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Rights groups call for a safer environment for children
By DOMINIC GUTOMAN Bulatlat.com MANILA – Half a million Filipino children were trafficked for the production of new child sexual exploitation material in 2022, according to rights groups. Over the past 15 years, online child sexual abuse material surged by 15,000 percent, according to non-profit organization Thorn: Digital Defenders of Children. Women’s group Gabriela attributed… The post Rights groups call for a safer environment for children appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
PMPI Urges Ceasefire in Gaza, Backs International Call for Peace and Humanitarian Aid
With the start of the new year, violence is escalating and getting worse, with reports that more than 200 Palestinians have been killed since January 1, 2023. This war has taken the lives of more than 22,000 people, mainly women and children, and we cannot remain silent.Philippine Misereor Partnership Inc.....»»
PMPI Urges Ceasefire in Gaza, Backs International Call for Peace and Humanitarian Aid
With the start of the new year, violence is escalating and getting worse, with reports that more than 200 Palestinians have been killed since January 1, 2023. This war has taken the lives of more than 22,000 people, mainly women and children, and we cannot remain silent.Philippine Misereor Partnership Inc.....»»
UN General Assembly calls for ‘humanitarian truce’ in Gaza
The UN General Assembly on Friday called by a large majority for an "immediate humanitarian truce" in Gaza, on the 21st day of the Israel-Hamas conflict as the Israeli army announced it was extending its ground operation into the shattered territory. The non-binding resolution, criticized by Israel and the United States for failing to mention Hamas, received 120 votes in favor, 14 against and 45 abstentions from UN members. Israel angrily dismissed the measure, and said the country would use "every means at our disposal" in confronting Hamas. "Today is a day that will go down as infamy. We have all witnessed that the UN no longer holds even one ounce of legitimacy or relevance," Israeli ambassador Gilad Erdan said, telling the assembly: "Shame on you." "Israel will continue to defend itself. We will defend our future, our very existence by ridding the world of Hamas's evil so that it can never threaten anyone else again," he said. Hamas meanwhile welcomed the call for a break in the conflict. "We demand its immediate application to allow the entry of fuel and humanitarian aid for civilians," said a Hamas statement. The rival Palestinian Authority's foreign ministry said that as Israel's campaign "reaches a new peak of brutality," there was "a solid international position rejecting Israel's unhinged aggression". The text proposed by Jordan in the name of 22 Arab countries called for "an immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities." An earlier version called for an "immediate ceasefire." Jordan's Ambassador Mahmoud Hmoud, just before the vote, stressed that: "It is not merely our responsibility, but a profound moral obligation to champion the cause of peace." Israel has heavily bombarded Gaza since Hamas gunmen stormed across the border on October 7, killing 1,400 people, mostly civilians, and kidnapping over 220 others, according to Israeli officials. The health ministry in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip, in an update on Friday, said the Israeli strikes had now killed 7,326 people, mainly civilians and many of them children. The resolution co-sponsored by nearly 50 other countries centered largely on the dire humanitarian situation in sealed-off Gaza as Israel presses on with its bombardment. The document urges "immediate" provision of water, food, medical supplies, fuel and electricity and unhindered access for UN and other humanitarian agencies trying to help the Palestinians. The draft condemns "all acts of violence aimed at Palestinian and Israeli civilians, including all acts of terrorism and indiscriminate attacks" but it does not mention Hamas. The resolution exposed a division within Western countries, with France voting for the measure; Germany, Italy and Britain abstaining; while Austria and the United States voted against. "It is outrageous that this resolution fails to name the perpetrators of the October 7 terrorist attack," US ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said. "Another key word missing in this resolution is hostage," she added. The post UN General Assembly calls for ‘humanitarian truce’ in Gaza appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
History of empathy
In a world often marred by conflict and divisiveness, genuine compassion and solidarity illuminate the path of hope. Israel’s recent gesture to assist victims of the ongoing war with the terrorist group Hamas is a testament to the nation’s commitment to humanity and its willingness to lend a helping hand to those in need. Israel, a nation that has itself faced considerable challenges and conflicts, understands the plight of those impacted by war. With a history shaped by resilience and determination, Israel has learned the importance of standing in solidarity with those facing adversity. This history of empathy serves as the foundation for its decision to assist victims of war, transcending borders and differences to offer a lifeline to those in desperate need. The Israeli government, led in the country by Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss, reached out with unwavering support to the grieving families of four Filipinos who tragically fell victim to the heinous Hamas terrorist attack on Israel. With a deep commitment to healing and restoration, Israel through Fluss vowed to provide financial aid to guide the families through this challenging chapter of their lives. Regardless of nationality, for as long as the affected individuals are documented, Fluss said they are officially recognized as victims of terrorism. As such, much-needed financial assistance will be extended to their parents, spouses and children. According to Ambassador Fluss, the Israeli government has well-defined legislation in place to assist Israeli citizens, Filipinos and other foreign nationals affected by such circumstances. The support, coursed through either the Philippine government or victims’ families, will be provided through monthly financial aid, tailored to address specific needs such as education, healthcare and housing, as explicitly stipulated in Israeli law. Going beyond providing immediate aid, Israel’s gesture fosters an environment conducive to peace and reconciliation. By reaching out to victims of war, Israel sends a powerful message of unity, empathy, and a shared commitment to healing wounds inflicted by conflict. This goodwill inspires hope and encourages dialogue, paving the way for greater understanding and eventual resolution of conflicts. Israel’s gesture may inevitably draw criticism from various spectrums, with skeptics raising concerns about underlying motives or highlighting political complexities. Nevertheless, it is best to acknowledge the profound significance of taking action to alleviate profound human suffering, regardless of political considerations. Instead of fueling hate, aiding victims of war should ignite a powerful call for international collaboration wherein nations join hands and work together toward conflict resolution — transcending divisive narratives. Israel’s commitment to humanitarian aid is not mere rhetoric but a tangible demonstration of addressing immediate needs and contributing to the long-term recovery and stability of the kin of 1,400 fatalities, 5,240 injured, 223 hostages, and conflict-affected communities. May the compassionate outreach of the Israeli government inspire resistance to blame-assigning through a constructive and problem-solving mindset. The post History of empathy appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Palestinian children should be killed’
No, that heartless advice did not come from a mentally deranged man or an ordinary man on the street. It came from a top Filipino diplomat who has worn many hats in government. He is in fact a lawyer, journalist, former Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador to the United Nations, Press Secretary, Congressman, and presently Philippine Ambassador to the Court of St. James’s (United Kingdom) and concurrently Special Envoy to China for special concerns. In my book, those bona fides could easily qualify him as a revered Filipino statesman — but for his indiscretion, uncouth words, and disrespect for the feelings of others. I refer, dear readers, to Teodoro Lopez Locsin Jr. I have to emphasize the descriptive word “Jr.” because, from accounts I have read, he is far different from his namesake, Teodoro Locsin Sr., who fought the Japanese and the dictatorial regime of Ferdinand Marcos Sr., a fearless publisher of the news magazine Philippines Free Press for which he was imprisoned during the Marcos martial law regime. Did the “apple fall far from the tree?” In his Twitter account, Locsin Jr. said: “That’s why Palestinian children should be killed: they might grow up to become as gullible as innocent Palestinians letting Hamas launch rockets at Israel ...They are Muslims...” In the diplomatic community, we call that a faux pas. Perhaps realizing the callousness of his gaffe, he immediately deleted the tweet with the following lame expression of mea culpa: “I immediately deleted my sarcastic response to a tweet as I realized it could be misconstrued ...My apologies to those who did misconstrue my sentiments and did, in fact, get triggered...” That statement did not wash away the disastrous effect of his slip. If one reads between the lines, they were subtle words to camouflage the booboo, not a real entreaty for clemency. His admission of his mistake, though, may work to mitigate the imprudence. Remarkably, the Department of Foreign Affairs, anticipating its far-reaching negative effect, disassociated itself from the statement, saying it was made in Locsin’s “personal capacity.” I wanted to distance this column from the ensuing uproar. But being the de facto medium for Filipino Muslims’ concerns and sentiments on political and social issues, it cannot default from its moral responsibility. I was afraid that repeating the obnoxious remark might gain traction — and psychologists warn about the “repetition-induced truth effect.” I did not want to dignify it. After all, he had shown remorse and apologized for the impropriety of his words, and, as a sage says, “There is no need to beat a dead horse.” But the storm of controversy has spread like wildfire in Morolandia that I have to add my voice of indignation. Silence amid the din of protest is a sin. I have not seen in a long time such a display of revulsion and rage from the Moros, reminiscent of the time foreign invaders came to their shores and, for 300 years, the Moros dug in, resisted, and repelled the hegemonistic colonization campaign. Muslim netizens promptly denounced the statement as xenophobic, insensitive, and unbecoming of a diplomat. Their protest and outcry reverberated from the halls of the Houses of Congress, the Regional Parliament of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to the cramped temporary shanties of the Marawi war evacuees and the shores of the Sulu seas. For a single moment in their lives, the tribes of Morolandia set aside their tribal identities. They spoke in one thunderous voice, calling for a sanction for what they perceived was the misconduct of a diplomat who, to preserve his honor, must perform a Japanese seppuku or self-sacrifice by resigning from his post. Articulating the collective position of the Deputies of the BARMM interim Regional Parliament, Speaker Pangalian Balindong issued a public statement rich in a poignant message condemning the “insensitive and irresponsible social media post ...for its Islamophobic, racist, and anti-Semitic undertones.” (To be continued) amb_mac_lanto@yahoo.com The post ‘Palestinian children should be killed’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Meta quarterly profit jumps but it sees volatility in ad market
Meta on Wednesday reported that its quarterly profit more than doubled from last year's figure as it looks ahead at a volatile ad market and lawsuits accusing it of profiting from "children's pain." "Meta earnings looked pretty good," said independent tech analyst Rob Enderle. "They have clearly cut back on the bleeding surrounding their metaverse efforts and the company appears to be on a more even keel right now." The tech giant said it made a profit of $11.6 billion as ad revenue climbed 23 percent to $34 billion when compared to the same period a year earlier. "We had a good quarter for our community and business," said Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg. The number of people using Facebook monthly rose slightly to 3.05 billion in a year-over-year comparison while monthly active users of Meta's "family" of apps was 3.96 billion a 7 percent increase from the same quarter in 2022, the company reported. Meta said it had trimmed costs, with layoffs and other belt-tightening measures started last year providing "greater efficiency." Meta had suffered a rough 2022 amid a souring economic climate and Apple's data privacy changes, which allowed users to block ad targeting, the pillar of Meta's business. Meta's vow of austerity on spending brought an unprecedented round of cost-cutting that saw the company lay off tens of thousands of workers since last November. Meta shares, which closed the formal trading day down, fell more than three percent further in after-hours trades to $289.50. Chief financial officer Susan Li said during an earnings call that Meta is seeing "volatility" in an ad market that started to soften when the conflict between Israel and Hamas began. "It's hard for us to attribute demand softness directly to any specific geopolitical event," Li said. "We have seen broader demand softness follow other regional conflicts in the past, such as in the Ukraine war, so this is something that we're continuing to monitor." Lawsuit peril Analyst Enderle maintained that Meta is at risk from lawsuits poised to damage its image and its wallet. Dozens of US states this week accused Meta of profiting "from children's pain," damaging their mental health and misleading people about the safety of its platforms. "In seeking to maximize its financial gains, Meta has repeatedly misled the public about the substantial dangers of its Social Media Platforms," argued a joint lawsuit filed in federal court in California. The states accused Meta of exploiting young users by creating a business model designed to maximize time they spend on the platform despite harm to their health. In total more than 40 states are suing Meta, though some opted to file in local courts rather than join in the federal case. Meta said the states were singling it out unfairly instead of working with social media companies to develop universal standards for the whole industry. "This landmark lawsuit could herald a seismic shift in how social media platforms approach product features and user engagement," said Insider Intelligence principal analyst Jeremy Goldman. "That said, even as tech stocks face uncertainty, Meta's consistent performance cements its leadership in the digital realm." Meanwhile, the European Union is seeking details on measures Meta has taken to stop the spread of "illegal content and disinformation" in light of the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The AI race The tech giant is putting artificial intelligence into digital assistants and smart glasses as it seeks to gain lost ground in the AI race. "I'm proud of the work our teams have done to advance AI and mixed reality with the launch of Quest 3, Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, and our AI studio," Zuckerberg said in the earnings release. The second-generation Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses made in a partnership with EssilorLuxottica have a starting price of $299. "Smart glasses are the ideal form factor for you to let AI assistants see what you're seeing and hear what you're hearing," Zuckerberg said. Meta has taken a more cautious approach than its rivals Microsoft, OpenAI, and Google to push out AI products, prioritizing small steps and making its in-house models available to developers and researchers. "The majority of the world's population will have their first experience of generative artificial intelligence with us," Meta chief technology officer Andrew "Boz" Bosworth told AFP in a recent interview. Meta recently unveiled AI-infused chatbots with personalities, along with tools for creating images or written content using spoken prompts. The post Meta quarterly profit jumps but it sees volatility in ad market appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Fa-BOO-lous Halloween celebration with your pups
Too cute to spook? Dress up your kids and pet dogs in fun and colorful costumes and take them to The Westin Manila for a Halloween lunch celebration and a Fa-BOO-lous Costume Parade on 29 October. The themed Sunday lunch buffet at Seasonal Tastes features a wickedly wonderful spread alongside premium meats, such as Australian Beef Rump, Turkey, BBQ Pork Ribs, Roasted Chicken and a variety of sausages, plus an assortment of sweets, treats and much more. Lunch is served from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Every two adults who dine at the Halloween lunch buffet are entitled to two complimentary tickets for their children to join the Kiddie Costume Soirée in the afternoon at 2 p.m. To be held in the ballroom foyer on the second level, the afternoon activity is offered to kids two to 12 years old. The program includes games, cookie decorating, costume parade, giveaways and a five-minute self-portrait shoot per child at the A Studios booth. Pet dogs are invited to the Doggie Costume Paw-ty at the Lobby Lounge veranda at 4 p.m. Tickets are sold at P1,500, good for one dog and one pet owner, and the rate is consumable on food and drinks from the A La Bark and Lobby Lounge menus. The event will include a paw-lor game and costume parade, giveaways and a five-minute photo session for each dog at the A Studios booth. Register through westinmanila@westin.com or call 8256-2020. The post Fa-BOO-lous Halloween celebration with your pups appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NDCP alumni officials call for unity amid growing tensions in WPS
Filipinos should unite behind the nation and its government as Philippine sailors continue to experience harassment from the Chinese Coast Guard while on peaceful missions in the West Philippine Sea. This was the call of alumni officials of the National Defense College of the Philippines or NDCP, stressing that the public should remain vigilant and well-informed amid growing tensions inside the country’s territorial waters. Capt. Aldrin Cuña, the Secretary General of the NDCP Alumni Association Inc. (NDCPAAI), released the group’s statement stressing that “not only is it our right but our duty to protect it when parties launch aggressive acts to challenge our sovereignty and curb our activities over what is legally ours.” “The West Philippine Sea is of great importance to our nation, future and children - their inheritance we should not lose during our watch,” the NDCPAAI statement read. The statement was released after two Chinese Coast Guard ships rammed a Philippine Coast Guard ship and a military-run supply boat within Philippine territorial waters on Sunday, 22 October. The Chinese Coast Guard claimed that it was the Philippine ships who were the “aggressors,” but Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro fired back, saying “the Chinese government is deliberately obfuscating the truth.” The NDCPAAI seconded Secretary Teodoro, saying that “not only are our ships being rammed, the truth that is on our side is being pummeled too.” “The best defense against falsehood are facts which we can learn by educating ourselves about what our country’s rights are over West Philippine Sea and the legitimacy of our actions there,” the association said. However, the NDCPAAI emphasized that “diplomacy in search for principled peaceful solution is of equal importance,” but this can only be achieved if “a united citizenry is behind the government.” “We thus call on our fellow Filipinos, regardless of political affiliations, to put aside our differences and rally around our country's cause. As we maintain a credible defense posture, we must engage in constructive dialogue and nurture cordial and conflict-free peaceful solutions, guided by international law and our commitment to upholding justice and fairness,” the association said. “By pursuing these multiple tracks, we project a stance that is strong at home and supported by the people and respected abroad and recognized by the community of nations as just and right,” it stressed......»»
‘Hands off our war!’
Israel’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Ilan Fluss, stressed yesterday that his country does not want the United Nations to interfere in its war against the extremist group Hamas, which killed at least 1,400 people, mostly Israeli civilians, in an unprecedented attack last 7 October. In a roundtable discussion with DAILY TRIBUNE editors and reporters, Fluss accused the UN of having a long-standing anti-Israel bias as he brushed aside a UN Security Council call for a “humanitarian pause” in the conflict. The UN was founded 78 years ago to the day today, on 24 October 1945. “We’re in a war against Hamas, which is like the war in Afghanistan (following the 11 September 2001 or 9/11 terror attacks against the United States),” said Fluss, describing the attack by Hamas as second only in barbarity to what Israelis faced during the holocaust. Hitler’s Nazi Germany exterminated about six million European Jews from 1941 to 1945 during the Holocaust in World War 2. The genocide would spur the creation of the state of Israel in 1948. “We will make sure that there’s no humanitarian crisis as much as possible, and we are trying hard to minimize the casualties there,” he said, explaining that the airstrikes in the Gaza Strip are targeting well-known Hamas enclaves. Israel, with about 300,000 soldiers and armor massed at its border with Gaza, has expressed an intent to launch a ground offensive to rout Hamas, without occupying the territory it left in 2005. Fluss pointed out that civilians in Gaza are being warned in advance of the attacks, with pleas made for them to relocate to its south, away from the fighting. War on terror “Our objective in this war is to ensure that Hamas will no longer be able to attack Israel like it did. We will remove their capability in a war that is solely against Hamas and not the Palestinians,” Fluss said. The envoy stressed that Israel is not against delivering humanitarian aid to the civilians in Gaza, while stressing Israel’s right to protect its citizens against terrorist groups like Hamas, the Islamic Jihad and the Hezbollah in Lebanon. Fluss said that nobody, not even the UN, can stop Israel from a war that it did not start, one that was “forced on us” by Hamas with the latter’s massacre of innocent Israelis, including women and children. Enemies of Israel He explained that while the Philippines enjoys recognition by all countries, Israel has for decades, if not centuries, been trying to be recognized as a state with the right to exist peacefully. But Fluss lamented that the UN has been passing resolutions — at least 20 every year — “which are anti-Israel, (resolutions) that take the Palestinian narrative.” “There is no recognition of the Israeli narrative. The bias against Israel in the UN is well-known,” he said. He said that the UN and its agencies, like the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, otherwise referred to as the UN Relief and Works Agency or UNRWA, have allowed themselves to be used by the enemies of Israel. Fluss cited as an example the use by Hamas of UNRWA facilities, supplies and even marked vehicles in attacking Israel. UNRWA had been accused in the past of perpetuating destabilizing events in order to have a perpetual supply of refugees to justify its existence and funding. It has over 18,900 staff working in 138 countries. Israel, as the lone Jewish state in the UN, is ranged against an automatic majority of countries that support the Palestinian initiatives. The Arab League has 22 members in the UN, while the Organization of Islamic Cooperation has 57 members. It may be recalled that a number of Arab countries had banded together to wage wars against Israel, including in 1948 during its founding. The UN has also accommodated Palestinians many times in the past. In October 1974, or 14 years before the Palestine Liberation Organization nominally forswore terrorism, the UN General Assembly voted to invite it to send a spokesperson to take part in its deliberations. No one who was not a representative of a government — except the Pope, and even he was the head of a quasi-state — had ever before been granted such a privilege. The vote to extend the invitation was overwhelming, 105 to 4, with only the United States, Israel, and two Latin American governments opposed. The assembled delegates heard Yasser Arafat proclaim the necessity of getting at the “historical roots” of the issue, namely, “the Jewish invasion of Palestine [that] began in 1881,” and addressing it with a “radical antidote,” rather than “a slavish obeisance to the present.” Expulsion try In 1975, the foreign ministers of the Organization of the Islamic Conference were determined to have Israel expelled from the UN. The PLO lined up support for this move at a meeting of the African states while training its sights on a ministerial meeting of the NAM (Non-Aligned Movement) scheduled a month later, in August 1975, in Lima, Peru. Washington then objected. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger delivered a major speech on the subject, with a thinly veiled warning that the United States might turn its back on the United Nations. In addition to Washington’s hard line, the drive to expel Israel was also slowed by disarray within the Arab’s ranks. The most decisive factor that disrupted the expulsion move was the surprising position of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, who announced his opposition to it because “Israel must be present at the United Nations if it is expected to comply with its resolutions.” Israel’s enemies soon came up with an alternative that again targeted Israel through a resolution of the General Assembly, echoing Arafat and Soviet propagandists who declared Zionism to be “a form of racism.” In 1982, the body declared that Israel “is not a peace-loving member state and that it has not carried out its obligations under the Charter.” Likewise, the UN General Assembly has voted each year on 70 to 100 resolutions, including from 15 to 20 resolutions pejorative to Israel. Of all General Assembly resolutions that criticize a particular country, three-quarters apply to Israel. The relentless recitation of UN declarations reinforces the conviction in the Arab world that all right lies on the Arab side and that Israel is irredeemably evil. The post ‘Hands off our war!’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Abalos to LGUs: ‘Eradicate malnutrition’
Committing to his advocacy against malnutrition, Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos on Friday urged local government units to prioritize maternal, neonatal, and child health nutrition programs in their localities. The call was made in support of the implementation of Republic Act No. 11148 or the "Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act". “The right to health is a fundamental principle guaranteed by the State, and malnutrition continues to threaten this right disrupting the very future of our own children. Kaya naman napaka-importante na magsagawa ng mga hakbang ang mga LGUs para pangalagaan ang kalusugan ng mag-ina – mula sa sinapupunan hanggang sa unang 1,000 araw ng paglaki ng bata,” Abalos said. He said LGUs play a key role in the whole-of-government approach to combat malnutrition among adolescent females, pregnant and lactating women, infants, and young children and the reduction of maternal mortality and stunting in children. “I feel so strongly about this as I have advocated the same since my time as a local chief executive in Mandaluyong City. The movement against malnutrition and the welfare of pregnant and lactating women can start for all LGUs, too. Kumilos tayo laban sa malnutrisyon ng mga buntis, sanggol at mga bata,” he said. During his term as Mandaluyong City mayor, the Nutrition Honor Award, which was the highest accolade conferred by the National Nutrition Council to an LGU, was conferred to the city for three consecutive years. He was cited for his Millenium Baby Project which provided care for women and their babies and the creation of the Breast Feeding Patrol, a group of breast-feeding mothers who can be pulled during emergencies to breast-feed hungry babies. Through the DILG Memorandum Circular 2023-149 dated 12 October 2023, the DILG Secretary directed LGUs to integrate programs on nutrition for adolescent females, pregnant and lactating women, infants, and young children in their investment plans for health, prioritizing those who are nutritionally at risk. Some primary services required by the program include pregnancy tracking and regular counseling for pregnant women, breastfeeding plans and resources for postpartum and lactating women, newborn screening and vaccination for newborn babies, and nutrition counseling for children up to two years of age. Apart from LGUs, Abalos said the whole-of-government approach and delivery of services and interventions must include the participation of national government agencies, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders. He also said the law shall be implemented through rural health units and barangay health centers, in coordination with the Sangguniang Barangay, Barangay Nutrition Scholars, and Barangay Health Workers, to include health and nutrition intervention services at different life stages. The post Abalos to LGUs: ‘Eradicate malnutrition’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
75: Diamond love for a rich, incomparable life
Seventy-five: More than it being the digits that scream seasoned and being on this planet for more than seven decades and five summers, this is the most opportune time to be grateful. This feeling stems from the fact that, by that time, I would still be alive and kicking ass, and a true survivor of personal and domestic battles, health crises, financial boom and gloom, the political landscape, leaders of this so-called democracy — the golden ones and greedy lot, imploding economies and falling regimes, the see-sawing peso, perhaps another pandemic, plus earthquakes, coup d’etats, volcanic eruptions, super typhoons, drought, famine, pestilence, wars, and also digital technology, creativity, the evolving arts and many more. [caption id="attachment_194558" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Seventy-five means being surrounded by loved ones. | PHOTOGRAPH Courtesy of unsplashpatricia prudente[/caption] Good old times Hitting 75 will make me more nostalgic of the good old times, when life was simpler and one had that drive and hunger to realize one’s dreams. It will make me long for friends and colleagues who have been gone to soon, felled by affliction or shocking tragedy, thus allowing me to appreciate lasting friendships and loyalties that are still with me. I will smile as I recollect the follies of my youth, the trials and triumphs of my adult life and, as they say in a song, “ang mga nakalipas na di na maaari at pwedeng balikan.” These feelings, of course, also bring some pangs of pain. But I get to appreciate all my experiences, good or bad, happy or sad, because I am what I am by then because of them. Seventy-five means being surrounded by loved ones — my partner, children, grandchildren, up to the apo sa tuhod and talampakan. The successes of my loved ones are also my success. Their pains I likewise carry, though I do not let them know about it. The reason I have become successful at this point is because I worked hard on being a good person first. Call me a sentimental fool, but success earned that also destroyed your humanity and corrupted your morality is not my definition of success and being successful. The people I love, those that I hold dearest in my heart and who are with me and surround me now, are the manifestations of the goodness at the core of my success. Legacy and vocation Seventy-five also means I have made a name for myself. And it is a name that not only is admired but respected and trusted. Whatever career I had chosen during my wonder years, it is now my legacy and has become my vocation. This name has been a product of blood, sweat and errors, sacrifices and victories. Of sticking to my core values always being kind, fair, honest and sincere, and making people feel good, important and treated with dignity. Whatever riches I have, I have earned and gained them through hard work, determination, tenacity and passion to be the best in my profession and personal vocation. My name is the most precious bequeathal I can make. When all else fails, I want people to remember me as a man who had a good name, a good heart and made a lot of people feel good. But 75 also means there are still so many years ahead to be curious, to learn new things, to be naughty if my body still permits it, to share stories, make people laugh, mentor others, teach and exclaim that indeed, life and the world are beautiful and wonderful. One’s diamond year deserves diamond-caliber love and celebration — for the rich life thus far, and the (hopefully) richer life still ahead. The post 75: Diamond love for a rich, incomparable life appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Trio wins physics Nobel for illuminating electrons
France's Pierre Agostini, Hungarian-Austrian Ferenc Krausz, and Franco-Swede Anne L'Huillier won the Nobel prize in physics on Tuesday for research using ultra-quick light flashes that enable the study of electrons inside atoms and molecules. Their technique employs pulses measured in attoseconds, a unit so short that there are as many in one second as there have been seconds since the universe's birth over 13 billion years ago, the jury said. The laureates' research has made it possible to examine moves or changes so rapidly that they were previously impossible to follow, with potential applications in both electronics and medical diagnostics. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences likened the process to how the flapping wings of a hummingbird turn into a blur for the human eye but can be slowed and examined using high-speed photography. "We can now open the door to the world of electrons. Attosecond physics gives us the opportunity to understand mechanisms that are governed by electrons," Eva Olsson, chair of the Nobel Committee for Physics, said in a statement. 'Not so many women' In 1987, L'Huillier "discovered that many different overtones of light arose when she transmitted infrared laser light through a noble gas," the Nobel Committee noted, adding that her exploration of the phenomenon laid "the ground for subsequent breakthroughs". In the early 2000s, Agostini and Krausz worked on how to isolate light pulses that lasted only a few hundred attoseconds. Agostini is a professor at Ohio State University in the United States, while Krausz is a director at the Max Planck Institute in Germany. "It was just atomic physics interacting with lasers," Agostini said of his early work, in an interview released by his university. "We were not really aware it would go that far, but a lot of people were interested both in the method and the result." L'Huillier, only the fifth woman to be awarded the Physics Prize since 1901, is a professor at Lund University in Sweden. She told reporters she was in the middle of teaching a class when she received the call from the Academy, making it "difficult" to finish the class, to whom she did not reveal the news. "I am very touched ... There are not so many women that get this prize so it's very, very special," she said. Before L'Huillier, Marie Curie (1903), Maria Goeppert Mayer (1963), Donna Strickland (2018), and Andrea Ghez (2020) were the only women to have won the award. Speaking later at a press conference, she encouraged young women interested in science to "go for it" and said it was possible to combine a research career with an "ordinary life, with a family and children." French President Emmanuel Macron congratulated the trio. "What a source of pride for our nation!" Macron said in a post to X, formerly known as Twitter. L'Huillier and Krausz had been seen as contenders for the honor, having been awarded the prestigious Wolf Prize last year together with Canadian physicist Paul Corkum. Fellow Hungarian However, Krausz said he had not been expecting a call. "I was not sure whether I was dreaming or whether it was reality," he told the Nobel Foundation in an interview. The physics award is the second Nobel of the season after the Medicine Prize on Monday, awarded to messenger RNA researchers Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman for their groundbreaking technology that paved the way for mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. Krausz said he had actually been listening to an interview with Kariko when he received the call, adding he was especially impressed with her determination as she toiled away at her research despite struggling to achieve recognition and secure funding for it. "That's what I would like to convey to future generations," Krausz said. The Physics Prize will be followed by the Chemistry Prize on Wednesday, with the highly watched Literature and Peace Prizes to be announced on Thursday and Friday. The Economics Prize -- created in 1968 and the only Nobel not included in the 1895 will of Swedish inventor and philanthropist Alfred Nobel, which founded the awards -- closes out the 2023 Nobel season on Monday. The post Trio wins physics Nobel for illuminating electrons appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Trio wins physics Nobel for illuminating electrons
France's Pierre Agostini, Hungarian-Austrian Ferenc Krausz and Franco-Swede Anne L'Huillier won the Nobel prize in physics on Tuesday for research using ultra quick light flashes that enable the study of electrons inside atoms and molecules. Their technique employs pulses measured in attoseconds, a unit so short that there are as many in one second as there have been seconds since the universe's birth over 13 billion years ago, the jury said. The laureates' research has made it possible to examine moves or changes so rapid that they were previously impossible to follow, with potential applications in both electronics and medical diagnostics. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences likened the process to how the flapping wings of a humming bird turn into a blur for the human eye, but can be slowed and examined using high-speed photography. "We can now open the door to the world of electrons. Attosecond physics gives us the opportunity to understand mechanisms that are governed by electrons," Eva Olsson, chair of the Nobel Committee for Physics, said in a statement. 'Not so many women' In 1987, L'Huillier "discovered that many different overtones of light arose when she transmitted infrared laser light through a noble gas," the Nobel Committee noted, adding that she has continued to explore this phenomenon, "laying the ground for subsequent breakthroughs". In the early 2000s, Agostini and Krausz worked on experiments that made it possible to isolate light pulses that lasted only a few hundred attoseconds. Agostini is a professor at Ohio State University in the United States, while Krausz is a director at the Max Planck Institute in Germany. L'Huillier, only the fifth woman to be awarded the Physics Prize since 1901, is a professor at Lund University in Sweden. L'Huillier told reporters she was in the middle of teaching a class when she received the call from the Academy, making it "difficult" to finish the class, to whom she told nothing. "I am very touched ... There are not so many women that get this prize so it's very, very special," she said. Before L'Huillier, Marie Curie (1903), Maria Goeppert Mayer (1963), Donna Strickland (2018) and Andrea Ghez (2020) are the only women to have won the award. Speaking later at a press conference, she encouraged young women interested in a career in science to "go for it". The laureate, who is married and has two sons, stressed it was possible to combine a research career with an "ordinary life, with a family and children." French President Emmanuel Macron congratulated the trio, noting that "two of our brilliant French researchers" had been honoured. "What a source of pride for our nation!" Macron said in a post to X, formerly known as Twitter. L'Huillier and Krausz had been seen as contenders for the honour, having been awarded the prestigious Wolf Prize last year together with Canadian physicist Paul Corkum. Fellow Hungarian However, Krausz said he had not been expecting a call. "I was not sure whether I was dreaming or whether it was reality," he told the Nobel Foundation in an interview. Speaking at a press conference a few hours later, he said: "There are signs that it could be reality". The physics award is the second Nobel of the season after the Medicine Prize on Monday, awarded to messenger RNA researchers Katalin Kariko, a Hungarian like Krausz, and Drew Weissman for their groundbreaking technology that paved the way for mRNA Covid-19 vaccines. Krausz said he had actually been listening to an interview with his compatriot when he received the call, adding he was especially impressed with Kariko's determination as she toiled away at her research despite struggling to achieve recognition and even secure funding for it. "That's the most important lesson for me, that's what I would like to convey to future generations, that if you believe in something and are convinced it's the right thing to do ... the important thing is to keep believing in it," Krausz said. The Physics Prize will be followed by the Chemistry Prize on Wednesday, with the highly watched Literature and Peace Prizes to be announced on Thursday and Friday. The Economics Prize -- created in 1968 and the only Nobel not included in the 1895 will of Swedish inventor and philanthropist Alfred Nobel, which founded the awards -- closes out the 2023 Nobel season on Monday. The post Trio wins physics Nobel for illuminating electrons appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos pays tribute to mentors
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday paid tribute to the heroes of children’s education as National Teachers’ Month came to a close. Marcos made a statement on his Facebook page a day after Malacañang held the third edition of the “Konsyerto Sa Palasyo” (Concert at the Palace), which is dedicated to the country’s teachers. The free concert was especially for teachers, and many came to enjoy the music and take a break from their work. “As we thank you for all that you do, we also continue to work harder to improve your lives,” Marcos said. “The Marcos-Duterte administration will remain hard at work in addressing the needs of our schools, our teachers, and our students,” he added. During a pre-recorded message shown on “Konsyerto sa Palasyo” on Sunday night, Marcos said he still respects teachers. Even though he is now the Chief Executive, Marcos said he would still call female teachers “Ma’am” when he went to schools. Marcos, a La Salle Greenhills alumnus, remembered very well the time he spent with Miss Reyes, one of his first teachers in school. He then said that Miss Reyes had taught him how to treat teachers like he does now. “During Grade 1 to Grade 2, I had a teacher who became fond of me and I became her teacher’s pet. She always helped me with my studies,” Marcos said. “She was very, very helpful to me outside of school. She would assist me when I needed tutorials, and she would give me groceries and prayer books. I can’t forget her,” Marcos added. He went on to express that Miss Reyes had been his source of inspiration, influencing how he respects teachers to this day. The post Marcos pays tribute to mentors appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM honors ‘heroes of children’s education’
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday paid tribute to the "heroes of children's education" as National Teachers' Month came to a close. Marcos made a statement on his Facebook page a day after Malacañang held the third edition of the "Konsyerto Sa Palasyo" (Concert at the Palace), which is dedicated to the country's teachers. The free concert was especially for teachers, and many came to enjoy the music and take a break from their work. "As we thank you for all that you do, we also continue to work harder to improve your lives," Marcos said. "The Marcos-Duterte administration will remain hard at work in addressing the needs of our schools, our teachers, and our students," he added. During a pre-recorded message shown on Konsyerto sa Palasyo on Sunday night, Marcos said he still respects teachers. Even though he is now the Chief Executive, Marcos said he would still call female teachers "Ma'am" when he went to schools. Marcos, a La Salle Greenhills alumnus, remembered very well the time he spent with Miss Reyes, one of his first teachers in school. He then said that Miss Reyes had taught him how to treat teachers like he does now. "During Grade 1 to Grade 2, I had a teacher who became fond of me and I became her teacher's pet. She always helped me with my studies," Marcos said. "She was very, very helpful to me outside of school. She would assist me when I needed tutorials, and she would give me groceries and prayer books. I can't forget her," Marcos added. He went on to express that Miss Reyes had been his source of inspiration, influencing how he respects teachers to this day. The post PBBM honors ‘heroes of children’s education’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Total lawfare’: Ukraine’s other front in the war
On 26 February 2022, while Russian tanks were barrelling towards Kyiv, Ukrainian lawyers were fighting on a different front, submitting a case against Moscow at the International Court of Justice. The gilded halls of the Peace Palace in The Hague, where the court sits, are a world away from the trenches of Donbas but Ukraine believes its legal attacks on Russia are a critical part of the fight. What cases are open in Ukraine's campaign of all-out "lawfare" against Moscow and, with little chance of Russian compliance, what's the point? Where are the legal front lines? The Hague, Strasbourg, and Hamburg. Ukraine has dragged Russia before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which rules on disputes between nations, arguing that President Vladimir Putin abused the UN Genocide Convention when he used an alleged "genocide" in eastern Ukraine as a pretext for invasion. The final arguments in this case will be heard later Wednesday. Also in The Hague, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant for Putin, accusing him of unlawfully deporting Ukrainian children, a war crime. Neither of these courts, however, can try Russian leaders, including Putin, for the crime of "aggression", defined as an attack on one state by another in breach of the UN charter. So a special group of prosecutors from Ukraine, the EU, the United States, and the ICC has been set up in The Hague with a view to establishing a special tribunal to bring senior Russians to trial. Ukraine also has cases open at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg over alleged Russian human rights abuses. Finally, Ukraine also brought cases to the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague and the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea in Hamburg over what it says is Russia's disregard for international maritime law. Will Russia comply? It seems unlikely that Russia would comply with any ruling from an international court -- for example, in March 2022, the ICJ ordered Moscow to immediately halt its invasion. Russia didn't even turn up to the hearings in that case. But it's far from an academic exercise, said Cecily Rose, assistant professor of public international law at Leiden University. "There are examples of cases in which Russia has complied at least partially with an adverse ruling by an international court," Rose told AFP, citing a 2015 verdict in which Moscow reportedly stumped up half the cash it was ordered to. "It shows that non-compliance cannot be cynically assumed. Most of the time, states do comply with awards and judgments rendered by international courts and tribunals." What's the point? Even if Russia doesn't comply, Kyiv and most legal experts think the international community needs to draw a line in the sand. "Some countries do not comply with the law, including Russia. However, it is still important to call them out and to bring a case against them when they do breach the law," said Melanie O'Brien, assistant professor at the University of Western Australia Law School. "The case demonstrates that other countries do not view Russia's conduct as acceptable -- but rather, as unlawful," O'Brien told AFP. A ruling from the ICJ against Russia would be a further element in isolating Moscow and confirming it broke international law, she said. "It is also an important acknowledgment for victims of human rights abuses and international crimes such as war crimes that what happened to them and their loved ones was not lawful," she added. Proving that Russia's actions were in contravention of international law could also be key in future peace negotiations, including over potential reparations, noted Rose. How long will it take? The wheels of justice grind slowly. The ICJ "genocide" case is only about whether the court even has jurisdiction. A special tribunal is politically sensitive and will take a long time to establish. But the wheels of justice also grind exceedingly fine. "Just because Putin won't comply with a ruling now, he won't be in power forever," said O'Brien. "At some point, a change of regime will occur and may lead to compliance with international law." The post ‘Total lawfare’: Ukraine’s other front in the war appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
6 minors in online sex rescued
The National Bureau of Investigation yesterday said they nabbed two persons while six minors were rescued from alleged online sexual exploitation activities in Manila. Those arrested were identified as Lynette S. Cruz and Paulo R. dela Cruz who were caught last 8 September during an entrapment operation conducted by the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking and the NBI. The operatives were armed with a Warrant to Search, Seize and Examine Computer Data. The NBI said that aside from the rescuing six minors, the operation “also resulted in the seizure of various inventory indicated in the WSSECD.” The two subsequently were charged before the Department of Justice with violations of Republic Act 11930, the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act; RA 9208, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, as amended; and RA 7610, the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act. The operation was conducted after the NBI Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Division received “information from Homeland Security Investigation Manila regarding an alleged facilitator in the Philippines who transmits sexually exploitative images and videos of minors to United States.” “NBI-AVAWCD reviewed the pieces of evidence which include child sexual abuse or exploitation materials, Skype and WhatsApp chat logs, Paypal Subpoena results, and screen record of video call through Skype between Subject Lynette and the poseur-customer,” it said. It added that operatives also went to HSI Manila Headquarters and it was found that Lynette was still offering live streaming and sexual shows. The post 6 minors in online sex rescued appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Change with the times
Times have changed. Before, going abroad was like a death sentence for a typical Filipino family. Stories of infidelity, marital problems, drugs, gambling, and other vices were aplenty for Filipinos seeking greener pastures overseas. It was understandable. Working abroad wasn’t easy. Before you could talk to your wife and children, a father working in an oil field in Jeddah or Riyadh had to go to Souq every Saturday so he could use a telephone. If his children wanted something, say a pair of rubber shoes, they had to trace their feet on a sheet of paper and mail it to Dad. It took a week or two — even months — before the mail arrived in the Middle East. The same went for the wife. If she wanted to say something she couldn’t utter over the phone, she had to record it on a cassette tape and mail it to Saudi. Again, it was a long process, and many things would have already happened before her husband could hear her voice. This kind of setup led to a lot of broken families. How often have we seen a situation where the husband got lonely abroad, fell in love with his workmate, and decided to marry in the Middle East? During vacations, they would go home to their families as if nothing happened. Some established families in the Middle East while sending remittances to their original families in the Philippines. The children also were affected. With their father or mother working abroad, the children had nowhere to turn but to their relatives, who usually had their own families to tend to. Yes, their fathers or mothers always provided their wants, like the latest gadgets, chocolates, shirts, and rubber shoes, but the children still felt empty as they longed for the love, care and affection that only their parents could provide. Without their parents, the children became vulnerable, leading to many bad choices. They fell prey to a lousy company that encouraged them to smoke, gamble and do drugs at such a young age. And when they ended up in either a drug facility or prison, the overseas-based parents would come home and blame their children, saying: I sacrificed a lot and went abroad for you. Why did you do this to me? But everything is now a thing of the past. With the advent of social media and other modern communication tools, the world is now more miniature. Overseas Filipinos can now call their families anytime, anywhere, and talk to them as if they were just in the next room. A Viber call from Doha, Toronto, Rome, or Los Angeles is now almost the same as a call from Quiapo or Divisoria. If you want to know the whereabouts of your beloved, just a few clicks on Facebook or Instagram, and you will get instant answers. If you want to see their faces, you can call them via video call to talk to them as if they were standing beside you. You can also install CCTV cameras inside your house and access them through your mobile device, even if you’re out of the country. With that, you can monitor your children’s routines even if you’re not around. But the best part is that everything is free if you have cellular data or a stable internet connection. That’s why many Filipinos are becoming bolder and more aggressive in pursuing careers overseas. With the advent of modern technology, they have become more open-minded about packing their bags and going abroad, knowing that they can earn a decent living without sacrificing their families. Filipino families have gone global. Times have truly changed. The post Change with the times appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
No place for sex cults
The recent discovery of a sex cult in the province of Surigao del Norte has sent shock waves through the nation, turning a light on deep-rooted cultural problems that demand our immediate attention. This disturbing revelation serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for the Department of Justice to actively prevent and prosecute crimes of this nature. The existence of a sex cult highlights the vulnerability of individuals, particularly women and children, who are often the primary victims of such heinous acts. It exposes the darker side of our society, where exploitation, manipulation, and abuse thrive under the guise of secrecy and coercion. This is a wake-up call for all of us to confront these cultural problems head-on and create an environment where the rights and dignity of every individual are safeguarded. The DoJ plays a pivotal role in upholding justice and protecting the welfare of our citizens. It is imperative that the department implements robust preventive measures to identify and dismantle such criminal organizations. This includes strengthening intelligence gathering, conducting thorough investigations, and collaborating with other law enforcement agencies and local communities to ensure no stone is left unturned. Furthermore, prosecution is crucial in deterring potential perpetrators and ensuring justice. The DoJ must allocate adequate resources and support to its prosecutors, equipping them with the necessary tools and training to effectively handle cases involving sex cults and other similar crimes. The legal system must function efficiently and expeditiously to provide closure to the victims, restore their faith in the justice system, and send a strong message that such acts will not be tolerated in our society. Beyond the immediate legal actions, we must address the cultural problems that allow these crimes to persist. This includes fostering a culture of respect, equality, and empowerment where every individual’s rights are upheld and protected. Education and awareness programs should be implemented to promote gender equality, consent, and healthy relationships from an early age. By challenging societal norms that perpetuate misogyny, objectification, and the commodification of human beings, we can work towards eradicating the conditions that enable sex cults and similar criminal activities to thrive. Collaboration between the DoJ, non-government organizations, community leaders, and the media is vital in combating these issues. By joining forces, sharing information, and raising public awareness, we can create a united front against sex cults and other forms of exploitation. Through collective action, we can dismantle these criminal networks, support the survivors, and prevent future occurrences. In conclusion, the discovery of a sex cult in Surigao del Norte is a stark reminder of the pressing cultural problems that our society must confront. As the vanguard of justice, the DoJ must take decisive action to prevent and prosecute crimes of this nature. By implementing preventive measures, strengthening prosecution, and addressing the underlying cultural problems, we can work towards a society that respects and protects the rights and dignity of all its members. Together, let us strive for a future where no individual falls victim to the horrors of exploitation and abuse. The post No place for sex cults appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»