Windows26: Weekend Roundup: ICC return, resumption of peace talks, KathNiel breakup

UPDATE PREFERENCES

Weekend Roundup
December 2, 2023

Hi, reader! This is your #WeekendRoundup, where we bundle up everything and everywhere for your quick catch-up.

At a glance:

Biggest stories: Major stories this week include the country's possible ICC return, the resumption of peace talks, and the breakup of power couple Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla.

Check this out: New print magazine shop in Ortigas; Biology lecture on "Attack on Titan"

The International Criminal Court. ICC PHOTO

Risa files ICC resolution

Sen. Risa Hontiveros filed a resolution urging Malacañang to cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC) and accommodate the international tribunal's bid to start its investigation.

Hontiveros said the ideal way for the Philippine government to uphold human rights is by working with the ICC.

In the lower house, Rep. Edcel Lagman requested that the two panels, which filed similar resolutions, coordinate with Hontiveros so that both chambers of Congress could pass a concurrent resolution instead.

For former Sen. Leila de Lima, rejoining the ICC should not be difficult since she said the Philippines' withdrawal in the first place only serves the interest of one man — former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte said she respects President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s decision to study the prospect of having the country return as a member of the tribunal.

Peace talks resume

In a historic move, the Philippine government and the Communist Party of the Philippines expressed willingness to resume peace negotiations, to hammer out a final agreement to end an armed conflict spanning more than half a century.

President Marcos Jr. called the resumption of peace talks with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) an "optimistic step."

The Makabayan bloc party-list members also lauded the government and the NDFP for agreeing to revive their peace negotiations.

The last time the negotiations stalled was in 2017, when then-President Duterte terminated the talks through a proclamation.

WPS updates

To stay updated with the West Philippine Sea (WPS) tensions, here are the stories you must read for this week.

PH, Vietnam urge compliance with Unclos in South China Sea
Senators move to pass PH maritime zones law to stop China's bullying
NSC approves Christmas convoy to WPS; BRP Sierra Madre still off limits
Chinese jets seen shadowing PH aircraft during AFP drill with Australia

KathNiel breakup

Filipino power couple Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, also known as "KathNiel," announced they have "decided to part ways," ending an 11-year romance.

They broke the news to fans via their Instagram accounts, with Kathryn calling it a "chapter" being "closed," without saying the reason for the split-up.

The breakup, officially confirmed by Bernardo and Padilla on Thursday, November 30, after much public speculation, has garnered international attention.

As fans mourn their separation, allow us to take a bittersweet trip down memory lane as we look back at their 11-year relationship. Read Hannah Mallorca's timeline here.

Print isn't dead!

Two Business partners have had enough of exorbitant local retail prices and extortionate customs fees—but just not yet with print—so they put up their own magazine shop that operates at minimal margins.

The magazine shop Spruce, according to Ric Gindap and Bonnapart Galeng, is the first of its kind in

Some of these titles were previously only accessible to well-traveled readers willing to pay extra for excess baggage of heavy tomes or those who could shell out money for international shipping.

Biology lecture on 'Attack on Titan'

In case it hasn't crossed your socials, the University of the Philippines Diliman's Institute of Biology is holding a series of seminars that will tackle various forms of pop culture, as part of the Biology 196 undergraduate course.

The one that's been raking the most intrigue is a gift for the "Attack on Titan" fans. Called "Beyond The Walls," this undergraduate seminar is said to examine "the biology of the Titans in 'Shingeki no Kyojin'".

There's something for "Demon Slayer" enjoyers, is set to uncover the toxic secrets of wisteria, a plant frequently spotted in the series and is used to combat demons.

Thanks for reading this far! For suggestions and other feedback, you can reach me at newsletter@inquirer.net.

Samuel J. Yap

Content Producer, Digital Content Distribution