“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.
“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.
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.
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.
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
“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.
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
Footnotes
James 1:2 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family; also in verses 16 and 19; and in 2:1, 5, 14; 3:10, 12; 4:11; 5:7, 9, 10, 12, 19.
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
BAFTA 2025 nominations includes‘Conclave,’ ‘Emilia Perez’ on top
By Cynthia Montojo
“I’m really excited that we don’t just have what’s typically considered award film… we got horror, we got sci-fi, we got musicals,” BAFTA film committee chair Anna Higgs told reporters ” more open award race this year and that is really exciting.”
“Conclave” and “Emilia Perez” led shortlist of films battling for recognition at Britain’s BAFTA awards, as race for Oscars glory gathers pace.
“Conclave,” fictionalized account of high-stakes horse-trading in Vatican after death of pope, earned 12 nominations while surreal narco-thriller musical “Emilia Perez” followed close behind with 11.
Both will compete for coveted best film award at next month’s ceremony, alongside Cannes favorite “Anora,” Bob Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown,” and epic immigrant drama “The Brutalist,” notched up nine nominations.
Hit musical “Wicked,” last week topped nominations for influential Screen Actors Guild Awards, and “Dune: Part Two” were other leading BAFTA contenders, with seven nods each.
Unexpected hit “Kneecap,” docu-fiction about three Belfast upstarts rap in Irish language, racked up six nominations, including for original screenplay, outstanding British film, and casting.
It has been longlisted for two Oscars, with announcement of final Academy Awards nominations delayed for second time to January 23 due to devastating wildfires gripping Los Angeles.
This year’s awards season is seen as highly unpredictable, with international crop of movies all considered plausible contenders for success on Hollywood’s biggest night on March 2.
BAFTAs, highlight of annual British film calendar, will this year be held two weeks earlier, on February 16, at London’s Royal Festival Hall and hosted by Scottish actor David Tennant.
French director Jacques Audiard’s Mexico-set “Emilia Perez” and “The Brutalist” will be strong contenders after both were big winners at Golden Globes earlier this month.
The director award pits Audiard against Edward Berger (“Conclave”), Sean Baker (“Anora”), Brady Corbet (“The Brutalist”), Denis Villeneuve (“Dune: Part Two”), and Coralie Fargeat (“The Substance”).
German-born Berger claimed BAFTA two years ago with his adaptation of “All Quiet on the Western Front,” while France’s Fargeat is the only woman nominated in directing category.
Her ultra-gory horror film about pressures women face to maintain bodily perfection as they age, starring Demi Moore, won best screenplay at Cannes.
Moore scooped Golden Globe for her portrayal in the film, and will now hope to add BAFTA to her awards collection.
She will compete with Karla Sofia Gascon, star of “Emilia Perez,” transgender, Cynthia Erivo (“Wicked”), Marianne Jean-Baptiste (“Hard Truths”), Mikey Madison (“Anora”), and Saoirse Ronan (“The Outrun”) for leading actress recognition.
Leading actor award will see Adrien Brody (“The Brutalist”), Ralph Fiennes (“Conclave”), Timothee Chalamet (“A Complete Unknown”), Colman Domingo (“Sing Sing”), Hugh Grant (“Heretic”), and Sebastian Stan (“The Apprentice”) all compete.
Fiennes, previous Oscar nominee who won best supporting actor BAFTA in 1994 for “Schindler’s List,” stars as cardinal overseeing election of new pope in the acclaimed hit “Conclave.”
Supporting actress nominations see US pop singer Ariana Grande nominated for “Wicked”, alongside Selena Gomez and Zoe Saldana (both “Emilia Perez”), Felicity Jones (“The Brutalist”), Jamie Lee Curtis (“The Last Showgirl”), and Isabella Rossellini (“Conclave”).
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
US won’t let South China Sea aggression prevail
By Nidz Godino
“We’re going to continue to work with our friends and partners, especially here in the Philippines…we’re going to continue to amplify Philippines’ message…we’re going to continue to uphold international law,” US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson said United States will not allow China to prevail with its illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive acts and give in to Beijing’s muscle flexing in South China Sea.
Carlson said US is working with Philippines to ensure Philippine interests and international law are upheld.
She said if purpose of positioning “is to flex their muscle, maybe even doing so ahead of US inauguration, we’re not going to cave to that.”
Philippines protested China’s deployment of its largest coast guard vessel, known as “monster ship,” within Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), saying it is alarming and clearly intended to intimidate fishermen operating around shoal in contested waters of South China Sea.
The ambassador stated US will push back on any attempts to circumvent international law through bullying practices.
“It’s illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive or what some people call gray zone tactics…we will not let them prevail, we’ll continue to expose them, intent has been to flex muscle and we will continue to push back,” Carlson said.
China was accused of pushing its South China Sea claims close to Philippine coast to normalize its illegal grab of most of waterway.
Philippines and China agreed to seek common ground and find ways to cooperate despite their disagreements in South China Sea, their foreign ministries said earlier, as heated rows persist over vessels deployed around disputed features.
Two countries on Thursday held 10th round of talks under bilateral consultation mechanism set up to address issues in South China Sea, where disputes have been frequent and tense, with ties at their lowest point in years.
Both countries agreed to advance coast guard and marine scientific cooperation and pledged to resolve issues peacefully.
“We firmly believe that despite unresolved challenges and differences, there is genuine space for diplomatic and pragmatic cooperation in dealing with our issues in the South China Sea,” Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Theresa Lazaro said in her opening remarks at the 10th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on South China Sea in Xiamen.
China, through Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong, said it called on Philippines to remain committed to resolving differences through dialogue and consultation.
Both agreed to boost communication and deepen dialogue, but also called out each other out over recent standoffs.
US ally Philippines said it had expressed serious concern about conduct of China’s coast guard, including its sustained presence in Manila’s exclusive economic zone.
China, for its part, lodged complaints over recent “maritime infringements and provocations” and for “hyping up” maritime disputes.
China’s expansive territorial claims in key maritime trade route overlap with EEZs of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam.
2016 ruling of international arbitral tribunal said Beijing’s claims, based on its historic maps, have no basis under international law, a decision China does not recognize.
At dialogue in Xiamen, Philippines also raised presence and maritime activities, particularly that of CCG 5901 or “monster ship” and CCG 3103 in Philippine maritime zones that are inconsistent with 1982 UNCLOS and Philippine Maritime Zones Act.
The so-called monster ship of China Coast Guard (CCG) remained inside West Philippine Sea and is being driven away from coastline of Zambales by patrol vessel of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
Last Jan. 15, CCG patrol ship 5901, with length of 165 meters and weight of 12,000 tons, sent radio challenge to PCG’s offshore patrol vessel BRP Gabriela Silang, stating it was “violating Convention on International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea,” according to video shared to reporters by Commodore Jay Tarriela, spokesman for the PCG on West Philippine Sea concerns.
He maintained movements of CCG vessel “have not been continuous or expeditious, failing to meet necessary criteria for exercising right of innocent passage.”
“In response, BRP Gabriela Silang has effectively maintained protective position through skillful seamanship, successfully keeping the China Coast Guard at average distance of 60-70 nautical miles from Philippine coastline,” he pointed out.
Tarriela asserted CCG’s sustained presence in West Philippine Sea defined by 2016 arbitral ruling, United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and Republic Act 12064 or Maritime Zones Act “disregards more critical issue of China Coast Guard’s illegal presence within Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.”
Effort of Gabriela Silang to continuously follow CCG 5901 was “vital to prevent it from approaching the Zambales coast,” he added.
From Jan. 4 to 15, Tarriela has reported about CCG’s presence off shores of Zambales 11 times, almost every night.
Participating for the very first time, Philippine Army paratroopers joined their fellow airborne unit soldiers from at least 10 countries in this year’s New Year Indo-Pacific Jump held in Japan over the weekend.
Delegation , led by Army vice commander Maj. Gen. Leodevic Guinid, joined other allied nations in the event on Jan. 11 and 12 at the 1st Airborne Brigade, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), Camp Narashino, Chiba prefecture.
Army spokesman Col. Louie Dema-ala said Special Forces Regiment commander, Brig. Gen. Rosendo Abad Jr., also joined airborne troopers in demonstrating Philippine Army’s military free fall and airborne capabilities, “manifesting Philippine Army’s readiness to conduct airborne operations in special operations to support Territorial Defense Operations.”
Immediately following aerial showcase were Simulated Air Assault Operations featuring demonstration of participating units from United States Army, US Marine Corps, US Air Force, Singaporean Army, Australian Army, Royal Netherlands Army, French Army, Canadian Army, British Army, Polish Land Forces, Italian Army, German Army and 1st Airborne Brigade, JGSDF.
Dema-ala said simulation showcased capabilities and synchronized collaborations of Indo-Pacific nations in addressing common threats or adversaries in the region.
According to him, New Year Jump in Indo-Pacific in Japan has been held annually since 1974 to pray for safety of airborne jumps throughout the year and foster greater understanding and confidence in the JGSDF.
He said activity also aims to build relationships of trust, as well as to strengthen cooperation among Airborne Forces and disseminate strategic messages to contribute to peace and stability in Indo-Pacific region.
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
Sex education in teen pregnancy prevention bill hit
By Nidz Godino
“If I’m the last one standing here in Senate, so be it… I will oppose this measure… I also have children…we should not give up our rights as parents to guide them, I do not believe in ‘my body, my right…’because I believe that I am creation of God,” Sen. Joel Villanueva said some senators have expressed concern about version of teenage pregnancy prevention bill in Senate, following pressure from conservative groups opposed to comprehensive sexuality education (sex-ed) program in the country.
During Kapihan sa Senado forum Villanueva revealed that some senators previously co-authors measure plan to withdraw support from bill authored by Sen. Risa Hontiveros.
Proposed Senate Bill 1979 or “Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy” act seeks to craft national program to address alarming cases of adolescent pregnancies, some as young as 10 years old.
Co-authors of the bill are Senators Imee Marcos, Ramon Revilla Jr., Bong Go, Cynthia Villar, Raffy Tulfo and then senator now Education Secretary Sonny Angara.
Villanueva– of charismatic group Jesus Is Lord joined faith-based group National Coalition for the Family and the Constitution, led by ousted chief justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, in opposing the bill.
Villanueva expressed alarm at group’s claim that bill would remove parental consent in sex-ed by integrating it in school curriculum.
Senate President Francis Escudero opposed portions of the bill even before religious community raised alarm at its sex-positive provisions.
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said he, as Senate basic education committee chairman, plans to hold inquiry in aid of legislation on church group’s claim that bill as well as Department of Education’s sex-ed curriculum is based on “Western” and “liberal” standards of sexuality under World Health Organization and UNESCO guidelines.
For her part, Hontiveros denied Christian group’s claims that her bill teaches sex-ed to as young as kindergarten and that parental consent would be removed under sex-ed program.
Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) as espoused in bill would be “age-appropriate” in tackling sensitive topics such as informed consent, contraception, HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections, gender-based violence and pornography.
She also denied sex-ed program is based on Western and liberal standards. “There is no intention to adopt thinking of any international standard…. bill will not copy guidelines of UNESCO and WHO… common sense that provisions there not aligned with our context and culture would not apply here,” Hontiveros said.
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
Support sought for Ph UN Security Council bid
By Nidz Godino
“With long history and credible record of multilateral diplomacy, Philippines is in very strong position to take on more leadership roles seek to advocate on consequential issues in global agenda…one such important issue is peace and security,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr,sought support for Philippines’ bid for seat in United Nations Security Council and emphasized importance of rules-based international order during New Year reception attended by diplomats, including ambassador of China.
In his toast at traditional vin d’honneur at Malacañang, Marcos said Philippines’ candidature for non-permanent security council seat for 2027-2028 term stands on its “rich experience” in building peace, forging consensus and finding new pacts for cooperation.
“Our candidature is consistent with our long-held view that we need to further strengthen multilateralism efforts that will reform Security Council and revitalize general sentiment,” he stressed.
Marcos cited Philippines’ deployment of 14,000 troops to 21 UN peacekeeping operations and special political missions over past 60 years.
“I take this opportunity anew to convey to your respective governments our earnest request for your support to our UN SC bid and we hope for your support when time comes that we are indeed sitting as member of UN Security Council,” the Chief Executive said.
In the same remarks, Marcos reiterated Philippines continues to encourage adherence to rule of law, concept mentioned consistently in the country’s statements on South China Sea dispute.
“Our foreign policy has always been to encourage peace and to foster cooperation while also ensuring that international law is faithfully complied with and permeates all facets of relations amongst nations…for it is only through rules-based international order that peace and development can be achieved,” Marcos told attendees of formal reception, including Chinese envoy Huang Xilian.
China continues to commit aggressive actions in South China Sea to assert its maritime claim, voided by international arbitral court in 2016.
Marcos also trumpeted Philippines’ economic accomplishments and vowed to undertake measures that would make country more conducive to investments.
He said the country’s economy remains among strongest in Asia, growing by 5.8 percent in the first three quarters of last year and “outstripping” performance of some of its peers in the region.
He added that revenue collection for 2024 was about P4.42 trillion, accounting for 16.7 percent of gross domestic product and highest in the last 27 years.
Philippines, Marcos noted, also scored highest in debt transparency among 50 countries surveyed by Institute of International Finance in 2024.
“Year 2024 also earned Philippines its first-ever credit rating upgrade of A-minus with stable outlook from Rating and Investment Information Inc. and upgrade of outlook to positive from S&P global ratings, making the country more attractive to investors and helping to lower borrowing costs for government and for businesses,” the President said.
Marcos also mentioned lower unemployment rate, fallen to to 4.0 percent, well below full-year target rates of 4.4 to 4.7 percent.
“We owe this to sustained strength of country’s labor market… I certainly hope that this trend will continue as it signals more employment opportunities in the country,” he said.
“My dream remains that to be able to say that one day we can say that overseas work is a matter of choice and not one of necessity.”
Marcos expressed confidence Philippines would achieve this year gross national income per capita rate set by World Bank for the country to attain upper-middle-income status.
ISKUP! 