24 Abril 2024, Miyerkulles

more birthdays to come JO GOD-SAVES MONTOJO LOPEZ

welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay

supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024

supports DENR Earth Day, Every Day campaign

Komedya o Komida

Ni Derek Jorge

Burdadong lespu

KASAMBAHAY na magpupulis, ipabura mo na ang tato mo dahil ang mga pulis na burdado ay pinakakalas na kung ayaw magbura ng tato. 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, Gerry Noel. Kiwal, bulati kong kikiwal-kiwal PNP Memorandum Circular 2024-023 ang nagbabawal sa tato ng pulis, mantakin ninyong 30k pala ang magpabura ng tato o kaya’y magbitiw na sa pwesto kung nagtitigas-tigasan ng ulo. Pero hindi ligtas ang tatong nasa labi at kilay ng lady cop. Komedyante rin  talaga itong si Tata Digong, malamang daw na sa pagod ng mga ahente ng gobyerno sa pagtugis sa puganteng si Puloy ay hindi makauuwi nang hindi mananamba na rin nito. Magkakatotoo lang ang sinabi mo kung walang gulugod o “backbone” ang pananampalataya ng mga sugo ng gobyerno. Pero kung mga taga-langit ang mga ito, hindi kailanman magogoyo ni Puloy. Ano naman kaya kung ideklarang “no man’s land ang “Tamayong Prayer Mountain”  ni Puloy gaya ng ginawa ni Tata Digong sa Marawi City at ng mga dating nasa poder ng pangasiwaan sa panahon ni Kamlon, tatagal kaya si Puloy laban sa buong pwersa ng pamahalaan? Malamang maraming “pinsalang kolateral”, ang mga magtitigas-tigasan nang ulong panatiko ni Puloy pero aaminin kong “next to impossible “naman ito. Nagpapakatanggi-tanggi ho kasi ang lolo nyong kinakandili nya si Puloy. Ipinapapakete na rin ni Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa sa Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) ang mga serbisyong ultrasound at mammogram.   Ipinahaharang ho ng mga maka-puloy ang pagpapaaresto rito ng senado dahilan sa pangiisnab nito sa hearing. Kiwal, bulati kong kikiwal-kiwal, kung saka-sakali, mararagdagan ang santang pango. Tumango na ang batikanong simulan ng simbahang katoliko ang proseso sa pagiging santa ni Nina Ruiz-Abad ng Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, Nagpamudmod  lang ng kung ano-ano noong nabubuhay pa, santa na. Mas mabuti naman ito kaysa ang sunong sariling bangkong nagtatagong Puloy, anak daw ng dios. May utang ho kasi kasambahay si Ka Bella na 10k kay Olang, OFW sa Timbukto, nakahuhulog raw ho naman itong si Bells pero hindi pa panahon ng paghuhulog ay sinisingil na at nang mabigong maghulog dahil nga hindi pa naman panahon, inimarites sa facebook. Olang, sa galing-galing na ikaw ang may renda ng sitwasyon ngayon ikaw na ang marerendahan. Ang atraso ni Bells ay “sum of money” o “small claim”, kapag binayaran, quits na. Pero  ang  nasirang karangalan dahil sa marites sa fb, hindi na maibabalik pa. Wika ni Elong ay palitan naman ng paninira sa fb iyon, para nga makita ko, humarap kayo. Sa oras na maireklamo ni Bells si Olang sa pulis anti-cyber crime, posible syang mapauwi, baka pagsisihan nya ito at pati na kayong mga walang malasakit na nakikinabang kay Olang magugutom. Ano ba naman yung 5 minutong pagtityaga kung ihahambing sa pagkaresolba sa napipintong himagsikan.

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 JO! Adrian Montojo, magkatulungan tayo sa ikarereporma ng mga detenido.

24 Abril 2024, Miyerkulles

more birthdays to come JO GOD-SAVES MONTOJO LOPEZ

welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay

supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024

supports DENR Earth Day, Every Day campaign

SC to issue TRO vs PUVMP before April 30 consolidation deadline

By Nidz Godino

“Let’s not wait for more operators to be deep in debt due to consolidation and other inhuman maneuvers under  PUVMP,” Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) deputy secretary general Ruben Baylon said  progressive transport group called on Supreme Court to immediately issue  temporary restraining order (TRO) against  controversial policy  week before  April 30 franchise consolidation deadline set for jeepneys and UV Express units.

This comes after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said  there would no longer be any more extension in connection to  franchise consolidation under  public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program.

Units left unconsolidated into cooperatives and corporations starting May 2024 would be considered colorum and would be prohibited from plying their routes.

“As  days inch closer to  deadline, worry and uncertainty racks up in  hearts of poor drivers and operators.”

Under  PUVMP, operators would need to transition from old jeepneys and UV Express units into modern PUVs 27 months after  consolidation deadline. However,  single unit could cost P2 million or more.

While Filipino manufactuers like Francisco Motors offer modern jeepneys at around P985,000, this is still more expensive compared to traditional jeepney units that only costs around P200,000 to P600,000 each.

PISTON and its legal counsel Neri Colmenares earlier filed petition for  TRO before  SC last December. However,  high court has yet to issue  decision.

“We hope Court would understand and stop Department of Transportation and  Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board from setting  deadline on our livelihood,” Baylon ended.

23 Abril 2024, Martes

more birthdays to come JO GOD-SAVES MONTOJO LOPEZ

welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay

supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024

supports DENR Earth Day, Every Day campaign

HEADLINE

Chinese vessels surges in WPS amid Balikatan

By J.Lo

AS country was preparing for this year’s Balikatan joint military exercise with  United States number of Chinese vessels in Philippine waters – including warships – has significantly increased to more than a hundred in the past three weeks.

Philippine Navy reported  buildup started early this month from April 2 to 8, comprising 78 vessels of  People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), China Coast Guard (CCG), Chinese maritime militia (CMM) and fishermen, according to PN data.

During the period, there were 26 vessels around Panatag Shoal including  navy ship, 13 in Ayungin Shoal, 25 near Pagasa Island, five in Kota including another navy vessel, one in Lawak, six in Panata and two in Likas.

Slightly  higher number of Chinese vessels was recorded between April 9 and 15, with most of them or 43 vessels sighted around Panatag Shoal.

But by April 16 to 22, or just when  Balikatan exercise was about to commence, number of Chinese vessels in  West Philippine Sea skyrocketed to 124.

PN said there are now 38 vessels near Panatag Shoal, 31 in Ayungin Shoal, 46 near Pagasa Island including  navy vessel, three in Parola, one navy vessel in Lawak, four in Panata and at least one naval ship in Patag.

There  are now three PLAN ships, 11 CCG vessels and 110 CMM boats in  West Philippine Sea where naval drills as part of Balikatan were being readied.

Balikatan 2024 will include  combined maritime activity or joint sail and training up to fringes of  country’s exclusive economic zone.

Armed Forces of the Philippines  expects China to shadow  Balikatan activities, particularly  joint sail with  US and French navies.

Military  stressed  exercise was not directed at any country.

Chinese hostile acts against Filipinos in  West Philippine Sea have become more brazen, with their coast guard ships even using powerful water cannons and making dangerous maneuvers to thwart resupply missions to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.

TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

1 Peter 1:18-19

¹⁸ For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, ¹⁹ but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.

23 Abril 2024,Martes

more birthdays to come JO GOD-SAVES MONTOJO LOPEZ

welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay

supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024

supports DENR Earth Day, Every Day campaign

FMJ meets Qatar Emir; 9 coop deals inked

By Nidz Godino

“Nationals of either party who are holders of valid passport types mentioned in Article 1 of this Agreement are exempted from  obligation to obtain visas for entry and stay in  territory of the other party, for stay of 30 days, ”Philippines and Qatar have signed nine cooperation agreements in areas that include climate change mitigation, anti-human trafficking, seafarers’ welfare and trade, development seen to further enhance ties between  two countries.

Agreements  were presented after   bilateral meeting between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and visiting Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at Malacañang.

One of the agreements was  memorandum of understanding on technical cooperation on capacity building on climate change.

Signed by  Philippines’ Climate Change Commission and Qatar’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change,  MOU seeks to strengthen bilateral collaboration in pursuing technical cooperation and capacity building, enhance knowledge sharing, and promote transformative climate action in line with  action goals under  2016 Paris Agreement.

Also signed was  MOU to strengthen ties and enhance bilateral cooperation in combating human trafficking,  allows both countries to work together to fight human trafficking and advance labor protection in both countries through  exchange of expertise in the field of legislation and exchange of studies and research.

Manila and Doha also inked MOU on mutual recognition of seafarers’ certificates to implement  provisions stipulated in  International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention) of 1978 and its amendments.  MOU refers to Circular No. 1450 issued by  Maritime Safety Committee on Jan. 24, 2013 on mutual recognition of certificates according to regulation I/10 of  STCW Convention.

Agreement , signed by Philippines’ Maritime Industry Authority and Qatar’s Ministry of Transport, shall apply to  certificates of seafarers who serve on registered merchant ships of any of participants and sail under its flag, except for those who serve on ships mentioned in Article 3 of the STCW Convention.

Two countries also signed  agreement in the field of tourism and business events,  allows Manila and Doha to develop and strengthen their cooperation on tourism and business events on basis of mutual benefits according to applicable rules and regulations and relevant international obligations.

Agreement  pushes for cooperation in encouraging tourist flows to both countries and promoting cooperation between travel and tourism agencies and other relevant establishments to increase tourist exchange.

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Marcos and Sheikh Tamim also witnessed  signing of  MOU  aims to promote cooperation and facilitate communication between  sports federations of their countries and to set  framework for cooperation programs in sports based on  principle of reciprocity.

Another MOU seeks to facilitate communication between youth organizations in Manila and Doha and to set  framework for cooperation programs.  Countries  are expected to enhance their cooperation on youth sector through visit exchanges of youth delegations, members of youth centers and specialists and exchange of youth-related experiences and research.

Agreement  is expected to pave  way to meetings, conferences, lectures, seminars and academic forums on youth-related topics in both countries, explore opportunities to establish youth camps alternately and exchange research and studies in youth employment and entrepreneurship.

Both Philippines and Qatar also inked  waiver of visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and special or official passports.  Deal  allows  two countries to facilitate  travel of their nationals who are on official missions for their respective governments while complying with  provisions of  Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 and  Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 1963.

Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry also signed separate memoranda of understanding with  Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and  Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

During his bilateral meeting with Sheikh Tamim, Marcos expressed optimism about  prospects of  relationship between Philippines and Qatar. “With Philippines and Qatar sharing 43 years of deep friendship and cooperation, I am certain that our discussions today will translate to stronger collaboration in common fields of interests, I look forward to  fruitful and productive meeting with you today, with  hope  our discussion will open opportunities to improve and strengthen our bilateral relations at every level at the commercial level, at  government-to-government level, at people-to-people level,” the President said.

Sheikh Tamim said  signed agreements would further enhance Qatar’s ties with  Philippines,  he described as “ important partner” in many fields.

“It is my pleasure to take this opportunity to praise  Filipino community residing in  State of Qatar and their effective contribution to  development progress in our country,” the Qatari leader added.

Diplomatic ties between  Philippines and Qatar were established on May 5, 1981. There are about 242,000 Filipinos in Qatar.

23 Abril 2024, Martes

more birthdays to come JO GOD-SAVES MONTOJO LOPEZ

welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay

supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024

supports DENR Earth Day, Every Day campaign

Ph loses $890 M annually to recyclable plastic dumping

By J.Lo

“However, about 20 percent of this ends up in our oceans…over and above our organic waste, plastic for our market needs, food wrapping and packaging for our consumers all make up  61,000 metric tons of solid waste we produce daily,” Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga said Philippines loses $890 million a year because of indiscriminate dumping of recyclable plastic instead of repurposing it.

In her speech during  celebration of Earth Day, Loyzaga said country produces around 2.7 million tons of plastic waste each year, with most of it ending in landfills, dumpsites, rivers and water supply systems.

This year’s Earth Day is urgent call to face  deadly challenge against plastic, she added.

Loyzaga pointed out that many are unaware plastics have traditionally been made from oil, natural gas, or coal, very fossil fuel sources that have driven climate change.

“On  daily basis, we consume plastics in  fish caught in the seas, through  substandard water bottles we use and in  very air we breathe…microplastics have been found in raindrops and are being studied for their impact on clouds and climate change,” she added.

To address the issue, Loyzaga said  government passed  Extended Producer Responsibility Act of 2022 or EPR Law,  shifted  burden of collecting used plastic from local governments to  producers and manufacturers.

“Over 800 large-scale companies have registered and committed to reducing plastic use through  substitution and development of sustainable packaging solutions and collection, treatment and recycling initiatives…they have also committed to education and raising awareness of environmental impact of plastic pollution,” Loyzaga noted.

She stressed that  government and  corporations cannot do it alone, adding that transformation toward  plastics-free world begins at home.

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“Together, we can win this battle of planet vs. plastics. ..every step we take counts, and we will need to work as one… our choice to act today or let our plastic waste determine our tomorrow… Earth Day must be every day. ..we will fight to win  war of Planet vs. Plastics…we must embrace  environment for life,” she added.

Meanwhile, environmental group Center for Energy, Ecology and Development (CEED)  asked President Marcos to declare  national climate emergency amid  impact of El Niño in the country.

At  press conference, CEED executive director Gerry Arances said  damage El Niño brought to  agriculture sector has reached almost P4 billion, and it could still get worse in the next days.

“Today, together with other organizations, we urge President Marcos to declare  national climate emergency as effect of  El Niño that we are currently experiencing is expected to exacerbate, we are experiencing  different kind of El Niño as in the past weeks  heat index already reached almost 50 degrees Celsius… damage to agriculture already reached billions, as well as in  fish catch…we expect more problems in the next weeks and months,” Arances said, adding that  government’s preparations to minimize  impact of  phenomenon were inadequate.

Arances said Marcos should acknowledge that  current El Niño is different from  previous drought. “Extraordinary measures are needed…government officials are still treating climate change as business as usual…for us, we are warning that we should expect it to exacerbate.”

He said  declaration of  national climate emergency is necessary for national survival.

City  government of Pasig launched  Batang Bantay Kalikasan or BBK project,  aims to empower  youth in  campaign for  protection of  environment, and did  tree-planting activity in observance of this year’s Earth Day.

BBK officers, led by Samantha Nicole Salingay of De Castro Elementary School, from 21 public schools in Pasig took their oath during  flag-raising ceremony of the employees and officials of the city.

City  government handed over  BBK badge to its officers to symbolize  recognition of  city government to the group.

It also encouraged all private companies in the city to join  search for  “Most Sustainable Landscape” as part of  push to create green spaces in support of  Green Building Ordinance of Pasig.

After  flag-raising ceremony, Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto and other city officials led  ribbon-cutting for  Earth Day fair at the city hall lobby where 10 exhibitors participated in showcasing their environment-friendly products.

Sotto, along with Vice Mayor Robert Jaworski Jr., city councilors, representatives from  Mint College of Ortigas, AsiaLink and Department of Education -Schools Division office of Pasig led  tree-planting and growing activity at  Pasig Central Elementary School. ­

23 Abril 2024, Martes

more birthdays to come JO GOD-SAVES MONTOJO LOPEZ

welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay

supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024

supports DENR Earth Day, Every Day campaign

Abandoned  fishponds for mangrove restoration

By J.Lo

“Recent order of DENR, using modern technology, helps untangle some knots in the process of AUU pond reversion to mangrove forest,” Annadel Cabanban, country manager of Wetlands International Philippines, who also serves as  lead convenor of  Global Mangrove Alliance Philippines said Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has to assess abandoned, undeveloped, and underutilized (AUU) fishponds to identify potential areas for mangrove restoration. 

Environmental organizations and scientists have been calling on government to revert all abandoned fishponds into mangrove forests,  crucial in fight against climate change because they serve as natural barriers to storms and absorb planet-heating carbon. 

Document  signed by Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga on February 26 but was only released to  media on Wednesday ordered immediate assessment of AUU areas in Bicol region, Western Visayas, and Zamboanga Peninsula. 

Order  seeks recommendations for two types of reversion.  First  objective is administrative reversion,  involves returning control of AUU fishponds to  DENR from  Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR). 

Second  objective is biophysical reversion, focuses on restoring  ecological state of abandoned fishponds by transforming them back into mangrove forests through replanting, enrichment planting, and assisted regeneration.

Regional field assessment teams will gather data such as topographic, fishpond, mangrove and flooding maps as well as DA-BFAR data on areas issued with fishpond lease agreements (FLAs)  abandoned, unused and underdeveloped. 

Teams will conduct ground validation to assess profile and biophysical status of identified areas, and consult with civil society organizations, academic institutions and local government units. 

Following assessment,  regional technical working group (TWG) will recommend areas for administrative and biophysical reversion. These recommendations will then be forwarded to  national TWG for review and final approval by the secretary.

Cabanban, called DENR order  “huge milestone.”

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Conservationists earlier raised concern  Philippine Salt Industry Development Act new law to boost  country’s struggling salt industry could result in  conversion of fishponds into salt farms. 

Wetlands International Philippines said  law would increase salinity levels in disused fishponds, making it difficult to revert AUU fishponds into mangrove forests. 

More than half of Philippines’ extensive mangrove ecosystems, estimated at 450,000 hectares in 1918, have been lost primarily to fishpond conversion and other coastal development projects. 

23 Abril 2024, Martes

more birthdays to come JO GOD-SAVES MONTOJO LOPEZ

welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay

supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024

supports DENR Earth Day, Every Day campaign

Claimant of P218 M worth of shabu nabbed in NAIA

By Nidz Godino

Department of Justice (DOJ) recommended  filing of charges against Christine Tigranes , consignee of  shipment  contained shabu worth P218,484,000.

DOJ indicted Tigranes,  claimant of shipment that contained 31 kilograms of shabu, for violation of  Dangerous Drugs Act and Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

Tigranes was caught by  Ninoy Aquino International Airport Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group on April 17 after  shipment arrived at NAIA Complex in Pasay City.

According to  DOJ,  packages were declared as “machine mufflers” shipped by  certain Isaac Chikore from Zimbabwe. 

Packages  were alerted by NAIA’s X-ray Inspection Project Section due to  suspicious image. It was then subjected to physical examination.

Parcels  were four brown cartons wrapped in plastic, when opened, revealed four metal machinery mufflers.

Each of the mufflers, according to  DOJ, contained  transparent plastic containing another transparent plastic with white crystalline substances  turned out to be shabu.

Contrabands  were seized and immediately turned over to  Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency’s Laboratory Service for examination.

Crystalline  substances turned out to have  presence of methamphetamine hydrochloride,  scientific name of crystallized shabu, with  total net weight of 31,763 grams, according to DOJ.

As of writing,  DOJ has yet to provide any details on when and where  case against Tigranes will be filed.

23 Abril 2024, Martes

more birthdays to come JO GOD-SAVES MONTOJO LOPEZ

welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay

supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024

supports DENR Earth Day, Every Day campaign

HEADLINES

6 succumbed of heat-related illnesses-DOH

By J.Lo

AT least six persons succumbed of heat related-illness,  Department of Health has reported 34 cases  as high heat indices are continuously experienced in different areas in the country.

In  statement,  DOH said  34 cases were recorded from Jan. 1 to April 18 in their event-based Surveillance and Response System, with most of  cases coming from Central Visayas, Ilocos region and Soccsksargen.

It added that six of  34 cases led to deaths, although  actual causes of death are still being verified.

To prevent heat-related illnesses,  DOH again reminded  public to drink plenty of water, wear loose and light clothing, limit outdoor exposure from 10 in the morning  to 4 in the afternoon and to use sunblock, umbrella or cap when outdoors. DOH also advised those experiencing symptoms of heat-related illnesses to rest in shaded areas, use cold compress to help cool down body temperature and seek medical treatment.

Meanwhile,  Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)  said  heat index in Metro Manila could reach as high as 42 degrees Celsius today and at least 25 areas in the country could experience “danger” level  heat index  ranges between 42 degrees and 51 degrees Celsius.

Based on PAGASA forecast, both  stations at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City and at Science Garden in Quezon City could record  heat index of 42 degrees Celsius today. The 23 other areas could feel  danger level index.

According to PAGASA,  heat index of 46 degrees Celsius is possible in Masbate City, Masbate and 45 degrees Celsius in Infanta, Quezon; Puerto Princesa City and Aborlan town in Palawan and in Pili, Camarines Sur.

It also said  heat index in Dagupan City, Pangasinan; Aparri, Cagayan; Virac, Catanduanes; Catarman, Northern Samar; and Guiuan, Eastern Samar could reach 44 degrees Celsius. Areas in Bacnotan, La Union; Tuguegarao City, Cagayan; Echague, Isabela; Legazpi, Albay; Juban, Sorsogon; Iloilo City and Dumangas, Iloilo could all experience  heat index one degree lower.

PAGASA added that Iba, Zambales; Clark Airport, Pampanga; Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija; Sangley Point, Cavite; San Jose, Occidental Mindoro and Roxas City, Capiz could experience  heat index of 42 degrees Celsius.

TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

Romans 14:11

¹¹ It is written:

“‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord,
‘every knee will bow before me;
    every tongue will acknowledge God.’”^[a]

Footnotes

1. Romans 14:11 Isaiah 45:23