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Pagtapyas ng pondo ng DepEd, banta sa digitization ng edukasyon

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MAYNILA. Nagbabala ang Teachers Dignity Coalition (TDC) na maaaring madiskaril ang plano para sa digitization sa sektor ng edukasyon dahil sa P12 bilyong tapyas sa 2025 budget ng Department of Education (DepEd) na inaprubahan ng Kongreso.

Ayon kay Benjo Basas, chairperson ng TDC, “Matagal nang pangarap ng sektor ng edukasyon na maging computerized at digitized ang ating mga paaralan, ngunit tila mailap ito dahil sa kakulangan sa budget.”

Aniya, mahalaga na magkaroon ng internet connectivity ang lahat ng paaralan, habang dapat ding mabigyan ang mga guro at mag-aaral ng access at kasanayan sa paggamit ng makabagong teknolohiya. “Obligasyon ng pamahalaan na maglaan ng kinakailangang teknolohiya para sa mga paaralan,” dagdag pa niya.

Dismayado rin si Basas sa hindi pagkakatugma ng mga plano ng gobyerno at ng inilaan nitong budget para sa DepEd. “Laging sinasabi ng gobyerno na kailangan ng digitization at computerization program sa kabuuang sistema ng edukasyon, ngunit tila hindi ito nakikita sa budget na inilaan nila.”

Matatandaang kabilang sa mga tinapyas na pondo ay ang P10 bilyon na nakalaan sana para sa computerization program ng ahensya.

Samantala, nagpahayag din ng kalungkutan si Education Secretary Sonny Angara sa desisyong ito. Aniya, ang budget cut ay magdudulot ng malaking balakid sa mga guro at mag-aaral pagdating sa pag-access sa online learning at mga bagong teknolohiya sa edukasyon.

Patuloy na umaapela ang TDC at DepEd na maibalik ang pondo upang maisulong ang digitization ng sistema ng edukasyon at mapalapit ang bansa sa layunin nitong makipagsabayan sa makabagong teknolohiya sa pandaigdigang antas.

Hotel fire near Bangkok’s Khao San road claims lives of 3 foreign tourists

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BANGKOK. A fire broke out Sunday night at the Ember Hotel near Bangkok’s popular Khao San Road, claiming the lives of three foreign tourists and injuring several others, Thai police confirmed on Monday.

The victims include a Brazilian woman, a Ukrainian man, and an American man. Police Colonel Sanong Saengmanee stated that one victim was found dead at the scene, while the other two succumbed to their injuries after being transported to the hospital.

Five others were hospitalized, including a Japanese woman in critical condition. The injured also include a Japanese man, two Germans, and a Thai electrician.

The blaze erupted on the fifth floor of the six-story hotel, which is located near the bustling backpacker haven renowned for its vibrant nightlife. At the time of the fire, the hotel was accommodating 75 guests.

Sreekanth Kolamala, a 37-year-old Indian tourist from Singapore, witnessed the dramatic rescue efforts. “Firefighters broke the glass over there to try to pull people out,” he recounted.

The flames were eventually contained, but the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

This tragic incident casts a somber shadow over one of Bangkok’s most popular tourist destinations, with authorities working to determine what led to the deadly blaze.

Jimmy Carter’s state funeral set for January 9 at Washington National Cathedral

WASHINGTON. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 100, will be honored with a state funeral on January 9 at the Washington National Cathedral, the U.S. Army announced on Saturday.

President Joe Biden, who revealed last year that Carter had personally asked him to deliver the eulogy at his funeral, has declared January 9 as a national day of mourning in Carter’s honor across the United States.

The six-day state funeral proceedings will begin on January 6, with Carter’s remains traveling by motorcade through his hometown of Plains, Georgia. During this procession, the motorcade will pause at the farm where Carter grew up. In a symbolic tribute, the National Park Service will ring the historic farm bell 39 times, reflecting Carter’s tenure as the 39th U.S. President.

Following the motorcade, Carter’s remains will be taken to Atlanta, where he will lie in repose at the Carter Presidential Center until the morning of January 7. His body will then be flown to Washington, D.C., to lie in state in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol before the national funeral service at the Washington National Cathedral.

After the ceremony, Carter’s family will hold a private funeral and burial later that day in Plains, Georgia. He will be laid to rest beside his wife, Rosalynn Carter, on the grounds of their longtime home.

Carter, a Democrat, served as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981 after defeating Republican incumbent Gerald Ford in the 1976 election. His presidency is widely remembered for his efforts to broker peace in the Middle East, including the historic 1978 Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt.

Following his presidency, Carter dedicated his life to humanitarian efforts, advocating for global peace and development. His work earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.

After his passing, world leaders, former U.S. presidents, and public figures have paid tribute to Carter’s legacy, describing him as a man of “compassion, humility, and unwavering dedication to peace.”

Marcos signs P6.326 trillion 2025 national budget, vetoes P194 billion in line items

MANILA. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. signed into law the proposed national budget for fiscal year 2025 on Monday, approving a P6.326 trillion spending plan but vetoing over P194 billion worth of line items deemed inconsistent with his administration’s priorities.

The signing ceremony took place at the Ceremonial Hall of Malacañang Palace, attended by lawmakers and key government officials.

In his speech, Marcos emphasized the need to align government spending with the administration’s program priorities. Among the vetoed items are unprogrammed allocations of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

“These items are not consistent with the priority programs of this administration and therefore must be excluded,” said Marcos.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin had earlier explained that the President’s vetoes aim to protect public welfare, conform to the government’s fiscal program, and ensure compliance with laws.

The 2025 General Appropriations Bill faced scrutiny from lawmakers during its deliberation, particularly over certain contentious provisions. Concerns were raised about the P26 billion allocation for the “Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program” (AKAP), budget reductions for the Department of Education (DepEd), and the lack of government subsidy for the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

Several legislators pointed out that the budget cuts in the DepEd appear to contradict the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which mandates that education be given the highest budgetary priority.

Regarding PhilHealth, Senate Finance Committee Chairperson Grace Poe previously revealed that the state insurer would receive zero subsidy under the proposed budget, citing its P600 billion in reserve funds.

In response, President Marcos assured the public that PhilHealth has sufficient resources to sustain its health services despite the removal of its government subsidy.

Malacañang has repeatedly emphasized that the President thoroughly reviewed the 2025 General Appropriations Bill to ensure compliance with the Philippine Constitution.

“The national budget is the most important tool in driving our country’s growth. It is vital that we allocate resources where they are most needed, ensuring efficiency, accountability, and alignment with our national goals,” Marcos said.

The 2025 budget is expected to prioritize key areas such as infrastructure development, education, and health, despite the challenges and concerns raised during its crafting and finalization.

This is the second consecutive year that Marcos has vetoed substantial budget provisions, underscoring his administration’s commitment to streamlining government spending.

South Korea launches air safety probe following deadliest crash in nation’s history, killing 179

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MUAN COUNTY, South Korea. December 30, 2024 – South Korea’s acting President Choi Sang-mok has ordered an urgent inspection of the country’s airline safety systems following the worst air disaster in the nation’s history. A Jeju Air flight, carrying 175 passengers and six crew, crashed at Muan International Airport on Sunday, killing 179 people and leaving two survivors.

The Jeju Air flight 7C2216, which originated in Bangkok, Thailand, attempted to land shortly after 9 a.m. local time. The plane belly-landed, skidded off the runway, and erupted into a fireball as it collided with a wall. The two surviving crew members were rescued from the wreckage and are receiving treatment.

In a disaster management meeting held in Seoul, Choi emphasized the importance of victim identification and family support. “Even before the final results are out, we ask that officials transparently disclose the accident investigation process and promptly inform the bereaved families,” he said.

Choi also instructed the Ministry of Transport to conduct an emergency safety inspection of the nation’s entire airline operation system to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Authorities are currently investigating potential causes of the crash, including bird strikes and adverse weather conditions. Experts are also examining why the plane’s landing gear did not appear to be deployed and why the aircraft seemed to be traveling at high speed during the landing.

The flight data recorder (black box) has been recovered, though it shows signs of external damage. Officials are working to determine if the data is intact and usable.

The crash claimed the lives of predominantly South Korean nationals returning from holidays in Thailand, along with two Thai passengers. Grieving families gathered at Muan International Airport, awaiting updates as investigators continued to identify the remaining victims.

Park Han-shin, who lost his brother in the tragedy, expressed frustration with the slow recovery and identification process. “We need to stand together as victims’ families, just like during the 2014 ferry sinking,” he said, referencing the prolonged recovery efforts of the Sewol ferry disaster that claimed over 300 lives.

Jeju Air, South Korea’s leading budget carrier, saw its stock price plummet by 15.7% on Monday, marking a record low for the company.

In line with international aviation protocols, South Korea is leading the investigation, with assistance from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Boeing, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The NTSB has dispatched a team to aid South Korea’s aviation authorities.

Muan International Airport remains closed until Wednesday as emergency workers continue recovery operations. Other airports across the country, including Incheon International Airport, are operating as scheduled.

This tragic accident occurs against the backdrop of political turbulence in South Korea, with Acting President Choi assuming leadership just days ago following the impeachment of both the president and prime minister.

As the nation mourns this devastating loss, officials are committed to uncovering the truth behind the crash and ensuring air travel safety in the future.

Pagtakbo ni Quiboloy sa Senado, idudulog ng WPP sa korte suprema

MAYNILA. Dinala na ng Workers’ and Peasants’ Party (WPP), sa pamumuno ni senatorial candidate Sonny Matula, sa Korte Suprema ang isyu kaugnay ng desisyon ng Commission on Elections (Comelec) na payagan si Pastor Apollo Quiboloy na tumakbo sa darating na 2025 elections, sa kabila ng mga kinakaharap nitong mabibigat na kaso.

Ayon kay Matula, maghahain sila ng petition for certiorari upang baligtarin ang ruling ng Comelec na kanilang inilarawan bilang hindi patas at may bahid ng diskriminasyon.

Una nang ibinasura ng Comelec ang petisyon ng WPP na ideklara si Quiboloy bilang nuisance candidate. Sa kabila nito, mariing kinondena ng WPP ang desisyon ng Comelec, na kanilang inihalintulad sa isang “biblical moment of injustice.”

“Mas pinili nila si Barabbas kaysa kay Hesus,” ayon sa pahayag ng WPP, na tumutukoy sa desisyon ng Comelec bilang kawalan ng hustisya sa demokratikong proseso.

Binatikos din ng WPP ang Comelec dahil sa tila pagbibigay umano ng pabor kay Quiboloy, na umano’y may “track record of breaking the law,” kaysa sa mga kandidatong may malinis na pangalan tulad nina Sultan Subair Mustapha ng Marawi at iba pang kanilang kandidato.

“This isn’t just an insult to the sultan or the democratic process—it’s an insult to logic and fairness. Why reward someone with a track record of breaking the law over a candidate with a clean slate?” ani Matula.

Matatandaang noong Nobyembre, idineklara ng Comelec bilang nuisance candidates ang karamihan sa 10-man Senate slate ng WPP, maliban kay Matula.

Patuloy ang paglaban ng WPP sa hustisya at patas na proseso, at umaasa silang mabibigyan ng kaukulang atensyon ng Korte Suprema ang kanilang petisyon laban sa desisyon ng Comelec.

Jimmy Carter, former U.S. president and Nobel Peace laureate, passes away at 100

WASHINGTON. Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States and a Nobel Peace Prize recipient recognized for his lifelong commitment to peace and humanitarian efforts, passed away on Sunday at his home in Plains, Georgia. He was 100 years old, according to the Carter Center.

“My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love,” said Chip Carter, one of the late president’s sons. “My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.”

From the White House to Global Impact

Carter, a Democrat, served as president from January 1977 to January 1981, having defeated Republican incumbent Gerald Ford in the 1976 U.S. presidential election. His administration faced numerous challenges, including the Iran hostage crisis, double-digit inflation, and economic struggles, leading to his defeat in the 1980 election against Ronald Reagan.

Despite a presidency marked by difficulties, Carter’s post-White House legacy garnered immense respect worldwide. In 2002, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his “untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.”

One of Carter’s most significant achievements during his presidency was brokering the Camp David Accords in 1978, a groundbreaking peace agreement between Egypt and Israel. Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin both received the Nobel Peace Prize for their roles in the accords.

Reflections on Leadership

Carter was candid about the challenges of his presidency. In a 1991 documentary, he stated, “The biggest failure we had was a political failure. I never was able to convince the American people that I was a forceful and strong leader.”

Post-Presidential Humanitarian Work

After leaving office, Carter dedicated his life to humanitarian and global advocacy. He established the Carter Center in Atlanta, a non-governmental organization committed to human rights, democracy, and public health. The center’s work included international election monitoring, mediating conflicts, and combating diseases like Guinea worm disease.

Carter’s diplomatic efforts extended to North Korea in 1994, where he played a crucial role in defusing a nuclear crisis. He also facilitated the release of an American prisoner in 2010.

Personal Life and Early Career

James Earl Carter Jr. was born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, he served in the Navy’s nuclear submarine program before taking over his family’s peanut farming business.

Carter married Rosalynn Smith in 1946, a partnership he described as “the most important thing in my life.” The couple had three sons and a daughter. Carter’s political career began in the Georgia State Senate and eventually led to his role as governor from 1971 to 1975. His campaign for president focused on honesty and transparency, famously declaring, “I will never lie to you.”

Challenges of the Carter Presidency

Carter’s administration faced the 1979 Iran hostage crisis, during which 52 Americans were held captive for 444 days. His decision to boycott the 1980 Moscow Olympics in response to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan also drew criticism.

These challenges, combined with economic issues, contributed to his landslide defeat by Reagan. Nevertheless, Carter remained a prolific author, penning over two dozen books on topics ranging from religion to diplomacy.

A Life of Faith and Morality

A devout Southern Baptist, Carter taught Sunday school for much of his life. He brought a strong moral compass to his presidency, symbolized by his decision to walk in his inaugural parade instead of riding in a limousine.

In February 2023, Carter entered hospice care after battling melanoma that had spread to his brain and liver. His wife, Rosalynn, passed away on November 19, 2023, at the age of 96. Carter, frail at the time, attended her memorial service.

A Legacy of Peace and Service

Jimmy Carter’s life was defined by humility, perseverance, and an unwavering dedication to peace and the betterment of humanity. While his presidency may have faced criticism, his contributions to global diplomacy and humanitarianism left an indelible mark on the world.

As the world mourns his passing, Carter’s legacy as a tireless advocate for peace, human rights, and compassion serves as an enduring inspiration for generations to come.

62 pawikan pinakawalan sa Tayabas Bay, Sariaya, Quezon

SARIAYA, Quezon. Pinakawalan muli ang 62 pawikan sa baybayin ng Tayabas Bay sa bayan ng Sariaya nitong Miyerkules, sa pangunguna ng iba’t ibang grupo na nagsusulong ng pangangalaga sa kalikasan.

Pinangunahan ng mga miyembro ng Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, Bantay Dagat ng Sariaya, Sangguniang Barangay at Tanod ng Barangay Guisguis 2, Tanggol Kalikasan, at mga residente ang makabuluhang aktibidad na naglalayong protektahan ang mga pawikan na kabilang sa mga hayop na nanganganib nang maubos.

Ayon sa mga tagapagtaguyod ng programa, tinatayang may mahigit 2,000 pang pawikan ang inaasahang mapipisa mula ngayong buwan ng Disyembre hanggang Marso 2025.

Ang mga pawikan ay mahalagang bahagi ng ekosistema ng dagat. Sila ang nagsisilbing tagalinis ng bahura dahil kumakain sila ng mga “coral sponges,” na tumutulong sa pagpapanatili ng kalinisan ng mga coral reef.

Patuloy ang panawagan ng mga grupo na pangalagaan ang kalikasan at huwag gambalain ang tirahan ng mga pawikan upang mapanatili ang kanilang populasyon at maiwasan ang kanilang tuluyang pagkaubos.

“Ang pagpapakawala ng mga pawikan ay paalala na ang bawat isa sa atin ay may responsibilidad na alagaan ang kalikasan para sa susunod na henerasyon,” ayon sa isang opisyal mula sa Tanggol Kalikasan.

Nagsilbing inspirasyon ang inisyatibong ito sa mga residente at nagbigay ng mahalagang mensahe hinggil sa kahalagahan ng biodiversity conservation sa bansa.

Putin issues apology to Azerbaijan over tragic airliner crash

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MOSCOW. Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a rare public apology to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on Saturday over what the Kremlin described as a “tragic incident” involving the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane. The disaster, which occurred after Russian air defense systems were activated against Ukrainian drone attacks, claimed the lives of at least 38 people.

The ill-fated Flight J2-8243 was en route from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Chechnya, when it crash-landed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, on Wednesday. The flight had diverted from its intended route through southern Russia, where multiple Ukrainian drone attacks were reported.

In a statement, the Kremlin said, “President Putin apologised for the tragic incident that occurred in Russian airspace and once again expressed his deep and sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.” Putin also conveyed his sympathies to Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev over the casualties.

Investigation Points to Russian Air Defenses

Preliminary findings suggest that Russian air defenses may have mistakenly shot down the Embraer jet. According to four sources involved in Azerbaijan’s investigation, the aircraft was likely misidentified as an incoming drone. Survivors reported hearing a loud bang before the crash.

The Azerbaijani government stated that the plane had been “subjected to external physical and technical interference in Russian airspace, resulting in a complete loss of control and redirection to the Kazakh city of Aktau.” Evidence included objects that had pierced the fuselage and survivor testimonies.

Footage from passengers showed oxygen masks deployed and people wearing life jackets before the crash. Videos taken after the incident revealed injured passengers climbing out of the wreckage. Of the 175 people on board, there were 29 survivors.

The White House said on Friday that initial indications suggested the airliner might have been downed by Russian air defense systems. U.S. President Joe Biden, while on vacation in St. Croix, said, “Apparently he [Putin] did [take responsibility], but I haven’t spoken to him or my team.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed condolences to Azerbaijan and demanded “clear explanations” from Russia. Meanwhile, MSNBC, citing U.S. intelligence sources, reported that Russian forces might have mistaken the civilian jet for a hostile drone.

The Kremlin maintained that investigations are ongoing, and both civilian and military personnel are being questioned. Russia has yet to confirm direct responsibility for the crash.

This incident highlights the risks to commercial aviation, even hundreds of miles from active war zones. Russia’s air defense and electronic jamming operations to counter Ukrainian drones have increased the hazards to civilian flights.

The tragedy echoes past aviation disasters, including the 2020 downing of a Ukrainian jetliner by Iranian forces and the 2014 shooting down of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine. Both incidents involved misidentification of civilian aircraft during military conflicts.

Azerbaijan has vowed to pursue accountability as investigations continue. Meanwhile, international attention remains focused on Russia’s response and measures to prevent similar tragedies.

Ika-apat na impeachment laban kay VP Sara Duterte inaasahang ihahain

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MAYNILA. Inaasahang ihahain ang ika-apat na reklamong impeachment laban kay Pangalawang Pangulo Sara Duterte sa ikalawang linggo ng Enero 2025, kasabay ng pagbabalik-sesyon ng Kongreso matapos ang kapaskuhan.

Ayon kay House Deputy Minority Leader France Castro, ang tatlong naunang reklamo ng impeachment laban kay VP Sara ay hindi pa naisasumite sa House Committee on Justice. Dagdag pa niya, maaaring hinihintay ni House Secretary General Reginald Velasco ang ika-apat na reklamo bago ito isumite. “Sa ngayon, patuloy ang review ng House Legal Department sa mga reklamo upang matukoy ang merito ng mga ito,” ani Castro.

Reklamo sa Pondo

Ang naturang impeachment ay kaugnay sa umano’y maling paggamit ng confidential fund ng Office of the Vice President (OVP) at ng Department of Education (DepEd) sa ilalim ng panunungkulan ni VP Sara. Umaabot ito sa P612.5 milyon mula huling bahagi ng 2022 hanggang ikatlong quarter ng 2023.

Ang Kongreso ay nakatakdang magbalik sesyon sa Enero 14, kung kailan maaring ihain ang ika-apat na impeachment. Ayon sa Saligang Batas, kailangang isumite ng House Secretary General ang anumang reklamong impeachment sa opisina ng Speaker ng Kamara sa loob ng 10 araw ng sesyon matapos itong matanggap. Dapat din itong maisama sa “Order of Business” ng Kamara. May tatlong araw ng sesyon naman ang House Committee on Justice upang repasuhin ang reklamo at tukuyin kung may sapat na basehan para umusad ito.

Pagtutulak ng Impeachment

Sinabi ni Castro na, sa kabila ng nalalapit na midterm election, may sapat na oras pa upang maisulong ang impeachment laban kay VP Sara. “May ilang miyembro ng Minorya ang sumusuporta sa signature drive na inilunsad ng Makabayan coalition,” dagdag niya. Ang signature drive na ito ay naglalayong makalikom ng 1/3 boto o 106 miyembro ng Kamara upang mapabilis ang proseso ng impeachment.

Kontrobersya sa Pinekeng Resibo

Magugunitang nalagay sa kontrobersya si VP Sara dahil sa mga isinumiteng pinekeng resibo sa Commission on Audit (COA) para bigyang katwiran ang paggamit ng confidential funds. Isa sa mga na-highlight dito ang resibong nakapangalan kay “Mary Grace Piattos,” na napatunayang walang rekord sa Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Patuloy na binabantayan ng publiko ang magiging aksyon ng Kamara sa reklamo laban kay VP Sara, na isa sa mga pinakamalaking usaping politikal sa bansa sa kasalukuyan.