TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

Proverbs 15:1

15 A gentle answer turns away wrath,
    but a harsh word stirs up anger.

3 Hunio 2024, Lunes

City of Makati, France in June

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Guo’s mom can’t be traced in Ph– senator

By Nidz Godino

“That makes our call for  DNA test with the mother unlikely,”   senator, earlier dared Bamban Mayor Alice Guo to take  DNA test with Lin Wen to disprove allegations  she lied about having  Filipino househelp mother.

 Alleged  Chinese mother of  Guo can no longer be located in the country, according to Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian.

Latest information provided to Senate by  Bureau of Immigration is  Guo’s father Jian Zhong Guo and alleged mother Lin Wen Yi or “Winnie” have not yet returned from abroad, Gatchalian said.

The two could still be staying in China, their native country, he added.

 “Because they are Chinese citizens, they are free to go to China and never return here,” Gatchalian added of  parents, who travelled together at least 170 times in  span of six years.

Gatchalian said  alleged mother in Guo’s birth certificate, Amelia Leal Guo, may be fictitious because no such person exists in  records of  Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

That Guo applied for  birth certificate at age 19 exposed  gaps in  PSA’s late birth registration being abused by foreign nationals who pose as fake Filipinos, he said.

“Birth certificate is  basic document to get  passport or to buy land…and in this case, to run for public office, even when your birth certificate is defective and irregular,”  senator said.

Office of the Solicitor General has formed team to look into filing  quo warranto case against Guo for allegedly misdeclaring herself as Filipino when she ran for mayor.

Gatchalian said there is  need for  executive session in  next Senate hearing as  investigation goes deeper into  involvement of criminal syndicates.

He said  scheduled Wednesday hearing would be closed-door upon  request of law enforcement agencies going after personalities who are tangled in  web of criminality funded by dirty money in offshore gaming activities.

“Agencies requested  executive session because their investigations are still ongoing and some matters cannot be discussed in public as they go after those under investigation,” Gatchalian said.

“They only have preliminary findings, which also affect national security, and thus cannot be revealed to public for now…but  public can rest assured these will be discussed openly once  investigation is officially concluded,” he added.

Neophyte mayor Guo was linked to illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) activities in Tarlac because she applied for  local permits of POGO hub Hongsheng Gaming Technology before she entered politics.

After Hongsheng was raided in 2023, it was renamed Zun Yuan Technology,  subject of  latest raid in Bamban this March and located behind  town hall where Guo holds office.

Sprawling  10-hectare hub  raided for human trafficking, hacking and scams  was also located at Baofu Land Development compound,  Guo used to own.

Two of Guo’s incorporators in Baofu Zhang Ruijin and Lin Baoying  are involved in Singapore’s biggest money laundering case amounting to $3 billion.

3 Hunio 2024, Lunes

City of Makati, France in June

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HEADLINES

CV continue opposing divorce bill

By Nidz Godino

SEN. CYNTHIA VILLAR
“They are not convincing me to do otherwise…and I won’t change my mind,” Sen. Cynthia Villar will not budge from her position against divorce even as her female colleagues in Senate are pushing for it.

Among  women in Congress’ upper chamber who are in favor of divorce are Senators Risa Hontiveros, Grace Poe, Pia Cayetano, Imee Marcos and Loren Legarda.

Sen. Nancy Binay has earlier expressed opposition to divorce.

One ground for divorce in  proposed measure is  violence inflicted on women and children in abusive relationships.

Pro-divorce women senators signed  committee report on proposed “Dissolution of Marriage Act” hurdled  Senate women, children, family relations and gender equality panel last year.

She joined  male group of conservative senators opposed to divorce: Senate President Francis Escudero, Senate Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, former Senate president Juan Miguel Zubiri, Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino and Senators Joel Villanueva and Ronald Dela Rosa.

Other  senators are still thinking about their position.

Sen. JV Ejercito,  had said  open to divorce to give unhappy couples  second chance at love.

Ejercito and three other male senators Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel , Raffy Tulfo and Robinhood Padilla  have signed  divorce committee report, indicating their openness to tackle it at the plenary.

Villar based her opposition on her personal experience in having  good marriage with tycoon and former Senate president Manny Villar.

“You know, I have  very happy family life, and  happy marriage…so I never once thought of supporting divorce, I don’t want to comment on  opinion of others…we have our own lives and personal experiences…and my personal experience will make me not in favor of divorce,” she said.

For Villar, chance of  bill getting passed in Senate is slim.

House of Representatives recently approved its version of controversial measure, awaiting transmittal to  Senate for its consideration.

Philippines is  only country in the world that has yet to legalize divorce, right next to  Vatican,  city-state  seat of Catholicism.

2 Hunio 2024, Linggo

City of Makati, France in June

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Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024

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No to SOGIE bill

PM for any hospital discharge problem

Guo to take DNA test

By Nidz Godino

“I call on the two to have  DNA test to find out if they are related or not…she has nothing to lose,” Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian has dared Bamban Mayor Alice Guo to take  DNA test amid allegations that she lied about having  Filipino househelp as mother.

Gatchalian made  challenge after  Senate investigation on Guo’s alleged links to illegal offshore gaming activities bared more disturbing details about her family.

He said Guo’s family business corporate records showed Guo’s father Jian Zhong Guo, siblings Shiela and Seimen, and certain Lin Wen Yi, as incorporators. Lin Wen Yi is allegedly her Chinese mother with  Filipino name “Winnie.”

Gatchalian  has sources in Valenzuela, his family’s political turf, that  Guo family used to have  warehouse there and that people knew Lin Wen Yi or “Winnie” as the mother.

“Filipino name ‘Winnie’ is also not far from  name ‘Lin Wen Yi,’ and an English version of  Chinese name that is usually done in Chinese families,” Gatchalian said.

It is also customary for family-owned businesses to include  members of the family as their incorporators, he added.

Guo patriarch’s travel records with Lin Wen Yi  at least 170 times in  span of six years – also indicated that the two were more than just business partners, Gatchalian said.

There is also  13-year age gap between  two  Jian Zhong Guo was born in 1958, while Lin Wen Yi was born in 1971, Gatchalian said, citing incorporation records.

This meant that while  patriarch was of legal age, the mother was just 15 years old when she gave birth to Alice Guo, and 13 years old when she birthed eldest, Shiela.

But Gatchalian questioned  accuracy of  dates of their birth years because of  gaps already seen in their records, such as different dates of marriage with  alleged Filipino househelp mother.

Reacting to Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III’s observation that  focus of  Senate probe has shifted from possible criminality issue to sordid family drama, Gatchalian had merely expanded  probe to include possible money laundering activities in Guo’s businesses.

Gatchalian earlier alleged that Guo family’s companies could have been used for money laundering, as shown by their farm and embroidery business posting cash flow despite not making  income.

“We are not being sidetracked, because we need to see all  personalities involved…this is large-scale money laundering involving several people, led by  ‘enabler’ who opened  door for criminality to enter the country,” Gatchalian said.

Next  Senate hearing will be executive session because of authorities’ ongoing investigation on Guo’s alleged role in illegal offshore gaming activities.

2 Hunio 2024, Linggo

City of Makati, France in June

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Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024

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No to SOGIE bill

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DepEd defends K-12 award system

By  Creselda Canda-Lopez

“This kind of awards system really highly encourages our learners to strive… more inclusive because it is not limited to just  top 10 in the class,” Department of Education (DepEd) Assistant Secretary Francis Cesar Bringas said current awards and recognition system being implemented in elementary and high schools under  Kindergarten to Grade 12 (K-12) basic education program eases  pressure of competition among learners and encourages them to focus on their own academic growth.

Bringas made  statement amid comments on social media criticizing  handing out of too many academic awards by most schools in graduation and moving-up ceremonies for  end of school year 2023-2024, despite Filipino students’ poor performance in  Program for International Student Assessment (PISA).

“PISA is using different parameters when it comes to determining scores of  countries…we are also using different parameters for  awards and recognition in schools based on  students’ achievements…so, we cannot compare  results of classroom performances of students with that of their performance in international large-scale assessments,” he said.

Based on 2022 PISA results announced by  Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in December last year, Filipino 15-year-old students were five to six years behind their foreign peers in learning competencies.

PISA results showed  Philippines was still in  bottom 10, specifically at 76th out of 81 countries in terms of reading comprehension, mathematics and science.

PISA, developed by OECD, measures 15-year-olds’ ability to use their reading, mathematics and science knowledge and skills to meet real-life challenges.

Philippines first participated in assessment in 2018  which it ranked last of  79 countries.

Current  awards and recognition system being implemented since  launch of  K-12 program in 2016, has effectively removed  “valedictorian,” “salutatorian” and “honorary mention” distinctions, usually given to just up to 10 students per class or batch.

Instead, under  current system, students with  average grade of 90 to 94 are automatically given “with honors” award, while those with average grade of 95 to 97 are recognized “with high honors.”

Students who obtained excellent average grade of 98 to 100, meanwhile, shall be conferred  “with highest honors” award.

“In the past when we have  valedictorian and salutatorian distinctions,  learners are competing with other learners, but with  new grading system, or awards system you are competing with yourself and if you meet grade standards then you will be recognized,” Bringas pointed out.

For Teachers Dignity Coalition (TDC),  current awards and recognition system needs to be reviewed to enable authorities to craft more uniformed or defined standards for grading students.

TDC national chairman Benjo Basas had experienced first-hand  varying standards of grading by some schools after handling several transferee students.

Basas said some transferee students were lagging behind in their learning competencies, but had good grades in their previous schools.

“Our teachers, and even our schools, usually give considerations, or ease their grading standards, for students who are diligent in their studies,” he said .

Basas also explained  grades do not solely come from scores in exams, but also from other output or performance that are subjective such as art projects, acting performances, sports performances and oral communication skills, among others.

TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

Hebrews 9:28

²⁸ so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

2 Hunio 2024, Linggo

City of Makati, France in June

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Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024

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Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

No to SOGIE bill

PM for any hospital discharge problem

School supplies allowance

By Creselda Cabda-Lopez

“This is proof that we could achieve victories through collective action alongside our genuine representatives inside  Congress,  ACT Teachers Party-list,  since 2011 have filed bill seeking for  increase of teaching supplies allowance for our public school teachers,” Alliance of Concerneed Teachers (ACT) chairman Vladimer Quetua in  separate statement,  Philippines  attributed  bill’s passage to  tireless efforts of teachers and progressive supporters.

“Teachers have long been spending their own money for school supplies…yearly, we take out  huge amount from our own pockets to fix classrooms… includes teaching aid costs that we use for  benefit of children.”

ACT likewise reiterated its call for salary increase, including  P50,000 entry-level pay for teachers, P33,000 salary for salary grade 1 employees, SG16 for Instructor 1 in state universities and colleges, and P33,000 national minimum wage for all workers.

02 Hunio 2024, Linggo

City of Makati, France in June

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Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024

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HEADLINES

Pride Month June  call to action vs SOGIE discrimination?

By Nidz Godino

“Pride Month is  call to action… time to amplify our commitment to ensuring that every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, is entitled to their human rights, including access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights information and services without discrimination,” UN Population Fund (UNFPA) Philippines country representative Leila Joudane said still much to be done to address discrimination in the country based on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression (SOGIE).

As the country commemorates Pride Month, UN agency called on lawmakers to pass  bill penalizing discrimination based on SOGIE, which has long been languishing in Congress.

“We support  passage of  SOGIE bill in Congress,  crucial step towards more inclusive and just Philippines, where everyone can live free from discrimination and violence, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression,” it said.

Discrimination  facing Filipino LGBTQI+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex) community makes its members more vulnerable to HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and mental health challenges,  UN body said.

Citing Department of Health data, Joudane said 89 percent of HIV cases in 2023 affected gay men and transgender women, thus “highlighting  need for targeted prevention and care services.”

UNFPA also cited 2022 study published in  International Journal of Social Psychiatry showing LGBTQI+ Filipinos facing “high rates of mental health challenges such as suicide ideation, suicide attempts, depression, and stress due to minority stress, discrimination, and lack of social support.”

Discrimination also prevents them from seeking treatment and health care because of fear of harassment and misgendering, according to UNFPA.

“This could result in  vicious cycle of physical and mental health issues,” Joudane said.

UN body lamented  “lack of comprehensive data on health of LGBTQI+ Filipinos,” could have spawned “tailored interventions and policies to address their specific needs.”

“As we navigate escalating humanitarian crises, it’s imperative that countries safeguard  right to health for LGBTQI+ individuals,” Joudane said.

UNFPA “remains steadfast in its commitment to leaving no one behind” by “prioritizing  rights and inclusion of all people, including people with diverse SOGIE,” Joudane added.

“This Pride Month, let us celebrate  progress achieved while recognizing  work that lies ahead,” Joudane said.

“By upholding  principles of equality, inclusivity, and human rights, we can create  world where every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can live  healthy, fulfilling life with dignity and respect,” she added.

1 Hunio 2024, Sabado

City of Makati, France in June

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Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024

Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party

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FMJ greets VP more birthdays to come

By Nidz Godino

“Happy Birthday, Inday Sara…pinalalakas ng ‘yong sipag at pagmamahal sa bayan ang ating mga kabataan at kaguruan,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. greeted Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio on her birthday as rumors of their political coalition breaking up persist.

In  Facebook post, Marcos praised Sara for her service to students and teachers and urged her to continue working with him to strengthen  education sector.

“Ipagpatuloy lang natin ito para sa isang matatag na edukasyon sa ilalim ng Bagong Pilipinas,” he added.

Marcos was making  reference to  Department of Education’s (DepEd) Matatag curriculum, and  stands for Make  curriculum relevant to produce job-ready, active and responsible citizens; take steps to accelerate  delivery of basic education services and provision facilities; take good care of learners by promoting learner well-being, inclusiveness learning and positive learning environment and Give support for teachers to teach better.

Presidential Communications Office, government’s lead communication arm, also recognized Sara’s efforts in  DepEd.

“We pray for your good health and success in  coming years…we sincerely thank you for your service to the nation, especially to Filipino students and teachers,” PCO said in  separate Facebook post.

Marcos and Sara won by landslide during  2022 elections under  UniTeam alliance but recent events have triggered speculations that  coalition already has cracks.

Late last year,  House of Representatives,  dominated by Marcos’ allies, stripped  agencies led by Duterte of confidential funds, prompting her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte to accuse chamber of being  “most rotten” institution.

Lawmakers denied  allegation and adopted  resolution upholding  legislative chamber’s honor and integrity.

Elder  Duterte has also claimed  Marcos is  drug addict, allegation the President just laughed off.

In April, First Lady Liza Marcos caused political shockwaves when she revealed her disdain for Duterte. In a television interview, Liza said she was hurt when she saw the Vice President on TV laughing while her father was making fun of Marcos and even calling him bangag or stoned during  rally in Davao City.

Reacting to Liza’s remark, Duterte said First Lady’s personal feelings had nothing to do with her mandate as  government official.

In  recent interview, Marcos said Liza cannot be blamed for reacting that way but maintained  issue would not affect his working relationship with Sara.

“I think, Sara, also, as wife, understands how the First Lady feels when you have to sit there and listen to these attacks that are being made against your husband,” the President told reporters last April. 

Office of the Vice President (OVP) also greeted its boss yesterday. “Happy birthday, VP Sara! On this special day, we honor your unmatched dedication and service to our country,”  OVP said in statement.

“Together with millions of Filipinos, we wish you greater strength, wisdom and inspiration to continue your advocacies for God, our country and the Filipino families,” OVP added.

OVP also thanked the Vice President for her “unwavering dedication and service” to the agency.

“Thank you very much for your unwavering dedication and service…may you live long Mabuhay po kayo!” 

OVP through its Disaster Operations Center distributed  relief bags of non-food items to 2,000 families affected by floods in six barangays in Lucena City, Quezon hardest hit by Typhoon Aghon.

1 Hunio 2024, Sabado

City of Makati, France in June

Register now and vote in midterm polls

Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024

Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party

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Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

PM for any hospital discharge problem

CFL hit over plan to abolish sign language unit

By Creselda Canda-Lopez

“We condemn  actions of Chairman Arthur Casanova and  newly appointed CFL commissioners’ unjust removal of all deaf personnel from  FSL Unit, following their rightful demand for timely and prompt salary payments… action is not only inhumane but also undermines  rights and dignity of  Deaf community,”  Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) has slammed  Commission on the Filipino Language (CFL) over its plan to dissolve its Filipino Sign Language (FSL) Unit,  would effectively retrench its deaf personnel.

In  statement, ACT  received information that CFL  also referred to as  Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino (KWF) decided to abolish its FSL Unit after its personnel demanded  timely release of their salaries.

Teachers’ group cited Republic Act 11106 or Filipino Sign Language Act, which states  Filipino Sign Language or FSL shall be  official sign language of government in all transactions involving  deaf.  Same  law also mandates  use of FSL in schools, broadcast media and workplaces.

ACT said  RA 11106 was enacted in compliance with  United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities,  member-states committed to promote, protect, and ensure  full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedom of persons with disabilities (PWDs).

“Thus, national and local state agencies shall uphold respect for their PWDs inherent dignity, individual autonomy, and independence by guaranteeing accessibility and eliminating all forms of discrimination in all public interactions and transactions, thereby ensuring their full and effective participation and inclusion in society, ..state shall also take all appropriate measures to ensure  Filipino deaf can exercise  right to expression and opinion…accordingly, state recognizes and promotes  use of sign languages embodying  specific cultural and linguistic identity of  Filipino deaf,” ACT said.

With  abolition of  FSL Unit of  CFL, “implementation of  RA 11106 will not be realized,” ACT said, “thus, depriving Deaf Filipinos of their language rights and violating  mandate of RA 7104 Commission on the Filipino Language Act.”

“We support  fight for  protection of rights and welfare of  Filipino Deaf community and other persons with disabilities,” it added.

ACT, meanwhile, called on  administration to “ensure full implementation of  FSL Act and that services are available for  Filipino Deaf community and other persons with disabilities.”

Meanwhile, members and supporters of Philippine Federation of the Deaf held  protest rally at Liwasang Bonifacio  to oppose  abolition of  FSL Unit of  CFL.

ACT reminded CFL of its primary mandate to “develop, propagate, and preserve Filipino and other Philippine languages,” they said, include Filipino Sign Language.