12 Marso, 2025 Miyerkules

Success Month March in iskup

election campaign period, gun ban in effect

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay  

No to SOGIE bill

Supports Fire Prevention Month March

congratulations Marked Men for Christ Philippines 565th  batch Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, Pangasinan ,looking forward to next batch July 16,2025, Baguio City

Congratulations to 18k views “Komedya O Komida” 6th  edition and  1.9k views “Komedya O Komida” 7th edition of our very own J.Lo

PM for any hospital discharge problem

SC justice ordered return of excess funds to PhilHealth

By Nidz Godino

“We cannot close our eyes for the past years na hindi nabigay in benefits,” Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Kho said after his interpolation said P60 billion in excess funds transferred from  Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to National Treasury should be returned to  state insurance provider.

During  third round of oral arguments on the petition challenging  transfer of PhilHealth’s excess funds, Kho argued  if PhilHealth cannot utilize its funds,  money should instead be allocated to increase contributors’ benefits.

He also criticized  government’s allocation practices, emphasizing that if taxes collected for PhilHealth are not fully transmitted,  remaining balance should be released.

 “So in that case maybe PhilHealth can already request the president to return the money, P60 billion that was transmitted to  government for unprogrammed funds, return that to PhilHealth…for PhilHealth to expand its benefits, hire more people to answer for  needs of  health of our people,” he added. 

He also questioned whether PhilHealth considers  taxes allocated by Congress for subsidies when making its budget requests.

“So therefore, when you come up with your budget request for subsidy, you don’t actually consider  taxes being collected  Congress passed for purposes of subsidy for indirect contributors?” Kho asked during his interpellation with Health Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo. 

Domingo then responded with: “Your honor, budget principles require that it’s needs-based… if we follow it based on  projected fund ceiling or availability, it might not match certain needs.”

In response, Kho expressed concern that PhilHealth was restricting its funding, suggesting that  state insurer was arbitrarily setting limits without considering  subsidies allocated by Congress through collected taxes.

“Now, when you request money for subsidy, are you saying you won’t take that into account…will you create your own formula… because you have limited understanding, there’s  limited need of our people for health,” Kho asked. 

According to Domingo, despite  transfer of excess funds to  National Treasury, PhilHealth’s ability to provide benefits remains secure.

“Your Honor, if it pleases  court, Section 58, sovereign guarantee, even without this maneuver of  P89.9 billion,  government can and always will increase  benefits,” Domingo said.  

The health assistant secretary cited Section 58 of  National Health Insurance Act,  ensures  financial viability of  National Health Insurance Program administered by PhilHealth.

Domingo also argued ongoing legal proceedings were crucial as they reinforced  “use-it-or-lose-it” principle, commonly applied to national government agencies to encourage fund utilization.

He emphasized that government-owned and controlled corporations such as PhilHealth do not operate under same incentive.

“If case is allowed to proceed, if transfer is allowed to proceed, it is use-it or lose-it signal, all national government agencies have, so that we will use our funds… GOCCs like PhilHealth do not have that signal,” he said.

Supreme Court previously issued  restraining order on Oct. 29, 2024, halting  transfer of  remaining P29.9 billion in unused PhilHealth funds.

Earlier transfers included P20 billion on May 10, P10 billion on August 21, and P30 billion on October 16, prompting several individuals to file petitions challenging  legality of  fund transfers.

 Oral  arguments for petitions will continue on April 29.

TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

2 Peter 1:4

⁴ Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

11 Marso, 2025 Martes

Success Month March in iskup

election campaign period, gun ban in effect

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay  

No to SOGIE bill

Supports Fire Prevention Month March

congratulations Marked Men for Christ Philippines 565th  batch Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, Pangasinan ,looking forward to next batch July 16,2025, Baguio City

Congratulations to 17.9k views “Komedya O Komida” 6th  edition and  1.9k views “Komedya O Komida” 7th edition of our very own J.Lo

Family of the late Ilocos Sur Gov. Efren Rafanan Sr. appreciates everyone joined them in their bereavement 

PM for any hospital discharge problem

DENR junked Masungi park developer contract

By J.Lo

“Department approved with finality  cancellation of  contract entered between  Blue Star and  DENR in connection with the land areas in Masungi in Tanay, Rizal,” Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)  Assistant Secretary for legal affairs Norlito Enaran said DENR has canceled its joint venture agreement with  private contractor and developer of  popular Masungi Georeserve for  establishment of  housing complex within protected forest area in Tanay, Rizal.

At  press conference, Enaran announced cancellation of  department’s contract with Blue Star Construction Development Corp. and ordered  firm and  family controlling it to vacate  reservation area within 15 days.

Blue Star had been tapped to undertake  construction of 5,000 housing units for government employees within  300-hectare forest area in Masungi.

In its decision,  DENR cited Blue Star’s reported contract violations, including lack of required presidential proclamation allowing  housing project, absence of document to prove that  proposed construction went through regular procurement or bidding process, and failure to deliver  agreed-upon 5,000-unit garden cottages housing project within five years from signing of  contract on Nov. 15, 2002.

DENR informed Blue Star owner and Masungi Georeserve proponent Ben Dumaliang of reported contract breach in  letter. DENR formed  special committee in July 2019 to review  2002 contract.

He explained  Blue Star initially signed  joint venture agreement with  DENR in 1997 for  survey, design, construction, development and marketing of  project called “garden cottages” on  130-hectare government property in Tanay, Rizal.

“Blue Star was still able to secure  supplemental agreement in 2002 that even increased their project area to additional 300 hectares, despite no substantial housing units built on  original 130 hectares awarded,” he added.

Intended beneficiaries of housing units were employees of various government agencies including DENR, Department of Education, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of National Defense, Department of Transportation, Office of the President and the Presidential Management Staff.

Enaran said additional government housing units covered by 2002 supplemental agreement were supposed to be located in Lot 10, where Dumaliang family had built structures and currently operates Masungi Georeserve, DENR official described as  “resort that charges visitors for day treks to caves, stone formations, trails and rope bridges.”

“Garden cottages, covered by 1997 Joint Venture Agreement and originally intended as housing for government employees, are now venues for weddings and pre-nuptial shoots Dumaliangs also charge  fee,” Enaran pointed out.

He said  DENR is ready to manage Geopark even without Blue Star or Dumaliangs.

“General idea is for DENR to take control of this area as well as other government agencies who have rights in these areas…remember that this 300 hectares is now titled in favor of  Department of Justice through  Bureau of Corrections, 270 hectares are titled with Bureau of Corrections and 30 hectares are titled with DENR regional office in Calabarzon,” he added.

He stressed DENR is empowered to cancel contract and order eviction of Blue Star and enforce laws, rules and regulations.

“No one has monopoly when it comes to  protection and conservation of environment…in fact, mandate of DENR is to protect environment, conserve, preserve natural resources of the country, nobody has  monopoly…in fact, local government unit also has mandate to protect environment… no one is above the law…if you violate the law, government will act on it, that’s the message we want to convey,” he maintained.

He also revealed  existence of  2008 Memorandum of Agreement with Blue Star allowing  latter to build 145 housing units in  1.5-hectare Pueblocillo Village in Dasmariñas City, Cavite to compensate for its failure to deliver on its promise to build 5,000 housing units in Masungi and develop  community center school site, as well as establish right of way for access roads and water mains, among other improvements.

11 Marso, 2025 Martes

Success Month March in iskup

election campaign period, gun ban in effect

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay  

No to SOGIE bill

Supports Fire Prevention Month March

congratulations Marked Men for Christ Philippines 565th  batch Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, 

Pangasinan ,looking forward to next batch July 16,2025, Baguio City

Congratulations to 17.9k views “Komedya O Komida” 6th  edition and  1.9k views “Komedya O Komida” 7th edition of our very own J.Lo

Family of the late Ilocos Sur Gov. Efren Rafanan Sr. appreciates everyone joined them in their bereavement 

PM for any hospital discharge problem

More women in judiciary-SC

By Nidz Godino

AS Philippines celebrates Women’s Month this March Supreme Court (SC) touted increased representation of women in judiciary.

Women now comprise over half of sitting judges in trial courts at 56 percent, according to Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo.

In appellate courts, women justices account for 77 percent in Court of Tax Appeals, 45 percent in the Court of Appeals (CA), and 35 percent in  Sandiganbayan.

He made emphasis during SC’s kickoff activity for Women’s Month on March 3, themed “Babae: Sapat ka! Higit pa!,” paying tribute to women as “Pillars of Rule of Law and  Just and Humane Society.”

Gesmundo noted two of the sitting SC justices are women: Associate Justices Amy Lazaro-Javier and Maria Filomena Singh.

Appellate  courts also have two women presiding justices: CA Presiding Justice Fernanda Lampas Peralta and Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Geraldine Faith Econg.

Gesmundo cautioned that true empowerment is not simply about increasing representation, but also about “fostering   system  women’s leadership, insights and expertise are valued and fully integrated into shaping   nation’s institutional and cultural fabric.”

For her part, Lazaro-Javier said women empowerment “should not be defined as  ‘process’ of ‘becoming stronger’  because we already are.”

She proposed  new definition of women empowerment as “ endless possibilities women create when they embrace their innate abilities to lead and change the world.”

For his part, Associate Justice Jhosep Lopez said women are now dominating  legal profession, with more women than men passing  Bar exams since 2013.

In  2024 Shari’ah Bar exams, where 62.3 percent of  passers were female, nine of  11 topnotchers were women, he said.

Meanwhile, Akbayan party-list  paid tribute to Filipino women ahead of International Women’s Day, highlighting their courage and contributions to society.

Land Transportation Office will conduct  free theoretical driving course for female applicants as part of  celebration of National Women’s Month.

10 Marso, 2025 Lunes

Success Month March in iskup

election campaign period, gun ban in effect

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay  

No to SOGIE bill

Supports Fire Prevention Month March

congratulations Marked Men for Christ Philippines 565th  batch Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, Pangasinan ,looking forward to next batch July 16,2025, Baguio City

Congratulations to 17.8k views “Komedya O Komida” 6th  edition and  1.9k views “Komedya O Komida” 7th edition of our very own J.Lo

Family of the late Ilocos Sur Gov. Efren Rafanan Sr. appreciates everyone joined them in their bereavement 

PM for any hospital discharge problem

Top  aviation award to 2 PAF fighter jet pilots succumbed in crash

By J.Lo

“In this time of sorrow, our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic loss… as we grieve together, we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing  necessary support and resources to help individuals and families through this difficult time,” Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr. said two Philippine Air Force pilots  lost their lives when  FA-50 fighter jet they were operating crash-landed in Bukidnon have been given  highest honor for aviators in  Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

In recognition of their dedicated service, Major Jude Salang-Oy and 1st Lieutenant April John Dadulla were posthumously awarded  Distinguished Aviation Cross.

Salang-O and Dadulla’s remains were flown back to Villamor Air Base in Pasay City aboard C-130 aircraft, where top government and AFP officials were waiting to confer military honors to the fallen pilots.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. was represented by Lagdameo at arrival honors, offering his condolences and also extended government assistance to the families of  fallen pilots.

Lagdameo expressed  government’s collective grief over loss of the two heroes  made ultimate sacrifice in service to the Filipino people.

PAF 403rd Infantry Brigade commander Colonel Antonio Duluan Jr. said two pilots were supposed to provide air support to ground troops against New People’s Army rebels located in the mountain range on March 4 before incident.

Vigil  will also be held at Villamor Air Base and Basa Air Base in Pampanga, allowing fellow PAF personnel and officers to pay their respects to the fallen pilots.

Remains  of Major Salang-Oy and Lieutenant Dadulla were discovered on March 5 inside their FA-50 aircraft, went down in Bukidnon’s mountainous terrain.

During  routine operation on the night of March 4,  FA-50 fighter jet went missing. It was en route to land at Mactan Airbase in Cebu but lost communication with  companion aircraft before disappearing from  radar.

Ceremony  was also attended by various military and government officials, including Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and AFP Chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. 

TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

1 Peter 3:15

¹⁵ But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

9 Marso, 2025 Linggo

Success Month March in iskup

election campaign period, gun ban in effect

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay  

No to SOGIE bill

Supports Fire Prevention Month March

congratulations Marked Men for Christ Philippines 565th  batch Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, Pangasinan ,looking forward to next batch July 16, 2025, Baguio City

Congratulations to 17.7k views “Komedya O Komida” 6th  edition and  1.7k views “Komedya O Komida” 7th edition of our very own J.Lo

Family of the late Ilocos Sur Gov. Efren Rafanan Sr. appreciates everyone joined them in their bereavement 

PM for any hospital discharge problem

Korean fugitive arrested anew  after escaping court hearing

By J.Lo

“Actually na-establish na po naming hindi sa CR…lumabas siya ng building ng Office of the City Prosecutor ng Quezon City kasama ang mga tauhan ng BI at sumakay sa isang BI vehicle,” Immigration Commissioner Joel Viado said in  press briefing South Korean fugitive who escaped during his case hearing on March 4 has been re-arrested in Angeles City, Pampanga.

Na Ikhyeon, 28, was apprehended in  residential area in Barangay Pampang, according to Viado.

Authorities also apprehended his accomplice, Kang Changbeom, who is believed to have aided in the escape.

CCTV footage and intelligence reports support  claim that Kang played  role in Na’s flight.

Na escaped from authorities on March 4 while attending  case hearing against him in Quezon City.

Further investigation by the Korean National Police Agency revealed that Kang is also  wanted fugitive in South Korea for fraud.

Both individuals will be detained at  Bureau of Immigration’s detention facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, under heightened security due to their escape attempt and high-risk status.

Following Na Ikhyeon’s escape, Viado also confirmed that bureau terminated two contractual employees involved. Case  of  permanent BI employee implicated in the incident was referred to  Department of Justice, leading to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla ordering  employee’s dismissal.

9 Marso, 2025 Linggo

Success Month March in iskup

election campaign period, gun ban in effect

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay  

No to SOGIE bill

Supports Fire Prevention Month March

congratulations Marked Men for Christ Philippines 565th  batch Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, Pangasinan ,looking forward to next batch July 16,2025, Baguio City

Congratulations to 17.7k views “Komedya O Komida” 6th  edition and  1.8k views “Komedya O Komida” 7th edition of our very own J.Lo

Family of the late Ilocos Sur Gov. Efren Rafanan Sr. appreciates everyone joined them in their bereavement 

PM for any hospital discharge problem

Headlines

FMJ seeks to strengthen people-to-people ties with UK

By Nidz Godino

“That’s  very clear indication of how strong our relations have become in many, many areas…so, I’m sure your visit will be  symbol of that strengthening relationship, “President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told United Kingdom (UK) Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs David Lammy at Malacañang he  aims to strengthen people-to-people ties with United Kingdom, home to about 200,000 Filipino workers.

In  meeting with Lammy, Marcos emphasized Philippines could further enhance its people-to-people exchanges with  European country due to their strong relations.

He noted that number of Filipinos residing and working in UK has significantly increased, reflecting deepening ties between two nations.

According to Presidential Communications Office (PCO), Filipinos in  UK are employed across various sectors, including information technology, aviation, hospitality, service and health care.

There has also been  notable rise in  number of Filipino engineers and information technology experts working with UK telecommunications, software and e-commerce solutions firms.

Aside from ties and exchanges,  two leaders also discussed key issues related to maritime, trade and investments, climate change and  environment, according to  statement issued by  PCO.

Lammy’s visit is part of ongoing efforts to enhance relations between Manila and London, established formal diplomatic ties in 1946.

6 Marso, 2025 Huwebes

Success Month March in iskup

election campaign period, gun ban in effect

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay  

No to SOGIE bill

Supports Fire Prevention Month March

congratulations Marked Men for Christ Philippines 565th  batch Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, Pangasinan, looking forward to next batch July 16,2025, Baguio City

Congratulations to 16.6k views “Komedya O Komida” 6th  edition and  1.7k views “Komedya O Komida” 7th edition of our very own J.Lo

Deepest symphaty to the family of late Ilocos Sur Gov. Efren Rafanan Jr. 

PM for any hospital discharge problem

Headlines

Fighter jet wreckage found; 2 pilots perished

By J.Lo

“Despite challenging conditions, including dense fog and difficult terrain, PAF helicopters successfully deployed Army Special Forces and civilian volunteers for ground searches,” Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo after hours of full-scale search and recovery operations for its missing FA-50 fighter jet, Philippine Air Force’s worst fears were realized.

In  statement,  PAF confirmed finding FA-50 wreckage on Mount Kalatungan in Bukidnon, and with it, bodies of its two pilots.

Names of the pilots have yet to be released pending proper notification of their relatives.

FA-50 went missing shortly after midnight on March 4 while on  mission to support ground troops engaged in encounter with  New People’s Army (NPA),  PAF said.

 PAF, alongside  Philippine Army and local civilian volunteers, mounted search and recovery operations on the ground, while PAF air assets conducted aerial searches utilizing signals from  aircraft’s emergency locator transmitter and locator beacons, Castillo said.

Philippine Army’s Malaybalay-based 493rd Brigade also dispatched helicopters and rescue groups to the area at noon of March 4, according to Lt. Col. Salvacion Evangelista, spokesperson for  Army’s Eastern Mindanao Command based in Davao.

Evangelista said  FA-50 fighter jet was dispatched for  airstrike against over 100 armed NPA rebels fighting state forces in the boundary of Bukidnon and Agusan del Sur about 1 in the morning on Tuesday.

Following the crash, Castillo said  PAF has grounded its FA-50 fleet, comprising 11 other fighter jets, and will ensure  thorough investigation into  mishap. 

“We are committed to providing all  necessary support to the bereaved families during this difficult time,” she said.

The Philippine Army extended its condolences to the families of  deceased pilots.

“We honor their heroism and sacrifice to attain peace in the country,” Army spokesman Col. Louie Dema-ala said in  statement.

“Their bravery will continue to inspire  Philippine Army in its relentless pursuit of maintaining stability, genuine peace and inclusive development throughout the nation,” he added.

Meanwhile,  PAF said  investigation will look into all possible reasons, including but not limited to material, aircraft, pilot error and weather.

Castillo noted that  fallen pilots and all of  PAF’s pilots are well-trained and very qualified to fly  FA-50 fighter jet even at night.

She said specific details about  wreckage cannot be released yet because some information remain sketchy at the moment.

 Downed  aircraft was among 12 brand new fighter jets acquired from South Korea in 2015 and delivered in 2017.

Almost four years ago, two tragedies involving  military’s air assets, including  brand new attack helicopter, claimed  lives of 59 people. 

In June 2021, one of the PAF’s Black Hawk helicopters crashed in Tarlac, leaving three pilots and three crew members dead. Results of the probe showed that  aircraft “inadvertently entered  thunderstorm and was compounded by spatial disorientation or vertigo by the pilot.”

Following  month,  C-130 military cargo plane crash-landed at  Jolo Airport in Sulu, killing 50 soldiers and three civilians, an accident attributed to material, human and environmental factors. 

5 March, 2025 Miyerkules

Success Month March in iskup

election campaign period, gun ban in effect

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay  

No to SOGIE bill

Supports Fire Prevention Month March

congratulations Marked Men for Christ Philippines 565th  batch Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, Pangasinan ,looking forward to next batch July 16,2025, Baguio City

Congratulations to 16.5k views “Komedya O Komida” 6th  edition and  1.7k views “Komedya O Komida” 7th edition of our very own J.Lo

Deepest symphaty to the family of late Ilocos Sur Gov. Efren Rafanan Jr. 

PM for any hospital discharge problem

Comelec reaches out to noontime show contestant

By  Cynthia Montojo

“I invited her to go to  Comelec tomorrow after lunch…she will be coming from Pampanga,” Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman George Garcia has invited  contestant from It’s Showtime to  poll body’s office following  viral moment on the show, where  20-year-old admitted her lack of knowledge about  election body.

Garcia told reporters on Monday, March 3, that contestant Heart Aquino, will be visiting  Comelec headquarters after lunch. 

Invitation  comes after Aquino,  contestant on  beauty contest segment of “It’s Showtime” last February 28, was asked to deliver  message to Comelec but admitted she had limited knowledge about  election body despite being of voting age. 

Host Vice Ganda remarked Aquino’s unfamiliarity with Comelec was “bothersome.”

Clips of the episode have since circulated on social media, prompting discussions online on the country’s learning crisis and gaps in the Philippines’ education system.  

Garcia expressed understanding rather than criticism toward Aquino, suggesting her situation might reflect  broader lack of awareness among young Filipinos.

“We fully understand her…there are several other youth like her…  our solemn duty to explain who we are and what we are doing,” Garcia said.

Garcia also acknowledged institutional responsibility in reaching young voters like Aquino. The scheduled conversation with her is “for our full understanding as to why it is our failure, we have to immediately rectify ” Garcia said. 

Garia views upcoming conversation with Aquino as opportunity rather than  reprimand and sees  potential for broader voter education.

“If she is converted as  believer, then we can perhaps do the same for others…voters education is the key,” he said.

Last year, Garcia urged election candidates to incorporate voter education materials in their campaigns to help citizens understand  voting process for upcoming elections.