5 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 53 new brothers of Marked Men for Christ Philippines 

PM for any hospital discharge problem

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. 

5 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 53 new brothers of Marked Men for Christ Philippines 

PM for any hospital discharge problem

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.

04 Pebrero, 2025 Martes

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 

PM for any hospital discharge problem

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).

04 Pebrero, 2025 Martes

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 

PM for any hospital discharge problem

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)
• “Good Luck, Babe!” – Chappell Roan, Daniel Nigro & Justin Tranter, songwriters (Chappell Roan)
• “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar, songwriter (Kendrick Lamar)
• “Please Please Please” – Amy Allen, Jack Antonoff & Sabrina Carpenter, songwriters (Sabrina Carpenter)
• “Texas Hold ‘Em” – Brian Bates, Beyonce, Elizabeth Lowell Boland, Megan Bulow, Nate Ferraro & Raphael Saadiq, songwriters (Beyonce)

Best New Artist

• Benson Boone
• Sabrina Carpenter
• Doechii
• Khruangbin
• Raye
• Chappell Roan
• Shaboozey
• Teddy Swims

Best Pop Solo Performance 

• “Bodyguard” – Beyonce
• “Espresso” – Sabrina Carpenter
• “Apple” – Charli XCX
• “Birds of a Feather” – Billie Eilish
• “Good Luck, Babe!” – Chappell Roan

Best Pop Vocal Album 

• “Short n’ Sweet” – Sabrina Carpenter
• “Hit Me Hard and Soft” – Billie Eilish
• “Eternal Sunshine” – Ariana Grande
• “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” – Chappell Roan
• “The Tortured Poets Department” – Taylor Swift

Best Music Video 

• “Tailor Swif” – A$AP Rocky
• “360” – Charli XCX
• “Houdini” – Eminem
• “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar
• “Fortnight” – Taylor Swift featuring Post Malone

Best Rap Album 

• “Might Delete Later” – J. Cole
• “The Auditorium, Vol. 1” – Common and Pete Rock
• “Alligator Bites Never Heal” – Doechii
• “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grace) – Eminem
• “We Don’t Trust You” – Future and Metro Boomin

Best Rock Album 

• “Happiness Bastards” – The Black Crowes
• “Romance” – Fontaines DC
• “Saviors” – Green Day
• “Tangk” – Idles
• “Dark Matter” – Pearl Jam
• “Hackney Diamonds” – The Rolling Stones
• “No Name” – Jack White

Best Country Album 

• “Cowboy Carter” – Beyonce
• “F-1 Trillion” – Post Malone
• “Deeper Well” – Kacey Musgraves
• “Higher” – Chris Stapleton
• “Whirlwind” – Lainey Wilson

Best Country Solo Performance 

• “16 Carriages” – Beyonce
• “I Am Not Okay” – Jelly Roll
• “The Architect” – Kacey Musgraves
• “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – Shaboozey
• “It Takes a Woman” – Chris Stapleton

Best Global Music Album 

• “Alkebulan II” – Matt B featuring Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
• “Paisajes” – Ciro Hurtado
• “Heis” – Rema
• “Historias de un Flamenco” – Antonio Rey
• “Born in the Wild” – Tems

Artists with Most Nominations 

Beyonce (11)

Charli XCX (8)

Post Malone (8)

Billie Eilish (7)

Kendrick Lamar (7)

Sabrina Carpenter (6)

Chappell Roan (6)

Taylor Swift (6)

03 Pebrero, 2025 Lunes

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 

PM for any hospital discharge problem

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.

03 Pebrero, 2025 Lunes

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 

PM for any hospital discharge problem

ABS 2025

Headlines

‘PWD discounts can’t be denied’-DOJ

By J.Lo

Establishment  or agency cannot  deny  person of availing  discounts on  doubts on validity of  person-with-disability (PWD) identification card.

In  five-page legal opinion released last Jan. 27, Department of Justice (DOJ) Undersecretary Raul Vasquez said, “in sum, Republic Act 10754 (An Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons with Disability) and its IRR (implementing rules and regulations) do not require verification of  PWD ID card as  pre-requisite of  PWD’s availment of their benefits and privileges, said verification cannot be imposed as condition thereon.”

He answered two questions raised by National Council on Disability Affairs officer-in-charge deputy executive director Dandy Victa.

Vasquez said it is not permissible for establishments and agencies to deny and withhold PWD benefits and privileges solely because  authenticity of  PWD ID card cannot be verified at the time of transaction.

As to  query if such denial constitutes  violation of existing laws and IRRs related to  rights and privileges of PWDs, DOJ official answered in  affirmative.

02 Pebrero, 2025 Linggo

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

supports National Bible Month 2025

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

PM for any hospital discharge problem

ABS 2025

Headlines

Only 100 displaced POGO workers got jobs at DOLE fair

By J.Lo

“We continue to reach out because records show that around 40,000 IGL workers have been directly affected by  closure of POGOs,” Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said out of thousands of displaced workers from Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs)  attended  recent job fair in Pasay City, only 100 were hired on the spot.

Career Con 2025 job fair,  ran for two days, offered over 8,000 job vacancies through at least 150 participating employers. 

While 18,000 displaced IGL workers initially expressed interest in the event, only around 8,000 showed up, according to DOLE.

cording to DOLE, most of the IGL workers were previously employed in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon and Central Visayas, earning monthly salaries ranging from P16,000 to P22,000.

Labor  department is also offering skills enhancement programs and livelihood assistance of up to P30,000 for those interested in starting business to support  displaced workers.

02 Pebrero, 2025 Linggo

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

supports National Bible Month 2025

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

PM for any hospital discharge problem

ABS 2025

SB19 to release ’Simula at Wakas’, latest EP

By Cynthia Montojo

A’Tin, with  video for their upcoming EP set for release this February and April, P-pop group SB19 teased its fans,. 

SB19  uploaded  teaser video  features imagery associated to their past albums and to  story of  beginning of time,  golden tree and red apple appear. 

Pablo, Josh, Ken, Justin and Stell are seen walking away from golden tree, as Pablo looks back at it.  Dates  for  EP release and tour kickoff are then revealed. 

SB19 is set to release  EP single on February 28, EP “Simula at Wakas” will drop on April 25. Their tour will kickoff on May 31. 

P-pop group released its first EP “Pagsibol” in July 2021. Two years later in 2023, quintet released its second EP “Pagtatag.” 

They held their “Where You At” tour in 2022 and followed it up with  “Pagtatag” world tour in 2023 to 2024. 

Solons  to seek P200 daily minimum wage hike

By Nidz Godino

“Ang lumalabas na consensus dito sa House of Representatives, pending ongoing public consultation, baka kayang dagdagan ng P200 bawat araw ang minimum wage,” House Speaker Martin Romualdez said House of Representatives is expediting deliberations to push for  P200 wage hike. 

Announcement  by Romualdez came  day after  meeting with labor groups on Tuesday, January 28. 

In  statement,  House Speaker said  proposed wage hike legislation will address  “urgent need for economic relief” while “ensuring balanced approach that considers  welfare of workers and sustainability of micro, small, and medium enterprises.”

Romualdez also noted that last major wage increase occurred over three decades ago with  Wage Rationalization Act of 1989, successfully raised wages without causing significant inflation or widespread business closures.

“If we were able to do this in the past, there is no reason why we cannot do it now, especially with careful planning and collaboration with all sectors…hindi lang natin tataasan ang suweldo, titiyakin din nating makatutulong ito sa ating ekonomiya,” he said. 

Wage increase in 2024

In December 2024, data from the Department of Labor and Employment said that wage increases that had been approved across the country by 14 Regional Tripartite Wage Productivity Boards had benefitted almost five million workers. 

The wage hikes range from P21 to P75.

Wage increases were granted in the following regions: 

• National Capital Region (NCR)
• Cordillera Administrative Region
• Region1
• Region 2 
• Region 3 
• Region 4-A 
• Region 4-B 
• Region 6 
• Region 7 
• Region 8 
• Region 9 
• Region 10 
• Region 12 
• Region 13 

For example, in the NCR, the Tripartite Wage Productivity Boards approved a P35 wage increase, raising the minimum wage from P610 to P645.

However, despite the wage increase, data from the economic think tank Ibon Foundation shows that the P645 minimum wage in Metro Manila is still insufficient for a family to live decently.

“A family of five in NCR should receive a wage of P1,223 a day or 26,590 a month in order to live decently,” Ibon Foundation said.

TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

Deuteronomy 6:4-5

⁴ Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.^[a] 5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

Footnotes

1. Deuteronomy 6:4 Or The Lord our God is one Lord; or The Lord is our God, the Lord is one; or The Lord is our God, the Lord alone