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Blue Eagles reassert mastery over Maroons in UAAP women s volleyball
The Ateneo Blue Eagles swept their UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball series with the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, blasting their Katipunan rivals 25-14, 25-20, 25-15, Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum......»»
Blue Eagles coach tempers Final Four expectations amid momentum
Ateneo Blue Eagles head coach Sergio Veloso is not getting ahead of himself as his team is slowly showing its form in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament......»»
UAAP finals losses in last year of eligibility fuel UP s Cagulangan
It’s been a couple of months since, but graduating UP guard JD Cagulangan continues to hold near the sting of his most recent UAAP finals loss at the hands of the DLSU Green Archers last December......»»
Lady Spikers begin push for top spot
Defending champion La Salle, after a slight stumble in the first round, wants some serious business to regain its rightful place on top when it begins its crucial second-round campaign in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum......»»
Top prospect Jared Bahay claims No. 1 spot anew in NBTC rankings
Incoming Ateneo Blue Eagles rookie Jared Bahay is the first guard to top the National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) rankings for two years in a row......»»
PNP refutes claims of blocking jeepney drivers protesting PUVMP
The Philippine National Police denied reports of blocking protesting jeepney drivers bound for a transport caravan against the public utility vehicle modernization program......»»
UNCLOS gives substance
Discerning where the Philippines and China stand in the simmering territorial conflict requires returning to the arbitral ruling. China has been dwelling on the false narrative that since it did not participate in the proceedings of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, or PCA, it can disregard its ruling. The argument, thus, continues that since it was not a party to the process, then it is not bound to comply with the award, particularly since it had stated, being a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, that it would not subscribe to third-party arbitration. Annex VII of UNCLOS, however, provides that the “absence of a party or failure of a party to defend its case shall not constitute a bar to the proceedings.” That portion of the Charter of the Oceans also provides that if a party does not participate in the proceedings, a tribunal “must satisfy itself not only that it has jurisdiction over the dispute but also that the claim is well founded in fact and law.” The PCA said in its award that throughout the proceedings, the Tribunal had taken steps to test the accuracy of the Philippines’ claim, including by requesting further written submissions from the Philippines and questioning the Philippines both before and during two hearings. UNCLOS also appointed independent experts to report to the Tribunal on technical matters, obtain historical evidence concerning features in the South China Sea, and provide this to the parties for comment. According to PCA, China also made it clear through the publication of a position paper in December 2014 and other official statements that, in its view, the tribunal lacked jurisdiction in the dispute. Article 288 of the Convention, however, states, “In the event of a dispute as to whether a court or tribunal has jurisdiction, the matter shall be settled by decision of that court or tribunal.” The PCA convened a hearing on jurisdiction and admissibility in July 2015 and rendered an award on 29 October 2015, deciding on some jurisdiction issues and deferring others for further consideration. The PCA inquired on the issue of jurisdiction and found it had the authority to adjudicate. The PCA argued the award was final and binding based on Article 296 of the Convention and Article 11 of Annex VII. Regarding China’s claim of historic rights and the “nine-dash line,” the tribunal found it had jurisdiction, and it concluded that to the extent China had historic rights to resources in the waters of the South China Sea, such rights were extinguished. The historic rights were invalidated since these were incompatible with the exclusive economic zones provided for in UNCLOS. The Tribunal also noted that, although Chinese navigators and fishermen, as well as those of other States, had historically used the South China Sea islands, there was no evidence that China had historically exercised exclusive control over the waters or their resources. “The Tribunal concluded that there was no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources within the sea areas falling within the ‘nine-dash line,’” it added. The violation of rights was not on the part of the Philippines, as China had claimed consistently, but the other way around. Finding certain areas being within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines, the Tribunal found that China had “violated the Philippines’ sovereign rights in its exclusive economic zone by interfering with Philippine fishing and petroleum exploration, constructing artificial islands and failing to prevent Chinese fishermen from fishing in the zone.” The Tribunal held that Filipino fishermen (like those from China) had traditional fishing rights at Scarborough Shoal and that China had interfered with these rights by restricting access. The Tribunal further held that Chinese law enforcement vessels had created a serious risk of collision when they physically obstructed Philippine vessels. Based on UNCLOS, which China insisted on adhering to, its historic claims had no basis, regardless of its refusal to honor the PCA decision. It is thus bound to follow what is provided in the International Convention, which is all there is to it in the maritime rift. The post UNCLOS gives substance appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Filipino-Indian billionaire sought relief from DOJ
Filipino-Indian billionaire Rajiv Chandiramani has asked the Department of Justice to junk the complaint against him for multiple counts of falsification of public documents filed by his estranged brother for being “baseless, contrived, and manufactured.” Rajiv, in his 25-page counter-affidavit filed through his counsel, denied committing any falsification in order to take control of the more than P1 billion worth of properties left behind by their father Prem Chandiraman following his death in 2011. He claimed that the falsification complaint was merely resurrected by his brother to pressure him to give in to the latter’s demands for more money after their initial compromise agreement in 2022. “By re-filing the complaint for falsification of documents as against Rajiv, Amith has violated his waiver and quitclaim. In the regime of law and order, repudiation of an agreement validly entered into cannot be made without any ground or reason in law or in fact for such repudiation,” Rajiv said. Contrary to his brother’s claim, Rajiv recounted that because of his business ethics, he was able to establish a good business reputation in the business community, particularly in the Filipino-Indian community. Rajiv is the owner of Rheana’s Trading Inc., which is one of the leading domestic companies engaged in the business of buying, selling, distributing, and importing electronic products and accessories. While his older brother, according to Rajiv, got hooked on illegal drugs and was confined in several drug rehabilitation facilities. Rajiv said his brother, in 2020, was released from a drug facility and then stayed in Dubai. A year after, Rajiv claimed there were several defamatory messages against him that were being circulated among relatives, friends, and colleagues, particularly, that he had allegedly falsified several sale documents. With this, Rajiv conducted his own personal investigation and was convinced that these defamatory messages originated from Amith. “It eventually became apparent that Amith started these malicious rumors as he wanted additional monies from Rajiv and their mother,” Rajiv said. Rajiv initially sought redress before the courts by filing a complaint for damages with an injunction against Amith to prevent and dissuade him from continuously spreading malicious allegations against him. He also filed a criminal complaint for cyber libel against Amith. Meanwhile, Amith, in July 2022, filed a criminal complaint for falsification of public documents against Rajiv and their mother and several other respondents before the Office of the City Prosecutor of Makati City. He alleged that Rajiv conspired with their mother to falsify the signature of their deceased father as appearing on several sale documents. In order to end their rift and upon persuasion of family members, Rajiv said he agreed to a compromise with Amith, which led to the mutual withdrawal of the cases that were filed against each other at that time. The agreement also provides a waiver and quitclaim covering any and all potential claims or rights against each other arising from, or in connection with the cases, as well as the estate of their late father. Rajiv, as part of the consideration for the compromise agreement, bound himself to pay Amith the total amount of P150 million by way of support. Rajiv said he has been complying with his contractual undertakings in providing Amith with monthly support of Php600,000, including giving financial assistance for Amith to put up his own electronics trading business. But was surprised to learn that Amith violated their agreement by resurrecting the falsification complaint against him. Amith in his complaint, claimed that Rajiv, their mother Pushpa Chandiramani, and several others connived in depriving him of his inheritance from their father Prem, amounting to billions of pesos in the form of real estate properties and business interests. Among the properties that he claimed were illegally taken from him by Rajiv and his cohorts was a prime 1,559 square-meter lot in Cubao, Quezon City with Transfer Certificate of Title No.46459. But the camp of Rajiv maintained that the compromise agreement entered into by him and Amith is a valid and enforceable contract; thus, the latter is barred from filing a falsification of public documents complaint. “The act of Amith in re-filing or reviving the Complaint for Falsification of Documents with the NBI is a violation of the compromise agreement, and his desistance, waiver, and quitclaim undertakings,” Rajiv said. He disclosed that he has filed a formal complaint for specific performance and damages seeking to compel Amith to comply with the provisions of the compromise agreement and the waiver and quitclaim. Presently, the complaint is pending with the Regional Trial Court of Makati City, Branch 145. The post Filipino-Indian billionaire sought relief from DOJ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
What’s in a dash?
China last week released a new map that expanded its original 9-dash line territorial claim in the South China Sea with the addition of a 10th dash east of Taiwan. That move by Beijing drew strong condemnation from the Philippines, Malaysia and India, and a statement of concern from the United States. Other nations, especially those with overlapping claims in the South China Sea, can be expected to also vigorously oppose Beijing’s new map which was built on the original claim it first floated in the 1940s. While the Philippines resoundingly won its case against China before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague with a final ruling in 2016, Beijing has refused to be bound by it and now mocks the same with a 10-dash line map. Just to recap, the arbitral court recognized the Philippines’ maritime entitlement in the West Philippine Sea, which overlaps with the South China Sea. At the same time, it declared China’s sovereign claim over nearly the entire SCS legally and historically baseless. The addition of the 10th dash east of Taiwan is troubling because it may be used by Beijing to lay claim to the Pratas Islands, which are claimed not only by Taiwan but also by Vietnam. Located in the northern part of the South China Sea, the Pratas Islands are strategically important because from there one may control access to the Taiwan Strait. Geopolitical experts are warning that China’s new map may be preparatory to Beijing building military bases in the Pratas as it has done in the Mischief, Gaven, Hughes and Cuarteron reefs, just to name a few. Beijing’s control of passage in and out of the Taiwan Strait is simply inconceivable and unacceptable. Without a doubt, the Taiwan Strait is a vital commercial waterway that connects the Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea, one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, with an estimated half a million ships passing through it each year. The strait is critical for trade between China, Japan, South Korea, and the US. It is also a major oil and gas shipping route from the Middle East to East Asia. The numbers should give us an idea why China’s 10th dash is being pilloried by nations as inconsistent with international law that guarantees the freedom of navigation. An estimate had put the value of goods transported through the Taiwan Strait at $1.5 trillion in 2022, making it the world’s third busiest strait, after the Strait of Hormuz and the Malacca Strait. China, of course, claims Taiwan as its territory and, in fact, its President, Xi Jinping, has vowed to retake it by force if it comes to that. China has claimed the strait as its internal waters, but the US does not recognize that claim. One possibility looms large on the horizon: That China will use the 10-dash line claim to justify its continued militarization of the South China Sea, leading to heightened tension between it and the rest of the world that fears unwarranted control by Beijing of the Taiwan Strait. It has to be emphasized that both the 9-dash line and 10-dash line claims of China have not been recognized by international law. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, or UNCLOS, which is the main international treaty governing the use of the oceans, does not recognize any country’s right to claim territorial waters beyond its 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone. As China has yet to formally adopt the 10-dash line, however, there’s a need to review how the arbitral court had ruled in favor of the Philippines in 2016 based on three main findings: First, China has not historically exercised exclusive control over the waters within the nine-dash line; second, the line cannot be considered a valid maritime boundary; and third, China’s actions in the South China Sea, including its land reclamation activities, have violated the Philippines’ sovereign rights and its exclusive economic zone. While Beijing may choose to ignore the arbitral ruling, it is nonetheless a strong legal opinion on the matter that could embolden other countries to challenge China’s overreach into their respective territories. China’s actions in the South China Sea are a reminder of its growing assertiveness in the region. Beijing has been steadily militarizing its claims in the South China Sea, and it has also been using its economic power to pressure other countries into accepting its claims. The world must stand firm against China’s aggression and make it clear that nations will not tolerate Beijing’s attempts to bully its neighbors or violate international law. The stakes are high in the South China Sea. The region is home to some of the world’s most important shipping lanes, and it is also rich in natural resources. China cannot be allowed to have its way and put the region in a stranglehold. The post What’s in a dash? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DOJ: Revised departure guidelines to boost Phl’s anti-human trafficking efforts
The Department of Justice stressed that the revised departure guidelines for international-bound Filipino travelers primarily target to boost the government measures to fight human trafficking in the country—far from claims that it was intended to intrude on people’s privacy and impede traveling rights. In a news forum on Saturday, DOJ Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano said the decision of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking to revise the departure guidelines really aims to reduce “the grave menace of human trafficking” in the country. Clavano further explained that the 2023 revised IACAT guidelines were culled out from the 2015 policy. Thus, the IACAT is not imposing additional documentary requirements on travelers, he said. “Hindi po totoo na additional requirement dahil hindi naman ho iyan required. ‘Pag mayroon lang red flags, ‘pag mayroon lang nakitang inconsistency sa kuwento or hindi na-meet iyong standard po ng ating mga Immigration Officers, doon lang sila magtatanong (It is not true that we require additional requirement because it’s not required. If there are red flags, if there are inconsistencies in their stories or if they did not meet he standards of immigration officers—then questioning will follow),” said Clavano. The IACAT earlier announced it will implement revised departure protocols for Filipinos traveling abroad beginning 3 September. Senator Risa Hontiveros appealed to the Bureau of Immigration not to “bully” Filipino travelers who are going abroad when it starts imposing stricter regulations starting next month. As the author and sponsor of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act and one of the lawmakers who exposed the scam hubs within and outside of the Philippines, Hontiveros said she believes it is absolutely imperative for the government to ramp up its efforts in fighting human trafficking. “I believe it is absolutely imperative that we do more against human trafficking. I am aware of the magnitude of this serious global problem,” she added. “Ngunit hinihingi ko din sa ating BI na huwag naman maging bully sa ating mga Pinoy na turista. Bigyan natin ng pagkakataon ang ating mga kababayan na maka-relax o makabisita sa kanilang pamilya ng walang malaking abala (But my appeal to the BI is not to bully our Filipino tourists. Let’s give our compatriots a chance to relax and visit their families without much hassle),” she added. Senator Francis Tolentino hopes that the revised guidelines won’t become another burden to outbound Filipino travelers. In a radio interview on Saturday, Tolentino urged the IACAT to simplify the requirements for Filipino travelers and their processing going through the immigration counters at the airports. Tolentino said the agency should also enhance their information drive on required travel documents and the process of undergoing immigration interrogation. The senator added there must be a “synchronized” process so that Filipinos who wish to go abroad can travel smoothly. In imposing the revised guidelines, Hontiveros hopes the BI would also impose stricter policies for travelers entering the Philippines. “Sana ay kung gaano kahigpit ang BI sa mga palabas ng Pilipinas ay ganoon din ito kahigpit sa mga papasok sa bansa (Hopefully, as strict as BI is on those travelers going out of Philippines, it will also be as strict on those entering the country),” she said. Hontiveros lamented that Filipinos traveling outside the country should not be treated as second-class citizens within Philippine airports. Under the revised guidelines, outbound passengers should present the basic travel documents consisting of a passport with at least six months validity from the date of departure; an appropriate valid visa whenever required; a confirmed return or roundtrip ticket, if necessary; and a boarding pass. For tourists, immigration officials may also ask for proof of hotel booking/accommodation, financial capacity or source of income; passenger’s declared purpose of travel, proof of employment, and other similar documents. Immigration officials may also ask outbound travelers for a copy of their original Philippine Statistics Authority-issued birth certificate or report of birth or marriage certificate/report of marriage, copies of documents of sponsor, valid work visa or permit, residency permit, or any equivalent document, overseas employment certificate, e-receipt, or OFW clearance for OFW sponsors. If traveling through a relative’s sponsorship, an original affidavit of support and guarantee duly notarized by the Philippine Embassy, Consulate, or Honorary Consulate must be presented. Clavano urged outbound travelers especially overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), to follow the revised IACAT guidelines, by preparing the required documents before proceeding to immigration counters at the airports, to ensure hassle-free processing of their travel documents. “Well, this is really not a hindrance to the right to travel. Ito po ay isang polisiya ng ating gobyerno na i-eradicate or tigilan na talaga itong malawak at malalim na problema ng human trafficking,” he said. The post DOJ: Revised departure guidelines to boost Phl’s anti-human trafficking efforts appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Airport authority arrests suspect in NAIA bomb threat
After being identified as the person who allegedly sent a bomb threat through text message to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport hotline, the Philippines National Police - Aviation Security Group, together with the Airport Police Department, arrested the female passenger as the suspect in the recent bomb threat at the NAIA. According to the airport authority, operatives from the PNP-AVSEGROUP and the APD successfully apprehended a passenger for her alleged involvement in the threat at NAIA Terminal 3. Based on the report, a text message was received by the NAIA hotline through SMS on Wednesday, 16 August 2023. PNP-AVSEU NCR Chief Police Col. Arnel J. Apud identified the suspect as a 21-year-old female presently residing at #036 Jasmine St., Saint 2, Christopher Subdivision, Brgy. Mayapa, Calamba, Laguna, and an outbound passenger of Cebu Pacific flight 5J803 bound for Singapore, with an estimated time of departure of 8:15 p.m. on 16 August. Apud said the reports revealed that after receiving an alleged bomb threat sent via SMS to the NAIA hotline, the operatives from AVSEGROUP, in coordination with the APD, immediately initiated operational research to identify and locate the suspect responsible for the threat. After a thorough investigation and gathering of evidence, later that day, personnel of AVSEGROUP were able to locate the suspect and arrest her for violation of Presidential Decree No. 1727, otherwise known as "the malicious dissemination of false information or the willful making of any threat concerning bombs, explosives, or any similar device." She was promptly informed of the nature of her arrest and was apprised of her rights under the law. The suspect was immediately brought to NAIA Police Station 3 for documentation and proper disposition. P/BGen. Jack L. Wanky, director of the Premier Police Force in all airports nationwide, urged the public to refrain from spreading false information regarding security threats. "Such behaviors not only put the safety of all individuals at risk but also disrupt normal operations and induce unwarranted panic to the air-riding public." The AVSEGROUP along with airport authorities will not tolerate such reckless behavior. The consequences of making false claims, especially in relation to threats as serious as bombs, will be meted out to the full extent of the law. We are fully committed to identifying and apprehending individuals who engage in such unlawful activities. The post Airport authority arrests suspect in NAIA bomb threat appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Biden salutes ‘new era’ of united Japan, S. Korea in face of China
US President Joe Biden on Friday hailed a "new era" of unity with the leaders of South Korea and Japan as the allies unveiled new three-way security cooperation at a first-of-a-kind summit that has already rattled China. Going tieless in the Camp David presidential retreat, Biden praised the "political courage" of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in turning the page on historical animosity. "Our countries are stronger -- and the world will be safer -- as we stand together. I know that's a belief that we all three share," he told them as he opened the talks in the mountains west of Washington. Biden said the three would pursue "this new era of cooperation and renew our resolve to serve as a force of good across the Indo-Pacific and, quite frankly, around the world." The two treaty-bound US allies largely see eye to eye on the world -- and together are the base for some 84,500 US troops -- but such a summit would have been unthinkable until recently due to the legacy of Japan's harsh 1910-1945 occupation of the Korean peninsula. But Yoon, taking political risks at home, has turned the page by resolving a dispute over wartime forced labor, and now calling Japan a partner at a time of high tensions with both China and North Korea. "Today will be remembered as a historic day, where we established a firm institutional basis and commitments to the trilateral partnership," Yoon said. The three leaders will agree to a multi-year plan of regular exercises in all domains, going beyond one-off drills in response to North Korea, and will announce a "commitment to consult" during crises, said Jake Sullivan, Biden's national security advisor. The leaders will also agree to share real-time data on North Korea and to hold summits every year, officials said. Camp David marks the first time the three countries' leaders have met for a standalone summit, not on the sidelines of a larger event, and is the first diplomatic event since 2015 at the resort, which is synonymous with Middle East peacemaking. You can never become Westerner Jake Sullivan, Biden's national security advisor, said the summit would have an "affirmative vision" on how the countries can deliver together and was "not taking aim at a country." But Rahm Emanuel, the blunt-speaking US ambassador to Japan, took another tone when he previewed the summit, saying that the three powers "created something that is exactly what China was hoping would never happen." For Emanuel, the former congressman turned ambassador, China should understand one thing: "We are the rising power; they are declining." China has flexed its muscle both at home and in Asia under President Xi Jinping, exerting disputed maritime claims and carrying out major exercises near Taiwan, the self-ruling democracy claimed by Beijing. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged the two economically developed Northeast Asian democracies instead to work with Beijing to "revitalize East Asia." "No matter how blond you dye your hair or how sharp you shape your nose, you can never become a European or American, you can never become a Westerner," he said in a video shared on official media. "We must know where our roots lie," he said. But China's pressure tactics have led to a sharp deterioration in its favorability in Japan and South Korea, which have traditionally been more discreet than the United States in their comments. Tensions have also risen with North Korea, which has launched a volley of missiles in recent months and is feared to respond with new action in response to the summit. As the Camp David summit opened, North Korea said it had scrambled jets in response to what it called a US spy plane's incursion. Global allies But the summit hopes to move beyond a focus on North Korea or even just Asia. Tokyo and Seoul have offered a major boost to Ukraine as major non-Western powers join pressure against Russia's invasion. The summit aims to institutionalize three-way cooperation to make it difficult for any reversal by a future leader -- a South Korean president who again seizes on hostility with Japan or, potentially, a return of Donald Trump, who has disparaged US troop commitments overseas as wasteful. To the surprise of many observers, Yoon's embrace of Japan has drawn relatively muted protests at home. Both Japanese and South Koreans feel that there are "a number of fundamentally aligned values and interests that should bring them together," said Mira Rapp-Hooper, senior director for East Asia and Oceania on the National Security Council. Yoon, a conservative, has quickly become a close US ally, with Biden welcoming him for a rare state visit in which the South Korean leader regaled the audience by singing "American Pie." But Yoon is constitutionally prohibited from serving more than a single term, which ends in 2027. The post Biden salutes ‘new era’ of united Japan, S. Korea in face of China appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Talon’ Trafficking Victims Rescued in Cebu
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) intercepted five suspected victims of human trafficking on 8 July. According to the BI-CIA, the said victims, who were attempting to board their flight via Philippine Airlines bound for Thailand under the pretense of being tourists, were later revealed to be bound for the United Arab Emirates. Because of the contradictions in their claims, the immigration officer began to wonder about the travelers' motivations. They stated they were going on vacation, and one of the travelers' buddies and a sibling were supposedly paying for it. The victims, however, acknowledged their true location after further inquiry during a subsequent examination. Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Norman Tansingco said that this is a common scheme of human trafficking, wherein victims are made to go to a third country before flying out to the final port of destination. Tansingco stressed the significance of immigration officials' diligence and awareness in spotting potential instances of human trafficking and stopping such unlawful actions. The victims were immediately turned over to the MCIA Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) for assistance in filing charges against their recruiter. The Bureau of Immigration urges the public to report any suspicious activities or individuals related to human trafficking to the authorities. The BI chief also said that this is a recurring scheme that uses visa-free countries as a jump-off point to other destinations, and they urge all aspiring overseas workers not to accept such offers and report attempts at illegal recruitment to local authorities. The post Talon’ Trafficking Victims Rescued in Cebu appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Iran takes Canada to UN court over terror compensation
Iran has taken Canada to the International Court of Justice for allowing victims of alleged terror attacks to claim damages from Tehran, the UN's top tribunal said on Wednesday. Tehran's case claims that Ottawa, which listed the Islamic Republic as a sponsor of terrorism in 2012, had violated Iran's state immunity. Iran asked the Hague-based ICJ to make Canada overturn a law passed in the same year that allows victims to collect damages from state terror sponsors in Canadian civil courts. "Canada has adopted and implemented a series of legislative, executive, and judicial measures against Iran and its property in breach of its international obligations," Iran said in its filing to the court. Tehran also demanded compensation from Canada. Iran's application cites a Canadian court judgment in 2022 that awarded more than $80 million in compensation to the families of six people who died when Iran shot down a Ukrainian airliner almost two years ago. Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752 was downed shortly after take-off from Tehran on January 8, 2020, killing all 176 people aboard -- including 85 Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Three days later, the Iranian armed forces admitted to downing the Kyiv-bound plane "by mistake." 'International obligations' Iran also cited a 2016 ruling by a Canadian judge ordering Iran's non-diplomatic land and bank accounts to be handed over to victims of attacks by Hamas and Hezbollah. The judgment awarded a reported $13 million to families of Americans who died in eight bombings or hostage-takings in Buenos Aires, Israel, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia from 1983 to 2002. The families, led by the parents of Marla Bennett, who was killed when a suicide bomber struck at a cafeteria at Hebrew University in Israel in 2002, had successfully sued Iran in the United States. "Iran respectfully requests the Court to adjudge and declare that by failing to respect the immunities of Iran and its property, Canada has violated its international obligations toward Iran," Iran's ICJ filing said. Canada broke diplomatic ties with Iran in 2012 as relations frayed over Tehran's support for Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria, its nuclear program, and threats to Israel. Iran launched a similar case at the ICJ against the United States in 2016 seeking to unfreeze assets seized by Washington to compensate victims of terror attacks. Judges in March rejected Iran's bid to free nearly $2 billion in central bank assets but ruled the United States had illegally seized funds of some Iranian companies and individuals. The ICJ was set up after World War II to resolve disputes between UN member states. Its judgments are final but can take years. The post Iran takes Canada to UN court over terror compensation appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PVL-bound Nisperos stresses faith in young Akari squad
Ateneo standout Faith Nisperos expressed a lot of belief in the potential of young Premier Volleyball League team Akari Chargers......»»
UST makes Final Four grade
University of Santo Tomas completed the Final Four cast after showing Far Eastern University the exit door, 26-24, 22-25, 25-16, 25-23, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena. Veteran Eya Laure capped her efficient outing by hammering down the finishing blow to banish the last hurdle blocking the way of the Tigresses’ third straight semifinals appearance. UST improved its win-loss record to 9-3 for a share of the second spot with semis-bound defending champion National University. Standings leader and twice-to-beat De La Salle University and Adamson University occupy the other Final Four seats. Laure, whose back-to-back aces midway through the fourth set cleared the way for UST to take control of the match, finished with 28 points and had eight digs. The outside hitter and skipper punched in 23 kills off 47 attempts and had three aces and two kill blocks for the Tigresses, who will shoot to boost their chances of clinching the last semis incentive with another win over the Lady Bulldogs on Wednesday. While Laure took care of offense, Detdet Pepito took charge of the floor defense drawing praise from head coach Kungfu Reyes. “We’re just happy our B7 (Pepito) was activated especially during the latter part of the game. Detdet was a bit tentative in the first and second sets. At least, she bounced back on the following sets,” Reyes said of his defense specialist who had 21 digs and 19 excellent receptions. UST had a close call in the opening set and allowed FEU to steal one in the second frame before recovering its bearing to seal the win. Laure landed consecutive service winners to seal the Tigresses decisive 5-0 rally to take a 19-17 lead in the fourth set. The Lady Tamaraws kept the game close but an error followed by Laure’s crosscourt hit put the Tigresses at match point. Laure put FEU out of its misery after saving two match points in the battle that lasted two hours and 15 minutes. Imee Hernandez added 19 points while Milena Alessandrini, Jonna Perdido and Regina Jurado scored seven each for UST, which came back from a 16-21 deficit to steal the extended opening set. The Lady Tamaraws kissed their semis hopes goodbye after dropping to a 6-7 slate. Still, it was a good run for FEU, which will close its campaign against Adamson on 30 April, after finishing with a 1-13 card last year. Laure put FEU out of its misery after saving two match points in the battle that lasted two hours and 15 minutes. Chenie Tagaod scored 12 points while Gerzel Petallo had 11 for the Lady Tamaraws. Meanwhile, De La Salle University mercilessly mauled also-ran Ateneo de Manila University, 25-22, 25-19, 25-18, to secure the top seeding in the Final Four. Rookie Shevana Laput picked the perfect time to drop her career-high 16 points as the Lady Spikers hiked their record to 12-1 and extended their head-to-head winning streak over their archrivals to 12 dating back to Season 79 spanning six years. Angel Canino added 13 markers while Thea Gagate had 12 for La Salle, which will close its elims campaign on 29 April against winless University of the East. In men’s play, FEU halted a four-game slide with a morale-boosting upset win over UST, 25-21, 22-25, 21-25, 25-21, 15-10, to strengthen its bid for a Final Four seat. Rey Sabanal and Dryx Saavedra scored timely hits in the fifth set as the Tamaraws escaped with their seventh win in 13 games. The duo pushed FEU’s separation to 13-9 in the deciding frame before UST’s rookie sensation Josh Ybanez committed the last of his team’s costly 45 errors from the pipe to send the Tamaraws at match point, 14-10. Then Mark Calado wasted no time, attacking from the back row straight to the center of the Golden Spikers’ court for the skid-breaking victory. Calado had 21 points and seven digs for the Tamaraws while Saavedra pitched in 16 points. Ybañez uncorked 28 points on 27-of-52 attacks with 17 excellent receptions and six digs as the Tigers saw their eight-game winning streak snapped for a 10-2 card. The post UST makes Final Four grade appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
UK deputy PM resigns after most bullying claims upheld
UK Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab announced his resignation on Friday after bullying claims against him were upheld in a report, a fresh political shock for Britain's Conservatives. Raab's resignation gives Prime Minister Rishi Sunak a headache some two weeks before local elections at which the Conservatives are expected to lose seats. He is also battling to claw back a chasm of lost ground to the main opposition Labor Party before a general election next year. Raab, who stood in for former prime minister Boris Johnson as he battled Covid in 2020, had promised to quit if any claims against him were upheld. But even though he was cleared of most of the allegations, he blasted the conclusions of a lawyer-led inquiry. "Whilst I feel duty-bound to accept the outcome of the inquiry, it dismissed all but two of the claims leveled against me," he wrote in a resignation letter. "I also believe that its two adverse findings are flawed and set a dangerous precedent for the conduct of good government." The bar for bullying was set so low, he said, that "it will encourage spurious complaints against ministers and have a chilling effect on those driving change". Raab also resigned from his post as justice secretary, where he has had to battle a backlog in criminal cases caused by years of under-funding and disruptions caused by the pandemic. He previously served as Brexit minister and foreign secretary but was moved from that post after being criticized for failing to return from holiday as Afghanistan fell to the Taliban. Sunak, who succeeded the short-lived Liz Truss in October last year, vowed to restore "integrity, professionalism, and accountability" in government after Johnson's rollercoaster tenure. He previously sacked Nadhim Zahawi as Conservative party chairman over his tax affairs. Gavin Williamson, a former defense secretary who kept a tarantula on his desk while in charge of party discipline in parliament, quit over expletive-laden messages. Low bar Former lawyer Raab, a karate black belt, has denied bullying civil servants working for him and in his letter rejected allegations of an overbearing manner with colleagues. He insisted in his letter that ministers "must be able to exercise direct oversight with respect to senior officials over critical negotiations conducted on behalf of the British people". Not to do so, he said, would mean the loss of "the democratic and constitutional principle of ministerial responsibility". He also maintained ministers "must be able to give direct critical feedback on briefings and submissions to senior officials in order to set the standards and drive the reform the public expect of us". "Of course, this must be done within reasonable bounds," he went on. Sunak appointed senior employment lawyer Adam Tolley to look into the claims in November and he submitted his report to Sunak on eight allegations on Thursday. The report has yet to be published. But Raab said Tolley "concluded that I had not once, in four and a half years, sworn or shouted at anyone let alone thrown anything or otherwise physically intimated anyone, nor intentionally sought to belittle anyone". "I am genuinely sorry for any unintended stress or offense that any officials felt, as a result of the pace, standards, and challenge that I brought to the Ministry of Justice," he added. "That is, however, what the public expects of ministers working on their behalf." The post UK deputy PM resigns after most bullying claims upheld appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Coach tells Bulldogs to stay focused
National University head coach Dante Alinsurin is keeping his players’ emotions in check with the unbeaten three-peat-seeking squad just three wins from completing an elimination round sweep of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 85 men’s volleyball tournament. The Bulldogs bunched up 11 wins in a row in as many games to punch a ticket to their eighth straight Final Four appearance armed with a twice-to-beat advantage in the division’s first staging following a three-year pandemic-forced hiatus. NU, undefeated in 29 consecutive games since 2019, can advance to the best-of-three Finals outright and force a step-ladder semifinals if it hurdles its last three assignments against University of the East, Final Four-bound University of Santo Tomas and Ateneo de Manila University. But despite his team’s hot streak, Alinsunurin does not want his players to be distracted with the prospect of an elims sweep. He wants the Bulldogs to just zone in on the task in front of them and not look too far ahead. “I always remind them to just do what they need to do inside the court. The twice-to-beat, the sweep, honestly, we only talked about it once,” Alinsurin said. “We make it a point that we put our focus on what we talked about on training,” he added. The four-time champion mentor also lauds his team for fully understanding what he wants to impart and for keeping the fire burning despite piling up victories. “I never put pressure on them that we need to reach this or we have to do that. Maybe that’s the reason why the team remains focused everyday in training and in games,” the former men’s national team mentor that steered the country to a silver medal finish in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games held in Manila. NU beat Far Eastern University, 28-26, 25-21, 26-28, 25-23, last Sunday behind Buds Buddun, Nico Almendras, Kennry Malinis and Obed Mukaba. The Bulldogs will face the Red Warriors on Saturday before taking on the Tigers on 26 April and the Blue Eagles on 29 April to wrap up their elims campaign. “We have to keep on working and try to improve every training,” Alinsunurin. “See what we need to address like our unforced errors and see to it that we’ll be able to limit our miscues in our next games.” The post Coach tells Bulldogs to stay focused appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Iran court jails missile crew behind jet downing
Ten members of an Iranian missile battery crew involved in the downing of a Ukrainian airliner in 2020 have been sentenced to prison, Iran’s judiciary has said on its website. The commander of the crew received the heaviest penalty of 10 years imprisonment while nine others were sentenced to between one and three years, Mizan Online reported on Sunday. The 10 members of the Iranian armed forces were not named. The commander of a Tor M-1 surface-to-air missile system “fired two missiles,” “contrary to orders” and without obtaining authorization, at the Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752 shortly after its takeoff from Tehran on 8 January 2020, killing all 176 people on board, according to Mizan. Ukraine lost 11 citizens in the airline disaster. At the time, Iranian air defenses were on high alert for a United States counterattack after Tehran fired missiles at a military base in Iraq that was used by American forces. Those missiles came in response to the killing in a US drone attack in Baghdad of Major General Qassem Soleimani who headed the foreign operations arm of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps. Three days after the Kyiv-bound plane was shot down, the Iranian armed forces admitted there had been a “mistake.” “Given the extent of the effects and consequences of this action, the main defendant was sentenced to the maximum penalty,” Mizan Online added without giving further details. Compensation Iran’s judiciary said in November 2021 that a trial had opened in Tehran for 10 military members “of various ranks” in connection with the jet’s downing. In January last year, Iran said it had begun paying compensation to families of those killed. Arash Khodaei, a vice president of the country’s Civil Aviation Organization, said that “the sum of $150,000 has been transferred” to some families, while “the process has begun” for others. The payment “does not infringe upon (their) right to take legal action,” state news agency IRNA quoted him as saying. In 2020, Iran offered to pay “$150,000 or the equivalent in euros” to each of the victims’ families. Ukrainian and Canadian officials strongly criticized the announcement, saying compensation should not be settled through unilateral declarations. A Canadian court awarded more than $80 million in compensation to the families of six of the victims in a decision made public in January 2022. That same month, an Iranian couple filed a rare lawsuit against three senior Iranian officials over the deaths of their children in the incident, an Iranian newspaper reported at the time. A group of countries led by Canada called in December for an arbitrator to settle claims against Iran, a first step in possibly bringing a case at the International Court of Justice, which victims’ families have long demanded. Iran offered to pay ‘$150,000 or the equivalent in euros’ to each of the victims’ families. The association of families of the victims reiterated Sunday after the verdict that “an impartial, international court” should try the crime. The post Iran court jails missile crew behind jet downing appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Laput makes heads turn
Rookie Shevana Laput did not disappoint on her first start for De La Salle University in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament. Fresh from a long Holy Week break, the semifinals-bound Lady Spikers turned to the Filipino-Australian recruit for points at the opposite position during their clinical 25-15, 25-16, 25-16 win over University of the Philippines on Sunday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City. The 6-foot-1 Laput, who saw limited minutes in La Salle’s first 10 games, produced nine points to help her squad get back on the winning track after seeing its nine-game winning streak snapped before the long lull. Long-time Lady Spikers assistant coach Noel Orcullo was not surprised at all with Laput’s output. La Salle did not waste time in developing Laput during the break as an added weapon on the wing to give head coach Ramil de Jesus another opposite spiker option besides veteran Baby Jyne Soreno with Leila Cruz sidelined for the rest of the season due to a right knee injury she sustained at the start of the second round. “Actually, we expected that performance from her since we focused on preparing her for the role during the Holy Week. So, we really expected her to deliver,” Orcullo said. Laput expressed gratitude for the trust given to her despite being one of the new members of the Lady Spikers, who are eyeing to reclaim the crown it last held back in 2018. “It feels great. It just shows that I developed and improved as a player and the coaches trust my abilities to have me play in the first six. It's great and it's an honor,” Laput said. The towering spiker played an inspired game with her family including brother James, who plays for Magnolia Hotshots in the Philippine Basketball Association, watching live. “It's a great feeling that my family is supporting me. My mom and my little sister, actually, surprised me this week. They came on Thursday. It's their first time watching a live game,” the head-turner said. “I'm definitely nervous having them there supporting me, it feels like I need to perform (well). It's a great feeling to know that your family is there supporting you.” With its 13th straight Final Four appearance secured, La Salle now shifts its sights on clinching a twice-to-beat advantage in the semis. The Lady Spikers battle Adamson University on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena to assure themselves of at least a playoff for a Final Four bonus. After that La Salle will face Ateneo de Manila University on 23 April before wrapping up the elimination round against winless University of the East on 29 April. Orcullo bared La Salle’s coaching staff has been preparing Laput to play a much bigger role in the coming games. “We need to build her confidence with the second round drawing to a close,” he said. “So that heading into the semifinals and hopefully in the finals, she will have that confidence in her and that anytime her number is called she’ll be able to deliver.” The post Laput makes heads turn appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»