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Tinabla ni Pangulong Marcos ang panukalang Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE)

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Tinabla ni Pangulong Marcos ang panukalang Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE)

MAYNILA. Tiniyak ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. na hindi makakalusot ang panukalang Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) na isinusulong sa Senado.

Sa isang ambush interview sa Taguig City, binanatan ng Pangulo ang kasalukuyang anyo ng panukala, na tinawag niyang nakakakilabot at nakakatawa. Ayon kay Marcos, ang kanyang naunang pahayag na pabor siya sa pagtuturo ng sex education sa mga bata ay batay lamang sa kanyang pagkaunawa na ito ay tumutukoy sa anatomy.

“I was talking about sex education, I remembered our sex education when I was in school. At ang itinuro sa amin ay anatomy. What are, what is the anatomy of male and female, reproductive systems. Naalaala ko pa, nanood kami ng video ng mga cell na nagdi-divide para maging baby. ‘Yun ang tinuro sa amin, kailangan talagang malaman ng mga kabataan iyan,” pahayag ni Pangulong Marcos.

Subalit, sa kanyang pagbabasa ng Senate Bill 1979 noong nakaraang weekend, nagulat siya sa ilang mga probisyon ng panukala, partikular ang paglalatag ng pagtuturo sa mga batang apat na taon gulang tungkol sa masturbation at ang karapatan ng mga bata na magbago ng sekswalidad.

“This is ridiculous, this is abhorrent. This is a travesty of what sex education should be to the children. What about the parents? Wala na silang karapatan na sila ang mag-decide kung ano at kailan tuturuan ‘yung bata,” dagdag pa ni Marcos.

Nanindigan ang Pangulo na, “We all, I’m a parent and I’m a grandparent. So I feel very strongly about this. So let me be very, very clear. I still believe that sex education in terms of teaching kids the anatomy, of the reproductive systems of males and females is extremely important. Consequences of early pregnancy. The prevalence of HIV. Kailangan ituro lahat ‘yan para alam ng mga kabataan.”

Dahil dito, inihayag ni Pangulong Marcos na maglalabas siya ng veto kung hindi mababago ang nasabing panukalang batas.

Donald Trump sworn in as 47th U.S. president, pledges to end ‘American decline’

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Donald Trump sworn in as 47th U.S. president, pledges to end ‘American decline’

WASHINGTON, D.C. Donald Trump has been inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States, marking an unprecedented political comeback as he begins a second term in office. During his inaugural address, held in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda due to frigid weather, Trump vowed to reverse what he called “American decline” and restore the nation’s sovereignty, safety, and prosperity.

Trump used his speech to sharply criticize his political opponents, pledging to liberate the country from a “radical and corrupt establishment.” He declared, “From this moment on, America’s decline is over.”

In his address, Trump outlined his vision for a “complete restoration of America” and a “revolution of common sense.” Promising sweeping changes, he said, “Our sovereignty will be reclaimed. Our safety will be restored. The scales of justice will be rebalanced.”

Trump claimed a “mandate to completely and totally reverse a horrible betrayal,” pledging to return faith, wealth, democracy, and freedom to the American people.

Shortly after taking the oath, Trump announced plans to sign several executive orders in the coming days aimed at reshaping key institutions.

The ceremony was moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda for the first time in 40 years due to extreme weather, altering the day’s traditional pageantry. The inaugural parade was replaced with a smaller event at a downtown arena, leaving many supporters to seek alternate viewing locations.

Vice President JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, was sworn in first, using a Bible passed down from his great-grandmother. Trump followed shortly after noon Eastern Time, taking the oath on both his family Bible and the historic Bible used by President Abraham Lincoln in 1861.

A notable presence at the ceremony was a cadre of billionaires and tech industry leaders, including Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Tim Cook, Sundar Pichai, and Elon Musk. Musk, the world’s richest man, is expected to play a pivotal role as Trump’s adviser in cutting federal spending and reducing the size of government.

Trump’s return to the presidency is historic, making him the first president in over a century to regain the White House after losing reelection. His bold promises and strong rhetoric signal a term filled with ambition to redefine American governance, even as his critics remain skeptical about the path forward.

With executive orders and policy shifts already in motion, Trump’s second term is set to be as controversial and transformative as his first.

Guests in the US Capitol Rotunda included some of the tech industry’s biggest leaders, like Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, Google’s Sundar Pichai and Tesla’s Elon Musk. [Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP Photo, pool]

After 15 months of war, Hamas still controls Gaza’s ruins

Venus L Peñaflor
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After 15 months of war, Hamas still controls Gaza’s ruins

GAZA CITY. As a fragile ceasefire settles over the war-torn Gaza Strip, Hamas has emerged from 15 months of intense conflict still firmly in control of the territory. Despite the devastation caused by one of the deadliest wars in recent memory, the group has reasserted its authority and vowed to manage the influx of humanitarian aid promised in the ceasefire agreement.

Hamas, which has governed Gaza since 2007, remains entrenched even after Israel’s massive military campaign failed to dislodge it—a key objective of the war. The coastal enclave now lies in ruins, with neighborhoods reduced to rubble and over 90% of its population displaced.

On Sunday, Hamas staged a highly symbolic display during the release of three Israeli hostages to the Red Cross. Dozens of armed Hamas fighters in green headbands paraded publicly for the first time in months, surrounded by cheering crowds. Thousands of Hamas-run police officers, who had operated undercover during the war to avoid Israeli strikes, reappeared in uniform in some of Gaza’s most devastated areas.

“They were among the displaced people in the tents,” said Gaza City resident Mohammed Abed, who returned to his home after fleeing months ago. “That’s why there were no thefts.”

Israel has repeatedly criticized Hamas for embedding its forces in residential neighborhoods, schools, and hospitals, leading to civilian casualties. Local health officials report over 47,000 Palestinians killed during the war, including women and children, with entire families wiped out in some strikes.

Although polls indicate limited popular support for Hamas among Palestinians, the group remains deeply rooted in Gaza’s social fabric, operating as a government, political party, and military force. Since seizing control in 2007, Hamas has developed extensive infrastructure, including ministries, police forces, and a civilian bureaucracy.

Even amid Israel’s airstrikes, Hamas maintained its operations, including building tunnels, manufacturing rockets, and coordinating attacks. By the time the war began, Hamas had an organized army of tens of thousands of fighters, supported by Iranian funding and weaponry.

“The war is ending with a strong perception of success for Hamas,” said Michael Milshtein, an Israeli expert on Palestinian affairs. “The enlistment capabilities will be crazy. They won’t be able to handle it.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to maintain security control over Gaza and parts of the West Bank, rejecting proposals for a reformed Palestinian Authority to govern the territories. Critics argue this approach ensures Hamas’ survival, as Palestinians see no viable alternative to resisting Israel’s occupation.

Netanyahu has hinted at resuming military operations if Israel’s objectives are not met during the ceasefire’s initial six weeks. Hamas, meanwhile, has tied the release of remaining captives to a lasting truce and Israeli withdrawal.

As Gaza residents returned to areas like Jabaliya on Sunday, they were greeted with scenes of destruction: homes flattened, schools demolished, and infrastructure obliterated. Despite this, Hamas police maintained order, underscoring the group’s continued dominance in the territory.

For now, the ceasefire offers a tenuous reprieve, but both sides are bracing for what seems an inevitable return to hostilities.

Trump pardons 1,500 Jan. 6 defendants, issues sweeping executive orders in swift return to power

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Trump pardons 1,500 Jan. 6 defendants, issues sweeping executive orders in swift return to power

WASHINGTON. Hours after being sworn in as the 47th president of the United States, Donald Trump pardoned approximately 1,500 supporters involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. The unprecedented move marks a controversial start to Trump’s second term as he quickly enacted executive orders reversing key policies of his predecessor, Joe Biden.

Trump, 78, took the oath of office inside the Capitol Rotunda, the site of the January 6 riots that resulted in five deaths and injuries to 140 police officers. During the ceremony, he declared, “God saved me to make America great again,” presenting himself as a divine savior tasked with leading the nation through turbulent times.

Among those pardoned were 14 leaders of the far-right Oath Keepers and Proud Boys, whose convictions for their roles in the riots remain intact. The pardons sparked outrage from law enforcement and lawmakers, many of whom had been targeted during the violent attack.

After his inauguration, Trump issued a flurry of executive actions, including declaring a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border. This enabled the deployment of troops and the suspension of immigration programs, including one allowing migrants to schedule entry appointments through a smartphone app.

Trump also withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement for the second time in a decade, claiming, “We’re getting rid of all the cancer … caused by the Biden administration.” He announced plans to eliminate federal diversity programs, restrict gender identity policies, and launch a “Department of Government Efficiency” headed by billionaire Elon Musk.

One controversial order canceled flights for nearly 1,660 Afghans cleared for resettlement in the U.S., including relatives of active-duty military personnel.

The indoor ceremony, held amidst extreme cold gripping much of the country, was attended by notable figures, including former Presidents Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton. Outgoing Vice President Kamala Harris and Biden, who lost to Trump in November, were seated in a somber section with their families.

In his speech, Trump criticized Biden’s policies on immigration and foreign affairs, claiming, “We have a government that funds foreign borders but refuses to protect its own.”

Tech magnates Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg were prominently seated at the event. Musk raised his fists in approval when Trump announced plans to send astronauts to Mars.

Trump reaffirmed his intention to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America” and announced plans to take back control of the Panama Canal, moves that have caused concern among international allies.

Trump’s inauguration marks the first time in over a century that a former president reclaimed the White House after losing reelection. He is also the first convicted felon to hold the office, which his supporters argue underscores his resilience.

As Trump takes his first steps in reshaping the U.S. government, the political divide in the country appears deeper than ever, with supporters hailing his return and critics warning of the implications for democracy.

Israel frees 90 Palestinian prisoners as ceasefire takes hold following hostage release

Venus L Peñaflor
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Israel frees 90 Palestinian prisoners as ceasefire takes hold following hostage release

RAMALLAH, West Bank. The first three Israeli hostages were released from Gaza, while 90 Palestinian prisoners were freed from Israeli custody as a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect on Sunday.

The ceasefire has raised hopes for a peaceful resolution to the devastating conflict and the release of nearly 100 remaining hostages abducted in Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack. However, concerns linger about whether the truce will hold beyond the first six weeks.

The first hostages, Emily Damari, 28; Romi Gonen, 24; and Doron Steinbrecher, 31, were handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza City amidst a tense exchange. Videos captured the three women surrounded by a crowd of thousands and armed Hamas militants wearing green headbands.

Once in Israeli custody, the women were reunited with their families. Damari, who lost two fingers in the October 7 attack, was seen raising her bandaged hand in triumph. In Tel Aviv, thousands of Israelis erupted in applause as the news of their release was broadcast on large screens.

“An entire nation embraces you,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Hours later, Palestinian prisoners were released under Israeli security warnings against public celebrations. Despite the late-night timing, large crowds gathered to greet the freed detainees, waving flags and chanting “God is great.” Fireworks lit the skies as families reunited with their loved ones.

Among the released was Khalida Jarrar, 62, a prominent detainee from a secular leftist faction. Jarrar had been held under administrative detention orders criticized by human rights groups.

The ceasefire, which began Sunday morning, includes the release of 33 more hostages and nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners over its 42-day first phase. Talks on a more challenging second phase are set to begin in two weeks. This ceasefire follows a shorter, weeklong truce in November 2023 but carries the potential to end the conflict permanently.

Netanyahu, under pressure from U.S. President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump to finalize a deal before Monday’s U.S. inauguration, stated that Trump supports Israel resuming military action if necessary. Meanwhile, hardline Israeli politicians criticized the ceasefire, with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir resigning in protest.

Across Gaza, residents began returning to destroyed neighborhoods. Ahmed al-Sufi, head of Rafah’s municipality, reported that water, electricity, roads, and thousands of homes had been obliterated. Humanitarian aid surged into the territory, with over 630 trucks entering on Sunday, providing relief to the displaced population.

The war’s toll has been staggering. Gaza’s Health Ministry reports over 46,000 fatalities, with women and children making up more than half of the deaths. The conflict began with Hamas’ October 7 attack on southern Israel, which killed over 1,200 civilians and militants and led to the abduction of around 250 hostages.

Public opinion in Israel remains divided. Some, like Asher Pizem from Sderot, expressed skepticism about the ceasefire, viewing it as a temporary pause before another confrontation. Others celebrated the moment as a glimmer of hope.

For Gaza residents like Mohamed Abu Taha, who described the devastation as resembling “a Hollywood horror movie,” the ceasefire brings a mix of relief and grief. “This ceasefire was a joy mixed with pain because my son was martyred in this war,” said Rami Nofal, a displaced resident from Gaza City.

As Gaza faces years of rebuilding, the ceasefire’s success remains uncertain. The coming weeks will test the fragile truce and the resilience of those caught in the aftermath of war.

Binatikos ng Palasyo si Ex-PRRD sa isyu ng fake news sa 2025 budget

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Binatikos ng Palasyo si Ex-PRRD sa isyu ng fake news sa 2025 budget

MAYNILA. Pinabulaanan ng Malacañang ang alegasyon ni dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ukol sa umano’y “discrepancies” sa 2025 national budget, na tinawag nitong bahagi ng pagkakalat ng fake news.

Sa pahayag na inilabas ni Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, sinabi niyang ang akusasyon ni Duterte at iba pang indibidwal ay isang uri ng “malicious peddling of fake news.”

“Some quarters, including a former president, have maliciously peddled fake news about President Marcos having signed the GAA (General Appropriations Act) of 2025 with certain parts of the enactment purposely left blank to enable the administration to simply fill in the amounts like in a blank check,” ani Bersamin.

“The peddling of such fake news is outrightly malicious and should be condemned as criminal. No page of the 2025 National Budget was left unturned before the president signed it into law,” dagdag pa niya.

Binanggit ni Bersamin na masusing sinuri ang lahat ng 4,057 pahina ng P6.326-trillion budget ng daan-daang professional staff mula sa Kongreso at Department of Budget and Management bago ito pinirmahan ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“This meticulous line-by-line scrutiny is a pre-enactment check performed by dedicated civil servants to ensure that the GAA contained no single discrepancy in the amounts being appropriated,” ayon sa kanya.

Imposible umanong magkaroon ng blankong bahagi sa anumang funding items sa budget.

Hanggang sa kasalukuyan, wala pang tugon mula sa kampo ni Duterte ukol sa pahayag ng Malacañang.

Philippines, U.S. conduct joint maritime exercises in South China Sea

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Philippines, U.S. conduct joint maritime exercises in South China Sea

MANILA. The Philippines and the United States conducted joint maritime exercises for the fifth time in the South China Sea, the Philippine Armed Forces announced on Sunday. The two-day exercise, held on Friday and Saturday, marks the first such activity of 2025 and continues a series of collaborations that began in 2023.

The Philippine military described the event as a “maritime cooperative activity,” emphasizing its role in strengthening bilateral maritime cooperation and interoperability between the two allied nations. The exercises included the U.S. Navy’s Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group, two guided missile destroyers, two helicopters, and two F-18 Hornet aircraft. On the Philippine side, the military deployed the Antonio Luna frigate, Andres Bonifacio patrol ship, two FA-50 fighter jets, and air force search and rescue assets.

Security engagements between the two nations have increased significantly under the administration of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has sought closer ties with Washington. This partnership has included an expansion of military bases accessible to American forces, some of which are strategically located facing Taiwan.

“These joint activities reflect the strong commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the Philippine Armed Forces stated, highlighting the importance of such collaborations in the region.

The exercises come amid heightened tensions in the South China Sea, where the Philippines has repeatedly criticized China for the presence of Chinese coast guard vessels within its maritime zone. This includes a massive 165-meter (541-foot) vessel dubbed “the monster” by Philippine officials due to its size.

The Philippines continues to push back against what it describes as violations of its territorial sovereignty, with President Marcos Jr. reaffirming his administration’s commitment to defending the nation’s rights in the disputed waters. These exercises further underscore the deepening military ties between Manila and Washington amidst growing regional challenges.

Hamas releases hostages as Israel frees Palestinian prisoners on ceasefire’s first day

Venus L Peñaflor
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Hamas releases hostages as Israel frees Palestinian prisoners on ceasefire’s first day

GAZA/CAIRO/JERUSALEM. The first day of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas saw significant steps toward easing the 15-month-long conflict that has devastated Gaza and inflamed tensions across the Middle East. Hamas released three Israeli hostages, while Israel freed 90 Palestinian prisoners as part of a truce agreement.

The ceasefire has allowed Palestinians to begin returning to bombed-out neighborhoods, assessing the extensive damage, and starting the long process of rebuilding. Meanwhile, humanitarian relief trucks delivered desperately needed aid to Gaza’s population. Crowds in the territory celebrated as Hamas fighters emerged from hiding, bolstered by the initial exchange of detainees.

In Ramallah, located in the West Bank, thousands gathered to welcome buses carrying Palestinian prisoners released by Israel. Fireworks lit the night sky as the freed prisoners arrived. According to Hamas, those released included 69 women and 21 teenage boys from the West Bank and Jerusalem.

In Tel Aviv, a different kind of emotion unfolded as hundreds of Israelis gathered outside the defense headquarters to witness a live broadcast of the hostages’ release. The freed hostages, Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher, and Emily Damari, were seen entering a Red Cross vehicle surrounded by Hamas fighters. The Israeli military shared footage of the women reuniting with their mothers, appearing in good health. Damari, who suffered severe injuries during her abduction, held up a bandaged hand while embracing her mother.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation, saying, “Romi, Doron, and Emily—an entire nation embraces you. Welcome home.” At Sheba Medical Center, the hostages were reunited with their families, with tears giving way to smiles. Damari was draped in an Israeli flag, embodying hope amid the turmoil.

The hostage release marks a pivotal moment in the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, Hamas raid on Israel, which claimed over 1,200 Israeli lives and resulted in more than 250 hostages. Since the war began, more than 47,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks, according to Gaza medical officials. Nearly the entire population of Gaza—2.3 million people—is now homeless. The conflict has also claimed the lives of approximately 400 Israeli soldiers.

The ceasefire’s terms include halting hostilities, the release of 33 Israeli and foreign hostages over six weeks, and the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails. However, many hostages remain unaccounted for, with fears that some may not have survived captivity.

Devastation in Gaza

In northern Gaza, residents returned to scenes of utter devastation. Rubble and twisted metal lined the streets as displaced families searched for remnants of their homes. Aya, a young woman displaced for over a year, expressed hope: “I feel like at last I found some water to drink after being lost in the desert for 15 months.”

Despite the optimism, the ceasefire began with tension. A last-minute delay led to Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, reportedly killing 13 people. Israeli officials attributed the delay to Hamas’s failure to provide a timely list of hostages. Hamas, in turn, described the delay as a technical issue.

U.S. and International Reactions

“Today the guns in Gaza have gone silent,” U.S. President Joe Biden stated on his final full day in office. He attributed the truce’s success to U.S. diplomatic support and Israeli pressure on Hamas.

As Hamas fighters resurfaced, they were greeted with cheers in areas like Khan Younis. Hamas policemen quickly deployed, signaling the group’s attempt to maintain a presence amid ongoing tensions. A fighter addressing a crowd declared, “All the resistance factions are staying in spite of Netanyahu.”

Challenges Ahead

The road to rebuilding Gaza and establishing governance remains uncertain. Israel has emphasized its refusal to accept a return of Hamas as a governing authority. Hardline Israeli politicians have voiced opposition to the truce. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir resigned in protest, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich threatened to leave the government if the war concluded without Hamas’s total defeat.

On the eve of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, his national security adviser-designate, Mike Waltz, expressed support for Israel. “Hamas will never govern Gaza. That is completely unacceptable,” he stated, emphasizing that the U.S. would back Israel if Hamas violated the agreement.

For many in Gaza, the truce offers a momentary reprieve but little solace. Ahmed Abu Ayham, a resident of Gaza City, described the somber mood: “We are in pain, deep pain, and it is time to hug one another and cry.”

Comelec to resume ballot printing for 2025 Elections following Supreme Court delays

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Comelec to resume ballot printing for 2025 Elections following Supreme Court delays

MANILA. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced on Sunday that it will restart printing official ballots for the 2025 national and local elections on Wednesday, January 22. The printing process, which was initially halted due to a Supreme Court (SC) order, has been significantly delayed, according to Comelec Chairman George Garcia.

In a radio interview with Super Radyo dzBB, Garcia confirmed that the Comelec plans to maximize all available resources at the National Printing Office (NPO) to recover lost time.

“This coming Wednesday, we will start printing ballots again. It’s back to zero,” said Garcia in Filipino.

He added, “There are still four more machines at NPO, so we plan to use all their machines, as well as the two new ones brought by Miru Systems. Hopefully, we can make a way to double up our production output per day.”

The Comelec initially aimed to complete ballot printing by April 14. However, delays caused by the SC’s temporary restraining order (TRO) against the disqualification of several candidates resulted in the waste of six million ballots. These ballots, costing approximately ₱132 million, had already been printed before the TRO.

Garcia acknowledged the logistical and financial challenges of reprinting more than 70 million ballots for the May elections, noting that the reprinting costs were unanticipated.

“Printing ballots for the upcoming elections is not easy due to its complexities. While we didn’t foresee the additional costs, we may realign the budget from an existing line item,” he explained.

Despite the setbacks, Garcia urged the public not to blame the Supreme Court for the delays.

“I want to remind everyone not to blame the Supreme Court because this is part of a process. It’s really expected that these things will happen,” he said.

To ensure proper disposal, the Comelec began transporting the six million wasted ballots to a warehouse in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. The ballots will be processed using paper melting, as the National Archives of the Philippines prohibited the use of micro-shredding for recycling.

Although the Comelec has fallen behind its original timeline due to the two-week delay, Garcia assured the public that contingency measures are in place to meet the May election schedule.

“We’re no longer on track right now because of the two-week delay. We will slightly miss our timeline, but don’t worry as we can catch up on this,” he stated.

The poll body remains confident in its ability to fulfill its mandate despite the challenges, emphasizing its commitment to ensuring a smooth and transparent electoral process.

‘I’m Still Here’: A poignant tale of family and loss under Brazil’s dictatorship

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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‘I’m Still Here’: A poignant tale of family and loss under Brazil’s dictatorship

Walter Salles’ “I’m Still Here” paints a tender yet heart-wrenching portrait of a family caught in the turmoil of Brazil’s military dictatorship.

Set in 1970s Rio de Janeiro, the film introduces audiences to the Paiva family—Eunice (Fernanda Torres), Rubens (Selton Mello), and their five children—through a lens of warmth and domestic bliss. Their lives, filled with sand-covered adventures and carefree moments, feel both intimate and universally relatable.

But this tranquility is short-lived. Against the backdrop of the oppressive regime, ominous signs begin to emerge—ambassadors kidnapped, random police stops, and whispers of left-leaning citizens making plans to flee. The family’s precarious stability is shattered when three plainclothes men arrive unannounced, demanding Rubens, a former congressman, come in for questioning.

While the Paivas are cautious, Eunice and the children hold on to a fragile hope for his return. Rubens’ calm demeanor as he prepares to leave—changing into a collared shirt and tie, lying to his daughter about going to the office—is bittersweet, hinting at his awareness that he may never come back.

A Story of Resilience and Generational Trauma

“I’m Still Here” is not a film about Rubens’ abduction or the horrors he might have endured. Instead, it focuses on the aftermath—how Eunice and her children navigate life through uncertainty, absence, and loss.

Adapted from the memoir of Rubens’ son, Marcelo, the film is imbued with a personal, almost wistful tenderness. It captures the fleeting beauty of everyday moments, which we often fail to appreciate until they’re gone.

Fernanda Torres delivers an extraordinary performance as Eunice, a role that earned her a Golden Globe. Eunice’s strength and resilience, portrayed with emotional depth and practical intelligence, anchor the film. Whether she’s dealing with a misogynistic banker or confronting the men surveilling her home, Eunice emerges as a quietly powerful figure.

In a poignant scene, a journalist photographs Eunice and her children, hoping to document their story. When asked to look somber for the camera, Eunice laughs and instructs her children to keep smiling. “They want us to look sad,” she quips. This moment perfectly encapsulates the film’s complex tone—balancing grief with the enduring spirit of survival.

A Straightforward but Profound Narrative

Director Walter Salles opts for a straightforward approach to storytelling, allowing the compelling narrative and the stellar performances to shine. The film subtly highlights the generational trauma caused by political disappearances, showing how these events reverberate far beyond the victims and into the lives of those left behind.

Release Details and Final Thoughts

“I’m Still Here,” a Sony Pictures Classics release, opens in limited theaters on Friday, with a wider release on January 24. Rated PG-13 for “smoking, drug use, brief nudity, strong language, and thematic content,” the film runs 135 minutes.

While the story is personal and nostalgic, it carries a universal resonance, reminding us of the resilience of families in the face of historical turmoil.

Rating: 3 out of 4 stars.

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