, karamihan ng CALABARZON, Lubang Islands, Marinduque, Romblon, Oriental Mindoro, Cuyo Islands, Bicol Region at Central Visayas.

Para sa hazards affecting coastal waters, inaasahan ang up to rough seas na may hanggang 4.0 m na alon sa northern at eastern seaboards ng Catanduanes, Northern Samar at Siargao–Bucas Grande Islands gayundin sa eastern seaboards ng Eastern Samar at Dinagat Islands, hanggang 3.5 m sa seaboards ng Isabela, Aurora, northern mainland Quezon at Camarines Norte, sa northern seaboard ng Camarines Sur at sa eastern seaboards ng Albay, Sorsogon at Surigao del Sur, at hanggang 3.0 m sa seaboards ng Batanes, Cagayan at Ilocos Norte at sa eastern seaboard ng Davao Oriental. Pinapayuhan ang mga mariners ng small seacrafts, kabilang ang lahat ng uri ng motorbancas, na huwag munang pumalaot, lalo na kung walang sapat na karanasan o gamit.

Samantala, up to moderate seas naman na may hanggang 2.5 m na alon ang inaasahan sa eastern seaboard ng Camarines Sur at sa natitirang seaboard ng Catanduanes, at hanggang 2.0 m sa eastern seaboard ng Davao Occidental at sa natitirang seaboards ng Ilocos Region. Pinapayuhan ang mga operator ng motorbancas at kahalintulad na sasakyang-dagat na mag-ingat at, kung maaari, iwasan ang paglalayag sa mga nabanggit na kondisyon, habang sa iba pang lugar ay mas mababa sa 2.0 meters ang taas ng alon.

Sa Track and Intensity Outlook, sinabi ng PAGASA na inaasahang kikilos si Tropical Depression Ada pahilagang-kanluran mula ngayon hanggang Linggo, Enero 18, bago lumihis pahilagang-silangan o north northeastward sa Lunes, Enero 19. Sa kasalukuyang forecast track, maaaring dumaan ang bagyo malapit sa Eastern Samar at Northern Samar sa Biyernes, Enero 16, o Sabado, Enero 17, ng madaling-araw bago tumungo sa Catanduanes, kung saan inaasahang magkakaroon ito ng close approach sa Linggo ng umaga. Nagbabala rin ang ahensya na ang karagdagang paglihis pakanluran ng track ay maaaring magresulta sa posibleng landfall sa Eastern Visayas at Bicol Region.

Dagdag pa ng PAGASA, inaasahang maaabot ni Ada ang tropical storm category ngayong araw at magpapatuloy ang unti-unting paglakas nito habang kumikilos sa Philippine Sea.

U.S. to suspend immigrant visa processing for 75 countries

EDGARDO HERNAL
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U.S. to suspend immigrant visa processing for 75 countries

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. State Department has announced that it will suspend the processing of immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026, citing concerns that applicants from these nations may be more likely to become dependent on public assistance after entering the United States. The decision, announced on January 14, comes as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to tighten immigration policy and reinforce existing statutes regarding public charge inadmissibility.

In a statement accompanying the policy, the State Department said consular officers at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide have been instructed to halt decisions on immigrant visa applications from the affected countries while current procedures are reassessed. The suspension applies specifically to immigrant visas, which include permanent residency categories such as family‑based visas, employment‑based green cards, and certain diversity lottery visas. The pause does not apply to non‑immigrant visas, including tourist, business, student, and other temporary travel categories, though demand for these visas is expected to rise substantially in the coming years due to major events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics, both of which the United States will host or co‑host.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the policy is intended to prevent what the administration characterizes as “abuse of America’s immigration system” by individuals who might seek government welfare and public benefits after arrival. “Immigrant visa processing from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reassesses immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits,” the department said in its release.

Under longstanding U.S. immigration law, consular officers have the authority to deny visas to applicants deemed likely to become a “public charge.” However, the current directive builds on guidance issued in November 2025 that expanded the criteria for public charge assessments to include a wider range of personal factors such as age, health, family status, finances, education, skills and even English language proficiency. Applicants for immigrant visas already undergo medical examination, background checks, and vaccination requirements, but the revised policy significantly increases the scrutiny of socioeconomic and personal factors.

The 75 countries affected by the suspension span multiple regions, including Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East, and include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, Somalia, Syria, Thailand, and Yemen, among others. The full list reflects a wide geographic distribution but notably excludes some major sources of U.S. immigration, such as India, the Philippines, and Mexico.

Critics of the policy, including immigration advocates and legal experts, argue that the move will significantly restrict legal immigration pathways and disproportionately affect citizens of predominantly Black, Brown and developing nations. They warn that the expanded public charge criteria could deter families from seeking visas even when they are eligible and may face indefinite suspension without a clear timeline for resumption. Some legal analysts also note that the freeze could lead to backlogs and uncertainty for sponsors and applicants awaiting family reunification or employment‑based immigration outcomes.

The administration’s decision has drawn sharp debate domestically and internationally. Supporters contend that it is a necessary step to ensure that immigrants entering the U.S. can support themselves without reliance on taxpayer‑funded programs, while opponents view it as part of a continuing crackdown on both legal and unauthorized immigration that has been a hallmark of recent policy shifts.

As the January 21 effective date approaches, consular posts are preparing to implement the directive. Prospective applicants from the affected countries are being advised to closely monitor official guidance from the State Department and to ensure that any future visa petitions include extensive documentation demonstrating financial stability and self‑sufficiency. No official date has been provided for when the suspension might be lifted.

Arrest warrant laban kay Atong Ang, inilabas na sa kaso ng ‘missing sabungeros’

Venus L Peñaflor
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Arrest warrant laban kay Atong Ang, inilabas na sa kaso ng ‘missing sabungeros’

MAYNILA — Naglabas ng arrest warrant ang isang korte sa Laguna laban sa negosyanteng si Charlie “Atong” Ang kaugnay sa pagkakasangkot nito sa pagkawala ng ilang dosenang sabungero.

Si Ang ay nahaharap sa mga kasong kidnapping with homicide at kidnapping sa tatlong Regional Trial Courts (RTC): sa Lipa City, Batangas, at sa Sta. Cruz at San Pablo City sa Laguna.

Kinumpirma ng Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) na maaari nang ipatupad “anytime now” ang arrest warrant laban kay Ang. Ang non-bailable na kidnapping with homicide case ay inilabas ng RTC Branch 26 sa Sta. Cruz, Laguna.

Ayon sa Philippine National Police (PNP), nakahanda na ang mga “dedicated teams” upang ipatupad ang warrant of arrest. Sinabi ni PNP Acting Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez na ihahain ang warrant sa mga natukoy na lokasyon ni Ang.

Samantala, sinabi ni Department of Justice (DOJ) Spokesperson Polo Martinez na nauna nang inilabas ang isang Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order upang agad maabisuhan ang mga awtoridad sakaling tangkain ng alinman sa mga akusado na lumabas ng bansa.

“Following the issuance today of the arrest warrant by RTC Sta. Cruz, the prosecution shall forthwith move for the issuance of a Hold Departure Order (HDO) with the court and ensure that all the accused stand trial,” pahayag ni Martinez.

Ang arrest order na may petsang Enero 13, 2026, na inilabas ni Presiding Judge Mary Jean Cajandab-Ong, ay may pahatiran sa “any officer of the law.” Inatasan din ng hukom ang mga law enforcer na gumamit ng hindi bababa sa isang body-worn camera at isang alternatibong recording device, alinsunod sa Rules on the Use of Body-Worn Cameras in the Execution of Warrants na inilabas ng Korte Suprema.

Kabilang sa mga inisyuhan ng arrest warrant sina Rogelio Borican Jr., Jezrel Mahilum, Mark Carlo Zabala, Rodelo Anig-ig, Emman Falle, Julios Gumolon, Ronquillo Anding, Ryan Jay Orapa, Aaron Ezrah Cabillan, Mark Anthony Manrique, Anderson Abary, Michael Claveria, Edmon Muñoz, Farvy Dela Cruz, Renan Fulgencio, Alfredo Andes, at Joey Encarnacion.

Sa dalawang hiwalay na kautusan, iniutos din ng korte ang pag-aresto kay Ang kaugnay ng mga kasong kidnapping at serious illegal detention. Kabilang din sa mga inisyuhan ng arrest order sina Ryan Jay Orapa, Michael Claveria, Alfredo Andes, Rogelio Borican, at Rodelo Anig-ig.

Muling umigting ang interes ng publiko sa serye ng misteryosong pagkawala sa industriya ng sabong noong 2022 matapos lumantad noong nakaraang taon ang whistleblower na si Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, alyas “Totoy.” Inangkin ni Patidongan na alam niya kung saan itinapon sa Taal Lake ang mga bangkay ng mga nawawalang sabungero.

Ayon kay Patidongan, aabot umano sa 100 katao ang pinatay dahil sa umano’y pagkakasangkot sa match-fixing, at itinuro niya si Ang, ang dati niyang amo bilang utak sa likod ng mga pagkawala. Mariing itinanggi ni Ang ang mga paratang.

Ang sabong, na ipinagbabawal sa maraming bansa, ay nagpatuloy sa Pilipinas sa pamamagitan ng online platforms sa gitna ng coronavirus pandemic, na umakit ng mas maraming sugarol gamit ang kanilang mga mobile phone. Bago matapos ang kanyang termino noong 2022, ipinagbawal ni dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ang livestreaming ng sabong, subalit patuloy umano ito dahil sa maluwag na pagpapatupad ng pagbabawal.

With reports from Agence France-Presse

Ban sa e-bike, e-trike sa mga main roads, palalawigin ng LTO

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Ban sa e-bike, e-trike sa mga main roads, palalawigin ng LTO

MAYNILA — Sinabi ng Land Transportation Office (LTO) na palalawigin pa nito ang ipinatutupad na pagbabawal sa pagdaan ng mga e-bike at e-trike sa mga pangunahing lansangan sa bansa, kasabay ng pagbalangkas ng mas malinaw at mas mahigpit na panuntunan para sa mga light electric vehicle.

Ayon kay LTO Officer I Jerome Rodriguez, nakatakdang maglabas ang ahensya ng isang bagong circular memorandum na magtatakda ng updated guidelines para sa operasyon ng mga e-bike at e-trike. Posible umanong mailabas ang nasabing panuntunan ngayong buwan o sa Pebrero, matapos makuha ang pinal na pag-apruba ng Department of Transportation (DOTr).

“Hinihintay na lamang namin ang pirma ng Department of Transportation bago ilabas ang bagong circular memorandum,” pahayag ni Rodriguez sa ginanap na Quezon City Journalists Forum nitong Enero 13.

Isa sa mga pangunahing probisyong isinasaalang-alang ng LTO ay ang pagsasama ng mga light electric vehicle sa opisyal na kategorya ng mga sasakyang nangangailangan ng lisensiya, bilang bahagi ng mas malawak na hakbang para mapabuti ang kaligtasan sa kalsada at maayos ang daloy ng trapiko.

Kaugnay nito, sinabi ni Marlyn Allanigue ng Philippine Association of LTO-Accredited Driving Schools na nakapagtala ang kanilang asosasyon ng humigit-kumulang 14,000 insidente ng road crash, kung saan kabilang ang mga kinasasangkutan ng e-bike at e-trike.

Binigyang-diin ni Allanigue ang pangangailangan sa mahigpit na regulasyon sa mga gumagamit ng naturang sasakyan, dahil marami umano sa mga ito ang hindi dumaan sa mga training at seminar ng LTO hinggil sa wastong paggamit ng kalsada at ligtas na pagmamaneho.

“Dumarami ang mga motorsiklo, e-bike, e-trike at maging ang mga four-wheel vehicles. Ang patuloy na pagtaas ng volume ng sasakyan sa mga lansangan ang nagiging ugat ng maraming problema sa trapiko at kaligtasan,” ani Allanigue.

Nilinaw ng LTO na layon ng mga panukalang patakaran na tiyakin ang kaligtasan ng lahat ng gumagamit ng kalsada, habang binabalanse ang lumalaking paggamit ng mga alternatibong sasakyan sa urban at suburban na lugar.

Marcos joins global leaders at Abu Dhabi sustainability summit

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Marcos joins global leaders at Abu Dhabi sustainability summit

ABU DHABI — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. joined world leaders, policymakers, and sustainability experts on Tuesday at the opening of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2026 Summit, a major global forum focused on addressing climate change, renewable energy, and sustainable development.

Marcos was among 14 heads of state and government who attended the opening ceremony at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, led by United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The Philippine delegation included First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos and several Cabinet secretaries accompanying the President on his two-day working visit to Abu Dhabi.

The opening ceremony was followed by the Zayed Sustainability Prize awarding, the UAE’s flagship global recognition program for sustainability and humanitarian impact. Established in honor of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE, the prize honors small and medium-sized enterprises, nonprofit organizations, and global high schools that deliver innovative, scalable solutions to pressing global challenges.

Representing the Philippines, Camarines Norte Senior High School (CNHS) was named a global finalist for 2026 under the Global High Schools category for the East Asia and Pacific region, selected from more than 7,760 entries from 173 countries. The recognition underscored the ingenuity and commitment of Filipino youth to sustainability and disaster resilience.

The CNHS Research Club’s project, SALBAVIDA (“lifesaver”), features a one-tap rescue and response communication system designed for flood emergencies. The innovation aims to enhance community disaster preparedness by enabling rapid and reliable communication between civilians and first responders—an especially critical solution for the Philippines, which is frequently affected by extreme weather events.

Organizers said this year’s Zayed Sustainability Prize saw a 30% increase in nominations compared with the previous year. Category winners will receive $1 million, while Global High Schools winners will be awarded $150,000 to further develop and scale their projects.

Following the awarding ceremony, Marcos joined fellow world leaders on stage for a photo opportunity with the 2026 prize winners. He later took part in a dialogue with leaders, policymakers, stakeholders, and experts to discuss collaborative approaches to advancing global sustainability goals.

The ADSW is widely regarded as one of the world’s largest platforms dedicated to sustainable development. The ADSW 2026 Summit, themed “The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go,” highlights the need to mobilize energy, finance, technology, and society to become future-ready.

The week-long event brings together heads of state and government, leaders of international organizations, policymakers, industry experts, innovators, and youth to accelerate the global energy transition, mobilize climate finance, and strengthen cross-sector collaboration on climate action. It also features key high-level gatherings, including the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly, the ADSW Summit, the World Future Energy Summit, the Zayed Sustainability Prize awarding ceremony, as well as dedicated forums for youth and women leaders.

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