MANILA, Philippines – Rain poured nonstop over Metro Manila on Monday, August 21, but this did not stop sectoral groups from marching toward the People Power Monument along EDSA to protest the killing of 17-year-old Kian delos Santos.

The rally held at the iconic monument coincided with the 34th death anniversary of democracy icon Benigno Aquino Jr, and was attended mostly by youth groups, human rights advocates, and Martial Law victims. Police estimated the crowd at more than 1,000.

Millennials Against Dictators spokesperson Karla Yu – among the organizers of the event – said the protest was an initiative of different youth groups who want to express their rage against Delos Santos' killing. Last August 16, the Grade 11 student was shot dead by police, who claimed he fought back. CCTV footage showed otherwise.

"Kapwa po namin kabataan si Kian. Ang lakas ng poot at galit nung nakita namin iyong footage na iyon (Kian was young just like us. When we saw the footage, we were so angry and furious.) … This is to appeal to each and everyone's sense of humanity that at the end of the day, nilalapastangan ang ating karapatang pantao (our human rights are being violated)."

Yu said the rally does not lean toward a particular political party as they encouraged participants to indicate their organizations in the placards they raised. 

Teddy Casiño, former representative of the leftist Bayan Muna, gave a brief speech with Campaign Against the Return of the Marcoses to Malacañang (Carmma) convenor Boni Ilagan. Carmma is also aligned with Bayan Muna. 

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="tl" dir="ltr">Former Bayan Muna Rep Teddy Casiño and Carmma&#39;s Boni Ilagan joins the PPM protest vs Kian delos Santos&#39; death. <a href="https://t.co/h4gQTkoMVH">pic.twitter.com/h4gQTkoMVH</a></p>&mdash; Patty Pasion (@pattypasion) <a href="https://twitter.com/pattypasion/status/899604932499722241">August 21, 2017</a></blockquote>
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"We have to show our people that we have to take a stand, we have to speak out [about] what is wrong about this war on drugs. In this gathering, we can show that we can be united when it comes to human rights," Casiño told Rappler in an interview. 

"We have to break the silence, break the impression that the public is okay with the killings," he added in a mix of English and Filipino. 

Left-leaning organizations also staged a simultaneous event denouncing the killings in Caloocan City where Delos Santos lived.

Political figures identified with the Liberal Party (LP) such as party president and senator Francis Pangilinan, former social welfare secretary Corazon Soliman, Akbayan Representative Tom Villarin, and former Akbayan representative Barry Gutierrez also came but did not deliver speeches. 

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="tl" dir="ltr">LOOK: Senator Kiko Pangilinan here at the PPM rally. <a href="https://t.co/iwbB86kQek">pic.twitter.com/iwbB86kQek</a></p>&mdash; Patty Pasion (@pattypasion) <a href="https://twitter.com/pattypasion/status/899577050867965952">August 21, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Singer Jim Paredes and actress Agot Isidro, known for their critical stance against the Duterte administration, were also spotted at the event. 

Due process

Organizations that supported the protests against the hero's burial for the late president Ferdinand Marcos also attended the event. These included millennial groups iDefend and Block Marcos, as well as activists during the Martial Law period. 

Block Marcos spokesperson Kat Leuch addressed claims that Delos Santos is not "as innocent" as he seemed and that he supposedly acted as a drug courier for his family. She said that whether or not Delos Santos is innocent, due process must be accorded everyone. 

"Itong victim blaming, nakakasuya na (This victim-blaming is tiring already)…. Due process is being experienced by Duterte's own son who is involved in the 600-kilo [shabu] shipment... A person should not be deprived of due process," she said. 

Leuch was referring to presidential son and Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte’s alleged involvement in the smuggling of shabu after being tagged by Bureau of Customs broker Mark Taguba. President Rodrigo Duterte earlier promised to step down if evidence is presented that his son is corrupt.

Meanwhile, 78-year-old Franciscan sister Teresita Alo, who was also active in the anti-Marcos movement, called on the government to stop the killings.

"As a religious, I cannot close my eyes with all the killings going on in our country, especially the innocent, the poor, they are always the victims… In more than a year, they have killed 13,000. These are the documented. What about the undocumented? Maybe it's more than 20,000. It's even more than [those killed under] Martial Law," she said.

'May exam pa ako'

Placards were not as colorful as those used during the Marcos burial protests last year. But one placard that stood out was the one made by 30-year-old artist KR Raposas, which featured Delos Santos' famous last words. 

"Gusto ko maramdaman ng maraming tao na (I want people to feel that) Kian could be your brother, Kian could be your nephew, or basically Kian could be you and me," he said. 

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Artists KR Raposas brings his piece featuring Kian&#39;s last words that has gone viral. <a href="https://t.co/9DsOzJbbYr">pic.twitter.com/9DsOzJbbYr</a></p>&mdash; Patty Pasion (@pattypasion) <a href="https://twitter.com/pattypasion/status/899593120618127360">August 21, 2017</a></blockquote>
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"Gabi-gabi ako nahihirapan matulog kakaisip na pinapatay nila sa mga oras na may pagkakataon pa akong matulog nang mahimbing (I find it hard to sleep each night, thinking that they are killing people during the time when I still have the chance to sleep soundly)... I want people to be enraged. This has to stop. The killings have to stop," he added. 

Another protester, Frank Manuel of the Filipino Freethinkers, brought what looked like a roulette that includes the reasons cited by supporters of the President when defending him online. Manuel said he wanted to show their "nonsense" on social media.

"When you ask them a question, they are just going to interchange among these responses... Paulit-ulit lang ang sinasabi nila (They are only repeating the things they are saying)... A lot of them are really quiet because they know the administration is wrong," he said. – Rappler.com 

MANILA, Philippines – After the smuggling of billions of pesos worth of shabu from China, President Rodrigo Duterte accepted the resignation of Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon.

To take Faeldon's place, Duterte is appointing Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Isidro Lapeña to head the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

The President said this during an interview with media on Monday, August 21, at the Malacañang Golf Club.

Lapeña's post at PDEA will be given to the Central Luzon police head, Chief Superintendent Aaron Aquino. Aquino, who graduated from the Philippine Military Academy in 1985, was assigned to Davao City, where he first met Duterte.

Duterte, however, said he continues to believe in Faeldon.

"He is an honest man, some people just got past him," said the President. He also said he is open to assigning Faeldon to another government post.

He said Lapeña has his "trust and confidence."

Faeldon, according to Duterte, had asked to be fired thrice before because of his failure to rid his agency of corruption – part of Duterte's marching orders.

Despite Faeldon's self-admitted failure, the President had previously insisted his appointee is among the bureau's honest officials.

He described Faeldon as an "honest" man who was simply overwhelmed by the level of corruption in the BOC. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Some 200 protesters marched on Monday afternoon, August 21, to the neighborhood in Caloocan City, where police gunned down a 17-year-old boy last week in a wave of anti-drug raids.

Among those who called for justice for Kian delos Santos were the relatives of other young people who had been killed in the government's bloody war on drugs since President Rodrigo Duterte came to power a year ago. 

"Hustisya para kay Kian, hustisya para sa lahat," the protesters chanted as they held candles and marched from the Santa Quiteria Church to Delos Santos' wake in Barangay 160, both in Caloocan. (WATCH: The dark alley to Kian delos Santos' death) 

Anne (not her real name) came to call for justice not just for Delos Santos but for her brother and mother, who were also killed in December 2016 when unknown assailants entered their home and left seven dead in the neighborhood in one night.

She said when news broke about Delos Santos, it felt like another heartbreak: "Tuwing may naririnig ako na pinatay – lalo na bata, lalo na estudyante – parang nauulit 'yong pakiramdam noong namatayan kami." (Everytime I hear of people getting killed – especially children, especially students – it feels like losing a loved one all over again.)

Another woman, who also lost a family member to the war on drugs, said the outrage sparked by the killing of Delos Santos could lead to people power revolt again if sustained.

"Konti na lang, bibinggo din 'yan," she said, referring to abusive people in power. (They are pushing the people's limits, this will catch up with them in time.) 

Also among the marchers was activist and perfomer Mae Paner, who said she regrets it is only now that she knew Kian – when he is already in a casket.

She urged neighbors and supporters of Kian to continuously tell the true story of the boy they knew in the face of different versions told by government and carried by the media.

If people don't rise up against those who abuse their authority, she said, Delos Santos wouldn't be the last to die. “Maraming marami pa po ang mamamatay pagkatapos ni Kian, at alam kong ayaw na natin niyan.” (More will died after Kian, and I know we don't want that to happen.)

Paner added: “Hindi natin puwedeng siguraduhin na sa mga darating na araw, hindi natin sapitin ang sinapit ni Kian…. Kaya sana po, ipagpatuloy natin ang paglaban na magkaroon ng hustisya at katahimikan ang kamatayan ni Kian.” (We don't have the assurance that in the coming days what happened to Kian won't happen to us.... So, please, let's continue fighting to attain justice for Kian and give him peace.)

Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes condemned the President’s support for the “brutal activities” perpetrated by the Philippine National Police.

“Wala pong hustisya kapag ganyan ang umiiral na sistema. Lahat ng pulis, lalakas ang loob kasi alam nila bibigyan sila ng presidential pardon ni Rodrigo Duterte. Kahit sino ka pa, p'wede kang mamatay," Reyes said. (There will never be justice if this is the system that we have. Cops will become brazen since they know they will be given presidential pardon by Rodrigo Duterte. So whoever you are, you can get killed.) – Rappler.com 

MANILA, Philippines – While he cannot yet appoint Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Eduardo Año as interior secretary, President Rodrigo Duterte will make him a "senior aide" under the Office of the President.

Another option is to make Año an "undersecretary," Duterte said on Monday, August 21, during a dinner with media at the Malacañang Golf Club.

Año, in this post Duterte envisions, will have all the "responsibilities and mandate" to fulfill the functions of a Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) chief.

The AFP chief will hold this post until after October 2018, or one year after he retires from the military.

While Duterte announced Año's appointment as the next DILG chief way back in May, the AFP chief cannot take on the post until a year after his mandatory retirement, based on Republic Act 6975. (READ: Why Duterte can't appoint AFP chief Año as next DILG chief)

DILG officer-in-charge Catalino Cuy will stay in his post until Año can take over as secretary. After this, Cuy will go back to being a DILG undersecretary, said Duterte.

Año, a veteran intelligence officer and a 1983 graduate of the Philippine Military Academy, is set to retire in October this year. He was supposed to retire early as he was being eyed to take over the DILG in June, but when local terror groups attacked Marawi City in May, Año was designated the implementor of martial law declared over the entire island of Mindanao.

Año's appointment to the DILG would be a second for a retired military general in the department, after the late Angelo Reyes, who was DILG secretary under the Arroyo administration. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Why should he risk warmer ties with China for a lowly sandbar in the West Philippine Sea?

This was President Rodrigo Duterte's response when asked if he would protest the presence of Chinese ships in Sandy Cay, a sandbar near Pag-asa Island (Thitu Island) in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

"Why should I defend a sandbar and kill the Filipinos because of a sandbar?" said Duterte on Monday night, August 21, during a dinner with media at the Malacañang grounds.

Supreme Court (SC) Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio earlier described the presence of Chinese ships as "invasion of Philippine territory."

Duterte, however, said the incident does not count as invasion and that the Chinese ships are there to "patrol" since "we are friends."

"Anong invade? Hindi naman totoo 'yung sinasabi na ano (What invade? It's not true, what they are saying). They are just there but they are not claiming anything," said Duterte.

He received assurance from Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua and China's Foreign Ministry that Beijing will not build any structures in Sandy Cay. This, for the moment, is enough for him.

"China assured me that they will not build anything there. I called the Ambassador, I said, when I read – (They said) 'We will assure you that we are not building anywhere there,'" said Duterte.

He also ruled out filing a diplomatic protest, as suggested by Carpio. (READ: Ex-DFA chief hits Duterte over 'selling' West PH Sea islands)

As to the claim that the Chinese ships prevented a Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel from approaching Sandy Cay, Duterte said this is false.

"That is not true. China would not do that," said Duterte.

Sandy Cay's importance

Carpio, in a statement, explained why Sandy Cay is not just any sandbar. Dredging by China of nearby Subi Reef caused pulverized corals to drift toward this sandbar, making it appear permanently above water at high-tide – a feature called a high-tide elevation.

As such, Sandy Cay is now land or territory "capable of sovereign ownership with its own territorial sea and territorial airspace," said Carpio.

Why would China want to claim Sandy Cay?

Carpio wrote, "If China acquires sovereignty over Sandy Cay, it can now claim Subi Reef as part of the territorial sea of Sandy Cay, legitimizing China's claim over Subi Reef and removing Subi Reef from the continental shelf of the Philippines."

Told about this, Duterte said Carpio was only "speculating" but that any attempts by China to claim Sandy Cay would lead to a confrontation.

"Well, we can always do it also. [Carpio] is speculating. We can also speculate that, one day, if they do that, sandbar 'yan na malapit sa atin, eh 'di mag-away na (it's a sandbar near us, so let's fight)," said the President.

He will only continue to "believe" in China if it does not violate the "agreement" with the Philippines – that Filipino fishermen be allowed to fish in the West Philippine Sea and that China refrain from building any structures on islands or features being claimed by the Philippines.

But if there is a violation and the Philippines confronts China, Duterte will not invoke the Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States which requires its military to come to the aid of the Philippines.

"I will not call on America. I have lost trust in the Americans," said Duterte. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte expressed disappointment over the decision of the Commission on Appointments (CA) to reject Judy Taguiwalo as social welfare secretary but stressed he could not have prevented it from happening.

"The voting was secret. Pero sayang. She was really – at tsaka bright (But it's too bad. She was really – bright too)," said Duterte on Monday night, August 21, during a dinner with media at the Malacañang Golf Club.

Duterte also called Taguiwalo, who was nominated for the post by the Left, a "worker." (READ: Taguiwalo 'represents all of us, all our dreams, all our aspirations' – Recto)

Influence over CA?

To criticism that he could have used his influence in Congress to convince CA members to give their nod to Taguiwalo's appointment, Duterte said he wanted to respect the authority of the powerful CA.

He claims he does not know who among the CA members voted for or against Taguiwalo's confirmation.

"They voted secretly. I do not know who voted for and who was against Taguiwalo. And that is the job of Congress as part of the checks and balances in this government," the President said.

"We can't do anything if they reject. I do not want to attribute or impute something, motive. It's a discretion and they voted secret," he added. (READ: NPA links or pork barrel? Why the CA rejected Taguiwalo)

Taguiwalo had told Rappler that on the eve of her CA rejection, she requested for a meeting with Duterte but he refused.

Asked if she felt abandoned by the President, Taguiwalo responded: "I think that eventually, he left it to the CA to decide on my case without his intervention." (WATCH: Rappler Talk with 'People's Social Welfare Secretary' Judy Taguiwalo)

Choices for DSWD chief

Employees from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) had expressed dismay over the CA decision to reject Taguiwalo's appointment, describing her as a principled and compassionate leader.

Duterte has yet to choose a replacement for Taguiwalo. The President, however, said he is considering a female senator for the post. Other choices are from the private sector. He refused to name them.

Duterte said he wants someone who is "good with systems" and someone who will understand the "plight of the poor."

He jokingly offered the DSWD post to ABS-CBN reporter Doris Bigornia who was present at the dinner. – Rappler.com

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MANILA, Philippines – Here is a list of areas and schools where classes have been suspended for Tuesday, August 22, due to rains from the southwest monsoon, which is being enhanced by Tropical Storm Isang.

Areas

Metro Manila

• Caloocan City – all levels (public and private)
• Las Piñas City– all levels (public and private)
• Malabon City – all levels (public and private)
• Mandaluyong City – all levels (public and private)
• City of Manila– all levels (public and private)
• Marikina City – all levels (public and private)
• Muntinlupa City– all levels (public and private)
• Navotas City– all levels (public and private)
• Parañaque City – all levels (public and private)
• Pasay City – all levels (public and private)
• Pasig City– all levels (public and private)
• Pateros– all levels (public and private)
• Quezon City– all levels (public and private)
• San Juan City – all levels (public and private)
• Taguig City– all levels (public and private)
• Valenzuela City– all levels (public and private)

Calabarzon

• Cavite province– all levels (public and private)
• Calamba, Laguna – all levels (public and private)
• San Pedro, Laguna– all levels (public and private)
• Angono, Rizal– all levels (public and private)
• Antipolo, Rizal – all levels (public and private)
• Baras, Rizal– preschool to senior high school (public and private)
• Binangonan, Rizal – all levels (public and private)
• Cainta, Rizal – all levels (public and private)
• Cardona, Rizal – all levels (public and private)
• Jalajala, Rizal– all levels (public and private)
• Morong, Rizal– all levels (public and private)
• Rodriguez, Rizal – all levels (public and private)
• San Mateo, Rizal – all levels (public and private)
• Tanay, Rizal – all levels (public and private)
• Taytay, Rizal– all levels (public and private)
• Teresa, Rizal – all levels (public and private)

Central Luzon

• Bataan – all levels (public and private)
• Hagonoy, Bulacan– all levels (public and private)
• Malolos, Bulacan– all levels (public and private)
• Marilao, Bulacan– all levels (public and private)
• Meycauayan, Bulacan– all levels (public and private)
• Obando, Bulacan– all levels (public and private)
• Olongapo City– all levels (public and private)
• Subic, Zambales– all levels (public and private)

Cordillera Administrative Region

• Abra– preschool to senior high school (public and private)
• Itogon, Benguet– preschool to elementary (public and private)

Schools

• Don Bosco Technical Institute – Makati City
• Far Eastern University Makati
• iACADEMY

Not on the list? Help us crowdsource class suspensions by posting in the comments section or tweeting @rapplerdotcom.

For more information: When are classes cancelled or suspended? – Rappler.com

CHARLESTON, USA – Emotional sky-gazers stood transfixed across North America Monday, August 21, as the Sun vanished behind the Moon in a rare total eclipse that swept the continent coast-to-coast for the first time in nearly a century.

Millions of eclipse chasers and amateur star watchers alike converged in cities along the path of totality, a 70-mile (113-kilometer) wide swath cutting through 14 US states, where the Moon briefly blocked out all light from the Sun. 

"It was incredibly beautiful. I am moved to tears," said Heather Riser, a 54-year-old librarian from Virginia, sitting on a blanket in Charleston's grassy Waterfront Park where thousands had gathered to watch.

Festivals, rooftop parties, weddings, camping trips and astronomy meet-ups were held nationwide for what NASA predicted to be the most heavily photographed and documented eclipse in modern times, thanks to the era of social media.

The blackest part of the eclipse, known as totality because the Moon blocks all the Sun's light from the Earth, began over Lincoln Beach, Oregon at 1716 GMT.

Crowds whooped and cheered at the first sign of darkness.

Just inland, more than 100,000 people gathered at Madras, Oregon – typically a town of 7,000 – in what experts described as perfect viewing conditions.

"You're just blown away, this feeling inside you is really the definition of 'awe' and 'awesome,'" said Rich Krueger, a science professor.

"Seeing the corona extend out, feeling the coolness, hearing the crowd, just being a part of it with all these people, and especially my students and co-workers is just amazing."

In Los Angeles, "oohs and aahs" emanated from the crowd of thousands gathered at the Griffith Observatory in the hills above the city as the partial eclipse began. 

Many had hiked to the site to avoid massive traffic jams. Some watchers had fashioned their own pinhole projectors out of cardboard and scotch tape. Others watched while wearing special, dark solar eclipse glasses.

"This is a once in a lifetime event," said 42-year-old Chad Briggs.

'Just awesome'

In downtown Charleston, South Carolina, the last point in the path of totality, crowds of tourists – some in special eclipse T-shirts and star-printed trousers – staked out prime spots on the bustling city's storied waterfront.

Forecasts of thunderstorms threatened to block the view, but the eclipse managed to peek through the wispy clouds.

Onlookers in Waterfront Park screamed and cheered as the sky went dark in the middle of the afternoon, streetlamps came on, and a rumble of thunder could be heard in the distance.  

"It was just awesome," said Dave Lichtenauer, age 63, a retired electrical engineer, describing the event as "partially spiritual."

"The crowd here was very into it," he added, remarking on the diversity and peacefulness of the masses. 

"You don't get many chances to experience that."

One bar had installed outdoor speakers blasting Bonnie Tyler's mega-hit "Total Eclipse of the Heart" – which she also performed live on a cruise ship sailing through the path of totality.

Cloudy weather and thunderstorms dashed viewers' hopes of a seeing the eclipse in some places, including Missouri.

Some of the clearest views were along the West Coast.

'Sensory overload'

In the US capital, where 81% totality occurred, Donald Trump watched the partial eclipse from the White House with his wife Melania and son Barron – although the president appeared to have missed the memo on eclipse do's and don'ts.

At one point, Trump glanced skyward without protective eyewear – a big no-no, according to experts. "Don't look," an aide shouted to him. He later donned glasses.

Eclipse watchers also flocked to Washington's National Air and Space Museum, where solar telescopes were set up for the occasion. 

The National Zoo staged a viewing party, and parks and museums across the country organized programs for children.

In Mexico, where there was a partial eclipse, astronomy buffs set up telescopes fitted with special sun filters in parks and squares in various cities.

Many who see an eclipse are overcome by emotion as the sky goes black, birds return to their nests and the air chills.

"It is such an incredible, sensory-overload kind of event," eclipse-chaser Fred Espenak, a retired NASA astrophysicist, told Agence France-Presse of the first total solar eclipse he saw in the United States back in 1970.

Scientists planned to study the eclipse to learn more about the super-hot corona, or outer atmosphere of the Sun.

"It is really exciting to see so many people interested in nature and science and this amazing phenomenon," said Kwayera Davis, an adjunct professor of astronomy at the College of Charleston.

'Sharing a cosmic event'

After weeks of turmoil triggered by the race-fueled violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, some commentators welcomed the rare moment of togetherness afforded by the Great American Eclipse.

"The divided United States of America will unite today, sharing a cosmic event predicted by the methods and tools of science," tweeted the US astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson – who earlier advised people to "put down your smartphone and experience this one emotionally, psychologically, physically."

The CEO of Goldman Sachs, Lloyd Blankfein, drew a more somber parallel between the day's spectacle and the country's challenges.

"Wish the moon wasn't the only thing casting a shadow across the country. We got through one, we'll get through the other," he tweeted. – Rappler.com

WASHINGTON DC, USA – The US Secret Service said Monday, August 21, it is facing a crunch in meeting overtime payments for agents, as it struggles with the cost of protecting President Donald Trump, his many homes and large family.

Randolph "Tex" Alles, the service's chief, said 1,100 agents will exceed caps for the fiscal year on salary and overtime pay because of the crushing workload.

With 150 foreign heads of state due to converge on New York next month for the UN General Assembly, demands on the service are only intensifying.

"This issue is not one that can be attributed to the current administration's protection requirements alone, but rather has been an ongoing issue for nearly a decade due to an overall increase in operational tempo," Alles said in a statement.

Trump has traveled nearly every weekend to his properties in Florida, New Jersey and Virginia.

And the Secret Service also provides protection for the president's adult children on their business trips and vacations.

In all, 42 people in his administration have Secret Service protection, including 18 members of his family.

"The president has a large family, and our responsibility is required by law," Alles told USA Today. "I can't change that, I have no flexibility."

Alles, who is seeking more funding from Congress, told the newspaper he is in negotiations with key lawmakers to raise caps on pay and overtime from $160,000 a year to $187,000 for at least the remainder of Trump's term. – Rappler.com

WASHINGTON DC, USA – Native American elders led stargazers in prayer Monday, August 21, as the Sun vanished behind the Moon at a ranch in Oregon, the first state to experience a rare total eclipse that swept the continent coast-to-coast.

Time stood still as millions across the nation took in the celestial spectacle – unseen in a century – enjoying what some saw as a welcome moment of togetherness after weeks of national turmoil. 

But the Great American Eclipse also had its share of quirky sideshows – here are a few:

Just don't look

In the capital Washington, where the eclipse was partially visible, Donald Trump turned out to watch from the White House with his wife Melania and young son Barron – but the president appeared to have missed the memo on eclipse do's and don'ts.

At one point, Trump was seen glancing skywards without protective eyewear – a big no-no, according to experts. "Don't look," an aide shouted to him. 

The 45th US president later donned glasses but the scene prompted howls of derision.

"NASA: Don't look! Media: Don't look! Melania: Don't look! Aides: Don't look! My mom: Don't look! Your mom: Don't look! President Trump..." summed up the journalist Brandon Ambrosino.

Comedian Michael Moore later purported to read the president's mind: "Dishonest, fake news media said don't look at eclipse w/o glasses, so I did!" 

The gift of Bonnie Tyler

She said she would do it, and do it she did.

As the arc of totality swept across the continent, Bonnie Tyler regaled a cruise ship audience with a live rendition of her "Total Eclipse of the Heart" as they were plunged into darkness by the awe-inspiring astronomical show.

The 1983 mega-hit became an unofficial anthem for the Great American Eclipse, belted out at bars and viewing parties across the nation (with varying degrees of seriousness).

Interviewing the Welsh pop singer about her signature song, CNN host John Nernan got down to the nitty-gritty questions.

"How do you think a total eclipse of the heart differs from a total eclipse of the sun?" he asked her. "Can you stare into a total eclipse of the heart without glasses?"

"That's a good one," she smiled back. "I will definitely be wearing my glasses later, but I'm sure that you can look into my heart. I wear it on my sleeve."

Tyler topped off the interview with a few lines, a capella, of her signature hit, earning the following words of thanks from CNN's Bernan: "Bonnie Tyler, you have given us more than we could ever have hoped for."

Countdown to 'goatality'

Total eclipses are well known to send birds swooping back to their nests, but as part of its wall-to-wall coverage – the Washington Post set out to test another wildlife-and-astronomy theory: do they make fainting goats faint?

It did so by livestreaming from a farm in Tennessee that rears the breed of livestock – known for freezing stiff and toppling over when panicked, and as such already the stars of a host of viral videos. 

While millions sat glued to TV footage of the natural wonder unfolding in real-time, many more kept an amused eye on the Post's tongue-in-cheek countdown to "goatality."

Was the flock startled? Hard to tell since the screen turned pitch-black... but the question was eventually settled with a tweet from the paper.

"Update: no goats fainted." – Rappler.com

WASHINGTON DC, USA – The US Navy announced a fleet-wide global investigation on Monday, August 21, after the latest in a series of accidents left another 10 sailors missing and 5 more injured.

Chief of Naval Operations Admiral John Richardson ordered commanders to set aside time, perhaps "one or two days" within a week, for crews to sit down together after the destroyer USS John McCain collided with a tanker off Singapore.

And this will be carried out in parallel to the start of "comprehensive review" of practices. 

"As you know, this is the second collision in three months and the last of a series of incidents in the Pacific theater," Richardson said.

"This trend demands more forceful action. As such, I have directed an operational pause be taken in all of our fleets around the world."

The admiral did not rule out some kind of outside interference or a cyber attack being behind the collision, but said he did not want to prejudge the inquiry and his broader remarks suggested a focus on "how we do business on the bridge."

US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, on a visit to Jordan, said Richardson's "broader enquiry will look at all related accidents, incidents at sea, that sort of thing. He is going to look at all factors, not just the immediate one."

Ten US sailors were still missing after Monday's collision between the McCain and the Alnic MC in the busy shipping lanes of the Singapore Strait, near the Strait of Malacca, which left a large hole in the USS John McCain's hull.

It was the second accident involving an American warship since mid-June. A major search involving ships and aircraft from Singapore, Malaysia and the US was launched for the missing sailors. 

The badly damaged destroyer limped into port in the southeast Asian city-state of Singapore under escort after the dramatic pre-dawn accident, which sent water flooding into the vessel.

'Full transparency'

Analysts said the accident, which came after June's collision off Japan involving a US warship, raised questions about whether the US Navy was overstretched in Asia as it seeks to combat Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea and North Korea's nuclear ambitions.

The US Navy said there was "significant damage to the hull" of the John McCain, which led to flooding of crew sleeping areas, machinery and communications rooms.

"Damage control efforts by the crew halted further flooding," they said in a statement.

A helicopter took 4 of the injured to a Singapore hospital for treatment, while the fifth did not need further medical attention, the navy said.

The 505-foot (154-meter) vessel could still sail under its own power after the collision with the Liberian-flagged tanker, which was slightly bigger at 600 feet. Two other vessels escorted it into port.

The warship had been heading for a routine stop in Singapore after carrying out a "freedom of navigation operation" in the disputed South China Sea earlier in August around a reef in the Spratly Islands, sparking a furious response from Beijing.

The damaged vessel is named after US Senator John McCain's father and grandfather, who were both admirals in the US navy.

McCain himself, who as a naval pilot was shot down during the Vietnam War and held prisoner, welcomed the review.

"I agree with Admiral Richardson that more forceful action is urgently needed to identify and correct the causes of the recent ship collisions," he said.

"I expect full transparency and accountability from the Navy leaders as they conduct the associated investigations and reviews."

'Are they doing too much?'

President Donald Trump tweeted: "Thoughts & prayers are w/ our @USNavy sailors aboard the #USSJohnMcCain where search & rescue efforts are underway."

Ridzwan Rahmat, a naval expert at Jane's by IHS Markit, said initial indications suggested the US warship may not have been obeying rules designed to separate maritime traffic passing through the Singapore Strait.

With the accident coming soon after the freedom of navigation operation, he told Agence France-Presse that it raised questions "whether there is crew fatigue setting in, whether or not the tempo of operations by the US Navy in this region is getting too fast." 

"Are they doing too much within this region with North Korea, and Japan and then now in the South China Sea?"

The tanker involved in the collision, which was used for transporting oil and chemicals and weighed over 30,000 gross tonnes, sustained some damage but no crew were injured, and Singapore said there was no oil pollution.

In June, 7 American sailors died when the destroyer USS Fitzgerald collided with a Philippine-flagged cargo ship in a busy channel not far from Yokosuka, a gateway to container ports in Tokyo and nearby Yokohama.

The dead sailors, aged 19 to 37, were found by divers in flooded sleeping berths a day after the collision tore a huge gash in the ship's side.

A senior admiral announced last week that the commander of the destroyer and several other officers had been relieved of their duties aboard their ship over the incident.

Both the USS John McCain and USS Fitzgerald are part of the US Seventh Fleet based in Yokosuka. – Rappler.com

BOGOTA, Colombia – Colombia offered asylum and government protection Monday, August 21, to Venezuela's sacked chief prosecutor Luisa Ortega, who fled her country after defying President Nicolas Maduro over a deadly political crisis.

The move by Colombia's Juan Manuel Santos risked raising tensions with Maduro, under pressure from regional and international powers who accuse him of repressing his opponents.

A former loyalist of the socialist leadership, the 59-year-old Ortega had broken ranks with Maduro to become his most high-ranking domestic critic.

"Luisa Ortega is under the protection of the Colombian government. If she asks for asylum, we will grant it to her," Colombia's President Juan Manuel Santos said on Twitter.

'Persecution'

Immigration officials in Colombia said Ortega arrived in the country on Friday, August 18, with her husband, lawmaker German Ferrer, on a private flight from the Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba.

Ferrer himself faces an arrest warrant issued by the pro-Maduro Supreme Court for alleged corruption.

Ortega was already facing prosecution in the pro-Maduro court for alleged misconduct.

She rejected the charges against her as "political persecution."

Venezuelan authorities had banned her from traveling abroad.

Corruption claims

Maduro has faced months of deadly mass protests by opponents who blame him for an economic crisis and are demanding elections to replace him.

Last month, he set up a new constitutional authority packed with his allies, which a few days later removed Ortega from her post.

She hit back on Friday by claiming she had evidence implicating Maduro and his close allies in an international bribery scandal involving Brazilian construction firm Odebrecht.

"They are very worried and anxious, because they know we have details on all the cooperation, amounts and people who got rich," Ortega told a meeting of Latin American prosecutors in Mexico by video conference.

"And that investigation involves Mr Nicolas Maduro and his inner circle."

Maduro counter-attacked on Sunday, August 20, alleging on television that Ortega had received money for blocking corruption investigations that he had ordered.

He accused Ferrer of running an "extortion network" in the state prosecution service.

Opposition leader Henrique Capriles was also forced on Monday to deny claims that his 2012 election campaign had received money from Odebrecht.

Sparring with Santos

Colombia's Santos has joined other regional and world powers in criticizing Maduro.

On taking office in 2010, Santos hailed Maduro's late mentor and predecessor Hugo Chavez as his "new best friend."

But since Maduro was elected in 2013, Venezuela has descended into chaos that has raised fears for regional stability.

The fall in world prices for its oil exports has left it short of dollars for vital imports.

Maduro's critics accuse him of clinging to power through undemocratic means amid shortages of food and medicine.

Venezuela's center-right-led MUD opposition coalition accuses security forces of beating and killing protesters.

Clashes between protesters and police this year have left 125 people dead, according to prosecutors.

Santos 'dictatorship' warning

Santos has warned Maduro against installing a "dictatorship" by cracking down on opponents and taking control of the state institutions.

He supports the United States in its sanctions against Maduro and his allies.

Taking Ortega under his wing is a further move to pressure Maduro.

"The Venezuelan government will obviously not like this decision and will launch another charge against Santos," said Ricardo Abello, an international law specialist at Colombia's Rosario University.

"But at this stage, one charge more or less makes little difference." – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Outgoing Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon said Tuesday, August 22, that the decision of President Rodrigo Duterte to replace him is "best for the country."

Faeldon issued the brief statement a day after the Chief Executive announced that he had accepted his resignation.

"My relief from my post is the best for our country. I urge everyone to continue to support the reform agenda and the development programs of the President," he said in a statement sent to the media an hour before the resumption of the Senate hearing on the P6.4-billion shabu shipment smuggled from China.

On Monday, August 21, Duterte told Palace reporters that he had accepted the resignation of Faeldon and appointed Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Isidro Lapeña to head the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

In his statement, Faeldon expressed support for his successor and urged everyone to do the same. "I appeal to the BOC employees and to the public to support the new commissioner," he said.

Faeldon came under fire following the discovery of P6.4-billion worth of smuggled shabu from China, the subject of congressional inquiries.

Duterte had consistently defended Faeldon amid calls for the Customs chief to resign, calling him an "honest official" even after he accepted his resignation. The Chief Executive said Faeldon had written him thrice asking to be fired because of his failure to carry out Duterte's marching orders to rid his agency of corruption.

Faeldon had earlier vowed to fight corruption in the BOC but told a Senate panel that he failed to do this in his first year because his hand-picked officials only assumed office in December last year and in January. (READ: Faeldon explains failure to address BOC corruption in 1st year)

One of his hand-picked officials, Neil Anthony Estrella of the BOC Intelligence and Investigation Service, was mentioned as among those who allegedly received grease money in the agency. (READ: Customs broker poinpoints alleged corrupt BOC officials in House hearing)

Estrella tendered his resignation following the exposé but categorically denied the allegation.

Duterte sacked Faeldon as critics of the administration's drug war expressed outrage over the killing of grade 11 student Kian Loyd delos Santos in a police raid. 

Senators and others have questioned Duterte's seeming double standard in his drug war, saying he hits hard on small drug suspects but not on shabu smugglers and their suspected accomplices in government. (READ: Senators push for 'impartial probe' into 'worrisome' drug war killings) – Rappler.com

WASHINGTON DC, USA – US President Donald Trump warned Monday, August 21, that the Afghan government should not view US support as a "blank check," in an address to the nation on the 16-year conflict.

"America will work with the Afghan government as long as we see determination and progress," Trump said.

"However, our commitment is not unlimited, and our support is not a blank check. The American people expect to see real reforms and real results."

More details soon. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Members of the Senate majority bloc earlier adopted a resolution calling for a probe into deaths linked to President Rodrigo Duterte's drug war, but their counterparts in the House of Representatives have yet to make any similar move.

It's a "silence" that members of the House opposition bloc have criticized, particularly amid backlash following the death of a 17-year-old student during a drug raid. Kian delos Santos of Caloocan City, police claim, was a drug courier who fought back during the operation. CCTV footage and witnesses' testimonies, however, indicate otherwise.

"Nakakabahala ang katahimikan ng Mababang Kapulungan (The silence of the House of Representatives is disturbing)," said Ifugao Representative Teddy Baguilat Jr, days after Delos Santos was killed in a dark alley on August 16.

Baguilat, a member of the House opposition bloc, called on his colleagues to hold a legislative probe into the spate of drug-related deaths, including that of Delos Santos.

At the same time, the lawmaker was quick to point out that "based on experience... the House is allergic to probe human rights violations or those politically damaging to the administration."

The Makabayan bloc, composed of leftist lawmakers, had lamented the same. The Makabayan bloc is part of the majority.

The outcry over apparent summary executions in the name of the drug war – particularly those allegedly committed by police – is not new in the House of Representatives.

In the 17th Congress, there are at least two pending resolutions calling for a legislative probe into these incidents.

One of the first filed was House Resolution 242, asking the House justice committee to look into "the steep upsurge in the extra-legal killings and arbitrary or summary executions in the country."

The resolution was filed on August 17, 2016 by Dinagat Islands Representative Kaka Bag-ao, Camarines Sur 3rd District Representative Gabriel Bordado, and Akbayan Representative Tom Villarin.

Bag-ao and Bordado are both Liberal Party (LP) members allied with the majority. Villarin, meanwhile, is a member of the opposition bloc.

The resolution was referred to the House rules committee on August 24, 2016. No progress has been made since then.

Days later, the Makabayan bloc filed House Resolution 259, which urges the House to "oppose the use of extrajudicial killings by law enforcement agencies" and calls for an investigation into these killings.

Filed on August 22, 2016, the resolution was introduced by ACT Teachers representatives Antonio Tinio and France Castro, Gabriela representatives Emmi de Jesus and Arlene Brosas, Bayan Muna Representative Carlos Zarate, Anakpawis Representative Ariel Casilao, and Kabataan Representative Sarah Elago.

The resolution was also referred to the House rules committee, on August 30, 2016. There has been no further action since then.

There is also a resolution from a member of the majority that highlights "random killings" but does not call for a legislative inquiry.

Quezon City 2nd District Representative Winston Castelo filed House Resolution 188 on August 9, 2016, asking lawmakers to urge the Philippine National Police (PNP) "to immediately institute measures and intensify vigilance and police visibility to curtail lawlessness and [the] spate of random killings around the nation."

Senate inquiry 

Although most senators are also allied with the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), the Senate conducted several hearings on killings linked to the war on drugs. Senator Leila de Lima, then head of the Senate justice committee, launched an inquiry into summary executions being blamed on police.

The hearings included testimonies from families of those slain during the drug war. PNP chief Ronald dela Rosa sacked several Antipolo police after hearing the testimony of one family. 

De Lima's probe then went on to discuss Duterte's alleged links to the so-called Davao Death Squad. Edgar Matobato, a self-confessed hitman, testified before the Senate. Several Davao policemen – alleged members of the infamous hit squad – were also called to the Senate.

But toward the end, De Lima was ousted as chairperson of the Senate justice committee. Senator Richard Gordon, who took over from De Lima, later concluded that the summary killings were not linked to either Duterte or the state. Gordon is now among the Senate majority members calling for a probe.  

House members who have been vocal against Duterte's war on drugs are expected to raise the issue once again during the plenary session on Tuesday, August 22.

The administration's response to the outcry over Delos Santos' death has been mixed. Some police officials, including the Northern Police District (NPD) director and the PNP chief, have pointed out that the teenager was supposedly a drug courier even if his name was not included in the dreaded barangay drug lists.

Duterte himself, who viewed the CCTV footage, has questioned the police's claim that Delos Santos fought back. The cops, said the President, should "rot in jail" if proven they murdered Delos Santos.

The 17-year-old died of 3 gunshot wounds– two in the head, and one at the back of his body. – Rappler.com

ROME, Italy (UPDATED) – A magnitude-4.0 earthquake struck the Italian holiday island of Ischia, causing destruction that left two people dead at peak tourist season, authorities said, as rescue workers struggled early Tuesday, August 22, to free two children from the rubble.

A woman was killed in Casamicciola, in the north of the small tourist island, hit by debris that fell from a church, with the body of another spotted in the rubble of a collapsed house, local media reported.

Around 4am (0200 GMT) emergency workers rescued a 7-month-old baby, crying but alive, after hours of effort. They were still struggling to free the baby's two brothers, who were alive but trapped and communicating with emergency services through the rubble, according to Naples prefecture.

According to local media, the two children, aged 4 and 7, are trapped under a bed but are in touch with rescue workers by phone. It was their pregnant mother, healthy and safe, who raised the alarm. The father was rescued at 2:30am (0130 GMT).

"In Casamicciola, a building collapsed and three people were pulled alive from the rubble – two women and a man," the head of the local department of civil protection, Angelo Borrelli, said at a press conference early Tuesday.

Two small communes, Casamicciola and neighboring Lacco Ameno, had borne the brunt of the quake, he added.

The tremor hit the northwest of the island at 8:57 pm (1957 GMT), with a depth of some 10 kilometers. 

Italian authorities first put Monday's (August 21) quake at 3.6, but subsequently revised it upward to 4.0 magnitude.

The main earthquake was followed by 14 smaller aftershocks, Borrelli said.

Several buildings in the area collapsed and others had large, ominous cracks.

'A horrible experience'

The Rai News 24 television channel broadcast images of holidaymakers by their cars with their bags packed, with other people sitting in their gardens or outside their houses. 

According to local media, many cars were waiting at Ischia port eager to head back to Naples as soon as possible. One ferry left at 2:30 am and another was scheduled for two hours later.

The quake struck just days ahead of the first anniversary of the 6.0 magnitude quake that killed nearly 300 people in and around Amatrice in central Italy. In October 2016 and January 2017 3 other earthquakes hit the same region.

"I was on the couch watching TV. Blackout, shaking, something fell on my head. I scream, my mother grabs me and we ran outside," one witness wrote on Twitter.

The quake response has benefited from the presence of emergency responders who happened to already be on the island to fight the forest fires that have plagued Italy this summer, local media said.

Teams of firefighters, including two units specialized in extracting people from the rubble, were quickly mobilized, said Bruno Frattasi, who oversees the fire department.

Ischia's only hospital was also hit and had to be partially evacuated. Five patients were evacuated to another medical facility by helicopter.

Restaurants were packed and many stores were still open when the shaking began, witnesses said on Twitter.

"A horrible experience, everything was shaking, plunged into darkness, houses were collapsing... a nightmare," a witness wrote on Twitter.

Electricity was restored after just a few minutes, but many people stayed outdoors after the quake, reluctant to go inside.

Ischia has been a frequent victim of earthquakes, with its worst dating back over a century. Estimated at a magnitude of 5.8, it killed over 2,000 people in July 1883.

Much of Italy's land mass and some of its surrounding waters are prone to seismic activity with the highest risk concentrated along its mountainous central spine.

Italy straddles the Eurasian and African tectonic plates, making it vulnerable to seismic activity when they move. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Policemen of Caloocan City shot Kian delos Santos 3 times while he was kneeling and slumping to his death, according to Public Attorney's Office (PAO) chief Persida Acosta.

"Makikita mo siya nakaluhod tapos nasubsob, tapos 'yung bala nasa lower part ng building eh sa pader tapos tumalsik, 'yung ricochet," Acosta told Rappler in a phone interview on Tuesday, August 22.

(You will see that he was kneeling and then slumped to the ground, the bullet hit and ricocheted from a lower part of the wall.)

Cops fatally shot Delos Santos at a dead end surrounded by cement walls in Caloocan City on August 16, after they dragged him through dark, winding alleys. (READ: WATCH: The dark alley to Kian delos Santos' death)

PAO conducted a re-autopsy of Delos Santos' remains on Monday, August 21, and the findings, said Acosta, are sufficient to file murder charges against the cops.

Delos Santos suffered 3 fatal wounds, according to the PAO chief.

"First at the inside of the ear and second at the back of the left ear. Third entry at the back of the body of Kian," Acosta said.

One of the fatal wounds is considered treacherous, Acosta added. In legal terms, a treacherous wound is inflicted by the assailant to ensure execution. The treachery can be cited as an aggravating circumstance in the filing of murder charges.

'Nanlaban'?

The re-autopsy was done by PAO's own forensic team. The formal report is still being processed and will be used as primary evidence when PAO files the complaint before prosecutors.

The forensic report tells a different story from the police narrative of "nanlaban" or the subject resisted and fought back.

According to the spot report of Caloocan policeman PO3 Arnel Oares, he and colleagues PO1 Jerwin Cruz, PO1 Jeremias Pereda, and a civilian informant walked through the alleys to conduct the raid, identifying themselves as cops.

Oares said that as they reached the end of a path, shots were fired from their left side.

Oares identified Delos Santos as the one who fired the shots. The cop said he chased after the teenager and was "prompted" to retaliate, firing the shots that killed Delos Santos.

Oares, Cruz, Pereda, and their station commander, Chief Inspector Amor Cerillo, have been relieved from their posts and reassigned to the holding unit.

An eyewitness said cops gave Delos Santos the gun and coerced him to fire it. (READ: Our son, Kian: A good, sweet boy)

In an interview Tuesday morning on GMA's dzBB, Acosta said a paraffin test would be inconclusive, citing Supreme Court (SC) decisions that discredit paraffin tests as evidence.

"Kapag ikaw 'yung tinamaan eh talagang magpa-positive ka for gunpowder," she said. (If you were hit by bullet, you would really test positive for gunpowder.)

National Capital Region Police Office chief Director Oscar Albayalde said his unit's investigation is focused on allegations that Delos Santos was a victim of an extrajudicial killing.

Murder complaint

Acosta said they will not file the complaint before the Caloocan City Prosecutor's Office.

"Hindi puwede, hindi siguro kasi may fiscal na nag-pronounce na do'n (It can't be filed there because a fiscal has already made pronouncements)," she said.

The PAO chief was referring to prosecutor Darwin Cañete, who said in his Facebook posts and in media interviews that Delos Santos' innocence is far-fetched. Senator Franklin Drilon earlier urged Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II to fire Cañete for being "prejudiced" against the slain teenager.

Back in June, Cañete also drew flak for posting on his Facebook account that "yellows" – referring to groups linked to the opposition and those critical of President Rodrigo Duterte – should be killed "like cockroaches."

Aguirre said on Monday night that Cañete cannot be fired.

"Since Prosecutor Cañete is a Caloocan City resident, for cases of death under investigation in Caloocan, he is tasked to gather the relevant factual antecedents of such cases upon the invitation of the police. And that is all that he did in the case of Kian delos Santos' death," the justice chief said.

But Aguirre said Cañete will be excluded from the raffle should the complaint be filed before the Caloocan City Prosecutor's Office, meaning there would be no opportunity for him to handle the case. – Rappler.com

SYDNEY, Australia – Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on Tuesday, August 22, called for respectful debate on an upcoming same-sex marriage vote, saying he "deplores" the homophobic slurs aired by anonymous opponents of the reform.

But Turnbull also warned cruel comments were often part of democratic discussion and could not be curtailed without impinging on free speech.

"I deplore disrespectful, abusive language whether it is directed at young gay people or people of other religions or other races," Turnbull told Sydney commercial radio station 2DAY FM.

"So mutual respect and a respectful debate is what we should have in Australia."

His comments come after Australia this month finalized plans for a non-binding postal vote on same-sex marriage, which is expected to be completed by mid-November.

In early signs the debate could turn toxic, a poster emblazoned "stop the fags" was put up in central Melbourne and flyers describing homosexuality as "a curse of death" were distributed in suburban Sydney.

Turnbull said extremists should not be allowed to derail the debate, urging both sides to "focus on the substance of the debate".

"The key here is respect," he said. "I know many people who take a conservative view of marriage... who do not have a homophobic bone in their body.

"One of the problems in debates like this is the tendency to caricature each side."

Turnbull supports gay marriage but has been pressured to hold the nationwide postal vote, rather than simply enact reform in parliament, to placate right-wingers in his conservative government.

Critics warn the vote opens the way for a divisive debate that will subject gay people and their families to hate speech, but Turnbull said it was just part of the democratic process.

"People will often say, in any democratic debate, things that are hurtful and unfair and sometimes cruel, but that is part of a debate," he said. 

"The only way to stop people saying things that you find hurtful is to shut down free speech."

Turnbull also dismissed concerns that the vote would be meaningless because it is non-binding on the nation's parliament.

"If the postal vote is carried, the legalization of same-sex marriage will sail though the parliament, believe me," he said.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics will begin sending out ballots on September 12 and voting will close on November 7, with the result known later that month. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte wants to "revamp" and "revitalize" the Bureau of Customs (BOC) following the P6.4-billion shabu shipment smuggled from China.

Duterte bared the plan Monday night, August 21, after he broke his silence on the smuggling incident at the prompting of media.

Until then, the President – usually immediately vocal about any big development in his war against drugs – had not spoken up specifically about the smuggled shabu, except to say he would wait for lawmakers to wrap up their investigations before deciding on what to do with Customs chief Nicanor Faeldon. Lawmakers blamed Faeldon for the entry of the shabu.

On Monday, during dinner with media in Malacañang grounds, Duterte said the incident may mean a revamp of the BOC is necessary.

"It depends on [Lapeña's] recommendation. If he says, 'As I see it, we need to revamp, revitalize, or take in new [personnel],'" said Duterte.

Without waiting for Congress hearings to end, he accepted the resignation of Customs chief Nicanor Faeldon and said he would appoint Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency chief Isidro Lapeña to replace him.

"Bakit lumusot doon? (Why did it get it through?) That's why I'm putting another guy there, to find out...Who? Who facilitated, who made the entry possible?" said Duterte.

Investigation needed

Duterte said the revamp may involve replacing current BOC personnel manning the Port of Manila with personnel from the provinces. Duterte said Lapeña would make decide on this.

"'Yung mga taga-probinsya, ilipat ko dito, Customs ng Samar, Customs ng – 'yung walang importation (I'll put those from the provinces there, customs of Samar, customs of – places where there is no importation)," said Duterte.

The President also promised that those involved in the smuggling of the shabu – government personnel and businessmen alike – would be held accountable.

He said he was counting on Lapeña to conduct an investigation to track down these people.

"He can improve on the investigation and, in due time, I will ask for the neck of those involved. Not only that, we [also] have to prosecute them criminally," said Duterte.

As to the name of his son, Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte, getting dragged into the controversy, Duterte maintained these were false allegations.

He has promised to resign and file cases against his own children if proven that they are involved in criminal activities.– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Detained Senator Leila de Lima filed on Tuesday, August 22, an urgent petition asking the Supreme Court (SC) to allow her to attend the Senate hearing on the death of 17-year-old student Kian delos Santos.

The Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs chaired by Senator Panfilo Lacson will conduct the hearing on Delos Santos' case at 2 pm on Thursday, August 24.

De Lima's camp said they were able to file the petition 8:43 am on Tuesday, hoping it would be included in the SC en banc agenda for the day. The SC en banc only meets every Tuesday, which is why the De Lima camp hopes a decision would be out immediately in time for the hearing on Thursday.

De Lima also asked that she be allowed to attend the next hearings which might be scheduled after Thursday. She invoked her duties as a senator and also said she is not a flight risk.

{source} 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">LOOK: De Lima files urgent petition to attend Senate hearing on Kian delos Santos. Hearing on Thursday,SC en banc meets today <a href="https://twitter.com/rapplerdotcom">@rapplerdotcom</a> <a href="https://t.co/6j4nRK3ui0">pic.twitter.com/6j4nRK3ui0</a></p>&mdash; Lian Buan (@lianbuan) <a href="https://twitter.com/lianbuan/status/899839176417263616">August 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

{/source}

Challenge for Duterte

In a statement released on Tuesday, De Lima also called on President Rodrigo Duterte "to issue a clear and categorical order to the entire police force" to stop the killings.

"Any other way to try to appease the growing outrage sparked by the Kian killing and other recent incidents of summary execution under the mantle of the 'one-time, big-time' operations would be insufficient as it is hypocritical," the detained senator said.

Thursday's hearing was prompted by a resolution from the Senate majority bloc. The senators allied with Duterte agreed there should be an inquiry into the spate of killings linked to the President's drug war.

Lacson's committee on public order and dangerous drugs was the same committee that heard the testimony of retired Davao policeman Arturo Lascañas, a self-confessed hitman of the Davao Death Squad. But Lacson ended the inquiry after only one hearing, saying Lascañas' recanted statements had no value.

Before that, Senator Richard Gordon's committee on justice and human rights conducted hearings into alleged extrajudicial killings. After 6 hearings, Gordon concluded that neither Duterte nor his state agents were responsible for the summary executions in the drug war. – with reports from Camille Elemia / Rappler.com