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PR nightmare
There was a recent blind item in a major daily that portrayed an official of the current administration as trying to muscle his way into the good graces of the powers that be with grand projects meant to hype the country. If you are in government or in the media, you would easily identify the person being referred to. Not only that, you would know where the attack is coming from. It is coming from a jilted PR practitioner who tried to spin a recent PR disaster of her own making by laying the blame on the target official, who is actually her client. And once again, the arrogance and delusion of grandeur are evident with this PR consultant, which is the same abhorrent behavior she demonstrated back during the yellow admin, when she teamed up with the most ambitious Cabinet secretary to embarrass the sitting president. This time, PR Consultant seems hell-bent on destroying the official, who is actually a presidential adviser, because their last team-up resulted in a fiasco in which a Hollywood star got entangled in a media backlash that was not her fault. Because members of the media got upset over what happened during the Hollywood star’s press briefing and interview, PR Consultant tried to wash her hands of the mess, even as it was her prima donna and diva ways that upset the schedule and forced the abrupt end of the media briefing. PR Consultant then wielded her clout and put her savvy comms skills to work by placing the onus on Presidential Adviser, and worse, painting him as the bad guy to members of the press. And now this blind item on perhaps the same presidential adviser, on another issue, this time concerning Crazy Rich Asians, Filipino version. Of course Presidential Adviser already knows this, and we wonder how this would end up. Abangan. Mark my word. The post PR nightmare appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Myanmar junta admits village air strike
Myanmar’s ruling junta has confirmed that it carried out an air strike on a village in which dozens of people were reported killed, drawing condemnation from the United Nations and Western powers. The early Tuesday morning strike on the remote Kanbalu township in the central Sagaing region killed at least 50 and wounded dozens, according to reports by BBC Burmese, The Irrawaddy and Radio Free Asia, as well as a witness contacted by Agence France-Presse. Military aircraft strafed Pazi Gyi village, where scores of locals had gathered to mark the opening of a local defense force office connected to junta opponents, a witness told AFP. One fighter jet and a helicopter were involved in the attack, a security source told AFP. The junta confirmed Wednesday it had “launched limited air strikes” after receiving a tip-off from locals about the event. Graphic video clips circulating on social media — footage AFP has been unable to verify or geo-locate because of the absence of significant landmarks — show bodies scattered among ruined homes. UN rights chief Volker Turk said he was “horrified” by the deadly air strike, whose victims he said included schoolchildren performing dances, with the global body calling for those responsible to be brought to justice. Junta spokesperson Zaw Min Tun late on Tuesday said some of the dead were anti-coup fighters in uniform, though “there could be some people with civilian clothes.” The spokesperson went on to blame mines planted by the People’s Defence Force — coup opponents — for some of the deaths. Buddhist New Year The attack came as Myanmar was preparing to mark the Buddhist new year — Thingyan — which begins Thursday and traditionally involves public water fights, but celebrations are expected to be muted. “As the people of Myanmar celebrate their New Year, the EU (European Union) is deeply shocked by reports of the latest atrocity committed by the military regime in Sagaing, taking the lives of dozens of innocent civilians,” EU foreign affairs spokesperson Nabila Massrali said. The UN while not confirming a toll, said several civilians were killed, with Turk accusing Myanmar’s military of once again disregarding “clear legal obligations... to protect civilians in the conduct of hostilities.” Military aircraft strafed Pazi Gyi village. The military’s crackdown on dissent following the February 2021 coup that toppled Aung San Suu Kyi’s civilian government has left more than 3,200 people dead, according to a local monitoring group. Sagaing region — near the country’s second-largest city of Mandalay — has put up some of the fiercest resistance to the military’s rule, with intense fighting raging there for months. The post Myanmar junta admits village air strike appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Myanmar confirms deadly air strike as international outcry rises
Myanmar's ruling junta confirmed on Wednesday that it carried out an air strike on a village in which dozens of people were reported killed, drawing condemnation from the United Nations and Western powers. The official death toll from the Tuesday morning strike on the remote Kanbalu township in the central Sagaing region remains unclear, with at least 100 fatalities reported by the BBC, The Irrawaddy, and Radio Free Asia. A villager involved in rescue and recovery efforts at Pazi Gyi village -- who asked not to be named to protect his safety -- said body parts had been strewn across the site of the attack, and estimated the death toll to be higher than 120. Following a coup that toppled Aung San Suu Kyi's civilian government in 2021, the military's crackdown on dissent and armed groups opposed to their rule has left more than 3,200 people dead, according to a local monitoring group. UN rights chief Volker Turk said he was "horrified" by the deadly air strike, whose victims he said included schoolchildren performing dances, with the global body calling for those responsible to be brought to justice. On Wednesday, the villager told AFP it was difficult to identify the dead. "We can not identify anymore who is who among the dead because they all became pieces," he said. The man estimated about 80 bodies had been cremated on Wednesday, with rescuers halting efforts to recover roughly 40 more bodies "because we were afraid of more air strikes". Village strafed Tuesday's strike saw military aircraft strafe Pazi Gyi, where scores of locals had gathered to mark the opening of a local defense force office connected to junta opponents, a witness told AFP. One fighter jet and a helicopter were involved in the attack, a security source told AFP. The junta confirmed Wednesday it had "launched limited air strikes" after receiving a tip-off from locals about the event. It did not say how many were killed but insisted the military had tried to minimize harm to civilians. "We heard that more people were killed because of big explosions from weapons and ammunitions... displayed at the opening event," a junta statement said. Junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun late on Tuesday said some of the dead were anti-coup fighters in uniform, though "there could be some people with civilian clothes". The spokesman went on to blame mines planted by the People's Defence Force -- coup opponents -- for some of the deaths. Sagaing region -- near the country's second-largest city of Mandalay -- has put up some of the fiercest resistance to the military's rule, with intense fighting raging there for months. The attack came as Myanmar was preparing to mark the Buddhist new year -- Thingyan -- which begins Thursday and traditionally involves public water fights, but celebrations are expected to be muted. International condemnation "As the people of Myanmar celebrate their New Year, the EU is deeply shocked by reports of the latest atrocity committed by the military regime in Sagaing, taking the lives of dozens of innocent civilians," EU foreign affairs spokesperson Nabila Massrali said. France's foreign ministry said in a statement that the "abominable" strike demonstrated "the strategy of indiscriminate violence the Myanmar junta has inflicted on Myanmar's people for more than two years". UN chief Antonio Guterres condemned the attack and reiterated his call "for the military to end the campaign of violence against the Myanmar population throughout the country", according to a statement from his spokesperson. Washington also denounced the "reprehensible" attack. "We strongly condemn the regime's air strikes and urge the regime to cease the violence," US State Department Counselor Derek Chollet tweeted. Human Rights Watch Asia deputy director Phil Robertson said the strike was likely to have a chilling effect across Myanmar society. "I think this will cause greater fear amongst the people," he told AFP. "I think in the future, communities will be reluctant to hold a... mass gathering of any sort, recognizing that they could be bombed". According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies' Myanmar conflict tracker, the military has carried out 689 air and drone strike attacks since the coup. Rights groups have called for the international community to further restrict Myanmar's access to aviation fuel in the wake of the attack. But Bangkok-based security analyst Anthony Davis told AFP that demand was "divorced from reality". "Russia is a firm ally of the junta and one of the world's largest oil exporters. Do we seriously believe Moscow will sit and watch the Myanmar Air Force being slowly grounded for a lack of aviation fuel?" he said. The post Myanmar confirms deadly air strike as international outcry rises appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Myanmar confirms deadly air strike as international outcry mounts
Myanmar's ruling junta has confirmed that it carried out an air strike on a village in which dozens of people were reported killed, drawing condemnation from the United Nations and Western powers. UN rights chief Volker Turk said he was "horrified" by the deadly air strike, whose victims he said included schoolchildren performing dances, with the global body calling for those responsible to be brought to justice. The death toll from the Tuesday morning strike on the remote Kanbalu township in the central Sagaing region remains unclear, with at least 50 fatalities and dozens of injuries reported by BBC Burmese, The Irrawaddy and Radio Free Asia, as well as by a witness contacted by AFP. Myanmar's military has cracked down on dissent following a February 2021 coup that toppled Aung San Suu Kyi's civilian government, with the ensuing unrest leaving more than 3,200 people dead, according to a local monitoring group. Tuesday's strike saw military aircraft strafe Pazi Gyi village, where scores of locals had gathered to mark the opening of a local defense force office connected to junta opponents, a witness told AFP. One fighter jet and a helicopter were involved in the attack, a security source told AFP. The junta confirmed Wednesday it had "launched limited air strikes" after receiving a tip-off from locals about the event. It did not say how many were killed but insisted the military had tried to minimize harm to civilians. "We heard that more people were killed because of big explosions from weapons and ammunitions... displayed at the opening event," a junta statement said. Junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun late on Tuesday said some of the dead were anti-coup fighters in uniform, though "there could be some people with civilian clothes". The spokesman went on to blame mines planted by the People's Defence Force -- coup opponents -- for some of the deaths. Sagaing region -- near the country's second-largest city of Mandalay -- has put up some of the fiercest resistance to the military's rule, with intense fighting raging there for months. Buddhist New Year The attack came as Myanmar was preparing to mark the Buddhist new year -- Thingyan -- which begins Thursday and traditionally involves public water fights, but celebrations are expected to be muted. "As the people of Myanmar celebrate their New Year, the EU is deeply shocked by reports of the latest atrocity committed by the military regime in Sagaing, taking the lives of dozens of innocent civilians," EU foreign affairs spokesperson Nabila Massrali said. While not confirming a toll, the UN said several civilians were killed, with Turk accusing Myanmar's military of once again disregarding "clear legal obligations... to protect civilians in the conduct of hostilities". A rescuer connected to a People's Defence Force group told AFP that children were among the dead. After recovering bodies and transporting survivors to safety, he estimated the death toll could be as high as 100. 'Reprehensible' UN chief Antonio Guterres condemned the attack and reiterated his call "for the military to end the campaign of violence against the Myanmar population throughout the country", according to a statement from his spokesperson. Washington also denounced the "reprehensible" attack. "We strongly condemn the regime's air strikes and urge the regime to cease the violence," US State Department Counselor Derek Chollet tweeted. Human Rights Watch Asia division deputy director Phil Robertson said the strike was likely to have a chilling effect across Myanmar society. "I think this will cause greater fear amongst the people," he told AFP. "I think in the future, communities will be reluctant to hold a... mass gathering of any sort, recognizing that they could be bombed, they could be attacked." According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies' Myanmar conflict tracker, the military has carried out 689 air and drone strike attacks since the coup. Rights groups have called for the international community to further restrict Myanmar's access to aviation fuel in the wake of the attack. But Bangkok-based security analyst Anthony Davis told AFP that demand was "divorced from reality". "Russia is a firm ally of the junta and one of the world's largest oil exporters. Do we seriously believe Moscow will sit and watch the Myanmar Air Force being slowly grounded for a lack of aviation fuel?" he said. Myanmar's National Unity Government, a shadow body dominated by former lawmakers from ousted civilian leader Suu Kyi's party, called the strike a "heinous act". "We... share the great pain felt by the families affected by this tragedy," it said in a statement. The post Myanmar confirms deadly air strike as international outcry mounts appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Moderating oligarchs’ greed
Last July 13, President Rodrigo Duterte spoke before soldiers in Jolo, Sulu and triumphantly declared he “dismantled the oligarchy that controlled the country’s economy without the need to declare martial law.” This came a few days after a committee in the House of Representatives rejected ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal bill. During his penultimate State of the Nation Address on July 27, Duterte took another swipe at the oligarchs whose great wealth has enabled them “to influence public policy to their advantage.” He cited as an example the Lopezes “who used their media outlets in their battles with political figures” including himself during the 2016 elections. People seem to forget that Duterte’s avowed mission to put oligarchs in their proper place was part of his 2016 campaign promise to stamp out corruption. At that time, he said the corruption in the Bureau of Customs and the Bureau of Internal Revenue was “small change in comparison to the high-level corruption that runs in the billions among the economic elite.” Oligarchy means the rule of the few, but its meaning has evolved to refer to powerful individuals or groups outside of government who are able to benefit from political connections to amass vast amounts of wealth and gain control of major industries. The term “oligarch” started popping up recently in mainstream and social media but its context in relation to what is happening in our society has become warped and obfuscated. To be fair, the President has given credit where credit is due, even to the so-called oligarchs when they helped the government in this COVID-19 crisis, but he said it is their abuses that he abhors. On several occasions, House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano pointed out how oligarchs use their wealth to gain power, while the political elite used their power to amass wealth. He expressed full support to Duterte’s advocacy in changing the current system where he believes the people “willingly consent to being held back by the few who control the economy and through that, the running of the nation.” According to Cayetano, the real threat to the stability of our socio-political and economic systems are those backroom deals that make exploitation legal – “the quiet acquiescing to a system that naturally favors the ultra-rich and very powerful.” He believes that not all oligarchs are bad, saying in a media interview: “Just like every entrepreneur wanting to expand their business, these would-be oligarchs might very well have started off with the most benign or even benevolent intentions. But the malignant DNA of unabated, uncontrolled capitalism, especially corporate capitalism, eventually comes to play, leading to people and systems being abused and exploited.” Cayetano clarified, though, that capitalism and democracy work as we have seen in other economies. He thinks the situation in the Philippines is not hopeless, and we can begin to change this corrupt system by acknowledging there is a problem and we are part of it. “This is a battle between those who are willing to fight their self-interest and change with the system, versus those who deny that there is anything wrong with the status quo, specifically as it relates to themselves, and instead simply choose to blame the politicians and officials in government,” he said. This brings to mind the statement attributed to a Cabinet member of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who advised another top official to “moderate your greed.” Another cautionary tale is found in the recently re-launched book of Ricardo Manapat, who served as National Archives Director during the Arroyo and Ramos administrations. Manapat’s book is titled “Some Are Smarter Than Others: The History of Marcos’ Crony Capitalism” which is a classic work on anti-cronyism exposing the ill-gotten wealth of former President Ferdinand Marcos. Oligarchs may not be totally wiped out in the Philippines, since developed economies even have to contend with their presence. But Duterte’s relentless campaign against them could very well result in moderating their greed and freeing the country from their tight grip. nextgenmedia@gmail.com.....»»
Leren proud kay Ricci: From your Nanay, Tita and Ate all in one
SUPER proud ang beauty queen-politician na si Leren Mae Bautista sa panibagong achievement na nakamit ng kanyang dyowang si Ricci Rivero. Nitong Martes, March 26, ibinandera ng Laguna councilor ang kanilang larawan pati na rin ang video ni Ricci habang naglalaro ito sa kanyang kauna-unahang PBA All-Star Game bilang rookie. Sa kabila ng sobrang pagka-proud.....»»
MLB season begins
Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers take center stage on Thursday as Major League Baseball’s new season gets under way on US soil against the backdrop of a gambling scandal that has engulfed its brightest star......»»
Rebelasyon ni Elizabeth Oropesa best kisser si FPJ: Basta napakasarap!
SHOOKT ang publiko sa naging rebelasyon ng premyadong aktres na si Elizabeth Oropesa tungkol sa namayapang Action King na si Fernando Poe, Jr.. Nag-guest si La Oro (tawag kay Elizabeth sa showbiz) sa “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” nitong nagdaang March 26, kung saan game na game niyang sinagot ang maiintrigang tanong sa kanyang career.....»»
Roque: Xi, Duterte agreed to keep West Philippines Sea status quo
The Philippines under former president Rodrigo Duterte had a “gentleman’s agreement” with China to keep the status quo in the West Philippine Sea, a former Cabinet official said yesterday, as fresh tensions surround the WPS due to recent incursions by Beijing that targeted a Filipino resupply mission and a research team......»»
Lessons from Shohei Ohtanis Interpreter Blame: The Daily Guardia
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Valorant releases first nonbinary agent
Riot Games has unveiled its newest agent for first-person shooting game Valorant — Scottish troublemaker Clove......»»
Flintlock: A Classic Summer Blockbuster – The Daily Guardia
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Team Vice, Team Anne bardagulan sa Family Feud; bakit wala si Karylle?
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Canino claims women’s chess crown
Ruelle Canino, the 16-year-old chess wonder, shook the current order and slew some of the country’s giants of the game in conquering the National Women’s Chess Championship in Malolos, Bulacan over the weekend......»»
Jaishankar begins Singapore visit with homage to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, brave INA soldiers
Singapore, March 23 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar kicked off his Singapore visit on Saturday by paying homage to Subhash Chandra Bose and the brave Indian National Army soldiers. The INA Marker in Singapore, which Jaishankar visited recognizes the deep patriotism of the Indian National Army soldiers. In a post on X, Jaishankar wrote, "Began my Singapore visit by paying homage to Netaji and the brave Indian.....»»
James Yap fulfilled after record All-Star appearance in Bacolod homecoming
James Yap claims the record for most PBA All-Star Game selections, seeing action for Team Mark in an entertaining clash with Team Japeth that ended in a draw in Bacolod City.....»»
Kris Dunn, Jabari Smith Jr. suspended for fight in Rockets-Jazz game
Jazz guard Kris Dunn and Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. get punished by the NBA for their brief altercation.....»»
PUBG Mobile continues steady rise in Philippines
PUBG: Mobile has been a steady shooting game that Filipinos have been playing since its release back in 2018. Since then, the game has had Filipino-centric initiatives in 2022......»»
2024 all stars: A stalemate
They promised a high-intensity, competitive PBA All Star Game......»»
Think again before buying bunnies as Easter gifts
SAN DIEGO – With Easter just a week away, animal rescue groups in Southern California are urging people not to buy rabbits as holiday gifts for children. They said that what begins as a well-meaning gesture often leads to abandoned animals when the novelty wears off and families realize they’re not equipped to properly care.....»»