Teodoro unfazed by China sanctions, vows agenda vs. illegal activities
Metro Manila, Philippines – Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Saturday, June 13, said he was undeterred by sanctions of the Communist Party of China against merely speaking the truth about issues involving the West Philippine Sea and alleged illegal activities linked to Chinese nationals in the country. In a statement, Teodoro confirmed that both he and his family were subjected to sanctions by Chinese authorities over what Beijing described as “erroneous statements.” “Ako ay naglahad lamang ng katotohanan tungkol sa West Philippine Sea at tungkol sa mga illegal na gawain nila dito sa Pilipinas,” said Teodoro. [Translation: I only spoke the truth regarding the West Philippine Sea and about their illegal activities here in the Philippines.] The defense chief said he will continue carrying out his duties and support government efforts against unlawful operations allegedly involving Chinese interests in the Philippines. Teodoro specifically cited the shutdown of alleged scam…
Iran peace deal looms while new military action flares near Strait of Hormuz
(Reuters) – The United States and Iran signaled on Friday that an agreement to end their war was close, with a senior U.S. administration official saying both sides had agreed on a text and that Washington expects to sign an initial deal in the coming days. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said that while changes in the deal were still possible, the tentative agreement showed his country had emerged stronger from the conflict. “Iran is the winner of the war with the U.S.,” he said on state television. Hours after those remarks, U.S. forces shot down multiple Iranian one-way attack drones heading toward the Strait of Hormuz, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters. The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the drones had posed a threat to commercial traffic. U.S. Central Command later confirmed the action and said the waterway was open for transit. Iranian news agencies had reported that explosions were heard…
I have failed as a coach – Baldwin
Metro Manila, Philippines – Ateneo de Manila men’s basketball team head coach Tab Baldwin voiced remorse over the death of his two players. “I feel I’ve failed” he said in his first public statement on the deaths of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili during a team training boot camp in Dipaculao, Aurora. In a video posted on social media, Baldwin acknowledged the immense grief. “As a coach, we are entrusted with the growth of our basketball players, the development of these young men into future professionals. But mostly, as a coach, I’m entrusted by you, the parents, and the families, with first and foremost, their well-being. And in this, I feel I’ve failed,” said Baldwin “And I’m sorry. To the depth of my being, I’m sorry,” he added. Baldwin said that while the Ateneo community mourns the athletes, he said he recognized that the pain of the families was far…
Trump says Iran war deal close as Strait of Hormuz tensions linger
Dubai, United Arab Emirates/Washington, U.S. – Hopes grew on Friday for peace between Iran and the United States after President Donald Trump said a deal could be signed as soon as this weekend, even as Tehran said it had not made a final decision on a pact. The deal, if confirmed, would be the most significant diplomatic breakthrough yet to end the three-month-old war, which has killed thousands and sent global energy prices sharply higher after Iran all but closed the Strait of Hormuz to shipping. “We just made a great settlement of the war with Iran,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Thursday. “The strait will officially open as soon as we sign, which could be soon, very soon, maybe over the weekend in Europe,” he said, adding that Vice President JD Vance would attend the deal signing. Asked if Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei had approved the deal, Trump said, “I understand…
Marcos to Filipinos: Keep on loving, choosing, fighting for the country
Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged Filipinos to remain steadfast in their love for the country despite the challenges, and said that nation-building requires citizens to continue choosing the common good over personal interests and divisions. Speaking during the 128th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence at Rizal Park in Manila on Friday, June 12, Marcos said the sacrifices of heroes should inspire the people to confront challenges with the same sense of unity and purpose. “Sa bawat Pilipino, ito ang aking panawagan: Huwag po tayong mapagod na mahalin, piliin, at ipaglaban ang Pilipinas,” Marcos said. [Translation: To every Filipino, this is my call: let us not get tired of loving, choosing, and fighting for the Philippines.] The president said the lessons of the past extend beyond commemorating the struggle for independence and should guide the people in addressing challenges, including corruption, poverty, division, global uncertainties,…
