June 6, 2012 Edition

A key leader of the terrorist group Al Qaeda was killed during a US drone strike that took place Monday, June 4, in Pakistan. A US military official who spoke to CNN on the condition of anonymity said the man is Abu Yahya al-Libi – the number 2 man in Al Qaeda. The official told CNN that Al-Libi “played a critical role in the group’s planning against the West, providing oversight of the external operations efforts,” and that “there is no one who even comes close in terms of replacing the expertise (al Qaeda) has just lost.” US counter terrorism officials believe al-Libi and al Qaeda’s Number 1 man, Ayman al-Zawahiri, are the only real leaders left in the terror organization after a successful US drone campaign in Pakistan.

Read more on CNN

The Philippines and China have both agreed to withdraw key vessels from the disputed Scarborough Shoal following consultations between the two countries. DFA spokesperson Raul Hernandez said only 30 Chinese fishing vessels remain in the area after the withdrawal. Malacañang has hailed the move, saying that it eased tensions, and that it was a step in the right direction. The Philippines has deployed a new ambassador to China to help mend the dispute, which experts say is more diplomatic than military in nature. President Benigno Aquino III also has the crisis on the agenda when he meets with US President Barack Obama this week.  

Read more on Rappler

President Benigno Aquino III meets with British Prime Minister David Cameron in London today, June 6, as part of his 3-day official visit to the United Kingdom. Yesterday, the President met with European investors, including Swiss commodities giant Glencore International that committed to invest up to US$350 in copper and gold mining projects in Mindanao. Communications and Strategic Planning Secretary Ricky Carandang says the Glendcore investment will generate up to 700 new jobs.

Full story on Rappler

Chances of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo being granted bail soon are getting stronger with the disappearance of a crucial witness in her electoral sabotage case. Witness Russel Mabang was supposed to corroborate the testimony of star witness and former Maguindanao election supervisor Norie Unas, but he disappeared last week. Court spokesperson Felda Domingo said there is a possibility of a motion for bail, after the court could not see what it was looking for. While electoral sabotage is a non-bailable capital offense, the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure guarantees suspects the right to post bail if the prosecution cannot prove that its evidence is strong.

More details on Rappler

Brothers Phil and James Younghusband both scored one goal each, allowing the Philippines to draw Indonesia 2-2 in the second of a series of three FIFA-sanctioned friendly matches. Coach Michael Weiss, taking the opportunity to let newer players get some much needed experience, fielded the two only during the second half of the match.

The Azkals will see action next on Independence Day, June 12, when they fight Macao at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City. The Philippine squad finished a scoreless draw against Malaysia last week.

More details on Rappler

Banco de Oro is all set for the biggest share sale in the country when it offers up to 895 million common shares in a rights offer to investors at P48.60 a piece in an attempt to raise US$1.88B – the biggest ever equity deal in the country. The previous record was US$611-M raised by Cebu Pacific during its initial public offering (IPO) in October 2010. The rights offer is intended to support BDO’s play to participate in the government’s PPP program through financing.

Read more on Rappler

A solar plane made history on Tuesday, June 5 (June 6 Manila time), when it landed in the Moroccan capital of Rabat after flying from Spain across the Straight of Gibraltar on the world’s first intercontinental flight powered by the sun. The Swiss-made Solar impulse is as big as an Airbus A340 but as light as an average family car. It did not run on fuel, and instead relied on 12,000 solar cells built into its wings to power its 4 electrical motors. The voyage covered a total distance of 2,500km. A planned around-the-world flight is being planned for 2014.

More details on Rappler

Many fans had predicted this would eventually happen. Filipino-Mexican American Idol runner up Jessica Sanchez will be singing the US national anthem during the Pacquiao-Bradley fight which will take place this Saturday, June 9 (Sunday, June 10, in Manila). Sanchez will be singing before a live crowd of over 16,000 fans and tens of millions of viewers worldwide.

Full story on Rappler

Astronomers around the world have trained their telescopes on the skies today, June 6, to watch Venus pass in front of the Sun, a once-in-a-lifetime event that will not be seen for another 105 years. Experts warn, however, that the 7-hour event should only be viewed using approved solar filters to avoid risk of blindness. The entire transit will be visible in the Philippines and the rest of East Asia and Western Pacific. The rest of the world, including Europe, will only get to see the end stages of the eclipse when the sun rises today. The last Venus Transit took place in 2004, but the next one won’t happen until 2117.

Watch the livestream of the transit here

Also read up on why it is one of the most important events in science history

The gaming world is all abuzz about the newly announced controller & updated version of Nintendo’s gaming console, the Wii U. Launched at Nintendo’s Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 5, the Wii U is set for a holiday 2012 release and is aimed at breathing new life into the aging gaming console. The standout difference of the Wii U is its 6.2-inch wireless controller that has a built-in touch screen, front facing camera, speakers, accelerometer, and gyroscope. The folks over at Engadget got their hands on the device.

Here are their initial impressions