News

ICC grants Duterte defense team right to reply in jurisdiction challenge

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE COURT has granted the defense’s motion to file a reply in their ongoing challenge to the ICC’s jurisdiction to try former President Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity.

The order, issued recently, directs the defense team to submit a 10-page reply. 

This submission is specifically limited to addressing two key arguments previously raised by the Prosecution in response to the Defense’s challenge. The deadline for this filing is set for no later than July 2, 2025.

This decision allows the Defense a further opportunity to present their arguments and counter the Prosecution’s points on the critical issue of the ICC’s authority over the former president’s case. 

Meanwhile, the challenge to jurisdiction remains a central aspect of Duterte’s legal strategy before the international tribunal.

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Opinion

HONORING MY MOTHER | DRINK UP

by Icoy San Pedro
written by Icoy San Pedro

Life goes on. Now, I must have heard and read that quote a thousand times. Uttered by a lot of wise people whom I still believe, know better and mean well. In the same breath, I also must have known many friends and acquaintances who have heard this said to them and at that, a majority has confided, that’s easier said than done. One even got irritated during the passing of his mom, saying angrily, how do you even know how one feels?

My late sis once told me, don’t worry about it, if not for anything else, it’s merely “pakikiramay” (or a gesture of condolement), so don’t feel offended.

“Like many old people, we must have had our own share of loss, both small and major-major. During a loss at a ball tournament perhaps. one can say, Life goes on. And that’s that. In a week’s time, you would have forgotten the pain. But the loss of a love one? It’s understandable that to say ‘life goes on’ would sound so presuming and incur a glare from those deeply affected. So there.”

I’ve been schooled by some empathetic people, my sister included, we have l to understand, not everyone has the gift of words (or is it gab?). Who knows they’re just parroting it, having heard or seen it in the movies. Yet again, they mean well.

As for those few who still can’t get over that, life goes on is translatable into a lot of fine tuning. Whining over trivial matters is a waste. For that matter, even the bigger ones heal through time.

My close friend in Rizal sent me this short piece.

Do not tell me you’re having a bad day. Others have it worse than you. Stop looking at the glass if it is glass half full or half empty. Just drink it anyway and stop complaining. Despite all, always keep in mind that you are still here. For that, be thankful.

Even as this hits deep, other sayings related to Life goes on are just there for the likes.

ZDogg, MD had said once, LinkedIn and Twitter are among the highest quality scientific journals, next only to FB and IG. It is here where life goes on indeed and loss is just a four letter word.

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News

NPA remnant surrenders in Surigao del Sur, turns over rifle and landmines

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

A MEMBER of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) surrendered to government troops in Barangay Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur on July 1, 2025.

The military only identified him as alias Jexan,  one of the remaining CTG members operating in the area, who turned over one AK47 rifle and two anti-personnel mines upon his surrender. 

It was the result of collaborative efforts between the 3rd Special Forces Battalion (3SFBn) and concerned local residents who reportedly helped facilitate his peaceful surrender.

Lieutenant Colonel Jason F. Pangandoyon, commanding officer of the 3SFBn, underscored the vital role of community cooperation in the success of localized peace engagement initiatives. 

“The surrender of alias Jexan is a product of the strong cooperation between our troops and the local residents who are already weary of the decades-long armed struggle,” Pangandoyon stated. “This act is not just a step toward peace for the individual but also for the entire community.”

Jexan is currently under the custody of the 3SFBn for custodial debriefing, a standard procedure under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). The process aims to thoroughly assess his background and intentions, facilitating his smooth transition back into civilian life.

E-CLIP provides former rebels with a comprehensive package of benefits, including financial assistance, livelihood support, housing, and other social services to aid their reintegration.

The 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division (4ID) continues to call on the remaining members of the CTG to abandon armed struggle and avail themselves of the government’s reintegration programs.

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BusinessEnvironmentNews

Environmental group welcomes SC’s writ of kalikasan in Samal-Davao bridge case

by Nova Mae Francas
written by Nova Mae Francas

THE SUPREME Court’s writ of kalikasan ruling affirmed that the public has a right to a balanced and healthy ecology, environmental advocates said Tuesday as they welcomed the decision on the Samal Island-Davao Connectivity (SIDC) project.

The SC En Banc, during its session on July 1, issued a writ of kalikasan against the respondents: Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Samal Island Protected Landscape and Seascape Protected Area Management Board, and the China Road and Bridge Corporation.

This follows a petition filed by environmental advocates Carmela Marie Santos, Mark Peñalver, and the Sustainable Davao Movement (SDM), after years of advocating against the project.

The petitioners filed the petition on April 21, raising grave concerns over the irreversible damage that the SIDC could inflict on vital marine ecosystems, particularly the Paradise Reef in Samal Island and the Hizon Marine Protected Area in Davao City. 

They maintained that the sites are not only ecologically rich, but are part of the natural heritage and identity of Davaoeños and the people of Mindanao.

“The Court’s issuance of the writ sends a strong signal: no development, no matter how grand or well-funded, is above the law—especially when it threatens the environment and the lives and livelihoods of communities,” APILA, Green Juris, and Ecoteneo in a collective statement.

The SC also required the respondents to file a verified return on the petition within a non-extendible period of 10 days after service of the writ. The high court also referred the ruling on the temporary environmental protection order to the Court of Appeals-Cagayan de Oro for action.

“This struggle is not merely environmental—it is spiritual, ethical, and profoundly human. It calls us to reject the “technocratic paradigm” that values profit over people and reduces nature to a disposable resource,” the group stressed.

To note, the Save Paradise Reef and the SDM have been campaigning for the bridge realignment since 2022, and launched a signature campaign.

Peñalver, in an earlier intervie,w said the group is not against development, but they push for the realignment that would cost less and have minimal impact on both the environment and the livelihood of the locals, especially the fisherfolk.

But despite the opposition, the construction of the bridge pushed through and was inaugurated in October 2022.

“We call on all government agencies and private entities involved to respect the process and prioritize environmental integrity over profit or expediency. Infrastructure must never come at the cost of environmental destruction and the disenfranchisement of communities,” it stressed. 

As of June 27, DPWH reported the bridge project has achieved a 38% accomplishment rate, with 73 out of 110 bored piles completed on the Davao side of the land viaduct, and has completed all bored piles on the Samal side.

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NewsPolitics

21st City Council committee chairmanship sworn in

by Nova Mae Francas
written by Nova Mae Francas

THE 21ST City Council took their oath of office on Tuesday, July 1, during the council’s maiden session.

Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II presided over the maiden session, serving as acting vice mayor in the absence of vice mayor-elect Sebastian Duterte.

Some comebacking councilors who were able to get their chairmanship back from the 19th city council were Ralph Abella, for committee on Agriculture, Aquaculture And Food; Danilo Dayanghirang for Finance, Ways And Means, And Appropriation, and Games and Amusements; Pamela Librado for Labor and Employment Opportunities, who is also the chair for Civil, Political And Human Rights, and Myrna Dalodo Ortiz for Tourism And Beautification.

Reelected councilors who retained their chairmanship include Temujin Ocampo for Environment And Natural Resources, and Special Publications; Luna Acosta for Peace And Public Safety; Alberto Ungab for Appointments And Government Reorganization; Louie John Bonguyan for Energy and Water and Housing And Subdivision Development Under Bp 220 (Economic Housing); and Ortiz for Trade, Commerce And Industry.

Comebacking councilor Acosta chairs Anti-Terrorism; J. Melchor Quitain Jr. chairs City-Owned Real Properties; Al Ryan Alejandre for Cooperative Development and People’s Participation; and Ungab for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management. 

Moreover, Arnolfo Cabling will chair Ethics and Good Government committee; Rachelle Zozobrado for International Relations; Jessica Bonguyan for Public Works and Highways; Richlyn Baguilod for Women, Children and Family Relations; Trisha Ann Villafuerte will chair the Health committee; Diosdado Mahipus Jr. for Housing, Rural and Urban Development (Socialized Housing Projects).

Neophyte councilors Doce Apostol will chair Franchises and Public Utilities; Rigo Duterte for Future Generation and the Housing and Subdivision Development Under PD 957; Jopet Baluran for Transportation and Communication, and Ragde Ibuyan for Government Enterprises and Privatization.

Meanwhile, for sectoral representatives committee chairmanship: Kristine Mercado will chair Youth and Sports Development; Demetrio Bolo for Indigenous People, Cultural Communities and Muslim Affairs; and January Duterte will chair the committee on barangay affairs.

The Oversight Committee will be chaired by Mahipus and co-chaired by Advincula.

The People’s Law Enforcement Board will consist of Acosta for the first district, Cabling for the second district, and Zozobrado for the third district

Advincula was elected the majority floor leader, with Mahipus as assistant floor leader and Quitain as the president pro tempore.

Acosta passed a resolution to change the schedule of the regular session from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., which was concurred by the majority.

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NewsPolitics

Rigo Duterte admits being nervous in presiding over City Council session

by Nova Mae Francas
written by Nova Mae Francas

ACTING Vice Mayor Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II admitted being nervous in presiding over the maiden session of the 21st City Council on Tuesday, July 1.

Rigo was designated the acting vice mayor after getting the highest number of votes in the recent 2025 mid-term elections, following the Department of Interior and Local Government directive appointing Vice Mayor Sebastian Duterte as the acting mayor due to the legal incapacity of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Syempre nakulbaan, pero daghan man motabang sa akoa, daghan man mosupport sa akoa mga konsehal, naa pud akong mga tiyo Baste nako,” Rigo told reporters after the inaugural session.

Rigo, being the topnotcher councilor, was designated the acting vice mayor in accordance with Section 46 (a) of the Local Government Code.

In the more than two-hour-long session, which he called to order at 1:26 p.m. and adjourned at around 3:30 pm, Rigo was seen to be relying on what appeared to be a script and was constantly taught by Sanguniang Panglungsod secretary Charito Santos.

When asked to evaluate his experience, he said, “So, far okay ra man, I think it was not bad.”

He assured that he will do his best to serve as the presiding officer of the 21st City Council.

“For sure, paningkamotan jud nako na nga di masayang ang ilang boto sa akoa, ug sa amoang pamilya, trabaho naman jud, ug buhaton jud nako tanan nakong makaya to serve the people of Davao,” he stressed.

Rigo also vowed to continue his platforms like peace and order, healthcare , education, and housing. He was also elected the chairman of the committee on future generations, which was previously under former councilor Jonard Dayap.

Reelected councilor Bonz Andre Militar co-chairs the committee, which consists of members: second-termer Enzo Villafuerte, first-termer Ragde Ibuyan, and assistant floor leader Diosdado Angelo Mahipus.

Rigo, 26,  is the youngest Duterte to hold an elected post. While being a newbie in the legislative branch of the city, he was the right hand of his father, Congressman Pulong, during the latter’s stint as the representative of the city’s first legislative district.

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EnvironmentHealth

EcoWaste Coalition appeals to public to heed DOH’s warning vs. mercury use to counter ‘kulam’ or ‘barang’

by Contributor
written by Contributor

Quezon City.  The toxics watchdog group EcoWaste Coalition commended the Department of Health (DOH) for issuing a public health advisory warning citizens against the harmful effects of using mercury as an antidote against witchcraft.  The group appealed to those engaged in this cultural practice to heed the advice of the DOH for their own health and safety.

“May mga ebidensya na nagpapatunay na ang mercury poisoning ay nagdudulot ng malubhang epekto sa utak, ugat o nerve, bato o kidney, at iba pang organ ng katawan,” the DOH advisory released on June 29 said.

“Tinututulan ng DOH ang sinasabing paggamit ng mercury kontra ‘kulam’ o ‘barang’ dahil sa nasabing panganib nito sa katawan,” the health agency emphasized.

The DOH further encouraged the public to report establishments selling mercury to docbrand@doh.gov.ph, and to call the DOH Toxicology Specialty Centers for additional information on the health effects of mercury exposure.

To recall, the EcoWaste Coalition wrote to the DOH last February 7, 2025 requesting the agency to  issue a public health warning against the use of liquid mercury purportedly to counter the ill effects of sorcery (i.e, “kulam” or “barang”), which is promoted in e-commerce and social media platforms. 

“People should not be lured into using such a highly toxic chemical, including ‘planting’ mercury into the skin, as a ‘pamatay-bisa’ or antidote to acts of witchery.  Toxic mercury has no known function in the human body and there is no level of mercury in the body that is deemed safe; thus the need for the government, the DOH in particular, to urgently warn the public against the adverse impacts of such use of mercury to human health,” the letter said.

Prior to this, the EcoWaste Coalition wrote to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on September 14, 2023 to report the illegal sale of liquid mercury in online shopping sites and in the vicinity of Quiapo Church, Manila by vendors selling amulets, herbal medicines and related stuff.

As stated in the booklet on “Cultural Uses of Mercury” published by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), the use of mercury for cultural reasons is a concern because:

a.  “Direct and prolonged exposure to mercury is a human health hazard and has an impact on the downstream environment.”
b.  “People using mercury for cultural uses are often unaware of mercury’s toxicity and associated risks.”
c.  “Often the mercury vapor exposure from cultural use is second-hand, from magico-religious mercury use by a prior occupant of a dwelling.”
d.  “The storage, transport and handling of mercury for these purposes can impose risk by introducing opportunities for spills and vapor releases.”

While the Minamata Convention does not cover “products used in traditional or religious practices,” DENR Administrative Order No. 2019-20, or the revised mercury Chemical Control Order (CCO), has excluded such use among the allowable uses of mercury.  

With the full enforcement of the Internet Transactions Act, the EcoWaste Coalition urged the health and environmental authorities to use the law to stop the illicit use of e-commerce and social media platforms to advertise and sell liquid mercury, mercurial medical devices, mercury-containing cosmetics and other banned products with mercury.

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Science & Technology

Fortinet strengthens code-to-cloud security with CNAPP enhancements; launches expanded solution availability in AWS Marketplace

by Contributor
written by Contributor

Fortinet® (NASDAQ: FTNT), the global cybersecurity leader driving the convergence of networking and security, today announced powerful updates to Lacework FortiCNAPP, making it easier than ever for customers to secure applications and workloads across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. The company also announced that the FortiAppSec Cloud service, FortiMail Workspace Security, FortiNDR Cloud, FortiSIEM, and Fortinet Incident Response services are now available in AWS Marketplace, a digital catalog that helps you find, buy, deploy, and manage software, data products, and professional services from thousands of vendors.

“Fortinet is committed to accelerating secure cloud transformation for our customers,” said Nirav Shah, Senior Vice President, Products and Solutions at Fortinet. “By making more of our services available in AWS Marketplace and enhancing leading cloud-native solutions like Lacework FortiCNAPP and FortiAppSec Cloud, we’re making it easier than ever for organizations to protect every cloud workload, application, and network edge.”

Delivering Smarter Protection, Faster Response and Remediation

Fortinet has enhanced Lacework FortiCNAPP to deliver even stronger protection for cloud-native applications across their entire life cycle. These updates reinforce FortiCNAPP as an industry-leading, cloud-native security platform designed to deliver faster detection, deeper insights, and simplified operations at scale.

  • Real-Time CloudTrail Alerting –Enables near-instant detection of critical activity, such as compromised credentials or anomalous API behavior, by reducing AWS CloudTrail alert latency from 24 hours to under 15 minutes.
  • Explorer (Security Graph) – Provides a visual, interactive view of attack paths and asset relationships, making pinpointing and investigating exposures, such as internet-facing vulnerabilities, easier.
  • Agentless Windows Scanning –Supports agentless scanning for Windows workloads across any cloud, identifying vulnerabilities and secrets without requiring software deployment. This is ideal for expanding visibility and compliance with minimal overhead.
  • Fleet Management –Delivers detailed visibility across large environments into agent inventory, health, and deployment status, helping teams monitor coverage and optimize cloud security.

In addition, Fortinet expands its cloud services for web applications and APIs by introducing new service bundles that include Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST), CDN, and SoC-as-a-Service, in addition to its AI-powered zero-day threat detection, analysis, and remediation to protect web applications and APIs.

Full-Stack Protection Now Available in AWS Marketplace

Fortinet has expanded the availability of its cloud security portfolio in AWS Marketplace. This provides Amazon Web Services (AWS) customers with the ability to streamline the purchase and management of more Fortinet offerings within their AWS Marketplace account. By deploying solutions on AWS, Fortinet makes it easier for customers to deploy protection, streamline procurement, and apply AWS Enterprise Discount Program (EDP) commitments.  

Services now available in AWS Marketplace include:

  • FortiAppSec Cloud – Unified web application and API protection (WAAP) with web application firewall (WAF), bot management, API security, and DDoS mitigation
  • FortiMail Workspace Security – End-to-end SaaS protection across email, browsers, and collaboration tools to stop advanced threats in platforms like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Slack, and Teams with a built-in, 24×7 managed incident response service to accelerate threat containment and lighten the load on SOC teams
  • FortiNDR Cloud – AI-driven threat detection optimized for distributed cloud infrastructure
  • FortiSIEM – Scalable log management and incident response for complex environments

Fortinet has achieved the AWS Security Incident Response Specialization, which recognizes that Fortinet provides a streamlined incident response solution backed by AWS security response experts through AWS Security Incident Response.

The capabilities of Fortinet’s specialized cloud consulting and FortiGuard Incident Response Services teams help AWS customers strengthen their cloud security posture. Fortinet Incident Response Services are now available in AWS Marketplace, offering expert support backed by deep integration with AWS and the Fortinet Security Fabric. This underscores Fortinet’s commitment to supporting customers with end-to-end security expertise—from proactive risk assessments to prompt incident handling—backed by deep integration with AWS-native tools and FortiGuard threat intelligence.

A Strategic Shift toward Unified Cloud-Native Security

This launch reinforces Fortinet’s commitment to simplifying cloud security by consolidating fragmented, non-integrated solutions into a unified cloud security platform. Rather than relying on isolated point products, Fortinet delivers integrated solutions across application, network, and user layers designed to streamline management and scale efficiently in any environment.

By unifying capabilities like WAAP, network detection and response (NDR), security information and event management (SIEM), cloud-native application protection platform (CNAPP), and workspace security under a single vendor and deployment model, organizations gain comprehensive cloud protection along with greater speed, cost-efficiency, and operational clarity.

For those with cloud spend commitments and desire to optimize their cloud security investments, particularly in dynamic environments, Fortinet FortiFlex offers a flexible, daily usage-based licensing model that supports rapid deployment, elastic scaling, and seamless drawdown of existing cloud commitments, helping organizations protect what they need, when they need it, while only paying for what they use.

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