Wednesday, April 23, 2025


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Israel delays Gaza ceasefire approval amid continued strikes; U.S. confident deal is on track

Venus L Peñaflor
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Israel delays Gaza ceasefire approval amid continued strikes; U.S. confident deal is on track

DOHA/JERUSALEM. Israel postponed the approval of a ceasefire agreement with the Palestinian militant group Hamas, intended to halt hostilities in the Gaza Strip and secure the release of hostages. Despite the delay, the United States expressed confidence that the deal would proceed as planned, potentially taking effect on Sunday.

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza continued to escalate on Thursday, with Palestinian authorities reporting at least 86 fatalities following the announcement of the truce.

The Israeli cabinet, initially expected to vote on the deal on Thursday, deferred the meeting, citing complications attributed to Hamas. Local media indicated that the vote could occur on Friday or Saturday, with the agreement likely to be approved.

John Kirby, a White House spokesperson, stated, “We are seeing nothing that would tell us that this is going to get derailed at this point. ” He affirmed that the ceasefire in the 15-month-long conflict remained on track and could begin “as soon as late this weekend.”

A coalition representing the families of Israeli hostages in Gaza, 33 of whom are slated for release in the initial six-week phase of the agreement, appealed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to expedite the process. “For the 98 hostages, each night is another night of terrible nightmare. Do not delay their return even for one more night,” the group declared in a statement shared by Israeli media.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged lingering issues in the negotiations. According to an anonymous U.S. official, a dispute over the identities of prisoners Hamas sought to include in the release had caused the delay. American envoys, alongside Egyptian and Qatari mediators, were actively addressing the matter in Doha.

Meanwhile, senior Hamas official Izzat el-Reshiq reiterated the group’s commitment to the ceasefire agreement, signaling continued willingness to implement the terms.

As diplomatic efforts intensify, the international community awaits confirmation of the truce, which could mark a pivotal step toward easing the ongoing conflict in the region.

5 milyong Pilipino nanganganib maging tambay dahil sa epekto ng AI at climate change

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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5 milyong Pilipino nanganganib maging tambay dahil sa epekto ng AI at climate change

MAYNILA. Tinatayang 5 milyong Pilipinong manggagawa ang posibleng mawalan ng trabaho ngayong taon dahil sa pag-usbong ng artificial intelligence (AI) at mga epekto ng pagbabago ng klima, ayon sa Federation of Free Workers (FFW).

Batay sa ulat ng International Monetary Fund (IMF) noong Disyembre 2024, tinatayang 14% ng kabuuang workforce sa bansa ang nasa panganib na mapalitan ng AI. Dagdag pa rito, inaasahang mawawala ang 2.3 milyong trabaho dahil sa pinsalang dulot ng mga bagyo sa sektor ng agrikultura at iba pang industriya ngayong taon.

Ayon sa IMF, 36% ng mga trabaho sa Pilipinas ay may mataas na exposure sa AI. Higit sa kalahati ng mga ito ay itinuturing na “highly complementary,” kung saan ang AI ay maaaring magsilbing katuwang ng manggagawa sa halip na palitan ang kanilang mga tungkulin. Subalit para sa mga “low-complementarity jobs,” 14% ng workforce ang direktang nasa panganib na maalis dahil sa teknolohiya.

Nagpapakita rin ang ulat ng pagkakaiba sa epekto ng AI batay sa kasarian. Lumalabas na kalahati ng mga trabaho ng kababaihan ay “highly exposed” sa AI, kumpara sa isang-kapat lamang ng mga trabaho ng kalalakihan.

Ayon kay Julius Cainglet, Vice President for Research, Advocacy, and Partnerships ng FFW, ang mga naapektuhan na ng mga nagdaang bagyo, partikular sa sektor ng agrikultura, ay malaki ang posibilidad na muling maapektuhan.

“Dapat nating pagtibayin ang mga maagap na hakbang para maihanda ang ating workforce. Mahalaga rin ang mas matibay na social dialogue sa pagitan ng gobyerno, mga manggagawa, at mga employer upang mapaghandaan ang mga hamon, kabilang ang heat stress na inaasahang lalala sa mga susunod na buwan,” ani Cainglet.

Hinikayat din ng FFW ang mga kaukulang ahensya na magpatupad ng mga programang magbibigay ng proteksyon at oportunidad sa mga manggagawang maaapektuhan ng makabagong teknolohiya at climate change.

Featured Image: Robot ordering the human out https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/800/1*GQm0ZlcZVltBd_9XwJGyNw.jpeg

Japan and Philippines to urge Trump for continued U.S. engagement in Asia

Venus L Peñaflor
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Japan and Philippines to urge Trump for continued U.S. engagement in Asia

MANILA. Japan and the Philippines plan to emphasize the importance of U.S. engagement in Asia to President-elect Donald Trump, citing escalating security concerns in the region. Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya stressed the need for the U.S. to remain actively involved in upholding the rule of law, particularly in addressing territorial disputes in the South China Sea and East China Sea.

“We will approach the next U.S. administration to convey that constructive commitment of the United States in this region is important also for the United States itself,” Iwaya said during a joint press conference with Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo in Manila on Wednesday.

The U.S., Japan, and the Philippines have forged closer ties under outgoing President Joe Biden to address China’s assertive moves in disputed waters. With Trump’s “America First” policy raising uncertainties, both nations aim to ensure continued U.S. support.

Iwaya reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to bilateral and trilateral cooperation with the Philippines and the U.S., describing the region’s strategic environment as “increasingly severe.” Japan’s foreign minister is set to attend Trump’s Jan. 20 inauguration to underline the importance of their alliance.

Recent confrontations between Chinese and Philippine coast guards in the South China Sea have heightened fears of escalation. A large Chinese coast guard vessel was reported patrolling the disputed Scarborough Shoal and approaching within 77 nautical miles of the Philippines’ northwestern coast.

“The issue over the South China Sea is a legitimate concern for the international community because it directly links to the regional peace and stability,” Iwaya said. He reiterated Japan’s opposition to any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force and called for the easing of tensions.

Jonathan Malaya, assistant director-general of the Philippine National Security Council, described China’s actions as “pushing us to the wall,” warning that “all options are on the table,” including the possibility of pursuing new international legal actions.

Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo announced plans to raise the issue during a scheduled meeting with Chinese diplomats in Xiamen. The talks, part of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism, aim to manage the longstanding territorial disputes and prevent further escalation.

China continues to assert its sovereignty over the South China Sea, claiming its coast guard patrols are “lawful and justified.” Beijing accuses the Philippines and other claimants, including Vietnam and Malaysia, of encroaching on what it deems “undisputed” Chinese territory.

As the region grapples with rising tensions, Japan and the Philippines hope to secure the U.S.’s continued involvement, viewing it as crucial to maintaining peace and stability in Asia.

Israel and Hamas agree on ceasefire deal to end 15-month Gaza war

Venus L Peñaflor
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Israel and Hamas agree on ceasefire deal to end 15-month Gaza war

JERUSALEM. A breakthrough agreement has been reached between Israel and Hamas, establishing a ceasefire to end 15 months of devastating conflict in Gaza. Mediators announced the deal, which will take effect on Sunday, including provisions for a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces and a hostage exchange.

The accord sets a six-week initial truce, during which Israeli forces will gradually leave Gaza. In exchange, Hamas will release hostages held in the enclave, while Israel will free Palestinian prisoners.

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani confirmed the ceasefire at a news conference in Doha. “This deal will halt the fighting in Gaza, surge much-needed humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians, and reunite the hostages with their families after more than 15 months in captivity,” U.S. President Joe Biden stated in Washington.

Despite the announcement, Israeli airstrikes persisted on Wednesday, with local health authorities in Gaza reporting over 46,000 deaths since the conflict began. Medical sources stated that strikes in Gaza City and the north claimed at least 32 lives. A Palestinian official close to the negotiations revealed that efforts are underway to halt violence before the truce officially starts.

In Gaza, jubilant celebrations erupted as residents, who have endured severe shortages of essential resources, flooded the streets. “I am happy. Yes, I am crying, but those are tears of joy,” said Ghada, a displaced mother of five.

In Tel Aviv, families of Israeli hostages shared their relief, expressing “overwhelming joy and relief [about] the agreement to bring our loved ones home.”

Phase one of the agreement includes the release of 33 hostages, prioritizing women, children, and men over 50. Among them are two Americans, Keith Siegel and Sagui Dekel-Chen. The accord also mandates increased humanitarian aid to Gaza.

“This agreement is a turning point,” Hamas declared in a social media post, calling it “an achievement for our people.”

The pact has received international support, with leaders from Egypt, Turkey, the U.K., Germany, and Jordan welcoming the development. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the urgent need to alleviate the immense suffering caused by the conflict.

While the agreement marks a significant step, implementation will be challenging. Hostage families expressed concerns about the full execution of the deal. Negotiations for subsequent phases, including releasing remaining hostages and Gaza’s reconstruction, are slated to begin 16 days after the truce’s start.

The deal also raises questions about Gaza’s post-war governance. Israel opposes Hamas’ involvement but remains hesitant to reinstate the Palestinian Authority, leaving the enclave’s political future uncertain.

The conflict has left Gaza’s urban landscape in ruins and displaced over two million residents. As winter intensifies, the region urgently needs humanitarian assistance and rebuilding efforts.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump called the ceasefire a foundation for expanding the Abraham Accords, which normalized Israel’s relations with several Arab nations during his presidency. If successfully implemented, the agreement could defuse broader Middle Eastern tensions and pave the way for a lasting resolution to the Gaza crisis.

With both sides facing immense pressure, the world watches closely as this critical ceasefire takes its first steps toward a fragile peace.

Comelec: 6 milyong balota nasayang dahil sa TRO ng SC

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Comelec: 6 milyong balota nasayang dahil sa TRO ng SC

MAYNILA. Aabot sa anim na milyong balota para sa 2025 National and Local Elections (NLE) ang masasayang, ayon kay Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Erwin Garcia, matapos magpalabas ng temporary restraining order (TRO) ang Korte Suprema laban sa diskuwalipikasyon ng limang kandidato.

Matatandaang noong kamakalawa, inisyu ng Supreme Court (SC) ang TRO na humaharang sa pagdiskuwalipika ng Comelec sa dating Caloocan City representative Edgar Erice at apat pang kandidato. Dahil dito, napilitang ipatigil ng Comelec ang pag-iimprenta ng mga balota na hindi naglalaman ng mga pangalan ng naturang kandidato.

“Yung naimprenta po namin na higit kumulang na 6 na milyong balota ay mababalewala na po lahat sapagkat wala po ‘yung pangalan ng naturang kandidato,” pahayag ni Garcia. “And therefore, back to zero po kami,” dagdag pa niya.

Ayon sa pagtaya ni Garcia, ang bawat balota ay nagkakahalaga ng P22, kaya’t ang kabuuang halaga ng mga masasayang na balota ay aabot sa P132 milyon. Bukod dito, binigyang-diin niya na malaki rin ang ginastos sa overtime ng mga tauhan para sa pagpapatuloy ng night shift operations.

“Napakarami po namin doon na mga tauhan na pinapasuweldo with overtime lahat po ‘yun kasi nga po may night shift po kami,” ani Garcia.

Sa kabila ng pagkaantala ng ballot printing, tiniyak ni Garcia na tuloy pa rin ang midterm elections na nakatakdang ganapin sa Mayo 12. Gayunpaman, kinumpirma rin niya na naapektuhan ng TRO ang mock elections na orihinal na nakatakda sa Enero 25, ngunit ipinagpaliban na rin.

Patuloy na inaabangan ang magiging hakbang ng Comelec sa pagresolba ng mga isyung dulot ng desisyon ng Korte Suprema.

Elon Musk announces third Neuralink implant recipient as brain-computer interface innovations expand

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Elon Musk announces third Neuralink implant recipient as brain-computer interface innovations expand

LAS VEGAS, USA. Elon Musk has announced that a third individual has received a brain implant from Neuralink, his brain-computer interface (BCI) company. The revelation highlights Neuralink’s advancements in connecting human nervous systems to machines, a rapidly expanding area of research.

“We’ve got … three humans with Neuralinks and all are working well,” Musk shared during an interview streamed on X, his social media platform, at an event in Las Vegas.

Musk disclosed that Neuralink has upgraded its devices since the first implant was placed roughly a year ago. Improvements include more electrodes, higher bandwidth, and extended battery life. Looking ahead, Neuralink aims to implant the experimental device in 20 to 30 more individuals this year.

While Musk provided no specifics about the latest patient, he detailed the progress of previous recipients. The second recipient, who has a spinal cord injury, was implanted last summer and has since been using the device to play video games and explore computer-aided design (CAD) software to create 3D objects. The first patient, also paralyzed due to a spinal cord injury, shared how the device enabled them to play video games and chess.

Neuralink is one of several organizations advancing BCIs to assist individuals with neurological disorders or injuries. In 2023, the New England Journal of Medicine published studies demonstrating how BCIs helped individuals with ALS communicate more effectively.

According to a U.S. database of studies, over 45 trials involving BCIs are underway. Rajesh Rao, co-director of the Center for Neurotechnology at the University of Washington, noted that Neuralink stands out for its robotic surgery method, which implants flexible electrode threads into the human brain to record neural activity. These threads may also capture data from more neurons than competing devices.

However, Rao highlighted that Neuralink’s advantages are not yet proven. Other companies, such as Synchron, Blackrock Neurotech, and Onward Medical, are conducting BCI trials using less invasive or more versatile approaches.

Marco Baptista, chief scientific officer of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, described BCI technology as “very exciting” with significant potential benefits for individuals with paralysis. However, he emphasized the importance of clinical trials to determine the safest and most effective methods.

“We need to really support high-risk, high-reward endeavors. This is clearly high-risk, high-reward. We don’t know how safe it’s going to be. We don’t know how feasible it’s going to be,” Baptista said, adding that his foundation has not provided funding to Neuralink.

Neuralink announced in 2023 that it had received permission from U.S. regulators to begin human trials of its device. According to Dr. Rita Redberg, a cardiologist at the University of California, San Francisco, high-risk medical devices like BCIs require an “investigational device exemption” from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The FDA plays a critical role in monitoring the recruitment of patients, testing devices, and analyzing trial data, ensuring safety at every step. Additionally, all human research must be overseen by an institutional review board (IRB), which evaluates risks and ensures informed consent from participants.

With Neuralink’s latest developments, the potential of brain-computer interfaces continues to capture global attention. Whether these advancements will meet safety and efficacy expectations remains to be seen as clinical trials progress.

Korte nagpalabas ng gag order sa cyber libel case nina Vic Sotto at Darryl Yap

Arman B. Cambe
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Korte nagpalabas ng gag order sa cyber libel case nina Vic Sotto at Darryl Yap

MAYNILA. Inatasan ng Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 205 ang parehong kampo nina Vic Sotto at filmmaker Darryl Yap na huwag pag-usapan sa publiko ang nilalaman ng kanilang mga kaso kaugnay ng cyber libel at iba pang kaugnay na usapin. Ito ay matapos aprubahan ng korte ang urgent motion ni Yap para sa gag order na inihain noong Enero 10.

Ayon sa inilabas na Omnibus Order nitong Lunes, Enero 13, “The Petitioner and any person acting for and on behalf of the petitioner are enjoined from publicly disclosing or discussing the contents of the verified return to be submitted by the respondents in this case, as well as any matters learned from the proceedings of this case.”

Dagdag pa rito, inatasan ng korte ang lahat ng partido na magpanatili ng mahigpit na kumpidensyalidad alinsunod sa sub judice rule. “All parties are directed to observe strict confidentiality in compliance with the sub judice rule, ensuring that the case proceedings and any related matters remain undisclosed to the public until resolved,” saad ng kautusan.

Ayon kay Atty. Raymond Fortun, abogado ni Yap, naghain sila ng motion upang maiwasan ang anumang pahayag mula sa kampo ni Sotto na maaaring makasira sa reputasyon ng kanilang kliyente at sa pelikulang hindi pa naipalalabas. Nakumbinsi ang korte na ang paglalabas ng impormasyon ay maaaring makaapekto sa resulta ng nasabing pelikula.

“The lawyers’ statements may cause to misrepresent the court’s orders and could prejudice public perception. Ultimately, the court’s priority would be to protect the fair administration of justice and prevent undue influence on the judicial processes,” dagdag pa sa kautusan.

Sinampahan ni Sotto si Yap ng 19 counts ng cyber libel matapos mabanggit ang pangalan ng aktor sa teaser ng pelikulang “The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma.” Kasabay nito, naghain din ang kampo ni Sotto ng petition para sa writ of habeas data na layong protektahan ang pribadong impormasyon kaugnay ng isyu.

Sa kautusan ni Presiding Judge Liezel Aquiatan, inutusan ang kampo ni Sotto na magkomento sa loob ng tatlong araw kaugnay ng motion for consolidation na inihain ni Fortun. Layunin ng motion na pagsamahin ang petition para sa writ of habeas data at ang criminal complaint ni Sotto alinsunod sa Supreme Court Circular 08-1-16-SC.

Nilinaw din ng korte na hindi pa nito iniuutos ang pag-aalis ng anumang materyales na may kaugnayan sa pelikula. “The petitioner mistakenly believed that the issuance of the writ already constituted the granting of the relief sought in their petition for a writ of habeas data,” saad sa kautusan.

Ipinaliwanag pa ng korte na ang writ of habeas data ay bahagi lamang ng procedural directive upang magsumite ng verified return ang kampo ni Yap. Ang aktwal na desisyon ukol sa hinihinging relief ay didinggin pa. “The actual relief prayed for in the petition will only be considered and resolved after the court conducts a proper hearing to assess the merits of the case,” dagdag pa ng korte.

Samantala, ang pagdinig na orihinal na itinakda sa Enero 15 ay inilipat sa Enero 17.

Ceasefire deal in Gaza nears conclusion following ‘breakthrough’ in Doha negotiations

Venus L Peñaflor
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Ceasefire deal in Gaza nears conclusion following ‘breakthrough’ in Doha negotiations

DOHA. Negotiators are set to meet in Doha on Tuesday to finalize a proposed plan to end the ongoing war in Gaza. The development comes after U.S. President Joe Biden announced that a ceasefire and hostage release agreement, which he has been advocating for, is “on the brink” of materializing.

An official involved in the negotiations disclosed that a final draft of the agreement was presented to Israel and Hamas on Monday following a significant “breakthrough” during midnight talks. Representatives from both the outgoing Biden administration and President-elect Donald Trump’s team attended these discussions.

“The deal… would free the hostages, halt the fighting, provide security to Israel, and allow us to significantly surge humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians who suffered terribly in this war that Hamas started,” President Biden stated in a speech on Monday, emphasizing his administration’s foreign policy efforts.

If successful, the agreement would mark the largest release of Israeli hostages since the initial days of the conflict. In October 2023, Hamas freed approximately half of its prisoners in exchange for 240 Palestinian detainees held by Israel.

Under the proposed plan, the first phase involves the release of 33 hostages, including children, women, elderly men, and the wounded. Negotiations on the release of remaining hostages and the retrieval of deceased individuals’ remains are expected to follow after the 16th day of the ceasefire.

The deal also includes phased troop withdrawals from Gaza, security arrangements along the Philadelphi corridor on Gaza’s southern border, and provisions for unarmed residents of northern Gaza to return under strict mechanisms to prevent the transfer of weapons.

Jake Sullivan, the U.S. National Security Advisor, expressed optimism, saying, “I think there is a good chance we can close this… the parties are right on the cusp of being able to close this deal.”

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that Hamas must make the next move, while Hamas signaled its willingness to proceed. “The negotiation over some core issues made progress, and we are working to conclude what remains soon,” a Hamas representative said.

Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar acknowledged advancements in the negotiations. “There is progress; it looks much better than previously. I want to thank our American friends for the huge efforts they are investing to secure a hostage deal,” he remarked.

The conflict, which began when Hamas launched an assault on Israel in October 2023, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. Israeli figures indicate that 1,200 Israelis were killed, and over 250 hostages were taken. Palestinian health officials report that more than 46,000 people have died in Gaza, with much of the region devastated and most of its population displaced.

With President-elect Trump’s inauguration on January 20, mediators are under pressure to finalize the agreement. Trump has warned of severe consequences if the hostages are not released before he assumes office. “There will be hell to pay,” he said, underscoring the urgency.

The presence of Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff alongside Biden’s envoy Brett McGurk has reportedly been “critical” in aligning both administrations’ support for the deal.

The proposed agreement faces several obstacles, including Hamas’ insistence on a permanent end to the war and Israel’s demand for the dismantling of Hamas. Additionally, the number and status of Palestinian detainees to be released remain contentious.

As talks resume in Doha, hopes are cautiously high for an agreement that could bring relief to a region deeply scarred by violence and displacement.

Remembering Jimmy Carter and lessons in Philippine polls

DC Alviar
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Remembering Jimmy Carter and lessons in Philippine polls

Before serving as the 39th president of the United States from 1977 to 1981, Jimmy Carter (Oct. 1, 1924 – Dec. 29, 2024) got cheated in the senatorial election, complained instead of listening to friends who urged him to prepare to run again in two years, was favored by the complaint, and won in 1963 when the poll was repeated. A county political boss who cheated was imprisoned and died while Carter was governor of Georgia. 

Dahil sa karanasang siya mismo ang nadaya sa halalan, minabuti niyang masama sa maraming adbokasiya ng kanyang itinatag na NGO ang sistematikong pagmonitor ng mga eleksyon sa buong mundo. Tanyag din ang Carter Center sa ilan pang mahahalagang adbokasiya gaya ng paglaban sa paglaganap ng mga sakit at pagpapaganda ng kalidad ng buhay sa pamamagitan ng pagsusulong ng demokrasya at pagsasaayos ng mga gusot ng mga bansa nang makamtan ang kapayapaan; katunayan, inakda niya noong 2006 ang aklat na “Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid” kung saan tama ang kanyang hinala na mauuwi ito sa malaking trahedya kung hindi maisasaayos ang hidwaan nito sa Israel.

Ilang taon at dekada ring sumabak sa mga negosasyon si Carter para sa pangmatagalang kapayapaan sa Gitnang Silangan.

Maraming eksperto ang nagsabing mas naging maganda ang hatol ng kasaysayan kay Carter bilang isang napakabuting pinuno hindi noong nakaupo siyang pangulo, kundi noong wala na siya sa White House. Makalipas ang dalawang dekada, ginawaran ang dating pangulo ng Nobel Peace Prize noong 2002.

Napag-uusapan din lang ang eleksyon, heto ang bahagi ng “issues for consideration” na laman ng ulat ng kanyang organisasyon hinggil sa halalan sa ating bansa noong 2022: “Although the Carter Center expert mission found that the use of VCMs is widely accepted by voters in the Philippines, there are some important issues that should be addressed to maintain system integrity and voter confidence in the election process. These issues… include: addressing a gap in the legal framework with regard to primacy of results; strengthening contingency measures; modernizing and explaining the audit system; and improving procedure to safeguard the secrecy of the ballot.” Nahimay ang mga isyu sa 38 pahina ng final report ng samahang pandaigdigan.

Maraming kandidato ang nabiktima ng iba’t ibang klase ng pagmamanipula ng resulta ng halalan (dagdag-bawas, panununog ng balota, at iba pang kahalintulad na dahas). Nanalo sa protesta ang iba, samantalang meron namang hinayaan na lang ang umano’y pandaraya ng mga katunggali nila sa pulitika.

Kung may pinanghahawakan namang ebidensya, marapat lamang itong ipaglaban dahil hindi lang boto ang ninanakaw kundi maging ang dangal ng kandidato at mga botante. Napatunayan iyan ni Sen. Carter hanggang sa mapagtiwalaan siya sa pinakamataas na posisyon sa US, kung hindi man sa buong mundo.

Hindi natuloy ang hatol na kamatayan kay Ninoy Aquino — tried and condemned to death on dubious charges — sa tulong na rin ni Pangulong Carter na pumwersa sa diktadurya sa Pilipinas na ipaintinding maling polisiya ang pinaiiral nito kaya na-commute ang sentensya kay Aquino. Ang tumalo kay Carter na si Ronald Reagan ay nakiayon noong una, ngunit tinuldukan na niya ito ng maganap ang malawakang protesta noong Pebrero 1986 matapos ang snap election. Enero pa lamang, malakas na ang paniniwala ng maraming local and international election observers na magaganap ang malawakang dayaan sa tunggaliang Ferdinand Marcos at maybahay ni Ninoy na si Cory Aquino. Heto ang talumpati ng huli:

“Last January 6, speaking before a joint meeting of various business and management associations I outlined my economic program. Ten days later, on January 16, I presented my social platform to a multisectoral audience in Davao. Today let me present to you my political program.

“My political program is simple. I propose to dismantle the dictatorial edifice Mr. Marcos has built. In its place I propose to build for our people a genuine democracy.

“I am first to admit that it will not be easy. The dictatorial edifice is strong. I am first to admit that the Marcos dictatorship has been cleverly crafted by an evil genius. And I am first to admit that the evil genius, allowed to run amuck for twenty years, succeeded in foisting on the nation a grim constitutional joke built on deceit and manipulation. The deception should not be allowed to last one minute longer.

“The choice in this election is between a dictatorship founded on deceit — the Marcos program, and democracy founded on the freely expressed will of the people — the Cory Aquino program.

“Mr. Marcos is determined to remain permanent dictator, come hell or high water. I am determined to stop him.

“He is running desperate; he and his minions are reaching out into the darkest bottom of their bag of dirty tricks. My friends, together we must stop them. We can. No edifice built on deceit and manipulation is indestructible; truth must triumph in the end. Twenty years of Mr. Marcos have far exceeded tolerable limits.

“Sobra na! Tama na! Palitan na!”

Ating natunghayan ang unang pitong talata sa 70-paragraph, 12-page (pareho ito sa bilang ng Amazon at ng aklat ni Cory na nilathala ng Anvil noong 1995) speech ng babaeng nangangampanyang iboto siya at labanan si Marcos sa eleksyon (at sa maraming bagay) na pinamagatang “Tearing Down the Dictatorship, Rebuilding Democracy” na unang napakinggan noong Enero 23, 1986 sa Manila Hotel kung saan nagsanib ang Rotary Clubs of Metro-Manila. Walang sinabi ang napili kong bahagi ng talumpati sa angas ng pinakanagustuhan at pinakatumatak sa lahat ng mga nakapakinig na pinaulit-ulit ding i-quote sa pahayagan at i-rewind sa radyo, sa telebisyon at, kinalauna’y sa YouTube. Heto:

 “(I) concede that I cannot match Mr. Marcos when it comes to experience. I admit that I have no experience in cheating, stealing, lying, or assassinating political opponents.”

History repeats itself, says Ecclesiastes 1:9-119 The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.10 Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us.11 There is no remembrance of former things; neither shall there be any remembrance of things that are to come with those that shall come after. (King James Version)It hurts but there is something to learn from our recent past: Traditional politicians, dynastic families included, will only cause trouble to winning candidates and society at large. The obligation to support the worthy officials, therefore, arises. Do we feel obligated to support them and their worthy causes? Election day gets nearer, and our heads need to get nearer to our knees as well.

‘Trilateral agreement’ palalakasin ng Pilipinas, US, Japan

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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‘Trilateral agreement’ palalakasin ng Pilipinas, US, Japan

MAYNILA. Nangako ang Pilipinas, Estados Unidos, at Japan na patuloy na magtutulungan upang higit pang palalimin ang kanilang trilateral ties, partikular sa larangan ng ekonomiya, maritime security, at teknolohiya.

“I am confident that our three countries will continue to work together closely to sustain the gains that we have made in enhancing and deepening our ties,” pahayag ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sa ginanap na trilateral meeting kasama sina US President Joe Biden Jr. at Japan Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru.

Matatandaang noong Abril 11, 2024, nagkaroon ng trilateral summit sina Pangulong Marcos, President Biden, at dating Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida sa Washington, DC. Sa naturang pagpupulong, kanilang pinagtibay ang pangako para sa mapayapa, ligtas, at maunlad na Indo-Pacific, na ginagabayan ng mga prinsipyong nakabatay sa demokrasya, rule of law, at karapatang pantao.

Sinabi ng Malacañang na mula nang ma-adopt ang Trilateral Joint Vision Statement noong Abril, nakamit ang makabuluhang progreso sa pagpapatupad ng bilateral at trilateral cooperation sa mga usaping mahalaga para sa tatlong bansa.

“These interests include inclusive economic growth and resilience, crucial and emerging technologies, climate cooperation and clean energy, and promoting peace and security among the three nations,” ayon sa pahayag ng Palasyo.

Inulit ni President Biden ang kanyang sentimyento at sinabi, “Since then, we’ve made historic progress in our trilateral partnership, especially in areas of maritime security, economic security, technology cooperation, and high-quality infrastructure investments … We should continue to deepen our cooperation in these areas, I believe.”

Pinuri rin ni Biden si Pangulong Marcos para sa kanyang diplomatikong tugon sa mga aktibidad ng China sa South China Sea.
“Simply put, our countries have an interest in continuing this partnership and institutionalizing our cooperation across our governments so that it is built to last. I’m optimistic that my successor will also see the value of continuing this partnership, and that it is framed the right way,” dagdag pa ni Biden.

Samantala, binigyang-diin ni Prime Minister Ishiba na mahalaga ang pagpapatibay ng trilateral cooperation sa iba’t ibang larangan.
“Going forward, it is important to deepen trilateral cooperation in a variety of fields,” aniya.

Sa isang trilateral phone call noong Lunes, muling nangako sina Pangulong Marcos, President Biden, at Prime Minister Ishiba na pagtitibayin ang kanilang relasyon sa pamamagitan ng patuloy na pagsasakatuparan ng mga nakalinyang proyekto at inisyatibo.

Ang kasunduang ito ay inaasahang magbibigay ng higit pang lakas at pagkakaisa sa ugnayan ng tatlong bansa, na magdudulot ng kapayapaan at kaunlaran sa rehiyon.

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