Thursday, April 24, 2025


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‘When injustice becomes law, nonviolent resistance becomes duty’

DC Alviar
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‘When injustice becomes law, nonviolent resistance becomes duty’

Not that of Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) but that of Petra Kelly (1947-1992) is quoted in the title. It is however not far-fetched for such a message to be attributed to Nelson Mandela (1918-2013) and the 3rd US President Jefferson. The German Green Party co-founder Kelly pushed on a grassroots democratic platform without violence, so she said in 1983: “… We are the potential victims, counted in mega-deaths… Even if these weapons aren’t used, their cost kills the world’s poor because it sentence them to death by starvation… We’re told that in order to protect peace we have to be prepared to destroy all human life. We stock atomic bunkers with band-aids and canned food although in a [nuclear] crisis we would never even be able to reach them. We have the choice between a sudden death in a nuclear Holocaust and a step-by-step ecological suicide. We have to finally break through this conspiracy of silence. When injustice becomes law, nonviolent resistance becomes duty.” (Langguth, 1984 as cited in Hockenos, 2008)

Kelly’s courage was spot on, and many women and disadvantaged communities have benefited from her political theory and action (Milder, 2024). Her heroic but diplomatic demeanor was far from the likes of the DDS’ petulant woman vice president intending to become their president in 2028. The former Davao City mayor beat a sheriff in front of her bodyguards in July 2011 and apologized in June 2012. She said it was her first time to make a public apology.

Twelve years thereafter, she had a lot of reasons to be sorry about, i.e., “My mother got angry at me… She said everybody knows you’re a daughter of Rodrigo, but you’re also a daughter of Elizabeth (Zimmerman)… My mother said, ‘You have to be kind first of all’” (“Mayor Sara Duterte, kumambyo sa pagbira kay VP Leni Robredo,” GMA News, 2019, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzIIxMc_qAc). She needed to visit her in Naga City last month, but nobody knew if she had the guts to apologize for her “fake VP” remarks despite a unanimous Supreme Court decision, reconfirming Robredo’s victory in 2016 and junking Bongbong Marcos’ 60-million-peso electoral protest.

The quotation above is quite interesting because of this year’s well-settled return to power of Donald Trump, the 45th and 47th president of the United States of America. With 34 felony convictions, why is he not going to jail but instead coming back to the White House? What the world knew is that the twice-impeached president with brand-new fascistic tendencies could not accept his defeat in the November 2020 reelection and rallied thousands of supporters with roughshod speech, causing Capitol riots on January 6 and leaving five people dead. If it was not inciting violence, can they still produce those five lives? Sayang, Mr. Trump. Sayang, Americans. You should have done better than that.

Now, I never said, “Sayang, American voters.” It was a simple case of Americans wanting to make their country great again with Trump winning, losing, and winning again.

What is this country made of? The usually strong democratic institutions and justice system. The world’s oldest, longest federal republic. A union of 50 states. They have best people for over 200 years. The best peoples go there. The world almost always listens to America. When a basketball player wins in the NBA, he is considered a world champion.

The world, too, is watching the US vs… Name it. The US is rekindling ties with… Name it. Is it also getting better in championing the cause of justice in the entire human race? Trump and the rest of Americans are racing against time to reach nothing but world peace, order, and development; otherwise, the world will only watch it shoot the ball. Not much time to watch America dribble it as the shot clock of greatness expires fast if it knows where it is in the new normal.

I hope and pray that God will bless the seven continents, but we must confess that ours is an era when there is little dedication to reconciling and reshaping societies. Still, it was a great campaign, Kamala. Congrats, Trump.

Bagyong Marce, lalong lumakas; inaasahang magla-landfall sa Babuyan Islands

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Bagyong Marce, lalong lumakas; inaasahang magla-landfall sa Babuyan Islands

MAYNILA. Patuloy ang paglakas ng Bagyong Marce habang patungo ito sa hilagang bahagi ng Cagayan-Babuyan Islands area at inaasahang magla-landfall sa Babuyan Islands, ayon sa pinakabagong ulat ng PAGASA. Kasalukuyang nasa Signal No. 4 ang ilang lugar sa rehiyon.

Ayon sa Tropical Cyclone Bulletin ng PAGASA, ang sentro ng mata ng Bagyong Marce ay nasa layong 200 kilometro silangan ng Aparri, Cagayan. May dala itong maximum sustained winds na umaabot sa 155 kilometers per hour (kph) malapit sa gitna at pagbugsong aabot sa 190 kph. Ang central pressure nito ay nasa 955 hPa.

Kumikilos ang bagyo pakanluran hilagang-kanluran sa bilis na 15 kph. Ang malakas na hangin na dala ni Marce ay umaabot hanggang 560 kilometro mula sa sentro nito, na nagdudulot ng malakas na pag-ulan at hanging bagyo sa mga apektadong lugar.

Mga Lugar na nasa ilalim ng Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS)

Signal No. 4:

  • Hilagang bahagi ng mainland Cagayan (Gonzaga, Santa Ana, Santa Teresita, Lal-Lo, Buguey, Aparri, Camalaniugan, Gattaran, Ballesteros, Allacapan, Abulug, Pamplona, Sanchez-Mira) kabilang ang Babuyan Islands
  • Hilagang-silangang bahagi ng Apayao (Santa Marcela)

Signal No. 3:

  • Katimugang bahagi ng Batanes (Mahatao, Uyugan, Basco, Ivana, Sabtang)
  • Natitirang bahagi ng Cagayan
  • Natitirang bahagi ng Apayao
  • Ilocos Norte
  • Hilagang bahagi ng Abra (Tineg)

Signal No. 2:

  • Natitirang bahagi ng Batanes
  • Hilagang at gitnang bahagi ng Isabela (San Pablo, Santa Maria, Divilacan, Tumauini, Maconacon, Cabagan, Santo Tomas, Quezon, Palanan, Ilagan City, Mallig, Delfin Albano, Quirino, San Mariano, Gamu, Roxas, Naguilian, Burgos, Reina Mercedes, Benito Soliven, Luna, Aurora, San Manuel, San Mateo, Alicia, Angadanan, City of Cauayan, Cabatuan)
  • Natitirang bahagi ng Abra
  • Kalinga
  • Mountain Province
  • Hilagang bahagi ng Ifugao (Alfonso Lista, Aguinaldo, Mayoyao, Banaue, Hungduan)
  • Hilagang bahagi ng Benguet (Bakun, Mankayan)
  • Ilocos Sur
  • Hilagang bahagi ng La Union (Sudipen, Bangar, Balaoan, Luna, Santol)

Signal No. 1:

  • Natitirang bahagi ng La Union
  • Pangasinan
  • Natitirang bahagi ng Ifugao
  • Natitirang bahagi ng Benguet
  • Natitirang bahagi ng Isabela
  • Quirino
  • Nueva Vizcaya
  • Hilagang at gitnang bahagi ng Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan, Dipaculao, Maria Aurora, Baler)
  • Hilagang bahagi ng Nueva Ecija (Carranglan)
  • Hilagang bahagi ng Zambales (Santa Cruz, Candelaria)

Payo at Babala ng PAGASA

Pinaalalahanan ng PAGASA ang publiko, partikular ang mga nasa apektadong lugar, na maghanda para sa posibleng pagbaha, pagguho ng lupa, at mga malalakas na pagbugso ng hangin.

Trump reclaims White House in historic victory; Harris concedes but vows to continue the “fight”

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Trump reclaims White House in historic victory; Harris concedes but vows to continue the “fight”

PALM BEACH, Florida/WASHINGTON. Donald Trump secured a dramatic return to the White House on Wednesday after a decisive electoral win, as millions of Americans put aside his legal battles and divisive rhetoric to choose a leader who promises to test the boundaries of presidential authority.

At age 78, Trump clinched the election following a turbulent campaign season marked by assassination attempts and Kamala Harris’s late entry into the race after President Joe Biden’s unexpected withdrawal. Despite polls suggesting a tight race, Trump emerged victorious in at least five of the seven key battleground states, securing over 270 Electoral College votes. In an unexpected development, Trump was also poised to be the first Republican candidate in two decades to win the popular vote.

In her concession speech delivered at Howard University, her alma mater, Harris offered words of comfort to her supporters, saying, “To everyone who is watching, do not despair. This is not a time to throw up our hands. This is a time to roll up our sleeves.” Although Harris pledged her support for a smooth transition, she reiterated her commitment to the ideals her campaign championed: “While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign—the fight for freedom, for opportunity, for fairness and the dignity of all people.”

Biden, who announced his support for a smooth transition, is expected to address the nation on Thursday at 11 a.m. EST (1600 GMT).

Trump’s victory marked a wave of conservative gains. Republicans regained control of the Senate and expanded their majority in the House of Representatives, setting the stage for sweeping legislative reforms. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell celebrated, stating, “It was a hell of a good day.”

As the U.S. stock market surged, Trump addressed a packed crowd at the Palm Beach County Convention Center, declaring, “America has given us an unprecedented and powerful mandate.”

Policies with Far-Reaching Consequences

Trump’s victory reignites a series of controversial proposals, including measures to empower federal agencies against perceived adversaries, political rivals, and civil servants he views as disloyal. He also announced plans to appoint Tesla CEO Elon Musk and former presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to prominent roles, with Musk having contributed over $119 million to Trump’s campaign.

Analysts anticipate that Trump’s proposals on trade and taxes could prompt fresh confrontations with global allies and further balloon the national debt. “We respect the choice of the American people and congratulate Mr. Trump on his election as president,” a spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry said. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed Trump’s “peace through strength” message, though the Kremlin indicated a cautious wait-and-see approach.

In discussions with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, Trump highlighted mutual concerns about North Korea’s military provocations. Yoon later expressed hope for an enhanced security alliance with the incoming administration.

Trump’s renewed emphasis on immigration enforcement and mass deportation campaigns, alongside his support from rural, white, non-college-educated voters, played a critical role in securing his victory. With bolstered support from women and Hispanics impacted by inflation, Trump’s base delivered a striking win for the twice-impeached former president, setting the stage for a contentious and transformative second term.

Philippine forces showcase defense readiness in South China Sea drill, Chinese Navy observes from afar

Venus L Peñaflor
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Philippine forces showcase defense readiness in South China Sea drill, Chinese Navy observes from afar

THITU ISLAND, South China Sea. Philippine forces conducted their first-ever island recapture exercise in the contested waters of the South China Sea on Wednesday. The drill took place on Thitu Island, with Chinese naval vessels observing from a distance, as the Philippine military chief noted.

General Romeo Brawner Jr., who oversaw the exercises from a Philippine Navy frigate, emphasized the nation’s commitment to sovereignty. “We are warning our neighbors or whoever or any external forces that we are capable of defending our islands,” Brawner stated, addressing a group of journalists, including those from the Associated Press, who were invited to witness the maneuvers.

The exercise, aimed at strengthening the country’s defense capabilities in the face of growing regional tensions, is seen as a bold statement amid the longstanding territorial disputes involving the South China Sea. China claims nearly the entire sea, despite counterclaims from the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan.

While Chinese officials did not issue an immediate response, they have opposed previous military drills in the area. The Philippines, supported by its treaty ally the United States, has continued to bolster its defensive measures, underscoring the region’s strategic importance.

The South China Sea disputes represent a critical and delicate issue within the broader U.S.-China power struggle in Asia, one likely to remain a key focus for the next American administration.

Kremlin says ‘let’s see’ if Trump victory could end Ukraine war

Venus L Peñaflor
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Kremlin says ‘let’s see’ if Trump victory could end Ukraine war

MOSCOW. The Kremlin responded with cautious optimism following Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency, emphasizing that time would reveal whether Trump’s campaign pledges to end the Ukraine war would translate into tangible action. Trump, who secured the White House in a surprising comeback, previously signaled interest in swiftly resolving the conflict, a position that the Kremlin sees as significant but not immediately actionable.

During his campaign, Trump, 78, promised to work toward a quick resolution to the Ukraine conflict, though specifics on his approach remain unclear. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged Trump’s statements but tempered expectations: “Let us not forget that we are talking about an unfriendly country, which is both directly and indirectly involved in a war against our state in Ukraine,” he stated, underscoring the strained U.S.-Russia dynamic.

While President Vladimir Putin has yet to extend congratulations to Trump, Peskov noted, “Relations are at a historic low.” Peskov suggested that any substantial shift in U.S. foreign policy would become evident only after Trump’s inauguration in January.

Mixed Views in Moscow on Trump’s Victory

Russian officials offered a range of reactions to Trump’s win, reflecting a mix of hope and skepticism. The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed that it harbored “no illusions” about the new U.S. administration, pointing to what it called a bipartisan “anti-Russian stance” within the U.S. ruling elite. The Ministry clarified that Russia’s priorities in Ukraine would remain unchanged, noting, “Our conditions are unchanged and are well known in Washington.”

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, a senior member of the Russian Security Council, hinted that Trump’s economic pragmatism could favor Moscow. “Trump has one useful quality for us: as a businessman to the core, he mortally dislikes spending money on various hangers-on,” Medvedev remarked, referring to Washington’s extensive military support for Ukraine. Analysts suggest Trump’s presidency may shift the dynamics of U.S. aid to Ukraine, potentially altering the resources available to Kyiv.

Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund, echoed a hopeful perspective, suggesting that Trump’s victory presents “new opportunities for resetting relations between Russia and the United States.” Dmitriev, a former Goldman Sachs banker with previous connections to Trump’s team, highlighted the potential for improved diplomatic ties under a Trump-led administration.

Complexities of Peace Negotiations

As the conflict in Ukraine enters its third year, Trump’s proposed path to peace faces complex realities on the ground. Putin has signaled a willingness to negotiate but maintains that Russia’s territorial gains must be recognized—a stance firmly rejected by Kyiv. Russian forces currently control about one-fifth of Ukraine, including the annexed Crimea region, much of the Donbas, and significant portions of the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions.

As Trump prepares to assume office, Moscow remains watchful, cautiously optimistic about a potential shift in U.S. policy, but grounded in its strategic interests in Ukraine. Peskov summarized the sentiment: “The U.S. is capable of changing the trajectory of its foreign policy… Will this happen, and if so, how… we will see after January.”

Donald Trump wins U.S. presidency in a remarkable comeback

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Donald Trump wins U.S. presidency in a remarkable comeback

PALM BEACH, Florida. Donald Trump has reclaimed the U.S. presidency, marking a historic return to the White House four years after being voted out. Trump’s win in this election ushers in a leadership shift that may intensify political divisions domestically and reshape America’s stance on international matters.

Trump, now 78, achieved victory early Wednesday, securing the necessary 270 Electoral College votes to retake the presidency, as projected by Edison Research. His triumph was cemented with a key win in the battleground state of Wisconsin, giving him 279 electoral votes to Kamala Harris’s 223 as of 5:45 a.m. ET (1045 GMT), with additional votes still being tallied. Trump also maintained a lead of approximately five million votes in the popular vote.

Addressing his supporters at the Palm Beach County Convention Center, Trump declared, “America has given us an unprecedented and powerful mandate.” This statement was met with loud cheers from his audience.

Despite numerous challenges, including multiple legal battles and a low approval rating, Trump managed to rally support by addressing voter concerns over inflation and asserting, without evidence, that crime rates have risen due to illegal immigration. His campaign message resonated strongly with rural, white, and non-college-educated voters, as well as Hispanic and lower-income groups who have felt the brunt of inflation.

In a stark contrast, Vice President Kamala Harris, who quickly launched her own campaign following President Joe Biden’s exit from the race, fell short of garnering sufficient support to surpass Trump. Her campaign’s message focused on democracy, with her warning voters that Trump’s ambitions posed a “danger to democracy.” However, her efforts were not enough to bridge the gap, leaving her supporters disappointed. “We still have votes to count,” her campaign co-chair Cedric Richmond remarked, indicating that Harris would speak later on Wednesday.

Following Trump’s win, global stock markets reacted positively, with the dollar experiencing its largest one-day surge since 2020. The election results also yielded a Senate majority for Republicans, though control of the House of Representatives remains uncertain as counts continue.

Economic Priorities and a Divided Nation

Opinion polls by Reuters/Ipsos revealed that voters view jobs and the economy as their top priorities. With stock markets soaring and wages growing, many still felt frustration over high prices. Trump capitalized on these sentiments, and a majority of voters indicated they trusted him more than Harris to resolve economic challenges.

In his upcoming term, Trump plans to implement tax cuts, a large-scale deportation initiative for undocumented immigrants, and potentially more tariffs against China and other allies. Economists, however, warn that these policies could strain the U.S. economy by increasing debt and worsening trade tensions.

Renewed Political Polarization

Trump’s return to power could further polarize the country, especially on issues such as immigration, gender, education, and reproductive rights. His confrontational rhetoric has often painted rivals as “the enemy within” and labeled immigration as a threat to national purity. Recently, he described the U.S. as a “garbage can” for immigrants, which has further intensified public divisions.

This historic comeback also signals significant shifts in Trump’s approach to governance. He has pledged to restructure federal agencies to include only loyalists, threatening the independence of key institutions like the Department of Justice. Supporters anticipate that his leadership will be markedly assertive, with an emphasis on loyalty and control.

Vice President Kamala Harris’s Attempted Challenge

Harris mounted a swift campaign after Biden’s exit, raising over $1 billion and closing what had initially been a solid Trump lead in polls. Her campaign, however, was met with strong counter-campaign efforts, including significant funding from billionaire Elon Musk, who publicly backed Trump and amplified pro-Trump messages on his social media platform, X.

Despite the outcome, this election cycle has highlighted deep and enduring political divisions in the United States. Nearly three-quarters of voters expressed concerns about the state of American democracy, underscoring the high-stakes nature of this fiercely contested race. Emory University political science professor Alan Abramowitz noted, “Trump’s victory will broaden the fissures in American society,” adding that the nation’s divisions have only grown more pronounced over recent years.

Bagyong Marce, lalo pang lumakas; Signal No. 3 itinaas sa Sta. Ana, Cagayan

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Bagyong Marce, lalo pang lumakas; Signal No. 3 itinaas sa Sta. Ana, Cagayan

CAGAYAN. Itinaas na ang Signal No. 3 sa bayan ng Santa Ana sa hilagang-silangang bahagi ng mainland Cagayan matapos na lalo pang lumakas ang Bagyong Marce ngayong Miyerkules ng umaga, ayon sa ulat ng PAGASA.

Sa kanilang 11 a.m. bulletin, inilabas ng PAGASA ang sumusunod na Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS):

Signal No. 3

  • Hilagang-silangang bahagi ng mainland Cagayan (Santa Ana)

Signal No. 2

  • Batanes
  • Babuyan Islands
  • Hilagang bahagi ng mainland Cagayan (Gonzaga, Lal-Lo, Santa Teresita, Buguey, Gattaran, Baggao, Lasam, Abulug, Camalaniugan, Pamplona, Claveria, Aparri, Ballesteros, Allacapan, Sanchez-Mira, Santa Praxedes, Rizal, Santo Niño, Alcala, Amulung)
  • Hilagang bahagi ng Apayao (Calanasan, Luna, Pudtol, Santa Marcela, Flora, Kabugao)

Signal No. 1

  • Ilocos Norte
  • Ilocos Sur
  • Abra
  • Natitirang bahagi ng Apayao
  • Kalinga
  • Mountain Province
  • Ifugao
  • Hilagang bahagi ng Benguet (Mankayan, Buguias, Kabayan, Bakun, Kibungan, Bokod, Atok)
  • Natitirang bahagi ng mainland Cagayan
  • Isabela
  • Quirino
  • Nueva Vizcaya
  • Hilagang bahagi ng Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan, Dipaculao, Maria Aurora, Baler)

Ang Bagyong Marce ay huling namataan sa layong 305 kilometro silangan ng Tuguegarao City, Cagayan o 315 kilometro silangan ng Aparri, Cagayan, at kumikilos ito pa-kanluran sa bilis na 10 kilometro kada oras.

Taglay ni Marce ang pinakamalakas na hangin na aabot sa 150 kph malapit sa gitna at pagbugsong hanggang 185 kph.

Ayon sa PAGASA, “Marce ay inaasahang magla-landfall at tatawid sa Babuyan Islands o sa hilagang bahagi ng mainland Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, at Apayao o magdaraan nang napakalapit sa mga lugar na ito mula bukas ng hapon hanggang madaling araw ng Biyernes (8 Nobyembre).”

Dagdag pa nito, “Inaasaang magpapatuloy ang pag-intensify ni Marce at maaaring maabot ang pinakamataas na lakas nito ngayong araw habang tumatawid sa Babuyan Channel. Bahagyang paghina ang inaasahan dahil sa posibleng interaksiyon sa kalupaan ng Luzon, subalit mananatiling isang bagyo si Marce habang nasa loob ng Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).”

Patuloy na nagbababala ang PAGASA sa publiko na maging alerto sa mga posibleng pagbaha at landslide, partikular sa mga lugar na nasa ilalim ng TCWS at mga katabing lugar.

Netanyahu fires defense minister amid escalating Gaza and Lebanon conflicts

Venus L Peñaflor
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Netanyahu fires defense minister amid escalating Gaza and Lebanon conflicts

JERUSALEM/CAIRO. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fires Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Tuesday, citing a “crisis of trust.” Gallant, a seasoned military figure and member of Netanyahu’s Likud party, was replaced by Netanyahu’s close ally, Israel Katz, who will now lead Israel’s ongoing military campaigns in Gaza and Lebanon. The decision triggered a rapid backlash, with demonstrators in Israel blocking major highways and lighting bonfires in protest, according to police reports.

Gallant’s dismissal comes as Israel prepares for potential retaliatory action from Iran following the Oct. 26 airstrikes it conducted on Iranian targets. Many of Netanyahu’s critics argue that he is placing political interests above national security at a critical time. The timing, surprising to some, coincides with the U.S. presidential election, adding further complexity to an already tense situation.

Replacing Katz as foreign minister is Gideon Saar, another prominent figure within Likud. Saar is expected to adopt a hardline approach in managing Israel’s complex international relations amid rising regional tensions.

The internal tension between Netanyahu and Gallant had been building throughout Israel’s 13-month-old war in Gaza, which targets the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Netanyahu stated that Gallant had “made statements that contradict the government’s and cabinet’s decisions.” Gallant responded firmly, saying, “The security of the State of Israel always was and will always remain my life’s mission.”

With Katz’s appointment, Israel has doubled down on its goals to secure the return of hostages held in Gaza and to dismantle Hamas and Hezbollah. Katz declared on the social media platform X, “I accept this responsibility with a sense of mission and holy fear for the security of the State of Israel and its citizens.”

As foreign minister, Katz had previously barred U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres from entering Israel, condemning what he viewed as Guterres’s inadequate response to Iranian missile attacks and alleged antisemitic conduct. Katz also rejected a ceasefire proposal from the U.S. and France for Lebanon in September, underscoring Israel’s commitment to a strict, uncompromising approach in its military engagements.

Gallant’s removal may have been influenced by broader political dynamics, particularly as Netanyahu faces pressure from far-right members of his coalition. Reports suggest that Gallant’s decision to issue 7,000 draft notices to ultra-Orthodox Haredi men—a group typically exempt from military service—angered several government members opposed to conscription. Political expert Gayil Talshir from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem speculated that “this was the last straw for Netanyahu, especially given the coalition’s aversion to mandatory conscription.”

While ministers from Netanyahu’s coalition, such as Itamar Ben-Gvir, praised the decision, describing Gallant as “trapped in the conception that it is not possible to achieve absolute victory,” opposition leaders expressed alarm. Yair Lapid, Israel’s opposition leader, condemned the timing of the firing, calling it “an act of madness” amid an active conflict.

International responses have also been swift. A White House National Security Council spokesperson described Gallant as an important partner, expressing hope to work closely with Katz going forward. Meanwhile, France’s foreign minister plans to visit Israel and the Palestinian territories this week, aiming to urge Israel toward a diplomatic approach to de-escalate the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.

As the Israeli government undergoes this sudden leadership shift, questions loom over the potential impacts on Israel’s defense strategy and the region’s stability. The new phase of Israel’s campaigns in Gaza and Lebanon under Katz’s leadership underscores a hardened approach in the face of mounting internal and international pressures.

Harris and Trump close fierce campaigns in key battlegrounds as U.S. election heads for nail-biting finish

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Harris and Trump close fierce campaigns in key battlegrounds as U.S. election heads for nail-biting finish

PHILADELPHIA/GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan. With the U.S. presidential election just hours away, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump made their final appeals to voters in Pennsylvania and other critical battleground states on Monday. Both candidates confidently forecasted victory in a race that polls show remains exceptionally close.

In an election filled with unprecedented twists—including two assassination attempts and a felony conviction for Trump, as well as Harris stepping in after President Joe Biden, 81, withdrew from re-election under party pressure—voter turnout has surged. Since March, more than $2.6 billion has been invested to sway public opinion, according to analytics firm AdImpact.

Despite these efforts, opinion polls place the two candidates nearly even. The outcome may not be clear for days after Tuesday’s voting, and Trump has already hinted that he may contest a defeat, as he did in 2020.

Final Push in Pennsylvania

Both Harris and Trump converged on Pennsylvania on Monday, encouraging any remaining undecided or uncommitted supporters to vote. Pennsylvania, one of seven battleground states expected to decide the outcome, holds a large share of the Electoral College votes critical to the path to victory.

Harris embarked on a five-stop tour of the state, including events in Reading and Pittsburgh, which Trump also visited. In Philadelphia, she held a grand finale rally on the famous “Rocky steps” of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, surrounded by stars such as Lady Gaga and Oprah Winfrey, who rallied the crowd before she took the stage.

Harris declared herself the underdog, “The momentum is on our side,” as the crowd chanted back, “We will win.” She added, “Tonight, then, we finish as we started: with optimism, with energy, with joy,” anticipating a historical election outcome.

In Allentown, Harris reached out to the city’s large Puerto Rican community, still angered over a recent offensive remark made by a comedian at a Trump rally. She then went door-to-door in Reading and held a rally in Pittsburgh where singer Katy Perry performed.

Trump’s Final Rally in Grand Rapids

Trump, 78, held his fourth and final rally just after midnight in Grand Rapids, Michigan, marking the third election cycle in which he has used the city as his final campaign stop. While highlighting issues like increased border security, he criticized the economic performance of the Biden-Harris administration. Acknowledging it might be his last rally, he said, “This is the last one,” estimating he had conducted around 930 rallies since he launched his first campaign in 2015.

“If we get out our people, it’s over, there’s nothing they can do about it,” Trump declared, adding, “To make you feel a little guilty, we would only have you to blame.” His evening rally included an endorsement from podcast host Joe Rogan, which energized his supporters.

Gender Gap and Voter Turnout

Both campaigns reported contrasting voter demographics in early voting trends. Harris’ campaign cited increased participation from younger voters and voters of color, who typically form her core coalition. Trump’s team, however, noted an uptick in early votes cast by women—a key demographic, as polls show Harris leading among female registered voters by 50% to Trump’s 38%, while Trump holds an edge among men.

“Men must vote!” urged Elon Musk, a prominent Trump supporter, on social media platform X. Musk’s voter outreach group, one of several external organizations supporting the Trump campaign, focused on contacting infrequent voters in Trump’s base.

Election Tensions and Legal Controversies

Trump’s campaign has been marred by his controversial comments on gender issues, including a promise to ban transgender athletes from women’s sports and a commitment to “protect women whether the women like it or not.” In Reading, he reiterated his stance, as supporters waved pink “Women for Trump” signs.

A Pennsylvania judge ruled in Trump’s favor, allowing Musk to continue his $1 million voter incentive, despite allegations from a local prosecutor that the effort was akin to an illegal lottery.

In states like North Carolina and Nevada, where Republicans posted robust early voting numbers, Trump’s senior adviser Jason Miller voiced optimism, saying, “The numbers show that President Trump is going to win this race. We feel very good about where things are.”

Meanwhile, Trump has hinted at challenging the election outcome should he lose. “Retribution” and legal action against political rivals have become central themes in his rhetoric. Harris’ team, however, has dismissed these threats, asserting, “Voters select the president, not Donald Trump,” according to campaign legal adviser Dana Remus.

As voters prepare to head to the polls on Election Day, both candidates continue to stoke enthusiasm among supporters, setting the stage for one of the most closely contested elections in recent American history.

Japan’s automated cargo transport system aims to revolutionize freight transport, address driver shortage

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Japan’s automated cargo transport system aims to revolutionize freight transport, address driver shortage

TOKYO. Japan is advancing plans to create an automated cargo transport corridor between Tokyo and Osaka, aiming to counter a growing shortage of truck drivers and reduce carbon emissions. Dubbed the “auto flow road,” this automated freight corridor, which has also been described as a “conveyor belt road,” is expected to fundamentally reshape Japan’s logistics landscape, particularly as demands for deliveries surge.

The project, still pending final budget allocations, represents a critical part of Japan’s approach to coping with labor shortages while maintaining efficiency in freight services. A government-produced concept video envisions large, automated, wheeled cargo containers moving in dedicated lanes within a three-lane highway system. The initiative is set to undergo trial tests in 2027 or early 2028, with full operational deployment anticipated by the mid-2030s.

“We need to be innovative with the way we approach roads,” explained Yuri Endo, a senior deputy director overseeing the project at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Endo emphasized that the automated system’s 24-hour operations would create dedicated logistics channels, which would both ease the burden on drivers and contribute to lower carbon emissions. “The key concept of the auto flow-road is to create dedicated spaces within the road network for logistics, utilizing a 24-hour automated and unmanned transportation system,” she added.

Japan’s plans are part of a larger, global movement toward automated cargo solutions. Similar projects are under consideration in other densely populated regions, including Switzerland, which envisions underground freight tunnels, and London, which is exploring a fully automated corridor powered by linear motors.

The Japanese system, which is primarily intended for large-scale business logistics, will initially rely on automated loading using forklifts and be integrated with airports, ports, and rail systems for maximum connectivity. The self-driving containers, measuring nearly six feet in height and over three feet wide, may eventually reach other routes across the nation if successful. Human drivers might still handle last-mile deliveries to individual addresses, though future advancements could further reduce this need.

The urgency behind Japan’s automation drive stems from what industry insiders are calling the “2024 problem.” New labor laws introduced this year restrict the overtime hours truck drivers can work, intended to curb overwork and improve safety on the roads. This constraint is forecasted to reduce Japan’s transport capacity by a projected 34% by 2030, according to government estimates.

In contrast to larger countries like the United States, Japan’s freight network is highly reliant on trucks, which handle over 91% of domestic transport capacity. With online shopping demand having jumped from 40% to over 60% of Japanese households during the pandemic, this reliance on trucking has only intensified.

While delivery truck fatalities have decreased to around 1,000 annually from nearly double that in 2010, the Japan Trucking Association, representing over 400 trucking businesses, remains committed to further reducing accidents. The association has also encouraged consumers to limit delivery orders or combine them when possible to ease pressure on drivers and the network.

The automation project reflects the urgent need to rethink logistics in Japan, where truckers, often on the road for long stretches, face challenging working conditions. “The 2024 problem isn’t just a transportation problem but a people’s problem,” noted Yuji Yano, a professor at Ryutsu Keizai University, emphasizing the widespread societal impact of Japan’s logistics challenges.

As Japan moves forward with this ambitious project, its success could serve as a model for other countries grappling with similar labor and environmental challenges in freight logistics.

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