26 Enero ,2025 Linggo

election campaign period, gun ban in effect

5 days to love month

Happy 21st anniversary, Servants of God in Jesus Christ Christian Ministries Incorporated, Rev. Nestor Sadim, Rev. Manuel Soliman, Director Jorge Lopez

No to Divorce!!!

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

No to SOGIE bill

supports National Bible Month 2025

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

supports National Autism Prevention Week, January 2o-25 2025

PM for any hospital discharge problem

ABS 2025

6 Ph universities ranked global

By J.Lo

Times Higher Education (THE)’s World University Rankings by Subject lauded six Philippine universities earned spots in, missing only one out of 11 disciplines rated this year 2025.

University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University (DLSU), University of Santo Tomas, Mapua University and Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) earned spots in all subjects except Law.

Under Arts and Humanities, Business and Economics, only UP and DLSU earned rankings and shared spots for each subject at 601+ and 801+ brackets, respectively.

Both universities were also  only institutions  earned rankings in  Medicine
 and Health subject, with UP emerging at the top locally at  501-600 spot.

UP was lone school to be ranked within  Life Sciences at  801-1000 bracket.

Mapua emerged as  top Philippine school in Computer Science and Engineering, ranking within  801-1000 and 1001-1250 brackets, respectively. Under the same subjects, UP and DLSU shared  No. 2 spot.

DLSU was top Philippine university in Education studies at  401-500 spot, followed by UP and UST at 501-600 bracket. DLSU also topped ranking among local universities in Psychology at  401-500 spot, followed by Ateneo at 501-600.

Under Physical Sciences, only UST did not receive  ranking. Mapua and MSU-IIT earned rankings within  801-1000 bracket, followed by UP, Ateneo and DLSU at the 1001+ bracket.

UP, Ateneo and DLSU landed on the same spots globally in Social Sciences at 801-1000 bracket.

Rankings  were based on key indicators submitted by each university during  academic year 2022, THE said.

Key indicators included research quality, industry, international outlook, research environment and teaching.

Most Filipinos perceive  University of the Philippines as  “best university” in the country,  survey conducted by OCTA Research group showed.

Survey, conducted from Nov. 10 to 16, found that 71 percent of  respondents perceiving UP as  best university in the Philippines.

Some 15 percent selected DLSU, while 14 percent chose Ateneo de Manila.

Respondents  were asked to select among three universities or provide different answer.

Less than one percent chose “others,”  survey results showed.

Based on  poll, UP was perceived as  “best performing” university in the country across all geographic areas and socio-economic indicators.

OCTA, whose founders include several UP professors, said it released  survey results to UP as  public service.

Survey  was non-commissioned and had 1,200 respondents and  margin of error of plus/minus three percent. 

26 Enero,2025 Linggo

election campaign period, gun ban in effect

5 days to love month

Happy 21st anniversary, Servants of God in Jesus Christ Christian Ministries Incorporated, Rev. Nestor Sadim, Rev. Manuel Soliman, Director Jorge Lopez

No to Divorce!!!

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

No to SOGIE bill

supports National Bible Month 2025

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

supports National Autism Prevention Week, January 2o-25 2025

PM for any hospital discharge problem

ABS 2025

Ronnie Ricketts in entering politics: ‘Dapat meron kang misyon’

By Cynthia Montojo

“No, no…how do you say it na walang masasagasaan, ‘di ba…nasa kanila ‘yan actually, but nakikita ko kung anong nangyayari diyan sa loob e,”Ronnie Ricketts has no plan to enter politics, citing  it is  pursuit that needs knowledge and understanding of duties and responsibilities.

The ‘90s action star said  politics is not for him amid  looming mid-term elections in May this year. 

 “I mean, alam ko, alam ko e… I just hope, kung gusto mong tumakbo, makatulong ka, alam mo ‘yung gagawin mo,” Ronnie said after  press conference for his TV comeback “Mga Batang Riles”. 

“Hindi lang dahil may pangalan kami, takbo tayo…hindi dapat ganon e… dapat meron kang misyon… kasi ‘pag pumunta ka doon tapos doon ka pa lang matututo, it’s very hard…ang hirap nu’n,” he stressed. 

In recent years, many of his ‘90s action star contemporaries ran and lost in their bid for local and national positions. 

Robin Padilla joined Bong Revilla, Lito Lapid and Jinggoy Estrada in senate. Philip Salvador hopes to find his place in senate when he filed his certificate of candidacy last year for this year’s mid-term elections. 

For Ronnie, holding  public post means putting  nation’s interest and service to  electorate as top concerns.

“Pero ‘pag pupunta ka lang doon para pumorma, magkaroon ng extra income or gamitin ‘yung position mo, hindi yata maganda…dapat ang priority mo ay para sa tao, ‘yung service…ako yun ‘yun e,” he said. 

The action star also advised taking note of  political candidate’s intentions and of  company  he keeps.

“‘Tingnan mo rin ‘yung character ng tao…ano ba ang ginagawa niya sa buhay niya…tingnan mo, sino barkada niya…lalabas ‘yung character…iba ‘yung campaign…ako ang pinakamabait, pinakamagaling’…but sino ‘yung other side ng tao…alamin mo ‘yun… hindi lang ‘yung binebenta ‘yung sarili,” he said. 

He acknowledged that there are those who were able to deliver on their campaign promises, but there were those who were not able to. He also expressed hope that corruption will be eradicated. 

Ronnie previously served as  chairman and chief executive officer of  Optical Media Board from 2009 to 2016.  Agency  is part of the Office of the President of the Philippines  regulates  production, use, and distribution of recording media in the country. 

23 Enero, 2025 Huwebes

election campaign period, gun ban in effect

 8 days to love month

Happy 21st anniversary, Servants of God in Jesus Christ Christian Ministries Incorporated, Rev. Nestor Sadim, Rev. Manuel Soliman, Director Jorge Lopez

No to Divorce!!!

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

No to SOGIE bill

supports National Bible Month 2025

supports 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

Ballot  printing to resume

By Nidz Godino

“Earliest is Friday,  latest is Saturday,” Commission on Elections (Comelec). Chairman George Garcia said Supreme Court is done issuing temporary restraining orders (TROs) covering disqualified candidates, and printing of ballots for  midterm polls can now proceed.

Comelec sources told media poll body is no longer expecting TROs from  SC that could delay ballot printing.

Eleven candidates disqualified by  Comelec secured TROs from  SC.

They are senatorial candidates Subair Guinthum Mustapha and Francis Leo Marcos; dismissed Albay governor Noel Rosal,  seeking reelection; former congressman Edgar Erice; Charles Savellano,  vying for  congressional seat of Ilocos Sur’s first district; Chito Bulatao Balintay, running for Zambales governor; Florendo de Ramos Ritualo Jr., vying for  seat in  San Juan City council; Marie Grace David, running for vice mayor in Limay, Bataan; Mary Dominique Oñate, running for mayor of Palompon, Leyte; Aldrin Sta. Ana., running for mayor of Bocaue, Bulacan and dismissed Mandaue City mayor Jonas Cortes, who is seeking reelection.

After  first batch of TROs was issued, Comelec suspended  printing of official ballots, saying about six million ballots have to be destroyed through shredding.

High  court has received about 25 petitions for TROs concerning May polls, Supreme Court spokesperson Camille Sue Mae Ting said.

Ballot printing has been delayed for three weeks, Garcia noted.

Comelec, he said, will take action on  case-to-case basis if  Supreme Court issues another TRO after Saturday.

Meanwhile, having another Marcos surname on official ballot might confuse voters,  Comelec said.

Name  of Francis Leo Marcos will be printed before Sen. Imee Marcos’ name, Garcia noted.

Supreme Court earlier issued  TRO to include Francis Leo Marcos among  list of senatorial candidates on the ballot.

Marcos was declared  nuisance candidate by  Comelec.

Printing of 73 million ballots for  midterm elections had to be deferred again following  high court’s decision.

Citing  Omnibus Election Code, Garcia said  purpose of nuisance candidates is to confuse electorate.

While it is up to Sen. Marcos’ legal team to decide what their next step will be, Garcia said  Comelec must comply with  high court’s decision.

“Supreme Court’s ruling is  temporary remedy, not  decision on merits of the case that affirms  Comelec’s decision was wrong,” Garcia pointed out.

Candidates granted  TRO on their disqualification may still be disqualified as it is not  final ruling, he noted.

If  high court eventually affirms  Comelec ruling, Garcia said  votes obtained by disqualified candidates would not be counted.

Retirement  of Comelec Commissioners Marlon Casquejo and Socorro Inting in February will not adversely affect election preparations, Garcia said.

He called for  immediate appointment of two new commissioners so that  poll body could “normally” prepare for this year’s elections.

Despite election appointment ban, Garcia noted that President Marcos has  continuing authority and does not need to secure exemption.

Meanwhile, candidates using text blast devices during their campaign will face criminal charges, according to  Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

Text blasters are illegal and will be confiscated, DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy said.

Earlier, Malaysian selling fake cell towers was arrested in Parañaque.

Suspect  reportedly sold  Octopus 5G blaster for P600,000, capable of mass SMS broadcasting without  database, SIM card or WiFi, according to police Anti-Cybercrime Group director Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang.

23 Enero, 2025 Huwebes

election campaign period, gun ban in effect

 8 days to love month

Happy 21st anniversary, Servants of God in Jesus Christ Christian Ministries Incorporated, Rev. Nestor Sadim, Rev. Manuel Soliman, Director Jorge Lopez

No to Divorce!!!

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

No to SOGIE bill

supports National Bible Month 2025

supports 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

Another  China vessel deployed near Zambales

By J.Lo

“Philippine Coast Guard remains steadfast in its commitment in safeguarding  country’s maritime interests and upholding international law without escalating tensions,” Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commodore Jay Tarriela said China Coast Guard (CCG) sustained its presence in  West Philippine Sea miles away from  shores of Zambales province, with  new patrol ship replacing another vessel and its “monster ship” almost 20 nautical miles away from Panatag or Scarborough Shoal.

The 77.7-meter CCG patrol ship with bow number 3103 took over position of CCG vessel with bow number 3304 with  length of 111 meters, Tarriela said in  statement last earlier.

Personnel onboard PCG’s 44-meter patrol vessel BRP Suluan flagged CCG 3103 that was spotted 65 nautical miles off  coast of San Antonio, Zambales, according to  video shared to journalists by Tarriela, PCG’s spokesman on West Philippine Sea issues. Suluan replaced BRP Gabriela Silang  patrolled  area since Jan. 15.

As usual,  PCG through Suluan sent radio challenges to CCG 3103  also done to CCG 3304 and  “monster ship” 165-meter CCG 5901  notifying it of violating Republic Act 12064 or Philippine Maritime Zones Act,  United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and  2016 arbitral award  upheld Philippines’ sovereign rights over its 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

BRP Suluan also detected  three CCG ships within  West Philippine Sea, according to Tarriela.

At 9 in the evening, CCG 5901 was around 19 nautical miles from Panatag or Scarborough Shoal also called Bajo de Masinloc, while CCG 3304 was approaching  shoal at 28 nautical miles, and CCG 3103 was last spotted at 76 nautical miles off  coast of Pundaquit in Zambales.

PCG patrol ship would continue to “closely monitor”  activities of  three CCG ships within  West Philippine Sea, he declared.

Panatag Shoal, considered  traditional fishing area for Filipinos, has been  flashpoint for both Filipino and Chinese forces. Standoff  in 2012 forced  Philippines to file  case against China at Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2012, led to  landmark 2016 arbitral ruling.

Congress is committed to  welfare and development of Pag-asa Island and its residents in Palawan, Speaker Martin Romualdez gave assured in  message read on his behalf by committee on foreign affairs chairperson and Pangasinan Rep.  Rachel Arenas during  House delegation’s visit.

Delegation, led by House committee on foreign affairs, distributed food and grocery goods to the island’s 230 residents, including military and uniformed personnel last Jan. 6.

“I know  challenges of being at  distance from  primary city,  lack of facilities, and  hardship of facing your needs each day.. despite of this, you remain strong,” Romualdez said, as he lauded  residents’ resilience and dedication and vowed that Congress would not ignore their needs.

Romualdez also assured  residents that  government, under  leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., is fully committed to enhancing their welfare.

Among  concrete measures announced was establishing  rural health unit. The Speaker also highlighted ongoing and future livelihood programs aimed at providing economic opportunities for  residents, promising that Congress will continue to push for necessary resources to help them thrive.

Boodle  fight lunch was also held for military personnel stationed on the island, highlighting  House’s recognition of their service and sacrifices.

Majority Leader Francis Tolentino said PCG should require its 4,000 new recruits to undergo  crash course on  newly enacted Philippine Maritime Zones Act (Republic Act 12064), particularly  conflict in  WPS, to help them better understand  bounds of  country’s territorial sea.

Tolentino,  principal author of RA 12064, proposed  crash course, through its spokesman Commodore Algier Ricafrente,  interviewed on senator’s radio program “Usapang TOL.”

“Beyond basic training and physical formations,  PCG’s new recruits must undergo crash course on  Philippine Maritime Zones Act,  would help them better understand  metes and bounds of our territorial sea, international waters, exclusive economic zone, and so on…these are basic knowledge, but very important, especially when there are challenges[to foreign ships entering  WPS, said Tolentino.

Ricafrente told Tolentino that  new recruits,  will be deployed to various regional offices, have bolstered  PCG’s 35,000 personnel. He welcomed  Senate’s recent passage of House Bill 10841, sets  three-year fixed term for PCG commandant.

Ricafrente added  measure would allow  PCG leadership to carry out its long-term plans and programs,  would benefit maritime safety and security. 

‘Foreign power’ maps Philippines

By J.Lo

“Foreign nationals were arrested with fake government IDs, foreign nationals with birth certificates…so if we look at  entire expanse of the country… and start connecting  dots, there seems now to be  deliberate and calculated move to map out the country by  foreign power,” Philippine Navy spokesman for West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said during  press conference military officials and law enforcers revealed  arrest of  Chinese national and two Filipinos for allegedly engaging in espionage. They are accused of conducting surveillance operations in military and civilian facilities, including areas where Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites are located. Chinese national’s detailed mapping of military camps and public places across Luzon has led military officials to suspect foreign agents are working to create blueprint of key locations in the Philippines. 

Trinidad  pointed to seemingly unrelated recent events that, when examined together, suggest  pattern of systematic mapping of military and civilian infrastructure across the country.  

Chinese national, identified as Deng Yuanqing, reportedly spent more than a month starting December 2024 mapping locations from northern Luzon to Bicol region, said Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Col. Francel Magareth Padilla during same press conference.

Deng has reportedly lived in the Philippines for over a decade.

“If we notice what happened just recently, Chinese national may be isolated case…but if you look at  bigger picture, last month we received submersible glider,  drone from fisherfolk… fifth that we have in our possession undergoing forensics,” Trinidad said.

Trinidad said if one takes “two steps further backward,” these incidents may also be  related to  recent discovery of foreign nationals with fake government IDs and  uncovering of “local chief executive with dubious character and background.”

Alleged  surveillance conducted by Deng covered not just military and police camps, but also shopping malls, communication and power grids, and major airports and seaports, Padilla said.

“Our intelligence operatives also noted that this Chinese national achieved this through  network of financiers, technical experts, also Chinese nationals, and support personnel,Deng,married to Filipina reportedly runs undisclosed number of businesses in the country,” Trinidad added. 

“Same businesses are also being used as fronts to receive large amounts of funds to enable his illicit activities,” she said.

Deng’s equipment is capable of creating precise three-dimensional models of buildings and installations. “These are high-precision topographic mapping and 3D modeling of military installations and critical infrastructures,” Padilla said.

Meanwhile, military officials also linked Deng’s surveillance activities to  recent discovery of underwater surveillance equipment in Philippine waters. 

military  last year recovered five submersible drones, with  latest found in Masbate.  First  drone, discovered in Calayan Island, had been collecting data about water depth, temperature and other ocean conditions. 

Drone  found in  waters off Masbate bore Chinese markings, but authorities have not directly accused China of owning the device. 

“While there is no direct correlation yet with what happened  few days ago, if we connect  dots, we don’t have to look far, that there seems to be orchestrated move by foreign power to gather critical information in  maritime domain and on critical government infrastructures,information that is derived from our seas would have political, economic and military applications,” he added.

While military officials avoided explicitly naming China as foreign power behind these activities, they noted that investigations with  National Bureau of Investigation are ongoing to uncover  full scope of these operations. 

“Any foreign power who would like to take advantage of our country would need political, economic, and military information,” Trinidad also said. 

AFP called for public vigilance but cautioned against panic. Trinidad also said issues are “not yet  threat to national security but may pose  risk to public safety, to peace and order.” 

“While we do not want to create unnecessary panic, we ask our fellow Filipinos to be discerning and to help us,” Padilla added, urging civilians, particularly fisherfolk, to report suspicious activities or equipment they might encounter.

Padilla said AFP will modernize its defenses and beef up its cybersecurity to ensure it can “respond swiftly to attacks on our critical infrastructures and even to look at trojan horses within our midst.”

P30 B military pension approved

By J.Lo

“We, especially President Marcos, understand how important this is for our pensioners,” Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said P30.41-billion fund for  regular pension requirements of military and uniformed personnel (MUP) for first quarter has been approved for release by  Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

Of the amount, P16.75 billion has been released to  Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine Veterans Affairs Office under Department of National Defense.

Nearly P13.3 billion has been released to Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and National Police Commission, under  Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Thirty-four pensioners under National Mapping and Resource Information Authority of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources received P8.53 million.

About P350.68 million has been released to 2,836 retired uniformed personnel of  Philippine Coast Guard under Department of Transportation (DOTr).

Latest  budget releases were based on actual pension payroll submitted by  agencies at the end of last year,  DBM said.

Fund  is chargeable against pension and gratuity fund under  2025 national budget.Two senators  questioned claims of blank and missing amounts in the 2025 national budget.

Former president Rodrigo Duterte and Davao 3rd District Rep. Isidro Ungab earlier claimed there were discrepancies under  Department of Agriculture’s budget. 

HEADLINES

‘Tara’ system exist-Ex-BOC heads 

By J.Lo

“It’s criminal, your Honor,” former Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon affirmed testimony of alleged Customs fixer Mark Taguba, claimed  grease money, or “tara,” was paid to various offices within  agency to facilitate release of shipment containers.

Faeldon said employees and former heads of  Bureau of Customs (BOC) have shared conflicting testimonies about existence of  “tara” system. 

At House Quad Committee’s 14th hearing on Faeldon  tried to dismantle system, calling it illegal, but BOC employees were reluctant to come forward. He served as commissioner from 2016 to 2017 before resigning, admitting he had failed to eradicate corruption in tBOC.

He said he spent six months appealing to importers and brokers, urging them to “consider  country’s welfare” and refrain from seeking reduced or waived tariffs, citing  nation’s debt as  key concern.

Rep. Bienvenido Abante (Manila, 6th District) and Rep. France Castro (ACT Teachers Party-list) suggested people may be reluctant to come forward out of fear of being held accountable.

Former Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Isidro Lapeña succeeded Faeldon,  also confirmed  existence of  tara system. He shared similar experience. 

“When I was  commissioner, as I’ve said, I have talked with  importers. ..that’s one of the input that was given me. ‘Help me address this problem,’ but nobody came forward so what I did was reshuffle  people in the office,” Lapeña said.

Castro asked him if anyone was found accepting or giving grease money, Lapeña said there was none. 

Both Faeldon and Lapeña agreed with Castro’s assertion that they lacked effort in eliminating corruption or holding key players accountable during their tenure as agency heads.

“Alam nila ‘yung existing problem, pero ‘yung effort po ng ating mga nasa taas na pwesto ng BOC ay hindi nagawang masupil,” lawmaker said, suggesting  operation similar to buy bust could have been done. 

While both former BOC commissioners acknowledged being aware of  “tara” system, Tristan Langcay, long-time personnel from  agency’s legal division insists he has “no personal knowledge” of it.

“As to existence, I have no personal knowledge of that… if not personal knowledge, I’ve heard of it,i’ve heard stories about tara system and it seems tara system was in place even before shipments were in place, BOC Legal Service Director Langcay told lawmakers. 

He has been with BOC since 2009, primarily in  legal division. Despite this, he insists he has never witnessed grease money exchanges, even during his tenure as deputy collector of operations, where  “tara” system is said to be widespread.

Lawmakers suspect Langcay is withholding information and have decided to invite BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio to the next hearing.

Taguba explained grease money would not have existed if  BOC efficiently processed documents.  

He implied importers and brokers end up paying “tara” to ensure shipments are processed quickly without unnecessary delays, and for others, it is to avoid higher taxes and bypass strict inspections to allow smuggled items into the country undetected.   

“Unang una hindi nila kailangang magbigay ng tara kung maayos ang BOC, kung inaasikaso ‘yung mga papel at hindi kinakailangang bigyan ng buwis para lang asikasuhin ka, walang magbibigay ng tara,” Taguba said. 

In previous hearing, Taguba  released about 100 containers a day and paid BOC offices P170,000 per container. 

Meanwhile, Faeldon explained he established Central Command to centralize  issuance of shipment alerts and curb corruption, but it was being exploited with bribes or “tara” system.

“That’s why CenComm was made to centralize  issuances of commodities… ‘pag iho-hold ‘yung isang commodity … that’s where corruption starts… Ia-alert ka nila tapos maglalagay ka ng tara para marealase,” he said.     

Taguba testified before  Quad Comm, admitting his role in  “tara” system linked to  P6.4 billion shabu shipment but denying he is drug lord.

21 Enero,2025 Martes

election campaign period, gun ban in effect

 11 days to love month

Happy 21st anniversary, Servants of God in Jesus Christ Christian Ministries Incorporated, Rev. Nestor Sadim, Rev. Manuel Soliman, Director Jorge Lopez

No to Divorce!!!

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

No to SOGIE bill

supports National Bible Month 2025

supports 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

BI arrests 32 illegal POGO workers

By J.Lo

“We will not stop until all illegal aliens are arrested and deported,” Bureau of Immigration has arrested 32 foreign nationals working in illicit Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) in Parañaque City.

In statement bureau said  operation took place on the evening of January 17 in a building within  Aseana enclave in Parañaque.

Authorities apprehended 20 Chinese nationals, 11 Malaysians and one Cambodian allegedly involved in online gaming and scamming activities, including love scams.

Operation  was conducted in coordination with  National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

The 32 arrested foreigners are currently in  custody of  NBI while undergoing deportation proceedings.

This operation is part of  bureau’s crackdown on illegal POGOs following  government’s cancellation of all POGO licenses on December 15.

It also comes after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s announcement of  POGO ban during his third State of the Nation Address in July, citing alleged illegal activities that were  subject of congressional inquiries.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Viado commended  operation and said more deportations and arrests related to POGOs are expected.

“Let this be  warning to foreign nationals who blatantly continue illegal operations despite  ban of the President,” Viado said. 

21 Enero,2025 Martes

election campaign period, gun ban in effect

10 days to love month

Happy 21st anniversary, Servants of God in Jesus Christ Christian Ministries Incorporated, Rev. Nestor Sadim, Rev. Manuel Soliman, Director Jorge Lopez

No to Divorce!!!

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

No to SOGIE bill

supports National Bible Month 2025

supports 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

‘Hello, Love, Again’ showing in Indon, coming to Netflix in Feb

By Cynthia Montojo

Hello, Love, Again,” picks up five years after  events of “Hello, Love, Goodbye,” where Ethan (played by Alden Richards) and Joy (Kathryn Bernardo) meet again in Canada, years after they separated in Hong Kong.

Highest-grossing Filipino film of all time, is set to make waves once again  this time on Netflix. Starring Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards, sequel to 2019 Filipino blockbuster “Hello, Love, Goodbye” will premiere on streaming platform on Feb. 13, just in time for  Heart  season.

“Hello, Love, Again”  romance-drama became  box-office sensation upon its theatrical release, reportedly grossing over P1 billion in worldwide box-office sales. Released officially on Nov. 13, 2024,  film captivated audiences with its tale of love and second chances.

Film’s success continues, with screenings still ongoing in several international markets, including in 19 cinemas across Indonesia, as of Jan. 15.

Meanwhile,  opening weekend record of P2.4 million earnings across North America served as another proof that the film was not just performing well locally, but also making  strong mark internationally.

According to  US entertainment news outlet Variety, this milestone broke records for Filipino cinema in the territory. It was distributed by Abramorama in partnership with AJMC and marked  widest-ever release for  Filipino film, playing in 248 theaters across  United States and Canada.

Movie  is  collaboration between two of  biggest Filipino film studios  GMA Pictures and ABS-CBN’s Star Cinema. Written by Carmi Raymundo and Crystal San Miguel,  sequel is directed by Cathy Garcia-Sampana,  also helmed  first film.

Creative  team behind “Hello, Love, Again” includes producer Kookai Labayen, with ABS-CBN Films’ Kriz Gazmen, GMA Films’ Annette Gozon-Valdes and ABS-CBN’s Carlo Katigbak credited as executive producers.

20 Enero,2025 Lunes

election campaign period, gun ban in effect

 11 days to love month

Happy 21st anniversary, Servants of God in Jesus Christ Christian Ministries Incorporated, Rev. Nestor Sadim, Rev. Manuel Soliman, Director Jorge Lopez

No to Divorce!!!

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

No to SOGIE bill

supports National Bible Month 2025

supports 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

P58/kg imported rice max SRP now in effect

By J.Lo

“Maximum SRP on five percent broken imported rice and changes on labeling will start  Jan. 20,” , Agriculture Assistant Secretary and spokesman Arnel de Mesa said maximum suggested retail price (SRP) of P58 on imported rice takes effect today, as cost of  staple remains high despite  implementation of Executive Order 62,  lowered  tariff on imported grains to 15 percent from 35 percent.

De  Mesa said personnel of  DA and  Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) would inspect different markets in Metro Manila to ensure compliance to P58 maximum SRP.

De Mesa said  based on agreement of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. with Metro Manila mayors,  local government units (LGUs) will also help in implementing  maximum SRP.

“No sign of maximum SRP on price tag per se, but our personnel from DA and DTI will jointly monitor  compliance in  markets… DA has no power to implement sanctions at the moment but  DTI, through their Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau and LGUs have  power to monitor and impose sanctions,” De Mesa stressed.

He added that under  Price Act, traders can impose  maximum of 10 percent profit on  items they sold.

“Under maximum SRP,  P58 should be  highest price for rice being sold in  markets,” he said.

According to De Mesa, certain rice varieties such as glutinous rice, black rice and red rice will not be covered by  maximum SRP.

“These are  rice varieties  not covered by  maximum SRP but if  consumers monitor premium and special imported rice exceed P58 per kilo covered by MSRP, they can report to us using  hashtag #BantayPresyo,” De Mesa said.

Based on monitoring of  DA, retail price of imported rice was still sold as high as P65 per kilo; imported premium rice, up to 60 per kilo; imported well-milled rice, 52 per kilo; imported regular milled rice, P48 per kilo.

De Mesa said that the government is confident that the retail price of rice would go down in the next few days.

On the other hand, De Mesa said that Tiu Laurel would talk to President Marcos before the formal implementation of the food security emergency which is expected to be signed on Wednesday.

“Secretary Laurel mentioned that he will talk to the President before the formal declaration but we are happy with his support,” he added.

He said that the DA is awaiting the signed resolution of the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC) prior to the declaration of food security emergency.

“Let us wait for the parameters as the resolution (of the NPCC) has yet to be received by the DA which will be the basis for the conditions to be set by the government (on the implementation of food security emergency) but this should be fast,” De Mesa said.