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ABS 2025
Vatican bank board has Pinoy lawyer appointed
By J.Lo
Extensive experience in banking and asset management made Filipina lawyer appointed as member of Vatican Bank’s Institute Board of Supervision.
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila (RCAM) announced that Sheila Marie Uriarte-Tan has been appointed as new member of Institute’s Board of Supervision of Vatican Bank, also known as Istituto per le Opere di Religione (IOR).
Tan is currently member of RCAM’s Finance Board and serves as trustee and executive committee member for both Pope Pius XII Catholic Center and San Juan de Dios Educational Foundation in Manila.
RCAM explained IOR is financial institution operates under authority of Vatican City. It was established to manage financial assets of the Holy See and to provide banking services to Catholic institutions, such as churches and charities.
“Her impressive experience and leadership skills in international banking and finance will help IOR enhance Board renovation process initiated last autumn,” Jean-Baptiste de Franssu, president of IOR Board of Supervision said.
Tan is graduate of Economics and Law at University of the Philippines-Diliman.
She has held key positions at the Bank of the Philippine Islands, including serving as president and chief executive officer of BPI Asset Management & Trust Corp., largest independent trust company in the Philippines. She has also held executive roles at BPI Capital Corp.
Tan was co-managing director of Ayala Group Legal.
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ABS 2025
‘Meteor Garden’ star Barbie Hsu’s ashes finally home to Taiwan fr Jpn
By Cynthia Montojo
“Thank you to all media friends for waiting for Shi-yuan to come back in such cold weather…she has arrived home safely…she is believed to be happy and worry-free now in heaven,” the statement read, referring to Barbie’s Chinese name, ashes of Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu is now back in Taiwan after being cremated in Japan.
Barbie’s family confirmed in statement that her remains have arrived in her native country.
Taiwan media reported that Barbie’s remains were brought back via private jet that arrived in Taipei Songshan Airport at around 3 in the afternoon.
“We will not organize farewell ceremony for her as she has always been low-key person…if you miss her, please keep it in your heart…our whole family is grateful for your love for Shi-yuan,” it added.
News of Barbie’s death broke last Tuesday, shocking many of her fans worldwide, including majority of Filipinos.
Barbie rose to international stardom as star of 2001 Taiwanese drama “Meteor Garden,” opposite Jerry Yan, Vic Chou, Ken Zhou and Vaness Wu.
“Meteor Garden” was dubbed in Tagalog and was broadcast on ABS-CBN as a pre-primetime show before its regular newscast “TV Patrol” on weekdays…it was so phenomenal that it had a season 2 titled “Meteor Rain,” and its stars visited the country for concerts on separate occasions.
Reports said actress died due to Influenza-induced Pneumonia. She contracted disease while on vacation with her family during recent Lunar New Year in Japan. She was 48 and left behind her Korean husband DJ Koo and two children from previous marriage.
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ABS 2025
More power to regional devt councils
By Nidz Godino
“RDCs shall serve as highest planning and policy-making body for socio-economic development in all regions of the country,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in EO expanded authority of regional development councils (RDCs) through executive order (EO).
In EO 32, Marcos said there was need to reorganize RDCs to strengthen them for socio-economic development on regional level.
Each RDC will be composed of all provincial governors, all city mayors, select municipality mayors, chapter presidents of League of Municipalities, private sector representatives, as well as one regional head from several national government agencies.
Representatives must come from National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the Department of Agriculture and more.
The president also directed NEDA and Department of Budget and Management to issue guidelines for strengthening regional investment programming and budgeting.
“All central offices of government agencies are hereby directed to prioritize key RDC-endorsed programs, projects and activities in their investment programs and annual budgets, and provide feedback through their regional offices to RDC on their actions relative thereto,” EO said.
RDC will be led by chairperson and co-chairperson, both appointed by the president.
Chair and co-chair will have authority to oversee and direct RDC’s activities.
Executive committee, made up of one-fourth of RDC’s regular members, will also be established.
NEDA is tasked with crafting necessary guidelines for EO within 60 days of issuance, by January 28.
Funding for the initial implementation will be sourced from NEDA’s budget.
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ABS 2025
‘Celebrities, influencers can endorse only relatives for free in 2025 polls’
By Nidz Godino
“They must declare amount, even if they claim it was free, because it still has equivalent value,” Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia said celebrities and social media influencers may freely endorse family member or relative running in May 2025 midterm elections.
Garcia said regulation presuming celebrity and influencer endorsements as paid does not apply if they are endorsing relative up to second degree of consanguinity or affinity.
Speaking at Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum, Garcia mentioned exemption is included in resolution that commission will release to regulate social media campaigns.
Under second civil degree of consanguinity, covered relatives include parents, children, siblings, grandparents and grandchildren. Meanwhile, parents-in-law, siblings-in-law, grandparents-in-law and grandchildren-in-law fall under second civil degree of affinity.
However, Garcia stressed that candidates must report in their Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) any payments made for endorsements of celebrities and influencers not covered by exemption.
Failure to report such expenses in SOCE is tantamount to election offense and could be grounds for disqualification.
Politicians, especially those who belong to same political party, are also presumed to be endorsing another candidate for free.
Candidates are required by law to include in their SOCE individuals or firms they have contracted for campaigning.
Failure to file their SOCEs may result in administrative offenses, with fines ranging from P1,000 to P30,000, as determined by Comelec, excluding barangay-level aspirants.
For winning candidates or political parties, failure to comply may also result in withholding of their assumption of office.
Meanwhile, to hasten verification of official ballots for 2025 polls, Garcia said Quezon City local government has granted exclusive and free use of Amoranto Stadium for ballot verification.
“We were entrusted with Amoranto Stadium because there is no more space at National Printing Office due to small size of their building,” Garcia said.
“In order to conduct additional verification, we will need more ample space,” he added.
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ABS 2025
More Pinays cohabitated instead of marrying
By J.Lo
Study of Commission on Population and Development (CPD) revealed more Filipino women now prefer live-in arrangements instead of getting married. CPD research indicates significant increase in number of Filipino women aged 15 to 49 living with their partners outside marriage.
Results from 2022 National Demographic and Health Survey showed number of Filipino women in this age group living with their partners has gradually quadrupled over past three decades.
From five percent in 1994, number of women entering live-in arrangements jumped to 19 percent in 2022.
Further, 2021 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality survey found that about 20 percent of 20 million youth aged 15 to 24 are living with partner or cohabiting.
CPD attributes this shift to several factors, including economic considerations and evolving social perceptions.
Many couples perceive cohabitation as more economically practical way to raise family, viewing formal marriage as more expensive.
Additionally, cohabitation is seen as viable option for couples with differing religious beliefs.
Parents also prefer their children to cohabit, especially when they are still at young age.
Meanwhile, for men, cohabitation is viewed as next stage in relationship, while women tend to appreciate romantic aspect of cohabitation.
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ABS 2025
Edwin Mercado, New PhilHealth chief
By Nidz Godino
“Edwin’s research topics are on Private Public Partnerships for primary care clinics and universal healthcare public financial systems in the Philippines…he is also assessing understanding and acceptance of UHC implementing rules among provider, payer, and regulator stakeholders,” Philhealth new president and chief executive officer (CEO) Edwin Mercado took his oath before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Malacañan Palace.
In statement, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said Mercado is orthopedic surgeon trained in the US. Mercado is the vice chair of Mercado General Hospital Inc., national chain of healthcare facilities that includes four general hospitals, six multi-specialty clinics, two surgery centers, 150 primary care corporate clinics and more.
Mercado graduated as Doctor of Medicine from University of the Philippines in 1987, and has Master of Medical Sciences in Global Health Delivery from Harvard Medical School in 2023.
PCO also said Mercado has an Executive Master’s in Healthcare Administration from University of North Carolina.
Mercado has also worked with Department of Health, and Zuellig Family Foundation. He is also faculty lecturer at Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health, as well as guest lecturer at University of the Philippines College of Public Health.
Harvard Medical School’s website also noted that Mercado has studied health economics and delivery models in line with Universal Healthcare (UHC) Law, he worked on with PhilHealth.
Mercado’s replacement of Emmanuel Ledesma was preceded by controversial decision to remove Philhealth’s subsidy from national government.
Lawmakers questioned Philhealth over its accumulation of at least P500 billion in reserve funds, when it often covered so little of medical bills.
Marcos himself appeared to agree with this subsidy cut, but assured public that Philhealth services would continue.
Philhealth subsidy cut is one of the most contentious provisions in 2025 General Appropriations Act, with lawmakers and health advocates decrying the decision.
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ABS 2025
Misconduct in De Lima drug case, Muntinlupa judge fined
By J.Lo
“Respondent Romeo Buenaventura is sternly warned that repetition of same offense or commission of similar act shall be dealt with more severely,” Supreme Court stated found Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 256 Judge Romeo Buenaventura guilty of simple misconduct and neglect of duty in handling one of the drug cases against former senator Leila de Lima.
In resolution issued on Nov. 13, 2024, high court’s First Division imposed fine of P36,000 on Buenaventura,P18,000 for misconduct and another P18,000 for neglect of duty citing violations of New Code of Judicial Conduct.
Ruling stemmed from administrative complaint filed by De Lima’s lawyers, Teddy Esteban Rigoroso and Rolly Francis Peoro. They accused Buenaventura of breaching judicial ethics and delaying resolution of De Lima’s bail motion in her last remaining drug case.
The defense also argued that Buenaventura should have recused himself due to conflict of interest involving his brother, Emmanuel Buenaventura.
Supreme Court upheld findings by Judicial Integrity Board (JIB), noted that Emmanuel Buenaventura’s involvement with De Lima’s aide Ronnie Dayan during 2016 congressional hearings made Judge Buenaventura liable under Canon 4, Section 4 of New Code of Judicial Conduct, states:
“Judges shall not participate in determination of case in which any member of their family represents litigant or is associated in any manner with the case.”
Buenaventura denied knowledge of his brother’s actions and eventually inhibited himself from further proceedings in De Lima’s case. However, his initial failure to do so contributed to delays in resolving motions critical to the case.
“Like the JIB, we are unconvinced that the respondent had no inkling of his brother’s association with Dayan, as congressional hearings in 2016 were much publicized,” the ruling read.
De Lima filed her first bail motion in December 2020 and another in March 2023. Buenaventura ruled on these motions only on June 7, 2023 denying them on grounds that “evidence of guilt is strong.”
He attributed the delay to work suspensions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Supreme Court dismissed this reasoning, pointing out that videoconferencing hearings had been available since January 2021.
The former senator was detained in February 2017 over allegations of illegal drug trading during her tenure as Justice Secretary. She was released on bail in November 2023 after another Muntinlupa court granted her motion. In June 2024, she was acquitted of her final drug charge when same court dismissed it due to insufficient evidence. This marked her third acquittal after similar rulings cleared her in February 2021 and May 2023.
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ABS 2025
Social media users to fake news probe
By Nidz Godino
“Filipino people deserve no less than truth… we need to protect them from false information intended to mislead people and divide them as well…fake news should be stopped because this only creates further polarization among us,” Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez said at least 40 personalities from several platforms in social media have been invited by House of Representatives as it starts its investigation on spread of fake news and disinformation in the country.
Fernandez of tri-committee of chamber will preside over joint committee of House committee on public order and safety that he heads, along with two others , committees on public information, and information and communications technology.
The Sta. Rosa City congressman said joint committee will hold hearings and try to examine how disinformation spreads online, its impact on public perception and national security, and measures needed to combat it.
Personalities expected to be in attendance include representatives from Google, Meta (Facebook) and ByteDance (TikTok), as well as officials from National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Philippine National Police (PNP) and Department of Justice (DOJ).
Lawmakers expect NBI and PNP officials, along with DOJ prosecutors, to discuss and explore regulatory challenges and enforcement mechanisms against online disinformation that have been flooding social media sites.
Fernandez said inquiry seeks to identify weaknesses in existing laws and policies governing digital platforms, and to propose solutions to ensure public has access to accurate and reliable information.
He added House will not tolerate deliberate misinformation campaigns that exploit digital platforms for political or financial gain. “We will not allow them to use social media to fool our people…about time we put more teeth in this campaign against fake news and disinformation.”
House members are expected to explore measures that will strengthen platform accountability, impose penalties for repeat offenders, and improve digital literacy programs to help Filipinos critically evaluate online content.
Hearing will be livestreamed for public viewing, with lawmakers hoping it will spark national conversation on responsible online discourse and role of social media in shaping public perception.
The 40 invited resource persons are known for their influence on social media platforms, where they engage in political discourse, news analysis and online commentary.
List includes political columnist Malou Tiquia, Jose Yumang Sonza, Krizette Lauretta Chu, Mark Anthony Lopez, Allan Rogando Sasot, MJ Quiambao Reyes, Vivian Zapata Rodriguez, Ethel Pineda, Lorraine Marie Badoy-Partosa, Jeffrey Almendras Celiz, Lord Byron Cristobal (Banat By), Alex Destor (Tio Moreno), Aaron Peña (Old School Pinoy), Glen Chong, Manuel Mata Jr. (Kokolokoy), Elizabeth Joie Cruz (Joie de Vivre), Claro Ganac, Claire Eden Contreras (Maharlika Boldyakera), Jonathan Morales, Cyrus Preglo (Optics Politics), Maricar Serrano, Ernesto Abines Jr. (Jun Abines), Trixie Cruz Angeles, Julius Melanosi Maui (Maui Spencer), Darwin Salceda (Boss Dada TV), Elmer Jugalbot (Eb Jugalbot), Cathy Binag, MJ Mondejar, Suzanne Batalla (IamShanwein), Joe Smith Medina (Political Witch Boy), Jeffrey Cruz (JCCO / JJ Cruz), Alven Montero, Kester Ramon John Balibalos Tan (Mr. Realtalker), Edwin Jamora (Reyna Elena), Ma. Florinda Espenilla-Duque (Pebbles Duque), Dr. Richard Tesoro Mata (Dr. Richard and Erika Mata), Ahmed Paglinawan (Luminous by Trixie & Ahmed), Ryan Lingo, Enzo Recto (Atty. Ricky Tomotorgo) and Ross Flores del Rosario (Wazzup Philippines).
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay
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ABS 2025
Beyonce with 11key nominees for 2025 Grammy Awards
By Cynthia Montojo
Beyonce leads 67th annual Grammy Awards nominees with 11 on strength of her groundbreaking country album, “Cowboy Carter.”
Listed are nominees in major categories for 67th annual Grammy Awards, which will be handed out on Sunday in Los Angeles (Monday, February 3, 9 a.m. Philippine Standard Time).
Album of the Year
“New Blue Sun” – Andre 3000
“Cowboy Carter” – Beyonce
“Short n’ Sweet” – Sabrina Carpenter
“Brat” – Charli XCX
“Djesse Vol. 4” – Jacob Collier
“Hit Me Hard and Soft” – Billie Eilish
“The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” – Chappell Roan
“The Tortured Poets Department” – Taylor Swift
Record of the Year, recognizing overall performance on a song
“Now and Then” – The Beatles
“Texas Hold ‘Em” – Beyonce
“Espresso” – Sabrina Carpenter
“360” – Charli XCX
“Birds of a Feather” – Billie Eilish
“Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar
“Good Luck, Babe!” – Chappell Roan
“Fortnight” – Taylor Swift, featuring Post Malone
Song of the Year, recognizing songwriting
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – Sean Cook, Jerrel Jones, Joe Kent, Shaboozey, Nevin Sastry & Mark Williams, songwriters (Shaboozey)
“Birds of a Feather” – Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell, songwriters (Billie Eilish)
“Die with a Smile” – Dernst ‘D’Mile’ Emile II, James Fauntleroy, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars & Andrew Watt, songwriters (Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars)
“Fortnight” – Jack Antonoff, Post Malone & Taylor Swift, songwriters (Taylor Swift Featuring Post Malone)
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay
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ABS 2025
Producers see glut in “egg shortage”
By Nidz Godino
“We don’t have shortage when it comes to table eggs in April or May…we are even expecting oversupply this year as our production this year is projected to exceed production last year,” Philippine Egg Board Association president Francis Uyehara said egg producers allayed fears of possible shortage of egg supply, saying oversupply is even expected as production this year will exceed total output in 2024.
Uyehara said for the first quarter of 2025 alone, they see 15 percent increase in egg production.
He stressed egg producers will schedule meeting with Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. to clarify issue.
“We don’t know who gave that information to the Secretary as we have regular meetings with him with group of Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc…we gave regular consultation on this issue…we don’t know source of information as we are also surprised about the news on possible egg shortage,” Uyehara said.
He warned traders may take advantage of situation and would implement unnecessary increases in retail price of eggs.
Uyehara said farmgate price of medium sized eggs remains low between P5.60 and P6.40 per piece, adding that retail price of eggs should not exceed P8 per piece.
Based on monitoring of Department of Agriculture (DA) in Metro Manila markets, retail price of medium sized eggs ranged between P7.30 and P9 per piece.
“Farmers suffered losses last summer in 2024…as result, they decreased their production… effect was experienced in June, July, August, September…when retail price of eggs started to go up last year, our egg producers started to repopulate with expected increase in demand during holidays,” Uyehara added.
According to Uyehara, starting November 2024, retail price of eggs has stabilized as there was already sufficient supply.
“During months of November and December last year, there was ample supply of table eggs,” he said.
Uyehara noted starting January this year, there has been oversupply of eggs as consumption abruptly decreased after Christmas season.
He said farmgate price of eggs has decreased by P1 per piece after demand in December 2024.
At the same time, Uyehara said bird flu being experienced in Europe and United States where parent stocks layers are sourced will not affect production this year as egg producers were able to import at least 700,000 parent stocks last year.
Uyehara said what is needed is to fast-track approval of avian influenza vaccine to protect poultry population.
Hog farmers’ group National Federation of Hog Farmers Inc. (NatFed) said no need to implement maximum suggested retail price (SRP) on pork after DA said it is considering its imposition amid high retail price in markets.
NatFed vice chairman Alfred Ng added SRP was not proven effective in bringing down retail price of farm products.
“There is really disconnect between retail price and farmgate of liveweight,” Ng said.
Ng noted farmgate price only ranged between P220 and P240 per kilo but based on monitoring of DA, pork is still sold for as high as P460 per kilo.
According to Ng, traders want additional profits, causing high retail price of pork.
At the same time, he said demand for pork is expected to continue until May and June because of midterm elections.
“It’s campaign period, so politicians release funds whether it is local government units or national, people have extra funds to buy pork,” he added.
Ng said retail price of pork is expected to go down as hog producers, particularly those in Batangas, started to repopulate after being affected by African swine fever last year.
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