TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

Romans 5:10

¹⁰ For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!

7 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

April 15 e-bike ban

By Nidz Godino

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and  Manila city government  reminded users of electric bicycles (e-bikes) and tricycles (e-trikes), pushcarts, pedicabs, kuliglig and other light electric vehicles  they are banned from using certain major roads effective next week.

Both MMDA and Manila government announced  prohibition would start on April 15.

Aforementioned  light vehicles will be restricted from using roads under their watch such as Recto Avenue, Quirino Avenue, Araneta Avenue, Epifanio delos Santos Avenue, Katipunan/C.P. Garcia Avenue, Southeast Metro Manila Expressway, Roxas Boulevard, Taft Avenue, Osmeña Highway or South Super Highway, Shaw Boulevard, Ortigas Avenue, Magsaysay Boulevard/Aurora Boulevard, Quezon Avenue/Commonwealth Avenue, A. Bonifacio Avenue, Rizal Avenue, Delpan Street/Marcos Highway/McArthur Highway, Elliptical Road,
Mindanao Avenue, Marcos Highway, Boni Avenue, España Boulevard and other roads they will identify, according to the MMDA.

Manila Public Information Office made  similar announcement, highlighting the roads in the city also covered by the ban like Recto Avenue, Quirino Avenue, Roxas Boulevard, Taft Avenue, Osmeña Highway, Magsaysay Boulevard, Aurora Boulevard, Rizal Avenue, Delpan Street and España Boulevard.

Violators of the new regulation will be fined P2,500, while their vehicles or carts will be impounded when proven that they are not registered or when drivers have no license, according to authorities.

7 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

Quiboloy to surface sets conditions

By J.Lo

“If you fail to give in written form these conditions from  Office of the President, Office of the Secretary of Justice, PNP, NBI and CIDG, you will never see my face,” Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy is asking for “written guarantees” from authorities as he laid down  conditions for his surrender.

Davao City court earlier issued warrants of arrest against Quiboloy and five of his followers for violation of Republic Act 7610 or Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

In his voice message released through DZAR 1026 YouTube channel, Quiboloy  wants  written guarantee “that  Americans will not interfere in his case in the Philippines and that their Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and  US embassy will not meddle.”

Quiboloy also wants  written guarantee from President Ferdinand  Marcos Jr., Department of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) director Medardo de Lemos that “US government will not interfere.”

The embattled religious leader reasoned  he will not show his face unless these conditions are met.

He said that what he is doing is for “self-preservation” and claimed  end goal of all  legal woes he is facing is to avoid extraordinary rendition  euphemism for state-sponsored kidnapping and transfer to another country.

“If I decide to come,  end game is that they would capture me and bring me before  American authorities…it will end up on their plan of extraordinary rendition,” Quiboloy said.

He also claimed that this extraordinary rendition involves  Americans killing him and to make it appear he died of natural causes.

“I am avoiding that to happen because I am preserving myself…that is the wisdom of the Lord God to preserve myself…the Father is taking care of me and preventing me from falling into  traps of people. ..He is preventing to fulfill their desire to take my life because I am hindering their plans, I am not  drug lord, I do not use drugs… cases filed against me are made up accusations…your style is trial by publicity,” Quiboloy said.

Quiboloy also wants Sen. Risa Hontiveros to stop what he described as sham Senate hearings on alleged sexual abuses and instead file cases against him in court. He also accused the lawmaker of using  proceedings to gain publicity.

Col. Jean Fajardo, the PNP’s chief publicist, has urged Quiboloy’s followers to convince him to surrender and allow  justice system to take its course on his cases.

She also warned Quiboloy that as he is now  fugitive, even ordinary civilians can arrest him.

“Even civilians can arrest him, if he is found, because  warrants of arrest are already issued by  courts,” Fajardo said.

Sen. Ronald Dela Rosa urged Quiboloy to surrender to authorities following  arrest warrant issued by  Davao court on  child sexual abuse case.

“My only advice to him is that he face the case and let  wheel of justice roll… he really has no choice but to face it…that is my advice,” Dela Rosa said.

Dela Rosa previously said he would be willing to serve as Quiboloy’s security  which he later took back  and as envoy to convince the pastor to surrender. At the time, the senator said it was up to the pastor if he wants to surrender.

But with  warrant for Quiboloy to face  charges, Dela Rosa said the pastor has to respect  court proceedings.

“You cannot evade the long arm of the law. It will eventually find you,” Dela Rosa said.

The senator also doused speculations that former president Rodrigo Duterte another ally of Quiboloy and  appointed property administrator  was helping the pastor hide and be  fugitive.

“You cannot expect from  former president  and  lawyer and former fiscal at that  to harbor  fugitive… He knows that is  violation of the law. ..let us not make up those kinds of stories,” Dela Rosa said.

Quiboloy is in hiding with both  court and  Senate ordering his arrest, the latter for contempt after he snubbed  Upper Chamber’s investigations on his alleged sexual abuses in his ministry.

“The court is the proper forum for him to respond to  issues,” Dela Rosa said.

TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

Galatians 2:20

²⁰ I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Govt eyes expanded amnesty for Reds

By J.Lo

“The President has directed  immediate implementation of  amnesty program to  remaining members of CPP-NPA-NDF ,Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front since Congress has already concurred with  proclamation,” National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said at  press briefing President Marcos wants to expand  amnesty program for communist rebels to include about 1,500 insurgents who have yet to surrender to the government.

Año said  amnesty program was tackled during  fifth executive committee meeting of  National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict yesterday at Malacañang.

He was referring to Proclamation No. 404 issued last November,  granted amnesty to former rebels who have committed crimes in furtherance of their political beliefs. Proclamation covered about 40,000 insurgents.

Presidential peace adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. said Marcos may issue another proclamation to cover rebels who have not yet laid down their arms.

“I believe in our discussion with  Congress, they understand that those who will receive the amnesty are the 40,000 surrenderers…for those who are still in the mountains… the National Amnesty Commission will be given  power to adjudicate based on  proclamations given by the President, amnesty program might be expanded, but definitely  coverage for  meantime pertains to those who really surrendered and who went back to folds of  law,” he said.

Galvez explained new amnesty proclamation would only be issued once  government and  communists sign  final peace agreement. He said  number of rebels who would turn their backs on  armed struggle may increase.

“You know Filipinos, they will see if it is good…once they see that it is favorable to them, they will apply,” the peace adviser said.

Año said there are 1,576 remaining NPA members with 1,406 firearms.

In November,  government and  NDF,  negotiating arm of communists, agreed to seek  “principled and peaceful” resolution to  conflict and to address its root causes.

Officials have expressed hope peace deal would be forged before  end of Marcos’ term in 2028.

Flexible work scheme for courts amid heat

By J.Lo

“By 2025, we can go back to the old calendar,” said Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, chair of Senate basic education committee.

Trial court judges and personnel are allowed to adopt  flexible working arrangement amid “dangerous heat indices” nationwide, according to the Supreme Court (SC).

Starting April 5 to May 31, working hours and court operations are from 7:30 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon, based on  circular issued by Court Administrator Raul Villanueva with authority from Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo.

Saturday duty in trial courts will be from 7:30 in the morning to 12 noon.

This can also apply on Sundays, official holidays and special days when exceptional circumstances warrant, circular noted.

This is to “prevent health complications that may be caused by  extreme heat and weather conditions.”

Meanwhile, field personnel of  Metropolitan Manila Development Authority have also been given  “heat stroke break” every 30 minutes, starting March 15 to May 31, according to acting MMDA Chairman Romando Artes.

During this break, traffic enforcers and street sweepers may leave their posts to take shelter and drink water to prevent heat stroke.

There could be  additional 15-minute break once Manila’s heat index reaches 40 degrees Celsius and above.

Heat index measures  temperature that  person feels, which is computed considering air temperature and humidity, according to the state weather bureau.

Due to high temperatures and high heat index experienced nationwide, local government units and school heads have been given authority to suspend classes.

In Bulacan, three days of online classes have been implemented in private and public schools amid the rising heat index.

Rising temperature is expected to hit 39 to 41 degrees Celsius.

Online classes will run from April 4 to 6, based on  memorandum issued by Bulacan Gov. Daniel Fernando on Wednesday.

Fernando will issue another directive on what learning modality will be implemented after April 6.

Meanwhile, more schools have suspended onsite classes and  number of students affected by suspensions has grown to over 2.4 million, the Department of Education (DepEd) said.

Schools suspended onsite classes ballooned to 4,769 compared to Wednesday’s 3,954.

Western Visayas remains  region with  highest number of schools affected, with 1,015 or about 547,800 students, based on DepEd data.

In Metro Manila, 391,230 students from 168 schools are affected.

Central Luzon has most number of affected learners, with 502,838 students from 811 schools.

In Ilocos, Calabarzon, Mimaropa and Zamboanga peninsula, over one million students in 1,417 schools are affected.

Bicol, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas and Soccsksargen have  combined total of 1,358 schools suspending onsite classes. Number of affected students has yet to be determined.

DepEd reminded school heads and local DepEd officials of existing guidelines on class suspensions, stressing  school heads have been given  authority to shift to alternative delivery modes “in cases of extreme heat and other calamities that may compromise  health and safety of learners, teachers and non-teaching personnel.”

DepEd has yet to comment on calls from teachers’ groups to revert to  June-March academic calendar, citing  heat experienced by students in March and April.

Lawmakers have also sought to intervene by filing proposals, noting current school calendar running from August to June is inappropriate in the country.

Gatchalian echoed calls for DepEd to revert to  old school calendar to give students  break from  scorching heat.

DepEd is gradually reverting to  old school calendar with an April to May break, he said during  Kapihan sa Senado forum.

In gradual return to  pre-pandemic calendar,  current school year will end on May 31 and restart on July 29. In 2025, it will end on May 16.

 Pulse Asia survey from June 19 to 23 last year, which the senator commissioned, showed  80 percent of Filipino respondents want to return to  April-May school summer break.

Gatchalian recommended  DepEd shorten  transition to  old school calendar due to  pressing need for it amid climate change.

Dangerous levels of heat indices may be experienced in eight areas nationwide, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

Temperatures between 42 to 43 degrees Celsius may be recorded, which could pose dangerous effects on people.

Level may be experienced in Dagupan City, Sangley Point in Cavite, Aborlan in Palawan and Pili in Camarines Sur.

Dumangas in Iloilo, Catarman in Northern Samar and Zamboanga City might also experience extreme heat.

State weather forecasters warn of heat cramps, heat exhaustion and probable heat stroke with continued exposure.

Meanwhile,  trough of  low-pressure area is currently affecting Mindanao.

It may bring scattered rain over parts of the Davao region and Soccsksargen.

Isolated rains may be seen over Metro Manila and the rest of the country due to easterlies and localized thunderstorms. 

TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

1 John 3:16

¹⁶ This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.

5 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

Apr 10, holiday for Eid’l Fitr

By Nidz Godino

“In order to bring  religious and cultural significance of  Eid’l Fitr to  fore of national consciousness, and to allow  entire Filipino nation to join their Muslim brothers and sisters in peace and harmony in  observance and celebration of Eid’l Fitr, it is necessary to declare Wednesday, 10 April 2024,  regular holiday throughout the country,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.has declared April 10 a regular holiday throughout the country in observance of the Muslim religious event Eidul Fitr or Eid’l Fitr.

Proclamation 514 declaring  Eid holiday was signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin by the authority of Marcos.

Proclamation was in line with  recommendation of  National Commission on Muslim Filipinos to declare April 10  national holiday to observe Eid’l Fitr, also known as  Feast of Ramadan.

Eid’l Fitr,  marks  end of Ramadan, was declared  national holiday by Republic Act 9177. 

5 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

2 Quiboloy aides surfaced

By J.Lo

“Right now we are negotiating his surrender through his counsel,” National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)  XI regional director Arcelito Albao told media two members of Apollo Quiboloy’s religious sect ordered arrested on Wednesday along with him and three others by  Davao court have surrendered.

Jackielyn Roy and Ingrid Canada, both personal assistants of Quiboloy in  Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), surrendered NBI a day after they were issued warrants of arrest by Judge Dante Baguio of  Davao Regional Trial Court Branch 12 for violation of Republic Act 7610 or Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination.

Three other KOJC members  Paulene and Cresente Canada and Sylvia Camanes  posted P80,000 bail after their arrest at  Jose Maria College campus in Davao City and in  Samal and Tamayong properties of  KOJC. The NBI said it is negotiating with Quiboloy’s camp for his surrender.

Manhunt for the sect leader continues after authorities failed to find him in any of his properties in Davao. Team from  NBI,  Police Regional Office, and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group XI is spearheading  search for the sect leader.

Col. Jean. Fajardo, spokesperson for  Philippine National Police, said they have expanded their search for Quiboloy. “We’re looking at the possibility that he is outside Davao,” Fajardo said at  news conference. She said  KOJC leader is still in the country, based on information they have received.

In  phone interview, Davao region police director Brig. Gen. Alden Delvo said there is “strong indication” that Quiboloy is hiding in  Tamayong Prayer Mountain in Davao City’s Calinan district.

But finding the sect leader is easier said than done, according to Delvo, saying Quiboloy’s property in Calinan has  land area of around 30 to 40 hectares.

Fajardo, meanwhile, also stressed that Quiboloy’s physical presence is required by the court handling his case. “He has to be physically present in the processing of his bail or when he comes under court jurisdiction,” she said.

She also urged Quiboloy’s followers to be calm and just allow  judicial system to run its course.

Quiboloy is also wanted by  Federal Bureau of Investigation for alleged involvement in  labor trafficking scheme that brought members of his sect to  US through fraudulently obtained visas.

Quiboloy,  friend and “spiritual adviser” to former president Rodrigo Duterte, is also facing charges in the US for involvement in conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of children and cash smuggling.

5 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

Holistic plan to solve MM traffic woes

By Nidz Godino

“What the President really wants is  comprehensive, holistic approach to solving  traffic problem  not piecemeal approach as has been the case all these years,” National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said with traffic gridlocks costing  economy billions of pesos, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.has called for  “comprehensive” solution to  country’s traffic woes and has directed agencies to come up with work adjustment plans.

He cited need to look at intermodal transport systems and see how they operate efficiently as a whole. He noted that government is building  subway, expressways and bridges linking provinces.

Such projects, he said, have to be seen in the context of all other transport systems including bicycle lanes, motorcycle lanes and feeder roads, as well as  location of industries and residences.

“If there is  chokepoint in one, it affects  whole system…that’s why we really look at it as a system…and that’s the direction of the President,” Balisacan said.

In  statement,  Presidential Communications Office said  government has several ongoing infrastructure projects connecting Metro Manila cities to nearby provinces, including  North-South Railway project linking Metro Manila to Bulacan, Pampanga and Laguna; the Central Luzon Expressway connecting North Luzon Expressway, and  Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge.

A 2018 study by  Japan International Cooperation Agency estimated that traffic congestion in Metro Manila is costing  Philippines P3.5 billion a day.

Metro Manila also emerged as  metro area with  worst traffic congestion in 2023,  traffic index of digital navigation site TomTom showed. According to the index, driving ten kilometers in Metro Manila took about 25 minutes and 30 seconds last year, 50 seconds slower than in 2022.

Total of 117 hours were lost per year during rush hours in the area while  average speed during those times was just 19 kilometers per hour.

Three big-ticket roadworks projects are expected to start this month, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)

EDSA-Kamuning flyover in Quezon City would be retrofitted starting April 25 and is estimated to be finished in 11 months.

The decks, or  platforms where vehicles pass through along  flyover, will be demolished and replaced with new ones,  DPWH representative explained. DPWH said there was  need to repair  EDSA-Kamuning flyover to prevent potential damage and casualties in case  strong earthquake hits.

DPWH will implement partial closure of  flyover which means  one lane would remain open to motorists while  remaining lanes would be off-limits for  repairs.

Flyover along Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City will also undergo repairs for three weeks starting April 5 and will also be under partial closure.

Portions of Roxas Boulevard in  cities of Manila and Pasay will also undergo road reblocking and installation of drainage systems starting April 5  expected to be finished in 150 calendar days.

Since it is used regularly by trucks, Roxas Boulevard needed  upgrade to its concrete pavements from  current 23 centimeters to 24 centimeters, according to  DPWH.

Additionally,  DPWH would also perform road reblocking in portions of Tandang Sora Avenue, Bonny Serrano Avenue, IBP-San Mateo Road, Luzon Avenue, Mindanao Avenue, Payatas Road and G. Araneta Avenue in Quezon City, EDSA in Mandaluyong City, and Roxas Boulevard in Pasay and Manila from April 5 to 11, if ever  government declares  latter date  holiday.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) allowed  DPWH to perform all  projects round-the-clock, and expects construction to be finished earlier than their respective target dates.

“These projects are necessary for  safety of our motorists and they should not be delayed,” MMDA acting Chairman Romando Artes said.

Artes vowed  MMDA would put in place measures to prevent roads from getting congested, causing traffic jams, due to  road projects.

He also assured  public that  MMDA would study traffic management plans that will be implemented during  constructions, including designation of Mabuhay lanes or alternate routes, zipper lanes, and road clearing operations to “minimize  inconvenience on motorists.”