22 Pebrero, 2025 Sabado

election campaign period, gun ban in effect

Love  Month in iskup

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay  

No to SOGIE bill

Congratulations Marked Men for Christ Philippines Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, Pangasinan 

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Headline 

‘VP trial need not Senate caucus’

By Nidz Godino

“I referred his (Pimentel) request to our colleagues, as well as to rules committee and Senate’s legal team that we’re forming now… whatever we do , caucus, coffee, dinner, snack ,if there’s no session, there’s nothing we can do because we can’t change  timetable I mentioned, unless  Senate and Congress hold  session, and  impeachment is referred to the plenary, allowing  impeachment court to convene,” Senate President Francis Escudero said no need for senators to hold  caucus to discuss Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio’s impeachment trial.

Escudero made his position clear in an interview in  rebuff of  suggestion from Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III.

Even as he stuck to his timetable of starting  formal trial after  joint opening of  20th Congress in late July, Escudero estimated that it could be finished within two months.

Escudero stressed  no more changes can be made in the legislative calendar, mutually agreed upon by both chambers in July 2024.

 “Until that happens, any coffee or snack meetings we have are pointless…but anytime, Senator Pimentel and I can have  snack, as long as he’s free and not too busy,” Escudero stressed.

He explained Senate, acting as impeachment court, must follow established rules and procedures rather than rely on internal meetings to decide on matters related to trial.

Escudero emphasized impeachment trial is  constitutional process, requiring senators to act as impartial judges. Unlike regular legislative sessions where  caucus might be used to align positions or discuss legislative priorities, impeachment proceedings demand strict adherence to legal and procedural standards to ensure fairness and due process.

The Senate President also pointed out that any procedural misstep or undue haste could provide Duterte with legal grounds to challenge  impeachment proceedings in court.

Escudero stressed  impeachment trial of Duterte should follow  same procedures as previous impeachment trials of former president Joseph Estrada in 2010, former ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez in 2011 and former chief justice Renato Corona in 2012.

“Why should we change that procedure…because VP Sara is special…because many are being pressured and can’t wait for this to proceed…because they’re eager and furious about  Vice President’s situation…what’s the reason…how  Senate treated other impeachment complaints, that’s how this impeachment complaint should also be treated…that’s why Lady Justice is blindfolded, symbolizing justice…she sees nothing, everything is equal…and that’s what I intend to do regarding this case?” Escudero asked.While some quarters are calling on  Senate to immediately convene as  impeachment court, Escudero said Congress is on recess and  Constitution provides only specific reasons to justify  special session.

“The problem is, there are no sessions anymore…we can’t convene without  session…this is  normal recess because of  election…they want us to hold  special session, but they’re in  hurry…but they should address what  mentioned about  Constitution…they want us to proceed immediately, so we will, and we’ll convene  impeachment court without  session, which is clearly illegal,” he pointed out.

Escudero also emphasized he would not ask President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.to call for  special session to give way to  impeachment trial of Duterte.

“It is against  Constitution… the Constitution is specific,  special session can be called when  Senate President consults with  minority and majority leaders…there is no need for  caucus,do they want to provide another reason for Duterte supporters to appeal to  Supreme Court… not for me to do that… Constitution is specific,  special session can be called when, first, the President dies or something happens, or the Cabinet certifies President is incapacitated,” Escudero maintained.

“If the Vice President dies, is impeached or becomes incapacitated,  new vice president must be selected from Congress….third, when the President declares martial law, Congress automatically convenes… the only occasion for joint voting by  Senate and Congress, to vote on whether to extend or reject it… fourth, to canvass  votes for president and vice president in  presidential election and to proclaim  winning president and vice president…those are the only occasions when Congress itself can call  special session,” he stressed.

Escudero said Senate impeachment trial is expected to take place in the morning sessions from Monday to Thursday, while  regular legislative session will continue in the afternoon of Monday to Wednesday.

He said  schedule aims to balance  Senate’s dual responsibilities  ensuring due process in the impeachment while keeping up with its legislative agenda.

On lawyer Howard Calleja’s accusing him of constitutional breach for adjourning Senate’s session even if there were two more days left in its legislative calendar, Escudero said the lawyer “does not have  monopoly of all legal knowledge to accuse anyone of anything.”

“Further, as I have stated before, I will not dignify nor listen to partisan legal opinions or positions for or against impeachment of VP Sara… I will follow the law and what I believe to be right and fair,” he said.

The lawyer said  Senate calendar was supposed to end on Feb. 7 yet but it adjourned on Feb. 5 without taking up  complaint in violation of  Constitution.

He added  House secretary general was made to wait for about an hour before being allowed to turn over  Articles of Impeachment. Roughly an hour later, at around 7 in the evening, the Senate adjourned.

“We have to look at  culpability of Mr. Escudero for this constitutional breach,ironic and even questionable…instead of immediately taking up  complaint, Escudero immediately adjourned Senate, we have questions why  unconstitutional rush…who benefited from Chiz’s premature adjournment…definitely Sara because there would be  lot of legal questions that could potentially kill  impeachment complaint under  20th Congress, is China, interested in controlling Philippine politics, too far behind…what is the benefit to Chiz who is known to be interested in  2028 presidential elections?” Calleja said. He accused Escudero of apparent disregard for the issue of high-level corruption involving the Vice President.

“Nabudol tayo ni Chiz … just when we are talking of billions of pesos being lost to alleged corruption, just when Sara threatened to have the President and the First Lady killed,  would have created unimaginable national instability, here he is trying to foist on us  scenario calculated to kill  impeachment of Sara Duterte, Chiz would not do this without benefiting himself…my question to Chiz is: you are  lawyer and forthwith is  simple English term…who are you loyal to,” he said.

21 Pebrero, 2025 Biyernes

election campaign period, gun ban in effect

Love  Month in iskup

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay  

No to SOGIE bill

Congratulations Marked Men for Christ Philippines Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, Pangasinan 

Congratulations to 1019 views of “Komedya O Komida” show of our very own J.Lo and Nidz Godino

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ABS 2025

Max farmgate pork price mulle

By J.Lo

Department of Agriculture (DA) is weighing  implementation of  maximum farmgate price for pork as  potential alternative to  imposition of its maximum suggested retail price in response to continuous rise in pork prices.

DA spokesman Arnel de Mesa said proposal surfaced after both retailers and pork producers expressed opposition to imposition of maximum SRP during consultations, citing concerns over market dynamics and supply chain expenses.

Based on data from  hog producers,  cost of pork production has reached P180 per kilo, while  farmgate price stands between P230 to P250 per kilo, yielding  P70-per-kilo profit and  38-percent increase from their production cost.

De Mesa noted that farmgate prices have started to decline as cases of African swine fever decrease and production improves.

Traders, or biyaheros, on the other hand, reportedly spend at least P80 per kilo on transportation and logistics, while retailers incur  additional P50 per kilo in costs.

Based on these figures, De Mesa estimates  pork should retail at P380 per kilo.

21 Pebrero, 2025 Biyernes

election campaign period, gun ban in effect

Love  Month in iskup

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay  

No to SOGIE bill

Congratulations Marked Men for Christ Philippines Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, Pangasinan 

Congratulations to 1018 views of “Komedya O Komida” show of our very own J.Lo and Nidz Godino

PM for any hospital discharge problem

ABS 2025

Headlines

Ph, New Zealand conclude talks on VFA

By Nidz Godino

Philippines and New Zealand are yet to finalize deal that will allow  military forces of the two nations to hold joint exercises and other activities in each other’s territories.

Department of National Defense (DND) spokesman Arsenio Andolong announced that negotiations for  Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) have been completed following  last round of talks held on Feb. 18, 2025.

After finalizing the text of  agreement, he said both sides expressed optimism about  signing of  deal in the second quarter of 2025.

Andolong said  SOVFA between  Philippines and New Zealand “will bolster defense and military ties between  two countries, enabling  Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and  New Zealand Defense Force (NZDF) to conduct exercises in each other’s territories.”

Final  round of talks was led by DND Undersecretary Pablo Lorenzo and New Zealand Ministry of Defense (MoD) Director Kathleen Pearce, with New Zealand hosting the same via  hybrid arrangement.

Andolong said  Philippine negotiating panel was composed of Presidential Commission on Visiting Forces Undersecretary Antonio Habulan Jr.; DND Assistant Secretaries Marita Yoro and Erik Lawrence Dy; Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Assistant Secretaries Aileen Mendiola-Rau and Patrick Chuasoto and officer-in-charge Paulo Saret and Department of Justice (DOJ) state counsels Ma. Pamelyn Omalin, Dave Fatalla and Albert Abragan.

 New Zealand side was composed of representatives from  MoD, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment, participated virtually from Wellington.

Andolong said  New Zealand delegation was also joined by Ambassador Catherine McIntosh and other embassy officials.

DND had earlier explained that once signed,  SOVFA will reinforce  2017 Memorandum of Arrangement between  DND and  AFP with New Zealand’s MoD.

 DND said  conclusion of  agreement that may be likened to  VFA between  Philippines and  United States will also be  significant milestone for  overall bilateral relationship between  Philippines and New Zealand as  two countries celebrate  60th anniversary of  establishment of diplomatic ties in 2026.

15 Pebrero ,2025 Sabado

Love  month in iskup

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay  

No to SOGIE bill

congratulations Marked Men for Christ Philippines 565 batrch Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, 

Pangasinan ,looking forward to next batch July 16,2025, Baguio City

PM for any hospital discharge problem

ABS 2025

PDP-Laban slate calls themselves ‘Team Suka’  

By J.Lo

“Go ahead, call us Team Suka, what matters is we’re  ones making life more flavorful for the poor, ” Sen. Ronald Dela Rosa said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  did not name names when he mocked candidates who appeared merely “sent to buy vinegar” at the launch of his endorsed candidates earlier this week.

But former President Rodrigo Duterte’s allies readily claimed  insult as being directed at them. 

Vic Rodriguez,  served as Marcos’s campaign spokesperson before their public falling out in 2022, also criticized his former superior. “We’ll fight Team Sinusuka… vinegar fights fake gold, I have  diploma and finished college, ” he said, adding with deliberate emphasis. 

Marcoleta, meanwhile, turned  vinegar metaphor into  indictment of  administration: “We know why basic goods are so expensive in our country. Those who don’t use vinegar, they don’t understand. We can smell  corruption, we just smell like vinegar. But they don’t even notice it, because many of them are involved.”

Slate’s responses to Marcos also went beyond  vinegar taunt. When the president suggested some candidates had blood on their hands from  drug war, Dela Rosa also bristled.

“If our hands are stained with blood, I’m not ashamed… blood of criminals.” The former police chief even suggested, to approving cheers, that perhaps tokhang ,controversial door-to-door drug war campaign should be their electoral strategy.

Throughout  speeches,  candidates’ pointed jabs at the president drew scattered cries of “Bangag!” from the crowd.

Elder  Duterte,  presence loomed large through countless posters and merchandise bearing his image, delivered  day’s final salvos. 

He repeated allegations about Marcos’s supposed abuse of illegal substances and briefly dismissed criticism of his administration’s bloody drug war with characteristic bluntness: “Why call them extrajudicial killings…there was nothing extra about them,” the former president said.

PDP-Laban’s proclamation rally on Thursday saw its candidates staking their Senate bid on nostalgia for  Duterte years to overcome both  fresh controversies that have hounded  vice president and dwindling number of politicians who still stand behind  Duterte alliance.

The party that once commanded  government’s full machinery now operates from  different position after  series of party exits in the last two years. Dela Rosa, aware of this reality, made  thinly-veiled remark: 

“Where is the opposition…you are still here…you did not jump to the other side…you are not disowning us… those are the people who have principles,” Dela Rosa said.

Go crystallized  party’s campaign message in his closing remarks: “The more allies we have in  Senate, the more we can help not just Duterte but the entire nation. Please, help our slate’s candidates.”

15 Pebrero, 2025 Sabado

election campaign period, gun ban in effect

Love  month in iskup

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay  

No to SOGIE bill

congratulations Marked Men for Christ Philippines 565 batrch Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, 

Pangasinan ,looking forward to next batch July 16,2025, Baguio City

PM for any hospital discharge problem

Headlines

Duterte jokes murder of 15 senators

By J.Lo

“Now there are many of them…what shall we do…let’s just kill incumbent senators so there will be vacancies…if we can kill 15 senators, we can all get in…that would be  pity though…but they are very annoying…not all of them,” former president Rodrigo Duterte joked about killing 15 senators to ensure victory of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan’s senatorial slate during  PDP-Laban’s proclamation rally earlier.

The former president went further and jokingly said, “the only way to do it is to use  bomb.”

He did not specifically say what he suggested bombing.

Duterte’s Senate slate consists of Senators Ronald dela Rosa and Bong Go, outgoing SAGIP party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta, former Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. director Jimmy Bondoc, Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Apollo Quiboloy, former local government undersecretary Jayvee Hinlo, former presidential adviser for Northern Luzon Raul Lambino, former executive secretary Vic Rodriguez and actor Phillip Salvador.

At the same rally, Duterte accused President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.anew of being addicted to illegal drugs, particularly heroin.

“There is one President who is really high on drugs ,bangag… not crazy, but drug addiction is long-term… Marcos will be crazy, maybe constant use of heroin , maybe he could reach  age of 80, but by that time, he can no longer move,” Duterte said.

In 2021, Duterte also claimed that Marcos snorts cocaine. Last year, Marcos commented that Duterte’s brain must be addled by  powerful opioid fentanyl, Duterte had admitted using for pain relief.

Duterte also slammed Marcos administration’s failure to address rising food prices, particularly of rice.

“Take rice, for instance, which really hits  gut and heart of Filipinos…he failed to get  most  either subsidize or whatever… It goes on up and up and up, it will be difficult for  people to cope, It appears that he could not temper the price…let’s deal with rice, not other issues. but  immediate, urgent need to solve is really  prices or  price of rice,” Duterte said.

Malacañang declined to comment on Duterte’s latest tirades against Marcos.

“No comment here,” Presidential Communications Office acting Secretary Cesar Chavez told reporters.

Duterte’s tirades came days after Marcos took  swipe at his predecessor over  number of issues that hounded  previous administration, including its brutal drug war and pivot to China.

At  proclamation rally of  senatorial candidates of administration-backed Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas in Ilocos Norte on Tuesday, Marcos made reference to several controversies tied to Duterte administration and claimed  none of  administration’s senatorial bets were involved in them.

“Look at the record of our candidates…none of them are tainted with blood because of tokhang,” the President said, referring to Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, left more than 6,000 suspects dead, based on official figures.

Senators who feel threatened by joke made by  Duterte may file  case against him,  former president of Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) said.

While  National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) can initiate  probe over Duterte’s remarks, former IBP president Domingo Cayosa said it is important for  offended party to testify on impact of  statement.

“This is public crime… state can prosecute this…but they need offended party to testify that ‘I was threatened by that, Senators can file  case if they feel particularly referred to by  statement… of course, whether or not you get  conviction will depend on  appreciation of evidence and what kind of evidence will be presented by both parties,’” he said.

Without  senator testifying on impact of  statement, Cayosa said it might be difficult to support case of grave threats, even if  NBI initiates its own investigation.

But referring to it as  joke is not necessarily  excuse, with  former IBP chief noting that other circumstances have to be taken into account.

Aside from  impact of  statement on person referred to, Cayosa said  judge may also look at the capacity of the person to act on  “joke.”

“Those are circumstances that would contribute to  conviction,” he pointed out.

Though opting to do away with personal appearance, Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio has officially endorsed  senatorial candidates under PDP-Laban for  midterm elections.

In  written message flashed on screen during proclamation rally, Sara enjoined public to vote for  reelectionist senators as well as for neophyte aspiring senatorial candidates under PDP-Laban.

“Together with our fellowmen who continue to dream of better future, I extend my gratitude to all of you for striving to pave way for  genuine and meaningful change, thank you for accepting the call of public service despite  challenges that come with it,” she said, addressing  PDP senatorial slate.

She said she trusts in the power of Filipino voting public in changing  current situation of the country by voting  truly deserving candidates who will serve the nation with honesty and perseverance.

Duterte said she is praying for  PDP-Laban senatorial candidates’ success in their advocacies “for the sake of our communities and our fellow Filipinos.”

The Office of the Vice President (OVP) media relations team has yet to respond to reporters’ query on why the younger Duterte opted not to personally attend proclamation rally.

In  previous interview with media, however, Duterte said she is currently focused on preparing her defense for her impending impeachment trial at  Senate, though she is still willing to extend support to  PDP-Laban slate.

The OVP media relations team has also yet to give  update on Vice President’s current whereabouts, amid photos posted on social media by Duterte’s half-sister Kitty on Wednesday showing that they were together in Japan.

The OVP has yet to confirm whether Duterte is on  official or personal trip.

“I’m not privy to the Vice President’s schedule for this week,” OVP media relations officer John Carlo Cahinhinan replied to reporters through Viber.

Cahinhinan also did not confirm whether photos posted by Kitty were taken in real time or were old ones. 

14 Pebrero, 2025 Biyernes

election campaign period, gun ban in effect

Love  month in iskup

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay  

No to SOGIE bill

congratulations Marked Men for Christ Philippines 565 batrch Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, 

Pangasinan ,looking forward to next batch July 16,2025, Baguio City

PM for any hospital discharge problem

ABS 2025

Sara camp expects NBI charges

By J.Lo

“Romualdez clearly maneuvered  House of Representatives because he is threatened by VP Sara’s possible candidacy in the next national elections…pure political backstabbing of  former ally who no longer holds power,” Cagayan de Oro city, councilor Girlie Balaba said impeachment proceedings are part of political maneuverings within Congress.

Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio,  in  statement sent to reporters said she expected  National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)’s recommendation for criminal charges, which set into motion  legal storm she would be facing this year on top of  impeachment trial.

Since  NBI started investigating Duterte for grave threats and violating  anti-terrorism law last year over her remarks against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his family, she had been saying that she was prepared for  “worst case scenario” where she would be facing multiple cases, including impeachment complaints, and face arrest for possible non-bailable offenses connected to  NBI’s investigation.

Duterte had skipped all of the NBI’s invitations to speak during the course of its probe, saying it would not have mattered as  Marcos administration had allegedly predetermined  filing of  complaints.

The Vice President had also earlier expressed skepticism on  fairness of  NBI investigation, stressing how Marcos had declared  he would not allow criminal acts to go unpunished.

She was referring to Marcos’ pronouncements following Duterte’s press conference late last year where she talked about contracting  person to kill the President, First Lady Liza Marcos and Speaker Martin Romualdez if their alleged plot to kill her succeeds.

Duterte also stressed last year that she did not regret revealing having tapped  person to “take revenge” on the three.

Remarks  made in virtual press conference prompted Malacañang to raise security for the First Family and triggered investigations by  Philippine National Police and  Department of Justice.

Balaba has spoken out in defense of Vice President Duterte, saying  impeachment proceedings are part of political maneuverings within Congress.

Balaba accused Romualdez of orchestrating  impeachment proceedings due to Duterte’s potential 2028 presidential bid.

Despite , majority of Mindanao lawmakers supporting  impeachment, Balaba remains optimistic about PDP-Laban’s senatorial candidates, citing strong regional support for Duterte allies.

Party’s slate includes reelectionist Senators Bong Go and Bato dela Rosa, along with lawyer Raul Lambino, musician-lawyer Jimmy Bondoc and lawyer Jesus Hinlo. 

TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

John 13:34-35

³⁴ “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. ³⁵ By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

13 Pebrero, 2025 Huwebes

election campaign period, gun ban in effect

Love  month in iskup

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay  

No to SOGIE bill

congratulations Marked Men for Christ Philippines 565 batrch Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, 

Pangasinan ,looking forward to next batch July 16,2025, Baguio City

PM for any hospital discharge problem

ABS 2025

EcoWaste Coalition warns of gifting illegal perfumes

By J.Lo

“Our investigation shows  cosmetics containing BMHCA can still be found on store shelves despite ban, and sold to consumers unaware of  health risks of being exposed to such ingredient,” EcoWaste Coalition National Coordinator Aileen Lucero said in  statement thinking of gifting perfumes this Heart’s Day, environmental watchdog warned  public against purchasing fragrances containing  toxic, banned chemical “reprotoxic.”

EcoWaste Coalition found  sale of illegal perfumes has become  growing concern, as they contain synthetic fragrances with chemicals banned by Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

During  test purchase on February 2 and 3, EcoWaste Coalition bought 35 assorted products from 16 brands  believed to be imitations or counterfeit listed butylphenyl methylpropional among their ingredients.

Also known as BMHCA, p-BMHCA, lilial, lily aldehyde, lysmeral, or 2-(4-tert-butylbenzyl) propionaldehyde,  chemical is commonly used for its floral scent.

Under FDA Circular 2023-007, it was banned starting Nov. 21, 2024, prohibiting  sale and distribution of cosmetic products containing  compound.

Purchased  products included perfumes, fragrance lotions, fragrance mists and body mists, sold in various scents and sizes for P75 to P300 each. EcoWaste said these were bought from wholesale and retail stores in Makati, Manila, and Quezon City.

She explained  exposure to  synthetic fragrance poses risks to women’s reproductive health, particularly pregnant women, and could also harm  unborn child.

European Union (EU) banned  chemical in March 2022 after it was classified as  allergen linked to skin and eye irritation.  Decision  was based on 2017 review by  Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS). 

Environmental health specialist and doctor Geminn Louis Apostol said  synthetic compound has also been linked to infertility and hormonal disruption.

EcoWaste  has already informed  FDA about its findings and urged government to hold importers, distributors and sellers of BMHCA-containing cosmetics accountable.

“Banning BMHCA is indeed step in  right direction…as there are other synthetic fragrance chemicals of concern, it’s important to require full ingredient disclosure or transparency to inform consumers and reduce potential exposure to harmful substances,” Apostol said.

EcoWaste Coalition also advised consumers to check  FDA website for  list of banned ingredients in cosmetic products to avoid potential health risks.

13 Pebrero, 2025 Huwebes

election campaign period, gun ban in effect

Love  month in iskup

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay  

No to SOGIE bill

congratulations Marked Men for Christ Philippines 565 batrch Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, 

Pangasinan ,looking forward to next batch July 16,2025, Baguio City

PM for any hospital discharge problem

ABS 2025

Headlines

FMJ says admin slate has no tokhang backers, China allies

By Nidz Godino

“Wala sa kanila ang may bahid ng dugo dahil sa tokhang,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  said in his speech made no mention of his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, during his proclamation rally, but he zeroed in on some of  most significant criticisms against  former president.

During  campaign kickoff rally of Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas in his bailiwick of Ilocos Norte, Marcos boldly proclaimed  none of his senatorial picks were involved in tokhang, infamous police operations  became synonymous with  bloody drug war.

Marcos’ senatorial bets consist of his sister Sen. Imee Marcos, former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr., Makati Mayor Abby Binay, Sen. Pia Cayetano, Sen. Lito Lapid, ACT-CIS Rep. Erwin Tulfo, Sen. Francis Tolentino, former senator Manny Pacquiao, former Senate president Tito Sotto, Sen. Bong Revilla, former senator Panfilo, Lacson and Deputy Speaker Camille Villar. 

More than just being free from tokhang involvement, Marcos also boasted none of his bets were sympathetic to China and its claims over  West Philippine Sea.

Duterte has often been criticized for his friendly relations with China despite its incursions into Philippine waters, even admitting that he had struck  deal with Beijing to maintain  status quo in West Philippine Sea. During his presidency, Chinese vessels were frequently spotted in Philippine waters, with Duterte often downplaying Beijing’s actions.

“Wala sa kanila ang mga pumapalakpak sa Tsina at natutuwa pa kapag tayo ay binobomba ng tubig, tinatamaan ang ating mga Coast Guard, hinaharang ang ating mga mangingisda, ninanakaw ang kanilang huli, at bukod pa roon ay inaagaw pa ang mga isla natin para maging bahagi ng kanilang bansa,” Marcos said. 

The president also claimed  none of his senatorial bets were involved in corruption during  pandemic. Under Duterte’s term, Pharmally scandal was uncovered massive corruption case involving P10 billion worth of questionable pandemic deals.

Marcos also alluded to  “false prophet” accused of abusing women and children.

While he did not mention names, Duterte has been known endorser of Apollo Quiboloy, self-proclaimed “son of god”  wanted for alleged sexual abuse crimes.

The president stressed none of his candidates defended Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).

POGOs,  Marcos has since banned, proliferated during Duterte’s term, becoming  hotbed for criminal activities such as human trafficking and scams.

Marcos’ relationship with  Duterte clan took  turn for  worse in 2024. His Uniteam alliance with Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, Rodrigo’s daughter, collapsed after she allegedly made death threats against  president, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Rodrigo Duterte also appeared to test his influence when he questioned  military’s loyalty to Marcos, though he fell short of calling for  coup.

Campaign  season officially started on February 11 and will run until May 10, ahead of  2025 midterm elections.

12 Pebrero, 2025 Miyerkules

election campaign period, gun ban in effect

Love month in iskup

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay  

No to SOGIE bill

Congratulations Marked Men for Christ Philippines Seminar, 565th training seminar, 53 missioners, 37 staff members, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, 

Pangasinan, next seminar Baguio City, July 16,17,18, 2025 

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VP Sara’s future in balance as election season kicks off

By J.Lo

“Composition of the next Senate will be crucial” to  trial’s outcome, Dennis Coronacion, head of  political science department of Manila’s University of Santo Tomas, said campaigning began in the Philippines Tuesday for mid-term elections that could set  table for  next presidential race and determine  political future of impeached Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio.

Talk show hosts, movie stars and a preacher jailed on sex-trafficking charges are among  typically colorful group of candidates vying for dozen open Senate seats.While  May 12 vote will fill more than 18,000 posts nationwide, would be senators who are facing duty few bargained for as jurists in impeachment trial of former president Rodrigo Duterte’s eldest daughter.

The vice president, whose alliance with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.has imploded spectacularly, was impeached by  House of Representatives last Wednesday on charges of “violation of the constitution, betrayal of public trust, graft and corruption, and other high crimes”.Sixteen votes in the 24-seat Senate are needed to deliver conviction that would bar Duterte from public office and  presidential run she says she is “seriously considering”.

Senate President Francis Escudero has said it is “almost a sure thing”  trial will not finish before  new congress takes over on July 28.

On Thursday,  Duterte camp put out  statement urging voters to “choose wisely who they will vote for, especially in the Senate, where  fate of VP Sara will be decided”.Tuesday’s campaign kick-off is limited to Senate hopefuls and candidates for so-called party-list seats , those reserved for groups ranging from taxi drivers to midwives.

Electioneering will kick into higher gear late next month when candidates for remaining 254 House seats and thousands of local positions launch their bids for office, filling streets with brightly colored posters and  airwaves with catchy jingles.

But carnival-like atmosphere belies  darker side.

With control over local purse strings in  balance, even lower-level elected offices can be bitterly contested, with occasionally deadly results.

Police  are already investigating 12 incidents of possible “election-related” violence, including  shooting death of candidate for local post.

Police spokeswoman Gen. Jean Fajardo told reporters last month that three to five “private armed groups” that were backing politicians she did not identify were being monitored.

“These can do a lot to… harass candidates or worse, create violence to influence  outcome of  election for  certain area,” she said.

In  2022 presidential election, police said three security guards and one voter were shot dead in separate incidents on  southern island of Mindanao.

Hours before polls opened, another nine people were wounded in grenade attack at polling station.

Survey by pollster Social Weather Stations last month listed job creation, food security, the health system, education and workers’ rights as Filipinos’ top concerns.

But contest for Senate seats often boils down to name recognition, something polls suggest will continue.

Congressman and former television personality Erwin Tulfo and talk show host brother Ben Tulfo are both favorites to join  third sibling, Senator Raffy Tulfo, as members of senior chamber.

Self-proclaimed “Son of God” preacher Apollo Quiboloy awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges is polling poorly, while former boxing champion Manny Pacquiao is looking to return to  Senate on slate backed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., whose sister Imee is polling well after early struggles.

According to  Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism,  Marcos clan is one of at least 24 families running five or more candidates in  country long dominated by political dynasties.

In  southern city of Davao, multiple Duterte family members will seek office as they attempt to maintain control of their traditional stronghold.

Rodrigo Duterte, who will turn 80 before election day, is running for his old job, mayor of Davao , city that launched his political career.

If he wins, he could be joined at city hall by his son Sebastian, who is seeking to become Davao’s vice mayor.