Filipino Seaman Honored for Bravery in Risky Sea Rescue

Australian Maritime Safety Authority CEO Mick Kinley, Able Seaman Vicente Somera, Mrs. Lilibeth Somera, and Ambassador Enrique Manalo, Philippine Envoy to the United Kingdom. (Source: Australian Maritime Safety Authority)

A special panel of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on November 19 in London cited a Filipino seaman for risking his own life in treacherous sea conditions to save the lone Australian sailor of a stricken boat. Able Seaman Vicente Somera of the Philippines was conferred a Certificate of Commendation for his role in the rescue, reports Inquirer.net.

The Hunt Is On for the Missing Marcos Paintings

The Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) will seek the public’s help in the recovery of at least 200 missing art works, including paintings by Van Gogh, Picasso, Monet, Rembrandt and Michelangelo that were owned by former first lady Imelda Marcos, as experts concluded yesterday the appraisal of the Marcos jewelry collections seized nearly three decades ago.

PCGG Commissioner Andrew de Castro said they would launch a website next month where the public can provide tips on the whereabouts of the masterpieces that went missing following the ouster of President Ferdinand Marcos in the February 1986 Edsa revolt. Read more on Inquirer.net.

At the Hague: China Tried to "Physically Expel" PH

China’s blocking of Philippine ships bringing supplies to Filipino soldiers stationed at Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal) was a deliberate move to “physically expel” the Philippines and its people from the disputed areas of the South China Sea region being claimed by the Philippines.

This was one of the arguments presented by the Philippine legal team before the UN Permanent Court of Arbitration as it wrapped up on Thursday the first round of arguments in the hearing on the merits of the case that the Philippines filed to invalidate China’s claim to nearly the entire South China Sea. More from Inquirer.net.

PH Ranked Highest in Asia-Pacific in Gender Equality

The Philippines climbed two notches in the latest Global Gender Gap Index of the World Economic Forum, remaining the highest-ranked country in the Asia-Pacific region. The report showed that out of 145 countries in Asia and the Pacific, the Philippines remains the region's highest-ranked country, placing higher than New Zealand (10th) and Australia (36th), reports ABS-CBN News.

Aquino Hits Bongbong for Non-Apology of Martial Law

“When you cannot admit a mistake, are you not guaranteeing the repetition of that mistake?”

Thus said President Benigno Aquino III during the launch of the book “The Aquino Legacy: An Enduring Narrative” at Raffles Hotel in Makati City on Thursday.

“There is a particular candidate for next year’s elections, who says repeatedly that he is ready and willing to say sorry, if only he knew what there is to apologize for… Perhaps this book can help to enlighten him and add to his knowledge of our past.”

Aquino, son of the late democracy icon and former president Corazon Aquino, was obviously alluding to vice presidential aspirant Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., son and namesake of the late dictator who enforced martial law in the country. More in Inquirer.net.

Duterte Leads in Metro Manila Survey

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte (Photo by Bullit Marquez/AP)

Metro Manila, the country’s economic and political center, prefers Davao City Mayor Rodrigo “Digong” Duterte —who is known for his tough stance on crime—as the next President.

The upper and middle classes, as well as the poor, gave Duterte the highest scores among presidential aspirants in a survey conducted by Pulse Asia Research Inc. two weeks ago. Read more in Inquirer.net.

Imelda's Jewelry Appraised for Possible Auction

The Philippine government is appraising the dazzling jewelry collection seized three decades ago from Imelda Marcos, the former first lady famous for her massive stash of shoes, as it decides what to do with the jewels one expert compared to those owned by royalty.

The jewelry was seized when dictator Ferdinand Marcos and his family fled to Hawaii in 1986 following a popular revolt that ended his two decades in power. The pieces include a barrel-shaped diamond worth at least US$5 million and a Cartier diamond tiara that's likely multiple times more valuable than the previous estimate of $30,000 to $50,000. More on CTVNews.ca.

Philippines vs. China: Back in the Hague

Led by Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario, the Philippines’ powerhouse team against China is back in The Hague on Tuesday, November 24, to defend Manila’s historic case against Beijing over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

Philippine Solicitor General Florin Hilbay and the Southeast Asian country’s lead counsel, Paul Reichler, said the Philippine team is “fully prepared to present” the country's case to the arbitral tribunal in The Hague.

The arbitral tribunal at the Permanent Court of Arbitration is hearing the merits of the Philippines’ case beginning Tuesday. More in Rappler.com.