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Kampanya laban sa child bullying, mas pinatibay ng DSWD

MAYNILA. Patuloy ang Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) sa pagsasagawa ng mga aktibidad na tumutugon sa isyu ng child bullying sa mga pampublikong paaralan, bilang bahagi ng suporta nito sa kampanya ng Department of Education (DepEd) laban sa pambu-bully.

Ayon kay Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, tagapagsalita rin ng DSWD, isa sa mga pangunahing hakbang ng ahensya ay ang pagsasagawa ng mga Family Development Sessions (FDS) sa ilalim ng Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), upang bigyang-kaalaman ang mga magulang sa papel nila sa pagprotekta sa kanilang mga anak mula sa pambu-bully.

“Ang bullying ay isa sa mga pangunahing sanhi ng pagkagambala sa pag-aaral ng mga bata at kabataan. Upang makatulong na matugunan ang alalahaning ito, ang DSWD’s 4Ps ay nagsasagawa ng mga family development session (FDS) upang ipaalam sa mga magulang ang kahalagahan ng pagkakaroon ng isang mapag-aalaga na kapaligiran ng pamilya at paaralan para sa mga bata upang maiwasan ang pambu-bully,” pahayag ni Dumlao.

Dagdag pa niya, nakatutulong ang FDS sa pagpapalakas ng kakayahan ng mga magulang na mapangalagaan ang emosyonal na kalusugan ng kanilang mga anak at mahikayat ang bukas na komunikasyon sa loob ng pamilya.

Bukod sa FDS, aktibo rin umano ang mga DSWD Field Offices sa pagpapatupad ng mga adbokasiya sa mga paaralan upang mapalawak ang kaalaman ng mga guro at mag-aaral tungkol sa iba’t ibang anyo ng bullying at ang mga mekanismo upang ito’y maiwasan.

Isa sa mga kamakailang halimbawa ng kanilang kampanya ay ang isinagawang aktibidad noong Abril 8 sa Barangay Nato, Sagñay, Camarines Sur. Dito, nagsagawa ng talakayan ang mga kawani ng 4Ps mula sa DSWD Field Office 5–Bicol Region kasama ang mga estudyante at guro sa high school, hinggil sa kani-kanilang mga responsibilidad sa pagpigil sa pambu-bully.

Samantala, ibinahagi rin ni Dumlao na sa ginanap na pambansang kongreso para sa mga batang benepisyaryo ng 4Ps noong Nobyembre 2024, isa sa mga makabuluhang rekomendasyong inaprubahan ay ang pag-amyenda sa Anti-Bullying Act of 2013.

Ang 4Ps, na inilunsad noong 2008 at na-institutionalize sa bisa ng Republic Act No. 11310 noong 2019, ay pangunahing programa ng gobyerno sa pagbabawas ng kahirapan at pagpapalakas ng human capital. Layunin nitong makapagbigay ng conditional cash transfer sa mga mahihirap na sambahayan sa loob ng pitong taon, upang mapabuti ang kalusugan, nutrisyon, at edukasyon ng mga bata.

Sa patuloy na pagtutok ng DSWD sa isyung ito, umaasa ang ahensya na mas maraming bata ang mapapangalagaan laban sa banta ng pambu-bully sa mga paaralan at komunidad.

Humanoid robots join human runners in Beijing half-marathon first

BEIJING, China. In a groundbreaking blend of technology and athleticism, humanoid robots shared the spotlight with human runners at a half-marathon held in the Chinese capital on Saturday, marking a unique first in the world of distance running.

Covering the full 21.1 kilometers (13.1 miles), bipedal robots of various shapes and sizes ran alongside thousands of flesh-and-blood competitors. The event, described by organizers as a historic milestone, featured a dual-course system: one lane for humans and a parallel lane reserved for the mechanical participants, separated by a divider for safety.

The Humanoid Robot Half-Marathon involved 20 robot teams, each supported by dedicated human navigators, engineers, and operators. Unlike their human counterparts, the robots competed under customized rules, including scheduled pit stops for battery swaps, essential for sustaining their energy-intensive mechanical strides.

Taking the top spot in the robot race was the Sky Project Ultra, also known as Tien Kung Ultra, developed by the Tien Kung Team. The humanoid machine completed the course with a finishing time of 2 hours, 40 minutes, and 42 seconds.

Apart from overall ranking, the event also celebrated design and innovation with awards for Best Endurance, Best Gait Design, and Most Innovative Form.

Event organizers lauded the competition as “a new frontier where athletic performance meets artificial intelligence,” highlighting the growing integration of robotics into everyday human experiences.

This pioneering event not only captured the imagination of the crowd but also pointed to the future of robotics in sports and public life.

The Sky Project Ultra robot also known as Tien Kung Ultra is awarded the gold medal after winning the Humanoid Robot Half-Marathon held in Beijing on Saturday, April 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Mayor ng Rizal, Cagayan, patay sa pamamaril habang nangangampanya

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RIZAL, CAGAYAN. Patay sa pamamaril si Atty. Joel Ruma, kasalukuyang alkalde ng Rizal, Cagayan at muling tumatakbo sa parehong posisyon, habang dalawa pa ang sugatan matapos pagbabarilin sa isang campaign rally sa loob mismo ng barangay hall ng Iluru bandang 9:30 ng gabi, Miyerkules.

Ayon sa paunang ulat, isinagawa ang kampanya sa loob ng barangay hall nang biglang sumalakay ang mga hindi pa nakikilalang suspek at pinaulanan ng bala ang lugar. Napatay si Mayor Ruma habang sugatan naman sina Merson Abiguebel at Melanie Talay, mga residente ng barangay Iluru.

Kaagad na nagsagawa ng manhunt operations ang Rizal Municipal Police Station upang tugisin ang mga salarin. Isa sa mga tinitingnang motibo ng krimen ay ang nalalapit na halalan, pati na rin ang dating kinakaharap na kasong legal ng alkalde.

Matatandaang noong halalan ng Mayo 2022, si Ruma ay nangangampanya lamang sa radyo habang nagtatago sa batas dahil sa kasong kinakaharap, subalit nanaig pa rin ito sa laban. Nagtala siya ng 5,746 boto kontra sa 4,405 ni dating Phil. Air Force General Ralph Mamauag. Muli siyang tumatakbo ngayong 2025 kasama ang kanyang maybahay na si Vice Mayor Brenda Ruma.

Tatlong kandidato ang maglalaban sa pagka-alkalde sa Rizal: si Mamauag, si Florence Littaua, at ang nasawing si Ruma. Sa pagka-bise alkalde naman, makakaharap ni Brenda Ruma sina Konsehal Pastor Boyet Ligas Jr. at Edilberto Jose Jr. May kabuuang 19 kandidato rin para sa Sangguniang Bayan.

Sa pahayag ng isang taga-suporta ni Ruma na hindi nagpabanggit ng pangalan, sinabi nito: “Hindi lang siya lider, kundi haligi ng komunidad. Masakit at nakakabigla ang sinapit niya.”

Patuloy ang imbestigasyon ng mga awtoridad. Ang karahasan sa kampanya ay muling nagbigay-diin sa panganib na dala ng politika sa ilang bahagi ng bansa, lalo na’t papalapit na naman ang halalan.

Thousands pay respects as Pope Francis lies in state at St. Peter’s Basilica

VATICAN CITY. A wave of grief and reverence swept across St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday as thousands of Catholic faithful began filing past the wooden casket of Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88. The start of the three-day public viewing marked a solemn milestone ahead of Saturday’s funeral, which will be attended by world leaders including U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Positioned before the basilica’s main altar, the late pope’s open casket, draped in red robes, with a rosary between clasped hands and a bishop’s miter upon his head—drew mourners from across Italy and around the world. In just the first 8.5 hours, the Vatican reported that 19,430 people had paid their respects.

“It gave me chills,” said Ivenes Bianco, a visitor from Brindisi in southern Italy. “He was important to me because he encouraged co-existence. He brought many people together.’’

Unlike his predecessors, Francis’ casket was placed on a ramp rather than an elevated bier, consistent with his wishes for a modest papal funeral. He had long expressed that the pope should be remembered as a “simple pastor, not a world leader.”

Wednesday morning began with the tolling of the basilica’s bells as Francis’ body was brought into St. Peter’s in a moving procession led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who is temporarily overseeing Vatican affairs. The ceremonial Litany of Saints filled the air as clouds of incense wafted toward the heavens. Cardinals, bishops, and members of the clergy paid their respects before the doors were opened to the public.

Among the crowd, the mood was hushed and reverent, punctuated by the rustling of prayer books, quiet murmurs, and the occasional cry of a child. “It’s the feeling one experiences when a family member passes away,” said Rosa Morghen from Naples. “As he is a father, a grandfather who has gone.”

Francis’ public viewing will continue until 7 p.m. Friday, after which his casket will be closed and sealed in preparation for the Saturday funeral, scheduled for 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, Pope Francis led the Catholic Church for 12 years. His papacy was defined by advocacy for the poor, calls for inclusion, and efforts to simplify and modernize Church traditions. Though widely beloved, he also faced criticism from conservative sectors of the Church for his progressive stance on issues ranging from LGBTQ rights to climate change.

Following the funeral, the Church will enter a transitional phase as preparations begin for the conclave to elect Francis’ successor. The process, conducted in the historic Sistine Chapel behind closed doors, is expected to commence no earlier than May 5. Of the 135 cardinals eligible to vote, 133 are currently set to participate after two bowed out due to health concerns.

“We’ll see what the Holy Spirit says,” said South Korean Cardinal Lazarus You Heung-sik, who heads the Vatican office for clergy. When asked whether the next pontiff could come from Asia, he replied, “For the Lord, there’s no East or West.”

Papua New Guinea’s Cardinal John Ribat, the country’s first and only cardinal, reflected on his journey to Rome, saying: “To have a representative from here to be in the conclave, it is a big thing.” He expressed hope for a pope who can lead “in a way that is truthful and binds everyone together.”

Security in Rome has been tightened, with Italian authorities deploying both foot and mounted patrols around the Vatican amid a steady stream of pilgrims arriving for the Holy Year celebrations that Francis inaugurated in December.

“The death of a pope is not a small thing, because we’ve lost our leader,’’ said Julio Henrique from Brazil. “But still, in a few days, we will have a new leader. So … the thing of hope remains. Who will assume Peter’s throne?”

Trump scolds Zelenskiy as U.S. threatens to walk away from Ukraine peace talks

WASHINGTON/LONDON/PARIS. In a renewed clash between Washington and Kyiv, U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy butted heads once again over efforts to end the ongoing war in Ukraine, with Trump warning that American involvement in peace negotiations may soon come to an end.

The tension came to a head during a series of high-stakes talks in London this week, where U.S., Ukrainian, and European officials gathered in pursuit of a diplomatic resolution to the war that began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Vice President JD Vance, speaking from India, stated that the time had come for Russia and Ukraine to either accept a U.S.-brokered peace proposal or risk the U.S. withdrawing from the negotiation process altogether. “The only way to really stop the killing is for the armies to both put down their weapons, to freeze this thing,” Vance said. He emphasized that the U.S. plan seeks to freeze current territorial lines and initiate a “long-term diplomatic settlement.”

According to a former Western official familiar with the proposal, it includes recognizing Russia’s annexation of Crimea, a key sticking point for Ukraine. Zelenskiy, who has long maintained that Ukraine will never cede any part of its territory, reaffirmed this stance on Tuesday. “There’s nothing to talk about here. This is against our constitution,” he declared.

The Ukrainian president’s uncompromising position drew a sharp rebuke from Trump, who said such statements “make peace harder to achieve.” In a post on Truth Social, Trump insisted that Crimea was lost long ago and “is not even a point of discussion.”

Trump has disrupted long-standing U.S. policy toward the war since assuming office in January, shifting focus from applying pressure on Russia to urging Kyiv to pursue a ceasefire. He has repeatedly stated that he could end the war within 24 hours of returning to the White House, a claim that has raised eyebrows among allies and critics alike.

Despite the friction, Zelenskiy remained cautiously optimistic, writing on X (formerly Twitter) that while the London discussions were “marked by high emotions,” he hoped “future joint work will lead to peace.” He reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to its constitution and shared a 2018 Crimea Declaration signed by then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, which stated: “The United States rejects Russia’s attempted annexation of Crimea and pledges to maintain this policy until Ukraine’s territorial integrity is restored.”

Trump, however, remained adamant that a deal was close. “We’re very close to a deal for peace,” he claimed to reporters, calling the London talks “pretty well” despite the tension. “We’ve got to get two people, two strong people, two smart people, to agree. And as soon as they agree, the killing will stop.”

Further complicating the diplomatic push, Secretary of State Marco Rubio canceled his trip to the London talks at the last minute, resulting in the scrapping of a broader meeting that would have included foreign ministers from Britain, France, Germany, and Ukraine. The cancellation underscored growing rifts among Western allies about how to end the war.

White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said Trump’s “patience is running very thin” and expressed frustration with Zelenskiy’s approach, claiming he “seems to be moving in the wrong direction.”

Trump’s Ukraine envoy, Steve Witkoff, has proposed concessions that go beyond Crimea. According to several sources, his recommendations include recognizing Russian control over approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory, blocking Ukraine’s future NATO membership, and lifting Western sanctions on Russia.

On X, another Trump envoy, Keith Kellogg, voiced optimism about the London talks, saying: “It’s time to move forward on President Trump’s UKR-RU war directive: stop the killing, achieve peace, and put America First.”

Witkoff is expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin again on Friday, marking his fourth meeting with the Kremlin leader to discuss possible terms for ending the war.

As Trump pushes for a swift resolution, European allies have been scrambling to support Kyiv while trying to stay aligned with Washington. Britain, France, and Germany issued a joint statement after the London summit highlighted the balancing act. It read: “All parties reiterated strong support for Trump’s commitment to stopping the killing and achieving a just and lasting peace,” adding that “significant progress was made on reaching a common position on next steps.”

Further talks are expected in the coming weeks as all sides grapple with whether a compromise is still possible or if the U.S. is indeed prepared to walk away.

President Marcos to attend Pope Francis’ Funeral in Vatican City


Philippine leader mourns the “best Pope” of his lifetime

MANILA. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will fly to Vatican City to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88. The Palace confirmed on Wednesday that Marcos will be joined by First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos for the solemn occasion.

The announcement was made by Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro, who said the President was in deep sorrow over the Pontiff’s passing.

“Pope Francis led not only with wisdom but with a heart open to all, especially the poor and the forgotten,” Marcos said in a statement. “By example, Pope Francis taught us that to be a good Christian is to extend kindness and care to one another.”

Marcos described the late pontiff as a “man of profound faith and humility,” and referred to him as the “best Pope” in his lifetime.

For her part, the First Lady also paid tribute to Pope Francis, calling him a saint she had the honor of meeting. “Now heaven welcomes him home. Thank you, Pope Francis,” she said in a social media post, which included a photo of her audience with the Pope.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was the first Jesuit and the first Latin American to become the Supreme Pontiff, having been elected on March 13, 2013. He was beloved across the world, including in the Philippines, where he was fondly called Lolo Kiko. During his 2015 visit to the country, he celebrated Mass at the Manila Cathedral and the University of Santo Tomas, and braved a storm to hold an outdoor Mass in Tacloban City.

According to the Vatican, Pope Francis died of a stroke and irreversible heart failure, following a serious bout of double pneumonia. His funeral will be held on Saturday, April 26, at 10 a.m. (0800 GMT) in St. Peter’s Square, in front of the iconic Basilica.

In a will written in 2022, Pope Francis requested to be buried in a simple, unadorned tomb in the Basilica of St. Mary Major, home to his favorite icon of the Madonna, Salus Populi Romani. It was there that he often prayed before and after papal journeys.

The world now prepares to bid farewell to a Pope remembered for his humility, compassion, and unwavering advocacy for the marginalized.

Diplomats convene in London as pressure mounts for ceasefire in Ukraine-Russia conflict

LONDON. Top officials and diplomats from the United Kingdom, the United States, Ukraine, and other European nations gathered in London on Wednesday in a renewed push to explore pathways to a ceasefire and long-term peace between Kyiv and Moscow, as the war in Ukraine enters its fourth year.

The meeting, which followed similar high-level discussions in Paris last week, brought together foreign ministers, national security advisers, and special envoys to evaluate the prospects for ending the war. British Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized that the talks aim to consider “what a ceasefire might look like and how to secure peace in the long term.”

The United States was represented by retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, serving as former President Donald Trump’s envoy for Ukraine and Russia. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who had attended the Paris discussions, was unable to join the London meeting due to a scheduling conflict, according to the U.S. State Department.

Though expectations for a breakthrough remain low, officials regard the week as a critical juncture in ongoing diplomatic efforts. “Now is the time for (Russian President Vladimir) Putin to show he’s serious about peace,” said Dave Pares, spokesperson for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. “The ball’s in Russia’s court.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that his delegation was given a clear mandate to pursue only discussions centered on a full or partial ceasefire. “After a ceasefire, we’re prepared to sit down for talks in any format,” Zelenskyy said.

However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov tempered expectations, noting the complexity of the conflict. “The settlement issue is so complex that it would be wrong to put some tight limits on it and try to set some short time frame for a settlement, a viable settlement, it would be a thankless task,” he remarked.

The latest discussions come amid broader efforts by the Trump campaign to demonstrate progress toward ending the war. Trump stated last week that talks were “coming to a head,” warning that the U.S. might “take a pass” if neither side showed commitment to peace.

Meanwhile, President Putin’s foreign affairs adviser, Yuri Ushakov, revealed that U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to return to Moscow for additional discussions, though no further details were provided.

Despite calls for a ceasefire, Russia has reportedly rebuffed a U.S. proposal for a comprehensive 30-day halt to hostilities, citing stringent conditions. Putin had earlier declared a 30-hour unilateral ceasefire over the weekend, but Ukrainian and British officials reported that Russian attacks continued during the supposed pause. The Associated Press could not independently verify the status of the ceasefire along the approximately 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line.

Both Ukrainian and Western officials confirmed that preparations are underway for a spring-summer military campaign, highlighting that time may be running out for diplomacy to avert a new escalation in the conflict.

Western analysts continue to caution that Moscow, emboldened by recent battlefield gains, may delay genuine negotiations in pursuit of further territorial advances.

Pope Francis thankful for final Easter appearance before passing, Vatican reports

VATICAN CITY. Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88, was reportedly thankful that he was able to greet a crowd of 50,000 faithful in St. Peter’s Square during Easter, despite initial doubts about his physical condition, Vatican News reported.

The beloved Argentine pontiff, who had been recovering from a five-week hospitalization due to pneumonia, made his last public appearance on Easter Sunday. Riding in his popemobile around St. Peter’s Square, he blessed the crowd and reached out to touch the hands of children and pilgrims, his first interaction with the public since leaving the hospital.

According to Vatican News, the pope had hesitated about making the appearance, asking his personal healthcare assistant, Massimiliano Strappetti, “Do you think I can manage it?” Upon receiving reassurance, he proceeded with the ride and afterward told Strappetti, “Thank you for bringing me back to the square.”

The following morning, Pope Francis reportedly began showing signs of illness at around 5:30 a.m. and fell into a coma by 6:30 a.m.

His Easter appearance from the loggia — the same place where he had been introduced as the first Latin American pope on March 13, 2013 — marked a poignant and symbolic closure to his 12-year papacy. Throughout his tenure, he championed reforms aimed at bringing the Church closer to the marginalized and emphasized its mission of compassion and service.

Funeral Arrangements

Pope Francis will lie in state beginning Wednesday at St. Peter’s Basilica, where thousands are expected to pay their final respects. His funeral is scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square and will be celebrated by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals.

Among the international dignitaries expected to attend are U.S. President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and Argentine President Javier Milei.

In line with Church protocol, the conclave to elect Francis’ successor is set to begin between May 5 and 10.

Tributes from Vatican Officials

“He truly gave everything he had, up to the end,” said Sister Nathalie Becquart, one of the highest-ranking women in the Vatican. Recalling his last public moment, she added, “He really walked with his people.”

Italian Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, former head of the Vatican’s Council for Culture, highlighted Francis’ enduring legacy in promoting the role of women within the Church. He emphasized the pope’s final wish to be buried not beneath St. Peter’s Basilica as tradition dictates, but at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, close to his favorite icon of the Madonna, Salus Populi Romani.

“He wanted to be buried under the shadow of a woman, in this case Maria,” said Ravasi. “That is significant, his desire for the church to do more for women.”

Images released Tuesday show the late pope in red vestments and a bishop’s miter, resting peacefully in a wooden casket inside the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta residence, where he lived and died.

Pope Francis’ final wish, stated in his will, was to rest eternally beneath the Byzantine-style image of the Virgin Mary, an icon he visited before and after every foreign trip. On March 23, just after being released from Gemelli Hospital, he made a final stop at the basilica to leave flowers and returned once more on April 12 to pray.

As tributes pour in from around the world, the memory of Pope Francis’ final blessing on Easter Sunday stands as a testament to a life lived in humble service and a papacy that forever changed the Church.

Mahigit 57,000 inaprubahan ng Comelec sa local absentee voting para sa Halalan 2025

MAYNILA. Inaprubahan ng Commission on Elections (Comelec) ang kabuuang 57,689 na aplikante para sa Local Absentee Voting (LAV) kaugnay ng nalalapit na National at Local Elections sa Mayo 2025.

Batay sa datos mula sa Committee on Local Absentee Voting, ang mga aprubadong aplikante ay binubuo ng mga miyembro ng media, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), at mga kawani mula sa iba’t ibang ahensiya ng pamahalaan.

Pinakamalaki ang bilang mula sa AFP, na may 29,030 na aprubadong botante—binubuo ng 26,626 na lalaki at 2,404 na babae. Sa kabuuang bilang na ito:

  • 26,024 ay mula sa Philippine Army,
  • 2,908 mula sa Philippine Air Force, at
  • 98 mula sa Philippine Navy.

Sinundan ito ng PNP na may 23,448 aprubadong botante, kabilang ang 18,072 lalaki at 5,376 babae.

Para naman sa sektor ng media, 1,005 miyembro ang pinayagang makaboto sa pamamagitan ng LAV, kabilang ang 524 lalaki at 481 babae.

Itinalaga rin ng Comelec ang mga lugar ng pagboto para sa media:

  • Ang mga mula sa NCR-based media ay boboto sa Office of the Regional Election Director (ORED) ng NCR.
  • Para sa media sa highly urbanized cities sa labas ng NCR, sa kani-kanilang Provincial Election Supervisor (PES) office ang botohan.
  • Ang media naman sa ibang lugar ay boboto sa Offices of the Election Officer (OEO).

Kabilang din sa mga aprubadong LAV voters ang:

  • Department of Education (DepEd) – 1,290 botante
  • Comelec personnel – 922 botante
  • Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) – 707 botante

Ang Local Absentee Voting ay isasagawa mula Abril 28 hanggang Abril 30, 2025, sa loob ng kani-kanilang opisina.

Binigyang-diin ng Comelec na ang mekanismong ito ay mahalaga upang masiguro na makaboboto pa rin ang mga essential service workers na hindi makararating sa regular na botohan dahil sa kanilang tungkulin sa mismong araw ng halalan.

“Ang Local Absentee Voting ay isang paraan upang mapanatili ang karapatan sa pagboto ng mga lingkod-bayan at mamamahayag na nagtatrabaho para sa kapakanan ng publiko kahit sa araw ng halalan,” ayon sa Comelec.

Vatican releases first images of Pope Francis in open casket; funeral set for saturday

The Vatican has released the first official images of Pope Francis in an open coffin during the solemn rite of certification of death held Monday night at the chapel of Casa Santa Marta, his residence in Vatican City.

According to Vatican News, “during the rite, the declaration of death was read aloud. The act was validated by Cardinal Farrell, and the ceremony lasted just under an hour.”

The rite, a traditional Vatican procedure to formally certify the death of a pope, took place in a private and prayerful setting, attended by key Vatican officials.

Further details regarding the public viewing of the Pope’s remains are expected later today. However, the Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis’s coffin will be transferred from the chapel of Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday morning, where it will remain for public veneration until the funeral.

In a statement released earlier today, the Vatican confirmed that the funeral of Pope Francis will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. local time in St. Peter’s Square. The funeral liturgy will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals.

Following the funeral rites, Pope Francis’s coffin will be carried into St. Peter’s Basilica and subsequently to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore for burial, in accordance with his personal wishes.

Pope Francis, known globally for his advocacy of humility, peace, and interfaith dialogue, leaves behind a profound legacy that has shaped the modern Catholic Church. His funeral is expected to draw world leaders, religious figures, and faithful from across the globe.

Pope Francis in his open coffin during the rite of the Confirmation of the Death of the Pontiff. Credit: AFP
Rosary beads attached to Pope Francis’s hands as he lies in an open coffin in the Vatican Credit: AFP