“We are resolute in our mission to fulfill our legislative duties and responsibilities…our primary focus continues to be legislative agenda outlined by President Marcos, and we are fully committed to working diligently to pass these vital bills,” Speaker Martin Romualdez said regular sessions resume at House of Representatives after bicameral Congress took five-week break, with specific attention on ratifying 2024 national budget and passing 11 more priority bills of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr
Total of 11 priority measures come from those listed under Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) as well as those mentioned by FMJ in his second State of the Nation (SONA) address last July 25,2023.
LEDAC and SONA bills have combined 17 pieces of legislation, but since there have been six “common” measures each in LEDAC and SONA, these will be consolidated, plus four others that were mentioned on LEDAC list, and another one on SONA list – for total of 11.
Six LEDAC-SONA bills are proposed Department of Water Resources and Services and Creation of Water Regulatory Commission, Tatak-Pinoy (Proudly Filipino) Act, Blue Economy Law, Government Auditing Code, Government Procurement Reform Act and amendment of Cooperative Code.
Four other “equally important” measures on LEDAC list are proposed amendments to Electric Power Industry Reform Act, Budget Reforms Modernization, National Defense Act and Philippine Defense Industry Development Act.
Last and eleventh one, on SONA list, is proposed Motor Vehicle User’s Charge/Road User’s Tax.
Romualdez expressed his commitment to ensuring timely passage of remaining priority bills, underscoring their vital contribution to resolving significant concerns and improving welfare of Filipinos.
“Progress we’ve made is testament to cooperation between legislative and executive branches through LEDAC…unity and collaboration are essential in developing effective policies and reforms for benefit of the nation,” he said.
Speaker also expects immediate ratification of P5.768-trillion national budget for 2024 and its enactment into law before year ends.
“Budget is lifeblood of our nation’s progress and development… House is fully dedicated to task at hand, ensuring national budget is ratified and enacted on time to guarantee continuity of essential services, support economic growth and promote well-being of our citizens,” Romualdez, represents first district of Leyte, said.
House submitted to Senate approved 2024 General Appropriations Bill with P194.5 billion in realignments for security, inflation protection and food security.
“When it comes to confi funds, of course, that’s his flexibility fund, we will allow that, but within reason,” Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel favors giving confidential funds to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr
Pimentel maintained allocation should be reasonable and not “sky’s the limit.”
Under proposed 2024 P5.768 trillion national budget, Office of the President (OP) requests P2.31 billion in intelligence funds and P2.25 billion in confidential funds.
Pimentel said confidential fund requested by OP is too huge as he suggested cutting the amount and making it really reasonable.
“That’s lot of money…what Marcos administration did was they maintained level of Duterte administration without any issues…too much, he should show patriotic act, he should lower confidential fund level…intelligence fund is different…when it comes to intelligence fund, President should be briefed by our intel agencies,” said Pimentel.
House Committee on Appropriations reached “unanimous decision” to “remove or realign controversial confidential funds” in proposed 2024 national budget for five agencies, Office of Vice President, Department of Education, Department Of Information And Communications Technology, Department of Agriculture and Department of Foreign Affairs. Agencies will instead receive certain amount for “maintenance and other operating expenses.”
iskup news-on-line daily is creation of Godino’s Advertising Agency, Trece Martires City, Cavite
6 Nobyembre 2023, Lunes
57 days to 2024
condemns murder of Juan Jumalon
underboard nurses, be health care associates, inquire to DOH
Pilipinas, may pinakamahabang pasko sa daigdig, Maligayang Pasko!!!
Congratulations and more power BSKE winners
Klinpix Janitorial and Pest Control Services is hiring riders with units of college or equivalent in non-formal training,pretty account executives (college graduates), drivers, graphic artist 09916444376
“We extend our full support to media community, and underscore vital collaboration among law enforcement in community and all stakeholders, in ensuring safety of all media practitioners in the region,” reports reaching President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said popular radio commentator died in daring gun attack from unknown assailant while hosting his radio program at his home in Calamba, Misamis Occidental.
Juan “Johnny Walker” Jumalon, 57, died instantly from two gunshots to the face, Calamba municipal police station reported to Brig. Gen. Ricardo Layug Jr., director of Police Regional Office 10 in Cagayan de Oro City.
Incident was captured on livestream video of Jumalon’s show.
FMJ condemned attack on Jumalon, who owned Gold FM 94.7, which is located at his residence in Barangay Don Bernardo Neri, Calamba, Misamis Occidental.
He was shot dead by lone suspect whom Calamba police are still trying to identify.
According to police, incident occurred at around 5:35 in the morning when suspect –pretending to want to make on-air announcement was allowed entry into radio station.
Video of attack circulated in different Mindanao regions in less than hour after incident, and showed man with pistol approaching Jumalon, who was talking on air inside broadcast booth.
Footage showed suspect immediately shot Jumalon in head, grabbed his gold necklace and fled from the scene after making sure that broadcaster was dead.
Family members and barangay emergency responders rushed Jumalon to Calamba District Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival by attending physician Geopeter Manisan.
Layug issued statement condemning killing of Jumalon, and said they are currently investigating to identify suspect and his motive and have formed special investigation task force focusing on the case.
Calamba police have conducted checkpoints and dragnet operations in attempt to apprehend suspect.
FMJ immediately ordered police to thoroughly investigate broadcaster’s death and bring those responsible to justice.
“I condemn in strongest terms murder of broadcaster Juan Jumalon… I have instructed PNP,Philippine National Police to conduct thorough investigation to swiftly bring perpetrators to justice,” FMJ said in post on Twitter.
FMJ said this kind of attack against journalists has no place in democratic country.
“Attacks on journalists will not be tolerated in our democracy, and those who threaten freedom of the press will face full consequences of their actions,” he said.
Jumalon was fourth journalist to be killed since FMJ took office in June 2022, according to reports.
In statement posted on Facebook, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) expressed its condolences to family of Jumalon, and assured government would closely monitor his case.
“Such barbaric attack on our journalists have no place in democratic country,” PCO said.
Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS), meanwhile, called onPNP to immediately activate special investigation task group (SITG).
“Even as we extend our sympathy to victim’s family and friends over this dastardly attack, we also call on Misamis Occidental Police Office to immediately constitute its SITG to investigate this incident and apprehend suspect and others possibly involved in interest of justice,” PTFoMS executive director Paul Gutierrez said in statement.
Gutierrez also urged National Bureau of Investigation, also part of PTFoMS, to start gathering evidence in support of ongoing investigation to hasten its resolution.
He, likewise, appealed to public not to resort to any speculation or make baseless accusations on motive for attack on Jumalon.
Department of Justice (DOJ) yesterday vowed thorough investigation and swift apprehension of individuals behind killing, condemning act as “affront to democracy, freedom of expression, and sanctity of free press.”
In statement, DOJ said Jumalon’s death is loss, not only to his family and loved ones, but “also to journalism community and nation as whole.”
“We vow to spare no effort in ensuring thorough investigation, swift apprehension of perpetrators, and their subsequent prosecution to fullest extent of law,” it said.
Recognizing role of free and independent media in maintaining healthy democracy, DOJ vowed any attempts to silence or intimidate journalists “will be met with full force of law.”
9 he[a] made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
Footnotes
Ephesians 1:9 Or us with all wisdom and understanding. 9 And he
2nd pig heart recipient gone six weeks after procedure
By Nidz Godino
“We mourn loss of Mr. Faucette, remarkable patient, scientist, Navy veteran, and family man who just wanted little more time to spend with his loving wife, sons, and family,” surgeon Bartley Griffith, performed transplant said 58-year-old Lawrence Faucette with terminal heart disease who received world’s second genetically-modified pig heart transplant has died nearly six weeks after procedure.
Faucette received organ on September 20 and passed away on October 30, University of Maryland Medical Center said in statement.
He had been deemed ineligible for human heart transplant because of his advanced medical conditions, including peripheral vascular disease. Though transplant initially worked well, it began showing signs of rejection in recent days.
Latest experimental procedure was part of growing field of research aimed at advancing cross-species transplants, or xenotransplants, involving animal organs genetically modified to become less likely to trigger rejection in humans.
It is hoped eventually they will help address human donor gap, with more than 100,000 people in America alone currently awaiting organ.
David Bennett Sr was first person to receive gene-edited pig heart transplant in January 2022, carried out by same medical team.
He passed away after two months with medical center ascribing his death to ” multitude of factors including his poor state of health” prior to operation, though it was also later found organ was infected with virus.
Muhammad Mohiuddin, cardiac xenotransplantation program director, praised Faucette’s contribution to science, adding “we intend to conduct extensive analysis to identify factors can be prevented in future transplants.”
Over past two years, doctors have transplanted kidneys from genetically modified pigs into brain-dead patients.
NYU Langone Hospital Transplant Institute in New York announced in September pig kidney transplanted into brain-dead patient had functioned for record-breaking 61 days.
Early xenotransplantation research focused on harvesting organs from primates for example, baboon heart was transplanted into newborn known as “Baby Fae” in 1984, but she survived only 20 days.
Current efforts focus on pigs, which are thought to be ideal donors for humans because of their organ size, their rapid growth and large litters, and the fact they are already raised as food source.
First person to receive heart transplant from genetically modified pig has died two months after medical milestone, hospital carried out surgery said.
Procedure raised hopes advances in cross-species organ donation could one day solve chronic shortage of human organs available for donation, and team behind operation say they are “optimistic” about its future success.
David Bennett, 57, had received his transplant on January 7 and passed away March 8, University of Maryland Medical System said in statement.
“There was no obvious cause identified at time of his death,” hospital spokesman told media, adding physicians were carrying out review that would be published in scientific journal.
Muhammad Mohiuddin, director of university’s cardiac xenotransplantation program, did however say in video statement Bennett was having “infectious episodes.”
“We were having difficulty maintaining balance between his immunosuppression and controlling his infection,” he said.
Bennett’s condition began deteriorating several days ago. After it became clear he would not recover, he was given compassionate palliative care. He was able to communicate with his family during his final hours, hospital statement said.
Following surgery, transplanted heart had performed very well for several weeks without any signs of rejection, hospital added.
Bennett was able to spend time with family, participated in physical therapy, watched Super Bowl and spoke often about wanting to go home to see his dog Lucky.
“He proved to be brave and noble patient who fought all the way to end…we extend our sincerest condolences to his family,” said Bartley Griffith, surgeon who led procedure.
Bennett came to hospital in eastern US state of Maryland in October 2021.
He was bed-ridden and placed on emergency life support machine. He had been deemed ineligible for human transplant decision that is often taken when recipient has very poor underlying health.
Mohiuddin said team had “gained invaluable insights” from experience, adding “we remain optimistic and plan on continuing our work in future clinical trials.”
Reporting in US media also revealed Bennett was convicted of stabbing man several times in 1988, leaving victim paralyzed and wheelchair bound before he died in 2005.
Medical ethicists hold person’s past criminal history should have no bearing on their future treatment.
About 110,000 Americans are currently waiting for organ transplant, and more than 6,000 patients die each year before getting one, according to official figures.
To meet demand, doctors have long been interested in so-called xenotransplantation, or cross-species organ donation, with experiments tracing back to 17th century.
Food and Drug Administration granted emergency authorization for surgery on New Year’s Eve, as last ditch effort for patient who was unsuitable for conventional transplant.
“This was breakthrough surgery and brings us one step closer to solving organ shortage crisis, we are proceeding cautiously, but we are also optimistic that this first-in-the-world surgery will provide important new option for patients in the future ” said Bartley Griffith, who surgically transplanted pig heart.
Bennett’s donor pig belonged to herd had undergone genetic editing procedures.
Three genes would have led to rejection of pig organs by humans were “knocked out,” as was gene that would have led to excessive growth of pig heart tissue.
Six human genes responsible for human acceptance were inserted into genome, for total of 10 unique gene edits.
Editing was performed by Virginia-based biotech firm Revivicor, which also supplied the pig used in breakthrough kidney transplant on a brain dead patient in New York in October.
But while that surgery was purely a proof-of-concept experiment, and kidney was connected outside patient’s body, new surgery is intended to save person’s life.
Donated organ was kept in organ-preservation machine ahead of surgery, and team also used experimental new drug made by Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals along with conventional anti-rejection drugs to suppress immune system.
About 110,000 Americans are currently waiting for an organ transplant, and more than 6,000 patients die each year before getting one, according to official figures.
To meet demand, doctors have long been interested in so-called xenotransplantation, or cross-species organ donation, with experiments tracing back to 17th century.
“HMNZS Aotearoa’s visit to Philippines underscores New Zealand’s dedication to maritime security, regional stability, and fostering diplomatic relations in Indo-Pacific…ito ay nagsisilbing patunay sa matibay na samahan ng New Zealand at Pilipinas,” New Zealand Ambassador Peter Kell said it serves as testament to strong and enduring partnership between New Zealand and Philippines.
New Zealand navy ship made “goodwill visit” to Philippines after visiting Malaysia, Vietnam, and Singapore.
According to New Zealand Embassy, three-day goodwill visit presents New Zealand’s “dedication to maritime security, regional stability, and fostering diplomatic relations in Indo-Pacific.”
“Visit demonstrates our increasing engagement in Southeast Asia and of course, Philippines is an important part or country in region… New Zealand would like to engage with like-minded countries, countries which share our values and we support each other in maintaining rules-based order,” Commander Robert Welford, Commanding Officer of HMNZS Aotearoa, said.
HMNZS Aotearoa participated in Operation Crucible, New Zealand Defense Force’s largest naval deployment to Indo-Pacific region.
HMNZS Aotearoa is auxiliary ship of Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) was manufactured by Hyundai Heavy Industries, same manufacturer of Philippine Navy’s flagship BRP Jose Rizal and some off-shore patrol vessels.
Said vessel is biggest and newest ship of RNZN. It has been in Manila’s dock from October 30 to November 1.
“Brawner merely mentioned reported efforts by certain individuals to upset peace and stability country is enjoying right now under leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.” Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) clarified no confirmed destabilization plot against administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
AFP spokesperson Medel Aguilar addressed issue, saying Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. was “misquoted” in reports claiming he revealed destabilization plot hatched by group of retired military officers during change of command ceremony at Western Mindanao Command .
However, AFP acknowledged concerns about certain individuals trying to disrupt peace and stability of government.
“General Romeo S Brawner Jr., Chief of Staff, AFP, was simply misquoted,” Aguilar said in statement.
During Brawner’s speech, he warned active AFP personnel against joining movements led by retired officials due to alleged recruitment efforts.
“Many were saying to change president because of many reasons, some are saying there will be coup d’état again, sadly, some of them were former officers of AFP and I talked to some of them… I said to them, ‘Sir, you have right to do that because we are in democracy but please do not involve active personnel of Armed Forces of the Philippines,’” Brawner said.
AFP confirmed discussions with retired officials involved.
Aguilar explained Brawner’s main point was to stress need for AFP personnel to stay professional and loyal in their duty to protect people and State.
Matteo Guidicelli hopes MMFF’s Penduko ‘uplifts’ Fil traditions, martial arts
By Cynthia Montojo
“It’s truly overwhelming and it’s big responsibility… I always think about it every night. I tell my wife Sarah Geronimo that this is big thing to hold… Penduko is household name, country’s name kumbaga,” Matteo Guidicelli shared in press conference essaying 1954 comic book character Pedro Penduko, created by National Artist Francisco Coching, is “very overwhelming” experience for Matteo
Actor -host plays titular role in the movie remake of Penduko, one of official entries at 49th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) to be shown in cinemas starting on Christmas Day, Dec. 25.
Film is written and directed by Jason Paul Laxamana (100 Tula Para Kay Stella, Between Maybes, Just a Stranger, and He Who Is Without Sin).
“I told my wife that I gave everything here, moment I followed direk’s instructions and prepared for film…and hope our kababayans and people watching will enjoy movie.” He likewise commended direk JP for being “real driver” of forthcoming flick.
Cast and team behind Penduko were ready to shoot film in first quarter of 2020 but due to pandemic, it was put on hold. Four years later, film will finally be screened in cinemas as part of MMFF official slate this year.
Set in modern day, film revolves around Pedro, young man who possesses mythical and supernatural powers, something that he and his father, Apo Tisot ,played by award-winning actor John Arcilla, have inherited from their ancestors. But unlike Apo Tisot, who uses his gift to help poor and sick, Pedro has other plans for himself.
Pedro leaves his hometown and moves to city to pursue his dreams. With no luck on his side, he starts doing odd jobs to make ends meet, completely wasting his gift and potential.
But all is set to change when secret organization owned by Gat Blanco (Albert Martinez) hires him as an albularyo agent, where he further hones his talent. He impresses people by his skills but at the same time, makes others jealous.
Force of powerful witchcraft also comes and endangers lives of many, including ones closest to Pedro. He then uses all skills he has to fight evil and makes unexpected enemies in process. Will he be everybody’s new hero,or will he fail to save day?
Matteo talked more about Penduko, how he resonated with his character and how MMFF stays relevant in this age of streaming.
“It was process prepared in different aspects, different levels but main objective was to go on set free, liberated (and) reactive to what was happening…yes, it’s full of action, it’s family drama film, he’s hero but not coming into picture as hard hero… No.he is hero,” he said of Pedro.
Matteo further described him as someone who is “passionate, always has that charisma, tough, driven.”
PAGBATI muli at mabuhay, Barangay Binang First Chairman Elect Alfredo Quiambao. Personal kong tinunguhan si Capt sa kanyang tahanan, courtesy visit ika nga at inihayag ko ang aking suporta sa kanyang pangasiwaan. Nagpasalamat naman ang butihing punong barangay, shout out muna kay Antonio Eustaquio. ipinalangin ko muna si Capt bago kami lumisan. Kasambahay, ang kapirasong lupang mana nina Kiwal, bulati kong kikiwal-kiwal mula sa yumao niyang mga magulang ay hindi nang mga ito nagawang patituluhan kaya lumalabas na problema pa ang ipinasa sa kanilang dosenang magkakapatid. Ang tanging katibayan ng pag-aari ay “Tax Declaration” o oja. Limang magkakapatid sina Kiwal na pare-parehong tagapagmana ng lupang may “right to possessed”. Nagawang patituluhan ng apat na magkakapatid ang lupaing nasa dalawang libong metro kuwadrado lingid sa kaalaman ng kawawang si Kiwal kaya hinahabol niya ang kanyang karapatan sa alalay ng Komedya. Ipinahiram ni Kiwal sa kanyang kaibigan ang barena upang ipanghanap- buhay. Nang kukunin na niya ay ikinaila ng kaibigang nanghiram ito. Hindi sinasadyang minsan ay nakita ni Kiwal ang kanyang barenang gamit ng kaibigan at nang kanyang ungkatin ay inangkin na nito. Pinag-interesan na ang tools kaya inereklamo ni Kiwal nang “qualified theft”, 30k ho ang piyansa ng ganoong kaso sa korte. Sinuman hong nagtangkang hadlangan ang proklamasyon ng nagwaging kandidato ay papananagutin ng comelec. Kung duda sa resulta ng halalan, kailangang magreklamo nang pormal upang mabuksan ang hurna sa halip na magtutungayaw sa protesta. 256 hong nagwaging kandidato ang hindi ipinroklama ng comelec dahil sa kasong diskwalipikasyon. Kung kapitan ang akusado, hihiranging kapitan ang kagawad na may pinakamaraming boto at maaangat ang ikawalong kagawad. Pagbati kay fishing tycoon Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.,nahirang na secretary of agriculture, mabuhay kayo. Maligayang bati Ginoo at Gng. Aristides Valdez, mabuhay ang bagong kasal. Pastor Saturnino Abraham, agarin mo naman ang dokumento ng lupa para sa pabahay ng mga Badjao sa Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat. Jonathan Fernandez, muzta na, nagkakalimutan na tayo a. Problem aba, pag-usapan natin, ndgodino@yahoo.com.
ISKUP! 