Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay
No to SOGIE bill
Supports Fire Prevention Month March
supports Women Month March
congratulations Marked Men for Christ Philippines 565th batch Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, Pangasinan, looking forward to next batch July 16,2025, Baguio City
Congratulations to 18.3k views “Komedya O Komida” 6th edition and 2k views “Komedya O Komida” 7th edition of our very own J.Lo
Family of the late Ilocos Sur Gov. Efren Rafanan Sr. appreciates everyone joined them in their bereavement
PM for any hospital discharge problem
Teodoro can still run for congressman
By J.Lo
“Until there is no final court judgment in the case he is facing, he will remain candidate, his name will stay in ballot,” Commission on Elections Comelec Chairman George Garcia said despite his suspension by ombudsman for alleged misuse of public funds, Marikina Mayor Marcelino Teodoro may still run for congressman of city’s first district.
Garcia said Office of the Ombudsman’s suspension order against Teodoro has no effect on his congressional bid.
Poll chief, however, said suspension may have political impact on Teodoro’s candidacy.
On March 21, ombudsman suspended Teodoro and 18 other Marikina officials for six months without pay in connection with alleged misuse of P130 million in Philippine Health Insurance Corp. funds.
Anti-graft body found “strong evidence” against Teodoro and other respondents.
Also suspended were Marikina Vice Mayor Mario Andres, members of city council, city treasurer Nerissa San Miguel, city accountant Erlinda Gonzales, assistant city budget officer Jason Nepomuceno and council secretary Noralyn Tingcungco.
Meanwhile, police are monitoring peace and order situation in Marikina following Teodoro’s suspension.
Eastern Police District director Col. Villamor Tuliao said members of mobile force battalion are on standby and ready for deployment.
Tuliao said there has been no protest from Teodoro’s supporters as of yesterday.
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay
No to SOGIE bill
Supports Fire Prevention Month March
supports Women Month March
congratulations Marked Men for Christ Philippines 565th batch Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, Pangasinan, looking forward to next batch July 16, 2025, Baguio City
Congratulations to 18.3k views “Komedya O Komida” 6th edition and 2k views “Komedya O Komida” 7th edition of our very own J.Lo
Family of the late Ilocos Sur Gov. Efren Rafanan Sr. appreciates everyone joined them in their bereavement
PM for any hospital discharge problem
Hse detains Bauan Mayor Dolor for defying summons
By Nidz Godino
Bauan, Batangas Mayor Ryanh Dolor will remain in custody until House committee on Public Accounts concludes its hearings.
Police authorities apprehended Dolor on Thursday, March 27, after he returned from United States.
He was taken into custody by House Sergeant-at-Arms retired police Major General Napoleon Taas upon arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 at 12:08 in the morning.
Taas was accompanied by airport police, Bureau of Immigration (BI) officials, and Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG).
He served Dolor with contempt and detention order issued by House Committee on Public Accounts.
Panel has been investigating alleged misuse of public funds in Bauan local government and issues in its transactions with water concessionaire Aquadata Inc. in Batangas.
Commission on Audit (COA) flagged Bauan’s contract with Aquadata, deeming it legally and financially unsound due to firm’s failure to meet prequalification requirements.
Aquadata has supplied water to Bauan since 2013 and to San Pascual since 2015.
House panel issued contempt and detention order on March 17 after Dolor repeatedly refused to attend its hearings without legally or reasonably justified excuse.
He received three invitations but submitted excuse letters for his absence. Panel then issued show-cause order and subpoena, compelling him to justify his absence and explain why he should not be penalized.
Panel later learned that Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas had approved Dolor’s travel authority for US trip from March 11 to March 26 for medical treatment or procedures.
For the committee, travel authority would have been considered legal and reasonable if it had included medical records or specific justification in excuse letter.
Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores (Bukidnon, 2nd District) said during hearing timing of travel authority was suspicious, as it coincided with scheduled hearings.
Meanwhile, Rep. Romeo Acop (Antipolo, 2nd District) also discovered Aquadata president Joseph Yu and vice president Jonathan Yu were overseas during Dolor’s absence.
Both have been cited in contempt and ordered detained by public accounts committee.
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay
No to SOGIE bill
Supports Fire Prevention Month March
supports Women Month March
congratulations Marked Men for Christ Philippines 565th batch Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City,
Pangasinan, looking forward to next batch July 16,2025, Baguio City. Congratulations to 18.3k views “Komedya O Komida” 6th edition and 2k views “Komedya O Komida” 7th edition of our very own J.Lo
Family of the late Ilocos Sur Gov. Efren Rafanan Sr. appreciates everyone joined them in their bereavement
PM for any hospital discharge problem
Philippines rejoining Rome Statute, not a word
By Nidz Godino
“During our last conversation with the President, we asked him about that in person and he just smiled and he told me that what I should say is nothing has been discussed with regard to that,” Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.merely smiled when asked whether Philippines would rejoin Rome Statute, treaty created International Criminal Court (ICC), now has custody of former president Rodrigo Duterte.
Speaking to Palace reporters, Castro said there is nothing to report yet about the matter.
Calls for Philippines to rejoin treaty mounted after arrest of Duterte over alleged crimes against humanity this month.
Philippines ratified statute in 2011, but Duterte, whose drug war left more than 6,000 suspects dead, withdrew the country from the treaty in 2019.
Duterte’s camp argues his arrest was illegal because Philippines is no longer party to Rome Statute.
Castro refuted this at recent press briefing, saying Supreme Court had ruled ICC has jurisdiction over all crimes committed before withdrawal from the treaty.
As some sectors raise possibility of ICC issuing freeze order on Duterte’s assets, Malacañang said there is no commitment yet from Philippines to follow such directive because of the issue on jurisdiction.
“When it comes to alleged incoming freeze order to be issued by ICC, there is no commitment on our part, on the part of administration, if we will comply with any order issued by ICC, considering ICC as of the moment has no jurisdiction over Philippines,” Castro said.
Earlier this month, former senator Antonio Trillanes IV, one of the complainants accused Duterte of crimes against humanity, said ICC may order seizure or freezing of former president’s properties as part of its legal process.
Citing rules of the tribunal, Trillanes said proceeds of crime should not benefit anyone and such assets would be covered by seizure order.
ICC spokesman Fadi El Abdallah said issuance of freeze order “can happen at any stage” of legal proceedings.
Castro previously said Marcos administration would leave it up to Anti-Money Laundering Council to deal with matters related to possible freezing of Duterte’s assets to provide reparations for victims of his drug war.
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay
No to SOGIE bill
Supports Fire Prevention Month March
supports Women Month March
congratulations Marked Men for Christ Philippines 565th batch Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, Pangasinan, looking forward to next batch July 16,2025, Baguio City
Congratulations to 18.3k views “Komedya O Komida” 6th edition and 2k views “Komedya O Komida” 7th edition of our very own J.Lo
Family of the late Ilocos Sur Gov. Efren Rafanan Sr. appreciates everyone joined them in their bereavement
“Schools shall avoid scheduling their end-of-school-year rites during time of the day when temperatures are at their highest,” Department of Education (DepEd) warned public schools to engage in partisan political activities nor campaign for candidates during graduation and moving-up ceremonies.
DepEd officials said teaching and non-teaching personnel are prohibited from engaging in electioneering or partisan political activity amid upcoming midterm polls in May, per Memorandum 27 signed on March 21 by Education Secretary Sonny Angara.
Violators could face penalties, DepEd said.
Excessive spending, extravagant attires or renting extraordinary venues should be avoided in conducting rites, DepEd said.
Expenses for graduation and moving-up rites should be charged to schools’ operating expenses and no contributions or fees must be collected, DepEd noted.
End-of-school-year rites have been scheduled on April 14 to 15 for kindergarten, Grade 6, 10 and 12 students, as well as those in the Alternative Learning System.
In anticipation of intense heat waves, DepEd reminded schools to hold rites in indoor venues with proper ventilation to avoid exposure to intense sunlight.
Fraudsters offering victories to candidates in May midterm polls have resurfaced, according to Commission on Elections.
“These illegal activities stopped momentarily, but we are expecting their resurgence by April,” Comelec Chairman George Garcia said.
Four persons claiming they can manipulate election results were arrested in February, he recalled.
Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group have been asked to stop such illegal operations, Garcia said.
Candidates should not deal with unscrupulous people, Garcia said, giving assurance that automated election system cannot be tampered with.
Meanwhile, poll body will mount on Friday nationwide “Oplan Baklas” at the start of local campaign.
Illegal campaign materials will be removed and notices will be sent to candidates for removal of their illegal posters, billboards and tarpaulins, Garcia said.
Criminal charges will be filed against candidates who fail to remove their unauthorized campaign materials within three days, he noted.
Garcia said local elections are seen to be more violent than national elections.
He urged candidates to abide by campaign regulations to avoid penalties and prevent violence.
“On March 28, may it be national or local, we will have power to remove illegal campaign materials,” Garcia said.
Candidates should train their people to set up campaign materials in designated areas, he said.
As for increasing complaints of red-tagging and other discrimination against candidates, Garcia said Comelec’s Task Force Safe will look into it.
Complainants should submit evidence that they are being discriminated against by their opponents or local government units, Garcia noted.
Meanwhile, poll workers should be paid net honorarium of P15,000, Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) told Comelec and Department of Budget and Management.
Bill exempting from income taxation honoraria, allowances and other financial benefits of election service workers should also be certified as urgent by Marcos administration, ACT said.
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay
No to SOGIE bill
Supports Fire Prevention Month March
supports Women Month March
congratulations Marked Men for Christ Philippines 565th batch Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, Pangasinan looking forward to next batch July 16, 2025, Baguio City
Congratulations to 18.3k views “Komedya O Komida” 6th edition and 1.9k views “Komedya O Komida” 7th edition of our very own J.Lo
Family of the late Ilocos Sur Gov. Efren Rafanan Sr. appreciates everyone joined them in their bereavement
PM for any hospital discharge problem
Banks to enhance surveillance of illegal poll activities
By Nidz Godino
“BSFIs should reinforce their measures and controls to ensure appropriate customer onboarding processes, effective fraud management system and ongoing account and transaction monitoring capabilities are commensurate to respond against these fraudulent activities,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier said banks and financial institutions should be cautious of potential misuse of their systems for poll-related offenses amid upcoming midterm elections in May.
Abuse of state resources, vote buying and selling are among offenses that must be thwarted by enhancing surveillance and monitoring of financial channels, Fonacier said in memorandum to BSP-supervised financial institutions.
Fraud detection and anti-money laundering controls must be tightened by BSFIs to detect and prevent suspicious transactions, she noted.
Red flags include significant number of new account registrations in areas where vote buying is suspected to be rampant, as well as large cash transactions or check encashments during election period.
Irregular transaction patterns and unusually large cash deposits or withdrawals, especially through cash-out agents, should be monitored by BSFIs.
Suspicious transactions with no clear legal, trade or economic justification should be reported to Anti-Money Laundering Council, Fonacier said.
BSP has partnered with Commission on Elections (Comelec) in securing final trusted build of automated election system (AES).
At yesterday’s formal escrow agreement signing, AES software and source codes were deposited with BSP to ensure their integrity leading up to elections.
“By taking custody of source code, BSP reaffirms not only its legal obligation but also its steadfast commitment to supporting clean and transparent elections,” BSP Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.
Source codes are stored in digital media storage devices after undergoing full final trusted build international certification and local source code review.
Sources codes for 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019 and 2022 elections are deposited in BSP’s vaults.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia allayed fears of cheating in elections.
“We guarantee everyone that dagdag-bawas is impossible in automated election,” Garcia said.
Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio earlier said her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, is concerned over possibility of “dagdag-bawas” electoral fraud in the upcoming polls.
Not a single case of “dagdag-bawas” has been proven since adoption of automated elections in 2010, Garcia noted.
Meanwhile, barangay officials have been warned against using public funds, state resources and facilities for candidates’ campaigns.
Local officials will be charged with election offenses if they violate this rule, Garcia said.
Plazas and basketball courts, he said, are public facilities and should not be used exclusively by one candidate.
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay
No to SOGIE bill
Supports Fire Prevention Month March
supports Women Month March
congratulations Marked Men for Christ Philippines 565th batch Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, Pangasinan, looking forward to next batch July 16,2025, Baguio City
Congratulations to 18.3k views “Komedya O Komida” 6th edition and 2.1k views “Komedya O Komida” 7th edition of our very own J.Lo
Family of the late Ilocos Sur Gov. Efren Rafanan Sr. appreciates everyone joined them in their bereavement
PM for any hospital discharge problem
Ch ships swarm Panatag anew – PCG
By J.Lo
“Reason why we kept such distance was because PCG and BFAR vessels stopped at that position to give away fuel subsidy and food items to Filipino fishing boats,” Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesman on West Philippine Sea said Chinese vessels including warship were again seen swarming around Bajo de Masinloc or Panatag Shoal.
Air patrol over the area by Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) revealed presence of five China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels, according to Tarriela.
Four Chinese maritime militia ships were detected at distances of 2.7 nautical miles and 8.69 nautical miles, both southeast from area considered traditional fishing area of Filipinos.
In addition, there was warship of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA)-Navy with bow number 574 seen around 25 nautical miles southeast of Bajo de Masinloc.
At online briefing, Tarriela also reported PCG patrol vessels BRP Bagacay and BRP Cabra, four BFAR ships and 26 Filipino fishing boats were also around Bajo de Masinloc.
Two PCG vessels kept distance of 13 nautical miles southwest of Bajo de Masinloc, he noted.
Information gathered by BFAR in its air patrol was contrary to post on X by former US Air Force official and defense attaché Ray Powell that “BRP Bagacay & BRP Datu Pagbuaya have been intercepted by 2 China Coast Guard as third & 6 maritime militia ships set up blocking positions.”
Powell could not properly monitor operation of PCG and BFAR because “he is just basing on movement of AIS (automatic identification system),” hence “he doesn’t have clear picture,” he added.
Tarriela also disclosed CCG once again installed floating barriers at the entrance of Bajo de Masinloc, he said were “placed every time Chinese forces monitor presence of Philippine government vessels.”
Furthermore, PLA-Navy helicopter appeared to follow BFAR aircraft conducted air patrol from distance of three nautical miles, he added.
Last month, PLA-Navy aircraft came as close as three meters to BFAR aircraft conducting patrol.
“I’d like to believe PLA-Navy learned from backlash from international community,” he said.
Meanwhile, PCG said in statement eight Chinese crew members of vessel in anchorage area in Manila Bay may have disembarked “mysteriously” from ship, the Coast Guard said.
In statement, PCG discovered incident after conducting joint inspection with other agencies of three foreign-manned vessels last March 20. One of the vessels, MV Huagan 98, was supposed to have Chinese crew based on ship’s records, but none were found during inspection.
“Authorities found no Chinese nationals onboard…however, vessel calendar indicated presence of seven Chinese crew members as of 19 March 2025… review of logbook revealed eight Chinese nationals mysteriously disembarked before dawn on 20 March 2025, despite existing MARINA ,Maritime Industry Authority regulations limiting foreign crew members to supernumerary roles for single voyage without prolonged stay onboard, all Chinese nationals were assigned official designations,” PCG said.
Ship’s unnamed captain reportedly denied presence of Chinese nationals on board.
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is set to summon officials of the shipping company involved to explain misrepresentation issues.
Authorities also took note of missing Domestic Shipping Operation Certificate and raised safety and security concerns due to non-functioning close circuit television.
PCG, DOLE, MARINA, Bureau of Immigration and National Intelligence Coordinating Agency also reportedly noted deficiencies in two other foreign ships checked at anchorage area last Thursday, namely MV An Da Kang and MV Shingping.
According to PCG, An Da Kang was found to have illegal manning and crew turnover violations.
Chinese crew members were reportedly authorized to work in Zambales but were found operating in Manila waters. Vessel also reportedly did not have valid Domestic Shipping Operation Certificate.
As for Shingping, authorities said its crew had questionable designations. There were reportedly 12 Chinese nationals onboard Shingping, all designated as “technicians.” Their designation did not match their Alien Employment Permits. DOLE said such discrepancy could lead to revocation of their AEPs.
“PCG and its partner agencies remain steadfast in ensuring compliance with Philippine maritime laws…appropriate legal actions will be pursued against erring shipping companies and vessel operators found violating labor and immigration policies,” Coast Guard said.
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay
No to SOGIE bill
Supports Fire Prevention Month March
supports Women Month March
congratulations Marked Men for Christ Philippines 565th batch Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, Pangasinan, looking forward to next batch July 16,2025, Baguio City
Congratulations to 18.2k views “Komedya O Komida” 6th edition and 2k views “Komedya O Komida” 7th edition of our very own J.Lo
Family of the late Ilocos Sur Gov. Efren Rafanan Sr. appreciates everyone joined them in their bereavement
“I have instructed our technical intelligence and cybercrime divisions to take decisive action…we want these individuals to know that we are serious about this,” National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime Santiago said NCI is now digging who is bankrolling spread of fake news on social media.
Question NBI seeks to answer soon, as it works to unmask mastermind behind extensive disinformation campaign.
Santiago said NBI is investigating whether individuals or groups are funding vloggers to disseminate false information online.
Probe comes after arrest of fake news vlogger in Cebu, who denied working under anyone’s orders or receiving payment to spread false information.
As part of its ongoing efforts, NBI is closely monitoring at least 20 vloggers suspected of spreading fake news and is gathering evidence to file cases against them.
“They are already listed, and we have identified them,” Santiago said.
Santiago said NBI is keeping close watch on both little-known and high-profile individuals involved in spreading false information.
“We are preserving all their statements and published content,” he warned.
Meanwhile, Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group is also intensifying its efforts to combat fake news, misinformation and disinformation circulating online.
Lt. Wallen Arancillo, PNP ACG spokesperson, said authorities are actively conducting online investigations and monitoring illegal online activities, with false information being most prevalent issue detected.
“When we identify accounts posting fake news, we conduct investigation until we determine actual owner behind post,” Arancillo said.
He added PNP ACG has been directed to strengthen its efforts against online misinformation, particularly those that misuse uniformed personnel in misleading posts.
One notable piece of false information being spread online claims many PNP officers are resigning due to arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte, something police force has dismissed as baseless.
Arancillo had spoken with chief of PNP’s intelligence unit, who confirmed online investigations are ongoing, and necessary documents are being prepared for further action.
PNP ACG urged public to be vigilant against fake news and refrain from sharing unverified information, emphasizing spreading falsehoods could lead to legal consequences.
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay
No to SOGIE bill
Supports Fire Prevention Month March
supports Women Month March
congratulations Marked Men for Christ Philippines 565th batch Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, Pangasinan, looking forward to next batch July 16,2025, Baguio City
Congratulations to 18.2k views “Komedya O Komida” 6th edition and 2k views “Komedya O Komida” 7th edition of our very own J.Lo
Family of the late Ilocos Sur Gov. Efren Rafanan Sr. appreciates everyone joined them in their bereavement
PM for any hospital discharge problem
‘Govt must serve with integrity to rise above adversities’
By Nidz Godino
“When peace and order are in place, we can pursue knowledge, we can work towards prosperity and we can contribute to our country’s progress,” the President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.said as his administration grapples with political issues, has highlighted need for government to serve with integrity and to work more vigorously in creating united, just and peaceful country.
Speaking during Philippine Army’s 128th anniversary celebration at Fort Bonifacio, Marcos said efforts to enhance skills and promote welfare of soldiers form part of broader vision of nation where Filipinos no longer need to worry about their safety.
“To achieve this, government must lead by example…we strive for government that listens, that acts and serves with integrity… only way to rise above adversities and move forward as people,” he added.
Noting emergence of more complex threats, Marcos said being soldier requires not just courage and skills, but also firm resolve and willingness to serve.
“What is needed is stance that will not waver in the face of trials, principle that cannot be bent by fear and heart ready to serve faithfully without waiting for anything in return, in any institution, rank or power is not enough… true measure is readiness to set aside one’s personal interests for higher aim…even if we play different roles, our goal to form united, just and truly peaceful country must prevail,” he said.
According to Marcos, public servants choose to serve not for themselves but for “countless generations that will come after us.”
Marcos emphasized need for unity as Philippines is gripped with political discord arising from arrest of his critic, former president Rodrigo Duterte, for alleged crimes against humanity.
Duterte, whose campaign against illegal drugs left thousands dead, is now under custody of International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.
However, Duterte’s allies have argued that his arrest on ICC warrant was illegal, prompting them to ask Supreme Court to compel government to stop cooperating with international tribunal.
Marcos administration has maintained Duterte’s arrest followed due process and was in line with Philippines’ commitment with International Criminal Police Organization.
Marcos expressed optimism Army would be able to withstand future challenges, saying its strength extends beyond firepower, as it draws from its personnel’s honor, integrity and fortitude.
“Road ahead is not easy…there will be delays, frustrations and challenges as they always are…our strength and resolve will continue to be tested…but I have no doubt, Philippine Army will withstand test, will stand firm, as it always has in the past 128 years,” Marcos said.
The President also called on country’s ground troops to stay relentless in their pursuit of excellence, as well as to sharpen their skills, master their craft and embrace innovation…he lauded Army for its contributions to the nation, describing major service as “pillar of strength and of stability.”
Marcos said Army has been faithful to its duty whether in combat, in crisis or in calamity. He also commended Army for its perfect score in policy and facility assessments during General Security of Military Information Agreement evaluation.
“They have proven themselves to be ready, reliable and resolute in their sworn oath to their duty to our people,” Marcos, also commander-in-chief of armed forces, said.
Marcos said his administration remains committed to ensuring that Army, military’s largest major service, is always ready to fulfill its mission. He cited conduct of second Combined Arms Training Exercise or CATEX Katihan, he said was crucial in sharpening soldiers’ combat readiness and capability to respond to threats.
Marcos also mentioned his issuance of Executive Order no. 84, raised subsistence allowance of all military officers and personnel.
“While nothing can match your sacrifices for our country, we are hoping that we can assist you so you can better perform your duties, just like your promotion of rights of the people and peace in communities, we are ready to be your advocate, especially in times of need,” the Chief Executive said.
Marcos praised Army chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido for his leadership and thanked soldiers for their service.
“Threats have grown increasingly more complex, and battleground is no longer contained in land ,it now extends into cyberspace and beyond, challenges demand greater adaptability, greater discipline and further commitment to nation’s security and progress…and yet, through all this, Philippine Army has never wavered,” he said.
Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte also paid tribute to Army in video statement on Facebook. The Vice President is in The Hague, where her father former president Rodrigo Duterte is detained.
“Today, we honor institution deeply rooted in our nation’s history…for generations, brave men and women of the Philippine Army have shown Filipino fighting spirit burns in the hearts of every Filipino , flame that proves we are nation of patriots, let us remember our fallen soldiers…their names may be carved in stone, but their spirits live on in the nation they helped build through their sacrifice, courage and bravery…they died for us to live in peace,” the Vice President said.
The Vice President also honored retired Army veterans “for inspiring new generation of Filipinos to follow their lead and serve the nation.”
She commended active members of Philippine Army for serving the country with “integrity, honor and undying commitment.”
“May your ranks be filled with courage, your missions guided by honor and your hearts strengthened by knowledge that your service inspires future generations, through challenges, Philippine Army will emerge stronger, more respected and more committed to protecting our people and the Constitution,” she added.
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay
No to SOGIE bill
Supports Fire Prevention Month March
supports Women Month March
congratulations Marked Men for Christ Philippines 565th batch Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, Pangasinan, looking forward to next batch July 16,2025, Baguio City
Congratulations to 18.2k views “Komedya O Komida” 6th edition and 2k views “Komedya O Komida” 7th edition of our very own J.Lo
Family of the late Ilocos Sur Gov. Efren Rafanan Sr. appreciates everyone joined them in their bereavement
“With profound sorrow we announce passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr., who peacefully departed on March 21, 2025, surrounded by loved ones,” Foreman’s family said in statement on Instagram former heavyweight champion George Foreman, who lost to Muhammad Ali in boxing’s iconic 1974 “Rumble in the Jungle” before reclaiming the title two decades later, died Friday aged 76.
Fondly known as Big George, Foreman dropped out of school as teenager and went on to become Olympic champion and later boxing legend.
He fought 81 times as professional, winning 76, 68 of those by knockout.
As well as boxing he put his name to “George Foreman Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine,” appearing smiling and friendly in TV ads, becoming celebrity outside sport.
“We are grateful for outpouring of love and prayers, and kindly ask for privacy as we honor extraordinary life of man we were blessed to call our own.”
Legendary boxing promoter Bob Arum saluted Foreman as “one of the biggest punchers and personalities sport has ever seen.”
Born in Texas on Jan. 10, 1949, Foreman grew up in Houston.
The man who raised him was frequently absent and often drunk. Foreman only found out that J.D. Foreman was not his biological father after he won world heavyweight title when his real father, decorated World War II veteran, got in touch.
As an adolescent, Foreman flirted with crime and left school at 16.
“At 13 years old, George was about 6-foot-2, 200 pounds and terrorist in the neighborhood,” his younger brother Roy told BBC in 2024. “And when you’re bigger and stronger and think you’re better than everyone else, you take things.”
Foreman took up boxing.
“I tried boxing just to show my friends that I wasn’t afraid, well, 25 fights and one year later, I was Olympic gold medalist” Foreman said later.
At Mexico Games in 1968, 19-year-old Foreman bludgeoned his way to super-heavyweight gold.
As he celebrated his final victory, 10 days after fellow African Americans Tommie Smith and John Carlos had made black power salute following 200m track final, Foreman waved American flag in the ring.
At 6-foot-4 (1.93m), “Big George” was larger and stronger than other leading heavyweights of the time. He was light on his feet, but slugged his way through professional ranks to earn heavyweight title shot against champion Joe Frazier, demolishing the champion in two rounds.
By the time he fought his third title defense over 15 rounds against Ali in October 1974 in Kinshasa, Foreman was unbeaten in 40 professional bouts.
He had won all but three inside distance and had not needed to develop stamina.
Ali’s “rope-a-dope” tactics exhausted big man, who lost in eight rounds.
Defeat punctured Foreman’s intimidating aura, not least in his own mind.
“I just couldn’t believe I’d lost world title, most embarrassing moment of my life…it went from pride to pity… devastating,” he said later.
His campaign for another title shot ended when he lost on points to another contender, Jimmy Young, in March 1977 on hot night in Puerto Rico.
Foreman fell ill after the fight and said he sensed God telling him to change his life.
He retired aged 28 and became ordained minister.
When he announced his comeback 10 years later, bald where he had once sported Afro and flabby instead of chiseled, it seemed like boxing gimmick. He wrote later that he needed money for his youth center.
Over the next three years he fought 21 times, mostly against mediocre opponents, winning every bout, 20 of them inside distance.
Big name in weakened and fragmented division, he earned title shot against Evander Holyfield in 1991 and then against Tommy Morrison two years later, losing both on points.
In November 1994 he faced Michael Moorer, who had dethroned Holyfield. In the same shorts he had worn 20 years and six days earlier against Ali, Foreman was trailing badly when he caught Moorer on the chin in the 10th for knockout.
At 45 years and 299 days old, he was the oldest heavyweight world champion.
He was stripped of first his WBA title and then his IBF crown for refusing to fight nominated opponents but won three more fights and was still “lineal” world champion when he lost on points to Shannon Briggs in 1997, aged 48, and retired again.
Foreman, hosted 1996 TV program “Bad Dads,” married four times, fathering 10 children and adopting two.
He named all his five sons George Edward, explaining that he wanted them to know, “‘if one of us goes up, then we all go up together, and if one goes down, we all go down together!’”
ISKUP! 