Thursday, June 18, 2026


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Iran reiterates support for Hezbollah amid rising Middle East tensions

Venus L Peñaflor
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Iran reiterates support for Hezbollah amid rising Middle East tensions

DUBAI – Iran has reiterated its political support for the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah while calling for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, as regional tensions in the Middle East continue to draw international concern.

In statements carried by Iranian state-linked media, Tehran emphasized that any durable de-escalation in the region must address the situation in Lebanon, including Israel’s military presence in disputed southern areas. Iran has also maintained that Hezbollah remains a key regional ally.

The remarks come amid continuing hostilities along the Israel-Lebanon border, where exchanges of fire between Israeli forces and Hezbollah have raised fears of further escalation. The situation has contributed to broader instability across the region, with diplomatic efforts to contain the conflict still ongoing.

Hezbollah has rejected several externally mediated proposals for a ceasefire arrangement, insisting that any agreement must include broader political and territorial considerations. Israel, for its part, has maintained its security posture in southern Lebanon, citing ongoing threats from armed groups in the area.

The United States and Iran continue to exchange positions indirectly through diplomatic channels, although no comprehensive agreement has been reached on regional security issues. Key disputes, including Iran’s nuclear program and regional influence, remain unresolved.

Maritime security in the Middle East also remains under close international monitoring, as tensions in surrounding conflict zones continue to raise concerns over potential disruptions to global shipping routes and energy supply chains.

Despite ongoing diplomatic engagement among various stakeholders, no clear framework for a long-term settlement has yet emerged, and the situation remains fluid.

San Pablo City 2028 elections: Hindi audition kundi seryosong pagpili ng mga lider

Venus L Peñaflor
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San Pablo City 2028 elections: Hindi audition kundi seryosong pagpili ng mga lider

Habang papalapit ang halalan sa 2028, palutangin natin ang mahahalagang usapan tungkol sa direksyon ng San Pablo City at sa uri ng liderato na kailangan nito. Bago tayo sumilip sa mga pangalan ng posibleng kandidato, importanteng suriin muna ang kasalukuyang kalagayan ng lokal na pamahalaan.

Sa nagdaang mahigit na isang taon, nasaksihan natin ang tensyon sa pagitan ng executive at legislative. Natural naman sa demokrasya ang pagkakaroon ng checks and balances at iba’t ibang pananaw, pero naging problema ang benggahan, political alignment, at legal disputes na pumipigil sa mga dapat sana ay mabilis na aksyon para sa mamamayan.

Kapag ang mga halal na opisyal ay mas nalulubog sa partisan differences at institusyonal na hidwaan, bumabagal ang pagpasa ng ordinansa, nagtatagal ang implementasyon ng proyekto, at naiisantabi ang agarang pangangailangan ng publiko. Talo dito ang ordinaryong San Pableño. Nawiwindang tayo at hindi natin matiyak kung alin ang totoo at hindi totoong isyu.

Dahil sa mga pangyayaring ganito, mahalagang pag-usapan natin ang uri ng vice mayor at konsehales na kailangan ng lungsod sa 2028.

Hindi lamang tagapangasiwa ng Sangguniang Panlungsod ang vice mayor. Inaasahang siya ang huhubog sa direksyon ng mga ordinansa at deliberasyon ng lungsod. Siya rin ang nagsisilbing huwaran sa pagsunod sa ethical standard ng sanggunian.

Isa sa mga pangalang matingkad na lumulutang sa mga personal na konsultasyon at obserbasyon ay si Monsignor Jerry Bituon. Bilang isang retiradong senior cleric, tinitingnan siya bilang matibay na moral na gabay sa proseso ng sanggunian. Nakikita siya bilang potensyal na tagapagtaguyod ng mas maayos, disiplinado, at prinsipyadong diskusyon sa konseho.

Aktibo si Monsi sa mga gawaing sibiko. Sa kasagsagan ng flood control scam, binuo niya ang SAPAK o San Pablo Ayaw sa Korapsyon. Miyembro rin siya ng Friends of Seven Lakes na nagbabantay sa mga lawa ng lungsod. Sa madaling salita, matagal na siyang kasangkot sa mga usaping panglunsod ng San Pablo.

Malamang na magtampo sa akin si Monsi. Baka isipin niya na sa kabila ng kanyang kabanalan ay inilalagay ko siya sa konteksto ng maruming pulitika. Patawad po, pero hinihingi na ng San Pablenos ang isang sangguniang may takot sa Diyos at may hiya sa taumbayan.

Batay sa personal na survey, obserbasyon, at lokal na konsultasyon, papangalanan ko ang ilang bago at lumang pangalan na isasalang ko sa diskusyon bilang mga posibleng miyembro ng Sangguniang Panlungsod sa 2028. Hindi ito opisyal na endorsement kundi pagbubukas lamang ng mas malawak na pagtalakay sa kung paano tayo pipili ng mga susunod na local lawmakers.

Raymond Estrellado. CEO ng ilang Seven-Eleven stores sa San Pablo City. Masipag at batikang negosyante na may solid na kakayahan sa business management. Naging regional officer ng JCI San Pablo 7 Lakes at isa sa mga naging tagapagtaguyod ng matagumpay na proyekto kagaya ng Kabyaw sa Kalikasan. Kung uupong konsehal, maaari siyang makatulong sa pagpapalakas ng lokal na ekonomiya sa pamamagitan ng job creation, suporta sa maliliit na negosyo, at mas aktibong public-private partnerships na nakapokus sa grassroots development.

Paul Andrei Roset. Muntik nang tinalo nito si Buhay Espiritu sa isang eleksyon sa batang edad na wala pang trenta. Nag-aaral ngayon ng abogasya sa Ateneo de Manila, pero baka mag-graduate na sa 2028. Berde ang utak ng batang ito at may malinaw na indikasyon na gaganap bilang mahusay na mambabatas. Bilang konsehal, maaari siyang mag-ambag sa mas matibay na paggawa ng ordinansa, policy research, at legislative drafting mula sa kanyang formal studies sa batas at karanasan sa lokal na local politics. 

Myrone Zabat Jr., CEO ng Milmar Distilleries. Mahusay na negosyante at walang record na naging madaya. Low-key pero nakapagbangon ng ilang negosyong lulugmok na. Nagtapos ng abogasya at kabilang sa mga founders ng aktibong grupo ng mga lokal na siklista at radio group. Ipinanganak na may gintong kutsara sa bibig ngunit nakikitagay sa baso ng Nescafé. Ang kahusayan niya sa paghawak at pamamahala ng pera ay puwedeng i-translate sa maingat at responsableng pagbabantay at paggamit ng pondo ng bayan.

Dong Fullo. Kilala siya bilang admin ng San Pablo Public Form na may 181.4K followers. Kung tatakbo ito sa 2028 at dadalhin ng kanyang mga tagasunod, bingo na. Hindi biro ang natutulungan ng taong ito gamit ang kanyang social media platform. Mula sa nawawalang pitaka hanggang sa pangangailangan sa incubator. Sumbungan siya ng bayan. Noong panahon ng pandemya, katulong siya ng marami sa paghahanap ng ospital para sa mga pasyenteng halos nawalan na ng pag-asa. May magagawa din ang social media influencer bilang konsehal sa pagpapalakas ng partisipasyon ng publiko.

Barbie Diaz. May potensyal ang dalagang ito sa tantya ng masa. Dangan nga lamang at hindi pa nasusubukan ang tunay na galing dahil hindi makaporma sa gitna ng mala-Flavian amphitheatre na madalas ang gladiator fight. Puwede siyang payagang mag-retake para subukan ang tunay na kakayahan sa public service.

Raffy de la Cruz. Simpleng tao na may matatag na background. Masipag at magaling na negosyante, may propesyonal na disiplina sa trabaho. Matapang manindigan sa kanyang mga prinsipyo. Maaasahan siya sa local business development at job creation programs, pati na rin sa pagsusulong ng mas maayos na business climate at disiplina sa pamamahala ng lungsod.

Edgardo Marilim. Isang abogado na may malawak na karanasan sa private legal practice. Wala siyang naitalang kaso ng disbarment sa mga public record. Nakikitaan ng pagiging consistent sa kanyang mga prinsipyo. Posibleng maging tool sa pagsusulong ng integridad sa pamahalaan. Maaasahan din siya sa pagsusulong ng grassroots sports programs at community fitness initiatives bilang isang sports at marathon enthusiast.

Romy Race. Miyembro siya noon at ngayon ng board ng San Pablo City Water District. Disente at approachable na tao. Genius na negosyante. Interesting na masubukan ang kanyang liderato sa bulwagan ng sanggunian. Puwede siyang asahan sa pagpapalakas ng local revenue generation tulad ng buwis, negosyo, at investments.

Jojo Agoncillo. CEO ng 3J Corporation. May sinasabi sa buhay pero walang arte. Naging presidente ng San Pablo 7 Lakes Jaycees at Rotary San Pablo Central. Matagal nang nagbibigay ng trabaho sa kanyang mga kalungsod, pero tahimik lang. Gamit ang kanyang karanasan bilang CEO at lider ng civic organizations maaari siyang bumuo ng mga ordinansang hihikayat ng negosyo, mas maraming trabaho, at mas maayos na public-private partnerships

Totoy See. Wala pwedeng kumontra sa kabaitan ng taong ito. Hindi pagmumulan ng babag, pero handang makipagbuno para sa tama. Bilang dentista, inaasahang gagamutin niya ang lahat ng nagsasanhi ng sakit at kirot sa sanggunian. Mapapakinabangan siya sa pagsusulong ng mas maayos na public health at social services programs, partikular sa oral health care at preventive health initiatives.

Jess Alava. Isang overseas-based Filipino na maaaring magdala ng international exposure at bagong pananaw kung babalik sa lokal na pamamahala. Dating mahusay na bokal na nangibang bansa ngunit nananatiling nagmamahal sa kanyang bayan. Kung magiging  konsehal, makakatulong siya sa pagdadala ng international experience sa lokal na pamamahala, lalo na sa diaspora engagement at mas modernong local government services.

Edwin de Mesa. Huwarang pulis na hindi makabasag-pinggan. Aktibo sa mga iba’t ibang gawaing mula sa peace and order hanggang sa environmental protection. Nakikita ang kanyang kakayahang mag-ambag sa legislative responsibilities batay sa lokal na karanasan at engagement. Makatulong sa pagpapalakas ng peace and order programs, pagbubuo ng mas epektibong ordinansa sa public safety, at pagsusulong ng environmental protection initiatives.

Bobby Azores. Matagal nang environmental activist, at isa sa mga may-akda ng panukala para sa relokasyon ng mga informal settler sa paligid ng Sampaloc Lake. Lolo siya ng sikat na child star na si Sarina, pero hindi ito batayan sa pagkilatis ng kanyang track record. Maaaring makatulong ang kanyang karanasan sa environmental advocacy at sa pagbuo ng mga policy framework sa urban environmental management at sustainable relocation.

Kabilang sa pamantayang ginamit sa listahang ito ang posibilidad na ang mga nabanggit na lalaki at babae ay hindi nakatali sa tradisyunal na political dynasty o dominanteng political blocs sa lungsod. Dahil dito, may paniniwalang maaari silang magdala ng mas independent na pananaw sa paggawa ng batas.

Sinuri ang performance at gawi ng pamumuhay ng karamihan sa binanggit na ‘konsehalables’ bilang mga ordinaryong tao. Hindi sila nakitaan ng senyales na magtataguyod ng family-based political power sakaling mabigyan ng kapangyarihan. Sinilip din ang kanilang academic background, integrity at character, competence at legislative potential, independence at accountability, community involvement, at balanced political alignment.

Gayunpaman, hindi ito garantiya ng mas mahusay na pamumuno. Ang tunay na sukatan ay nananatili pa rin sa aktuwal na performance, transparency, at serbisyo sa mamamayan.

Kung nais nating mag-take off ang San Pablo City, kailangan nating maging mas mabusisi at responsable sa pagpili ng mga lider para sa 2028. Hindi sapat ang kasikatan, yaman, apelyido, o maingay na kampanya. Huwag na tayong magpapadala sa mga kiss-kiss, kamay-kamay, kaway-kaway, kanta-kanta, sayaw-sayaw, smile-smile… Huwag na tayong matuwa sa galing sa pananalumpati o husay sa pag-arte dahil napatunayan na natin na halos lahat ng iyon ay drawing lamang.

Hindi baleng hindi pogi o hindi maganda basta marunong, may kunsensya at may hiya. Importante ang hiya. Yung mahihiyang mabansagang magnanakaw, mahihiyang masabing namumulitika at mahihiyang tumanggap ng sweldo na hindi niya deserve. At higit sa lahat, yung nahihiyang yumaman gamit ang ating tiwala.

Hindi rin mahalaga kung may partido sila o wala. Mas ok pa nga kung wala nang sa ganoon ay wala silang amo na kailangang kampihan, kasukdulang tapakan ang kapakanan ng mamamayan.

Mahalaga ring tandaan na kung sila ay nakaupo na at hindi nila nakakatugon sa ating inaasahan, may ayawan naman ‘yan. Lagi tayong may kapangyarihang palitan sila sa tuwing eleksyon. Wala tayong pananagutan na patapusin sila ng tatlong termino ha. Huwag natin silang kunsintihing yumaman habang nasa puwesto.

Tigilan na natin ang paghingi ng T-shirts, pamaypay, wrist ballers, at kung ano pang anik-anik. Mainam yung wala silang babawiing kapital sakaling makaupo sila.

Handa ba tayong itama ang direksyon ng pamahalaan sa pamamagitan ng ating boto?

Praktis-praktis na tayo sa pagkilatis ngayon na.

Paalala: Ang artikulong ito ay nakatuon lamang sa pagtalakay sa Sangguniang Panlungsod at sa mga posibleng kandidato para dito. Hindi nito saklaw ang pagsusuri o pagbanggit ng mga kandidato para sa posisyon ng city mayor, representative sa kongreso, o miyembro ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

Naglabas ang DTI ang price guide ng school supplies para sa SY 2026–2027

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Naglabas ang DTI ang price guide ng school supplies para sa SY 2026–2027

MAYNILA — Inilabas ng Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) ang “Gabay sa Pamimili ng School Supplies” para sa School Year 2026–2027 upang tulungan ang mga magulang at mag-aaral na ihanda ang kanilang badyet sa nalalapit na pagbubukas ng klase.

Layunin ng taunang price guide na magbigay ng gabay sa mga consumer sa paghahambing ng presyo ng mga pangunahing gamit sa eskwela at maiwasan ang labis na paniningil sa panahon ng back-to-school season, kung kailan tumataas ang demand sa mga school supplies sa buong bansa.

Kabilang sa inilabas na listahan ang mga inirerekomendang hanay ng presyo para sa mga karaniwang gamit tulad ng kuwaderno, pad paper, lapis, ballpen, krayola, pambura, pantasa, ruler, gunting, at pandikit. Ayon sa DTI, ang mga presyong ito ay batay sa monitoring sa mga pamilihan, supermarket, at tindahan ng school supplies sa iba’t ibang rehiyon.

Bagama’t hindi itinatakda ng ahensya ang opisyal na presyo, ginagamit ang gabay bilang reference para sa mas malinaw na pagpepresyo at patas na kompetisyon sa merkado. Regular ding nagsasagawa ang DTI ng inspeksyon sa mga tindahan sa panahon ng back-to-school season upang matiyak ang pagsunod sa tamang pagpepresyo at maiwasan ang labis na pagtaas ng presyo.

Bilang bahagi ng consumer protection program, nakikipag-ugnayan din ang DTI sa mga lokal na pamahalaan at consumer groups upang bantayan ang supply at presyo ng mga pangunahing gamit sa eskwela. Sa mga nakalipas na taon, nagbabala rin ang ahensya laban sa overpricing at mapanlinlang na gawi sa pagbebenta lalo na sa mga lugar na mataas ang bentahan tuwing peak season.

Ayon sa mga consumer advocate, malaking tulong ang price guide sa mga pamilyang nahihirapan sa patuloy na pagtaas ng gastusin sa edukasyon, kabilang ang transportasyon at iba pang araw-araw na pangangailangan.

Paalala ng DTI, ang price guide ay nagsisilbing gabay lamang at maaaring magbago depende sa kondisyon ng suplay at merkado bago ang aktuwal na pagbubukas ng klase. Hinikayat din nito ang mga tindahan na ipakita ng malinaw ang presyo ng bawat produkto alinsunod sa umiiral na consumer protection laws.

Pinapayuhan ang mga magulang na magplano nang maaga sa pamimili at samantalahin ang mga promo at discount ng mga accredited retailers upang makatipid sa paghahanda para sa bagong school year.

Makukuha ang kumpletong listahan ng gabay sa presyo sa mga opisyal na tanggapan ng DTI at kanilang consumer information channels.

Church sex abuse reparations move ahead in Spain before papal visit

Venus L Peñaflor
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Church sex abuse reparations move ahead in Spain before papal visit

MADRID — Spain has launched a new reparations program for victims of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church, marking a major step in its long-delayed reckoning with clerical abuse cases as the country prepares for a visit by Pope Leo XIV.

The program applies to cases in which accused clergy members have died or where alleged offenses are too old to be prosecuted. It was jointly approved by the Spanish bishops conference and the government, with state institutions holding the final authority on compensation decisions.

Under the system, victims have one year to submit claims. Authorities report that at least 420 applications have already been filed since the program opened.

The initiative follows years of mounting public scrutiny after media investigations, including reporting by El País, revealed widespread allegations of abuse and institutional silence within parts of the Church. It also comes after Spain’s ombudsman released a 2023 report estimating that hundreds of thousands of people may have experienced sexual abuse linked to the Church over several decades, based on a national survey. The bishops conference has disputed the scale of those estimates.

The new framework assigns Spain’s ombudsman to lead case reviews through independent experts, who will recommend compensation that may include financial, symbolic, or psychological support. If disagreements arise, cases may be escalated to a joint committee composed of church representatives, government officials, and victim advocates. The ombudsman will have the final decision if no consensus is reached.

Victims and advocacy groups have welcomed the initiative but raised concerns over its limited one-year application window and the absence of a fixed compensation scale based on severity of abuse. Critics also note that the system is not legally binding, raising questions about enforceability.

Church officials have acknowledged the program as a new phase in victim assistance efforts but continue to reject the characterization of clerical abuse as systemic. They argue the Church reflects broader societal problems rather than a uniquely institutional pattern.

In earlier statements, the bishops conference said it has already paid around 2 million euros in compensation through internal mechanisms and recognizes the need for broader cooperation with state institutions.

The Vatican has also taken a more explicit stance in recent years on the obligation to compensate victims, including calls for “just reparation” in papal teachings.

Despite these developments, survivors and advocacy groups remain divided over whether Spain’s new model will deliver consistent and fair outcomes, with some warning that its effectiveness will depend on transparency and enforcement.

As Spain moves forward with the program ahead of the papal visit, long-standing tensions between victims, the Church, and the state continue to shape one of the country’s most sensitive social reckonings.

Several injured after Boeing 787 nose gear collapses at Frankfurt airport

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Several injured after Boeing 787 nose gear collapses at Frankfurt airport

FRANKFURT — Several Lufthansa ground staff members were injured on Thursday after the nose landing gear of a Boeing 787 aircraft unexpectedly collapsed while the jet was parked at a gate at Frankfurt Airport, according to the airline and airport officials.

Lufthansa said passengers had not yet boarded the aircraft at the time of the incident. Crew members and ground personnel were on board when the failure occurred.

“Several staff members were injured and are currently receiving medical treatment,” a Lufthansa spokesperson said in a statement, adding that the airline is working with relevant authorities to determine the cause of the malfunction.

A Reuters photographer at the scene saw multiple emergency response vehicles surrounding the twin-engine widebody aircraft, which was partially resting on its fuselage after the collapse.

The aircraft was scheduled to operate Lufthansa flight LH450 to Los Angeles, departing at 12:45 p.m. local time (1045 GMT), when the incident occurred.

Lufthansa has not disclosed the number or severity of injuries, but confirmed that medical assistance was provided to affected personnel. The airline said it is cooperating with investigators as they examine the circumstances surrounding the ground incident.

The Boeing 787, commonly known as the Dreamliner, is operated by Lufthansa in its 787-9 variant as part of the airline’s ongoing fleet modernization program. The group has been gradually phasing out older aircraft in favor of more fuel-efficient models.

Aviation authorities in Germany are expected to review the incident as part of standard safety investigation procedures. No preliminary cause has been released, and Lufthansa has not indicated any impact on broader flight operations.

As of latest reports, no additional injuries or secondary incidents have been confirmed, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Kinuwestiyon ng Gatchalian bloc ang pagdinig sa flood control, nagkagirian sina Padilla at Remulla

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Kinuwestiyon ng Gatchalian bloc ang pagdinig sa flood control, nagkagirian sina Padilla at Remulla

MAYNILA — Lalong uminit ang sigalot sa Senado matapos kuwestiyunin ng kampo ni Acting Senate President Pro Tempore Win Gatchalian ang isinagawang pagdinig ng grupo ni Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano kaugnay ng mga umano’y maanomalyang flood control projects. Kasabay nito, nagkaroon din ng komprontasyon sina Sen. Robin Padilla at Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla sa loob ng Senate complex.

Sa isang pahayag, tinawag ng Gatchalian bloc na “peke, hindi opisyal, at hindi awtorisado” ang isinagawang pagdinig at hinimok ang mga senador na igalang ang mga umiiral na patakaran, korum, at ang kinikilalang pamunuan ng Senado.

Ayon sa grupo, mandato ng Senado na itaguyod ang Konstitusyon, pigilan ang mga pang-aabuso, at magpasa ng mga batas para sa kapakanan ng mamamayan.

Nagpatuloy ang pagdinig sa kabila ng naunang pahayag ni Gatchalian na walang opisyal na hearing na magaganap at walang resource persons na papayagang makapasok sa Senado.

Binanggit din ni Gatchalian na itinakda ni Sen. Erwin Tulfo sa Hunyo 8 ang pagpapatuloy ng imbestigasyon sa flood control projects. Gayunman, nakapasok sa Senado ang 18 dating Marino na nagsabing sila umano ang naghatid ng mga maletang naglalaman ng pera para sa ilang pulitiko, kabilang sina dating House Speaker Martin Romualdez at dating Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co.

Kasama ng mga dating Marino ang kanilang abogado na si Atty. Levito Baligod at dating kongresistang si Mike Defensor.

Pinangunahan ni Sen. Pia Cayetano ang pagdinig sa ilalim ng Blue Ribbon Committee sa kabila ng pagkakahalal kay Tulfo bilang pinuno ng komite. Dumalo rin sa pagdinig sina Sens. Imee Marcos, Rodante Marcoleta, at Robin Padilla.

Nakiisa rin si Sen. Loren Legarda at iginiit na siya pa rin ang Senate President Pro Tempore sa kabila ng pagkakahalal kay Gatchalian ng 12 senador sa naturang posisyon.

Samantala, nasa Senado rin si Remulla matapos umanong hingan ng tulong ni Gatchalian upang matiyak ang seguridad at kaayusan sa loob ng Senate complex.

Sa bukod na ulat, lalong naging tensiyonado ang sitwasyon nang magkaroon ng komprontasyon sina Padilla at Remulla sa lobby ng Senado noong Huwebes ng umaga.

Nangyari ang insidente habang sinasamahan ni Sen. Pia Cayetano ang ilan sa mga dating Marino na inimbitahan sa pagdinig tungkol sa flood control projects. Kasama ni Cayetano si Padilla na nanguna sa paghatid sa grupo patungo sa elevator kung saan nila nakasalubong si Remulla.

Sa mga video na kumalat sa social media, makikitang nagkaroon ng tulakan sa pagitan nina Padilla at Remulla habang sinusubukang makadaan ng grupo sa isang makitid na pasilyo. Sa kabila nito, nakapasok ang mga dating Marino sa plenary hall at natuloy ang pagdinig.

Itinanggi ni Remulla na sinubukan niyang hadlangan ang pagpasok ng mga senador at ng mga dating Marino.

Aniya, nag-iisa lamang siya at pauwi na sana nang maganap ang insidente.

Ayon pa kay Remulla, naglalakad lamang siya palabas nang biglang dumaan at tumulak ang grupo sa masikip na bahagi ng gusali.

Bagaman sinabi niyang pauwi na siya noong umaga, muli siyang namataang nasa ikalawang palapag ng Senate building bandang 1:31 ng hapon habang nakikipag-usap kay Legarda malapit sa elevator.

Sa isang video ng kanilang pag-uusap, maririnig si Legarda na binabanggit ang posibilidad na ilipat ang isa pang senador sa bagong majority bloc upang maging 13 ang bilang nito, na aniya’y maaaring makatulong sa pagresolba ng umiiral na sigalot sa Senado.

Sumang-ayon naman si Remulla sa mungkahing ito habang nagpapatuloy ang kanilang pag-uusap.

Ipinakikita ng mga pangyayaring ito ang lalong lumalalim na hidwaan sa Senado, kung saan patuloy na pinagtatalunan ng magkakatunggaling grupo ang usapin ng liderato, kapangyarihan ng mga komite, at legalidad ng mga isinasagawang pagdinig at imbestigasyon.

Lebanon ceasefire talks stall as Hezbollah rejects U.S.-backed proposal amid continued Israel strikes

Venus L Peñaflor
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Lebanon ceasefire talks stall as Hezbollah rejects U.S.-backed proposal amid continued Israel strikes

DUBAI/BEIRUT — Diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire in Lebanon and advance broader regional negotiations involving the United States and Iran encountered a major setback on Thursday after Hezbollah rejected a U.S.-backed truce proposal, while Israel signaled it would continue military operations in southern Lebanon.

The ceasefire initiative forms part of ongoing U.S.-led diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing regional tensions and creating conditions for wider negotiations with Tehran. Iranian officials have previously indicated that a halt in hostilities in Lebanon would be necessary for progress in any broader agreement with Washington.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said the ceasefire would take effect within 24 hours once all parties formally approve the arrangement. However, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem dismissed the proposal, reiterating that what he described as “resistance” would continue.

Although Hezbollah was not a signatory to the agreement reportedly reached between Israel and the Lebanese government earlier this week, analysts say its participation is widely viewed as essential for any ceasefire to hold.

Israeli officials, meanwhile, indicated that military operations in southern Lebanon would continue. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israeli forces would not withdraw from the area nor suspend ongoing operations.

On the Lebanese side, Hezbollah continued to frame its position as resistance to Israeli military activity, while reiterating demands tied to Israeli withdrawal conditions.

The developments come amid continued exchanges of fire and sustained Israeli air operations in southern Lebanon, further complicating efforts to stabilize the border region.

The stalled ceasefire talks unfolded against a backdrop of broader regional tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, including reported cross-border incidents and heightened military alert levels in parts of the Middle East.

Iranian-aligned media outlets reported strikes and retaliatory actions in multiple locations across the Gulf region, while U.S. military officials denied claims that American bases in the region had been successfully targeted. The U.S. Central Command stated that its defensive systems intercepted incoming projectiles and that no confirmed damage to its installations had occurred.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reiterated its support for allied groups in the region, maintaining that Israeli forces must withdraw to positions held prior to the latest escalation for any de-escalation framework to proceed.

Despite the heightened tensions, oil markets eased slightly on Thursday, with prices falling amid cautious optimism that diplomatic channels could eventually yield progress on a Lebanon ceasefire and broader regional stabilization efforts.

U.S. President Donald Trump expressed cautious optimism regarding ongoing negotiations, suggesting that developments could emerge within days, although he provided no specific details.

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy transit route, remains a key point of concern amid ongoing regional instability. The waterway typically carries a significant share of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, and any disruption has historically triggered volatility in energy markets.

While some reports have indicated disruptions to maritime and infrastructure facilities in the broader region, details remain contested and have not been independently verified by international monitors.

U.S. and Iranian officials have in recent weeks signaled tentative progress toward a preliminary framework aimed at reducing tensions and reopening key shipping lanes. However, no formal agreement has been finalized.

Iran continues to seek sanctions relief, access to frozen financial assets, and expanded trade flexibility, while Washington maintains that preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons capability remains its core objective.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Thursday that Iran’s adversaries had failed to achieve military objectives and accused them of attempting to sow internal divisions within the country.

The latest developments highlight the fragility of diplomatic efforts across the region, with the future of a Lebanon ceasefire uncertain and broader negotiations facing renewed strain amid continuing military activity.

Comelec naghahanda sa special election sa Cavite 4th District matapos mapatalsik si Barzaga

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Comelec naghahanda sa special election sa Cavite 4th District matapos mapatalsik si Barzaga

MAYNILA — Naghahanda na ang Commission on Elections (Comelec) para sa posibleng pagsasagawa ng special election sa ikaapat na distrito ng Cavite kasunod ng pagpapatalsik kay dating kongresista Francisco Barzaga Jr. mula sa House of Representatives.

Ayon kay George Erwin Garcia, target ng Comelec na idaos ang halalan sa Agosto 22 o Agosto 29 upang maisagawa ito bago ang nakatakdang Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections sa Setyembre 14.

Sinabi ni Garcia na tinatayang aabot sa humigit-kumulang ₱200 milyon ang kakailanganing pondo para sa special election. Dahil dito, plano ng poll body na humiling ng karagdagang alokasyon mula sa pambansang pamahalaan upang masuportahan ang preparasyon at operasyon ng halalan.

Nilinaw din ng Comelec na maaari pa ring tumakbo si Francisco Barzaga Jr. sa special election kung nanaisin niya. Ayon sa komisyon, ang kanyang pagpapatalsik bilang miyembro ng Kamara ay hindi awtomatikong nagreresulta sa permanenteng diskwalipikasyon sa paghawak ng pampublikong posisyon.

Ipinaliwanag ng Comelec na maaari siyang muling kumandidato kung natutugunan niya ang mga itinakdang kwalipikasyon sa ilalim ng batas, kabilang ang edad, pagkamamamayan, paninirahan sa nasasakupang distrito, pagiging rehistradong botante, at kakayahang bumasa at sumulat.

Noong Martes, inaprubahan ng House of Representatives sa botong 265-14, na may walong abstention, ang rekomendasyon ng Committee on Ethics and Privileges na patalsikin si Barzaga. Nakabatay ang desisyon sa mga alegasyon ng disorderly behavior, conduct unbecoming of a member, at paglabag sa House Code of Conduct.

Rare albino buffalo named after Donald Trump draws crowds at Dhaka zoo

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Rare albino buffalo named after Donald Trump draws crowds at Dhaka zoo

DHAKA, Bangladesh — A rare albino buffalo nicknamed “Donald Trump” because of its distinctive golden tuft of hair has become an unexpected attraction at the National Zoo in Dhaka, drawing large crowds and sparking debate after the animal went viral on social media.

The 700-kilogram buffalo gained widespread attention after a video circulated online showing its pale coat and striking blond hair, which some viewers compared to the hairstyle of U.S. President Donald Trump. The clip quickly spread across Bangladeshi social media platforms, prompting visitors to travel to a farm outside the capital to see the animal.

Originally raised for slaughter ahead of Eid al-Adha, the Islamic “Festival of Sacrifice,” the buffalo was later taken into government custody following concerns over security and public order as crowds gathered at the farm. Authorities subsequently transferred the animal to the Dhaka National Zoo.

The relocation has turned the buffalo into a major attraction, with visitors lining up in large numbers despite intense heat. Many were seen taking photographs and videos, while families brought children to view the enclosure.

Some local reports said the zoo initially displayed a sign bearing the name “Donald Trump,” though it has since been removed. The zoo administration has not issued a detailed explanation, but media outlets reported that the zoo curator was dismissed shortly after the incident. Officials have not publicly confirmed the reason for the termination.

Public reaction has been mixed. Some visitors criticized the naming as inappropriate, saying it disrespected a global political figure and reflected poor judgment by those involved in the farm’s promotion of the animal.

“Giving a farm animal the name of one of the world’s most influential leaders was certainly the wrong thing to do,” said Dhaka resident Mohammad Joynal Adedin, who nevertheless visited the zoo to see the buffalo. “It seems disrespectful.”

Others said they were drawn by viral posts and curiosity surrounding the animal’s unusual story. Mohammad Habibur Rahman, a visitor from Jashore in southwestern Bangladesh, said he first saw online claims that the buffalo would be sacrificed during Eid.

“I had been seeing posts on Facebook saying that ‘Donald Trump’ would be sacrificed,” he said. “Later, I heard that instead of being sacrificed, it had been placed in a zoo, so I came to see it myself.”

The case has highlighted how viral social media content can rapidly influence public attention in Bangladesh, where unusual animal stories frequently spread online and draw large crowds to zoos and farms.

Zoo officials have not announced whether the buffalo will remain on public display indefinitely.

Trump confirms calling Netanyahu ‘crazy’ as he says Israel complicates Iran peace talks

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Trump confirms calling Netanyahu ‘crazy’ as he says Israel complicates Iran peace talks

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed that he called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “crazy” during a heated phone conversation, as tensions mounted over Israel’s military actions in Lebanon amid ongoing U.S.-led efforts to broker an end to the conflict with Iran.

In an interview aired Wednesday on the “Pod Force One” podcast, Trump acknowledged using the term when asked about a report by Axios describing an expletive-laced exchange with the Israeli leader.

“I did,” Trump said when asked if he had referred to Netanyahu in those terms. “I wouldn’t say angry. I was a little bit perturbed at his constantly fighting with Lebanon.”

Trump added that despite the friction, his relationship with Netanyahu remains strong. “We get along very well,” he said.

According to the Axios report, which cited an unnamed U.S. official, Trump allegedly told Netanyahu during a Monday call, “You’re crazy. You’d be in prison if it weren’t for me. I’m saving your ass. Everybody hates you now. Everybody hates Israel because of this.” The White House has not publicly confirmed the full contents of the reported exchange.

Trump said in the interview that he repeatedly urged Netanyahu to de-escalate. “At some point I said, Bibi, we’ve got to stop this. We’ve got to stop it,” he said.

The remarks come as Washington continues diplomatic efforts to end hostilities linked to the broader Iran-Israel conflict, which has also drawn in fighting in Lebanon involving Iran-backed Hezbollah.

Iran has maintained that any agreement with the United States to end the war would require a broader ceasefire framework that includes Lebanon, where Israeli forces have conducted operations against Hezbollah since March.

Despite a U.S.-mediated understanding announced earlier this week aimed at reducing hostilities around Beirut, violence has continued. Lebanese security sources reported that Israeli drone strikes killed at least six people in southern Lebanon on Wednesday and targeted a vehicle south of Beirut. Israel said it also intercepted a hostile aerial target believed to have been launched by Hezbollah.

Trump rejected suggestions that Netanyahu had misled him regarding the scope of the conflict, saying critics who made such claims were “the enemy.”

The U.S. president has previously used strong language regarding the conflict, including remarks last year criticizing both Israel and Iran for escalating tensions without strategic direction.

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