TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

Matthew 7:12

¹² So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Komedya o Komida

Ni Derek Jorge

Komedyang pahalik

KOMEDYANTE talaga itong mga panatiko ng itim na Nazareno, hindi raw naman nila sinasamba ang imahen, sana nga. Humihingi po ng paumanhin Kiwal, bulati kong kikiwal-kiwal ang Starbucks, pareng Virgilio Ventura, paborito mo, nakaladkad ho kasi ang pangalan nito, naggkabahid ang reputasyon sa maling pagsunod sa batas sa senior citizen, at indifferently abled, basahin nyo na lang sa iskup. Kinakastigo pa rin sa korte itong Marco Polo Hotel-Ortigas at Goldilocks sa hindi tamang pagpapatupad sa benepisyo ni lolo. Itong Sogo Hotel, napakaraming promo pero, huwag nyong itangging ang promong yan ay sa inyong kapakanan, kaya dapat pa ring idagdag ang batas sa mga lolo. Sya nga pala Kiwal, hindi napapansin pero kasama dapat sa diskwento ang pamasahe sa tricycle, barya lang nga yan pero malaking bagay kay lolo ang barya, hindi na nga makapagpangipin dahil pati barya, simot. Ang wala pa sa batas senior ay ang petrolyo, singil sa tubig at koryente. Patuloy pong nagaganap ang “pahalik”, hinahalikan ang rebulto ng itim na Nazareno, pinupunasan pa’t ipinupunas sa kanyang katawan, tanggapin nyo man o hindi, pagsamba iyon, ayaw ng mismong Nazareno na may iba kang Dios maliban sa Kanya.  

Turn  over na ang certificate of occupancy sa mga taga-Bacoor City, Cavite, kasambahay, pakiramdaman ninyo, baka may pabahay dyan sa lugar ninyo, pakinabangan ninyo. Hindi naman kailangang pumunta sa “University of Recto” para magpagawa ng resibong palalabasing pangingikil sa gambling lord. Bulok nang lakad yan, hindi naman siguro turo ng iyong superior officer yan, sino ginaya mo tata. Maninira ka ng pinagpala, “can’t put blessed man down”, dugay na sa  Manila, tonto pa gihapon? Yang resIbong iyan hijo, magagamit laban sa iyo yan. Ayaw kong sabihing “handler is owner”, cheap mo naman barya lang yan. Tatawanan ka ni Maj. Reyes nyan, hellow po, happy new year. Muzta kaya rating ng Sta. Maria police, alin kayang rating pinaka-sadsad sa Bulacan? Paanong hindi pasang-awa e outstanding yata sa row 4 si tata, walang iniintindi kundi bulsa. Nasabon siguro ni Mayor kaya nagpuputok ang butsi. Nagpalamig lang at umaatungal na naman. Kung tatawagin na ako ng aking amang Dios, una-una lamang naman yan, may nagkakasabay pero hindi madalas. Itong kasisibak lang sa serbisyong si Lt. Col. Mark Julio Abong, gun toting lang kaso nito, walang makukuhang benepisyo dahil hindi nagdahan-dahan nang pagkilos, basahin nyo na lang sa iskup, English kasi e.  e  ikaw tata, sindikato ng sugalan ang protection raket mo. Alam kaya ni PD yan o dalawin ko ang olivas, Gen. Hidalgo sir? Hindi ba kasisibak lang ng isang hepe sa Bataan, ganyan din lakad?

Nasa 80,000 hong pabahay ang nagawa ng gobyernong Marcos noong katatapos na taong 2023, 6 milyon sa pagtatapos ng kanyang termino sa 2028. Executive clemency na lang ang ultimo remedio sa leeg ni Veloso at kapag nabigo si Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo sa paglalakad nito, tigbak ang Pinay. Nasabat Kiwal, bulati kong kikiwal-kiwal si Veloso sanYogyakarta noong  Abril 2010 dala sa bagahe nito ang 2.6 kilong heroin nakatahi sa luggage nito. Magkita-kita tayo mga Marked Men for Christ facilitators sa petsa 26, phase 2 seminar at phase 1 sa Baguio City, Febrero 21-23, maghanda-handa na tayo. Kung nais nyong makarating sa  korea sa Abril mayroong orientation sa jan 11 8am to 4pm sa GFWC , Plaridel, Bulacan,may food registration 150 pesos Sagot ng Korea  accomodation and food, Bale 12 days po tayo don kung makasama tayo. Kapag  nabigyan na tayo ng invitation ay visa at airfare balikan ,para poi to sa lahat ng church leaders ,pastor at wives, pators kids at young people leaders. Welcome to the Philippines Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Capica. Ididiskwento ng Meralco nang hanggang syento porsyento sa singil sa koryente ang mga benepisyaryo ng 4ps. Kwalipikadong aplikante ay kailangang hindi kumukunsumo ng 100 kw.hr. DSWD, huwag naman nyong pahirapan mga aplikante. Dalawang buwan na lang at Marked Men for Christ sa Baguio na. Jonathan Fernandez, muzta na, nagkakalimutan na tayo a. Problema ba, pag-usapan natin, ndgodino@yahoo.com.

79 % Fils want Ph to work with US amid WPS tension

By J.Lo

Pulse Asia survey showed eight in 10 Filipinos want  Philippine government to work with  United States amid  continuing tensions in  West Philippine Sea.

Dec. 3 to 7 survey, commissioned by think tank Stratbase ADR Institute, found  79 percent of  respondents chose  US as among  countries they think Philippines should work with.

Survey  results were released during  forum organized by Stratbase.

 Respondents  were allowed to give three answers to  question, “in view of continuing tension in  West Philippine Sea and its implications on  country’s security and economy, which country or organization should  Marcos administration work with.”

Almost half selected Australia and Japan, both countries in  Asia-Pacific, with 43 percent and 42 percent, respectively. These were followed by Canada with 34 percent, United Kingdom with 22 percent, European Union with 17 percent, Russia with 16 percent and South Korea with 15 percent.

Only 10 percent said  Marcos administration should work with China.

Stratbase president Dindo Manhit said  results underscored need for government to bolster its alliance with countries like US, Australia and Japan, noting they “have continued to voice their support for  Philippine position and have condemned Chinese actions against Filipino vessels.”

He said it is only natural for Filipinos not to favor working with China, considering incursions and aggressive actions of Chinese vessels inside  Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

Asked what measures  administration can do to effectively assert  country’s rights in West Philippine Sea, 67 percent of  respondents said  government can strengthen country’s external defense capabilities, especially Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard.

Other measures included reinforcing alliances and partnerships with like-minded countries through  conduct of joint patrols and military exercises (56 percent), establishing stronger military presence in  West Philippine Sea by repairing  BRP Sierra Madre (52 percent) and improving inter-agency cooperation among those involved in maritime security (52 percent).

Majority or 52 percent believe  Marcos administration can fulfill its promise of protecting West Philippine Sea against illegal and aggressive actions of other states, while 10 percent said it could not.  Remaining  35 percent were ambivalent on the matter.

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18 Enero 2024, Huwebes

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Happy 90th birthday Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

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June-March academic calendar back in 2025

By Creselda Canda-Lopez

“Generally,  decision was unanimous  among stakeholders, especially students, parents, teachers and  federation of superintendents… we met in  middle to not abruptly revert to  old calendar,” Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT)  chairman Vladimer Quetua said Department of Education (DepEd) has agreed with school officials, teachers, students and parents to start classes for  coming school year (SY) 2024-2025 on July 29 as part of the gradual return to old June-March academic calendar that would fully take hold three school years from now.

Speaking to media,  ACT confirmed  teachers, students and school superintendents reached  “unanimous decision” with  DepEd to gradually revert to  old academic calendar,  plan that could possibly see  shortened school break for students and teachers for SY 2025-2026.

Stressing none of  agreed-upon terms have been declared final, Quetua said SY 2024-2025 would begin classes on July 29, while classes would “hopefully” begin by  third week of June by SY 2025-2026.

Quetua explained  60-day school break for SY 2025-2026 could be shortened by 15 days for classes to start by  first week of June in SY 2026-2027, thus fully reverting to  old academic calendar.

DepEd  held in its central office  consultation with student groups, parents, teachers and other stakeholders regarding the matter.

In  statement, Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) chairman Benjo Basas confirmed  results of  consultation and said  DepEd needs to amend its previous order on  new academic calendar to implement  changes discussed during  meeting.

“We are thankful to DepEd that they heard our calls this time…we expect  immediate release of  policy on this matter,” Basas said.

Meanwhile, Quetua said DepEd assured teachers  cut in  60-day school break would be added to their service credits.

He added DepEd would hold more consultations and convene all stakeholders for final meeting before releasing  policy on  gradual return to  old academic calendar.

Due to  lockdowns and remote learning mode implemented in schools brought due to  COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, public schools opened their school year in October of that year.

Academic  calendar opened in August when full onsite classes resumed last year.

Earlier, various groups called for  return to  old academic calendar, citing  heat experienced by students last March and April.  Calls  have prompted lawmakers to file bill seeking to revert to  old academic calendar of June to March starting school year 2024-2025, as they stressed current calendar running from August to June is inappropriate in the country.

At  hearing before  House committee on basic education earlier this week, DepEd Undersecretary and spokesman Michael Poa was asked whether DepEd is open to shifting to  old calendar and he responded  affirmative, saying they merely need to comply with consultations needed “as this involves policy change.”

In another development,  ACT expressed frustration over  stalled implementation of salary hikes for teachers, leaving  first payday of the year with no increase in salary despite appeals.

Since  wage hike under  Salary Standardization Law (SSL) 5 ended last year, ACT said  government should have implemented  new round of salary increases this year.

Under Republic Act 11466 or SSL 5, all civilian government employees are entitled to  wage hike for  fourth and final year on Jan. 1, 2023.

“Jan. 15 is  first payday of 2024 and not even cent was added to teachers’ salaries… but  Marcos Jr. administration failed in its promise to raise teachers’ salaries while Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte remained mum on  call of teachers and staff, what’s worse is not only is there no more salary hike, but we are also faced with additional deductions because of PhilHealth’s hike in contributions…no abundance in  new year for teachers and staff… first payday is first pain day in 2024,” Quetua said.

ACT has been pushing for  salary hike since last year due to  “minimal salary increase” for government employees that had already ended last month.

Quetua said  “decisive” move from  government to ensure salary hikes remains to be seen, as he cited how  House of Representatives reduced  P94-billion miscellaneous personnel benefit fund (MPBF) in  National Expenditure Program for 2024 to P24 billion.

“ MPBF is  standby fund for increases in salaries, benefits and staffing positions….P70-billion budget cut is  expression of  government’s lack of prioritization of  economic welfare of its workforce, we challenge  Marcos administration to be pro-teacher and pro-worker… urgently raise  salaries of teachers to viable level… P50,000 entry-level pay for teachers, whether public or private, and P33,000 national minimum wage for all staff and workers,” he said.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)  urged  beneficiaries of its Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps to pursue higher education, saying they can avail themselves of  government’s various tertiary education programs.

“These programs aim to enhance access to quality education for qualified beneficiaries of  country’s flagship anti-poverty program by easing  financial burden of deserving individuals aspiring to pursue higher education,” DSWD Assistant Secretary for strategic communication and spokesman Romel Lopez said in  statement.

He added these programs are offered to “qualified and eligible poor households,” including 4Ps beneficiaries, by  Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education or UniFAST,  attached agency of  Commission on Higher Education (CHED)  unifies and harmonizes government-funded student financial assistance programs or StuFAPs.

“Investing in tertiary education for 4Ps beneficiaries is  investment for  future of their respective households and also  step toward achieving  4Ps’ goal to alleviate poverty through access to free education,” Lopez said.

 4Ps beneficiaries may avail themselves of free higher education in any state university and college and CHED-recognized local university and college, pursuant to RA 10931, exempts students from paying tuition and other school fees.

“We urge  beneficiaries who want to pursue higher education to coordinate with nearest universities and colleges in their place of residence to avail themselves of  free tertiary education,” Lopez said. 

TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

1 Corinthians 10:13

¹³ No temptation^[a] has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted^[b] beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted,^[c] he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

Footnotes

1. 1 Corinthians 10:13 The Greek for temptation and tempted can also mean testing and tested.
2. 1 Corinthians 10:13 The Greek for temptation and tempted can also mean testing and tested.
3. 1 Corinthians 10:13 The Greek for temptation and tempted can also mean testing and tested.

‘Asia’s best hacker’ fall anew

By J.Lo

POLICE authorities are looking into  man previously dubbed “Asia’s best hacker” was arrested in Las Piñas for allegedly targeting foreigners in his illegal online activities, the said yesterday.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) report showed  operatives searched house of Edgar Silvano Jr., 47, in Barangay Talon Dos.

Operation  was implemented on  strength of  search warrant issued by Judge Elizabeth Yu Guray of  Las Piñas Regional Trial Court Branch 202.

Recovered from Silvano were 11 cell phones, seven flash drives, five laptops, four SD cards, three Wi-Fi routers, two hard drives,  desktop and  modem.

Apart from these, police also confiscated several financial documents pertaining to land titles and vehicle purchases. These documents contain personal and bank account information belonging to other people, police said.

Silvano was charged with violating Republic Act 8484 or  Access Device Regulations Act of 2012.

He also faces charges of violating RA 10591,  penalizes  illegal possession of  firearm, after police found  9mm pistol with nine bullets on his person.

According to  NCRPO, Silvano was called “Asia’s best hacker” in 2001 after he hacked  international banking system based in Hong Kong. He was imprisoned but was later released on probation.

Silvano was again arrested in 2016 by  National Bureau of Investigation for violation of RA 8484 and possession of illegal drugs.

NCRPO said all recovered electronic devices will undergo data extraction and forensic examination.

Marie Joy Espano, Silvanos’ alleged accomplice, was arrested for obstruction of justice after allegedly giving false information to  police.

iskup news-on-line daily is creation of Godino Advertising Agency, Trece Martires City, Cavite  

supports

Happy 90th birthday Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

condemns murder of Juan Jumalon

underboard nurses, be health care associates, inquire to DOH

Komedya o Komida

Ni Derek Jorge

Komedyang parada

NANANATILI sa impluwensya ng Espanya ang mga Pilipino makaraan ang mga dekada ng kalayaang pinagbuwisan ng buhay ng marami nating kalahi, anang liderato ng simbahang katoliko sa Quiapo, “Dalangin natin, sa susunod na magkikita tayo, itatanghal ang Enero 9 ng simbahan bilang pambansang pista sa karangalan ng ating Poong Hesus Nazareno.” Sa mga senior high school grade 12 o graduating, makipag-alam sa pulisya ng bawat bayan at lungsod hinggil sa entrance exam ng PMA at PNPA. Kung pangarap mong maging opisyal ng hukbong sandatahan, maging army, navy o air force, mag-entrance exam sa PMA. Kung nais namang maging opisyal ng pulisya, bumbero o jail guard, PNPA naman.  May petisyon ang arsobispado ng Maynila sa batikanong kilalanin ang petsang Enero 9 bilang taunang pista ng itim na nazareno. Kasambahay ang tawag na Nazareno ay tumutukoy sa Panginoong Jesus dahil Siya’y tubong Nazareth. Pero ang “itim na Nazareno” ay imahen o rebultong kulay itim na patron ng simbahang Katoliko Romano sa Quiapo. Dapat sana‘y katubusan ng kasalanan ng sanlibutan ni Jesus sa Golgotha o bundok ng kalbaryo may 2024 taon na ang nakararaan ang dinadakila ng sangkatauhan, ng mga Pilipino. Ang pista ng 400 taon nang itim na Nazareno ay pagsamba sa imahen na kinamumuhian ng Dios. Malinaw sa aklat ng Exodo ng Biblia na ayaw ng Dios ang ganoon, galit Sya roon. Kailangan nating mapagpala, paano tayo pagpapalain kung ginagalit natin ang magpapala sa atin. Kiwal, bulati kong kikiwal-kiwal hindi pwedeng galawin ninuman ang muhon ng bawat lupa maliban sa inhinyero. Nilinaw ito sa akin ng mga abogado at may kapangyarihan ang barangay upang kumastigo sa sinumang pangahas na makikialam sa muhon. Turn  over na ang certificate of occupancy sa mga taga-Bacoor City, Cavite, kasambahay, pakiramdaman ninyo, baka may pabahay dyan sa lugar ninyo, pakinabangan ninyo. Hindi naman kailangang pumunta sa “University of Recto” para magpagawa ng resibong palalabasing pangingikil sa gambling lord. Bulok nang lakad yan, hindi naman siguro turo ng iyong superior officer yan, sino ginaya mo tata. Maninira ka ng pinagpala, “can’t put blessed man down”, dugay na sa  Manila, tonto pa gihapon? Yang resibong iyan hijo, magagamit laban sa iyo yan. Ayaw kong sabihing “handler is owner”, cheap mo naman barya lang yan. Tatawanan ka ni Maj. Reyes nyan, hellow po, happy new year. Muzta kaya rating ng Sta. Maria police, alin kayang rating pinaka-sadsad sa Bulacan? Paanong hindi pasang-awa e outstanding yata sa row 4 si tata, walang iniintindi kundi bulsa. Nasabon siguro ni Mayor kaya nagpuputok ang butsi. Nagpalamig lang at umaatungal na naman. Kung tatawagin na ako ng aking amang Dios, una-una lamang naman yan, may nagkakasabay pero hindi madalas. Itong kasisibak lang sa serbisyong si Lt. Col. Mark Julio Abong, gun toting lang kaso nito, walang makukuhang benepisyo dahil hindi nagdahan-dahan nang pagkilos, basahin nyo na lang sa iskup, English kasi e.  e  ikaw tata, sindikato ng sugalan ang protection raket mo. Alam kaya ni PD yan o dalawin ko ang olivas, Gen. Hidalgo sir? Hindi ba kasisibak lang ng isang hepe sa Bataan, ganyan din lakad?

Nasa 80,000 hong pabahay ang nagawa ng gobyernong Marcos noong katatapos na taong 2023, 6 milyon sa pagtatapos ng kanyang termino sa 2028. Executive clemency na lang ang ultimo remedio sa leeg ni Veloso at kapag nabigo si Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo sa paglalakad nito, tigbak ang Pinay. Nasabat Kiwal, bulati kong kikiwal-kiwal si Veloso sanYogyakarta noong  Abril 2010 dala sa bagahe nito ang 2.6 kilong heroin nakatahi sa luggage nito. Magkita-kita tayo mga Marked Men for Christ facilitators sa petsa 26, phase 2 seminar at phase 1 sa Baguio City, Febrero 21-23, maghanda-handa na tayo. Kung nais nyong makarating sa  korea sa Abril mayroong orientation sa jan 11 8am to 4pm sa GFWC , Plaridel, Bulacan,may food registration 150 pesos Sagot ng Korea  accomodation and food, Bale 12 days po tayo don kung makasama tayo. Kapag  nabigyan na tayo ng invitation ay visa at airfare balikan ,para poi to sa lahat ng church leaders ,pastor at wives, pators kids at young people leaders. Welcome to the Philippines Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Capica. Ididiskwento ng Meralco nang hanggang syento porsyento sa singil sa koryente ang mga benepisyaryo ng 4ps. Kwalipikadong aplikante ay kailangang hindi kumukunsumo ng 100 kw.hr. DSWD, huwag naman nyong pahirapan mga aplikante. Dalawang buwan na lang at Marked Men for Christ sa Baguio na. Jonathan Fernandez, muzta na, nagkakalimutan na tayo a. Problema ba, pag-usapan natin, ndgodino@yahoo.com.

No loyalty check amid FMJ ouster rumors – AFP

By J.Lo

“No need, no need because we are assured,” Brawner said when asked about possible need for  loyalty check… personally, in my visits to units and in my meetings with commanders, I have personally gauged  no need for  loyalty check and that our commanders and our troops remain loyal to our Constitution,” Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner said .no need for loyalty checks on uniformed personnel as there is no destabilization plot against  Marcos administration, He said such destabilization rumors were not even discussed during  command conference at Camp Aguinaldo,  first presided over by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Brawner explained to reporters  AFP is focused on more pressing concerns like ending communist rebellion, dealing with China on  West Philippine Sea (WPS) issue and addressing possible effects on security of  raging conflict in  Middle East, particularly between Israel and  Hamas terror group.

“So we are looking into all of that, especially  challenges here in  WPS…so we’re facing so many problems…I gave guidance to our commanders and I’ve been telling them repeatedly  we should be united and professional… they know it, and they understand it,”Brawner claimed.

AFP has also repeatedly clarified  retired military officials and officers expressing their opinions on social media platforms are entitled to express their opinions as private citizens.

“I think first there is no credible threat to  stability of the country and if ever there are some individuals who would try to destabilize our country, they will fail,” AFP spokesman Col. Medel Aguilar stressed in interview over media.

“AFP is  professional organization and so  officers and men  compose it adhere to  chain of command and are loyal to  flag and the Constitution,” he said.

Specter  of destabilization has also haunted  Philippine National Police and PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. had to deny  rumor that retired personnel had been denied entry to Camp Crame.

“There is no issuance on that and there is no basis for us to prevent them from coming here,” Acorda said. It was earlier reported that some retired officers were spearheading  clamor for the ouster of Marcos.

When asked if  alleged restriction was part of  destabilization plot, Acorda insisted there was no destabilization threat to begin with.

He said restricting retired personnel’s access to Camp Crame “would adversely affect those seeking to process their retirement benefits.”

Acorda also emphasized  vital role of  police in addressing cyber violations, saying such exercise is within bounds of  law.

He acknowledged need for strict enforcement of laws against spreading lies, deception or fake news, but stressed  importance of not overreacting at  expense of freedom of expression.

Meanwhile, at command conference, FMJ reiterated his call for  shift to territorial defense in  face of  country’s problems with China in  West Philippine Sea and weakening of  communist insurgency.

Noting he does not want to micromanage  military,  commander-in-chief is giving his top commanders  freedom to be more innovative and imaginative in dealing with internal and external security concerns.

“We listened to  guidance of the President and what the President said is that just like with  past announcements  he made during his speeches, he said we needed to reconfigure our approaches in dealing with  different threat groups…we need to deal with communist terrorist groups,  local terrorist groups,  threats that we are facing in  WPS and of course  natural disasters,” Brawner told reporters after  meeting.

On modernization under Horizon 3 of  AFP Modernization Program, Brawner said  President is yet to approve proposed procurements for 2024 and that requests are still being refined. 

iskup news-on-line daily is creation of Godino’s Advertising Agency, Trece Martires City, Cavite  

17 Enero 2024, Miyerkules

Happy 90th birthday Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

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underboard nurses, be health care associates, inquire to DOH

HEADLINES

One-China policy reaffirmed

By Nidz Godino

“Nevertheless, Philippines reaffirms its one-China policy,” Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.. tweet congratulating Taiwan’s president-elect Lai Ching-te.

FMJ’s  way of thanking Taiwan for hosting 200,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and holding successful democratic process while reaffirming  country’s one-China policy.

In  statement, DFA said  Philippines and Taiwan share mutual interests,  include welfare of nearly 200,000 OFWs in Taiwan.

In post on X, formerly Twitter, FMJ congratulated Lai on his election, saying he was looking forward to “close collaboration, strengthening mutual interests, fostering peace and ensuring prosperity for our peoples in  years ahead.”

“On behalf of  Filipino people, I congratulate president-elect Lai Ching-te on his election as Taiwan’s next president,” Marcos FMJ posted.

Beijing said statement constituted “interference” in Chinese affairs and advised Marcos to “read more” on China-Taiwan history.

Lai thanked Marcos for  congratulatory message, saying he values  enduring friendship between Taiwan and  Philippines.

“I look forward to enhancing our economic and people-to-people ties while championing democracy, peace and prosperity in the region,” Lai said on X.

Chinese embassy did not immediately comment on Marcos’ congratulatory
 message.

DFA reaffirmed  principles contained in Joint Communique of  Philippines and China signed by former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and Premier Zhou Enlai in June 1975.

“ Philippines is committed to its one-China policy,” DFA said.

Joint Communique states  two governments agree to settle all disputes through peaceful means without resorting to  use or threat of force.

Meanwhile, after Marcos congratulated Lai, China summoned Philippine Ambassador Jaime Florcruz and warned  Philippines “not to play with fire” on  Taiwan issue.

“This morning, Assistant Minister Nong Rong summoned  ambassador of  Philippines to China to make solemn representations and urge  Philippine side to give Chinese side  responsible explanation,” Mao Ning, spokesperson for Chinese Foreign Ministry, said during  conference.

“Chinese side is strongly dissatisfied and resolutely opposes  remarks of Marcos,” Mao said.

She said Marcos’ remarks was violation of One-China Principle, serious breach of political commitments made by  Philippines to  Chinese side and  gross interference in China’s internal affairs.”

“We are telling Philippine side not to play with fire on  Taiwan issue and to stop immediately its wrongful words and deeds on Taiwan-related issues and sending wrong signals to separatist forces for Taiwan independence, we advise President Marcos to read more to properly understand  history of  Taiwan issue so he can draw  right conclusions, ”Mao said.

PNP axed gun-toting cop

By J.Lo

“Dismissal order should be implemented immediately,” PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda told reporters police officer who fired his handgun during  confrontation with customer outside  bar in Quezon City has been dismissed from  service.

PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda signed Lt. Col. Mark Julio Abong’s dismissal order last Dec. 18.

Acorda said while it is Abong’s right to appeal, decision is executory based on provisions of existing PNP policies.

“While he may submit his appeal,  dismissal order stands… he is officially terminated from  PNP,” Acorda said.

Dismissed PNP personnel are not entitled to benefits, Acorda added.

Abong, who was assigned with  PNP Legal Service department, was apprehended on Nov. 16, 2023 for firing his gun in Barangay Laging Handa.

Reports said Abong grabbed waiter by his necktie and argued with  customer outside  bar.

Charges of illegal discharge of  firearm, physical injury and slander by deed had been filed against Abong.

He also faced  complaint for  hit-and-run accident that killed tricycle driver Joel Larosa in Quezon City on Aug. 6, 2022.