TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

Psalm 73:25-26

²⁵ Whom have I in heaven but you?
    And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
²⁶ My flesh and my heart may fail,
    but God is the strength of my heart
    and my portion forever.

Iskup news-on-line daily

1 Marso 2024, Biyernes

Iskup joins Christian world in observance of Lenten season

Watch out for Phase 2 Marked Men For Christ seminar this March

Govt. subsidies eyed for min wage earners

By Nidz Godino

“A number of sectors have raised  possibility of  government subsidizing  proposed wage increase during  hearing… I think this is  sound idea, but we also have to ask our economic managers whether  government can also cover  cost of such subsidies,” House committee on labor and employment chairman Rep. Fidel Nograles (Rizal, fourth district) is eyeing government subsidies for minimum wage earners, to offset inflation and its negative impact on their living conditions.

Nograles wants to be sure government can afford to provide wage subsidies in light of pending bills in Congress  such as  one in the House, seeks to provide  wage hike ranging from P150 to P750.

“Can  government afford wage subsidies?” he asked after various sectors threw their support behind provision of wage subsidies so that companies could fund  minimum wage increase, in light of  Senate-approved P100 legislated wage hike.

Proposal  to increase minimum wages has elicited mixed proposals,workers’ groups say  wage increase could help them cope with high cost of living, while employers claim they would be hard put and warn of layoffs and company shutdowns.

Nograles  would direct his committee to ask for government’s input regarding  wage subsidy. “Besides  wage subsidy, we will also continue to find measures that could help us come up with  win-win situation for all involved.”

Earlier , Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe said  House, under  leadership of Speaker Martin Romualdez, is studying proposals for  P150 to P350 per day legislated wage increase.

He said  House recognizes  dire situation of Filipino workers who are grappling with  adverse effects of inflation and decreased purchasing power due to global fiscal crisis and conflicts.

“Our workers are enduring tough times, and as their representatives, it is imperative that we find substantial solutions to alleviate their financial burdens,” the Zamboanga City congressman pointed out.

Dalipe said the Speaker has tasked  House leadership to identify effective methods to enhance workers’ take-home pay, including  legislated wage hike or revisions to  regional wage board mechanism.

Iskup news-on-line daily

1 Marso 2024, Biyernes

Iskup joins Christian world in observance of Lenten season

Watch out for Phase 2 Marked Men For Christ seminar this March

HEADLINES

Register  e-bikes, riders to secure license

By J.Lo

“Our proposal is very simple…as far as  LTO is concerned, all light electric vehicles used in public highways,  all roads maintained by government, must be registered with  LTO and  driver must be licensed,” Land Transportation Office (LTO)  chief Vigor Mendoza said during  consultation with stakeholders LTO is eyeing mandatory registration for all light electric vehicles and to require drivers to get licenses if they are to ply vehicle on any public road nationwide.

The possibility follows  lead of Metro Manila governments that passed regulations on e-bikes, e-trikes and other light electric vehicles on major thoroughfares.

He said  electric vehicles are subject to regulations set by Republic Act 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.

While Mendoza noted  plan is easier said than done,  LTO has to exercise its regulatory powers to keep  roads safe. If it pushes through, this would replace  government policy that only requires  registration of motorized vehicles  can go beyond 25 kilometers per hour.

“RA 4136 says if it is  motorized vehicle, then that vehicle must be registered with  LTO and  person driving it must be duly licensed…does distinguish  vehicle speed,” he said.

LTO currently has seven categories for light electric vehicles,  defined as motor vehicles with less than four wheels and have restrictions on maximum speed between 25-50 kph and maximum mass , these vehicles are typically used by mothers and individuals for short rides to markets and schools.

Mendoza said minors should not be allowed to drive these vehicles, although this is becoming  more common occurrence.

Metro Manila Council earlier issued  resolution outlining  rules and regulations, including  imposition of fines, to govern  use of e-bicycles, e-tricycles, kuliglig and e-scooters on public roads.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority also issued Regulation 24-022 series of 2024 to ban e-vehicles along major roads, such as  circumferential roads Recto Avenue or C-1, Quirino Avenue or C-2, Araneta Avenue or C-3, EDSA or C-5, Katipunan Avenue and C. P. Garcia Avenue or C-5 and Southeast Metro Manila Expressway or C-6.

50 % rebel cash aid diverted to commanders?

By J.Lo

“I talked to your former members – who requested anonymity for fear of their safety – and they told me their commanders asked for a 50 percent cut from the P100,000 cash assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development,” Sen. Jinggoy Estrada received information that 50 percent of the P100,000 cash assistance for decommissioned Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members was diverted to their former commanders.

Estrada, chairman of the Senate committee on national defense and security, peace, unification and reconciliation, made the revelation as the Senate resumed inquiry into the delays of the decommissioning process.

 “I’m worried that the brigade commanders might use the money to buy arms. It is as if the government gave the MILF the funding for arms purchase. And that is quite possible,” he added.

Mohajirin Ali, head of the MILF Peace Implementing Panel Secretariat, said an investigation is ongoing to look into the alleged corruption.

“During the decommissioning process, commanders should not interfere with the extended interventions, especially the cash. The MILF leadership will not tolerate this practice and commanders caught will be subject to disciplinary action,” Ali said.

Mohagher Iqbal, MILF peace implementing panel chairman, has been informed of the allegation that his commanders were getting a cut from the welfare aid, according to Cesar Yano, co-chairman of the Philippine government peace implementing panel.

Sandara, favorite beer endorser

By Cynthia Montojo

“Parati kong hinahanap ang San Mig Light every time I go back to the Philippines. I really missed it, like all the time. San Mig Light is my favorite because it’s light, fun and it gives off an easy vibe. Perfect for me!” Sandara Park says from her Star Circle Quest days to her 2NE1 K-pop stardom, and now in her solo international artist era, has been loved by Filipino fans for her super fun and light personality.

Whenever she returns to the country for shows and other engagements, she embarks on adventures like visiting markets, enjoying food trips to various local eateries, and hanging out and chilling with friends. Last year, she even brought fellow K-pop idol, BamBam, to an inuman session.

Philippines Market in Korea l 한국에 있는 필리핀마켓 가봤어요 🇵🇭

Hence, it’s no wonder that the bubbly Sandara, pun intended, was named San Mig Light ambassador!

In fact, Sandara was spotted last year with bottles of San Mig Light. She even described herself as “Food Monster Dara in Manila,” pairing bottles of San Miguel with tocilog, crabs and some Chinese food.

Sandara’s love for the light and 100-calorie beer is best portrayed in this TVC, which she reposted and captioned: “SANdara & SANmig light? Bagay na bagay diba?! Shot puno~!!!”

The fun video is now inviting her fandom, Daralings, and 2NE1’s Blackjacks to embrace a light life with San Mig Light.

But more than this, Sandara is thankful for the opportunity to work with a homegrown brand in the Philippines, where her career also started.

She said, “I’m really grateful to have such wonderful experience. It’s like being embraced by lightness and fun, just like the brand and just like me.”

Indeed, Sandara’s light vibe and a bright personality are what make her one of the most likeable and approachable artists in the Philippines and the world.

Nowadays, we all await the announcement of a worldwide tour, following the recent release of her self-titled mini-album, Sandara Park—her first solo music endeavor in six years. When this time comes, we’ll all be present to give our cheers and scream, “Cheers!”

‘More robust’ Ph-Aus ties seen in FMJ visit

By Nidz Godino

“Collaboration in these additional fields is a clear indication that the strategic partnership which we have embarked upon provides greater energy and optimism for closer cooperation that is mutually beneficial to both Filipinos and Australians,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.said, promising to convey the Filipinos’ camaraderie and goodwill to Australians during his visit.

President Marcos vowed to act as a “bridge” that would further link the Philippines with its strategic partner Australia during his two-day visit to Canberra, which he hopes will lead to “more robust” ties between the two countries.

Marcos left for Canberra for a two-day “guest of government” visit that will reciprocate Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit to the Philippines last year. Marcos is scheduled to come home today but will fly to Melbourne on Sunday to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Australia Special Summit. “I am honored to bring with me in this visit the best of our motherland and our inherent desire for peace and prosperity. I intend to serve as a bridge that will further connect the two democratic maritime nations and promote our visions of amity, development, and cooperation,” the President said in his departure statement at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay. “I hope to bring home with me a more robust, warmer and closer Philippine-Australian relations,” he added.

Marcos is scheduled to address the Australian parliament to discuss the Philippines’ commitments in its partnership with Australia, the first Filipino leader to do so. His address is also expected to touch on his vision for the Philippines’ future, defense and trade matters. ?“I will make sure to acknowledge the ever-growing relations on defense and security with one of our only two Status of Visiting Forces partners as highlighted last year by the success of Exercise Alon and the Maritime Cooperative Activity,” the Chief Executive said.?“I shall also highlight the huge potential in trade and investment that we should maximize in the coming years. After all, economic security is a vital component of national security.”  Marcos said he is expecting the mutual understanding between Manila and Canberra to be enhanced since they share a common vision not just for their bilateral relations, but for the peace and security of the region.?“Our engagement in the parliament will also feature conversations with Australia’s legislative leadership who are vital partners in ensuring a favorable and enabling policy to our relations to continue its upward trajectory,” he added.?According to Marcos, three agreements that would expand the Philippines’ wide-ranging cooperation with Australia will be formalized and signed, but he did not elaborate.

Marcos, who undertook the visit upon the invitation of Governor General David Hurley, departed for Australia at about 8:30 a.m. Vice President Sara Duterte has been designated the caretaker of the government while Marcos is out of the country. Duterte, also the education secretary, was not present during the departure ceremony.

The plane carrying Marcos arrived in Canberra at past 4 p.m. Philippine time (past 7 p.m. in Canberra), the Presidential Communications Office said. In his Instagram account, Marcos posted a photo of himself and First Lady Liza Marcos arriving at The Lodge for dinner with Albanese and Australian financial services professional Jodie Haydon.

There are about 408,000 Filipinos and Australians with Filipino descent in Australia as of 2022, making them the fifth largest migrant community in the country, according to the PCO.

Meanwhile, an official of Human Rights Watch (HRW) said Australian lawmakers who attend President Marcos’ address before joint parliament this week should take his human rights rhetoric with a “grain of salt.”

Daniela Gavshon, Australia director of HRW, on Wednesday said Marcos’ visit is an important opportunity for Australia’s leaders to address cases of human rights abuses in the Philippines.

Even with the improved relations between Australia and the Philippines since Marcos assumed office in 2022, Gavshon said human rights violations in the country remain rampant.

“Drug-related killings implicating the police have continued under Marcos, if at a lower rate. The government refuses to cooperate with the International Criminal Court’s investigation into the ‘war on drugs,’” she said.

“Arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings of activists and human rights defenders persist. Government officials and the security forces continue the dangerous practice of ‘red-tagging,’ publicly branding leftist activists and politicians as members or supporters of the communist insurgency, putting them at higher risk of abuse,” she added.

Gavshon said Australia’s government should be especially concerned with the rising harassment and violence against labor leaders and union organizers in the Philippines.

She cited the case of Jude Thaddeus Fernandez, who was killed by the police for allegedly fighting back while being served with a search warrant.

Hiding  Quiboloy hurls conspiracies on social media

By J.Lo

“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,” Apollo Quiboloy said members of the Senate and the House of Representatives have threatened him to arrest and cite in contempt for evading their summons to separate committee investigations on his actions as the leader of a megachurch and founder of television network SMNI.

Urged to face the accusations against him — including allegations he sexually and physically abused members of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), according to Senate witnesses — Quiboloy has instead opted to hurl conspiracies on social media that he is in hiding due to an “assassination” plot against him approved by the president, among others.

In a 37-minute audio recording posted on Facebook, Quiboloy claimed that the United States government is in cahoots with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to conduct “rendition” on him instead of extradition and that the plot involves “killing” him and his church leaders.

Based on “reliable sources” that he did not name, the controversial pastor said that his 11 compounds are currently being monitored by people “conducting surveillance with the aim of killing or kidnapping me and my leaders.”

“Me, my leaders, they want to kill us all,” Quiboloy said.

The televangelist added that it is “not my fault” that he is close to former President Rodrigo Duterte and his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte.

Among other conspiracies he shared in his audio message, Quiboloy claimed that there was a $2 million bounty on his head and that there are plans to “plant” bombs, guns and drugs in his properties, which would then be incorporated by someone else.

Both the House and the Senate issued subpoena orders against Quiboloy last week — a legitimate power that lawmakers can use to compel witnesses and key figures to show up to Congress as part of an investigation of an issue. 

To recall, the House agriculture and food committee in February 2023 issued subpoena orders against warehouse owners who did not attend hearings in connection to the onion shortage and price inflation in 2022.

In November 2023, the Senate issued a subpoena against three executives of a POGO company accused of engaging in illegal activities.

 Sen. Risa Hontiveros, leading the probe into the alleged sexual abuses and exploitative acts committed by KOJC members and issued the subpoena against Quiboloy, urged the pastor to “not play victim.”

“What I’m asking from you is to adhere to the legal process, and part of the process is the Senate investigation,” Hontiveros said.

“Don’t escalate this into a language of killing, even if that’s what you have been used to,” Hontiveros added.

The senator added that she would cite Quiboloy in contempt and have him arrested if he does not show up to the Senate’s next hearing on March 5.

It was during the Senate’s second hearing on the alleged abuses by KOJC that one witness named “Rene” said he saw the vice president and former president Duterte receive “bags of guns” at one of Quiboloy’s compounds. Rene worked as a landscaper for the pastor and, according to his testimony, was regularly abused.

Vice President Duterte has refused to directly address the allegation and described Rene’s testimony as part of a series of attacks on her personhood.

Similarly, House lawmakers threatened to have Quiboloy arrested if he continues to snub the next hearing of the legislative franchises committee, which is currently tackling a bill seeking SMNI’s franchise revocation after it allegedly aired false content on their programs.

House Bill (HB) 9710 was filed in December by Rep. Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez (1-Rider Partylist) shortly after two SMNI anchors claimed that House Speaker Martin Romualdez had billions in travel funds.

Gutierrez said in a news conference Quiboloy’s attendance in the House is necessary to determine the extent of the violations committed by the broadcast network, saying that lawmakers are not satisfied with the answers given by his legal representatives.

“Even hook or by crook, they are sticking by their stance that seem like excuses. But as lawmakers, we demand answers,” Gutierrez said in Filipino. 

Rep. Margarita Nograles (PBA Partylist) said that Quiboloy is being summoned as a “matter of due process” to have him directly respond to questions that require his personal knowledge.

Komedya o Komida

Ni Derek Jorge

Komedyanteng Costa

KASAMBAHAY, dahan-dahan nang pagpapel sa “medya sosyal”, baka ma-acosta kayo. Shout out muna sa Values Bocaue Advocates, Wilfredo Jimenez Jr., Alex Driodoco, Gemma Daseco, Delfin Lawa at ang destinado sa Turo,Police  Lt. Col. Manuel De Vera sa proyekto nitong “ronda”. Sinisingil ng Korte Suprema si PAO chief Persida Acosta ng P180,000 dahil sa maling posting sa facebook. Nilabag dawn i Percy ang Sections 2 at 14, Canon II Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA), pagpipiutagan sa hukuman. Kung mayroon nga raw protesta sa anumang inisyu ng korte, ideretso na sa kinauukulang porum. Lumalabas nga naman kasing malisyoso kapag itsinismis sa FB. Kung yung hindi lamang abogado, hepe pa ng pao, natrisyon ang simpleng mamamayan pa kaya. Kaya Kiwal, bulati kong kikiwal-kiwal, dahan-dahan sa fb, x, at iba pa. Komedyante rin talaga itong  “hirang na anak ng dios” Apollo Quiboloy, may banta raw sa kanyang buhay. Shout out muna sa mga may “hang over” pang bagong Marked Men for Christ”. Nagsipagtapos ng phase 1 seminar sa Asia Pacific Theological Seminary, Baguio City. Itakda na agad-agad ang phase 2 Bishops Dante Agustin, Oliver Mutuc, Daniel Osorio. Hinihintay kasambahay ni  Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla ang hirit ekstradisyon ni Uncle Sam laban kay Puloy. Mayroon kasing usapang ekstradisyon kapwa ang Pinas at Tate na ibibiyahe sa mga ito ang kanikanilang tugis-kriminal. Sandal Kiwal, bulati kong kikiwal-kiwal, ‘di pa naman sentensyado si Puloy kaya ‘di pa kriminal. Ang hiling sa ulo ni Puloy ay tatanggapin muna ng DFA at ipapasa sa DOJ, aarestuhin ang nagtatagong Puloy at ibibigay sa kano. Sikat itong si Puloy, nasa US wanted list, saan ka pa. ‘Di ba anak ka ng dios Puloy, bakit kerbiyos ka sa takot, ‘di ba gwardyado ka ng anghel? Pati katawagang pastor, sini…,ayoko-ayoko Kiwal, high blood na naman ako. Puloy, kung gusto ni kano na itumba ka, matagal n asana. Wala hong  Bureau of Immigration Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO),lalo na hold departure order si Puloy. Si puloy ay nahaharap sa mga kasong panggagahasa at cyberlibel sa Pinas. May seminar din tayo ng One Hope sa Sabado, magkita-kita tayo. Get well soon Maria Luisa Soriano ng Bagong Bansang Maharlika. Jonathan Fernandez, nagkakalimutan na yata a..    

Ch warships in WPS worrisome – Marcos

By Nidz Godino

“It’s worrisome because there are two elements to that: one is that previously only China’s Coast Guard was moving in our area. Now, there is navy that has come and the fishing boats,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.told reporters before leaving for a two-day state visit to Canberra, Australia

 presence of Chinese navy vessels in the West Philippine Sea is “worrisome,” but the Philippines will not be deterred in defending its maritime territory and protecting its fishermen.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirmed presence of Chinese warships and aircraft in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Panatag or Scarborough Shoal.

 “So the situation is changing, but – well, it’s clear for us, we don’t really – we just watch, of course, what everybody is doing, but really for us, we’ll continue, we just defend our maritime territory. We continue to support all of our fishermen, fisherfolk who make their living from these fishing grounds,” he said.

Marcos said the government would continue to patrol Philippine-claimed territories and gave assurance of Filipino fishermen’s continued access to their traditional fishing grounds.

“And despite whatever else happens, we are being blocked, what, there is shadowing, we will continue to do what we do because that is our job, our job is to help the fishermen who have been fishing there for a long time, for several generations,” Marcos said.

At a public briefing, Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesman for the West Philippine Sea, said during the last mission of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) they were able to monitor the presence of three People’s Liberation Army navy warships in the vicinity of Panatag Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc.

Tarriela said a Chinese aircraft was also spotted by BFAR patrolling over Panatag.

“This is the first time we have seen a Chinese aircraft patrolling over the airspace of Bajo de Masinloc in the recent time,” Tarriela said.

Lauding both houses of Congress for their legislative work, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said the Philippine Maritime Zones Act that has passed third and final reading in the Senate will definitely help enforce the 2016 arbitral award rejecting China’s expansive maritime claims in the West Philippine Sea.

With such a law in place, he said the government can more effectively protect the country’s maritime domain in accordance with both international and domestic rules on territories and maritime boundaries.

“This marks a significant step forward in safeguarding our nation’s maritime interests and asserting our sovereign rights over our maritime domains,” Año said.

“Most importantly, this implements in domestic legislation the 2016 arbitral award that the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in favor of the Philippines,” he stressed.

Año noted that the Philippine Maritime Zones Act “not only reaffirms the country’s sovereign rights over the nation’s exclusive economic zone but also establishes clear guidelines for the delineation of maritime zones, including sea lanes, air routes and the utilization of natural resources within our jurisdiction.”

“The Philippines is an archipelagic and maritime nation, and our seas play a vital role in our economic prosperity and national security,” he said.

Año said the National Security Council thanks the Senate led by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and Senate special committee on maritime and admiralty zones chairman Sen. Francis Tolentino for advancing the passage of Senate Bill 2492.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) also welcomed  Senate approval of the Philippine Maritime Zones Bill, underscoring it is a crucial step for the Philippines to put its archipelagic house in order and to harmonize its domestic law with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The bill codifies the status and regime of the waters inside the archipelagic baselines, redefines the extent of Philippine territorial sea and claims a 24-nautical mile contiguous zone, among others.

“We look forward to its enactment so that the Philippines could effectively enforce its relevant domestic laws and related international laws to protect its marine and fish resources, preserve and conserve its marine environment and enhance maritime safety and security,” the DFA said. 

Sandigan dismissed forfeiture vs 3 coco levy firms

By J.Lo

“Considering the finality of judgement in the instant case, it has now become a ministerial duty to the Court to issue a Certificate of Finality, and to cause its entry of the same to the Books of Judgments,” the resolution, penned by Associate Justice Arthur Malabaguio, read,Sandiganbayan has affirmed the finality of the dismissal of a forfeiture case against three of the firms created out of the Coconut Industry Investment Fund, also known as the coco levy funds, during martial law.

In a six-page resolution promulgated on Feb. 28, the anti-graft court’s Second Division has granted the Motion for Issuance of Entry of Judgement filed by Coconut Producers Federation Inc. (COCOFED), Coconut Investment Corp. (CIC) and the Cocofed Marketing Corp. (COCOMARK) despite the opposition of the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG).

The Second Division said the dismissal of the forfeiture case against the three coco levy firms has already attained finality as the PCGG, represented in court by the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), failed to file any appeal or motion within the 15-day reglementary period from the date of the notice of judgement.

The Second Division cited Section 2, Rule 36 of the Rules of Court, which states that “if no appeal or motion for new trial or reconsideration is filed within the time provided in these Rules, the judgement or final order shall forthwith be entered by the clerk in the book of entries of judgements.”

Once a ruling is entered in the lower court’s Book of Entries of Judgements, that ruling is beyond appeal though it may still be challenged before the Supreme Court.

It was on May 16, 2023 when the Second Division dismissed the PCGG’s forfeiture case against COCOMARK, COCOFED and CIC on the ground of the supposed violation of their right to due process and speedy disposition of cases.

The Second Division noted that it has been more than 30 years since the civil suit was filed by the PCGG but the latter has yet to conclude its pretrial work and commence with the trial proper.?On July 31, 2023, the Second Division denied the motion for reconsideration of the PCGG and upheld the dismissal of the case.

Since then, the Second Division noted, no appeal or pleading has been filed by the PCGG, even if the record showed that a copy of the July 31, 2023 resolution was received by the PCGG through its counsel, the OSG, via electronic mail (e-mail) on Aug. 1, 2023.

Associate Justices Oscar Herrera Jr. and Edgardo Caldona concurred with the ruling.

The court gave no merit to the PCGG’s explanation that its employee, who was detailed at the OSG, failed to timely give a copy of the July 31 resolution to the solicitor handling the case. The PCGG said it was only on Jan. 26, 2024 when the copy of the July 31 resolution was handed to the assigned division of the OSG.

Nonetheless, the PCGG begged for the court’s “understanding and compassion” amid the lapses, invoking the “interest of substantial justice and in view of the great public interest involved in this case.”

“The bare invocation of ‘the interest of substantial justice’ is not a magic wand that will automatically compel this Court to suspend the procedural rules. Procedural rules are not to be belittled or dismissed simply because their non-observance may have resulted in prejudice to a party’s substantial rights,” the Second Division said quoting a previous SC ruling.

Docketed as Civil Case No. 0033-B, the forfeiture suit covers companies created using the coco levy funds.

It was one of the eight subdivided coco levy cases filed by the PCGG in 1987, a year after the ouster of the late Ferdinand Marcos.