July 25, 2012 Edition

An additional 1,200 troops have been called on by the British government to provide security for the 2012 London Olympics, 3 days before the start of the games. This brings the total number of military personnel assigned to the Olympics to 18,200. The move is seen as an effort to allay growing fears that security measures for the games are insufficient. Last week, global security company G4S, contracted to provide security for the Olympics, admitted that the company’s performance was in “humiliating shambles” after failing to provide the guaranteed number of security staff for the games.  Government officials did not explain further their decision to deploy more people, but according to Jeremy Hunt, Secretary of State for culture, Olympics, media and sport, “ministers are clear that we should leave nothing to chance,” and that “government continues to have every confidence that we will deliver a safe and secure Games.” 

Read more on New York Times 

A Roman Catholic church official in Philadelphia was sentenced to 3-6 years in prison after he was convicted of covering up sex abuses by priests under his supervision. The sentence makes Msgr. William Lynn the most senior Catholic official in the US to be convicted in relation to sex abuse cases within he church. Lynn was convicted in June on 1 count of endangering a child. The trial lasted more than two months and revealed long time efforts by the archdiocese of Philadelphia to play down accusations of child sex abuse. Lawyers for the 61-year-old Lynn have appealed to reduce his sentence to avoid jail time but prosecutors are pushing for maximum penalty. 

Read more on New York Times

Fighting between Syrian rebels and government forces continue to escalate in Allepo, Syria’s financial hub. The fight to take over Allepo began over the weekend with rebels hoping to gain control over Syria’s largest city. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton sees these territorial gains creating a “safe haven” from the administration of President Bashar al-Assad. Government fighter jets bombed eastern portions of the city on Tuesday, July 24 in an attempt to take back areas of the city under rebel-control. Meanwhile international concern over the existence of weapons of mass destruction in Syria are growing. A spokesperson from Syria’s foreign ministry told reporters that these chemical weapons would not be used to fight Syrian rebel forces but could be used in case of “external aggression”. US President Barack Obama says Syria will be held accountable if it does. 

Read more on BBC.

Fears that Germany will lose its AAA credit status is creating ripples of uncertainty among German nationals. While politicians and economists are quick to downplay Moody’s negative outlook on Germany’s credit rating, the move has angered Germans who blame the government for footing Greece’s bailout package. Germany is one of the strongest economies in the eurozone and in recent months has stepped in to handle bailout packages of ailing Greece. Politicians in Berlin are confident that the economy remains strong, but a spokesman quoting Chancellor Angela Merkel says “Germany’s power is not unlimited.” Bond prices fell on Tuesday, July 24 following the news, but economists say Germany’s borrowing rates are likely to remain the same, as German debt remains a safe-haven investment. 

Read more on Huffington Post and Spiegel Online.

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak publicly apologized for a corruption scandal involving his older brother Lee Sang-deuk. The apology aired on South Korean television, Tuesday, July 24 comes two weeks after the President’s older brother was arrested on allegations that he received half a million dollars from bank officials seeking political influence. Investigators are looking into whether the money was used to fund Lee’s political campaign in 2007. Lee’s 5-year term as President ends in December. In his speech Lee stated that he believed he would be involved only in clean politics adding, “however, my whole world seemed to be collapsing as disappointing and regrettable incidents occurred to people closest to me. I can barely hold my head up with embarrassment and sorrow.”
Read more on Washington Post

A day after the 3rd State of the Nation Address of President Benigno Aquino, Malacañang submitted to Congress its proposed P2-trillion budget for 2013. Next year’s budget is 10.5% or P190 billion higher than 2012, based on higher growth assumptions for 2013 and taking into account inflation. A large chunk of the budget will go to social services. Among the government departments,  Education gets the highest allotment P292.7 billion, followed by Public Works and Highways at P152.9 billion. During his budget message, President Aquino called the budget a crucial step in its continuing pursuit of good governance. 

Readmore on Rappler

Day 1 of the Judicial Bar Council (JBC) interviews for the position of Supreme Court Chief Justice took place Tuesday, July 24, with Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, considered a palace favorite for the post, being among those interviewed. But in the way of her possible appointment are the disbarment case filed against her at the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, her lack of legal experience, and her perceived partisanship. De Lima has until July 30 to have the cases against her dismissed otherwise she will be disqualified. For the the first time ever the JBC’s public interviews of the 22 nominees are televised nationwide. The JBC’s job is to vet candidates and put together a shortlist for the President to pick from.

Read more on Rappler.

A recent study shows that all Filipinos are mestizo. According to research by Spanish biologist Antonio Gonzalez-Martin a majority of Filipinos today come from populations that have migrated from China and Taiwan, almost 25% are of Malay ancestry. Gonzalez-Martin adds that there is no such thing as being 50% Filipino and 50% something else, because we are all of a mix of the same genes, “We are just groups of people, with very slight differences among each other. Those differences are just genetic mutations over time, but in essence we are all the same.” Gonzalez-Martin’s study on the genetic history of Filipinos and how human migration has affected the demographics of the Philippines is far from complete, so far DNA analysis has only covered maternal lineage of subjects.

Read more on Rappler.

Police have recovered more than 30 homemade grenades in the home of James E. Holmes, the suspect behind last week’s Colorado movie theater shooting. Holmes is said to have boobytrapped his apartment with the grenades and about 10 gallons of gasoline. Aurora Police Chief Daniel Oates told reporters that there is evidence pointing to the incident being calculated and deliberate. 12 people were killed and 58 other were wounded when Holmes opened fire during a screening of the movie The Dark Knight Returns. Holmes, who has identified himself to authorities as “The Joker” appeared in court for the first time on Monday, July 23. Formal first degree murder charges are expected to be filed against him on July 30. 

Read more on CNN.

Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has posted bail for her electoral sabotage case following a decision by the Pasay Regional Trial Court Branch 112 released earlier today, July 25. Arroyo’s petition for bail was granted on grounds that the evidence against her was weak, not enough to provide strong evidence of guilt required by the Rules of Court. Defense lawyers for Arroyo insist the prosecution’s star witness Norie Unas does not have personal knowledge of Arroyo’s alleged crime. The notice was served to both parties at 10am today, July 25. Arroyo posted bail amounting to P1 but it is unclear if she will be allowed to leave the Veteran’s Memorial Medical Center (VMMC), where she has been detained for the last 8 months, as she is scheduled to appear before the Sandiganbayan tomorrow to face plunder charges also filed against her. 

Read more on Rappler

 

More in #ArroyoWatch: 

• Sandiganbayan: Why was Arroyo released?
• Comelec to file motion against Arroyo bail
• Court grants Arroyo bail in election case
• Court bars Arroyo, ex-PCSO chair from leaving
• Arroyo, 9 others charged with plunder
• Arroyo bail feared due to ‘rushed’ case
• Ombudsman asked to file plunder case vs Arroyo
• Comelec broke rules to charge Arroyo