21 Abril 2024, Linggo

more birthdays to come JO GOD-SAVES MONTOJO LOPEZ

welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay

supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024

HEADLINES

DMW – UAE authorities to repatriate remains of OFWs

By Nidz Godino

“They explained procedures needed to facilitate  repatriation of  victims’ remains back to the Philippines,”  Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is working with United Arab Emirates authorities to repatriate  remains of three overseas Filipino workers (OFWs)  died in  massive flooding in  UAE last week.

Both  Migrant Workers Office-Dubai and  Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) also met with  next of kin of  three Filipino workers.

Two Filipinas died from suffocation inside their vehicle at the height of  flooding on Wednesday.

Third  victim,  male, died from injuries sustained when his vehicle fell into  sinkhole also on Wednesday.

Two other Filipino workers, both male, suffered injuries from  vehicular accident and are recuperating in their hospital rooms,  Migrant Workers Office-Dubai reported.

Teams from  DMW, OWWA and  Philippine consulate general at Dubai International Airport are working to assist Filipinos whose flights were delayed or rescheduled due to  severe rains and bad weather. They provided stranded Filipino passengers with food packs, essential personal items and airline flight assistance.

Migrant Workers Office said  weather is improving, although large areas around  Gulf State remain flooded. It added its office in Abu Dhabi also distributed food and relief packs to about 800 OFWs living and working in  Al Touba district, one of the remote areas badly affected by severe weather disturbance.

Both  Dubai and Abu Dhabi Migrant Workers Offices, according to  DMW, would continue monitoring  situation and provide  necessary support and assistance to affected OFWs.

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Meanwhile, UAE authorities confirmed  deaths from heavy rains rose to four on Friday. It also said  rains continue to flood roads and jam Dubai’s international airport.

Fourth  casualty was  Emirati man in his 70s,  died when his vehicle was swept away by floods in  northern Ras Al Khaimah emirate.

Scientists blame increasingly common extreme weather events, such as  rains in UAE and Oman, on human-led global warming. Storm  first hit Oman the previous weekend, killing at least 20 people, before pounding UAE on Tuesday with its heaviest rains in 75 years of records.

Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest and  hub for travel around  Middle East, was still struggling to clear  backlog of flights three days after storm.

It was limiting arrivals for two days.

Flagship carrier Emirates, one of the world’s biggest international airlines, said check-in was suspended for people planning to transit via Dubai, but those with  city as  final destination could travel as usual.

As of Friday morning, 1,478 flights to and from Dubai had been cancelled since Tuesday, approximately 30 percent of all flights, according to aircraft flight tracking website FlightRadar24.

In the UAE capital Abu Dhabi, state carrier Etihad said flight operations were back to normal.

The main road connecting Dubai, the most populous emirate, with Abu Dhabi remained partially closed on Friday, while an alternative route saw vehicles driving through low water on the hard shoulder past abandoned cars and buses.

In the UAE’s north, including in the emirate of Sharjah, local media reported people were still trapped in homes. Residents said there was extensive damage to businesses.

TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

John 10:28-30

²⁸ I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. ²⁹ My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all^[a]; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. ³⁰ I and the Father are one.”

Footnotes

1. John 10:29 Many early manuscripts What my Father has given me is greater than all

20 Abril 2024, Sabado

more birthdays to come JO GOD-SAVES MONTOJO LOPEZ

welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay

supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024

Respect our sea rights, sovereignty-China

By Nidz Godino

“Taiwan question is  very core of China’s interests and China’s core interests brook no compromise… Chinese People’s Liberation Army will never let any ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist activities and external supports go unchecked,” Chinese defense minister Admiral Dong Jun was quoted by  embassy as saying talked with his US counterpart earlier to relay Beijing’s appeal to Washington that it respect China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in  South China Sea, saying President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden have  shared commitment to improving bilateral relations.

Chinese embassy said  video conversation between Dong  and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III took place on Tuesday. Based on  embassy statement,  meeting appeared to focus more on  Taiwan issue. There was no direct mention of  West Philippine Sea issue. It was not clear who initiated  video meeting.

The Chinese defense chief also noted  current situation in  South China Sea is generally stable, and that regional countries have  willingness, wisdom and capability to resolve conflicts.

“ US should clearly recognize China’s firm position, earnestly respect China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in South China Sea and take practical actions to maintain regional peace and  stability of  relations between  two countries and  two militaries,  military domain plays  pivotal role in implementing  consensus reached by  heads of state, stabilizing  development of bilateral relations and preventing major crises… two militaries should explore ways to get along with each other, taking peace, stability and trust as  basic principles of their exchanges and build  military-to-military relationship featuring no conflict, no confrontation, open and pragmatic cooperation and gradual accumulation of mutual trust based on equality and mutual respect, so as to truly serve as  stable cornerstone for  development of relations between  two countries,” Dong said.

Earlier, Beijing said US actions and statements are  ones causing problems in the region.  Chinese embassy, earlier this month, even mocked  US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, saying “it will not move us bit from our will and resolve.”

It was made in response to fresh assurances from Biden that any attack on  Philippine aircraft, vessel or armed forces in  SCS would trigger the treaty.

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“US is not  party to  South China Sea issue and is not in  position of interfering in issues between China and the Philippines,”  Chinese embassy said.

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20 Abril 2024, Sabado

more birthdays to come JO GOD-SAVES MONTOJO LOPEZ

welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay

supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024

HEADLINES

Siopao seller tops PNPA Class 2024

By J.Lo

“I also experienced selling siopao in my school….that also helped me with  expenses during my college days,” Police Cadet Ma. Camille Cabasis topped  233 graduates of  PNPA Layag-Diwa Class of 2024, woman who used to work at  photocopy center and sell siopao in school to fund her college education emerged as topnotcher of this year’s Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) graduating class.

But even before this feat, Cabasis already made  mark as  achiever, having graduated cum laude at Batangas State University with  degree in criminology. She also passed  board exam in 2019 and became  topnotcher for the Calabarzon region.

Today, she will be receiving  Presidential Kampilan award during 45th PNPA Commencement Exercises with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.as guest of honor.

Also attending  rites at Camp General Mariano N. Castañeda in Silang, Cavite are Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos and Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil.

Cabasis is  only daughter of couple Edwin and Lucena.

She recalled having gone through college as  working student, specifically as  photocopy center attendant, earning P25 an hour.

Upon entering  PNPA, Cabasis  had  easier time adjusting from civilian life to  regimented environment of  academy, noting that she used to be Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) officer in college.

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Cabasis, one of 41 women in  Layag-Diwa Class, urged other women to not give up and to always aim high despite  hardships of life. “We are not just women, we are women who can contribute to society,” she said.

She and 197 of her classmates will join  PNP with  rank of lieutenant, 13 will join  Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and 12 at  Bureau of Fire Protection.

This year’s graduating cadets were among  22,382 applicants who applied for entry in  PNPA in 2020, data from  PNPA showed.  Total  of 359 were appointed as cadets but  figure dwindled to 223 during their stay at the academy.

As these developed,following First Lady Liza Marcos’ admission of rift with Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, President Marcos and Duterte bussed each other and shared  stage at PNPA’s graduation rites.

Marcos and Duterte were seen touching cheeks or doing “beso-beso” as he briefly held her arm when she and  Abalos welcomed him after  arrival honors.  Officials  then walked together to the stage.

Country’s two highest officials were seated beside each other and were seen chatting during  program.

Duterte also stood next to Marcos when they handed  diplomas to 223 graduating PNPA cadets.

The Vice President and concurrent education secretary introduced Marcos for his speech to the graduates. They left  venue separately without giving  media interview.

Liza  was hurt when the Vice President was seen laughing at  recent prayer rally in Davao City, after her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, called her husband “bangag” or high on drugs.

“Imagine  former president calling my husband bangag…why would you call him bangag…and then  camera panned on Sara, laughing. ..so of course, I saw it. ..I said, ‘wow man… I mean, for me, I was hurt because my husband will do everything to protect you,” Liza said.

At  forum in Manila on April 15, the President described his relations with  Dutertes  “complicated.”

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He, however, maintained  relationship with the Vice President has not changed. “One, of course, I have the most contact with is Inday Sara and how we were with each other during  campaign, after  election, it hasn’t really changed,” he said, referring to  Vice President. “That’s what she always says.”

Marcos earlier defended Sara for not speaking out on West Philippine Sea dispute with China, saying it is not her role as Vice President and education secretary.

The Vice President kept her silence amid  tirade of  First Lady, who candidly admitted in  Duterte has lost favor with her.

Requests for  statement by reporters covering  Office of the Vice President remained unanswered by the OVP communication team.

Duterte was also not posting any statement on her social media accounts regarding  acerbic remarks of the First Lady.

The Vice President used to post video statements on her Facebook account to address some pressing issues, but none was posted as of Friday.

Posted  in full on YouTube on Thursday night, the First Lady admitted  she was hurt when  Vice President supposedly laughed as Marcos was accused of being stoned.

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency has denied that the President was on PDEA list for cocaine use, as claimed by his predecessor.

House leadership  congratulated President Marcos for being named as one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2024, saying this is also in recognition of  entire country.

“President Marcos’ visionary leadership has brought about tangible improvements in various facets of our society…his strategic economic policies have steered our country towards stability and growth, even during global uncertainties,” said Speaker Martin Romualdez.

20 Abril 2024, Sabado

more birthdays to come JO GOD-SAVES MONTOJO LOPEZ

welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay

supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024

‘Hindi namin kaaway ang It’s Showtime’, Joey de Leon clarifies

By Cynthia Montojo

“Ito ay para lang matapos ‘yung mga usap-usapan…unang-una, hindi, hindi namin kaaway ‘yung ‘It’s Showtime.’ yung ‘Showtime’ matagal na naming kapitbahay ‘yon…hindi rin kami tinitira, hindi rin namin sila tinitira”,Joey de Leon stressed that his much-talked about remark on willingly bending his knees for those who will reach 15-year mark was not for noontime show “It’s Showtime,” but it was for those who were alleging that “Eat Bulaga” is rumored to end its 45-year run. 

TV host-comedian posted  video on Instagram earlier  to shut down people from further fueling fire to the issue and for misinterpreting his remark. 

“Eat Bulaga” currently airs on TV5, in the same time slot with “It’s Showtime,”  simulcast on sister stations, GTV and GMA-7. 

“Eat Bulaga” aired on GMA for more than three decades before its hosts decided to cut ties with its then producer Television and Production Exponents Inc. (TAPE) in May 2023. They started airing on TV5 in July of the same year. 

“Ang pinapatungkulan namin ni Tito Sotto nung nagalit kami sa ‘Eat Bulaga’ eh ‘yung mga nasa social media na nagpo-post. …kaya hinamon ko 15 years, kung tatagal ‘yung mga nagpo-post na ‘yon…hindi ‘Showtime.’ Happy anniversary ‘Showtime,’ 15 years na nga ‘yung ‘Showtime’ bakit ko hahamunin ‘yon,” he said. 

Joey pointed out that there are only two noontime shows currently seen on free TV, and he sees the other noontime show and its hosts as their contemporaries. 

“Mahal namin ang ‘Showtime’ dahil kasabayan namin. “Dadalawa na lang kami, huwag niyo kaming pagsabungin…magkakaibigan din po kami,” he stressed. 

“Ang pinapatungkulan namin ni Tito ay ‘yung mga nagpo-post na magsasara na kami… dadalawa na lang ‘yung show eh isasara pa ‘yung isa…at ‘yung isa ‘yon well, hindi naman sa pagmamayabang  longest running…top 5 nga sa mundo eh,  kaya thank you…kasama kayo doon sa honor na ‘yon…kaya inuulit namin ‘yung galit namin ni Tito at ng mga Dabarkads at sama ng loob ay doon sa mga nagpo-post na hindi free TV, ‘yung mga nasa Facebook, Instagram, sa social media, ‘yung mga salbahe doon,” he added. 

The vocal TV host reiterated that he will fulfill his viral remark if those who have been spreading the issue will last 15 years. He also reiterated that “Eat Bulaga” and “It’s Showtime” are not enemies. 

“Kaya para malinaw, talagang luluhod ako, dadapa pa ako kung maka-15 years ‘yung mga tsismoso na ‘yon, ‘yung mga sinungaling na ‘yon…pero ‘yung ‘Showtime’  we love you.” 

“Hindi kami magkaaway at nagtatrabaho lang kami, ‘yun lang ‘yon. Ganun lang kalinaw, nililinaw ko lang kasi hahaba pa ito. ‘Yung iba nilalagyan na ng kulay, pinagsasabong. Nagtatrabaho lang po kami po kami, dadalawa na lang kaming lunch shows. We love each other.” 

“Matagal na, mahigit isang dekada na kaming magkapitbahay. So ‘yun lang po, inuulit ko ‘yung mga nagpo-post na sinungaling sa social media ‘yun ang mga buwisit, ‘yun ang mga pinapatungkulan namin. Okay?” he said. 

TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

1 Corinthians 15:55-57

⁵⁵ “Where, O death, is your victory?
    Where, O death, is your sting?”^[a]

⁵⁶ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. ⁵⁷ But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Footnotes

1. 1 Corinthians 15:55 Hosea 13:14

19 Abril 2024, Biyernes

more birthdays to come JO GOD-SAVES MONTOJO LOPEZ

welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay

supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024

FMJ makes TIME’s ‘100 Most Influential People of 2024’

By Nidz Godino

“For Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos to make history, he first needed to rewrite his nation’s…his dictator father plundered billions of dollars from state coffers and stood accused of grievous human-rights violations until his ouster in 1986,”  article written by Time correspondent Charlie Campbell read, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.is among this year’s 100 most influential people of Time magazine,  depicted him as someone who rewrote history but who has “elevated  Philippines on the world stage.”

Time’s description of Marcos,  only Filipino in this year’s list, was not flattering. It called  President’s late father and namesake  dictator and attributed his 2022 electoral victory to  “whitewashing” of his family legacy and “clever” social media manipulation.

However, Time also cited his efforts to stabilize post-pandemic economy, enhance  Philippines’ image and stand up to China,  has sparked fears and tensions because of its aggressive actions in  South China Sea.

“Yet Bongbong’s desire to rehabilitate Marcos name has resulted in other shifts. ..he brought technocrats back into government, steadied post-­pandemic economy, and elevated  Philippines on the world stage,” it added.
According to Time, Marcos has “stood steadfast” against China’s aggression in  South China Sea and bolstered Philippines alliance with US in  face of rising regional and global tensions.

“Many problems persist, including extra­judicial killings and journalists routinely attacked…but by trying to repair his family name, Bongbong may reshape his country too,”  article read.

Malacañang said Marcos’ inclusion in  Time 100 list “reflects his brand of leadership that puts  national interest and welfare of every Filipino above all else.”

In statement,  Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said  Philippines under Marcos experienced “robust” economic growth and recovery, exceeding expectations and instilling confidence in the country’s economic outlook.

“Despite geopolitical tensions and  hurdles posed by  COVID-19 pandemic, President Marcos has elevated  Philippines on world stage and contributed to regional stability, notably in  Indo-Pacific region,  President continues to steer country towards peace and prosperity towards his vision of  Bagong Pilipinas ,new Philippines,”  PCO said.

Marcos was included in the leaders category, along with Yulia Navalnaya, widow of the Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny; Iranian human rights activist Narges Mohammadi; Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk; incoming Taiwan president William Lai, Texas Governor Greg Abbott; Brazil environment minister Marina Silva; Central Intelligence Agency director William Burns; American journalist E. Jean Carroll; Singapore ambassador for oceans and law of the sea issues Rena Lee; Argentinian President Javier Milei; Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, US lawmaker Elise Stefanik, Ecuador attorney-general Diana Salazar Mendez; US Special Counsel Jack Smith; Rachel Goldberg-Polin, mother of American-Israeli hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin; World Bank president Ajay Banga; California Governor Gavin Newsom; Kenya President William Ruto; Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni; Chinese Premier Li Qiang; Jigar Shah, head of the US energy department loan programs office; Lauren Blauvelt, executive director of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio; and Andriy Yermak, head of the office of Ukraine’s president.

Other Filipinos who were part of previous Time 100 lists include  late president Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, former president Rodrigo Duterte, Sen. Leila de Lima and Rappler chief executive officer Maria Ressa.

19 Abril 2024, Biyernes

more birthdays to come JO GOD-SAVES MONTOJO LOPEZ

welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay

supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024

HEADLINES

3 Pinoys succumbed in UAE flooding

By Nidz Godino

“With extreme sadness, we report  death of 3 OFWs during  flooding in UAE, “ Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) officer-in-charge Hans Cacdac posted on X, referring to overseas Filipino workers, three  died in  severe flooding in  United Arab Emirates.

Cacdac said two of the victims died of suffocation inside their vehicle that got stalled in the flood while  third died from injuries after his vehicle fell into  sinkhole at the height of  flooding. No other details were given.

He said  Migrant Workers Offices and  Overseas Workers Welfare Administration offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are working closely to provide assistance to  families of the three Filipinos.

Philippine government is readying food and other essential commodities for Filipinos staying in areas affected by severe flooding in  Emirates.

MWO-Dubai’s public assistance and training areas were flooded but have since been cleaned.

In Oman, DMW said, no Filipinos are staying in  severely affected villages.

Meanwhile,  DMW continues to monitor  condition of Filipinos in quake-affected areas in Japan.

In advisory, DMW ordered employers in Ehime and Kochi prefectures to report  condition or any incidents involving overseas Filipino workers.

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“Initial assessments indicate no reports of injuries or deaths involving our OFWs…nevertheless, MWOs Tokyo and Osaka will continue monitoring  situation and work closely with Consulate General in Osaka and  Philippine Embassy in Tokyo,”  DMW said.

A 6.6-magnitude earthquake rocked two prefectures in western Japan Wednesday night.

Japan Meteorological Agency reported quake’s epicenter at Bungo Suido channel, south of Osaka.

Earthquake  did not cause  tsunami but tremors of magnitude 1 to 4 were detected in  surrounding Shikoku, Kyushu and Chugoku regions of southwest Honshu, Japan’s main island.

TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

1 Corinthians 15:20-22

²⁰ But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. ²¹ For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. ²² For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.

Hse sets probe on Du30’s ‘secret deal’ with China

By Nidz Godino

“In response to  request of our colleagues, led by Assistant Majority Leader Khonghun,  House will consider  call to probe supposed gentleman’s agreement when Congress resumes its regular sessions on April 29,” House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe said in  statement  leadership of  House of Representatives is preparing to look into  so-called gentleman’s agreement between former president Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping on West Philippine Sea issue.

Dalipe has vowed to act on request of Rep. Jefferson Khonghun (Zambales first district) to look deeper into  unwritten deal between  two leaders, as such may be  “act of treason” on the part of former president.

Dalipe, who is from Zamboanga City, chairs  House committee on rules. “Protecting our national territory and marine resources are of utmost importance,” he said.

“Inquiry is aimed at guaranteeing transparency and protecting  national interests… House is committed to conducting  comprehensive and fair inquiry to clarify this critical national issue,” Dalipe said.

Congress resumes session on April 29 and goes on recess on May 24. Session commences on July 22, when President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his third State of the Nation Address before joint Congress.

Both Duterte and  Chinese government have confirmed their verbal agreement.

Khonghun earlier voiced support for President Marcos in condemning  reported gentleman’s agreement between Duterte and Xi.

“Integrity of our nation’s sovereignty cannot be subjected to clandestine agreements that undermine  rights of  Filipino people,” Khonghun said. The first district of Zambales, which he represents, includes  coastal areas facing  West Philippine Sea.

According to Khonghun, his aligning with  President’s position reflects  broader trend among legislators, highlighting  need for transparency and accountability in matters of national sovereignty and security.

“It is imperative that we shed light on any agreements or arrangements that could potentially compromise our country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,..Filipino people deserve to know the truth and hold accountable those responsible for any actions that may jeopardize our national interests,” Khonghun pointed out.

The legislator expressed hope  inquiry would provide clarity to the issue and help authorities craft effective measures to strengthen  Philippine position against China’s intimidation.

“Filipino people are rightfully concerned about  implications of any agreements made in secrecy, particularly when it comes to our territorial sovereignty,” Khonghun maintained.

“It is our duty as public servants to ensure that their concerns are addressed and that  interests of the Philippines are protected,” he added.

Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, meanwhile, warned  public against falling into  trap of China’s “propaganda” aboute gentleman’s agreement between Duterte and Xi.

“I believe it is plain, simple propaganda of Chinese government… not the first time we caught Chinese ambassador in the Philippines lying. w/hich was why we earlier called for his replacement and for his return to Beijing,” Villanueva said at Kapihan sa Senado forum yesterday, referring to Ambassador Huang Xilian.