TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

2 Corinthians 5:21

²¹ God made him who had no sin to be sin^[a] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Footnotes

1. 2 Corinthians 5:21 Or be a sin offering

NPA financiers with terrorism financing charged

By J.Lo

“We will never let even an inch of terrorism’s tyranny sow fear among our citizens, much more let  cowards behind this menace run free… time when we Filipinos should fortify our resolve and show our resilience in fighting this evil,” Department of Justice (DOJ) press release read, quoting Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla two individuals who are allegedly responsible for “financing terrorism” and collecting “revolutionary funds” for  insurgent group Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) have been charged by DOJ. 

In  statement by  Justice department DOJ said  there is sufficient evidence to charge Leonor Taguinod Dumlao and Valentin Cruz Tolentino after an investigation revealed that the two individuals are members of  National Finance Commission (NFC) of the CPP-NPA.

Duo  were charged for violation of  Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012.

CPP-NPA’s NFC has  direct involvement in demanding money from construction firms, telecommunication companies, bus companies, mining companies and businessmen disguised as “revolutionary taxes,” according to  DOJ. 

According to DOJ case stemmed after reports that Dumlao and Tolentino possessed firearms and ammunition without clear source of income or apparent purpose.

This prompted  police authorities to conduct background checks and ask lligence counterparts from  National Bureau of Investigation and Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to request search warrants from  court.

It was also found that respondents were behind  formation of  National Economic Striking Force of  CPP-NPA, provides security for the “Rebolusyonaryong Buwis sa Kaaway na Uri” or RBKU.

If found guilty, Dumlao and Tolentino could face imprisonment ranging from 20 to 40 years and fine ranging from P500,000 to one million pesos.

Pinay teen’s sainthood inquiry got Vatican approval

By J.Lo

“Lætare! Rejoice! to the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the diocese, as Vatican judged nothing stands in the way of diocesan inquiry into the life of sanctity and heroic virtues of ‘Servant of God,’” Laoag Bishop Renato Mayugba said in  circular  diocesan inquiry into  sainthood cause of Filipino teenager Nina Ruiz-Abad, who died at the age of 13 in 1993, has been permitted by  Vatican.

Diocese of Laoag in Ilocos Norte will commence  local inquiry into reputation and sanctity of Abad.

Laoag Bishop Renato Mayugba will initiate  diocesan process and commence with its inquiry.

Mayugba submitted  detailed biography of the candidate to Vatican dicastery and petitioned for permission to begin his investigation.

He did this after securing  Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines’ support during its plenary assembly in July 2023.

Vatican’s Dicastery for the Causes of Saints granted  “nihil obstat (nothing stands in the way),”  one of the stages in the preliminary phase of  cause.

Beatification  and canonization cause of Abad would officially open on April 7 or Divine Mercy Sunday, Mayugba noted.

Session  at the St. William’s Cathedral Church in Laoag will be open for  public to witness.

Abad, a young girl from Sarrat, was described as having  strong devotion to the Eucharist and devoted her life to distributing rosaries, bibles, prayer books, holy images and other religious items.

Abad died at the age of 13 on Aug. 16, 1993 from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, an incurable cardiac disease.

28 Marso 2024, Huwebes

Huwebes Santo

supports Fire Prevention Month

deepest sympathy to family of the late Danilo Halili

deepest sympathy to family of the late Mario Cruz

deepest sympathy to family of the late Elyn Ocampo

supports Women Month March

joins Christian nations in observance of Lenten season

welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay

Quiboloy camp asks SC to halt Senate arrest

By Nidz Godino

“Investigation is likewise unlawful and unconstitutional as it encroaches  functions  pertain solely to  judicial branch of government,” petition read, camp of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder and leader Apollo Quiboloy has asked  Supreme Court (SC) to stop  Senate from enforcing its arrest order against him, calling it “unjust and unconstitutional.”

Senate’s issuance of arrest order was in response to his refusal to appear before  chamber’s committee on women, children, family relations and gender equality  chaired by Sen. Risa Hontiveros  to answer allegations of human trafficking, rape, sexual abuse and violence leveled against him and his sect by former members.

Lawyer  for Quiboloy who declined to be identified said his SC petition was for issuance of  temporary restraining order and/or writ of preliminary injunction to stop  Senate from implementing  arrest order as well as from demanding KOJC leader’s attendance at Senate hearings.

Petitioner  said investigation being conducted by Senate violates Quiboloy’s constitutional rights to due process and against self-incrimination.

He argued  Senate hearings “do not serve any legislative purpose” and that Senate probe was tantamount to usurpation of judicial functions.

Quiboloy’s presence, he claimed, would only be used to initiate cases against him and bolster those already filed in court against the religious leader.

He argued  Senate hearings were “unjust,” as  chamber had already concluded that Quiboloy was guilty of the crimes attributed to him.

“It is evident that respondents are using and abusing their legislative power to secure his conviction in any manner, on  basis of one-sided statements of witnesses, uncorroborated by documentary evidence, sourced and presented by respondents alone,” it added.

Quiboloy’s camp lamented how  Senate hearings have evolved into  “public mockery” of him.

“By compelling petitioner to appear before them, respondents have been violating petitioner’s constitutional rights against self-incrimination and due process,” Quiboloy’s legal counsel said, noting that  Senate continues to investigate  alleged crimes despite knowing that they are already being litigated in courts in the Philippines and in the United States.

Without a TRO or  writ of preliminary injunction, petitioner said nothing would prevent respondents from depriving  KOJC leader of his liberty “based on orders that are unjust and unconstitutional.”

“This petition is yet another challenge to  legislature’s act of usurping judicial functions and flagrantly violating  fundamental human rights of witness/es being summoned to appear before its congressional hearings in  guise of hearings/investigations in aid of legislation,”  petition read.

Quiboloy’s camp cited  recent Supreme Court ruling,  stated  congressional hearings “cannot be punitive in the sense that they cannot result in legally binding deprivation of  person’s life, liberty or property.”

Named respondents in the petition were Hontiveros, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and the Senate sergeant-at-arms.

Hontiveros earlier said  Senate proceedings were not meant to determine Quiboloy’s guilt or innocence, but rather to determine gaps in  laws.

She also assured Quiboloy’s camp of protection of his constitutional rights if he faces her committee, citing precedents where high-profile personalities attended Senate hearings without getting maligned.

Quiboloy is facing criminal charges before trial courts in Davao City and Pasig City over his alleged sexual abuse and qualified human trafficking of  then 17-year-old girl in 2011.

Charges  filed against Quiboloy before  Davao City Regional Trial Court were for violations of Section 5(b) and Section 10(a) of Republic Act 7610,  Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

Case  in Pasig City was for violation of Section 4(a) of RA 9208, Anti-Trafficking Persons Act of 2003,  non-bailable offense.

Earlier this month,  California judge ordered  unsealing of  arrest warrants against Quiboloy and his co-accused.

Cases against Quiboloy involve conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud, coercion, sex trafficking of children, conspiracy and cash smuggling.

28 Marso 2024, Huwebes

Huwebes Santo

supports Fire Prevention Month

deepest sympathy to family of the late Danilo Halili

deepest sympathy to family of the late Mario Cruz

deepest sympathy to family of the late Elyn Ocampo

supports Women Month March

joins Christian nations in observance of Lenten season

welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay

Holy Week double pay for workers reporting

By J.Lo

Workers who will be required to work on their rest day shall be paid 150 percent of the daily rate for  first eight hours of work and  additional 30 percent of hourly rate for overtime work.

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).said workers nationwide may opt to enjoy  long holiday break or hefty pay this Holy Week.

Employees who choose to work today, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday are entitled to double their regular daily pay, according to DOLE.

This double pay applies to the first eight hours of work and  additional 30 percent of the hourly rate for overtime work, the DOLE said in  advisory.

Workers whose rest day falls during  holiday break shall receive 230 percent for first eight hours of work.

On top of  230 percent, they will also get  additional 30 percent of the hourly rate for work done beyond eight hours.

Workers taking  holiday break are still entitled to get their regular daily pay.

On Black Saturday,  DOLE stressed that the “no work, no pay” principle shall apply.

Those who will not report for work on Saturday will not be paid unless there is  favorable company policy, practice or collective bargaining agreement granting payment on special day.

Since Black Saturday is  non-regular holiday, workers who opt to report for work shall only receive  additional 30 percent of  daily rate.

28 Marso 2024, Huwebes

Huwebes Santo

supports Fire Prevention Month

deepest sympathy to family of the late Danilo Halili

deepest sympathy to family of the late Mario Cruz

deepest sympathy to family of the late Elyn Ocampo

supports Women Month March

joins Christian nations in observance of Lenten season

welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay

Komedya o Komida

Ni Derek Jorge

Komedyanteng Olang

HUWAG nawang magsising alipin itong sina Tata Elong sa kanyang pagkikibit-balikat sa reklamo laban sa kanyang anak na nasa Timbukto, ako na ang naninikluhod na siputin lamang ang huling pagdinig makamahal na araw alang-alang sa mahaderang apong nagbibiro sa social media. Shout muna kina Bullet Bitag Chairman Emiritus Ricardo Sta. Ana, Pepito Nicandro, Binang 1^st Chairman Alfredo Quiambao, mga nagsisipagtikang alalay sa summer vacation sa Manila North Road. 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 siningil 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. 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. “I have been given to foreigners…if this is true, own up to it… if I’m wrong, correct me…my life is now in danger,” pag-iwas Kiwal, bulati kong kikiwal-kiwal sa mga kasong kriminal na kinakaharap ngayon ni Apollo Quibuloy, ang hirang na anak ng “dios”. Sa kanyang mahigit kalahating oras na “audio recording” sa  Facebook, naghihimutok si Puloy sa anya’y sabwatan ng kano at President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. na “rendition” sa halip na extradition ,pagtatangka raw sa buhay nya at ng kanyang mga myembro. Parang napanood ko na ito Kiwal.  Shout out muna sa mga may “hang over” pang bagong Marked Men for Christ”. Nagsipagtapos ng phase 2 at 3 seminar sa Plaridel, staff na kayo kung sakasakali, Jonathan Fernandez, nagkakalimutan na yata a..    

28 Marso 2024, Huwebes

Huwebes Santo

supports Fire Prevention Month

deepest sympathy to family of the late Danilo Halili

deepest sympathy to family of the late Mario Cruz

supports Women Month March

joins Christian nations in observance of Lenten season

welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay

Pertussis cases 20x higher since Jan

By Nidz Godino

“Total number of cases during same period in 2023 was only 26, making this year’s tally to date more than 20 times from last year,” Department of Health (DOH) said number of pertussis cases nationwide has increased 20-fold this year from 2023.

DOH data showed 28 new cases were recorded from March 10 to 16, bringing to 568 total number of infections, including 40 deaths since January.

Regions with most number of local government units (LGUs) logged high number of pertussis cases were Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), Central and Western Visayas, Mimaropa and  National Capital Region, accounted for 58 cases or 27 percent of total confirmed infections.

Six of 10 cases were infants below six months old. Three of every four of these infants were either unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination history.

Regardless of age, close to seven of every 10 cases reported were either unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination history.

Health officials said from 122 cases recorded between Feb. 4 and 11, figure increased to 149 between Feb. 18 and 25.

Cases  dropped to 73 from March 3 to 10.

DOH said declining trend could still change, as there may be late consultations and reports.

Pertussis is respiratory disease that can be transmitted through coughing or sneezing.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said antibiotics can treat pertussis and vaccines can help prevent  infection.

Herbosa said  DOH is redistributing vaccines in areas where these are needed most.

DOH is fast-tracking  procurement and arrival of three million doses of anti-pertussis vaccine.

Meanwhile, to prevent  spread of pertussis in Metro Manila, DOH is working with LGUs in implementing preventive measures.

LGUs have been advised to heighten surveillance and launch intensified routine immunization activities in their jurisdictions.

Health executives earlier met with LGU health officials in Metro Manila to present updates on number of pertussis cases and discussed appropriate measures to be taken.

They stressed need for LGUs to help protect public from the disease.

Outbreaks of pertussis have been declared in Quezon City and in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Data showed over 400 cases of pertussis were recorded in the first 10 weeks of this year. Figure is higher than number of cases reported during  same period in the past five years.

Health experts advised public to stay home during the Holy Week to avoid catching disease.

It said people should eat healthy food and assess themselves before fasting.

28 Marso 2024, Huwebes

Huwebes Santo

supports Fire Prevention Month

deepest sympathy to family of the late Danilo Halili

deepest sympathy to family of the late Mario Cruz

supports Women Month March

joins Christian nations in observance of Lenten season

welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay

HEADLINES

NAIA power fluctuations create chaos

By J.Lo

“We cannot discount the fact that we have food concessionaires necessarily attract rodents… numerous traps were set up and number of trapped rats decreased both in numbers and sizes, a sign that measures are effective,” Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) spokesman Chris Bendijo said passengers sweltered as power fluctuations hit the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 at around 10 in the morning.

Ffluctuations were caused by  circuit breaker tripping, according to The elevated heat index outside terminal led to high power loads t caused circuit breaker to trip, he noted.

Other potential causes are being investigated.

Electrical engineers worked for an hour to calibrate circuit breaker, he added.

NAIA’s power generators kicked in, continuing operations at check-in counters and X-ray machines, but  cooling system was a problem.

Airport’s power is back to normal after more than three hours of limited power supply.

Passengers reported that escalators were not working at  NAIA Terminal 3.

Energy utility provider Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) is ready to provide support to MIAA following  power fluctuations.

MIAA said  power fluctuations affected air handling units at the departure area, but no flight delays or cancellations were reported.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista and MIAA general manager Eric Ines inspected the airport prior to fluctuations.

MIAA is upgrading airport’s electrical system and assured public that this would cause no significant impact on flight operations.

Scheduled maintenance activities are being conducted by MIAA at NAIA Terminals 1, 2 and 3, International Cargo Terminal, MIAA administration building and airfield to upgrade NAIA’s electrical systems.

Meanwhile, campaign against rats at the airport was proven effective, Bendijo said.

He also noted that based on  Bureau of Quarantine report, bed bugs  infested some lounge chairs at NAIA did not come from the Philippines.

“I am only relying on statement of Bureau of Quarantine about possibility of infestation of bed bugs by introduction,” he added.

Transport officials inspected on Monday and Tuesday facilities of Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) as part of Oplan Biyaheng Ayos.

They verified  functionality of all critical systems within CAAP’s Communications, Navigation and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) facilities.

CNS/ATM plays pivotal role in enabling aircraft to transmit accurate location data for safe takeoffs, landings and air traffic control.

To bolster operational readiness, CAAP director general Manuel Tamayo implemented  “no leave policy” directive for essential operational staff this Holy Week.

As these developed Filipinos should be wary of proliferation of travel scams this Holy Week, according to Department of Transportation (DOTr) Assistant Secretary for communications Hector Villacorta.

“If you are very eager to travel, scammers are also eager to scam you, so be careful,” Villacorta said during  Kapihan sa Manila Bay media forum.

He urged people to call DOTr hotline 1326 if unscrupulous persons try to defraud them.

DOTr coordinated with Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of the Interior and Local Government and private sector group Scam Watch Pilipinas in campaign against travel scams.

More than 100,000 travelers have been reported at seaports nationwide, according to  Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

As to date 64,179 outbound passengers and 55,719 inbound passengers at ports, or a total of 119,898 passengers.

This is  jump from 19,979 outbound passengers and 14,462 inbound passengers or 34,441 travelers recorded from Tuesday midnight until press time.

PCG deployed 3,395 personnel from 15 districts to maintain order and security.

It  inspected 639 vessels and 1,077 motorized boats.

 PCG placed all its 15 districts, stations and substations on heightened alert from March 24 to 31, in line with  DOTr’s Oplan Byaheng Ayos: Semana Santa.

In Bulacan, first aid stations have been placed at pilgrimage sites in the province as devotees and visitors converge this Holy Week, according to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) of Bulacan.

These first aid stations have been set up at the Divine Mercy in Marilao, Sto. Cristo Chapel in Paombong, Basilica Minore in Malolos and near the Bulacan provincial government compound in Malolos. Civic organization Bullet Bitag headed by Ricardo Sta. Ana monitors Manila North Road supported by Binang 1^st Bocaue, Bulacan Chairman Alfredo Quiambao and Police Chief Lt. Col. Manuel De Vera.

Air Force reservists have also been deployed at the Divine Mercy from March 27 to 29, according to the Philippine Air Force’s Weng Barillo.

They will augment PDRRMO for medical-related cases, Barillo said.?

In Camp Olivas, San Fernando City in Pampanga, regional police office reported strict inspections of bus terminals in Central Luzon with  expected influx of travelers this Holy Week.

Police personnel have also been deployed to malls and churches, Central Luzon regional police director Brig. Gen. Jose Hidalgo Jr. said.

Central Luzon police force is also prepared to implement public safety campaign for summer holiday season, from April 1 to May 31, dubbed “Ligtas SUMVAC 2024.”

Meanwhile, Metro Manila police units are on heightened alert this Holy Week, according to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).

“We are declaring heightened alert in order to use all of our human resources, logistics and finances,” NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in chance interview.

TODAY’S GOD’S MESSSGE

1 Timothy 2:5-6

⁵ For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, ⁶ who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.

27 Marso 2024, Miyerkules

supports Fire Prevention Month

deepest sympathy to family of the late Danilo Halili

supports Women Month March

joins Christian nations in observance of Lenten season

welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay

54 buses to ferry  LRT-1 shutdown affected passenger

By J.Lo

“This is to offset  shutdown of operations of LRT Line 1 that will be doing preparatory works for  opening of  five additional stations from Redemptorist to Dr. Santos Stations of the Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRT Line 1) within this year,” Department of Transportation (DOTr) will be deploying passenger buses starting Wednesday to offset  shutdown of LRT-1 operations during  Holy Week and in preparation for  opening of five new stations this year.

In  advisory sent to reporters DOTr  will be collaborating with Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) as it undergoes maintenance and preparatory works.

“LRT 1 will also undertake  annual Holy Week maintenance works.”

Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC), LRT-1 private operator, earlier announced that it would temporarily suspend its operations from Baclaran Station to Fernando Poe Jr. Station and vice versa from March 27 to March 31.

This is to facilitate annual preventive maintenance activities and mandatory testing activities related to  Alstom signaling system for LRT1CaviteExtension project.

“To ply  route from Edsa-Taft to Monumento and vice-versa, along Taft Avenue, are four buses from MMDA and 50 buses from LTFRB, augmenting  regular daily buses along these routes, from 4 AM onwards on 28 March 2024, these buses will have pickup and drop off points along Taft Avenue, specifically Edsa-Taft, Gil Puyat, Doroteo Jose, Carriedo, and Monumento, ” DOTr said.

Measures were set in place to ensure that commuters continue to have access to public transportation as part of the state’s Oplan Biyaheng Ayos.

Normal operations within the LRT-1 system is said to resume next Monday, April 1.

Publicly-run LRT-2 and privately-owned MRT-3 earlier announced its limited operations as they conduct maintenance activities for Holy Week.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) announced deploy of over 11,300 police officers around Metro Manila starting March 25 to ensure  safety of the Filipino public during  Lenten season.

MMDA is also set to temporarily lift its number coding scheme on Maundy Thursday (March 28) and Good Friday (March 29), both of which were earlier declared as regular holidays.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority will be temporarily lifting its number coding scheme on March 28 (Maundy Thursday) and March 29 (Good Friday), which were earlier declared as regular holidays.

In an advisory posted on social media,  MMDA also reminded  public  it does not enforce number coding scheme on Saturdays and Sundays.

MMDA also said in  separate advisory that 24-hour road works will be carried out during  Holy Week break to take advantage of  fewer number of motorists on the road.

Road works will start on Wednesday at 11 in the evening and continue round-the-clock until next Monday at 5 in the morning. They will be undertaken at the following areas:

• Batasan-Commonwealth Tunnel, Filinvest 1 Road to fronting Sandigan (1st lane from plantbox, Quezon City)
• West Avenue, Ligaya St. to Del Monte Avenue (1st lane from sidewalk), Quezon City
• Luzon Avenue SB, Congressional Avenue Ext. to before Luzon Flyover (1st lane from center), Quezon City
• Commonwealth Avenue, Landbank to Elliptical Road (3rd lane from sidewalk), Quezon City
• Mindanao Avenue, Tandang Sora Avenue to Longines St. (truck lane), Quezon City
• Mindanao Avenue Tunnel to Sauyo Road (truck lane), Quezon City 
• Payatas Road, Batasan Road to Bayanihan St., Quezon City
• Payatas Road between Singko St. & Leyte St., Quezon City
• Payatas Road before Maynilad Pumping Station to Petron Gas Station (1st lane from sidewalk), Quezon City 
• IBP-San Mateo Road, Quezon City 
• Roxas Boulevard NB between Lourdes St. & Vicente Sotto St., Pasay City
• Roxas Boulevard NB between Remedios St. & Pasaje Del Carmen St., Pasay City
• Roxas. Boulevard EDSA Flyover SB bridge approach (outer lane & inner lane), Pasay City
• South Super Highway East Service Road, Parañaque City
• EDSA NB Guadalupe before bridge (3rd lane), Makati City 
• EDSA NB Guadalupe P. Burgos St. near Jollibee and McDonald’s (4th lane), Makati City
• EDSA NB Guadalupe JP Rizal Ext. (2nd lane), Makati City
• EDSA NB Guadalupe JP Rizal Ext. near Stoplight (2nd lane), Makati City 

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