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Belgian prime minister and king confront Pope Francis on Catholic Church’s sex abuse scandal

Venus L Peñaflor
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Belgian prime minister and king confront Pope Francis on Catholic Church’s sex abuse scandal

BRUSSELS. Belgium’s Prime Minister Alexander De Croo directly criticized Pope Francis on Friday, condemning the Catholic Church’s long-standing legacy of clerical sex abuse and cover-ups in Belgium. During the pontiff’s official visit to Laeken Castle, De Croo demanded “concrete steps” to address the church’s past failures and prioritize victims over institutional interests, marking one of the most forceful public condemnations a pope has faced during a foreign visit.

“This is our shame and humiliation,” Pope Francis responded after De Croo’s remarks, emphasizing the gravity of the issue. The prime minister’s speech, delivered before an audience that included Belgium’s King Philippe, diplomats, and church officials, called for a reckoning with the past and a commitment to victims. “Today, words alone do not suffice. We also need concrete steps,” De Croo insisted, pressing for the church to take responsibility for its actions.

King Philippe also addressed the pontiff, echoing De Croo’s call for the church to work “incessantly” toward atonement and to help victims heal. Both leaders delivered parts of their speeches in Dutch, the language spoken in Flanders, where the abuse cases have garnered the most attention. The candid and forceful tone underscored the deep wounds left by two decades of revelations about abuse and systematic cover-ups, which have severely damaged the Catholic Church’s credibility in Belgium.

Victims’ groups welcomed the strong language from both De Croo and King Philippe. Survivor Emmanuel Henckens noted that their remarks addressed “the crux of the evil,” acknowledging the scale of the abuse. However, another survivor, Koen Van Sumere, stressed that words were no longer enough. He called for the church to provide substantial reparations for the victims, rather than mere apologies. “If you want to move toward forgiveness and reconciliation, it is not sufficient to only say ‘I am sorry,’ but you have to bear the consequences it entails and you should compensate the damages,” Van Sumere said. He criticized the Belgian church’s financial settlements, saying they amounted to “alms” and were insufficient to cover therapy costs.

Belgium’s clerical abuse scandal has gradually unfolded over the past 25 years, culminating in a bombshell revelation in 2010. Bruges Bishop Roger Vangheluwe, the country’s longest-serving bishop, resigned after admitting he had sexually abused his nephew for 13 years. However, he faced no punishment at the time, leading to widespread outrage. It wasn’t until earlier this year that Pope Francis defrocked Vangheluwe, an action seen as an effort to address lingering anger before the papal visit.

In addition to the Vangheluwe case, a 200-page report released in 2010 revealed that 507 people had come forward with stories of being molested by priests in Belgium, with some victims as young as two years old. The report identified at least 13 suicides by victims and several suicide attempts, underscoring the devastating impact of the abuse. Survivors and advocates have argued that the true extent of the abuse is far greater than what has been documented.

Pope Francis, addressing the audience after De Croo’s speech, reiterated his commitment to addressing the scandal. “The church must be ashamed and ask for forgiveness,” he said. He emphasized that the institution must take all possible steps to prevent such abuse from happening again and expressed his sorrow for the victims. “But even if it were only one [victim], it is enough to be ashamed,” he added.

Both the prime minister and the king also touched upon another scandal tied to the Belgian church — the issue of forced adoptions. After World War II and continuing through the 1980s, many single mothers in Belgium were forced by the church to give up their newborns for adoption. These adoptions often involved money, and the records have since disappeared, making it nearly impossible for the adopted individuals to trace their birth mothers. Pope Francis expressed his sadness at learning of these practices, but he noted that such actions were influenced by the prevailing societal views.

In his speech, Pope Francis also mentioned the importance of prevention programs and the church’s efforts to accompany victims in their healing journey. While the pontiff’s acknowledgment and expressions of sorrow were welcomed, survivors remain adamant that further action is needed. Some survivors penned a letter to Pope Francis demanding a universal reparations program for victims of clerical abuse, an idea that has faced resistance from the Vatican, which has maintained that local churches should handle financial settlements.

The pope’s visit to Belgium, marred by this confrontation, highlights the ongoing struggle within the Catholic Church to come to terms with its dark legacy of abuse. As De Croo pointedly remarked, “To be able to look into the future, the church needs to come clean on its past.”

AI revolution uncovers 303 new ancient geoglyphs in Peru’s Nazca Desert

EDGARDO HERNAL
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AI revolution uncovers 303 new ancient geoglyphs in Peru’s Nazca Desert

Archaeologists in Peru, aided by artificial intelligence (AI), have uncovered 303 previously unknown geoglyphs in the Nazca Desert. These ancient symbols, some over 2,000 years old, depict many figures, including birds, spiders, plants, human-like beings with headdresses, decapitated heads, and even an orca wielding a knife.

The discovery, which nearly doubles the known number of Nazca geoglyphs, was detailed in a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) on Monday. These large-scale artworks were created by moving stones or gravel to reveal contrasting earth beneath and have survived millennia due to the dry and sparsely populated region.

The use of AI, in conjunction with high-resolution imagery, has dramatically accelerated the discovery process. Masato Sakai, a professor of archaeology at Yamagata University in Japan, led the team responsible for this remarkable breakthrough. Working alongside researchers from IBM’s Thomas J. Watson Research Center in New York, they trained an AI model to analyze satellite images of the Nazca geoglyphs.

A New Age of Archaeological Discovery

The AI model, although not perfect, suggested over 47,000 potential sites within the 629 square kilometers (243 square miles) of the Nazca Desert. From these, researchers identified 1,309 candidates with “high potential.” Fieldwork between September 2022 and February 2023 confirmed the existence of 303 new geoglyphs, many of which were discovered with the help of AI. As the study notes, AI has proven to be a “game changer,” significantly reducing the labor required to pinpoint promising locations for fieldwork.

“The geoglyphs in good condition were immediately recognized for what they were,” said Sakai in an email. “For those in poor condition, we are investigating what they are through detailed fieldwork.”

Among the new discoveries, 178 were directly suggested by the AI model, while 125 were additional findings made during fieldwork. Notably, 66 geoglyphs were identified as part of a cluster discovered by AI, while 59 were found without AI assistance. The researchers believe many more geoglyphs are waiting to be uncovered, estimating that at least 248 more could be identified based on the success rate of their AI-driven fieldwork.

AI’s Growing Role in Archaeology

While AI has proven immensely useful in archaeology, it is not without its limitations. “AI is great, but humans are still needed,” said Amina Jambajantsan, a researcher and data scientist at the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology in Germany, who was not involved in the Nazca research. Jambajantsan noted that archaeologists and data scientists often do not collaborate closely, with the former lacking the technical skills to build machine learning models and the latter being drawn to more lucrative fields.

Nonetheless, AI continues to show its potential in advancing archaeological discoveries, as seen in the Nazca research. The use of AI has allowed archaeologists to focus on more targeted fieldwork, which, in turn, has yielded significant results.

Decoding the Purpose of Nazca Geoglyphs

Despite the increasing number of discoveries, the purpose of the Nazca geoglyphs remains a mystery. The prevailing theory is that they were part of a sacred space used for pilgrimage. Other hypotheses suggest the geoglyphs may have been related to calendars, astronomy, irrigation, or even communication through movement, such as running or dancing.

The study also revealed interesting patterns among the geoglyphs. Larger geoglyphs, typically visible from the air, often depict wildlife such as plants and animals, while smaller, figurative geoglyphs show human figures and scenes possibly related to human sacrifice or domesticated animals. Many of these smaller geoglyphs were found along ancient winding paths, suggesting they were viewed up close by small groups of people traversing the desert.

The larger symbols, meanwhile, were often located near straight lines and geometric shapes etched into the earth, possibly indicating sites for ceremonial activities.

Sakai and his team continue their work to decipher the precise meaning of these geoglyphs, which they believe lies in how the symbols are grouped together. “Our findings suggest that their meaning is formed through their combinations,” Sakai explained, hinting at a deeper, yet-to-be-understood significance behind the symbols.

With AI continuing to enhance archaeological methods, future discoveries in the Nazca Desert could bring researchers closer to unlocking the true meaning behind these ancient artworks.

Netanyahu vows to continue strikes against Hezbollah until Israel’s goals are achieved

Venus L Peñaflor
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Netanyahu vows to continue strikes against Hezbollah until Israel’s goals are achieved

UNITED NATIONS. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, facing escalating conflicts on two fronts, addressed the United Nations on Friday, vowing that Israel will continue its campaign to “degrade Hezbollah” until it achieves its objectives along the Lebanon border. Netanyahu’s remarks come as hopes for an internationally supported cease-fire diminish, raising concerns about an all-out regional war.

“We’ll continue degrading Hezbollah until all our objectives are met,” Netanyahu declared in his speech. He emphasized that Israel will not tolerate the daily rocket fire from the Lebanon border. “Israel has every right to remove this threat and return our citizens to their homes safely. And that’s exactly what we’re doing.”

Netanyahu drew a parallel to the United States, asking the audience to imagine if terrorist groups turned cities like El Paso or San Diego into “ghost towns.” With a fist raised in emphasis, he added, “How long would the American government tolerate that? Yet Israel has been tolerating this intolerable situation for almost a year. Well, I’ve come here today to say: Enough is enough.”

The Israeli Prime Minister also defended his nation’s military response to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, which triggered a large-scale Israeli operation in Gaza. Armed with visual aids, a hallmark of his previous speeches, Netanyahu addressed the accusations at Israel earlier in the week by other global leaders. “I didn’t intend to come here this year. My country is at war fighting for its life,” he stated. “But after I heard the lies and slanders leveled at my country by many of the speakers at this podium, I decided to come here and set the record straight.”

Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s desire for peace but warned Iran: “If you strike us, we will strike you.” He criticized what he described as the global community’s long-standing appeasement of Iran, urging for it to stop. “For too long, the world has appeased Iran. That appeasement must end.”

Israel’s military operations in Gaza have led to significant loss of life, with over 41,500 Palestinians killed and more than 96,000 injured, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The ministry, operated by Hamas, does not differentiate between civilians and combatants, though more than half of the dead have been women and children, including around 1,300 children under the age of 2. Despite this, Israel maintains that its military operations are both justified and necessary for self-defense.

“This war can end today. All Hamas has to do is surrender, lay down its arms, and release all the hostages,” Netanyahu said. “But if they don’t – if they don’t – we will fight until we achieve total victory. Total victory. There is no substitute for it.”

Netanyahu also highlighted the military successes in Gaza, claiming that Israeli forces have destroyed “90%” of Hamas’ rocket arsenal and neutralized half of their fighters.

Attention has now shifted to Israel’s northern border, where Hezbollah militants have been launching attacks in support of Hamas. The ongoing hostilities have led to civilian casualties on both sides and forced tens of thousands of people to flee their homes. Netanyahu vowed to intensify Israel’s strikes on Hezbollah to ensure the safety of Israeli citizens. “We will continue our operations until our citizens can return to their homes.”

Despite calls from the United States, France, and other allies for an immediate 21-day cease-fire, fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has continued to escalate. The United Nations reports that over 200,000 people have been displaced in Lebanon, with 90,000 of them fleeing in just the past five days due to Israeli airstrikes.

As Netanyahu took the stage at the UN, his speech was met with some disruptions from the audience, prompting the presiding diplomat to call for order. Earlier in the day, Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had criticized Israel’s actions, with Sharif labeling the situation in Gaza as a “systematic slaughter of innocent people of Palestine.” Both leaders received applause for their remarks.

Netanyahu’s speech underscored Israel’s unwavering stance against both Hamas and Hezbollah, setting the stage for continued conflict in the region unless a diplomatic solution is reached.

TD Julian, nagbabanta: Signal No. 1 itinaas sa Cagayan, Apayao, at Isabela

Venus L Peñaflor
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TD Julian, nagbabanta: Signal No. 1 itinaas sa Cagayan, Apayao, at Isabela

MAYNILA. Itinaas ang Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 sa tatlong lugar ngayong Sabado habang binabaybay ng Tropical Depression Julian ang Philippine Sea, ayon sa 5 a.m. bulletin ng PAGASA.

Sakop ng TCWS No. 1 ang mga sumusunod na lugar:

  • Cagayan, kasama ang Babuyan Islands;
  • Hilagang-silangang bahagi ng Isabela (San Pablo, Divilacan, Maconacon, Palanan, Cabagan, Santa Maria, Tumauini, Ilagan City, San Mariano, Santo Tomas, Delfin Albano); at
  • Silangang bahagi ng Apayao (Luna, Pudtol, Santa Marcela, Flora).

Patuloy na nananatili ang lakas ni Julian habang kumikilos patungong timog sa Philippine Sea. Tinatayang nasa 400 kilometro silangan ng Aparri, Cagayan ang sentro ng mata ng bagyo, taglay ang maximum sustained winds na 55 kilometers per hour malapit sa gitna at bugso ng hangin na umaabot sa 70 kph.

Ayon sa PAGASA, kumikilos si Julian patungong timog sa bilis na 10 kph at inaasahang maglalakbay sa loop pattern sa mga katubigan silangan ng Batanes at Cagayan sa loob ng susunod na limang araw. “Julian is forecast to follow a looping path over the waters east of Batanes and Cagayan in the next five days,” saad ng PAGASA.

Posibleng mag-landfall si Julian sa Batanes sa Lunes ng hapon o gabi.

Nagbigay ng babala ang PAGASA sa mga mangingisda at maliliit na bangka na umiwas munang pumalaot sa mga karagatang sakop ng Batanes, Babuyan Islands, at silangang bahagi ng mainland Cagayan dahil sa inaasahang malalakas na alon. “Mariners of small seacrafts, including all types of motorbancas, are advised not to venture out to sea under these conditions, especially if inexperienced or operating ill-equipped vessels,” paalala ng ahensya.

Dagdag pa ng PAGASA, malaki ang posibilidad na maglabas sila ng Gale Warning sa mga baybaying dagat ng Hilagang Luzon. “The hoisting of a Gale Warning is also increasingly likely over seaboards of Northern Luzon,” dagdag ng weather bureau.

Ang pagsikat ng araw ay naitala kaninang alas-5:46 ng umaga, at lulubog ito ng alas-5:48 ng hapon.

Patuloy ang PAGASA sa pagbibigay ng update habang bantay-sarado ang galaw ni Julian sa mga susunod na araw.

Massive Israeli airstrikes target Hezbollah in Beirut, aiming at Hassan Nasrallah

Venus L Peñaflor
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Massive Israeli airstrikes target Hezbollah in Beirut, aiming at Hassan Nasrallah

BEIRUT. Israel launched a series of massive airstrikes on Hezbollah’s headquarters in Beirut on Friday, in an attack aimed at the militant group’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah. The strikes, which caused a series of explosions, leveled several high-rise apartment buildings in the densely populated Haret Hreik district, marking the largest blast to hit the Lebanese capital in the past year. Lebanon’s health ministry reported that at least six people were killed and 91 others wounded, with rescue teams still searching through the rubble. The death toll is expected to rise.

Two anonymous sources, including a U.S. official, confirmed that Nasrallah was the target of the airstrikes. However, it remains unclear whether he was present at the site during the attack, and Hezbollah has yet to comment on the incident. The Israeli military, for its part, has not confirmed whether Nasrallah was the intended target, with a spokesperson stating only that the strikes hit Hezbollah’s main underground headquarters.

Footage from the scene shows rescue workers navigating through the wreckage of six apartment towers reduced to rubble, with large slabs of concrete and twisted metal scattered across the area. Thick black and orange smoke billowed into the sky, and the impact of the explosions rattled windows and shook houses as far as 30 kilometers (18 miles) north of Beirut.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was in the United States addressing the U.N., immediately cut short his trip following news of the strikes. During his U.N. address, Netanyahu had vowed to continue Israel’s intensified campaign against Hezbollah, saying, “We will continue degrading Hezbollah until our goals are achieved.” His remarks came as hopes for a U.S.-backed ceasefire dwindled.

Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, an Israeli army spokesperson, confirmed that the strikes were aimed at Hezbollah’s main headquarters, located beneath residential buildings. The massive explosions that followed suggest that Israel may have used 2,000-pound U.S.-made “Bunker Buster” bombs, specifically designed to hit underground targets. Richard Weir, a crisis and weapons expert from Human Rights Watch, noted that the explosions were consistent with that type of weaponry.

Four hours after the attack, Hezbollah had still not issued an official statement on the strikes. Instead, the group announced that it had launched a salvo of rockets at the Israeli city of Safed in retaliation for what it called “the barbaric Israeli violation of cities, villages, and civilians.” Israeli authorities reported that a house and a car in Safed were hit, and a 68-year-old woman sustained mild shrapnel wounds.

In the hours following the initial blast, Israel launched additional airstrikes on other areas of Beirut’s southern suburbs, targeting Hezbollah rocket launchers and weapons depots. Residents in three buildings were warned to evacuate shortly before these strikes, according to Israeli military sources.

Israel’s air campaign against Hezbollah has intensified over the past week, with over 720 people in Lebanon, including dozens of women and children, killed by the ongoing strikes. The Israeli military has said it is determined to end more than 11 months of Hezbollah fire into its territory. A pre-dawn strike in Chebaa, a predominantly Sunni town on the border, killed nine members of the same family, according to Lebanon’s state news agency.

The Israeli government has not ruled out the possibility of a ground invasion, with thousands of troops now stationed along the Lebanese border. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden clarified that the U.S. had no prior knowledge of or involvement in Israel’s strikes. The White House added that Biden has instructed his national security team to review whether additional measures are needed to secure U.S. interests in the region.

Despite the strikes, Hezbollah remains defiant. In a funeral for three Hezbollah members killed in earlier airstrikes, thousands of mourners marched through the streets of Beirut’s suburbs. “We will never accept humiliation,” they chanted, waving Hezbollah’s yellow flags. Hussein Fadlallah, Hezbollah’s top official in Beirut, declared that no matter how many of their commanders are killed, the group will continue to fight. “We will not abandon the support of Palestine, Jerusalem, and oppressed Gaza,” Fadlallah said. “There is no place for neutrality in this battle.”

As the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalates, the possibility of a full-scale war looms over the region, threatening further instability and civilian suffering on both sides.

Japan’s longest-serving death row inmate acquitted after 58-year legal battle

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Japan’s longest-serving death row inmate acquitted after 58-year legal battle

TOKYO. Japan’s Shizuoka District Court on Thursday acquitted Iwao Hakamada, an 88-year-old former boxer, who had spent 48 years on death row for a 1966 quadruple murder. The court’s decision overturned a conviction that made him the world’s longest-serving death row inmate, sparking renewed debate over Japan’s death penalty and justice system.

Hakamada, convicted in 1968 for the murder of a company executive and three family members, had always maintained his innocence. His lawyer, Hideyo Ogawa, confirmed that the court ruled the evidence used in the case had been falsified and planted by investigators, declaring Hakamada was not the culprit. “The evidence was fabricated,” Ogawa said.

Following the acquittal, Hakamada’s 91-year-old sister, Hideko, emerged from the courthouse with a beaming smile, holding two bouquets. She thanked supporters and media, saying, “Thank you, everyone, we won an acquittal. When I heard the ruling, it felt almost divine. I couldn’t stop crying with joy.”

Hakamada’s case gained international attention for highlighting flaws in Japan’s criminal justice system. His initial confession, later recanted, was made after police allegedly forced him into it during a violent interrogation. Hakamada had written to his mother in 1967, while on trial, stating, “I have nothing to do with the case… I am innocent.”

The court found that key evidence used to convict him — five pieces of bloodstained clothing supposedly found in a tank of fermented soybean paste — had been tampered with. Scientific tests showed the bloodstains would not have remained visible after a year soaked in miso. Additionally, the blood samples did not match Hakamada’s DNA, and the trousers presented as evidence were too small for him. The court also criticized the police for forcing a confession through an “inhumane” interrogation.

Hakamada spent nearly half a century in solitary confinement. Since his release in 2014, when a court first ruled there was evidence of his wrongful conviction, his health has deteriorated. However, his supporters hope that with his name now cleared, he can live his remaining years in peace.

The acquittal has also reignited calls to abolish the death penalty in Japan. The Japan Federation of Bar Associations urged the government to act swiftly to prevent such miscarriages of justice. Reiko Fuchigami, the group’s chairperson, said, “The Hakamada case shows the cruelty of the wrongful death penalty, and the tragedy should never be repeated.”

While prosecutors have yet to decide whether they will appeal the ruling, Hakamada’s defense team is considering suing the government for compensation and to further expose the flawed investigation.

Japan remains one of two G7 nations that still enforce the death penalty, along with the United States. Critics have long pointed to Japan’s reliance on confessions, often obtained under duress, as a key flaw in its legal system. Hakamada’s case stands as a powerful reminder of the human cost of such failures, and for many, his acquittal marks a victory for justice after decades of suffering.

Bagyong Julian, mananalasa hanggang Lunes; 2 LPA at isang bagyo sa labas ng PAR, binabantayan

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Bagyong Julian, mananalasa hanggang Lunes; 2 LPA at isang bagyo sa labas ng PAR, binabantayan

MAYNILA. Ganap nang naging Tropical Depression ang isang low pressure area (LPA) sa silangan ng Batanes kaninang alas-2 ng madaling araw, ayon sa PAGASA.

Sa kanilang ulat kaninang alas-4 ng umaga, ang sentro ni bagyong Julian ay nasa layong 525 kilometro silangan ng Itbayat, Batanes, na may lakas ng hanging 55 kph at pagbugsong umaabot sa 70 kph.

Ayon sa PAGASA, inaasahang lalakas pa si Julian habang patuloy itong gumagalaw. Maaaring maging isang tropical storm ito sa Biyernes ng gabi o Sabado ng umaga, at posibleng maging isang severe tropical storm sa Linggo, bago tuluyang maging ganap na bagyo sa Martes.

Magsisimula nang maranasan ang katamtaman hanggang malakas na ulan sa Batanes, Ilocos Norte, at Cagayan sa Sabado. Tinatayang magtatagal si Julian sa karagatan ng silangan ng Batanes at Cagayan sa loob ng limang araw, at posibleng itaas ang Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 sa mga bahagi ng Cagayan Valley ngayong araw.

Si Julian ang ika-sampung bagyo na pumasok sa Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) ngayong 2024 at pang-anim sa buwan ng Setyembre. Nauna nang iniulat ng PAGASA na inaasahang may 4 hanggang 7 tropical cyclones na papasok o mabubuo sa loob ng PAR sa huling bahagi ng 2024, kabilang ang 2 o 3 bagyo sa Oktubre at 1 o 2 sa Nobyembre at Disyembre.

Samantala, binabantayan din ng PAGASA ang dalawang low pressure area (LPA) at isang tropical depression na nasa labas ng PAR. Ayon sa ulat ng PAGASA ngayong Huwebes ng alas-2 ng hapon, ang tropical depression ay matatagpuan sa layong 2,635 kilometro silangan ng Central Luzon. Bagamat mabagal ang pagkilos nito, taglay nito ang pinakamalakas na hangin na 55 kph at may pagbugsong umaabot sa 70 kph.

Isa sa mga LPA ay nakita sa layong 1,460 kilometro silangan ng Eastern Visayas, habang ang isa pang LPA ay matatagpuan sa layong 735 kilometro silangan ng Extreme Northern Luzon.

Dahil sa presensya ng mga LPA, inaasahang magkakaroon ng maulap na kalangitan na may kalat-kalat na mga pag-ulan at pagkidlat-pagkulog sa Batanes, habang ang nalalabing bahagi ng bansa ay makararanas ng bahagyang maulap hanggang sa maulap na papawirin, na may pulu-pulong mga pag-ulan o pagkidlat-pagkulog sanhi ng localized thunderstorms.

Ang buong bansa ay makakaranas ng mahina hanggang katamtamang lakas ng hangin at pag-alon sa baybayin.

Nine candidates compete to succeed Japan’s Prime Minister Kishida

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Nine candidates compete to succeed Japan’s Prime Minister Kishida

TOKYO. A record nine candidates are vying to replace outgoing Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in the election for Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Among the top contenders are a former defense minister with years of experience, the son of a former prime minister, and Japan’s economic security minister who could become the country’s first female leader.

With no candidate expected to secure a majority in the first round, a runoff between the top two vote-getters will be held immediately after the initial voting on Friday afternoon.

The Candidates:

Shigeru Ishiba
At 67, Shigeru Ishiba is making his fifth bid for the leadership. A former banker and veteran politician first elected to parliament in 1986, he has served in various key roles, including defense and agriculture minister. Despite his enduring popularity among voters, he has struggled to gain the backing of fellow party lawmakers.
Known for his expertise in defense policy, Ishiba advocates for an “Asian NATO” and aims to strengthen Japan’s disaster management efforts. He is also a vocal supporter of Taiwan’s democracy. Additionally, Ishiba backs progressive reforms, including legalizing same-sex marriage and allowing married couples to retain separate surnames, a change long resisted by conservatives.
“I believe this is my final battle,” Ishiba said, underscoring his resolve in the leadership race.

Shinjiro Koizumi
The 43-year-old son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, Shinjiro Koizumi has long been seen as a potential leader despite his relative inexperience. Supported by former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, Koizumi has gained attention for his progressive policies, such as promoting paternity leave, which he took after the birth of his child in 2020.
Koizumi’s platform includes labor reforms aimed at creating a more flexible job market, though his proposals have sparked controversy. He has also emphasized strengthening the Japan-U.S. alliance and expanding partnerships with other nations to counter China’s influence.
Despite some missteps, such as his much-criticized comment at a UN summit calling climate change “fun, cool, and sexy,” Koizumi remains a prominent figure in the race.

Sanae Takaichi
At 63, Sanae Takaichi is making her second attempt to become Japan’s first female prime minister. As a close ally of the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Takaichi represents the conservative wing of the LDP. Her policies focus on bolstering Japan’s military capabilities, fortifying supply chains, and enhancing cyber and space defense.
However, Takaichi’s conservative views—such as opposing same-sex marriage and supporting the male-only succession of the imperial family—have drawn criticism from those who view her stance as detrimental to gender equality.
Takaichi is also known for downplaying Japan’s wartime atrocities, a position that has earned her both support and criticism within the party.

Other Contenders:

  • Yoshimasa Hayashi, 63, Chief Cabinet Secretary and Kishida’s confidante, is renowned for his policy expertise.
  • Takayuki Kobayashi, 49, a former economic security minister, is seen as a rising star among younger generations.
  • Toshimitsu Motegi, 67, LDP Secretary General, has a reputation as a tough negotiator, having previously served as foreign and trade minister.
  • Yoko Kamikawa, 71, current Foreign Minister, is known for her advocacy of “women, peace, and security” at the UN.
  • Taro Kono, 61, Digital Minister, is a maverick known for his unorthodox views and his recent shift on nuclear energy.
  • Katsunobu Kato, 68, a former Health Minister, is closely aligned with Abe’s conservative policies, including plans to double income.

The LDP’s leadership race comes at a critical time for Japan, with rising regional tensions and internal challenges. The new prime minister will need to navigate these complexities while shaping Japan’s domestic and foreign policy for years to come.

The party’s ability to unify behind its next leader will be key as the LDP prepares to face a strong opposition, led by former Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan.

Malakihang pagtaas ng presyo ng langis, nakaumang

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Malakihang pagtaas ng presyo ng langis, nakaumang

MAYNILA. Inaasahan ang muling pagtaas ng presyo ng langis sa bansa simula Oktubre, dulot ng tumitinding kaguluhan sa Middle East, partikular sa Lebanon at Israel, na nagdudulot ng takot na maaari pang lumala ang sitwasyon.

Ayon sa Department of Energy (DOE) Oil Industry Management Bureau, ang nasabing kaguluhan ay nagdudulot ng kawalan ng katiyakan sa suplay ng langis sa pandaigdigang merkado. “Ang giyera sa Middle East, lalo na sa Lebanon at Israel, ay maaaring magpalala ng sitwasyon, hindi lamang sa kanilang rehiyon kundi pati na rin sa ibang mga kalapit-bansa,” ayon sa ulat ng DOE.

Ang mga inaasahang pagtaas ng presyo ay ang sumusunod:

  • Gasolina: P0.30 hanggang P0.60 kada litro
  • Diesel: P0.65 hanggang P0.90 kada litro
  • Kerosene: P0.40 hanggang P0.60 kada litro

Bukod sa kaguluhan sa Middle East, isa pang salik na nakakaapekto sa presyo ng langis ay ang pagpapalabas ng China ng stimulus package upang pasiglahin ang kanilang ekonomiya. Dagdag pa rito, ang pagbabagu-bago ng imbentaryo ng gasolina ng Estados Unidos ay nagdaragdag ng pressure sa pandaigdigang merkado.

Patuloy na minomonitor ng gobyerno ang sitwasyon, at pinapayuhan ang mga motorista na maghanda para sa inaasahang pagtaas ng presyo sa mga susunod na linggo.

Israel declines US-supported Lebanon ceasefire proposal

Venus L Peñaflor
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Israel declines US-supported Lebanon ceasefire proposal

BEIRUT. In defiance of international calls, including those from its key ally the United States, Israel has rejected a proposed ceasefire with Hezbollah as fighting continues to escalate. Israeli warplanes bombarded Lebanon on Thursday, targeting southern suburbs of Beirut and intensifying pressure on the Iran-backed group, Hezbollah.

Amid the ongoing strikes, the Israeli army also conducted a large-scale exercise near the Lebanese border, simulating a ground invasion. The military’s maneuvers are part of Israel’s broader strategy to secure its northern border and facilitate the return of thousands of Israeli citizens displaced by the conflict.

Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, firmly stated, “There will be no ceasefire in the north. We will continue to fight against the Hezbollah terrorist organization with all our strength until victory and the safe return of the residents of the north to their homes,” Katz said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

The military confirmed its airstrikes in the southern suburbs of Beirut, an area known as a Hezbollah stronghold. A senior Hezbollah leader was reportedly the target of one of these strikes, although their fate remains unknown. Lebanese media broadcast images of buildings damaged by the attack, reflecting the growing danger to civilian areas.

Global Reactions to Israel’s Rejection

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati had expressed optimism about a potential ceasefire, but hopes were dashed by Israel’s continued offensive. Mikati told Reuters, “Hopefully, yes,” when asked about the prospects of halting the conflict.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken voiced concern over Israel’s decision, stating, “The world is speaking clearly for virtually all of the key countries in Europe and in the region on the need for the ceasefire,” during an interview with MSNBC. Blinken is expected to meet with Israeli officials in New York for further discussions.

Despite these diplomatic efforts, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to give an official response to the ceasefire proposal, as he prepares to address the United Nations. However, hardliners within his government have urged continued military action until Hezbollah surrenders.

Escalating Casualties and Regional Impact

Lebanon has suffered significant losses since Israel’s bombardment began, with more than 600 fatalities reported since Monday. The Lebanese health ministry revealed that at least 26 people were killed in strikes overnight, many of them Syrian refugees in the Bekaa Valley town of Younine.

Hezbollah has retaliated with rocket fire into northern Israel, including its first attack on Tel Aviv, though Israel’s defense systems have minimized the damage. The U.S. and France, along with other international allies, have called for a 21-day ceasefire to address the growing humanitarian crisis.

Israel’s strikes have also affected Lebanese civilians, many of whom have sought refuge in makeshift shelters. “I just want to know if there will be a little electricity at night so I can go buy a fan,” one woman in a Beirut school shelter said. Aid organizations are working to provide essentials like clothing, food, and medication for those who fled their homes.

The conflict has raised concerns among neighboring countries, with Turkey reportedly preparing for a potential evacuation of its citizens from Lebanon due to the ongoing hostilities.

As of now, the fighting shows no signs of abating, as Israel intensifies its airstrikes on Hezbollah targets and continues to secure its northern territories. The conflict has become one of the deadliest in Lebanon since the 2006 war, with fears of a broader regional conflict spreading as tensions rise.

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