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Herald Malaysia
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Herald Malaysia
Filipinos mourn priest-turned-peace negotiator
Luis Gamboa Jalandoni is credited with several landmark peace deals between govt and communists Jun 09, 2025 Luis Gamboa Jalandoni is seen in this file image. (Courtesy: MANILA: People in the Catholic-majority Philippines have paid tributes to Luis Gamboa Jalandoni, a former Catholic priest turned peace negotiator between the government and communist rebels, who passed away on June 7. Jalandoni, former chairman of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), a peace negotiating body of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), died in Utrecht, the Netherlands, at the age of 90, his family members confirmed. He had been living in the European country in self-imposed exile after the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte labelled him a terrorist in 2022 after the breakdown of peace talks between the government and communists. 'We express our condolences to Ka Louie's family, whose love, strength, and support accompanied him through decades of service to the Filipino people's revolutionary cause,' the NDFP and CPP said in a joint statement on June 7. Ka stands for 'elder brother' in Filipino. The statement hailed Jalandoni as a person 'beloved by the masses, a true internationalist, revolutionary leader and stalwart of peace.' Jalandoni was born in 1935 to a wealthy landowning family in Negros Occidental province. He joined priestly formation and was ordained a priest. He served as the head of Social Action Committee of Diocese of Bacolod in Negros Occidental and in 1972, he established Christians for National Liberation, a faith-based underground revolutionary movement that supported the communist's armed struggle during the martial law regime of President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. He was arrested in 1973 along with Catholic nun Coni Ledesma, also a member of the revolutionary group. Both were released in 1974 and sought the Vatican's dispensation to leave religious life. They married the same year, and their marriage was solemnized by Cardinal Jaime Sin of Manila, who is hailed for being a central figure in the 1986 People Power Revolution that toppled the iron-fisted Marcos regime. Jalandoni joined NDFP, and in 1977, he became the group's international representative. From 1989 to 2016, he served as the chief peace negotiator on behalf of the communists. The CPP has been infamously waging one of the world's longest insurgencies for nearly five decades, which claimed an estimated 40,000 lives in conflicts. Its armed wing, the National People's Army (NPA), is designated as a terrorist outfit by the Philippine government. Jalandoni is credited with several landmark peace deals between the government and the communists over the years. Progressive group, Bayan Muna, in its June 7 statement, said Jalandoni's death is 'a big loss to the quest for a just and lasting peace in our country.' The group's vice president and former parliamentarian, Carlos Isagani Zarate, hailed him for 'decades-long dedication to the pursuit of just and lasting peace.' 'From a wealthy landowning family in Negros Occidental to a Catholic priest and eventually becoming a revolutionary – Ka Louie's journey reflects his genuine conversion to the cause of the poor and marginalized. He literally gave up his inheritance to landless workers and dedicated his life to their liberation,' Zarate said. He continued to represent the NDFP for peace talks with the current government of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr despite being in exile. In a statement, Pilgrims for Peace, an interfaith alliance promoting peace and harmony, paid tributes to Jalandoni, calling him 'a gentle warrior for just peace in the Philippines.' Among the alliance members are top Christian leaders including Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos City in Negros Occidental. The state's main anti-insurgency body, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, said Jalandoni's efforts earned him respect despite differences of opinion. 'Even as we hold firm to truth and accountability, we acknowledge this deep loss for those who shared their lives with Jalandoni,' Ernesto Torres Jr., the task force's executive director, said in a statement on June
Rakyat Post
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Rakyat Post
It's A Wrap: Asean Summit Is Over, Timor Leste Wins Social Media
Subscribe to our FREE Over the past week, leaders of the Southeast Asian nations have been gathered in Kuala Lumpur for the 46th ASEAN Summit to address pressing regional and global challenges. Under Malaysia's chairmanship, the summit adopted the theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability, reflecting a commitment to fostering peace, prosperity, and resilience across the region. With Yesterday (27 May) being the last day of the summit, let's get to know some of the leaders who were present and what they've come to achieve towards a more united Southeast Asia. Timor Leste – Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão was a leading figure in the He returned to the role of prime minister on July 1, 2023, after his party, the National Congress for Timorese Reconstruction (CNRT), secured a majority in the parliamentary elections. Timor-Leste has been actively working towards Xanana won social media hearts as videos of him acknowledging members of the press in a friendly manner made rounds. Perdana Menteri Timor-Leste, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao bergurau dengan wartawan tempatan menyebut "Malaysia boleh!" Indonesia – President Prabowo Subianto President Prabowo Subianto, a former general and long-time political figure, assumed office in 2024. He also hails from a prominent political and economic family. His father, Sumitro Djojohadikusumo, was a respected economist and served as a minister under President Sukarno while his grandfather, Margono Djojohadikusumo, founded Bank Negara Indonesia, one of the country's major banks At the summit, he called for ASEAN to admit Papua New Guinea as a member, aiming to strengthen the bloc's global influence. He supported Timor-Leste's full membership and emphasized the need for ASEAN to adapt swiftly to geopolitical shifts. Thailand – Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra Image: Instagram | Paetongtarn Shinawatra Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, became Thailand's youngest prime minister in 2024. She is the daughter of former Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and the niece of former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, making her the third member of her family to hold the nation's highest political office. Shinawatra backed Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship theme of 'Inclusivity and Sustainability', while highlighting the importance of regional collaboration on issues like transboundary haze and air pollution, and expressed confidence in Malaysia's leadership to sustain regional peace and stability. Philippines – Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. Image: Wikipedia Commons Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Romualdez Marcos Jr. is the 17th president of the Philippines, serving since 2022. He is the only son of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., whose two-decade rule ended in 1986 following the People Power Revolution. At the 46th ASEAN Summit, Marcos Jr. played a significant role in discussions on regional security and economic cooperation. He emphasized the importance of upholding freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, amid rising tensions with China. He also highlighted the need for ASEAN to present a unified stance in addressing external economic challenges, such as U.S. tariffs impacting Southeast Asian exports. Vietnam – Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính Image: Vietnam Insider With a background in public security, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính held the rank of lieutenant general before transitioning into politics. Chính has been a member of the Communist Party since 1986 and has served in various key roles, including Deputy Minister of Public Security and Secretary of Quảng Ninh Province. He holds degrees in civil engineering and law, and is recognized as an Associate Professor in Security Science. At the summit, Chính actively engaged in discussions aimed at strengthening regional cooperation. He participated in the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration titled 'ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future,' which outlines a strategic vision for ASEAN's development across political, economic, cultural, and connectivity dimensions. Cambodia – Prime Minister Hun Manet Image: Wikipedia Commons Hun Manet is the eldest son of Hun Sen, who led Cambodia for nearly four decades. Before entering politics, Hun Manet had a distinguished military career. He joined the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) in 1995 and rose through the ranks to become a four-star general. As Prime Minister, Hun Manet has focused on economic development, social services, and environmental sustainability. At the 46th ASEAN Summit, Hun Manet participated in discussions aimed at enhancing regional unity and prosperity. He, along with other ASEAN leaders, signed the Kuala Lumpur Declaration, which outlines a long-term vision for the region based on four strategic pillars: political-security, economic, socio-cultural, and connectivity. Laos – Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone Image: Wikipedia Commons Sonexay Siphandone is the 19th Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic. A member of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP), Sonexay is the son of former LPRP Chairman and President Khamtai Siphandone, and the brother of Viengthong Siphandone, President of the State Audit Organization. As Prime Minister, Sonexay has focused on addressing Laos' economic challenges, including tackling inflation and managing the country's debt. He has also emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and infrastructure development. At the 2025 ASEAN Summit Sonexay participated in discussions on regional economic cooperation and sustainable development. Brunei – Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Image: Facebook | Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah is Brunei's longest-reigning monarch. Educated privately in Brunei and at the Victoria Institution in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah furthered his studies at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom. He was appointed Crown Prince in 1961 at the age of 15. After his father's abdication, he returned to Brunei to assume the responsibilities of the Sultanate. Sultan Hassanal was hospitalised at the National Heart Institute (IJN) in Kuala Lumpur due to fatigue during his visit here for the 46th ASEAN Summit, various media reported. The sultan was unable to attend the summit but Brunei's delegation continued to engage in discussions, reaffirming the country's commitments to ASEAN's goals. 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GMA Network
27-05-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
House appoints lawyer Princess Abante as spokesperson
The House of Representatives has appointed lawyer Princess Abante as its spokesperson for the 19th Congress and likely the 20th Congress, which ends in June 2028. Abante, the daughter of Manila Representative Benny Abante of Manila, is the first to occupy the position since after the People Power Revolution in 1986. She said she took the job after the House leadership asked her to help the institution deliver "accurate, transparent and truthful information." 'What I intend to do is just deliver truthful statements as much as possible, na maintindihan hindi lang ng mga kaibigan natin sa media, kung hindi ng mamamayan rin mismo [that can be understood not only by our friends in the media but by the public itself],' Abante told reporters in a chance interview. '[Para] mahimay natin ang mga impormasyon [sa paraan] na maiintindihan ng mga tao, [para malaman nila] ano itong mga polisiya na sinusulong ng Kongreso, para saan at bakit nakakabuti ito sa buong bansa,' Abante added. (We want to break down the information in a way that the public can appreciate it, understand the policies being pushed by Congress, the purpose of these policies and why they are beneficial to the country.) With journalism and law degrees from the University of Santo Tomas, Abante has served as a three-term councilor in the City of Manila; the head of the Manila Public Information Office; and the spokesperson and head of Communication in the Office of Mayor Honey Lacuna. She was Commissioner-at-Large of the National Youth Commission from 2005 to 2009 before joining the Ponce Enrile Reyes and Manalastas law firm as a litigation lawyer, handling high-profile criminal and civil cases. Asked if her term will go beyond the 19th Congress which officially ends on June 13, Abante said it is likely. 'Right now, we are still working in the 19th Congress, but I am looking forward to working with all of you as we transition to the 20th Congress,' Abante said. The House leadership is currently led by Speaker and Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez, the President of the ruling party Lakas-CMD. Just two days ago, House Deputy Speaker and Quezon Representative Jay-jay Suarez said that Romualdez's re-election bid as Speaker will be supported by at least 275 House members, or more than the majority number needed. 'Speaker Romualdez has earned the trust of the current and incoming members of the House through principled, results-oriented leadership,' he added. 'What we are witnessing is no longer just support from traditional allies—it's a political groundswell cutting across the entire spectrum." The 20th Congress starts ahead of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr.'s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28. — BM, GMA Integrated News
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
What will happen to Syria's war debts?
Syria is seeking to reintegrate itself into the global economy after spending decades as a pariah under the rule of Bashar al-Assad , raising the question of whether the new government in Damascus will be expected to repay the massive debts the prior regime incurred while fighting. Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that the U.S. would lift sanctions on Syria. This was in advance of the U.S. president's meeting with the country's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa , who previously led Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the rebel group that toppled Assad's regime in December. As the new government attempts to rebuild Syria's tattered economy, one matter needing to be addressed is the country's large debt pile. The Assad regime borrowed a significant amount of money, mostly from Russia and Iran, after the country's civil war began in March 2011. 5 5 Next Stay Playback speed 1x Normal Back 0.25x 0.5x 1x Normal 1.5x 2x 5 5 / Skip Ads by by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Bank Owned Properties For Sale In Phum 4 (Prices May Surprise You) Foreclosed Homes | Search ads Search Now Undo Can the new Syrian government now repudiate the debts Assad contracted after the commencement of hostilities on the theory that money is fungible and the proceeds of those borrowings, directly or indirectly, funded his attempt to suppress the ultimately successful rebellion? It's not a simple question. Live Events GOVERNMENTAL SUCCESSION Few doctrines of international law are as strict as the one that goes by the title "Governmental Succession". Governments in a country are presumed to inherit both the rights and obligations of their predecessor administrations. It does not matter, says international law, how different one government's political philosophy may be from its predecessors'. The obligation to honor the debts incurred by those prior regimes is absolute, or nearly so. The Bolsheviks may have taken over from the Tsar in 1917, Corazon Aquino may have ousted Ferdinand Marcos in the People Power Revolution in the Philippines in 1986, and Donald Trump may have replaced Joseph Biden in 2025. But each must inherit the obligations contracted by those whom they replaced, even if they believed the borrowings were ill-advised or corrupt or both. There are not many exceptions to this strict rule of international law. The purported exception with the greatest emotional appeal is the doctrine of "odious debts". Imagine a kleptomaniacal dictator who borrows money in the name of the Republic of Ruritania, promptly steals said money and disappears into, say, the wilds of the French Riviera. Is it moral or legal, argue the proponents of the odious debt doctrine, to saddle the long-suffering citizens of Ruritania with the obligation to repay that loan when they received not the slightest benefit from the proceeds? Legal scholars have debated this doctrine for over a century without reaching a consensus, mostly because commentators cannot agree on what exactly makes a debt (or a debtor) so distasteful as to be deemed legally "odious". Consequently, it's unlikely that the new Syrian government would be able to successfully use this doctrine to repudiate Assad's debt. WAR DEBT But there is one type of debt that most people would agree should not bind a successor administration: so-called "war debt". The classic case runs as follows: rebels are fighting the incumbent regime for control of a country. The incumbent regime borrows money to buy the bullets that are fired at the rebels in order to preserve the incumbents' incumbency. The rebels win. Can anyone really argue that the rebels - now the recognized government - should be obliged to repay the money that was borrowed for the sole purpose of keeping them from becoming the recognized government? There are historical precedents. For example, the Mexican Government in 1883 repudiated debts that the Hapsburg Emperor Maximilian incurred during the time when he was seeking to maintain control over the country. And after the Boer War that began in 1899, Great Britain took the position that His Britannic Majesty was prepared to recognize the debts that were incurred by the South African Government before, but not after, the commencement of hostilities. The theory here was that the victor in a belligerency was under no obligation to honor debts incurred by the vanquished party after the shooting had started. More recently, Cambodia refused to pay debts to the United States incurred in 1974-75, when the U.S.-supported Lon Nol government fought, and lost, a civil war against the Khmer Rouge. If the "war debts" category is indeed one of the very few recognized exceptions to the strict principle of governmental succession, then might Syria's new leader be able to cite it, given that Assad borrowed funds while fighting? Potentially, but there are more questions. For one, should there be any difference in treatment between new money lent after the commencement of hostilities and past liabilities that fell due during the belligerency but were not paid because of a voluntary agreement? Both, after all, subsidized the conflict. Ultimately, cleaning up Syria's debts will be a tricky process. But the new government may have a trump card. (The views in this article are those of the authors.)
Express Tribune
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Duterte re-elected mayor from jail as Marcos senate support weakens
Listen to article Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has secured a landslide victory in the Davao City mayoral race, even as he remains in detention at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague on charges related to his controversial anti-drug campaign. Duterte's re-election bid comes amid a complex political landscape, with his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, facing an impending Senate impeachment trial on charges including corruption and alleged assassination plots against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Despite his detention, Philippine law permits Duterte to run for office unless he is convicted with no remaining appeals. His son, Sebastian Duterte, is expected to assume mayoral duties in his absence, continuing the family's political legacy in Davao City. The 2025 midterm elections have highlighted the enduring influence of political dynasties in the Philippines, with the Duterte family's stronghold in Davao City reaffirmed, even as national political alliances shift and legal challenges loom Meanwhile President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr is facing a potential setback in the Philippine Senate as early results from the mid-term elections show his allies winning fewer seats than expected. With about 80% of the vote counted, only six senate candidates backed by Marcos appear to have secured seats. One of them is also supported by the Duterte camp, further blurring alliance lines. The mid-terms, held on Monday, were widely seen as a proxy contest between Marcos Jr and Vice President Sara Duterte, whose impeachment trial will be decided by the Senate. Her political future may depend on how the newly elected senators vote. Sara Duterte has called the charges against her 'political persecution.' If found guilty, she faces a potential ban from public office, jeopardising her expected 2028 presidential bid. In the Senate race, only one Marcos-backed candidate — journalist and broadcaster Erwin Tulfo — placed in the top five. Duterte loyalist Christopher 'Bong' Go led the tally, followed by Bam Aquino and Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, another Duterte ally and former police chief. Senator Imee Marcos, the president's sister, was among the winners but had earlier broken ranks with her brother and is now aligned with the Duterte bloc. The results signal a shift in the political landscape. Bam Aquino, a cousin of the late President Benigno Aquino III, made a strong showing in second place. His win, along with that of his ally Francis Pangilinan, marks the first significant return of the Aquino family to national politics in years. The Aquinos were longtime opponents of the Marcos family, with tensions dating back to the 1983 assassination of opposition leader Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr, which helped spark the 1986 People Power Revolution and the fall of the Marcos dictatorship. Monday's polls were held under hot weather conditions, with temperatures reaching 33°C (91°F). Voter turnout was strong, although there were reports of ballot machine failures and sporadic violence. The results have intensified the political rivalry between the Marcos and Duterte camps, with alliances now in flux. Analysts say loyalty among senators may shift depending on personal ambitions and future political manoeuvres. The newly elected Senate is expected to play a crucial role not only in the impeachment trial of the vice president but also in shaping the country's political direction ahead of the 2028 presidential election.
