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GENEVA — Washington and Kyiv said Sunday that any eventual deal to halt the war with Russia must fully uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty, after “constructive” talks between US, Ukrainian and European officials in Geneva.

After a day of meetings that kicked off based on a US proposal that was criticised as being in Russia’s favour, negotiators have drafted “an updated and refined peace framework,” a US-Ukraine joint statement said.

US President Donald Trump had given Ukraine until November 27 to approve his plan to end the nearly four-year conflict, which began after Russia launched a full-scale invasion.

READ: Ukraine would cede Donbas to Russia under 28-point US plan

But Kyiv was seeking changes to the draft that accepted a range of Russia’s hardline demands, with the 28-point plan requiring the invaded country to cede territory, cut its army and pledge never to join NATO.

“The talks were constructive, focused, and respectful, underscoring the shared commitment to achieving a just and lasting peace,” the joint statement said.

“They reaffirmed that any future agreement must fully uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty and deliver a sustainable and just peace,” it said, noting “meaningful progress”.

READ: Ukraine, US head for talks on Trump’s plan to end war

Both sides pledged to keep working on joint proposals “in the coming days.”

But even as the White House said in a separate statement that the talks marked “a “significant step forward”, a Russian drone strike on the major Ukrainian city of Kharkiv killed four people, its mayor said.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio boasted “tremendous” progress after a day of meetings, while the head of Ukraine’s delegation Andriy Yermak also told reporters the sides had made “very good progress”.

Rubio, whose delegation included Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and diplomatic envoy Steve Witkoff, told reporters that the work to narrow the areas of disagreement had advanced “in a very substantial way”.

“I can tell you that the items that remain open are not insurmountable,” he said, adding “I honestly believe we’ll get there.”

Rubio stressed that any final agreement would “have to be agreed upon by the presidents, and there are a couple issues that we need to continue to work on” before trying to bring onboard the Kremlin, which welcomed the original proposal.

“Obviously, the Russians get a vote.”

‘Zero gratitude’ claim

His comments came after Trump earlier lashed out at Ukraine.

“UKRAINE ‘LEADERSHIP’ HAS EXPRESSED ZERO GRATITUDE FOR OUR EFFORTS,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, also accusing European countries of not doing enough to stop the war, but offering no direct condemnation of Moscow.

Not long after, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on X that his country was “grateful to the United States… and personally to President Trump” for the assistance that has been “saving Ukrainian lives”.

Announcing a deadly Russian drone strike, Kharkiv mayor Igor Terekhov said on Telegram Sunday it was “truly horrible” that despite the negotiations, “Russian troops are attacking civilian objects, civilian infrastructure, residential buildings”.

The Ukrainian delegation had referred to a new version of the US draft plan, which has yet to be published, saying it “already reflects most of Ukraine’s key priorities”.

At the end of the day, Rubio said he thought Trump was “quite pleased at the reports we’ve given him about the amount of progress that’s been made”.

Asked about whether he believed a deal could be reached by Thursday, as demanded by the US president, he said “the deadline is we want to get this done as soon as possible”.

“I think we made a tremendous amount of progress. I feel very optimistic that we’re going to get there in a very reasonable period of time, very soon.”

European ‘centrality’

Rubio said that his delegation had met Sunday with “national security advisors from various European countries”.

Ukraine’s delegation also met high-level officials from Britain, France and Germany.

The US plan was drafted without input from Ukraine’s European allies, who were scrambling Sunday to make their voices heard and boost Kyiv’s position.

“Ukraine must have the freedom and sovereign right to choose its own destiny. They have chosen a European destiny,” EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement, stressing that the “centrality” of the European Union’s role must be “fully reflected” in any peace plan.

A number of leaders called Trump Sunday, with Downing Street saying UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the US president had agreed “that we all must work together at this critical moment to bring about a just and lasting peace”. /dl

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the administration’s strong commitment to climate action in a video message delivered marking the observance of Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week (CCC Week) 2025.

The President emphasized that the annual observance reflects the country’s shared aspiration to build “a climate-resilient and environmentally sound nation.” He underscored that the week-long event serves as an essential platform for policymakers, scientists, private institutions, and communities to align national priorities with global climate commitments and the broader sustainable development agenda.

President Marcos highlighted the vital role of all sectors in strengthening the country’s resilience through responsible resource use and the integration of climate intelligence in planning and decision-making.

“As Chairperson of the Climate Change Commission, I reaffirm our determination to confront the challenges of climate change with decisive action, especially now as we continue to recover from the impact of recent calamities,” the President said.

He cited ongoing government initiatives—including the National Adaptation Plan, the Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Plan, and expanded programs in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and climate finance—as key pillars in building a more secure and inclusive future for all Filipinos.

With this year’s CCC Week theme, Makabagong Kilusan Para sa Klima at Kinabukasan, President Marcos urged Filipinos to actively support national efforts to enhance climate resilience. He called on citizens to view climate action not only as a responsibility but also as a path toward long-term prosperity.

“As we realize our vision of a Bagong Pilipinas, let us uphold climate governance, protecting the beauty and bounty of our land while ensuring the welfare of generations to come,” he said.

Climate Change Commission Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje thanked the President for his steadfast leadership and direction in strengthening the country’s climate agenda. “We thank President Marcos for his continued guidance and commitment. Under his administration, we will continue to advance policies and actions that safeguard our people and secure our future,” Borje said.

Under the Marcos Administration, the CCC was able to complete key transformative climate policy frameworks and submissions to the UNFCCC, including the Philippines’ first National Adaptation Plan, the Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Plan, updated Greenhouse Gas Inventories, and the Philippines’ Biennial Transparency Report.

President Marcos concluded with a message of solidarity and hope, encouraging all participants to pursue meaningful engagement throughout the week’s activities. 

ADVT.

This article is brought to you by the Climate Change Commission.

Argao, Cebu — This Christmas season, Maayo Argao invites guests to experience the heartfelt spirit of Filipino holidays through two special festive stay packages designed to bring families together in warmth, comfort, and celebration.

Nestled along the serene southern coast of Cebu, Maayo Argao transforms into a coastal Christmas escape—where the glow of the season meets the  calm of nature and the joy of togetherness. 

A Holiday in full color: Yuletide getaway 

Celebrate the season with a coastal retreat wrapped in festive cheer. Book your stay from now to  December 30, 2025, for stays on December 24, 25, 31, 2025, and January 1, 2026. 

Yuletide Getaway Package Includes:  

• Overnight stay in a room or villa of your choice
• Festive Breakfast Buffet for adults + complimentary for 2 children (12 & below) • Festive Dinner or Holiday Brunch Buffet for adults + complimentary for 2 children • Yuletide Refreshment on arrival 
• Special Holiday Sweet Treat 

Promo Code: YULEGTWY 

Rates: 

• Standard Room — PHP 5,500 
• Family Room — PHP 9,400 
• 3-Bedroom Villa — PHP 13,900 
• 4-Bedroom Villa — PHP 17,200 
• Villa Suite — PHP 16,600 

Perfect for Noche Buena, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and family bonding.

Home for the Holidays: A cozy festive escape 

Plan ahead and enjoy early holiday warmth. Book from October 15 to November 30, 2025, for  stays December 1, 2025, to January 2, 2026. 

Includes: 

• Overnight stay in room or villa 
• Breakfast for adults (per room category) 
• Special Yuletide Refreshment on arrival 

Promo Code: HOM25 

Rates: 

• Standard Room — PHP 2,800 
• Family Room — PHP 5,500 
• 3-Bedroom Villa — PHP 10,200 
• 4-Bedroom Villa — PHP 12,800 

Celebrate Christmas the Maayo Way 

Slow living, family bonding, and nature-inspired holiday experiences await. From festive feasts to  waking up by the coast, every stay becomes a memory made in full color. 

For Bookings & Inquiries, contact 0908 866 3548 or email [email protected]. Let Maayo Argao be your home for the holidays—where the season’s joy shines brighter by the sea. 

HONG KONG, China – Asian markets mostly rose Monday as fresh hopes for a US interest rate cut provided some calm after last week’s rollercoaster ride fueled by worries of a tech bubble.

The scramble to snap up all things AI has helped propel equities skywards this year, pushing several companies to records — with chip titan Nvidia last month becoming the first to top $5 trillion.

READ: Philippine stocks: buy, sell or hold?

But investors have grown increasingly fearful that the vast sums pumped into the sector may have been overdone and could take some time to see profits realised, leading to warnings of a possible market correction.

That has been compounded in recent weeks by falling expectations the Federal Reserve will cut rates for a third successive time next month as stubbornly high inflation overshadows weakness in the labor market.

However, risk appetite was given a much-needed shot in the arm Friday when New York Fed boss John Williams said he still sees “room for a further adjustment” at the bank’s December 9-10 policy meeting.

The remarks saw the chances of a cut shoot up to about 70 percent, from 35 percent earlier.

Data points

Focus is now on the release this week of the producer price index, which will be one of the last major data points before officials gather, with other key reports postponed or missed because of the government shutdown.

“The reading carries heightened importance following the postponement of October’s personal consumption expenditures report, originally scheduled for 26 November, which removes a key datapoint from policymakers’ assessment framework,” wrote IG market analyst Fabien Yip.

“A substantially stronger-than-expected PPI outcome could reinforce concerns that inflationary pressures remain entrenched, potentially constraining the Fed’s capacity to reduce rates in December despite recent labour market softening.”

US futures

After Wall Street’s rally Friday capped a torrid week for markets, Asia mostly started on the front foot.

Hong Kong and Seoul jumped more than one percent, while Sydney, Singapore, Wellington and Taipei were also well up, though Shanghai and Manila retreated. US futures advanced.

Tokyo was closed for a holiday.

But while the mood is a little less fractious than last week, uncertainty continues to weigh on riskier assets, with bitcoin hovering around $87,000.

While that is up from its seven-month low of $80,553, it is still sharply down from its record $126,200 hit last month.

MANILA, Philippines – Seaoil Philippines announced a fresh round of fuel price adjustments set to take effect Tuesday, Nov. 25, reflecting another week of mixed movements in the global oil market.

READ: Mixed fuel price changes expected next week

In an advisory on Monday, the company said it would trim pump prices of gasoline by 20 centavos per liter, while diesel prices will climb by 60 centavos per liter. Kerosene, meanwhile, will see the steepest increase at P1.30 per liter.

The adjustments will take effect at 12:01 a.m. for stations implementing early price changes and 6 a.m. for the rest of Seaoil’s network.

Jetti petroleum president Leo Bellas earlier said gasoline prices were likely to soften amid slower regional demand and a notable buildup in US inventories, signaling weaker consumption in the world’s largest oil market.

He cited as key drivers of the upward pressure were reduced exports from Northeast Asian refiners facing maintenance and unplanned shutdowns, limited Chinese outflows and lingering disruptions in Russian supply.

After two decades, popular 90s actress Amanda Page recently recalled the most controversial moment in her career that prompted her unceremonious exit from show business.

In an Fast Talk interview with Boy Abunda, Page was asked what she thought was the most painful and most intense intrigue that she experienced in showbiz, and she said that it was when she was involved in a sex video scandal that made her quit in 2001 at the height of her popularity.

“Allegedly, I was in a sex video. I think that one was the most painful because I think because it almost as if like, schadenfreude (natutuwa sa kamalasan ng kapwa) people want to believe the worst about someone,” she said.

“And so, I felt like I wasn’t even given an opportunity really because it’s always like whatever’s negative out there is what people will always believe,” she added.

READ: Ellen Adarna has ‘more receipts’ vs Derek Ramsay, claims he ‘terrorized’ helpers

The former actress also admitted that even back then, she never saw herself staying long in the entertainment industry, despite how well her career was going in 2001.

When the scandal broke out, Page was still doing a few shows, but had to leave when she was done with her showbiz commitments to return to the United States to cool her heels.

She had just recently returned to the Philippines for a brief stay, but she said that it was unlikely for her to return to showbiz.

“Feeling ko when I was in showbiz, that was never going to be my endgame. I always had a different endgame. The endgame was that I was not going to grow old in showbiz.”

At the same time, she expressed gratitude to three individuals whom she said played major roles in her showbiz career.

“First, obviously, Boss Vic (del Rosario) of Viva Films because he gave me my first break. Second, I would have to say Maribeth Bichara because she’s been my mentor for so long, and I got to do what I love because of her — and actually have fun doing it,” Page said.

Lastly, the late Action King Fernando Poe Jr., whom she was paired with in a film. “Third, I would have to say maybe Fernando Poe Jr.

“I think I really enjoyed the time I had working with him, and the break I got from… you know, just being able to work with him,” Amanda Page added.

Amanda appeared in the films Rizal in Dapitan, Ang Probinsyano, and Tatsulok. She also became a host on GMA’s former musical variety show SOP, and was part of Bubble Gang and T.G.I.S.. /edv

MANILA, Philippines — An International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) blue notice has been issued for former House of Representatives appropriations committee chairperson and resigned Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced on Monday.

“We believe he is traveling with another passport. We do not know if he is using another name, so we’re still verifying it,” Remulla said in a press conference in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

“The [International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol)] blue notice is out. Now that we have the arrest warrant, the red notice can be out and we will further determine where he actually is,” he added.

READ: Jonvic Remulla: Zaldy Co last seen in Japan ‘a few days ago’

An Interpol blue notice aims to “collect additional information about a person’s identity, location or activities in relation to a criminal investigation,” while an Interpol red notice aims to “seek the location and arrest of persons wanted for prosecution or to serve a sentence.”

Arrest warrants were issued for Co and 15 others by the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan for cases over a P289.5-million road dike project in Oriental Mindoro.

The 16 accused are accused of violations of Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, as well as malversation of public funds through falsification of public documents.

The 15 others accused are Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 4B officials and executives of Sunwest Corporation, a construction firm linked to Co.

READ: 8 accused in Mindoro flood control case under custody

Earlier on Monday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that several of the accused were already in authorities’ custody.

Mugshots shared by the DILG at its press conference with the Philippine National Police, the Department of Justice, the National Bureau of Investigation and the DPWH showed that authorities caught eight suspects. /das

 

 

 

 

Miss Grand International 2025 Emma Tiglao was welcomed by a throng of supporters at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), a month after winning the golden crown at the global tilt. 

Tiglao, who made history as the first back-to-back titleholder after her predecessor CJ Opiaza, was greeted with a group of supporters giving small gifts and waves at Terminal 3 of NAIA on Sunday, November 23. She was joined by the pageant’s founder and president Nawat Itsaragrisil.

“Pilipinas, na-miss ko kayo,” she captioned her post while posting a clip of her arrival in the country.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Emma Mary Tiglao 🇵🇭 (@emmatiglao)

Meanwhile, Itsaragrisil also shared snippets of Tiglao’s return to the country, where he was seen greeting the beauty queen’s supporters with a big smile on his face.

“I am here with your victory queen @emmatiglao Philippines,” he wrote.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nawat Itsaragrisil (@nawat.tv)

Tiglao and Itsaragrisil is also joined by Miss Grand International 2025 first runner-up Gotchabell Sarunrat Puagpipat, who arrived at a later flight, where she was welcomed by pageant fans as well.

“This is my first time in the Philippines. Thank you for welcoming me so warmly. I’m so happy that I can’t stop smiling. I love you,” she said.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sarunrat Puagpipat (@gotchabell)

Puagpipat seems to be enjoying her time in the Philippines so far, as she shared a clip of herself trying balut with Tiglao in what appears to be a street market.

“First time to eat ‘balut’ The first time to eat duck egg. I’m crying. I feel sorry for the little one,” she wrote in Thai. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sarunrat Puagpipat (@gotchabell)

Tiglao is set to greet her supporters in a grand homecoming celebration, with a parade to be held in Makati on Monday, November 24. The route will start at the Tower One & Exchange Plaza, and will traverse through Ayala Avenue, Paseo De Roxas, Makati Avenue, before ending at Ayala Triangle Gardens. 

Also gracing the homecoming parade in Makati is Miss Grand International 2024 CJ Opiaza.

Tiglao will also be returning to her hometown in Pampanga, where another homecoming parade will be held in her honor on Tuesday, November 25 at Puregold DAU in Mabalacat. /edv

The government has sought the help of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to track down two individuals accused of crimes related to the scam hub of a Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo) in Pampanga.

Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) spokesperson Winston Casio disclosed on Sunday that the government has requested a red notice from Interpol against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.

Meanwhile, Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., acting chief of the Philippine National Police, said a red notice has already been issued against Cassandra “Cassie” Li Ong, who is charged with qualified trafficking in connection with the alleged scam hub operated by Lucky South 99 in Pampanga.

According to Interpol, a red notice is a “request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action,…based on an arrest warrant or court order issued by the judicial authorities in the requesting country.”

‘Political persecution’

Roque also faces charges of qualified human trafficking in relation to the Pampanga scam hub.

He was accused of wrongdoing in his capacity as legal counsel for Whirlwind Corp., the same company that leased land to the illegal Pogo.

Since being charged, Roque has attempted to seek asylum from different countries on the grounds of “political persecution.” But the Department of Justice had earlier claimed that the Netherlands had denied his request.

In an interview with dzBB, Casio said, “The Philippine government has already submitted a request for a red notice, an international arrest warrant, for Mr. Roque.”

“It’s a bit difficult because he is projecting that he is allegedly a victim of political persecution,” Casio also pointed out.

Still at large

Nartatez meanwhile said the PNP is coordinating with foreign law enforcement agencies to track down Ong, alleged business partner of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo.

Casio also confirmed a red notice has already been issued against Ong, who was last seen in Japan.

“If I’m not mistaken, her warrant has already been issued in France and our government has received it. Then it will be distributed so there will be a meeting to find Cassandra Li Ong with Ronelyn Baterna,” the PAOCC spokesperson said—referring to the corporate secretary of Lucky South 99 who claimed, during a congressional hearing, that she issued checks of as much as P500,000 to clients of the firm under Ong’s bank account.

Despite an active arrest warrant for qualified human trafficking, Ong had fled to Japan early this year after her release from detention, authorities said.

She was initially detained in the House of Representatives during the congressional probe on Pogos, but was released during the transition into the 20th Congress before a case was filed against her.

Not in contact with lawyers

During a Senate hearing where Ong was revealed to be at large, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian expressed concern that the other accused may use the same “backdoor” that Guo had used earlier when she left the country.

Guo was arrested in Indonesia and returned to the Philippines in September last year. On Nov. 20 she and three others were convicted by the Pasig Regional Trial Court of qualified human trafficking, in connection with alleged criminal activities in another Pogo hub in Bamban.

Ong’s legal counsel said on Sunday they have not been in contact with her “for some time now.”

But lawyer Ferdinand Topacio said their engagement with Ong as her lawyers remains.

“While we have not been in communication with our client for some time now, we are bound by law and the tenets of the legal profession to continue extending to her the best legal services we can render under the circumstances,” Topacio said in a statement. —WITH A REPORT FROM ZACARIAN SARAO INQ

Interpol red notice out on Ong, also sought vs Roque

The government has sought the help of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to track down two individuals accused of crimes related to the scam hub of a Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo) in Pampanga.

Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) spokesperson Winston Casio disclosed on Sunday that the government has requested a red notice from Interpol against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.

Meanwhile, Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., acting chief of the Philippine National Police, said a red notice has already been issued against Cassandra “Cassie” Li Ong, who is charged with qualified trafficking in connection with the alleged scam hub operated by Lucky South 99 in Pampanga.

According to Interpol, a red notice is a “request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action,…based on an arrest warrant or court order issued by the judicial authorities in the requesting country.”

‘Political persecution’

Roque also faces charges of qualified human trafficking in relation to the Pampanga scam hub.

He was accused of wrongdoing in his capacity as legal counsel for Whirlwind Corp., the same company that leased land to the illegal Pogo.

Since being charged, Roque has attempted to seek asylum from different countries on the grounds of “political persecution.” But the Department of Justice had earlier claimed that the Netherlands had denied his request.

In an interview with dzBB, Casio said, “The Philippine government has already submitted a request for a red notice, an international arrest warrant, for Mr. Roque.”

“It’s a bit difficult because he is projecting that he is allegedly a victim of political persecution,” Casio also pointed out.

Still at large

Nartatez meanwhile said the PNP is coordinating with foreign law enforcement agencies to track down Ong, alleged business partner of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo.

Casio also confirmed a red notice has already been issued against Ong, who was last seen in Japan.

“If I’m not mistaken, her warrant has already been issued in France and our government has received it. Then it will be distributed so there will be a meeting to find Cassandra Li Ong with Ronelyn Baterna,” the PAOCC spokesperson said—referring to the corporate secretary of Lucky South 99 who claimed, during a congressional hearing, that she issued checks of as much as P500,000 to clients of the firm under Ong’s bank account.

Despite an active arrest warrant for qualified human trafficking, Ong had fled to Japan early this year after her release from detention, authorities said.

She was initially detained in the House of Representatives during the congressional probe on Pogos, but was released during the transition into the 20th Congress before a case was filed against her.

Not in contact with lawyers

During a Senate hearing where Ong was revealed to be at large, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian expressed concern that the other accused may use the same “backdoor” that Guo had used earlier when she left the country.

Guo was arrested in Indonesia and returned to the Philippines in September last year. On Nov. 20 she and three others were convicted by the Pasig Regional Trial Court of qualified human trafficking, in connection with alleged criminal activities in another Pogo hub in Bamban.

Ong’s legal counsel said on Sunday they have not been in contact with her “for some time now.”

But lawyer Ferdinand Topacio said their engagement with Ong as her lawyers remains.

“While we have not been in communication with our client for some time now, we are bound by law and the tenets of the legal profession to continue extending to her the best legal services we can render under the circumstances,” Topacio said in a statement. —WITH A REPORT FROM ZACARIAN SARAO INQ

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