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NASA pushes back Artemis Moon Missions, citing technical delays

Venus L Peñaflor
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NASA pushes back Artemis Moon Missions, citing technical delays

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. NASA has once again postponed its ambitious plans to return astronauts to the moon under the Artemis program, pushing the timeline further into the future. The agency announced on Thursday that the Artemis II mission, which involves flying four astronauts around the moon, is now scheduled for April 2026 instead of the previously anticipated September 2025.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson explained that the delay stems from technical challenges, including addressing heat shield damage observed during the uncrewed Artemis I mission in 2022. “Delays are agonizing and slowing down is agonizing, and it’s not what we like to do,” said astronaut Reid Wiseman, the commander of Artemis II, during a press conference. “But ensuring the safety of the mission is paramount.”

The Artemis I mission, which sent an uncrewed Orion capsule on a successful lunar flyby, highlighted critical issues with the spacecraft’s heat shield. The capsule returned with excessive char and erosion, prompting engineers to thoroughly investigate the problem. The damage was attributed to gas buildup in the heat shield’s outer layer during the atmospheric reentry, leading to cracking and uneven material shedding.

Nelson confirmed that the Artemis II mission will use the Orion capsule with its original heat shield, but with adjustments to the reentry trajectory to mitigate potential risks. Completely replacing the heat shield would have required at least a year of additional delays, further postponing the subsequent moon landing mission, Artemis III, which is now expected no earlier than 2027.

Artemis II will mark the program’s first crewed mission, with astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen aboard. The mission aims to fly around the moon and return safely to Earth, serving as a crucial step before the Artemis III moon landing.

Twenty-four astronauts participated in NASA’s Apollo program, with 12 landing on the lunar surface. The last moon landing occurred during Apollo 17 in December 1972.

NASA aims to land astronauts on the moon before China, which has set a target of 2030 for its crewed lunar mission. “We are committed to keeping the United States ahead in lunar exploration,” Nelson said, adding that all Artemis contractors, including SpaceX, have been urged to accelerate their efforts.

SpaceX’s Starship, currently undergoing test flights in Texas, is a critical component of the Artemis program. The spacecraft will ferry astronauts from the Orion capsule in lunar orbit to the moon’s surface during the first two landings.

Despite the setbacks, NASA officials remain optimistic about the program’s progress. Nelson emphasized that the revised timeline reflects a commitment to safety and mission success, saying, “The Artemis program embodies our determination to explore and inspire, no matter the challenges.”

Artemis II is set to pave the way for humanity’s return to the moon, with the hope of achieving new milestones in lunar exploration while rekindling the spirit of Apollo.

Unstoppable: An inspiring yet predictable tale of triumph against odds

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Unstoppable: An inspiring yet predictable tale of triumph against odds

Anthony Robles’ life story seems destined for Hollywood. Born with only one leg, Robles defied both societal prejudices and physical challenges to become a wrestling champion. His journey, marked by sheer determination and the unwavering support of his mother, Judy (portrayed by Jennifer Lopez), has now been adapted into the sports drama Unstoppable, directed by Oscar-winning editor William Goldenberg (Argo), in his feature debut.

The film, opening in select theaters Friday and streaming on Prime Video from January 16, offers an emotionally charged narrative that captures Robles’ relentless spirit. Jharrel Jerome delivers a compelling lead performance, bringing authenticity and passion to the role. Despite its inspiring premise, however, Unstoppable leans heavily on the familiar tropes of sports dramas, which somewhat dulls the impact of Robles’ extraordinary story.

A Story of Grit and Determination

Unstoppable wisely skips Robles’ childhood and starts his journey at the tail end of high school. Robles, who chose not to rely on prosthetics, excels in wrestling—his chosen sport because, as he quips, it’s “the only one where the other guy couldn’t run away.” Despite his high school successes, prestigious wrestling programs like Iowa dismiss his potential, leaving Drexel University as his best option. Yet, family complications lead him to walk on at Arizona State University, where he must prove himself to skeptical coach Sean Charles (played by Don Cheadle).

Jennifer Lopez brings depth to Judy, Anthony’s mother, whose role as his staunchest supporter is complicated by her tumultuous marriage to Rick (Bobby Cannavale). Rick’s character, while central to the story’s tension, comes across as a one-dimensional antagonist whose presence detracts from the depth of Judy’s narrative.

Judy’s resilience is highlighted in a powerful “mic drop” moment, yet the film misses opportunities to delve deeper into her character. Despite her magnetic performance, Lopez is somewhat constrained by the screenplay’s limitations, which could have benefited from a woman’s perspective among the writers.

The Sport at the Heart of the Story

The film shines brightest during the wrestling sequences. From grueling training sessions—including a memorable run up a rocky hill on crutches—to high-stakes matches, the portrayal of Robles’ athletic journey is both gripping and inspiring. His relationships with his coaches add emotional weight, with Michael Peña leaving a strong impression in limited screen time and Cheadle delivering his usual finesse.

Ultimately, the film belongs to Jharrel Jerome, whose portrayal of Robles captures both the physical and emotional rigor of the wrestler’s journey. Jerome’s performance elevates the film, making it a memorable watch despite its formulaic approach.

Final Verdict

Unstoppable is a heartfelt tribute to Anthony Robles’ remarkable achievements. While it doesn’t break new ground as a sports drama, the film’s inspiring message and Jerome’s standout performance make it worth watching.

Unstoppable, an Amazon MGM Studios release, is rated PG-13 for “some strong language and thematic material.” It has a runtime of 116 minutes and will stream on Prime Video starting January 16.

Rating: ★★½ (out of four)

Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act at Student Loan Moratorium Law, nilagdaan ni PBBM

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act at Student Loan Moratorium Law, nilagdaan ni PBBM

MAYNILA. Nilagdaan ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. noong Biyernes, Disyembre 6, ang dalawang mahahalagang batas: ang Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act at ang Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters Emergencies Act, na layuning suportahan ang mga pamilyang apektado ng kalamidad at magbigay ng financial relief sa mga mag-aaral.

Pagtatatag ng Ligtas Pinoy Centers

Ang Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act ay nag-aatas ng pagtatayo ng fully equipped evacuation centers sa bawat rehiyon upang magsilbing ligtas na kanlungan para sa mga apektadong residente ng kalamidad.

“We do not wish for the frequent usage of such facilities and can only pray that we have fewer calamities. But nonetheless, we need to ensure that the evacuation centers sufficiently respond to the needs of our people affected by calamities and other such emergencies,” pahayag ng Pangulo.

Idinagdag pa ni Marcos, “Investing in these climate-resilient facilities must be the norm; for we are not only protecting the people’s lives, but also capacitating our local government units to respond, to reduce, and to manage the risks of disasters.”

Nagkuwento rin si Pangulong Marcos tungkol sa kanyang pagbisita sa mga biktima ng sunog sa Tondo, Maynila, kung saan nakita niya ang tibay ng loob ng mga apektadong residente. “Evacuation centers like these should also be as strong as their faith and as resilient as the people’s resolve,” aniya.

Binigyang-diin din ng Pangulo ang matagal nang isyu ng paggamit sa mga pampublikong paaralan bilang pansamantalang evacuation centers, na nakakaapekto sa layunin ng mga eskuwelahan para sa edukasyon.

“With the enactment of this law, we heed that appeal and commit to only using our schools for the promotion of our students’ welfare and development of the education system,” paliwanag ni Marcos.

Moratorium sa Student Loans

Samantala, ang Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act ay naglalayong suspendihin ang koleksyon ng student loans sa panahon ng kalamidad nang walang penalty at interest, na nagbibigay ng mas mahabang panahon sa mga mag-aaral upang makaahon mula sa epekto ng mga sakuna.

“The benevolence of this law allows the disaster-affected students and their families to have a breathing space as they recuperate and rebuild their lives,” ani Marcos.

Inatasan din ng Pangulo ang Commission on Higher Education (CHED) at Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) na tiyakin ang sapat na tulong para sa mga estudyante upang hindi maging balakid ang financial hardships sa kanilang edukasyon.

Pinuri ni Marcos ang mga mambabatas na nagtulak ng mga bagong batas, na aniya’y malinaw na testamento ng kanilang dedikasyon sa pangangailangan ng mga Pilipino.

Ang dalawang batas na ito ay patunay ng administrasyon ni Pangulong Marcos sa pagpapalakas ng kahandaan ng bansa sa mga kalamidad at sa pag-aalaga sa kapakanan ng mga estudyante.

Syrian rebels capture fourth city, advance on Homs: Assad’s regime faces major threat

Venus L Peñaflor
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Syrian rebels capture fourth city, advance on Homs: Assad’s regime faces major threat

AMMAN. Syrian rebels have claimed control of Daraa, the southern city considered the birthplace of the 2011 uprising against President Bashar al-Assad, marking the fourth city his forces have lost within a week.

Rebel sources revealed that a deal facilitated an orderly withdrawal of Assad’s military from Daraa, providing safe passage for army officials to Damascus, located approximately 100 kilometers (60 miles) to the north.

Videos circulating on social media depicted rebels on motorcycles and celebrating residents firing shots into the air in the city’s main square. However, no confirmation from the Syrian military or government has been confirmed, and Reuters has not independently verified the rebels’ claims.

Daraa, with a pre-war population exceeding 100,000, holds symbolic weight as the cradle of Syria’s uprising. The city’s seizure follows the rebels’ rapid advances, which also saw them claim Aleppo, Hama, and Deir el-Zor over the past week.

Rebels have now turned their sights on Homs, a pivotal city in central Syria and a critical crossroads connecting Damascus to Assad’s coastal strongholds. “Our forces have liberated the last village on the outskirts of Homs and are now on its walls,” declared the leading rebel faction on Telegram.

Should Homs fall, it would sever Assad’s access to the Mediterranean coast, home to key Russian military bases and the heartland of Assad’s Alawite sect.

The regime’s forces, supported by Iranian-backed Hezbollah fighters, are reportedly repositioning to bolster defenses near Homs. Meanwhile, state media reported dozens of rebels killed in the countryside by Russian-Syrian airstrikes and artillery.

State TV also highlighted Russian-Syrian strikes on rebel strongholds in Hama, Idlib, and Aleppo, allegedly killing 200 insurgents. However, the rebels’ momentum remains unchecked.

As the offensive intensifies, thousands of civilians are fleeing Homs for government-held coastal regions like Latakia and Tartus, according to residents and witnesses.

Rebel forces, spearheaded by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), appear emboldened after years of stalemates. HTS leader Abu Mohammed Al-Golani told The New York Times, “This operation broke the enemy,” expressing confidence in toppling Assad.

The lightning offensive comes as Assad’s allies—Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah—grapple with their own crises. Iran, preoccupied with escalating tensions with Israel, has reportedly begun evacuating military personnel from Syria, signaling waning support for Assad’s regime.

The potential capture of Homs would consolidate a rebel-controlled corridor from Aleppo in the north to Daraa in the south, encircling Damascus. Aron Lund, a fellow at the Century Foundation, remarked, “Assad’s government is fighting for its life at this point. The speed of the rebel advance is astonishing.”

Syria’s 13-year civil war has claimed over 305,000 lives between 2011 and 2021, according to the United Nations. Despite Assad regaining control of most of Syria in recent years, the latest rebel offensive underscores the fragility of his grip on power.

As the rebels press forward, both Russia and Jordan have advised their nationals to leave Syria, a stark indicator of the escalating conflict’s severity.

The conflict’s outcome remains uncertain, but the rebels’ renewed momentum poses the most significant challenge to Assad’s rule in years.

South Korea’s President Yoon faces calls for suspension after martial law controversy

Venus L Peñaflor
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0
South Korea’s President Yoon faces calls for suspension after martial law controversy

SEOUL. South Korea’s ruling party leader, Han Dong-hoon, has called for the immediate suspension of President Yoon Suk Yeol, citing the president’s recent attempt to impose martial law, a move that has sparked outrage within the nation. On Friday, the government denied reports claiming that another martial law declaration was in the works, but the political turmoil surrounding Yoon continues to escalate.

On Tuesday, President Yoon stunned the country and his ruling People Power Party (PPP) by granting the military sweeping emergency powers to combat what he described as “anti-state forces” and political opponents. Six hours later, parliament, including some members of his own party, voted against it, swiftly rescinding the order.

However, the political crisis deepened as the main opposition Democratic Party submitted an impeachment motion against Yoon, scheduling a parliamentary vote for Saturday evening. Fearing that Yoon might make another attempt to declare martial law, opposition lawmakers occupied the parliament’s plenary hall on Friday to block any such moves.

Acting Defence Minister Kim Seon-ho denied reports suggesting another martial law declaration was imminent, while Han Dong-hoon expressed growing concerns about the potential for “extreme actions” under Yoon’s leadership. He warned that Yoon’s continued presidency posed “great danger” to the country.

On Thursday, Han suggested that there was “credible evidence” that Yoon had ordered the arrest of political leaders at Gwacheon, just south of Seoul. This claim was later denied by the presidential office. Despite this, Han reiterated his belief that the president’s immediate suspension was necessary to safeguard the Republic of Korea and its people.

“I believe that President Yoon Suk Yeol’s immediate suspension of office is necessary to protect the Republic of Korea and its people in light of the newly revealed facts,” Han said, though he did not directly call for impeachment or comment on reporters’ queries about his stance on the matter.

Some PPP members urged Yoon to resign voluntarily, fearing a repeat of the 2016 impeachment of then-President Park Geun-hye, which resulted in the collapse of the conservative party and a victory for the liberals in subsequent elections. “We cannot impeach the president tomorrow and hand over the regime to Lee Jae-Myung’s Democratic Party,” PPP lawmaker Yoon Sang-hyun said.

For an impeachment to succeed, the motion requires support from two-thirds of the 300-member assembly. With Yoon’s party holding 108 seats, at least eight members would need to side with the opposition for the motion to pass.

If the impeachment vote is successful, Yoon would be suspended from office until a trial is held by the Constitutional Court, with the prime minister assuming leadership in an acting capacity.

President Yoon has remained out of the public eye since rescinding the martial law declaration early Wednesday and did not attend the PPP meeting on Friday. Rumors circulated that he was on his way to parliament, prompting opposition lawmakers to barricade the main lobby in an effort to block his entry. The assembly speaker even requested that Yoon refrain from attending parliament, a request his office later denied.

Investigations into the martial law decision have been launched by national police, and government and military prosecutors are jointly investigating the president’s actions. Kim Yong-hyun, the defence minister who allegedly encouraged the martial law declaration, has since resigned. Meanwhile, three army commanders have been suspended, and military prosecutors are working to bar ten officers from traveling overseas.

Amid this political chaos, details are emerging about the events of Tuesday night, which have brought painful memories of South Korea’s history of military rule. Kwak Jong-geun, the special warfare commander, revealed that he disobeyed an order from Kim to drag lawmakers out of parliament. “I knew it would be disobedience, but I did not order that mission. I told them not to go in,” Kwak said. He also ordered his troops to refrain from using live ammunition.

The opposition Democratic Party has strongly condemned the president’s actions, with spokesperson Ahn Gwi-ryeong declaring that the people had already “psychologically impeached” Yoon. Images of Ahn grappling with a soldier outside parliament on Tuesday became symbolic of the nation’s resistance to the martial law attempt. “Who could trust a president declaring martial law almost like a child playing games or entrust the nation to such leadership?” Ahn said.

According to a Gallup Korea poll released on Friday, Yoon’s approval rating has plummeted to a record low of 13%, further complicating his political standing amid the growing unrest.

Philippine jobless rate slightly increases to 1.97 million in October, PSA reports

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Philippine jobless rate slightly increases to 1.97 million in October, PSA reports

MANILA. The number of unemployed Filipinos rose slightly to 1.97 million in October, marking a marginal increase from the previous month, according to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) released on Friday. The PSA attributed the increase to disruptions caused by consecutive storms that affected labor force participation during the month.

PSA Chief and National Statistician Claire Dennis Mapa explained that the number of jobless individuals, aged 15 and above, grew from 1.89 million in September, but showed improvement when compared to 2.09 million unemployed people in October 2023. This resulted in an unemployment rate of 3.9%, up from 3.7% in September.

“We saw a decline in labor force participation and the number of employed because of weather disturbances… which entered the country in at least three weeks of October. It had an impact on the decision of our fellow Filipinos to participate in the labor market,” Mapa stated during a press conference.

Despite the slight uptick, year-on-year data showed a positive trend, with the total labor force expanding from 49.88 million in October 2023 to 50.12 million in October 2024. Mapa assured that the increase in unemployment figures was temporary, driven by the storms. “But if you look at the year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter data, there is an increase, so we view this as temporary because of the weather disturbances,” Mapa said.

The number of employed individuals also decreased, from 49.87 million in September to 48.16 million in October. However, there was a notable increase from 47.79 million employed people in October 2023.

In terms of industry, the services sector remained the largest contributor to employment, accounting for 61% of the workforce in October 2024. The agriculture and industry sectors followed with 21.2% and 17.9%, respectively.

Notable sub-sectors that saw significant growth in employment include:

  • Administrative and support service activities: +247,000
  • Accommodation and food service activities: +215,000
  • Transportation and storage: +202,000
  • Construction: +121,000
  • Mining and quarrying: +101,000

On the other hand, sectors that experienced declines in employment included:

  • Fishing and aquaculture: -213,000
  • Wholesale and retail trade: -212,000
  • Agriculture and forestry: -183,000
  • Manufacturing: -123,000
  • Other service activities: -23,000

The underemployment rate also rose to 12.6% in October, from 11.7% in the same month last year, affecting approximately 6.08 million workers who sought additional hours or another job. This increase was primarily seen in the wholesale and retail trade, agriculture, and forestry sectors.

However, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan noted that the government is focused on mitigating the economic impact of recent calamities. “We are developing a governance framework for public-private partnerships to finance climate-resilient infrastructure and provide emergency employment assistance,” he said. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is also continuing to implement its Tulong Panghanapbuhay Para sa Ating Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, offering cash-for-work assistance to displaced individuals.

Regarding employment types, wage and salary workers accounted for the largest portion of the workforce at 63.8%, followed by self-employed individuals without employees at 27.7%. The remaining share was made up of unpaid family workers (5.9%) and employers in family-run businesses (2.6%).

The government has been making strides to generate more job opportunities by prioritizing critical infrastructure projects in sectors like connectivity, telecommunications, and energy. “We are prioritizing the upskilling and reskilling of our workforce to equip Filipino workers with the knowledge and capabilities needed in today’s dynamic job market,” Balisacan concluded.

South Korea’s ruling party vows to fight Yoon impeachment

Venus L Peñaflor
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South Korea’s ruling party vows to fight Yoon impeachment

SEOUL, South Korea. South Korea’s political crisis deepened as opposition lawmakers announced plans to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol following his controversial declaration of martial law earlier this week. The move has sparked public outrage and international concern, with Yoon’s own administration in turmoil after the resignation of Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun.

The Democratic Party, the main opposition group, plans to hold a parliamentary vote on Saturday at 7 p.m. (1000 GMT) to impeach Yoon. “The Yoon Suk Yeol regime’s declaration of emergency martial law caused great confusion and fear among our people,” Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Seung-won said during an early morning session at the National Assembly.

On Tuesday, Yoon’s declaration of martial law attempted to ban political activity and censor the media in South Korea, Asia’s fourth-largest economy and a key U.S. ally. The move has drawn sharp criticism from international leaders and allies, including U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who told Reuters that Washington had not been informed in advance.

Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun, accused of advising Yoon to impose martial law, resigned on Thursday. President Yoon accepted it and nominated Choi Byung-hyuk, South Korea’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, as Kim’s replacement.

Vice-Defence Minister Kim Seon-ho revealed that Kim Yong-hyun had ordered troops to deploy near parliament, adding that he was unaware of the martial law declaration until it was publicly announced. “I have fundamentally opposed the mobilization of military forces under martial law and have expressed negative opinions about it,” Kim Seon-ho told a parliamentary hearing, apologizing for his inability to prevent the crisis.

The Democratic Party requires at least eight lawmakers from Yoon’s ruling People Power Party to back the impeachment motion for it to pass with a two-thirds majority in the 300-seat parliament. The People Power Party, divided over the issue, has declared its opposition to impeachment as Yoon still has two years left in his five-year term.

Yoon’s presidency has been increasingly contentious. He has faced criticism for his hardline stance on labor unions and allegations of influence-peddling involving him and his wife. In November, he dismissed accusations against him, labeling his critics as “communist totalitarian and anti-state forces.”

The crisis has also raised security concerns in the region. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba noted that Japan’s security environment could be “fundamentally changed” by instability in Seoul and North Korea’s increasing military assertiveness. “What will happen to South Korea? There appears to be a great deal of domestic criticism and opposition,” Ishiba said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining Yoon’s efforts to improve relations with Tokyo.

General Paul LaCamera, commander of U.S. Forces-Korea, advised American troops to exercise caution amid the protests, underscoring the potential for “unexpected” developments. The United States has 28,500 troops stationed in South Korea as part of a post-Korean War alliance.

As the political storm intensifies, questions remain about Yoon’s leadership stability and its implications for South Korea’s alliances and domestic governance.

PSA: Inflation pumalo sa 2.5% noong Nobyembre

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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PSA: Inflation pumalo sa 2.5% noong Nobyembre

MAYNILA. Tumaas ang inflation rate ng bansa noong Nobyembre, ayon sa ulat ng Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) nitong Huwebes.

Iniulat ng PSA na ang headline inflation ay umabot sa 2.5 porsyento noong Nobyembre, mas mataas kumpara sa 2.3 porsyento noong Oktubre. Ang naturang datos ay pasok sa forecast range ng Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) na nasa 2.2 hanggang 3 porsyento.

Mula Enero hanggang Nobyembre ng taong kasalukuyan, ang average inflation ay nasa 3.2 porsyento, na nananatiling pasok sa target range ng pamahalaan na 2 hanggang 4 porsyento.

Ayon pa sa PSA, “Core inflation, which excludes selected food and energy items, increased to 2.5 percent in November 2024 from 2.4 percent in October 2024. In November 2023, core inflation was faster at 4.7 percent.”

Ang core inflation ay binibigyang pansin dahil ito’y nagtatanggal ng epekto ng mas pabagu-bagong presyo ng pagkain at enerhiya, kaya’t mas nagpapakita ito ng pangkalahatang kondisyon ng ekonomiya.

Patuloy na binabantayan ng mga eksperto ang paggalaw ng inflation sa bansa upang matiyak ang katatagan ng ekonomiya at kapakanan ng mga mamamayan.

Bagong impeachment complaint inihain laban kay Sara Duterte

Venus L Peñaflor
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Bagong impeachment complaint inihain laban kay Sara Duterte

MAYNILA. Inihain abg isang panibagong impeachment complaint laban kay Bise Presidente Sara Duterte noong Miyerkules sa House of Representatives.

Mahigit 70 katao mula sa iba’t ibang sektor ang nagsumite ng ikalawang reklamo laban kay Duterte. Sa kanilang reklamo, binanggit nila na nilabag umano ni Duterte ang tiwala ng publiko dahil sa “pang-aabuso sa discretionary powers” kaugnay ng confidential funds, kawalan ng pagpapahalaga sa transparency at accountability, at pagpapabaya sa tungkulin dahil sa pagtangging kilalanin ang Congressional oversight sa panahon ng budget deliberations.

Ayon sa reklamo, “The betrayal of public trust evident in respondent’s actions represents a fundamental breach of the covenant between public servant and citizen— a breach so severe that it can only be remedied by her removal from office through impeachment with the penalty of permanent disqualification from holding public office.”

Dagdag pa sa reklamo, “It is time to put an end to the regime of fiscal impunity that has plagued the Office of the Vice President since 2022.”

Ang pagsasampa ng bagong reklamo ay kasunod ng unang impeachment complaint laban kay Duterte na inihain noong Lunes, Disyembre 2, ng mga advocacy group.

Samantala, sinabi ng dalawang mambabatas na obligadong aksyunan ng Kamara ang impeachment complaint alinsunod sa mandato ng Konstitusyon.

Sa kabilang banda, una nang sinabi ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. na hindi siya pabor sa anumang plano ng impeachment laban kay Duterte, dahil naniniwala siyang wala itong maitutulong sa buhay ng mga Pilipino.

Photo credit: GMA7 News Online

Philippines and China exchange accusations on South China Sea confrontation

Venus L Peñaflor
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0
Philippines and China exchange accusations on South China Sea confrontation


The Philippines and China traded sharp accusations on Wednesday over a maritime confrontation near the contested Scarborough Shoal, highlighting ongoing tensions in the South China Sea. Both nations provided conflicting accounts of the incident, underscoring their deep-seated territorial disputes.

The Chinese Coast Guard accused four Philippine ships of intruding into its claimed waters around the Scarborough Shoal, which Beijing calls Huangyan Island.

“Philippine ships had dangerously approached our normal law enforcement patrol vessels,” said Liu Dejun, a Chinese Coast Guard spokesperson. Liu claimed that one Philippine vessel ignored repeated warnings, engaging in actions that “seriously threatened the safety of a Chinese coast guard vessel.”

Liu issued a stern warning: “We warn the Philippines to immediately stop infringement, provocation, and propaganda, otherwise it will be responsible for all consequences.”

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) disputed China’s narrative, alleging that Chinese navy and coastguard ships engaged in aggressive maneuvers against a routine patrol by Philippine vessels and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

A PCG spokesperson detailed that Chinese vessels used a water cannon, sideswiped a PCG vessel, and employed “blocking, shadowing, and dangerous maneuvers” against Philippine ships.

The incident comes weeks after China submitted nautical charts to the United Nations asserting its claim over the Scarborough Shoal. China has drawn territorial baselines around the shoal, which the Philippines refers to as Bajo de Masinloc, describing the submission as a “legitimate activity to defend territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.”

Jonathan Malaya, spokesperson for the Philippine National Security Council, criticized China’s actions, stating:
“It looks like a reinforcement of (China’s) baseless claim over Bajo de Masinloc following their submission of their alleged baselines.”

The Scarborough Shoal, a prime fishing area and a strategic flashpoint, is claimed by both nations. Manila insists on adhering to the 2016 arbitral ruling under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which invalidated China’s sweeping claims over most of the South China Sea—a decision Beijing does not recognize.

The Philippines and its Southeast Asian neighbors, through the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), continue to negotiate a code of conduct with China for the South China Sea. However, disagreements persist over aligning it with UNCLOS principles.

The Scarborough Shoal incident adds another layer of complexity to these negotiations and underscores the need for mechanisms to manage disputes in the contested waters.

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