Several Charities Sever Ties with Duchess of York Over Epstein Email Revelations

LONDON — On Monday, several charitable organizations announced the termination of their affiliations with Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, after reports surfaced revealing that she described the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein as a "supreme friend" in correspondence sent in 2011. Ferguson, 65, and formerly married to Prince Andrew, Duke of York, reportedly wrote the email to Epstein weeks after publicly stating she would cease contact with him. Epstein, who pleaded guilty in 2008 to a state prostitution charge in Florida, was required to register as a sex offender. The message, disclosed by media outlets, showed Ferguson apologizing to Epstein and affirming his loyal friendship towards her and her family. Her spokesperson previously defended the email as a response aimed at mitigating potential defamation claims from Epstein but declined further comment on the charities' decisions to dissociate. At least five charities confirmed the cessation of Ferguson's patronage, citing discomfort over her communications with Epstein. Nadim and Tanya Ednan-Laperouse, founders of the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, stated, "We were disturbed to read of Sarah, Duchess of York\'s, correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein. She was a patron but, in light of the recent revelations, we have taken the decision that it would be inappropriate for her to continue to be associated with the charity." This scandal echoes the broader fallout tied to Prince Andrew, whose reputation suffered significantly due to his association with Epstein. In 2022, Andrew was stripped of most royal titles and relieved of public duties after enduring widespread condemnation and distancing measures from both businesses and charitable entities.

Trump Calls for Reduced Migration and Rejects Climate Policies in U.N. Address

US President Donald Trump delivered a combative address to the United Nations General Assembly, advocating for stricter global migration controls and rejecting prevailing climate change policies. The 56-minute speech, which revisited themes from his previous presidency, included sharp criticisms of world leaders and international institutions. Trump emphasized the need to curb mass migration, highlighting the US immigration crackdown as a model. He asserted that uncontrolled migration threatens the stability of nations, declaring, \"I'm really good at this stuff. Your countries are going to hell.\" This stance drew opposition from human rights advocates who describe migrants as individuals seeking improved living conditions. On climate change, Trump dismissed it as a \"con job\" and called for a renewed reliance on fossil fuels, despite the scientific consensus on human-driven climate impacts. He warned, \"Immigration and their suicidal energy ideas will be the death of Western Europe.\" Regarding geopolitical issues, Trump criticized European allies for continuing Russian oil purchases amid the conflict in Ukraine and threatened to impose stringent US tariffs unless Europe adopts similar economic measures. \"They're funding the war against themselves. Who the hell ever heard of that one?\" he said, suggesting that a coordinated approach is necessary to pressure Moscow to end the war. The president also opposed international support for establishing a Palestinian state during Israel's Gaza offensive, citing the potential benefits this could afford Hamas terrorists. He reiterated calls for a ceasefire tied to the return of hostages held by Palestinian militants and stressed the urgency to negotiate peace in Gaza. Trump planned to meet later with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who continues to seek greater US assistance. He also intended to discuss Gaza's future in talks with Gulf leaders. Throughout his address, Trump expressed frustration with the United Nations, criticizing its infrastructure and lack of backing for his conflict resolution efforts. \"These are the two things I got from the United Nations - a bad escalator and a bad teleprompter,\" he quipped, recounting a near-fall by First Lady Melania Trump due to a malfunction. The speech underscored Trump\'s continued divergence from international consensus on key issues including migration, climate policy, and the management of global conflicts.

Senator Lacson Declines to Summon Ako Bicol Rep. Co in Flood Control Kickback Probe

Senator Panfilo Lacson announced that he will neither invite nor subpoena Ako Bicol Representative Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co to the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearings investigating alleged kickbacks linked to flood control projects. Despite Co being implicated in the corruption probe, Lacson emphasized the tradition of inter-parliamentary courtesy that prevents compelling a congressman from the other chamber to appear before the Senate. "He remains a sitting congressman, and there is a tradition that his participation should be voluntary. He may appear, testify, or present a manifest if he chooses, but issuing an invitation or subpoena would be inappropriate," Lacson stated. This position holds even as Co faces serious allegations in connection with a multi-billion-peso kickback scheme involving infrastructure projects. The dismissed District Engineer of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Henry Alcantara, implicated Co in orchestrating payoffs amounting to 20 to 25 percent of the P35.024 billion budget for projects in Bulacan’s first district engineering office, spanning 2022 to 2025. Co, formerly the chairman of the House appropriations committee, firmly denied the charges, describing them as "false and baseless." Lacson’s stance highlights the complex balance between investigating corruption allegations and maintaining respect for legislative protocols across government branches.

Lacson Confirms DOJ to Receive Computer Evidence in Bulacan Flood Control Probe

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson disclosed on Wednesday that the Department of Justice (DOJ) will take possession of a desktop computer belonging to former Bulacan 1st district assistant engineer Brice Hernandez. The device reportedly contains documents intended to substantiate Hernandez’s accusations against lawmakers allegedly implicated in irregularities surrounding flood control projects. Lacson, who chairs the Senate blue ribbon committee, explained that additional documents from Hernandez are also set to be turned over to the DOJ to facilitate consolidated evidence handling. He said in an impromptu interview, "Hernandez’s lawyers changed their minds yesterday regarding the computer and the other files we initially retrieved. [Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin] Remulla called the Senate President and we decided that the computer will be turned over to the DOJ instead of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI)." Affirming the DOJ's jurisdiction over the device, Lacson added, "That is his call because it’s his computer. We cannot tell him, ‘That should be ours.’" Earlier, Hernandez’s counsel, Raymund Fortun, had declared their intention to submit the computer fully to the ICI to ensure impartiality. Previously, Lacson warned Hernandez that failure to surrender the computer to the blue ribbon committee could result in revocation of legislative immunity and exclusion from the Witness Protection Program (WPP). Hernandez had accused Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva of receiving kickbacks totaling at least 30 percent of nearly PHP 1 billion allocated to flood control initiatives in Bulacan. Both senators have firmly denied the allegations. Additionally, Lacson indicated that the DOJ will determine whether dismissed Bulacan first district engineer Henry Alcantara qualifies for inclusion in the WPP. Lacson recounted his conversation with Justice Secretary Remulla, who cited existing records supporting Alcantara’s testimony. On Tuesday, Alcantara alleged collaboration with Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo in channeling commissions from flood control projects to the camps of Senators Estrada and Villanueva, former Senator Bong Revilla Jr., Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co, and former Caloocan Representative Mitch Cajayon-Uy. On Wednesday, Alcantara, Hernandez, and former construction chief Jaypee Mendoza appeared before the ICI to testify. Lacson expressed skepticism regarding former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan’s claim of ignorance about the alleged corruption and subpar flood control projects. He remarked, "He retired in 2010 after a long tenure moving up the ranks, so he knows what’s happening at the ground level. Then he served as secretary in 2022. To say he didn’t monitor these projects implies either complicity or incompetence." During the blue ribbon committee’s Tuesday hearing, Bonoan stated he was surprised by revelations from whistleblowers suggesting that government contract bidding is often prearranged, with predetermined winning bidders. The Senate’s blue ribbon committee is scheduled to continue its motu proprio investigation into the flood control anomalies on Thursday, September 25, at 9 a.m. When asked whether the inquiry might conclude after one or two more hearings, Lacson responded, "Let’s see."

Gabriela Rep. Sarah Elago Joins House Minority Bloc as Assistant Minority Leader

Gabriela party-list Representative Sarah Elago has officially become part of the House minority bloc, led by 4Ps party-list Representative Marcelino Libanan. Elago submitted a formal letter on Tuesday expressing her intention to join the group, marking her as the bloc's 28th member. Concurrently, she was elected Assistant Minority Leader. "We warmly welcome Congresswoman Elago into the minority bloc, where she can surely help us perform our indispensable functions to promote legislative integrity, uphold accountability, and give voice to alternative viewpoints," Libanan said. He emphasized that "a vibrant democracy thrives when the majority\'s decisions are tempered by the steady vigilance of an independent minority." Libanan noted that Elago\'s inclusion would enhance the minority bloc\'s ability to critically evaluate government initiatives and legislation, especially during committee sessions. He further highlighted her dedication to advocating for women, youth, and marginalized communities, stating that \"her track record of passionate advocacy for women, youth, and marginalized sectors will enrich the perspectives we bring to legislative debates and strengthen our collective effort to hold government to account.\" Elago, 35, is an alumna of the University of the Philippines Diliman and formerly served as representative of the Kabataan party-list from 2016 until 2022. Recently, the Commission on Elections proclaimed her as the 64th winning party-list nominee in the upcoming May 2025 midterm elections.

Acting Davao City Mayor's Lawyer Criticizes Justice Secretary Remulla's Clearance as "Legal Houdini Act"

Israelito Torreon, attorney for acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, sharply criticized the recently issued clearance to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, likening it to a "modern-day Harry Houdini" escape. Torreon expressed disbelief that such rapid clearance could occur in the Philippines, especially for an individual facing serious charges including kidnapping, arbitrary detention, and violations of custodial investigation laws. "I thought this was impossible. If clearing cases involving kidnapping, arbitrary detention, expulsion, and violations like RA 3019 is as simple as undocketing the complaint and effectively erasing the case, then the Philippines may have discovered a new legal 'Harry Houdini,'" Torreon commented. This reference to Harry Houdini, the famed Hungarian-American illusionist and escape artist born Erik Weisz in 1874, underscores the perceived improbability of Remulla's legal position. Earlier, Torreon’s law firm formally petitioned acting Ombudsman Dante Vargas to revoke Remulla's clearance, describing the issuance as "patently irregular and illegal." The petition highlighted that criminal complaints numbered OMB-M-C-SEP-25-0413 and OMB-M-A-SEP-25-0496 were docketed on September 15, thereby conferring jurisdiction to the Ombudsman which the petitioners argue cannot be nullified by internal office orders or retroactive policy application. The clearance from the Ombudsman is a crucial prerequisite for judicial appointments, including the currently vacant position of Ombudsman since July 27. Remulla has forwarded the clearance to the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC), which is responsible for vetting nominees for the role. Torreon’s public statements and legal challenge highlight ongoing tensions surrounding the clearance process for high-profile judicial appointments, emphasizing concerns over transparency and legal propriety.

Pope Leo XIV Expresses Concerns Over AI and Rejects Digital Avatar Proposal

During his inaugural interview as pontiff, Pope Leo XIV voiced significant concerns regarding artificial intelligence (AI), highlighting the challenges in discerning God\'s presence within the digital landscape. Speaking from his residence at Villa Barberini in Castel Gandolfo, the pope emphasized the loss of humanity in technology-driven environments and criticized wealthy investors for prioritizing AI development over human values. He stated, "The danger is that the digital world will follow its own path and we will become pawns, or be brushed aside. I think the Church needs to speak out in this regard." While affirming that the Church does not oppose technological progress, Pope Leo XIV warned about the alarming speed at which AI is evolving. He acknowledged the benefits AI has brought to medical science and other fields but cautioned against creating a distorted perception of reality, saying, "You end up creating a false world and then you ask yourself: What is the truth?" The pope also recounted a personal experience involving a fabricated video depicting him falling down stairs. "In these few short three months as pope, someone asked me if I was OK because a video showed an artificial pope—me—falling down a flight of stairs. The video was so convincing that people believed it was real," he revealed. Highlighting the broader challenge of misinformation, he remarked on the widespread consumption of fake news and conspiracy theories, warning that such phenomena are destructive and often arise from people\'s willingness to believe falsehoods. Furthermore, Pope Leo XIV disclosed that he recently declined a request to create an AI-generated avatar of himself, which would allow people to have virtual audiences with a digital version of the pope. "If there\'s anyone who shouldn\'t be represented by an avatar, it seems to me, it\'s the pope," he asserted. Pope Leo\'s statements underscore the Church\'s intent to engage thoughtfully with emerging technologies, advocating for dialogue that respects human dignity amidst rapid digital transformation.

Former Public Works Official Roberto Bernardo Granted Protected Witness Status Amid Corruption Allegations

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has officially conferred "protected witness" status upon Roberto Bernardo, the former undersecretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed that although Bernardo's testimony remains under examination, the measure was taken to safeguard him and his family from potential threats. Bernardo's testimony, delivered during a recent Senate hearing, implicated several well-known political figures, including former Senate President Francis Escudero, Ako Bicol party-list Representative Zaldy Co, and ex-senators Bong Revilla and Nancy Binay. He alleged that these officials received illicit kickbacks related to various infrastructure projects. The protected witness status ensures that Bernardo will receive security and other forms of assistance as investigations continue. The DOJ's move highlights the seriousness of the claims and the potential risks faced by whistleblowers involved in high-profile corruption cases. Secretary Remulla stated, "Given the nature of the threats linked to the information provided, granting Mr. Bernardo protected status is essential to uphold his security and integrity throughout the judicial process."

Former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo Designated as Protected Witness in DOJ Investigation

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla announced on Thursday that former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo has been granted protected witness status and will receive security measures.\n\nIn an impromptu interview, Remulla confirmed that Bernardo is currently undergoing evaluation but is already considered protected. "For evaluation," he stated when questioned about Bernardo's inclusion in the Witness Protection Program, adding, "But he is considered a protected witness. We will provide him with security."\n\nRemulla and Bernardo were seen arriving at the Department of Justice (DOJ) following a Senate blue ribbon committee hearing investigating irregularities in flood control projects. The DOJ will assess Bernardo's testimony as part of the ongoing probe.\n\nDuring the hearing, Bernardo implicated several politicians, including Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero, former Senators Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. and Nancy Binay, as well as Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co.\n\nThe day prior, Remulla confirmed that contractors Curlee and Sarah Disacaya, along with former DPWH officials Henry Alcantara, Brice Hernandez, and Jaypee Mendoza, have been designated as protected witnesses. However, he emphasized that these individuals have not yet attained the status of state witnesses.\n\nThis development strengthens the DOJ's pursuit of accountability amidst allegations of corruption involving flood control projects within the DPWH.

Pope Leo XIV Denounces Misuse of Wealth, Calls for Resources to Serve Humanity

Vatican City, Rome — Pope Leo XIV delivered a powerful message condemning the destructive use of wealth during his homily at the Vatican’s Church of Saint Anne. The pontiff described the misuse of financial resources as "turning it into weapons that destroy peoples or monopolies that humiliate workers," praying that leaders around the globe would instead direct money and resources toward benefiting humanity and fostering the common good. Highlighting the spiritual dimension of wealth, the pope emphasized that "whoever serves God must become free from wealth, but whoever serves wealth remains its slave." He called attention to the moral choice between using wealth to achieve justice, which transforms it into a collective good, and the pursuit of domination that converts it into an instrument of greed. Drawing from the day’s Gospel reading in Luke 16:1-13, Pope Leo revisited Jesus Christ’s parable of the dishonest steward, underscoring Jesus’ declaration: "No servant can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and mammon." During both the morning Mass in the intimate church within Vatican City State and his midday Angelus address before thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the pope invited the faithful to reflect deeply on their relationship with money and material possessions. He further expressed gratitude toward Catholic groups organizing prayer vigils for peace and fundraising to provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza. "I appreciate your initiative and many others throughout the Church that express closeness to our brothers and sisters who are suffering in that tormented land," Pope Leo stated. Emphasizing the urgency of peace, he reiterated together with local church leaders: "There is no future based on violence, forced exile or revenge. The people need peace; those who truly love them work for peace." Earlier, in his Mass at Saint Anne’s Church, the pope prayed for resilience amid a world increasingly threatened by warfare. "Entire peoples today are being crushed by violence and even more so by a shameless indifference that abandons them to a fate of misery," he told parishioners. "Faced with these tragedies, we do not want to be resigned, but to proclaim in word and deed that Jesus is the savior of the world, the one who delivers us from all evil." In closing, Pope Leo urged the Holy Spirit to inspire transformation within hearts, so that through the nourishment of the Eucharist, considered the Church’s greatest treasure, believers might become true witnesses of charity and peace. He left the faithful with a solemn challenge: "Jesus’ parable invites us to ask ourselves: How are we managing the material goods, the resources of the earth and our very lives that God has entrusted to us? Each person must make a choice—we can follow the way of selfishness, placing wealth above all else and thinking only of ourselves. But this isolates us from others and spreads the poison of competition, which often fuels conflict."