ICC NIXES PH APPEAL, TO RESUME DRUG WAR PROBE; BATO SAYS ‘DEADMA’

The International Criminal Court Appeals Chamber on Tuesday ruled to resume the investigation into the bloody war on drugs during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

ICC Presiding Judge Marc Perrin de Brichambaut, during an open court hearing in The Netherlands, denied the appeal of the Philippine government against the resumption of the probe.

“It is rejected by the appeals chamber by the majority and the impugned decision is therefore confirmed,” De Brichambaut said.

Three out of five ICC judges rejected the appeal.

Kristina Conti, a lawyer for some of the families of drug war victims, said she hoped the ICC ruling “will be a turn in the tide against impunity in the Philippines.”

“Victims of Duterte’s ‘war on drugs’ are, as always, praying for genuine justice that has not been available for the poor, downtrodden, and powerless in the Philippines,” Conti said on Twitter.

Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, who headed the Philippine National Police during Duterte’s term, said he was unfazed by the decision and stood his ground that he will not participate in the probe.

“Why would we cooperate? They have no jurisdiction over us. Let them do what they want. We are just here,” he said.

“Deadma, deadma,” Dela Rosa added, saying the Filipino slang word for ignoring issues.

He also questioned who will arrest the respondents in the case the ICC issues a warrant against them.

“Will the government import policemen from another country? That’s s big chaos,” he said.

MARCOS ADMIN 'DISAPPOINTED' WITH ICC'S DECISION, STRESSES MINORITY POSITION

MANILA, Philippines — The administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stood firm in its position, asserting that the International Criminal Court lacks the authority to proceed with its investigation into the alleged human rights abuses committed during former President Rodrigo Duterte's controversial "war on drugs".

The ICC on Tuesday announced that it rejected the government's appeal against the Pre-Trial Chamber's authorization to resume the investigation into the anti-narcotics campaign which reportedly took the lives of over 30,000, some without due process, according to rights groups.

"The Office of the Solicitor General is disappointed in today's judgment issued by the Appeals chamber of the ICC," said Assistant Solicitor General Myrna Agno-Canuto in a statement read to the media on Tuesday evening.

"By a split 3-to-2 decision, the Appeals Chamber... in effect refused to recognize the Philippine Government's primary and sovereign right to investigate serious crimes, in derogation of the complementarity principle so fundamental to the working of the international criminal justice system of which the ICC forms part."

The OSG also lamented how the Chamber's majority refused to consider Manila's jurisdictional challenge on the ground that the Impugned Decision of the Pre-Trial Chamber is not a decision on jurisdiction.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla is set to issue his statement regarding the matter on Wednesday.

‘CHINA TACK ON US ROLE IN WPS AN INSULT TO PH’

A US official on Tuesday said China’s claim that America is the “mastermind” behind the increasing number of countries recognizing the Philippines’ sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea is an “insult” to Manila.

US State Department Counselor Derek Chollet said that it was China’s activities that have been inconsistent with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the arbitral ruling that invalidated its massive nine-dash-line claim in the South China Sea.

In particular, Chollet cited China’s unilateral fishing moratorium in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

“Any statement that somehow the US was putting a partner like the Philippines up to this is preposterous. I think it’s an insult to the Philippines,” said Chollet who is in Manila for a visit.

In a statement last week, China accused the US of mobilizing countries to gang up on Beijing to pressure it into accepting the arbitral ruling.

“As the mastermind behind the South China Sea arbitration, the US ropes in allies to play up the issue each year on the anniversary of the illegal award to gang up against China and to exert pressure, and force China into accepting the award,” the Chinese embassy said in a statement.

“We are firmly against this,” it added.

China’s remark came after a growing number of countries openly expressed support for the Philippines in the maritime row—a development welcomed by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo.

PHIVOLCS SAYS ‘INCREASED ACTIVITY’ RECORDED IN MAYON VOLCANO’S SUMMIT CRATER

MANILA - The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology on Tuesday said it has recorded increased activity from the Mayon volcano’s summit crater.

In an advisory released Tuesday afternoon, Phivolcs said it has recorded a continuous series of weak frequency volcanic earthquakes (LFVQs) since July 16, totaling 573 events until 3:30 p.m.

“Based on seismic analyses, most of the events originated from a shallow source and are associated with rapid releases of volcanic gases,” it added.

Phivolcs said that while there are no visible changes in the activity in the summit crater, and no significant overall seismic energy release have been recorded, sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions have been increasing since July 12, peaking at 2,989 tonnes/day on 15 July 2023.

Phivolcs reiterated that Alert Level 3 remains raised over Mayon volcano, but it warns that the recent volcanic activity may progress further.

“It is strongly recommended that the areas inside the 6 kilometer-radius Permanent Danger Zone remain evacuated, and that communities within the 7- and 8-kilometer radius be prepared in case current PDC activity worsens,” it said.

UN CHIEF WARNS OF AI RISKS TO GLOBAL PEACE

UNITED STATES — UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has cautioned that artificial intelligence (AI) poses risks to global peace and security and urged member states to establish safeguards. Speaking at the first UN Security Council meeting on AI, Guterres highlighted the potential for both positive and negative impacts of AI. While AI can contribute to poverty eradication and medical advancements, it also carries serious implications for global stability. British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need to address the moral questions raised by AI, particularly in defense and deterrence. Guterres called for a legally binding agreement by the end of 2026 to prohibit lethal autonomous weapons systems. He stressed the importance of maintaining human agency and control, especially in relation to nuclear weapons and biotechnology. Guterres proposed the formation of a working group to develop options for global AI governance by the end of the year.

SOLONS, GOV’T EXECS NOT EXEMPT FROM FOOTWEAR CHECKS

Lawmakers and other government officials are not exempted from the footwear removal policy for security checks at airports.

The Office for Transportation Security (OTS), the agency enforcing the policy, clarified this Tuesday.

The footwear removal is being done at the final screening of passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and other airports nationwide.

Also not exempted from the policy are officials of the Manila International Airport Authority, members of the Philippine National Police, Airport Police Departments, and military servicemen.

OTS spokesperson Kim Marquez cited the National Civil Aviation Security Program, which states that “only the President, Vice President, Heads of States and persons as requested by the Department of Foreign Affairs shall be exempted from screening.”

She said the measure “was an old policy,” which was implemented to prevent a similar incident that happened involving an American Airlines flight from Paris in 2001 when a man tried to detonate a bomb hidden in his shoes.

But Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon questioned the policy.

“What’s the compelling reason? Is there data of footwear risk? Is there intel on threats? Is there an order from ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization)?.” Biazon said in his Twitter post.

COMELEC TO ASK SC TO RECONSIDER RULING ON POSTPONED BARANGAY, SK POLLS

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections said that it will ask the Supreme Court to reconsider its ruling that struck down as unconstitutional the law postponing the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections scheduled in 2022.

The SC in June declared as unconstitutional Republic Act 11935, the law that moved the BSKE to Oct. 30, 2023 from Dec. 5, 2022. The SC said that since the ruling was issued months before the coming December BSKE, the polls will be allowed as scheduled.

The court ruled that succeeding barangay elections shall be held on the first Monday of December 2025, and every three years from then.

The Comelec, in a statement, has pointed out that it will conduct the midterm elections in May 2025, and following the pronouncement of the SC, it will also hold the BSKE that year “barely a few months after the [National and Local Elections 2025].”

“Since the incoming BSKE officials will be voted for in October 2023, and the election of their successors will be held in December 2025, Chairman George Erwin Garcia said that ‘it will cause the unintended effect of shortening the term of BSKE officials to merely two years,’” the statement read.

The last barangay elections were held in 2018. Those polls had also been rescheduled and were supposed to have been held in October 2016.

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ADB MAINTAINS PH GROWTH OUTLOOK, DOWNGRADES FORECAST FOR SOUTHEAST ASIA

MANILA – The Asian Development Bank (ADB) maintained its growth forecast for the Philippines, predicting a 6.0 percent growth rate in 2023 and 6.2 percent in 2024. The country's economy expanded by 6.4 percent in the first quarter of 2023, driven by construction, manufacturing, and financial activities. However, the ADB slightly downgraded its outlook for Southeast Asia due to weaker global demand for manufactured exports. The Philippine government aims for GDP growth between 6 to 7 percent this year, and the ADB believes high economic growth is achievable with the country's strong infrastructure push. However, the ADB emphasizes the need for more progress in inclusive growth, human development, and reducing inequalities. Enhancing productivity in the agricultural sector, particularly in food production, is also highlighted as an important area for improvement.

P27 MILYONG HALAGA NG HINIHINALANG PEKENG DOLYAR, NASAMSAM SA MAKATI

Arestado ang isang lalaki matapos tangkaing magpapalit ng milyon-milyong halaga ng hinihinalang pekeng dolyar sa isang foreign exchange broker sa Makati, sabi ngayong Miyerkoles ng pulisya.

Base sa ulat ng Southern Police District (SPD), nahuli noong Lunes ang suspek nang subukang magpapalit ng malaking halaga ng US dollar sa Philippine peso.

Nagsumbong umano ang direktor ng kompanya sa pulisya at rekober ang bulto-bultong $100 bills na aabot sa P27 milyon ang kabuuang halaga.

Nakuha rin ang isang metal box na naglalaman ng iba pang counterfeit o pekeng bills.

Base sa imbestigasyon, nagtungo muna ang suspek sa isang lokal na bangko para magpapalit ng pera pero ini-refer siya sa foreign exchange company dahil sa laki ng halaga.

Naghinala ang kahera na peke ang pera at agad ipinaalam sa kinauukulan.

Ang mga narekober na ebidensiya ay susuriin at beberipikahin ng Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas para malaman ang lawak ng counterfeit operation.

VILLAFUERTE TO LGUS: SET UP ‘GREEN LANES’ FOR BUSINESS PERMITS

Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte has called on local government executives to put up their own  “green lanes” to streamline and expedite the processing of business permits in their respective localities.

Villafuerte, president of the National Unity Party, made the statement as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took another step to level up the ease of doing business (EODB) nationwide—and eventually turn the Philippines into a premier investment hub in the region.

Villafuerte, a former governor and incumbent congressman representing Camarines Sur’s second district, made this appeal to local executives as he lauded the President’s kick-off last week of a project establishing business-friendlier  “green lanes for strategic investments” in national government (NG) offices and LGUs to simplify and speed up the processing of strategic investment inflows across the country.

“The President’s July 13 launch of ‘green lanes’ to clear the way to  the fast-track processing of strategic investments couldn’t have come at a better time, as he has just signed the law establishing the MIF (Maharlika Investment Fund or Republic Act 11954) as an alternative stream for investment funds amid government expectations of at least $88 million or almost P5 billion in investment inflows for the rest of this year, representing our initial windfall from the President’s 12 official trips abroad since he took office last year,” the lawmaker said.

DOH WARNS VS. SCAMMERS ASKING FOR DONATIONS

The Department of Health (DOH) has warned the public against scammers soliciting donations through text messages and other social media platforms purportedly under the name of the Secretary of Health or his chief of staff.

In an advisory, the DOH clarified that neither the Health Secretary nor his staff engaged in any form of solicitation of funds ostensibly for outreach activities.

“The Secretary is fully committed to upholding the integrity and maintaining respect accorded to such public office, as well as the trust of the Filipino people,” the advisory read.

The Health department encourages the general public to be cautious in communicating with accounts online that may resemble or imitate government officials.

In the previous month, the DOH faced similar problems with posers who were asking for donations from members of the House of Representatives.

The advisory stated that the DOH will not tolerate alleged illegal actions, and further called on the public to remain vigilant and to closely examine information received even from legitimate sources and platforms.

LPA TO BRING RAINS OVER EASTERN VISAYAS, MINDANAO

MANILA - Eastern Visayas and Mindanao will experience cloudy skies with scattered rains due to a low pressure area (LPA) and Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), state weather bureau PAGASA said Tuesday.

As of 10 p.m. Tuesday, the LPA was located 790 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

It is embedded within the ITCZ affecting Mindanao, PAGASA said.

The LPA, which may develop into a tropical depression within the next 24 to 28 hours, is expected to bring significant amount of rains within the next three days.

Metro Manila and the rest of the country, meanwhile, will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to localized thunderstorms.

The weather bureau said Caraga region, Eastern Samar, Samar, Davao Oriental and Davao de Oro may experience heavy rainfall between 50 to 100 millimeters from Tuesday night to Wednesday night.

PAGASA warned of possible floods or landslides due to heavy rains.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

RACHELLE ANN GO TO REPRISE ROLE AS ELIZA HAMILTON IN MANILA PRODUCTION

Rachelle Ann Go is set to return to the Philippines to reprise her role as Eliza Hamilton in the smash hit musical’s Manila production later this year.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Go shared that she has been diligently practicing her lines at home in London to ensure her readiness for the upcoming performances in the Philippines.

“Back in 2017, for some reason I already have a feeling na they’re bringing the show to the Philippines. That time, I said ‘I got to do it. I want to do it.’ Na-claim ko na iyan, 2017 pa. Now, when they announced it, I said, ‘I want to do it pero how? Now with two kids?’” she said.

“I said I just have to believe in myself, my goodness! I’ve been rehearsing at home, doing vocal exercises habang nagpapakain ng kids, juggling everything,” she added.

Despite the challenges, Go expressed great anticipation and excitement for the opportunity to perform in front of her fellow Filipinos once more.

“Excited ako to perform in front of our kababayans and to share the story of this musical with everyone. Kung ako yung Rachelle Ann before, siguro mas matatakot ako at mas kakabahan ako. But now I feel like, I’ve done this show before and I feel like I’m gonna enjoy it in front of Pinoys,” she said.

Aside from Go, the full company for the new international tour, which will commence in Manila, was also announced on Wednesday.

The company is led by Jason Arrow as Alexander Hamilton, DeAundre’ Woods as Aaron Burr, Akina Edmonds as Angelica Schuyler, Darnell Abraham as George Washington, David Park as Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson, Shaka Bagadu Cook as Hercules Mulligan/James Madison, Jacob Guzman as John Laurens/Philip Hamilton, Elandrah Eramiha as Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds and Brent Hill as King George.

Completing the ensemble of 34 performers are Claire Abaijah-Griffin, Kirrah Amosa, Curtis Angus, Kyla Bartholomeusz, Taylor Broadard, Trey Curtis, Aniya Danée, Lachlan Dearing, Winston Hillyer, Indigo Hunt, Marcus John, Julian Kuo, Iosefa Laga’aia, Ashton Lash, HaNy Lee, Terrance Martin, Trevor Miles, Eliza Ohman, Callan Purcell, Joshua Rivera, Wesley Ryan, Emmy Saheki, Terrance Spencer and Dayton Tavares.

“The entire creative team and I are thrilled that HAMILTON will be seen by new audiences all over the world, and for them to experience the talents of this inspiring company,” said “Hamilton” producer Jeffery Seller in a statement.

Michael Cassel, producer of the international tour of “Hamilton” meantime said: “We have assembled an extraordinary cast of superstars from productions all over the world for Hamilton’s first ever international tour. We can’t wait to introduce them to you as we make our way to exciting new places for the very first time.”

The show, which tells the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton, will be staged at The Theatre at Solaire in Parañaque starting on September 17.

The Manila run will mark the Asian premiere of "Hamilton," after shows in Australia and New Zealand. The tour will then head to the Middle East at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on January 17.

"Hamilton" has won Tony, Grammy, and Olivier awards, as well as the Pulitzer Prize for Drama since it premiered on Broadway in 2015.

Producers previously said they are looking forward to the Manila staging, noting the "passionate" fan base of "Hamilton" in the Philippines.

INDICATORS

FOREX $1 = P 54.41

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

If the concept of God has any validity or any use, it can only be to make us larger, freer, and more loving. If God cannot do this, then it is time we got rid of Him. - James Baldwin