UNITED NATIONS (3rd UPDATE) – Italy and the Netherlands agreed Tuesday, June 28, to split their term on the UN Security Council after a tie in voting forced them to reach a compromise.

In the vote for 5 non-permanent seats, Kazakstan was elected for the first time, joining Bolivia, Ethiopia, and Sweden which won spots during the secret balloting at the 193-nation General Assembly.

But 5 rounds of voting ended with the Netherlands and Italy neck and neck at 95 votes each, far short of the two-thirds majority needed to win the seat.

Announcing the compromise deal, Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders told UN delegates that the outcome was "a clear signal that you appreciate both our countries."

Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni said that given the "perfect parity," the shared term on the council was a "way to show from two European countries a message of unity."

Under the agreement which will be put to a vote, Italy will serve on the council in 2017 and the Netherlands will follow in 2018.

Italy had lobbied fiercely for a council seat, portraying itself as a crossroads country in the Mediterranean and touting its experience dealing with the refugee crisis.

The European country is also seen as a player in efforts to pull Libya out of chaos.

The Netherlands, home to the International Criminal Court and other world tribunals, has played up its commitment to international justice.

If approved by the assembly, the split term would be a rare but not unprecedented occurrence in UN history.

Turkey and Poland set a precedent when they shared a Security Council term in 1960.

Western European envoys were to meet Thursday, June 30, to endorse the deal, which would then go to the General Assembly for a vote.

A first for Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan beat out Thailand in a second round of balloting, picking up 138 votes against 55 for Thailand and winning the seat reserved for Asia.

Kazakh Foreign Minister Yerlan Idrissov said "we are very proud to be the first central Asian country to serve on the council" and pledged to focus on nuclear non-proliferation and development.

Close to Russia, Kazakhstan gave up its nuclear arsenal after the breakup of the Soviet Union.

Italy, the Netherlands, and Sweden were vying for two seats reserved for western Europe.

Among the world's top aid donors, Sweden garnered 134 votes, scoring an outright win.

Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom said she was "happy and proud" to see her country join the UN's top table, pledging to focus firmly on conflict resolution.

"With 40 conflicts and 11 full-blown wars, it is a very, very worrisome world that we have to take into account," Wallstrom said.

Running unopposed as the candidate from Africa, Ethiopia picked up 185 votes.

Bolivia, which had the backing of Latin American and Caribbean countries, won 183 votes.

The newly-elected countries will take their place alongside the 5 permanent council members – Britain, France, China, Russia, and the United States.

The other 5 non-permanent members are: Egypt, Japan, Senegal, Ukraine, and Uruguay.

The new members will begin their stint on January 1, just as the next secretary-general takes the helm following an October election to replace Ban Ki-moon.

The vote for a seat at the top diplomatic table caps years of lobbying by contenders.

As the balloting got underway, delegates at the General Assembly were handed gift bags with miniature tulips and wooden shoes from the Netherlands, Baci chocolates from Italy, and a buddha figurine from Thailand.

As the most powerful body of the United Nations, the Security Council can impose sanctions, endorse peace accords, and authorize the use of military force.

It also oversees 16 peacekeeping missions in the world, with a budget of about $8 billion. – Rappler.com

PARIS, France – French police fired tear gas against stone-throwing protesters on Tuesday, June 28, during the latest march in Paris against the Socialist government's labor reforms.

Held under tight security, the tense march came as the Senate prepared to vote on the hotly contested legislation aimed at reining in unemployment by freeing up the job market.

Thirty-eight people were arrested, including 27 ahead of the march, mainly for carrying potential projectiles, and minor scuffles were reported.

Some 2,500 riot police were deployed for a crowd estimated by police to number between 14,000 and 15,000, while organizers put the figure at 55,000.

Seven unions submitted what they called partial results from a public survey on the draft labor law, with 92% of 700,000 respondents calling for its withdrawal.

French President Francois Hollande said last week that his Socialist government would "go all the way" to enact the reforms, which are seen by critics as too pro-business and a threat to cherished workers' rights.

Prime Minister Manuel Valls will meet union leaders on Wednesday, June 29, and Thursday, June 30, but has already signaled he is not open to further modifying a text that has already been watered down.

Valls, who has been a lightning rod for criticism because of his unrelenting stance on the reforms, conceded little by agreeing to the meetings.

The prime minister's office said "it is not a matter of reopening a cycle of negotiations."

Philippe Martinez, secretary general of the hardline CGT union, said he hoped the meeting would not be a mere "courtesy call just to have a coffee."

Unions say the main sticking point is a measure giving precedence to agreements negotiated between companies and their staff over deals reached with unions across entire industrial sectors – notably on working hours.

The two sides have not met since early March, although Valls telephoned union leaders on May 28.

Tuesday's was the 11th demonstration against the reforms since a wave of protests began on March 9.

Many have descended into violence, reaching a peak in Paris on June 14, just 4 days after the start of the Euro 2016 football championships in France.

Hundreds of masked protesters and police fought running street battles, and police used water cannon to quell rioters who hurled projectiles at them and smashed in storefronts, with 40 people hurt and dozens arrested.

Tougher Senate version

The right-dominated Senate was to vote later Tuesday on its version of the labor reform bill, which is tougher on workers' rights than the lower house version.

The Senate wants to scrap the 35-hour work week and restore a cap on the amount employers would have to pay out when they lose labor disputes.

The bill then returns to the National Assembly on July 5 – which is already on the CGT's calendar for another protest.

Last month the government used a constitutional manoeuver to push the bill through the lower house without a vote. Although the chamber is dominated by Socialists, the left flank of the party is staunchly opposed to the labor reforms.

With the two chambers unlikely to agree a final version, the lower house will have the final say, and the government is expected to use the same manoeuver to pass the bill into law without a vote.

According to an opinion poll published on Tuesday, 73% of the French would be "shocked" by such a move.

Hollande, who faces a reelection bid next April, had hoped for a signature reform to reverse his dire approval ratings.

But pressure from the street, as well as parliament's back benches, caused the government to water down the proposals, which only angered bosses while failing to assuage critics. – Rappler.com

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – It’s a day before the country swears in a new administration into office, and it seems that the incoming President already has his eyes on a final choice for his inaugural barong tagalog. 

Duterte’s partner Honeylet Avanceña earlier said that the VIP for Thursday’s (June 30) big day will probably pick his outfit the night before the inauguration.

In total, the President-elect has 12 barongs to choose from. Seven of these designs came from Chardin, a 42-year-old high-end fashion house located in the heart of Davao City.

On Tuesday afternoon, June 28, Duterte had a “final fitting” of a barong designed by Boni Adaza of Chardin. 

Adaza said the fabric used for this barong was piñajusi. 

“Jusi it’s a synthetic fiber. President Duterte chose this one because he is comfortable wearing this cloth, “ Adaza said in a mix of English and Filipino.

The color base of the barong will be the usual ecru while the details will be in light brown and beige to emphasize the embroidery. Adaza said the embroidery depicts the pattern iconic of the Manobo tribe.

He said he wanted to incorporate the Mindanao minority in the design to represent the other 11 tribes in their region. Adaza said that of all the tribal prints, the Manobo’s are the least intricate, which perfectly depicts Duterte’s knack for simplicity. 

Duterte, Avanceña and their daughter Kitty have been one of their most loyal clients. Adaza disclosed that they sometimes make the long-time Davao City mayor’s iconic plaid polo shirts.

Gowns for Honeylet, Kitty

Avanceña’s and Kitty’s gowns were both made by Chardin’s Aries Escarilla. Both were also ordered in rush as Escarilla said Avanceña only ordered for her gown last weekend and Kitty’s just this Monday.

Avanceña already has a Filipiniana made, also by Chardin, after Duterte’s proclamation, while Kitty was eyeing to wear a simple white dress. Escarilla said he does not know the reason behind the rush order for Kitty's dress. (READ: Kitty Duterte to hold Bible of Duterte's mother for oath-taking)

Escarilla made a blue green semi-serpentine gown with a yellow lace top for Avanceña.  The floor-length dress has no bead works because she wants to keep it simple like Duterte.

Her gown comes with a clutch, locally made in Davao. 

Meanwhile, for the 12-year-old presidential daughter, he made a dress with a sweetheart neckline in champagne color. The dress’ skirt is in pencil cut caped with an A-line skirt at the back. 

He said the design intends to reflect Kitty’s coming-of-age.

Meanwhile, Duterte is set to fit another barong Wednesday, June 29, one brought to Davao from Cebu, according to Honeylet.

All eyes are on Duterte's barong, not only because it's for his inauguration, but because he so rarely wears one. Duterte has complained in several speeches about the tendency of barong fabric to feel "itchy" on his skin.

People are now also wondering if he will be rolling up the sleeves of his barong, as he often does with his other long-sleeved tops.

At the second presidential debate, for example, he rolled up his barong sleeves and wore jeans.

For many, Duterte's barong is not only a wardrobe choice but a sign that he is ready to take on some of the traditions that come with the presidency. – With reports from Pia Ranada/Rappler.com

ISTANBUL, Turkey (4th UPDATE) – A triple suicide bombing and gun attack at Istanbul's Ataturk airport has killed at least 36 people, including foreigners, with Turkey's prime minister saying early signs pointed to an assault by the Islamic State (ISIS) group.

The attackers began spraying bullets at the international terminal entrance before blowing themselves up at around 10 pm local time (1900 GMT) Tuesday, June 28 (early Wednesday June 29 in Manila), Turkish authorities said.

It is the deadliest of 4 attacks to rock Turkey's biggest city this year, with two others blamed on ISIS and another claimed by a militant Kurdish group.

Though there was no immediate claim of responsibility for Tuesday's carnage, "the evidence points to Daesh," Prime Minister Binali Yildirim told journalists at the scene, using another name for the jihadists.

He said the dead included foreigners, but gave no further details.

The attack prompted the suspension of all flights at the airport – one of Europe's busiest hubs – although Yildirim said traffic would resume at 3 am Wednesday (0000 GMT).

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for an international "joint fight" against terror, as Western allies including the United States condemned the "heinous" attack.

Yildirim said the suicide bombers had arrived in a taxi and opened fire on passengers with automatic rifles before blowing themselves up.

Security camera footage widely circulated on social media appeared to capture two of the blasts. In one clip a huge ball of flame erupts at an entrance to the terminal building, scattering terrified passengers.

Another video shows a black-clad attacker running inside the building before collapsing to the ground – apparently felled by a police bullet – and blowing himself up.

Tuesday's attack follows coordinated ISIS suicide bombings at Brussels airport and a city metro station in March that left 32 people dead.

'I can't find my sister'

An Agence France-Presse photographer saw bodies covered with sheets at the terminal, which bore heavy damage from the blasts.

Bullet holes peppered the windows and shattered glass lay on the floor, while abandoned luggage was scattered everywhere.

Hundreds of police and firefighters including forensic officers were at the scene.

"Somebody came and shot at us and then my sister was running," Otfah Mohamed Abdullah told Agence France-Presse.

"I don't know which way she was running and after that I was falling down. I was on the ground till he finished... I can't find my sister."

Police set up a security cordon around the site as a dozen ambulances rushed to the scene.

There was panic at the nearest hospital in Istanbul's Bakirkoy district, which was inundated with relatives desperate for news of loved ones.

Brussels airport, itself the scene of suicide bombings just months ago tweeted condolences, saying: "Our thoughts are with the victims of the attacks at @istanbulairport."

Security expert Abdullah Agar told CNN Turk the attack bore the hallmarks of a jihadist attack.

"It really bears a resemblance to their methods," he said in reference to the Brussels bombings, which were claimed by ISIS.

The US and French consulates warned people to stay away from the area, while Turkish officials said flights would be cancelled until at least 8 am on Wednesday.

Erdogan call

Erdogan met with his prime minister and military chief after news of the carnage broke.

"We urge the world, especially Western countries, to take a firm stand against terrorism," Erdogan said in a statement.

"Despite paying a heavy price, Turkey has the power, determination and capacity to continue the fight against terrorism until the end."

Istanbul, a major tourism hub that is home to some 15 million people, has suffered a series of attacks in recent months, including a bombing in the heart of the tourist district that killed a dozen German visitors and was blamed on ISIS.

Two months later, three Israelis and an Iranian were killed in a bombing on the city's main Istiklal shopping street, also blamed on ISIS.

A blast on the tarmac at Istanbul's other international airport, Sabiha Gokcen, killed a cleaner in December.

Turkey has been hit by at least 5 attacks blamed on IS jihadists, including a blast in Ankara in October 2015 that left over 100 dead, though the group has never formally claimed responsibility for an attack in Turkey.

Ankara has meanwhile launched a sustained offensive against the outlawed rebel Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) following the collapse of a ceasefire last year.

Hundreds of members of the Turkish security forces have since been killed in PKK attacks. – Agence France-Presse / Rappler.com

EDINBURGH, United Kingdom (UPDATED) – Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she would travel to Brussels on Wednesday, June 29, for talks to defend Scotland's place in the European Union after a vote by Britain as a whole to leave the bloc.

Sturgeon said she was "utterly determined" to protect Scotland as she obtained a formal mandate for direct talks with the European Union institutions at an emergency session of the Scottish parliament.

"Tomorrow I will make an initial visit to Brussels to set out Scotland's position and interests" to European Parliament leaders, Sturgeon said.

"Through all of this I am determined, utterly determined, to preserve Scotland's relationship and place within the EU," said Sturgeon, head of the pro-independence Scottish National Party (SNP).

Britain as a whole voted by 52% to 48% to leave the EU but Scotland voted strongly for Britain to remain – by 62% to 38%.

However, European Council President Donald Tusk has refused a meeting with the first minister, according to a source in the group of EU leaders.

"Sturgeon requested a meeting with president Tusk, but Tusk thinks it's not the appropriate moment," the source said.

Scotland is to draw up legislation for a new independence referendum to ensure it could be held during any negotiations for Britain to leave the EU, which would last a maximum of two years unless all EU member states agreed to extend them.

Outgoing Prime Minister David Cameron has ruled Sturgeon's initiative out, saying Scots had already voted against independence in 2014, and the referendum would require the authority of the British parliament to go ahead.

"The last thing Scotland needs now is another divisive referendum," his spokeswoman said earlier.

But Sturgeon stressed the circumstances had changed since 2014 and Scotland was in "uncharted territory" and that a new referendum was now "highly likely".

Standing ovation

Gibraltar, the rock outcrop on Spain's southern tip that was ceded to Britain 300 years ago, also voted to remain within the EU and is seeking to stay in the bloc.

"Technical experts" from both Scotland and Gibraltar are to meet to review the possibility of both remaining in the EU, according to a statement from Gibraltar.

Sturgeon is due to meet European Parliament president Martin Schulz on Wednesday, along with senior liberal MEP Guy Verhofstadt.

Scottish SNP member of the European Parliament Alyn Smith called on it to stand by Scotland in an impassioned speech earlier on Tuesday in which he described himself as "proudly European".

"Scotland did not let you down... Chers collegues, do not let Scotland down now," Smith implored in a mix of French and English, bringing fellow MEPs to their feet in a standing ovation.

Experts have said one way in which Scotland could remain in the EU would be if it became independent and then applied to be a "successor state", effectively inheriting Britain's EU membership.

'Extreme turbulence'

As Sturgeon addressed the Scottish parliament, hundreds of pro-EU campaigners rallied outside the building.

"We want to give a message to Brussels that we want to stay," said Joana Barrett, a 33-year-old children's charity worker.

Richard Taylor, 48, a computer technician, said: "I feel very strongly about the issue of Scotland staying in the EU."

On the possibility of Scotland becoming independent, he said the "chances have increased".

Gordon Love, a 52-year-old fencing instructor attending the rally, said: "We are at a moment of extreme turbulence, change and instability."

Jack Kelly, 22, said the result was "terrible for our country and it is going to have dark consequences".

But 71-year-old Sandra Black said she was among the third of Scottish voters who wanted Britain to leave the EU.

"I was against the extra control above our country," she said.

Speaking in London, Sturgeon's predecessor Alex Salmond, now a leading SNP lawmaker in the British parliament, said he expected a new independence referendum "in the two and a half years coming" if it was the only way of staying in the EU.

"We've already seen from European politicians in many, many countries, significant European politicians, a great expression of sympathy and solidarity with Scotland's position," Salmond told Agence France-Presse.

He praised Sturgeon's leadership amid the current political turmoil in Britain's two main parties – the Conservatives and Labour.

Sturgeon "has been the only politician on these islands with a steady, clear view of the road ahead and the politicians at Westminster have been running around like headless chickens," he said. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – It was not an easy decision for Philippine President Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III, leader of a developing country heavily dependent on China when it comes to trade.

China, after all, is the Philippines’ second biggest trading partner, based on the latest government statistics released in September 2015. 

China, too, is the homeland of at least 1.5% of the Philippines’ population. Many of these Chinese Filipinos wield huge influence in business and other spheres, as in the case of two of the Philippines’ richest men, Henry Sy and Lucio Tan.

Aquino himself hails from a Chinese family. The Cojuangco clan, to which he belongs, comes from the line of Chinese immigrant Co Yu Hwan, who moved to the Philippines in 1861. (READ: Aquino's Chinese ancestry fuels anger in Beijing)

In a roundtable interview with Rappler, Aquino admitted that he initially had some concerns about suing China: "I won’t say I wasn’t bothered, I wasn’t apprehensive about some of the issues that we had to face. Going against China, how will China treat us if we dare?"

"But being confident that the people are there, that if you present the facts to them, they will see how reasonable our position, how logical, how correct. We can count on their support," the 56-year-old outgoing president said.

Long-lasting solution

Aquino, the son of two icons of democracy, ended up making history. He became the only president who brought China to court over a dispute involving the South China Sea, parts of which the Philippines claims as the West Philippine Sea. 

Under Aquino as the chief architect of Philippine foreign policy, the Philippines filed an arbitration case against China over the West Philippine Sea on January 22, 2013.

The Aquino administration initiated these arbitration proceedings after a standoff between Philippine and Chinese vessels in the disputed Panatag Shoal (Scarborough Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea in April 2012.

The case is pending before an arbitral tribunal at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands. The Philippines expects a ruling in late June or early July of this year. (READ: EXPLAINER: Philippines' 5 arguments vs China)

By filing this case, the Philippines stopped bilateral or one-on-one talks with China – the means preferred by China to settle the maritime row.

The Aquino administration said it brought China to court to secure a long-lasting solution to the sea dispute. 

This will also allow the Philippines to "at least negotiate from a stronger position" when it returns to bilateral talks with China, Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose said. 

'Very good job,' analyst says 

Ernest Bower, senior adviser for the Southeast Asia Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said the Aquino administration "did a very good job."

Referring to the Aquino administration, Bower added: "They actually put their actions behind their words. They not only talked about rule of law, but they took the court case to The Hague."

"I thought that the foreign secretary, Albert del Rosario, did a very good job of driving for more ASEAN unity and engagement. And he made it clear to the Americans that the Philippines was serious about this issue," Bower added.

He said Del Rosario’s efforts led to the signing of the Philippines-US Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) in 2014. The EDCA gives American troops greater access to Philippine military facilities. 

Bower said the EDCA is "probably moving the US-Philippine relationship to a new point; a new high point."

Security analyst Jose Antonio Custodio, for his part, pointed out one of the shortcomings of the Aquino administration’s approach toward the West Philippine Sea dispute.

"It was too much focused on the diplomatic angle and it did not really have any efforts, following 2012, to protect, for example, Scarborough Shoal…in a physical way," he said.

While the Philippines pursues an arbitration case against China, Custodio said, "I would have appreciated it if there been an effort to defend the fishermen also, at the same time."

In Panatag Shoal, for instance, fishermen have reported being blocked by Chinese vessels from approaching fishing grounds. (READ: PH in The Hague: China robs us of right to fish)

'What is ours is ours'

Custodio warned: "If the Chinese sense that we're only good for diplomacy but when it comes to things on the ground, we're a little bit averse, then they will keep on probing and probing and pushing and pushing you if you don't push back. This is their typical bully thing." 

At the same time, other analysts say the US has not committed itself enough to the Philippines in the sea dispute. How, for example, will the US come to the Philippines’ aid in case China attacks this Southeast Asian country?

In any case, Aquino said he did what matters most: protect his land from an aggressive neighbor. 

He illustrated this well in his State of the Nation Address in 2011, when he compared the contested Recto Bank (Reed Bank) in the West Philippine Sea with a busy street in Manila called Recto Avenue.

"Kapag tumapak ka sa Recto Bank, para ka na ring tumapak sa Recto Avenue," Aquino said. (Setting foot on Recto Bank is no different from setting foot on Recto Avenue.)

The President stressed, "Malinaw ang pahiwatig natin ngayon sa buong mundo: Ang sa Pilipinas ay sa Pilipinas (Now, our message to the world is clear: What is ours is ours)." – Rappler.com

CARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuela's government is considering asking the high court to dissolve the legislature controlled by President Nicolas Maduro's opponents who are seeking to remove him from office, a spokesman said Tuesday, June 28.

It was the latest maneuver in a political conflict that has raised tensions in the volatile South American country as it struggles with an economic crisis.

Maduro's side "has started discussions to request a consultation with the constitutional chamber of the Supreme Court" with a view to achieving "the abolition of this National Assembly," ruling coalition spokesman Didalco Bolivar told a news conference.

The opposition blames Maduro for a deep economic crisis that has caused widespread food shortages and deadly looting.

It has launched efforts to remove him since taking control of the assembly in January. Maduro has challenged them through the Supreme Court, which his rivals say he controls.

Bolivar said the government in its latest action would charge the opposition lawmakers with abuse of power, treason and breach of the constitution.

The political standoff between the president and the assembly has heightened tensions in the oil-producing nation.

Coup, fraud

Maduro's opponents in the centrist MUD coalition are pushing for a referendum this year on whether to cut short his term.

The government on Monday, June 27, launched a counter-maneuver, announcing fresh legal challenges against a petition filed by the opposition calling for a referendum.

The opposition is rushing to complete the recall process by January 10, the cutoff date to trigger new elections.

After that date, a successful recall vote would simply pass power to Maduro's hand-picked vice president.

The national electoral board has said it will announce by July 26 whether enough signatures on the petition have been authenticated for the referendum drive to proceed.

If that happens, Maduro's opponents will have to collect four million more signatures to call a full referendum.

"We now call for this process to advance unobstructed, with respect for the constitutional principle of swiftness," MUD general secretary Jesus Torrealba told a news conference on Tuesday.

Maduro on Sunday called the collection of opposition signatures a "giant electoral fraud."

The opposition leader of congress, Henry Ramos, said that if Maduro blocked the referendum, that would amount to a "coup d'etat."

Bolivar said the government in its new legal action would also demand "that legislative elections be called so that the people can say whether they want this obstructionist and constitution-violating assembly to be in charge, or the contrary."

He said the governing coalition would make an announcement on its planned lawsuit next week. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Outgoing President Benigno Aquino III spent his last week in Malacañang bidding farewell to the people who helped him in the past 6 years of his administration – his Cabinet, his alma mater, and members of the police and military, among others.

Aquino, in recent events, was more relaxed than usual – natural for someone ready to leave the world he had been accustomed to and return to his private life. (READ: The emotional journey of Benigno Aquino III)

On Thursday, June 23, exactly a week before he steps down, Aquino attended the 118th founding anniversary of the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Health. In his speech before DFA officials, Aquino said he could not help but smile, knowing he is leaving the Palace in 7 days. (READ: A week before stepping down, Aquino says he's 'all smiles')

“Nakangiti po ako dahil 7 araw na lang po bababa na ako sa puwesto,” Aquino said, eliciting laughter from the audience.

(I am smiling now because in 7 days, I will be stepping down from office.)

In the late afternoon, Aquino took the chance to formally thank his Cabinet. He conferred presidential awards on some of his men, saying they are leaving office with "heads held high." 

The following day, Friday, June 24, there were no presidential schedules sent to the media.

On Saturday, June 25, Aquino was the commencement speaker at his alma mater, Ateneo De Manila University. In 2011, barely a year in office, Aquino also delivered a speech before graduating students of Ateneo.

In his speech, Aquino recalled his own college experiences, which happened during martial law. He then thanked the school for supporting him and his administration.  Special mention was given to Ateneo’s strong statement against revisionism of martial law.

On Monday, June 27, Aquino addressed the Armed Forces of the Philippines one last time as its commander-in-chief.

The President, who was awarded full military honors, thanked the men and women who served under the defense department and the military, particularly those who worked closest to him. He mentioned in particular Voltaire Gazmin, Aquino’s first and only defense chief, who had initially agreed to only one or at most, two years in the post.

Before this, Aquino conferred the Order of Lakandula – one of the highest honors given by the Philippine government – on Supreme Court Associate Justice Ben Caguioa, his long-time friend, in the Private Office. He then had a shooting of a video message for outgoing Philippine National Police chief Ricardo Marquez.

On Monday, June 28, Aquino attended the retirement and testimonial parade for Marquez at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

Aquino had nothing but good words for Marquez, who, prior to his appointment, was a stranger to the President. (READ: Aquino admits 'regret' as Marquez exits PNP early)

Aquino, who will be stepping down from office on June 30, said: “Kaya sa totoo lang, isa siya sa mga pinuno na ngayong magwawakas na ang termino, ay talaga namang may halo tayong panghihinayang. Mayroon po kasing mga pinunong kapag nagpapaalam na sa serbisyo, gusto nating sabihin, ‘Hay, sa wakas, magreretiro na.’ Pero sa pagtatapos ng pamumuno ng isang Ric Marquez, tiyak kong marami ang makakaramdam ng: ‘Sayang naman, sana mas matagal pa siya sa serbisyo.’”

(So to be honest, there’s a mix of regret now that he’s about to end his term. You see, there are leaders who, when they say goodbye, you want to say, ‘Finally, he’s retiring.’ But now that Ric Marquez’ term is ending, I’m sure a lot feel: ‘What a shame, if only he could stay on longer.’)

On Tuesday, June 29, Aquino had no public schedule. But in a set of photos sent to the media, Aquino was seen attending to his last paper works as head of the nation. (IN PHOTOS: President Aquino's last day in Malacañang)

He was also seen bringing some of his things to the Aquino family home in Times Street, Quezon City, on Tuesday, another unannounced schedule.

Aquino is set to return to private life on the noon of Thursday, June 30. After the departure honors for him in Malacañang, he is expected to ride his private vehicle and go straight to Times Street. – Rappler.com

JERUSALEM – Israeli cabinet ministers on Wednesday, June 29, approved a deal reached with Turkey at the weekend on normalizing relations after years of acrimony over a deadly 2010 raid on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla.

The security cabinet approved the deal seven to 3 after 4 and a half hours of debate, giving it final Israeli government approval, a spokesman said.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and others have promoted its economic benefits, with talk of building a pipeline to Turkey to export Israeli gas, and the need to find allies in the turbulent Middle East.

But there have been objections over Israel agreeing to pay $20 million in compensation to families of the Turkish activists killed in the raid.

There were also allegations that the agreement does not do enough to push for the return of four Israelis missing in Gaza, two of them soldiers who have been declared dead and two of them civilians believed held alive by Hamas.

Turkey will be allowed to deliver aid to Palestinians in Gaza as part of the deal, but Netanyahu has stressed that Israel's blockade on the enclave will remain in place.

Turkey has been seeking to restore its clout in the region after a diplomatic crisis with Russia and other foreign policy difficulties.

Ankara said Tuesday that the two countries would begin the process of exchanging ambassadors this week. It was unclear if Tuesday night's attack at Istanbul airport that killed 41 people would affect the process.

Previously close relations between Israel and Turkey were downgraded significantly after Israeli commandos staged a botched pre-dawn raid on the six-ship flotilla in May 2010 as it tried to run the blockade on the Gaza Strip.

Nine activists aboard the Turkish-owned Mavi Marmara ferry were killed, with a 10th person later dying of his wounds. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Neutralizing the Abu Sayyaf, which recently beheaded two foreign hostages and kidnapped 7 more, is the top military priority of Philippine president-elect Rodrigo Duterte, his incoming defense minister said Wednesday, June 29.

Delfin Lorenzana, who takes the reins of the defense department on Thursday, said the kidnappings of the extremist group – which is also blamed for the worst terror attacks in Philippine history – were already affecting the country economically.

"Our first priority is the Abu Sayyaf because that is the order of our new president: address the Abu Sayyaf immediately so we can neutralize them," he told reporters.

The Abu Sayyaf has defied two decades of government efforts to crush them and attacks such as its recent abduction of 7 Indonesian seamen, prompting the country to bar its ships from carrying coal to the Philippines, have impacted the economy.

Lorenzana said that after conferring with military commanders, he would implement a plan "in a couple of days" to defeat the group.

The Abu Sayyaf is a loose network of a few hundred Islamic guerrillas, formed in the 1990s with seed money from Osama bin Laden's Al-Qaeda network, that has earned millions of dollars from kidnappings-for-ransom.

They are based in the heavily-forested, southern islands of Basilan and Sulu where their mastery of the terrain and assistance from local Muslim communities have helped them evade government pursuit.

Although its leaders have pledged allegiance to Islamic State, analysts say they are mainly focused on lucrative kidnappings.

The Abu Sayyaf earlier this year beheaded two Canadian hostages who were kidnapped from a yachting resort in September. Another hostage, a Norwegian seized in the same raid, is still being held along with other foreign and local captives.

Lorenzana said the military would continue its operations to recover the hostages and capture the gunmen.

He added that their second priority would be assisting the police in a nationwide operation against crime. Duterte, who takes office on Thursday, won the May 9 presidential elections by promising a ruthless campaign against criminals, backed by the military.

"If they need more troops, more warm bodies, we will support them, depending on their request," he added. – Rappler.com

BRUSSELS, Belgium – EU leaders agreed Wednesday, June 29, that Britain cannot have access to the single market after leaving the union without accepting the bloc's rules on free movement, president Donald Tusk said.

"There will be no single market a la carte," Tusk told a news conference in Brussels after the 27 leaders met without British Prime Minister David Cameron.

"Leaders made it crystal clear today that access to the single market requires acceptance of all four freedoms including freedom of movement," Tusk added.

The 27 EU leaders will also hold a summit – without Britain – in Bratislava on September 16 to discuss further the fallout from Britain's decision to leave the bloc, Tusk said.

The summit will come just days after Britain's ruling Conservative party is due to choose a successor to Cameron, who resigned on Friday after his country voted in a referendum to leave the EU by 52% to 48%.

"This was a first exchange so it is too early to draw conclusions. This is why we started a political reflection with 27 states and we'll meet on September 16 in Bratislava to continue our talks," Tusk said.

The former Polish premier stressed that negotiations on Britain's future relationship with the EU cannot start until it formally triggers the two-year process leading to a divorce.

Cameron has said this is a task for his successor.

Tusk meanwhile said at the "calm and serious" discussion – the first EU talks without a British leader present for 40 years – they agreed it was a "serious moment in our common history."

"One issue is clear from our debate. Leaders are absolutely determined to remain united," he added. – Rappler.com

The 2016 election season not only brought out the best and worst among the candidates.

It also brought out their humorous, and sometimes ridiculous, sides.

From the amusing to the absurd, here's a look back on the past election campaign's funny moments. – Rappler.com

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – A year after a board member and his bodyguard were killed in Isabela town, a reelected councilor was also shot dead at a public market in Magallanes Street, late Wednesday afternoon, June 29.

Police identified the victim as Crispin Posadas Jr., 50, of Barangay Cansalongon. He was the number three councilor in the town. This would have been his last term.

Senior Superintendent William Señoron, acting director of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, said the victim had alighted from his motorcycle when 3 armed men approached him and shot him dead around 5 pm.

Posadas was brought to a hospital, where he was declared dead upon arrival. The suspects, meanwhile, fled by commandeering a tricycle and abandoned it at Barangay Maytubig.

Empty shells of .45 caliber were recovered from the scene, Señoron said.

He added that they have yet to confirm reports that the assassination was perpetrated by the New People’s Army, who claimed that the victim was allegedly involved in illegal activities in the town.

Señoron said that investigation is still ongoing as they have yet to establish the motive of the incident.

Last year, a board member and his bodyguard were also gunned down in the same town.

On June 28, 2015, Fifth District Board Member Renato Malabor and his bodyguard Leody Jomilla were shot outside a cockpit in Asenso Village, Barangay Guintubhan, Isabela town.

The suspects – Police Officer 1 Robert Chloe Rito, Jacklyn Villaquer, Felipe Juntarciego, Eduardo Jugos Jr., Alias Taming, Alias Nonoy, Alias Jason, “John Does” and “Peter Does” – are facing charges for double murder.

Three of the suspects – Villaquer, Juntarciego and Jugos – were already in police custody after they were caught in separate operations last year. – Rappler.com

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – President-elect Rodrigo Duterte left Davao City on Wednesday evening, June 29, heading to Manila for his inauguration, which will be held in less than 24 hours.

According to Duterte's chief aide Bong Go, the incoming president's mood was normal, like it was just an ordinary day for him. (READ: Rody Duterte: The man, the mayor, the president)

Duterte arrived at the old airport in Sasa, Davao City past 8 pm. He boarded a private plane together with common-law wife Honeylet Avanceña and their daughter, Kitty, at 9 pm. The plane took off shortly after. 

Earlier in the afternoon, spectators excited to see their mayor-turned-president waited at the airport despite the rains.

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rain starts to pour here where Duterte is taking off going to Manila <a href="https://twitter.com/rapplerdotcom">@rapplerdotcom</a> <a href="https://t.co/Gx69YnYBry">pic.twitter.com/Gx69YnYBry</a></p>&mdash; Patty Pasion (@pattypasion) <a href="https://twitter.com/pattypasion/status/748084478078124033">June 29, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

{/source}

Duterte will take his oath at Malacañang Palace's Rizal Hall on Thursday, June 30. (LOOK: IN PHOTOS: Rehearsals for Duterte's presidential inauguration) – Rappler.com

LONDON, United Kingdom – The race to choose a successor to Prime Minister David Cameron got under way Wednesday, June 29, after last week's stunning Brexit vote, with former London mayor and top "Leave" campaigner Boris Johnson tipped as the narrow frontrunner.

With turmoil surging through both of Britain's main parties, defiant opposition Labour chief Jeremy Corbyn meanwhile faced a looming leadership challenge after last Thursday's referendum.

Johnson, who led the "Leave" campaign to victory, tops the opinion polls along with interior minister Theresa May for the Conservative leadership.

But the first to throw his hat into the ring was work and pensions minister Stephen Crabb, a virtual unknown to the British public.

The 43-year-old called on the party to "get past this Boris/stop Boris dichotomy", in reference to the divisive Johnson.

The party will official open nominations at 5.00pm (1600 GMT). Johnson and May are expected to announce their bids Thursday, before nominations close at noon.

The new leader, who will be chosen by a postal ballot of party members currently numbering around 150,000, is expected to be announced on September 9.

Boris bookies' favorite

Bookmakers make Johnson slight favorite over May, and The Sun newspaper reported Wednesday that he had already secured the backing of 100 of the Tory MPs who will vote next week to whittle down the field to two nominees.

The ConservativeHome blog surveyed more than 1,300 members and found the slimmest of leads for May, mirroring the results of a YouGov poll published Tuesday.

Pro-EU finance minister George Osborne, long seen as a possible Cameron successor, has ruled himself out.

Critics have questioned whether the "Leave" camp – and Johnson in particular – has any idea how to manage the unprecedented situation left by last week's vote.

"He has still to offer anything like a concrete plan on how he would negotiate the post-Brexit future," wrote former BBC political editor Nick Robinson.

The political chaos was not confined to the ruling party, with opposition Labour leader Corbyn arming himself for battle against a huge majority of his own MPs.

Corbyn was defeated by 172 to 40 in a non-binding no-confidence vote held by Labour lawmakers late Tuesday, and speculation was mounting that a candidate would come forward and challenge him.

"It looks as though we will have a leadership election now," Corbyn loyalist and shadow finance minister John McDonnell told reporters Wednesday.

Media reports suggested that his former business spokeswoman Angela Eagle could be preparing to launch a bid.

For heaven's sake, go!

Even Cameron weighed in, telling Corbyn "for heaven's sake man, go!" during parliament's weekly Prime Minister's Questions session.

That followed former leader Ed Miliband's declaration that he had "reluctantly reached the conclusion that his position is untenable."

Corbyn is due later Wednesday to rally trade unions and the Labour members who helped him win last year's leadership vote by a landslide margin, and a fierce battle is looming over who owns the soul of the party – parliamentarians or members.

"I was democratically elected leader of our party for a new kind of politics by 60% of Labour members and supporters, and I will not betray them by resigning," the 67-year-old self-declared pacifist said in a statement.

Apocalypse

The Labour turmoil comes amid speculation that Cameron's successor as Conservative leader and prime minister may be tempted to call an early election later this year.

Labour, which has lurched to the left under Corbyn's leadership, is viewed by some as unelectable in a general election while he remains in charge.

Former foreign minister Jack Straw said his party faced an "apocalypse" if an election was held with Corbyn still in office.

"It's probably the worst crisis since Labour's formation," he told Sky News.

The leadership ructions of both parties dominated the front pages of Wednesday's newspapers, with the Metro calling on Corbyn to "Please Jez go!" and The Sun declaring it "Boris day".

In a sign of the depth of the crisis, the Scottish National Party, which has 54 seats in the House of Commons to Labour's 229, announced it would make a bid to take over as the official opposition party in parliament. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines (3rd UPDATE) – The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) based in The Hague, Netherlands, confirmed that it will issue its ruling on the Philippines' case against China on July 12. 

The historic case is handled by an arbitral tribunal at the PCA. In these arbitration proceedings, the Philippines seeks to nullify China's expansive claim over practically the whole South China Sea, parts of which the Philippines claims as the West Philippine Sea. 

"The Tribunal will issue its Award on Tuesday, 12 July 2016, at approximately 11 am CEST, The Hague," the PCA said in a statement Wednesday evening, June 29.

"The Award will first be issued via e-mail to the Parties, along with an accompanying Press Release containing a summary of the Award. The Press Release will be in English and French, with an unofficial Mandarin Chinese translation provided," the PCA added.

After issuing the award to the Philippines and China, the tribunal will then send it to the observer states and other stakeholders, including the media. 

The PCA will also upload to its website a copy of the award and the press release. 

"The Parties will receive originally signed versions of the Award. Hard copies of the Award will also be sent to the Embassies of States that were granted observer status for the hearings. There will be no in-person meeting or ceremony for the rendering of the Award," the PCA said.

Under outgoing President Benigno Aquino III, the Philippines filed this case against China to provide a long-lasting solution to the West Philippine Sea dispute. Tensions escalated in the West Philippine Sea after a standoff between Philippine and Chinese vessels there in April 2012. (READ: Aquino: The president who brought China to court) – Rappler.com

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines – Incumbent and reelected Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno will not be stepping down from office even after the Ombudsman rejected his motion for reconsideration in connection with the administrative case filed against him by former village chair William Guialani.

“The latest ruling of Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales will not remove the mayor from his elected position," Moreno's legal counsel, Dale Bryan Mordeno, said.

In her February 16 decision, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales denied the motion for reconsideration filed by Moreno and City Treasurer Glenn Bañez, several months after the Ombudsman ordered Moreno's removal from office last November.

In its 8-page denial of the motion for reconsideration, the Ombudsman said Moreno failed to present his original counter-affidavit which he claimed to have filed on time.

But Mordeno said the two officials can still perform their official respective functions since the ruling is not yet final.

“The decision, orders or judgment in any court, not only in the Ombudsman, will not become final until the period within which to appeal will lapse or expire. That is part of due process,” Mordeno said in a press conference held at the mayor’s office Tuesday morning, June 28.

In his complaint, Guialani said the two officials committed a violation when they reduced the tax obligation of a private company without the approval of the City Council.

In November, the Ombudsman ordered Moreno's removal from office for failing to file his counter-affidavit. But the Court of Appeals granted Moreno a 90-day temporary restraining order and a writ of preliminary injunction, essentially restoring his official capacity as the city mayor.

Two city mayors

Meanwhile, outgoing vice mayor Cesar Ian Acenas said that he is taking over city hall for two days. In a letter sent on Tuesday to Arnel Agabe, regional director of the Department of Interior and Local Government, Acenas said that he had already taken his oath of office as city mayor.

But according to Moreno's camp, Acenas and city first councilor Lourdes Candy Darimbang – who also took her oath as vice mayor – now face usurpation suits.

Branding these moves as his political rivals' harassment, Moreno said he is striking hard against Acenas and Darimbang by suing them for usurpation of authority.

“The assumption of Acenas and Darimbang as mayor and vice mayor respectively last June 28, 2016 smacks of usurpation of authority as the denial of the Ombudsman of the motion for reconsideration of Mayor Moreno and acting city treasurer Glenn Banez in the Ajinomoto case does not automatically create a vacancy in the office of the mayor and subsequently the vice mayor,” Moreno said. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – On the eve of a new government, the outgoing Aquino administration thanked the Filipino people for the opportunity to serve them "the best it could" over the last 6 years.

Outgoing Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda made the statement in an interview with Rappler on Wednesday, June 29, as the Aquino administration prepares to relinquish power to President-elect Rodrigo Duterte the following day.

"Though much more remains to be done, given the privilege of serving the Filipino people for 6 years, I believe that we have done the best we could. And as much as we would like to further improve the lot of our people, we are happy with what we've done," Lacierda said.

He recalled how the late senator Joker Arroyo often likened the Aquino government to a "student council" that was run by amateurs.

"This 'student council' arguably did the country right by all counts, by any standards," Lacierda said.

"It's been one fantastic journey serving the Filipino people. Thank you for all their support, all the things that we learned from our countrymen. Let history be the ultimate judge of what we did in the last 6 years. And I think by all standards, history will be fair to us," he added.

Lacierda said that under the Aquino administration, the Philippines earned the renewed respect of the international community, and "started the building blocks of alleviating poverty in a methodical way" which he hoped the new administration will continue.

He was apparently referring to the outgoing administration's flagship conditional cash transfer (CCT) program that currently serves 4.6 million families. While Duterte has said that he would continue and even expand the CCT, incoming social welfare secretary Judy Taguiwalo wants to review the program.

To the Duterte administration, Lacierda said, "We certainly wish the next administration the same amount of enthusiasm in serving the Filipino people." – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle urged Catholics to be a "rock" for the abandoned and abused, among others, as the Catholic Church marked "Pope's Day" on Wednesday, June 29. 

Wednesday is the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, two great apostles of Christianity. 

In his homily at the Manila Cathedral past 6 pm on Wednesday, Tagle referred to the belief that Peter is the "Rock" on which Jesus Christ built the Catholic Church. Peter, the leader of the 12 apostles of Jesus, is also considered the first pope.

Tagle described Paul, on the other hand, as "the great missionary or apostle to the nations," who was once a persecutor of Christians.

"My dear brothers and sisters, in different ways and in different states of life, we are all called to be apostles," Tagle said.

The cardinal added: "We are also called to be the rock on which are built families, neighborhoods, hospitals, schools, shelters for the abandoned and the abused, parishes, dioceses. We are called to be the rock, stone, not because of our innate capacities, but because God trusts in us – God whose mercy never ends."

Tagle then explained "true greatness."

"We learned from the readings and from the testimony of Peter and Paul that true greatness happens only when we are open to God's mercy," he said.

Receiving 'God's graciousness'

In his homily on Wednesday, the cardinal also criticized too much "self promotion."

"Our world today is made up of people who want to make a name for themselves, and the more people we have of that type of thinking, 'I want to make a name for myself,' nothing is built up," he said.

Tagle said Peter and Paul "welcomed the mercy of God, did not resist God's mercy, did not persevere in pride, in self promotion, improving themselves, but humbly received God's graciousness."

"That made them great, and that made them the foundation of the Church, continuously being built up by Jesus Christ," he said.

The cardinal ended his homily by appealing for prayers for Pope Francis, whom Catholics believe is the successor of Peter. Francis himself has requested prayers since he became pontiff in 2013. 

Joining Tagle in the Mass on Wednesday was the papal nuncio or the Vatican ambassador to the Philippines, Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto.

Pinto began the Pope's Day Mass by blessing an image of Peter, vested in red the way its counterpart in Rome is vested on June 29.– Rappler.com

WASHINGTON DC, USA – The US presidential battle is too close to call, but one element is clear: Americans have soured on candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, a poll released Wednesday, June 29, showed.

Respondents to the latest Quinnipiac University national poll put Clinton ahead of Trump just 42% to 40%, a narrowing from Clinton's four-point margin in the organization's June 1 survey.

It is also considerably closer than the 12-point Clinton advantage in an ABC News/Washington Post poll published Sunday which highlighted Clinton capitalizing on Trump's recent mis-steps.

The Quinnipiac survey of 1,610 registered voters notably showed that 61% believe the 2016 election "has increased the level of hatred and prejudice in the US."

Of that group, two thirds blame the Trump campaign, with just 16% blaming Clinton's team.

Overall the survey shows less-than-flattering views of both candidates in the months before the November 8 election to determine who succeeds President Barack Obama in the White House.

"Voters find themselves in the middle of a mean-spirited, scorched earth campaign between two candidates they don't like. And they don't think either candidate would be a good president," Quinnipiac poll assistant director Tim Malloy said in a statement.

Trump has made several incendiary statements during the campaign, including a call for banning Muslims from entering the United States, and describing Mexicans as rapists and criminals.

It has been a tumultuous week for Trump, a political novice who recently fired his campaign manager and faced criticism for having a paltry $1.3 million war chest at the end of May.

Following the mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando, the brash businessman earned rebukes for tweeting out self-congratulations over "being right on radical Islamic terrorism."

Respondents said by 58% to 33% that former secretary of state Clinton is better prepared to be president than Trump.

But they said Trump would be better at creating jobs (52-40%) and at handling Islamic State extremists (52-39).

The poll has a margin of error of 2.4 percentage points. – Rappler.com