deepest sympathy to family of the late Danilo Halili
supports Women Month March
joins Christian nations in observance of Lenten season
Cops ready to assist Senate in arresting Quiboloy
By J.Lo
“Another reason is House legislative franchise inquiry on Quiboloy’s network SMNI…let us not gang up on person…they have rights to due process, to defend themselves, and right against self-incrimination,” Sen. Imee Marcos said Philippine National Police (PNP) is ready to assist Senate should it decide to order arrest of Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Apollo Quiboloy.
PNP, however, maintained its assistance is only limited to providing security to the Senate’s sergeant-at-arms who will serve warrant to self-proclaimed son of god, PNP chief information officer Col. Jean Fajardo told news briefing at Camp Crame.
Senate panel on women chairperson Risa Hontiveros moved to cite Quiboloy for contempt after he snubbed committee’s hearing on allegations of sexual abuse committed by him and other members of his group.
Fajardo said they have yet to receive formal request from Senate for assistance in hunting Quiboloy.
In the event there are overt violations of law during serving of warrant against Quiboloy, Fajardo said police officers are ready to enforce act accordingly.
On the other hand, Marcos vowed to support Sen. Robin Padilla’s bid to block contempt order against Quiboloy.
At press briefing Marcos said she and Padilla will do their best to gather signatures to block Hontiveros’ order to have Quiboloy detained in Senate for defying her probe on alleged sexual abuses in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.
But Marcos admitted they are having difficulty in getting needed majority or eight signatures from other members of Senate women, children, and gender equality committee to prevent pastor’s impending arrest.
Other committee members are Senators Nancy Binay, Pia Cayetano, Cynthia Villar, Grace Poe, Raffy Tulfo, Bong Go, JV Ejercito and Mark Villar. Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, Majority Leader Joel Villanueva and Minority Leader Koko Pimentel are ex officio members.
Marcos said they are still seeking support of Senators Go and Villar to lift or modify contempt order issued by committee chairperson Hontiveros.
According to Section 18 of the Senate rules on inquiries in aid of legislation, “majority of all members of Committee may reverse or modify aforesaid order of contempt within seven days.”
Asked why should the Senate give preferential treatment to the pastor while it detained the alleged Socorro cult leader Jey Rence Quilario (Senior Aguila) in a previous investigation, Marcos questioned instead need for Senate probe when cases were filed in Philippine courts and in US for alleged sexual and human trafficking in Quiboloy’s ministry.
She also questioned Senate hearing, instead of conducting inquiry in aid of legislation, found Quiboloy guilty before being presumed innocent.
At separate press briefing, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri would wait for Padilla who vowed to gather eight signatures to lift contempt order.
“He has seven days to show there’s no support for motion of the chairperson… committee matter… I cannot preempt decision of the committee,” Zubiri said.
Meanwhile, Quiboloy’s camp vowed to question legality of arrest warrant issued by Hontiveros.
Mark Tolentino, one of the legal counsels of Quiboloy, expressed optimism that senators will oppose arrest warrant against religious leader.
“We encourage all countries to avoid any unilateral actions that endanger peace, security and stability in the region,” joint declaration hammered out between 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).members and Australia warned against actions “endanger peace” in South China Sea, following fresh maritime confrontations between China and Philippines.
Simmering tensions in trade corridor threatened to boil over earlier this week, when China Coast Guard (CCG) ships in Spratly Islands were accused of hounding Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels.
China claims almost entirety of South China Sea, ignoring legal precedents and competing claims from host of Southeast Asian nations.
Festering dispute poses one of the region’s most vexing security challenges, looming large during three-day summit between Australia and ASEAN.
“We recognize benefits of having South China Sea as sea of peace, stability and prosperity,” statement said.
As summit kicked off on Monday morning, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo delivered simple message to Beijing: “Stop harassing us.”
The following day, CCG boats were accused of harassing flotilla of Philippine ships sailing on resupply mission.
Chinese vessels were involved in two separate collisions, PCG said, and blasted one of resupply boats with powerful water cannon.
Bound to act by consensus, ASEAN forum has long struggled to make inroads on overlapping claims staked throughout South China Sea.
But fraught atmosphere hanging over region has nations such as Philippines now pushing for bloc to take firmer stance.
Close United States ally Australia has proven increasingly willing to speak out against China.
“We need to make sure that activity in South China Sea alleviates any tensions and doesn’t add to it,” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters at the summit
Emphasizing the need to understand lessons of history, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on members of ASEAN, Australia and other like-minded states to remain committed to rules-based international order amid actions “denigrate, deny and even violate international law.”
In his intervention during ASEAN-Australia Special Summit Leaders’ Retreat in Melbourne, FMJ argued rules-based international order “emanates from lessons of history.”
According to Marcos, conflicts and war “necessitated international order based on institutions and rules of universal import.”
“We need not repeat history in order to recognize its lessons,” Marcos said.
Without mentioning China, the President reiterated Philippines would not yield even inch of its sovereign territory and is committed to defending its rights within parameters recognized by international law.
According to Marcos, it remains responsibility of each state “to promote and protect rule of international law as much as any other state facing wanton military might.”
“We acknowledge ASEAN’s oldest dialogue partner’s support not only through statements, but also through concrete initiatives recognize Philippines’ rights under international law in South China Sea,” Marcos said, referring to Australia.
“ Philippines’ hope ASEAN continues to collectively and constructively address challenges together.”
The President also expressed suspicion on recent presence of Chinese research vessels in Philippine Rise (formerly known as Benham Rise), describing it as “clear intrusion” into Philippines’ maritime territory.
“Once again, this is clear intrusion into our Philippine maritime territory and it is, as usual, of great concern…and I see this as absolutely unnecessary because if it is truly research vessel then we could have come to very simple agreement that research vessel will ply waters and do the research they need to do.however, there is suspicion that they are not only research vessels so, again, this is bit of escalation of tension present in West Philippines Sea ,” the President said.
Earlier this week, American maritime expert Ray Powell said two Chinese research ships were spotted in northeast corner of Philippine Rise, 13-million hectare submerged continental shelf off Aurora province. According to Powell, Chinese ships Haiyang Dizhi Liuhao and Haiyang Dizhi Shihao left Guangzhou last Feb. 26 and moved east southeast through Luzon Strait.
Last Monday, the Philippine Navy reported that Chinese research ships are already out of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
In same video message, Marcos said decision on whether to increase frequency of joint military exercises with Australia hinges on situation in West Philippine Sea.
After China Coast Guard vessels 21555 and 21551 fired their water cannons and broke windshield of resupply boat Unaizah May 4 at 8:15 in the morning of March 5, another CCG vessel dispatched rigid-hull inflatable boat and circled damaged boat, Philippine Coast Guard-West Philippine Sea spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela disclosed during National Security Council press conference.
“As result of water cannoning, PCG’s Multi-Role Response Vessel 4407 or BRP Sindangan ,MRRV 4407 received radio call from Unaizah May 4 that four of its crew have been injured,” Tarriela said.
This prompted PCG’s BRP Sindangan to dispatch RHIB and provide medical assistance to injured personnel.
“Despite damage Unaizah May 4 sustained because of water cannon and near collision, they know for a fact that Unaizah May 4 had injured personnel onboard… CCG 21551 launched RHIB and circled around Unaizah May 4 trying to document, as if we are ones doing illegal activities in our EEZ, exclusive economic zone,” Tarriela added.
Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) reportedly continued to shadow Unaizah May 4 and BRP Sindangan even as they already began their travel back to Palawan.
As to slight collision incident involving BRP Sindangan with CCG vessel, Tarriela said it has reportedly been practice of Chinese vessels “they would block our pathway, they are going to stop all their engines and they would appear that they would stay there so that there would be possibility for Philippine Coast Guard vessel to collide with their vessel.”
He also questioned sincerity of CCG in preventing collision because while PCG personnel made effort to lessen impact, CCG personnel were seen taking videos of incident.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. described China’s behavior in West Philippine Sea as “downright uncivilized” following Tuesday’s collisions and water cannon attacks damaged ships and injured four Navy personnel.
“Acts of PRC’s agents in West Philippine Sea are patently illegal and downright uncivilized,” Teodoro said in statement as he urged China to “be truthful and to be believable… propaganda mechanisms of PRC once again attempt to justify their illegal acts against Philippine vessels on their so-called ‘indisputable’ claim over most of the South China Sea,“Teodoro said.
According to Teodoro, China is taking “great pains to mischaracterize their provocations as lawful under international law,” similar to how PRC asserts that actions of CCG and its maritime militia vessels are “professional, restrained, reasonable and lawful.”
Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command commander Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos was among those slightly hurt when Chinese coast guard vessels pounded civilian supply boat Unaizah May 4 with water cannons on Tuesday while on rotation and resupply (RORE) mission to Ayungin Shoal.
Carlos said force of water cannon attacks shattered windshield of civilian supply boat carrying him and other Philippine Navy personnel, resulting in minor injuries.
Despite what happened, Carlos said directive of President Marcos is “we will not yield, we will not, we will be undeterred and we will not leave Ayungin” and RORE missions will continue with operations adjusted accordingly to ensure success and safety of personnel.
Following latest collision and water canon attacks on PCG ships by CCG vessels, National Task Force on West Philippine Sea accused China of being one that is actually stirring up trouble that has now resulted in people getting hurt.
“It is China that is deliberately stirring up trouble and maliciously inciting hype and not Philippines…we wish to remind China that when it points finger at others, there are three other fingers pointing back at them, China’s latest unprovoked acts of coercion and dangerous maneuvers against legitimate and routine rotation and resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal in WPS have put lives of our people at risk and caused actual injury to Filipinos on board supply ship,” National Security Council assistant director general Jonathan Malaya said.
“Position that we’ve taken is that we do not recognize jurisdiction of International Criminal Court (ICC)…we view it as threat to sovereignty, simply because ICC was formed to conduct, to provide justice to areas where there is no judiciary, where there is no court system, where there is no police, where there is no peace and order and that’s not Philippines,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said it would be up to Philippine police and judiciary to give justice to those who were killed during previous administration’s drug war.
President Marcos maintained he won’t support ICC’s probe on controversial campaign.
Marcos said inviting ICC to Philippines to investigate former president Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war is “political move” and that “we do not play politics with jurisdiction and sovereignty…and therefore, I don’t think their investigations or their concerns apply to the Philippines,” he added.
Marcos said Philippines has “functioning” police force and judiciary and “it is their responsibility to take care of that.”
“We have made great deal of progress in that regard where many policemen have already been removed from service because they’ve been found to be liable, cases have been filed…many are already in jail, what we try to do is to now go back to families of those and perhaps, see what we can do to make things right for them…as long as it can be shown, of course, that they were not actually involved in drug trade,” FMJ said.
According to Marcos, his administration is not interested in small-time addicts who should be taken to hospital or undergo rehabilitation.
“We don’t shoot them… we have taken enforcement as far as we can, and it only gets you so far,” he said.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte is facing crimes against humanity complaint over his brutal war on narcotics, resulted in death of more than 6,000 drug suspects.
In 2021, a pre-trial chamber of ICC permitted investigation into drug crackdown, saying legal element of crime against humanity of murder under Rome Statute, treaty created tribunal has been satisfied.
Philippines ratified Rome Statute in 2011 but Duterte withdrew the country from agreement in 2018 in response to ICC’s decision to conduct preliminary examination of his anti-drug campaign.
ICC has insisted Philippines still has obligation to cooperate with probe despite withdrawal.
Duterte has insisted ICC has no jurisdiction over him and that he would only face allegations before local court.
Despite Marcos’ refusal to recognize ICC’s jurisdiction, nationwide poll conducted by OCTA Research last December suggested 55 percent of adult Filipinos are in favor of government cooperating with tribunal on its investigation on drug war.
“There is no such situation of China harassing Philippines,” China foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said “ reason behind recent maritime developments is that Philippines has frequently made provocative moves in South China Sea, infringing on China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests”..
Earlier within hours of each other, two incidents of “blocking maneuver” and water cannon attack by China Coast Guard (CCG) and militia vessels erupted in vicinity of Ayungin Shoal, leaving four Filipinos injured and two Philippine vessels slightly damaged.
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesman for West Philippine Sea affairs Commodore Jay Tarriela said BRP Sindangan was supporting resupply mission for troops on BRP Sierra Madre at 6:30 in the morning yesterday when CCG ship with bow number 21555 tried to block it, resulting in slight collision.
In post on X, Tarriela said collision was caused by “reckless and illegal action” of CCG vessel.
Two hours later at 8:15 in the morning, same Chinese coast guard ship and another with bow number 21551 blasted Philippine resupply boat Unaizah May 4 with water cannons.
National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) said CCG and militia vessels “harassed, blocked, deployed water cannons and executed dangerous maneuvers in another attempt to illegally impede or obstruct routine rotation and resupply mission (RORE) to BRP Sierra Mdre (LS 57) at Ayungin Shoal.”
In Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry said Filipino vessels were to blame for incidents.
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), meanwhile, summoned Chinese embassy deputy chief of mission Zhou Zhiyong to relay Manila’s protest.
With Sindangan during resupply mission was BRP Cabra. They were deployed on orders of PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan to provide support to RORE operation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Tarriela said.
“Throughout operation, PCG vessels faced dangerous maneuvers and blocking from Chinese Coast Guard vessels and Chinese maritime militia, their reckless and illegal actions led to collision between MRRV-4407 (BRP Sindangan) and China Coast Guard 21555 resulted in minor structural damage to PCG vessel,” said Tarriela.
NTF-WPS said “unprovoked acts of coercion and dangerous maneuvers” of Chinese vessels led to one of them slightly hitting Unaizah May 4, shattering its windshield.
Those hurt in the water cannon attack were treated for their injuries on Sindangan. Names of injured and extent of their injuries were unavailable. Unaizah May 4 sailed back to mainland Palawan escorted by the Sindangan, while Unaizah May 1 managed to reach Sierra Madre at 10:54 in the morning to unload its cargo of food and other provisions.
“Once again, China’s latest unprovoked acts of coercion and dangerous maneuvers against legitimate and routine Philippine rotation and resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal, have put lives of our people at risk and caused actual injury to Filipinos on board UM4,” NTF-WPS said.
“Systematic and consistent manner in People’s Republic of China carries out these illegal and irresponsible actions puts into question sincerity of its calls for peaceful dialogue and lessening of tensions,” its statement read.
NTF-WPS said Philippines “continues to act peacefully and responsibly, consistent with international law, particularly UNCLOS and legally binding 2016 Arbitral Award. Peace and stability cannot be achieved without due regard for legitimate, well-established and legally settled rights of others.”
It said Philippines “will not be deterred” from exercising its legal rights over its maritime zones, including Ayungin Shoal, which forms part of country’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.
“We demand China demonstrate that it is responsible and trustworthy member of international community,” the NTF-WPS said.
AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said two Philippine Navy ships provided support to RORE mission.
Philippine Navy spokesman for the WPS Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad said two unnamed vessels were in the area but were stationed 10 nautical miles from Ayungin Shoal.
When RORE was being carried out, there were four CCG vessels and 11 fishing or militia vessels monitored in the vicinity of Ayuning Shoal, Trinidad said.
He said latest incident was “ clear and present challenge to Philippine Navy in West Philippine Sea.”
“The situation is not normal, is not anymore normal but we are up to the challenge,” he pointed out.
He said China’s sinister plan first unfolded in 1992 when it began putting markers on shoals, shallow waters, reefs and other features within Philippine waters.
“In 1994 they prevented access to Mischief Reef. In 1990, late 90s they started erecting fishermen’s structures in Mischief Reef. In 2011 they started reclamation, then they militarized the area, they declared Air Defense Identification Zone, ADIZ so it is not anymore normal, it is now new paradigm or new environment that Philippine Navy and Western Command and Naval Forces West operate in West Philippine Sea” he said.
Trinidad said 43 CCG and militia vessels were monitored in West Philippine Sea, including four CCG vessels around Bajo de Masinloc along with 17 fishing vessels; two CCG ships and four fishing vessels in Ayungin Shoal and one CCG ship and 15 fishing vessels near Pagasa Island.
He said Philippine Navy and AFP “will continue ensuring integrity of our national territory and abide by the order, the statement of the commander-in-chief that we will not give up even square inch of Philippine territory.”
Senators Jinggoy Estrada, JV Ejercito and Grace Poe called on China to stop its aggression in West Philippine Sea.
“I call on China to respect international maritime laws, adhere to established norms and cease bullying tactics…such provocative actions are unacceptable,” Estrada, chairman of Senate’s national defense and security, peace, unification and reconciliation committee said.
“We call on the international community to closely monitor regional developments and support efforts to maintain rules-based order,” he added.
Ejercito said he was “outraged by China’s recent blatant aggression in West Philippine Sea,” as he commended PCG for standing up to the Chinese.
“Chinese vessels’ recent reckless maneuvers and blocking tactics at Ayungin Shoal are clear signs of desperate attempt to unlawfully seize Philippine territory. Hence, China’s delusion that West Philippine Sea belongs to them must be put to an end,” Ejercito said.
Poe said China has no right to block humanitarian missions to the grounded warship.
“I call on China to respect international maritime laws, adhere to established norms and cease bullying tactics. ..such provocative actions are unacceptable,” she said.
In his meeting with Zhou, DFA Deputy Assistant Secretary Raphael Hermoso emphasized China’s interference in Philippines’ activities in WPS is unacceptable.
“China’s actions in Ayungin Shoal infringes upon Philippines’ sovereign rights and jurisdiction, Philippines demands that Chinese vessels leave vicinity of Ayungin Shoal immediately,” the DFA said in statement.
United States, the European Union, Great Britain, Germany, Japan and Australia condemned China’s latest hostile actions in West Philippine Sea.
“We strongly condemn PRC’s dangerous maneuvers at Ayungin/Second Thomas Shoal, which endangered lives, resulted in injuries and damaged CoastGuardPH vessels in the Philippine EEZ,” US ambassador MaryKay Carlson said in post on X.
“ US stands with Philippines and proponents of international law in support of #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific,” she said.
EU Ambassador Luc Veron said he was “troubled by today’s pattern of dangerous maneuvers and blocking from Chinese Coast Guard vessels and maritime militia targeting Philippine vessels engaged in crucial resupply mission.”
“EU reiterates call for all parties to abide by legally binding 2016 Arbitration Award and #internationallaw to peacefully resolve disputes, guaranteeing safety in maritime waters,” Veron wrote on X.
United Kingdom condemned the Chinese for their “unsafe” actions in Philippine waters.
“UK condemns today’s unsafe actions by Chinese vessels against Philippines in Second Thomas Shoal, resulted in Philippine injuries,” British Ambassador Laure Beaufils said on X.
“UK reiterates its opposition to any action raises tensions & endangers lives, threatening regional peace & stability…we call for adherence to UNCLOS,” she said.
In statement, Japanese embassy expressed “grave concern on repeated dangerous actions” of CCG in South China Sea.
“Japan will continue to stand with Philippines and cooperate with like-minded countries to maintain peace and stability in the region,” the embassy said.
Australia, through its embassy, also condemned China’s latest provocative acts.
“Discussing peace and stability at #ASEAN50Aus Summit. Australia shares Philippines’ concerns about dangerous actions by China’s vessels at Second Thomas Shoal today,” Ambassador HK Yu said on X.
“We call for restraint and respect for international law, particularly UNCLOS,” she said.
German ambassador Andreas Pfaffernoschke said “Germany is concerned by today’s incidents involving dangerous maneuvers against Philippine Coast Guard vessels in resupply mission within Philippine EEZ.”
Special friendship flight featuring aircraft flown by Filipino pilots and their South Korean counterparts discllsed three-day air show commemorating 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Philippines and South Korea.
Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) co-hosted this year’s Black Eagles Airshow and Friendship Flight at Clark Air Base in Pampanga.
Special friendship flight featured four FA-50PH aircraft flown by Filipino pilots alongside eight T-50B aircraft flown by South Korean pilots. Black Eagles aerobatic team from South Korea amazed audience with aerial maneuvers, leaving vibrant trails in the sky as testament to colorful diplomatic relations between two nations.
Currently, PAF operates 12 FA-50PH aircraft acquired through purchase contract signed in 2014 with Korea Aerospace Industries.
These aircraft were considered “game changer” because of their contributions during Marawi Siege in 2017.
The T-50Bs used by ROKAF aerobatic team are trainer jet versions of that type of aircraft.
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said event showcased not just diplomatic or friendly ties, but profound sense of kinship between two countries.
Maj. Gen. Park Chang-kyu, commander of Air Defense and Control Command of ROKAF, conveyed his appreciation to Filipino people for their steadfast trust and friendship for over 70 years.
Teodoro and Park were joined by Korean Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa, acting Armed Forces chief Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura, PAF commanding general Lt. Gen. Stephen Parreño and PAF vice commander Maj. Gen. Augustine Malinit.
Officers from Department of National Defense and Armed Forces of the Philippines General Headquarters, foreign armed forces attachés, commanders of major service and unified commands, government officials and guests from Filipino and Korean communities also witnessed event.
Airshow , open to public until March 5, also features exhibit of different Korean defense companies.
“We studied the case thoroughly… Quiboloy and his cohorts should be held responsible for the crime complainant, who was 17 years old when it happened, alleged,” Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has ordered filing of sexual abuse and qualified trafficking charges against Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Apollo Quiboloy.
Order, according to Remulla, reverses 2020 decision of Davao City prosecutor’s office to dismiss charges of rape, child abuse and human trafficking against Quiboloy and five others.
Remulla said DOJ granted petition for review, remained pending before DOJ for over four years.
In granting the petition, DOJ directed Office of the City Prosecutor of Davao City to file case for violation of Republic Act 7610, or Anti-Child Abuse Law, specifically on provision of sexual abuse of minor. It also ordered filing of case for qualified trafficking before Pasig trial court.
Aside from filing of charges, Remulla would also appoint special panel of prosecutors to focus on the case and request Supreme Court to order transfer of these cases to Manila court.
According to the DOJ, the 17-year-old victim alleged a series of abuses that started in 2011 and included rape in September 2014. The minor also alleged emotional and physical mistreatment and forced labor without compensation . all under guise of religious service to the church Quiboloy founded.
Remulla said filing of charges effectively prevents Quiboloy from getting extradited to another country particularly in US where he faces multiple charges of sex and labor trafficking.
“We do not want US to think that we are filing cases to bar extradition…we just thought it better to give justice to the victim here, considering that crime happened over 10 years ago,” he explained.
Remulla earlier said Philippines has yet to receive request from US to extradite Quiboloy, who is on Most Wanted List of Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Philippine National Police (PNP) now allows civilian gun owners own and register 7.62mm semi-automatic rifles.
At press briefing at Camp Crame, PNP public information officer Col. Jean Fajardo addressed concerns regarding ownership of 5.56mm and 7.62mm-long firearms by civilians.
Civilians were permitted to own rifles before passage of Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition Regulation, she noted.
Upon enactment of Republic Act 10591, civilian ownership of rifles was prohibited although they were allowed to license and sell them, she added.
Technical working group was formed to study tpossibility of amending certain provisions related to function and authority of PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr.
Minor amendments were made to implementing rules and guidelines, particularly in section 36.6, allowing private citizens to license semi-automatic rifles, specifically those chambered in 7.62 or lower, Fajardo said.
Possessing license does not necessitate purchasing firearm immediately, she clarified.
Those willing to register and obtain licenses for firearms, including semi-automatic rifles, are subject to regulation, she maintained.
6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
“There is no point in continuing program that not single study has found to be effective… K-12 only aims to make Philippines competitive against underdeveloped countries in producing steady stream of semi-skilled labor force for foreign capital… jobs are largely contractual in nature and lowest paying in different industries,” Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) chair Vladimer Quetua said with only 20 percent of country’s senior high school graduates landing employment, Marcos administration should treat this as indicator to abandon K-12 curriculum instead of integrating skills training into curriculum.
United Nations has issued global alert over shortage of teachers, with lack greatest in secondary education.
UN alert was issued last week at meeting of International Task Force on Teachers for Education in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Seven out of 10 teachers at secondary level will need to be replaced by 2030, along with over half of all teachers who will have left profession by decade’s end, UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) said.
UNESCO said effect of worldwide teacher shortage is profound, creating larger class sizes, overburdened educators, educational disparities and financial strain on school systems, impacting educational quality and access.
According to UNESCO report, world needs 44 million teachers by 2030 in order to make Sustainable Development Goal of quality and equitable education reality.
High-level panel’s recommendations are focused on core aspects: dignity, humanity, diversity, equity and inclusion, quality, sustainability, innovation and leadership.
Responses to the challenge include recommendations to cultivate environment where teachers can drive educational change, foster critical thinking and promote modern learning skills.
UN Secretary-General’s High-Level Panel on Teaching Profession advocates for teachers to be collaborative partners rather than mere purveyors of knowledge.
Adequate funding for education systems and technology integration are key, with focus on supporting use of digital learning and other technology.
Attrition rates among primary teachers almost doubled from 4.62 percent globally in 2015 to 9.06 in 2022, with teachers often leaving the profession within first five years, report revealed.
According to recent estimates, financing additional teachers will cost $12.8 billion for universal primary education and $106.8 billion for universal secondary education.
Annual additional financing needed to cover salaries at primary and secondary levels by 2030 is estimated at $120 billion.
In statement, ACT said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s order to increase SHS graduates’ employability through integration of skills training would only replicate program’s failures as it “only aims to produce cheap and docile labor force for foreign employers that is bound to be underpaid, contractual or unemployed.”
During education sector meeting led by Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio at Malacañang earlier, FMJ ordered concerned state agencies to work closely with industries to align skills and education with companies’ demands.
FMJ had also ordered creation of technical working group to study proposedembedding of technical vocational education and training or TVET into K-12 curriculum.
Proposal would strengthen K-12 program by adding practicum component, according to the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
Citing study by Philippine Institute for Development Studies, TESDA said measure would address low employability rate of SHS graduates.
Quetua said majority of K-12 graduates “only add up to huge number of unemployed.”
“TESDA itself admitted starkly low employment rate of our K-12 graduates and attrition rate of those employed is high,” he added.
“It saddens us to inform everyone of untimely passing of Cannes-winning actress Miss Jaclyn Jose or Mary Jane Guck in real life…more details will be shared as soon as they are available.
Jaclyn ‘s talent agency, PPL Entertainment Inc., released statement shortly after news broke out.
“Both Guck and Eigenmann families are requesting for everyone to please pray for their bereavement and respect privacy to mourn her passing, and navigate these difficult times,” statement ended.
Jaclyn was born Mary Jane Guck on October 21, 1964.
She starred in many films, including works by celebrated directors Lino Brocka and Chino Roño.
In 2016, she became the first Filipino to win the Best Actress Award at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival for her work in Brillante Mendoza’s film “Ma’Rosa.”
Jaclyn has been familiar face on Philippine TV by starring in popular dramas since 1990s to present.
Some of her dramas include “Mula Sa Puso,” ” Marimar” and “Alyas Robinhood.” She was last seen as Chief Espinas in “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo.”
Jaclyn is survived by her children, actress Andi Eigenmann and Gwen Ilagan Guck.
ISKUP! 