02 Hunio 2024, Linggo

City of Makati, France in June

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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

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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

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

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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.

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

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Gov’t. vs sale of babies on-line

By J.Lo

“We are in talks now with  Office of the President because it is  President himself who wants to intervene in this problem,” Department of Justice (DOJ)  spokesman Mico Clavano said in  interview with Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon DOJ is coordinating with  Office of the President to stop illegal selling of babies on social media.

“The President believes  Philippines will not progress if problems like this exist,” he stressed.

Authorities earlier arrested two individuals for selling  newborn baby for P90,000 in Dasmariñas City, Cavite on May 15.

Arrest  stemmed from information from  National Authority for Child Care about  “black market” on social media where people allegedly seek to illegally adopt children.

DOJ Cybercrime Division is in constant communication with Meta,  company handling Facebook, to dismantle  illegal sale of babies online, Clavano said.

He reported that DOJ has taken down over 500 Facebook accounts allegedly involved in illegal sale of babies.

“We have deactivated multiple accounts…would probably not go below 500 accounts because we receive reports almost every day, but we think these are not enough… still quite prevalent… still many accounts need to be closed,” Clavano said.

DOJ official also reminded  potential buyers of babies illegally sold online would also be held liable.

“They should be aware that what they are doing is illegal…in that way, they are also liable for qualified trafficking in persons,” Clavano added.

He urged  public to immediately report to authorities social media accounts engaged in illegally selling babies online.

He also enjoined Meta to create more programs or mechanisms to protect children online.

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

Partylist must file Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance

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Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

PM for any hospital discharge problem

Donald Trump, guilty verdict

By Nidz Godino

 “When you’re a star, they let you do it…you can do anything,” former United States President Donald Trump once boasted

Dictum  he has lived by for decades finally came crashing down when  New York jury told him no.

One of the world’s most powerful and consequential men was finally tripped up by  porn star, convicted for lying about  hush money he paid her to keep quiet about what she says was an uninspiring tryst.

Love him or loathe him, there is one thing most Americans agree on in  two-and-a-half centuries since their republic was founded, there has never been  president quite like Trump.

Verdict  adds  new, unprecedented chapter to his story, making him  country’s first former president to ever be convicted of  crime. This November he could become first felon-president in US history.

Quite how much difference  latest scandal makes to his fans is anyone’s guess.

New York prosecution is only one of four criminal cases against  presumptive Republican Party nominee.

And he has trashed them all as political persecution, driven at behest of what he claims is  corrupt White House led by President Joseph Biden.

Impervious to shame or even embarrassment, Trump has turned each tangle with the law into  badge of honor: proof, he says, of his conspiracy theory  deep state is out to get him and  so-called “forgotten men and women” of working-class America.

To Trump’s millions of backers,  77-year-old is  man who broke the mold with his shock 2016 White House win against Democratic heavyweight Hillary Clinton.

To much of the country, though, he just broke America.

Republican’s first term began in 2017 with  dark inaugural address evoking “American carnage.”

It ended in mayhem when he refused to accept his defeat by Biden, then goaded supporters into storming Congress on January 6, 2021.

In office, Trump upended every tradition, ranging from  trivial what got planted in the Rose Garden to the fundamental relations with NATO.

Journalists became  “enemy of the people.” Intelligence services and  FBI were demonized. Opponents in Congress were variously branded “crazy” and treasonous.

On the world stage, it was the same story. Trump turned US alliances into transactions.

Friendly partners like South Korea and Germany were accused of trying to “rip us off.”

By contrast, Trump repeatedly declared respect for the likes of Russian President Vladimir Putin or North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, about whom he said “we fell in love.”

Throughout, his wrecking ball political presence increasingly dominated  Republican Party.

When Democrats launched two impeachment proceedings, Republicans backed him to the hilt to win acquittal.

And as  ex-president, his sway is undiminished.

Never mind that voters punished Trump-backed candidates in  2022 midterms, and have repeatedly rejected efforts by conservatives to cut back on long-cherished liberties like  right to abortion.

 Party  remained in thrall, as witnessed by  acolytes trooping to  dingy Manhattan court house over the last few weeks to prove their loyalty.

Before he rode down  golden escalator of Trump Tower to announce his 2016 White House bid, Trump was popular figure whom few took seriously.

He was famous mostly for the ruthless character he played on reality TV show “The Apprentice,” as well as for developing luxury buildings and golf resorts, and for his wife Melania,  former fashion model.

But academics have noted parallels between his evolution as  politician and those of autocrats in countries where democratic institutions exist only as facades, allowing populist showmen to take power.

In office, he relished  daily controversy, joking wink, wink  about changing  US Constitution to stay in power indefinitely. “It drives them crazy,” he said.

Despite  sounds and  fury of four years of tweeting, he got some things done  Republicans boast  economy was better back then, and he at least started border wall he had pledged to build.

But as 2021’s Covid tragedy spiraled, Trump looked inept, and Biden’s old-school ways and calming centrist message propelled him to  comfortable majority.

It was then, as defeat became clear, that Trump yet again did  unthinkable by refusing to concede, ultimately unleashing  mob on US Capitol who threatened to hang his former vice president, Mike Pence.

01 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

Partylist must file Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance

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Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

PM for any hospital discharge problem

Komedya o Komida

Ni Derek Jorge

Si bunso, “for sale”

 TIYAK na nagpapatuloy ang bentahan ng “organ” at ngayon, buong bat ana ang ipinagbibili at sa media sosyal pa, lantaran na itong para bang sige “maghabulan tayo”, anang mga pasaway na sindikato. Shout out muna kina Binang 1^st Barangay Chairman Alfredo Quiambao, secretary Michelle Santos at treasurer Con-con Adatu,admin Ricardo Sta. Ana, konsehal Aru Cando, Pepito Nicandro. Mabuti nang mabuti kasambahay kung ang bentahan ng sanggol ay para magkaanak, aarugain, mamahaling parang tunay na kanila at hindi ang una ko nang nabanggit na kakataying parang hayop para sa pa rin sa organ nito, patawarin kayo mg ama kong Dios. Naaawa tuloy ako sa maglololang nakatira sa likod ng pangunahing supermarket sa may Sitio Bihunan, inilalambing nil ola kay Kapitan Duco, kahit gatas na Bonna para sa apo nya. Kung nasa pambansang tanggapan pa ako, kayang kaya ko iyan pero wala na e at dito sa pamahalaang local, sasagutin ka lamang ng MSWD na “wala kaming pondo riyan”. Basahin nyo na lang at subaybayan ang istorya sa iskup news-on-line daily. “HINDI nabibili ang magulang”, ang mensahe ni Barangay Binang 1^st Administrator Ricardo Sta. Ana nang katawanin niya si Chairman Alfredo Quambao sa ika-54 na pagtatapos ng Binang Elementary School. Dahil nga hindi nabibili ang magulang at iisa lamang ang nagluwal sa iyo sa daigdig, ang pangaral ni Carding sa kulang sa 70 estudyanteng nagsipagtapos sa grade 6,igalang at mahalin mo silang pinagkakautangan mo ng iyong buhay. Malaki na ang isinulong ng paaralang ito mula nang ako ay magtapos rin ditto noong 1975. Noo’y kanya-kanya pa kami ng dalang silya at sa mismong paaralan ginanap ang pagtatapos. Sa graduation 2024, sa auditorium na ng Dr. Yanga’s Colleges ginanap, ditto rin ako nagtapos ng sekundarya noong 1979 at sa taong ito ay ipinagdiriwang naming ang ika-60 taon mula nang lisanin ng batch ang eskuwelahang ito. Kaya lamang ay nakalulungkot na hindi maasikaso ng kinauukulan ang papeles ng paaralang Binang Elementary School at walang matinong makausap hinggil ditto. Magdaraos ang batch 75 ng reunion at harinawang matalakay ang kapakanan ng paaralan. Sinariwa rin ni Carding na noong panahon niya ay hanggang grade 4 lamang ang klase rito na kapag grade 5 na ay sa Bocaue Central Scool na mag-aaral kaya hindi karamihan ang nakatatapos ng elementarya.   Komida  itong kapana-panabik na sorpresang handog ng embahada ng Pransya sa Pilipinas, magpapatikim sila ng pagkaing lutong Pranses sa lansangan ng Makati City. . Sa mga mahihilig sa event, antabayanan ninyo ito. Magpapatikim ang mga Pranses ng putahe, alak, lutong Pinoy na itatampok sa French Food Market sa mga lansangan ng lungsod Makati sa Hunyo 1 at 2, 2024. “French street food, crêpes, pastries and other delights with wines, liqueurs, coffees and beverages will be presented by  Goût de France (Good France) Street Market on tree-lined Paseo Avenue along Ayala Triangle on June 1 to 2.” “Goût de France” ay ipinakilala kasambahay noong taong  2015 ng French Ministry of Foreign Affairs kapartner si  chef Alain Ducasse. Nasa  20 French restaurant  at pangunahing otel ang kalahok sa  Goût de France hatid ang “special Goût de France menu” sa buong lingo hanggang  June 9. Komedyante itong ospital sa kabayanan ng Bocaue, Bulacan, hindi  nga ho ito kasambahay naniningil ng deposito agad at palilipasin muna ang 24 oras pero bawal ang promisorry letter. . Pagkuha mo Kiwal, bulati kong kikiwal-kiwal ng kwarto sa ipaaadmit mong pasyente, walang charity ward doon, P1,900 at P2,200 lang ang halaga ng room, palalagdaan sa iyo ang kasulatang bawal ang promisorry letter. Sige lang pirma, pero alam naman ng mga abogado nitong ospital na may “Anti-hospital hostage law” na hindi dahilan ang kakapusan mon ang pananalapi upang hindi ka pauwiin kung galling ka na at ang unang hakbang para magamit mo ang batas ayh PM. PM lang din ho sa akin kung may problema kayo sa discharge ng inyong pasyente. Pagbati sa mga kongresistang nagsisikap pagmalasakitan ang kapakanan naming mga nakatatanda-pagpapanatili sa 20% diskwento sa mga pangunahing pangangailangan. . Pero bakit kaya hanggang 20% lang Kiwal, bulati kong kikiwal-kiwal, dahil ba tinatanggal lang ang tubo sa puhunan at hindi ito kailangang galawin? Sa panukala nitong ilang deputado, ipinasasaklaw sa diskwento kahit mga produktong ipinakikilala pa lamang sa pamamagitan ng “promo”. Ipinaggigiitan ho ng mga hotel na ang mga ratang nasa promo gaya ng P500 ang sampung oras na pamamalagi na hindi saklaw ng 20% discount. Yun ho kasing promo ng kumpanya ay para sa kapakanan nito, paano naman ang batas na nilalabag na, dapat pang idiskwento ang nasa promo. Gusto ko ring tingkiin ang petrolyo, gasoline at krudo ng nagpapakargang senior citizen, dapat ikonsidera rin.   Komedya na naman ang magaganap sa mga lansangan sa pagtataguang pung at girian ng mga “unconsolidated traditional jeepney” at magsisiga-sigaang enforcer.  Tapos na kasi kasambahay ang grace period ng mga uncon at simul ana ng tugisan ng mga kulorum. Tyak magtatago ang mga kulorum hanggang manghinawa ang mga tugis boys. Alam nyo naman ang ugaling ningas-kugon, di pa rin nawawala at alam ng mga kulorum yun, pahinga muna, payagay-tagay muna. Pagkatapos ng sigwada, muling mamamayagpag ang mga kulorum, “happy days are here again”. Dyan nga Kiwal, bulati kong kikiwal-kiwal sa Imus City, Cavite, marami sa mga traditional jeepney ang ni walang ruta sa gilid, byaheng Dasmarinas City bayan-Imus City proper, kinunsinte ng mga awtoridad at pamahalaang lokal. Inutil rin dyan ang bantay-kulorum. Mababawasan kasambahay ang komedya sa munisipyo, city hall at barangay hall dahil mauudlot ang pamumulitika sa pamamahagi ng ayuda ng mga pulitiko. . Hindi na ho kasi kasambahay idaraan sa opisina ng mga ehekutibo lokal ang ayuda ni Social Welfare secretary Rex Gatchalian. Ito ho bang Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program o AKAP. Ang konswelo na lang ni Mayor at barangay chairman ay makapagmasid sa pamimigay, iniiwasan na ho kasi Kiwal, bulati kong kikiwal-kiwal na akalain ninyong mula sa pulitiko iyon kaya muling maiboboto sa nalalapit na naming halalan.  Tinutugis ho ngayon ng mga pulis ang kabaro nilang babae dahil nahuling nakikipagniig sa kapwa pulis at huli rin ng maybahay ang katalik. Hindi kinilala ni Col. Fajardo ang pasaway sa matinding kahihiyan, sino kaya ang life coach niyan? Nananawagan kasambahay ang obispong katoliko sa mga panatikong magdasal para ulanin. Noong araw ipinagpuprusisyon pa ng mga panatiko ang paghingi ng ulan kaya lang galit ang itaas sa pagkikilik ng imahen sa prusisyon dahil iyon ay dinidiyos pa kaysa Kanya. Paano diringgin kung mali ang pamamaraan. Lalo lamang lalala ang sitwasyon kung hindi matututuhan ng tao ang tamang pagtawag sa nasa Itaas.

Shout out muna sa Values Bocaue Advocates, Wilfredo Jimenez Jr., Alex Driodoco, Gemma Daseco, Delfin Lawa at Alex Castro. Shout out muna sa mga may “hang over” pang bagong Marked Men for Christ”. Nagsipagtapos ng phase 2 at 3 seminar sa Plaridel,Bulacan staff na kayo kung saka-sakali, unang staffing nyo ang Phase 1 sa San Carlos City, Pangasinan sa HUlyo 3-5,2024. Jonathan Fernandez, nagkakalimutan na yata a..    Salamat JO1 Adrian Montojo, magkatulungan tayo sa ikarereporma ng mga detenido.

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

Partylist must file Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

PM for any hospital discharge problem

HEADLINES

Killing of Pinoy at sea, act of war – FMJ

By Nidz Godino

“Thank God we have not yet gotten to the point where any of our participants, civilian or otherwise have been killed,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. answered during  brief Q&A at the end of his keynote speech at the 21st International Institute for Strategic Studies-Shangri-La Dialogue defense summit. 

“Willful” killing of any Filipino, whether military or civilian, in the country’s sovereign waters will be close to  “act of war,” and  Philippines and its security allies will act accordingly, President Marcos said.

It was Marcos’ reply to a question from  delegate on what he would deem to be “crossing the red line” amid incidents of  China Coast Guard blasting Philippine vessels with water cannons in  West Philippine Sea.

“But once we get to that point, that is certainly, we would have crossed the Rubicon, certainly crossed the Rubicon…is that the red line…almost certainly it’s going to be a red line,” he said.

Marcos gave  similar response when asked at  forum hosted by  Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines in April in Manila what could trigger  country’s Mutual Defense Treaty with  United States.

In his speech, Marcos denounced illegal, coercive and aggressive actions in  South China Sea. He urged respect for “legally settled” maritime rights based on  United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Marcos said  Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries had  vision for “peace, stability, and prosperity” in  South China Sea, but he added this was being undermined by other actors, without naming China.

“Unfortunately, this vision remains for now  distant reality. Illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive actions continue to violate our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction,” he said.

Encounters between  Philippines and China in Asia’s most contested waters have grown more tense and frequent during  past year as Beijing presses its claims to shoals in waters that are well within  Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

China’s coast guard has stepped up so-called “grey-zone” activities such as use of water cannons, collisions and ramming tactics to try to stop Philippine resupply and patrol missions. It has also deployed fishing boats  Philippines and its allies consider militia.

Philippines,  sprawling archipelago with strong historical ties to  United States and close geographical proximity to China, is at the center of an intensifying power struggle between Washington and Beijing.

Earlier, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and China’s defense minister, Dong Jun, met in Singapore on  sidelines of Asia’s premier defense summit.

During  meeting with Dong, Austin underscored  importance of freedom of navigation under international law, especially in  South China Sea, according to a Pentagon statement released after  meeting.

Dong responded by telling Austin that  United States was stoking tensions through its military presence in the region, his spokesperson told reporters.

Marcos said tensions between  United States and China were destabilizing for Southeast Asia, calling on Washington and Beijing to work harder to resolve disputes.

“Their rivalry is constraining  strategic choices of regional states…their contest is exacerbating flashpoints and has created new security dilemmas, continued stability of this region requires China and  United States to manage their rivalry in  responsible manner,” Marcos concluded.

TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

Revelation 21:2-4

² I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. ³ And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ⁴ ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’^[a] or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Footnotes

1. Revelation 21:4 Isaiah 25:8

31 Mayo 2024, Biyernes

Happy 48th Anniversary Mariveles Baptist Church, Mariveles, Bataan

City of Makati, France in June

supports World Press Freedom Day, May 3

Register now and vote in midterm polls

supports International Nurses’ Day

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

Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party

Partylist must file Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance

supports May, Cardiac Illness Prevention Month 

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

PM for any hospital discharge problem

Free annulment proposed

By Nidz Godino

“Why don’t they make annulment free of charge…we’re looking at something where both parties will no longer spend money for it,” Rep. Janette Garin said annulment should be made free of charge if  absolute divorce bill faces rough sailing at Senate.

 “Couples who are locked in  toxic relationship would rather suffer in silence, precisely because they have no money,”  House deputy majority leader pointed out.

Seven senators have now expressed opposition to divorce: Senate President Francis Escudero, former Senate president Juan Miguel Zubiri, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, Majority Leader Francis Tolentino as well as Cynthia Villar, Joel Villanueva and Ronald dela Rosa.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros was  main proponent of Senate version of  divorce bill. Backers of  measure include Senators Robin Padilla, Grace Poe, Imee Marcos, Pia Cayetano and Raffy Tulfo.

Other senators who had issued statements against divorce were Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III, Senators Nancy Binay and Alan Peter Cayetano.

Senators Sonny Angara, Ramon Revilla Jr. and JV Ejercito are still thinking about their positions.

Senators Sherwin Gatchalian, Bong Go, Lito Lapid and Mark Villar have yet to issue their respective statements on the matter.

House of Representatives on May 22 approved on third and final reading  absolute divorce bill, voting 131-109 with 20 abstentions.

Garin voted yes to House Bill 9349,  would allow absolute divorce as  legal remedy for irreparably broken marriages.

Bill’s transmittal to  Senate for concurrence is on hold pending questions on how votes were counted, as  House leadership had erroneously reported 126 affirmative votes, later correcting it to 131.

Philippines,  secular state, is the last country in the world aside from  Vatican that has not legalized divorce.

Sen. Loren Legarda is open to legalize divorce after signing  committee report of  Senate version of  divorce bill.

At  press briefing, former Senate president pro tempore  signed committee report on  proposed “Dissolution of Marriage Act” that hurdled  Senate women, children, family relations and gender equality panel last year.

Hontiveros, Poe, Cayetano, Marcos, Tulfo and Padilla and Ejercito also signed  report.

Poe and Cayetano  signed  report to propose amendments during interpellation at plenary.

Pimentel also signed  report with  intention to interpellate.

“My signature implies that I want it discussed because it might be  right time for divorce, that it could be  way to help both abused women and men, version of bill should also be open, acceptable, and accessible to poor families who could not afford  lawyer…maybe it is time to address  financial and economic cost of divorce” Legarda said

Ejercito  signed  report even though he is still considering his stand. He earlier said he was leaning toward favoring divorce.

Escudero earlier explained he opposed  House version of divorce as it lacked  provision allowing  Public Attorney’s Office to take on divorce cases for indigent clients.

Zubiri and Villar  reiterated their stance against divorce.

“I am  conservative lawmaker… I am equivalent of  American Republican, who is pro-family and pro-life… I frown upon any bill that will separate our families,” Zubiri said in  ambush interview at  Senate.

“,” he said.

Villar said that with her happy marriage to tycoon Manny Villar, I don’t want that we would end up with Las Vegas weddings where you can get married overnight and then get separated later she sees no reason to legalize divorce.

“I am surprised at the House move to pass divorce,” Villar said in  ambush interview at Department of Environment and Natural Resources event.

House version of divorce is “too liberal” and it needs to be “Filipinized,” Pimental said  .

Pimentel  is against  bill that will legalize  “no-cause” divorce, saying grounds such as “irreconcilable differences” and “gravely abusive conduct” are too vague and prone to abuse.

“Let us fix wording… let’s Filipinize our remedy to specific Filipino situations… I am okay to look for  remedy to the proposal,” he added.

“It will be a conscience vote,” he said when asked about Escudero’s position against divorcehe noted.Ejercito maintained  he would only support divorce if circumstances were extreme.

“I just want to make sure that all  safeguards will be in place to make sure that it will not be that easy,” he said.

“Although we believe in  sacredness of sacrament of matrimony, I know a lot of people whose marriages are not successful to the extent that one is abused physically and even emotionally… I believe that nobody deserves to be miserable in life,” he added.

Ejercito agreed with Pimentel  they do not want  version of divorce similar to  United States, where petitions are easily granted. 

31 Mayo 2024, Biyernes

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Impounding, P50K fine on unconsolidated jeeps begin

By J.Lo

“Even two weeks after  April 30 deadline, Marcos government has yet to lay out concrete plans for supporting and sustaining  livelihoods of PUV drivers and operators who fail and refuse to consolidate their franchises,” Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (PISTON) said  government had started impounding traditional jeepney units as it continues implementing  controversial Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), leaving some passengers stranded.

This is after  expiration of Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board’s  (LTFRB) 15-day leeway for thousands of unconsolidated jeepneys, all  are now considered “colorum” by  state.

“Authorities will check  serial number on document issued by LTFRB displayed on their jeepneys during  operations that started on May 16,” said  LTFRB in  statement.

They also reminded drivers and operators to display their franchise documents on their dashboard or windshields to avoid apprehension.

Government  earlier gave jeepney and UV Express units only until April 30 to consolidate into cooperatives and corporations under  PUVMP. Those who would fail to do so would no longer be allowed to operate their routes.

Said jeepney drivers and operators should however start transitioning their old units into Euro-4 or electric engines three years after  consolidation deadline. However, many couldn’t afford modern PUVs could cost up to P2.8 million each.

Unconsolidated units that would be apprehended by  Land Transportation Office (LTO), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and Philippine National Police (PNP) starting today may result in:

• one-year suspension for  driver
• P50,000 fine for  operator
• 30-day impounding of vehicle

While  LTO, MMDA and PNP have started  apprehension of “colorum” vehicles,  LTFRB to this day still cannot give  media  final number of consolidated and unconsolidated units as of April 30.

Progressive transport group PISTON likewise condemned government’s insistence on  much assailed PUVMP and eventual jeepney phaseout, calling it  “deliberate massacre of transport workers’ livelihoods and  attack on  people’s right to accessible and affordable public transport.”

“This underscores  failure of  corporate-driven and foreign-oriented public transport modernization program, program that has left many transport workers and commuters in dire straits.”

LTFRB chairman Teofilo Guadiz III earlier said that around 10,000 jeepney units could possibly be taken out of the roads as per April 23 data. Guadiz however downplayed its possible effect, saying that it won’t lead to  transport crisis.

PISTON last December 2023 filed  Supreme Court petition calling for  certiorari and injunction questioning  legality of  consolidation deadline, this while seeking for a temporary restraining order to  prevent its implementation.

“Marcos regime’s heavy-handed approach cannot be justified… by apprehending jeepney drivers and operators, it exacerbates  suffering faced by commuters,workers and students grappling with growing unemployment,” PISTON continued.

“Essential public transport services should not be sacrificed while  government clings to delusions of economic growth.”