TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE
James 1:2-3
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.
19 Enero,2025 Linggo
election campaign period, gun ban begins
Happy New Year!
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
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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”).
19 Enero,2025 Linggo
election campaign period, gun ban begins
Happy New Year!
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.
19 Enero,2025 Linggo
election campaign period, gun ban begins
Happy New Year!
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.
15 Enero, 2025 Miyerkules
election campaign period, gun ban begins
Happy New Year!
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.
15 Enero, 2025 Miyerkules
election campaign period, gun ban begins
Happy New Year!
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
‘Hindi justifiable ‘yun’, Ronnie R on young stars action scenes ‘Batang Riles’
By Cynthia Montojo
“Tinanong ko sila.. GMA-7, ‘papatay ba ‘yung mga bata…’ first question I asked…parang hindi magandang makita ng mga nanonood na mga bata na ganun sila… I asked roles ng mga bata… ‘papatay ba ‘yang mga ‘yan…’ kasi hindi justifiable ‘yun…from my mind ha… ‘yan kaagad,” actor Ronnie Ricketts said one of the key factors in his decision to accept his TV comeback, “Mga Batang Riles,” was its depiction of intense action scenes.
The ‘90s action star is currently playing role of mentor of titular teens in nightly action-drama series that premiered last Monday. Newly premiered show goes head-to-head with Coco Martin’s wildly popular action-drama “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” celebrates its two years on air with revelation of Tanggol’s (Coco) paternity by his secret nemesis Olga (Irma Adlawan).
In “Mga Batang Riles,” Ronnie plays maestro Bayani Salvacion, proficient martial artist who will help five underprivileged teens wrongly accused of crime. Teens are played by Miguel Tanfelix, Raheel Bhyria, Antonio Vinzon, Bruce Roeland and Kokoy de Santos.
After show’s press conference last December 20 held in GMA-7’s Studio 7 in Quezon City Ronnie said violence in action show cannot be avoided, conceded, but he set his foot down when it comes to young people inflicting violence on TV.
He would rather teach them Martial Arts, he said.
“Pwede kung sinuman ibang character, pero ‘yung mga bata, I don’t think so…baka makasira…so, kinausap ko sila…wala naman daw…pwede sila mag-Martial Arts…turuan natin sila mag-Martial Arts,” the action star stressed.
Apart from his role in the show, Ronnie is also co-directing its stunts and fight scenes. He is quite comfortable in this aspect, he said is his forte, since he is proficient martial artist himself.
Ronnie started training in martial arts at the age of five with his late brother, grand master Christopher “Topher” Ricketts.
He studied Karate, Kung Fu, Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts. He also did kickboxing, arnis and knife fighting. The actor is also one of the seniors and first generation members of the martial arts association Bakbakan International.
13 Enero,2025 Lunes
election campaign period, gun ban begins
Happy New Year!
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
400 foreigners fall in scam center raid
By J.Lo
“Their operations were found to be in violation of immigration laws and posed significant risks to public,” Fortunato Manahan, Bureau of Immigration intelligence division chief, said in statement describing latest raid, around 400 foreign nationals were arrested in “large-scale” raid on suspected online scam farm in Manila.
Authorities raided building and found workers allegedly engaged in online scam operations targeting victims abroad.
International concern has grown in recent years over similar scam operations in Asia are often staffed by trafficking victims who were tricked or coerced into promoting bogus cryptocurrency investments and other cons.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in July announced ban by the end of 2024 on Philippine online gaming operators (POGO) Manila says have been used as cover by organized crime groups for human trafficking, money laundering, online fraud, kidnappings and even murder.
Bureau of Immigration had been monitoring “POGO-like activities” of raided company “for some time”, statement said.
Foreign nationals, many of whom were Chinese, were undergoing booking procedures, immigration bureau spokeswoman Dana Sandoval said.
They will be temporarily detained while awaiting deportation, the bureau said.
Washington-based think-tank United States Institute of Peace said in May 2024 report that online scammers target millions of victims around the world and rake in annual revenues of $64 billion.
It estimates industry employs half a million workers, including 15,000 in the Philippines, recruited mainly via social media and were then forced to carry out scams, facing torture if they fail to meet quotas.
13 Enero,2025 Lunes
election campaign period, gun ban begins
Happy New Year!
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
2025 Japanese Film Festival in Manila screened ‘Godzilla Minus One,’ ‘Haikyu,’ ‘Monster’
By Cynthia Montojo
“Monster” and “Perfect Days” each picked up awards at 2023 Cannes Film Festival.
Japan Foundation, Manila has released list of movies, including 2023 hit epic kaiju film “Godzilla Minus One” and Philippine-set “Dito,” for 2025 edition of Japanese Film Festival.
Line -up features variety of films, ranging from critically acclaimed to popular titles.
Leading the list is 37th “Godzilla” movie in popular cinematic franchise. Released in October 2023, “Godzilla Minus One” won Best Visual Effects at last year’s 96th Academy Awards.
Fans of popular manga and anime title “Haikyu!!” will be able to catch anime’s direct sequel with “Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle.”
“Monster” is Cannes’ winning director Hirokazu Kore-eda’s psychological drama mystery thriller about mother who investigates her son’s strange behavior… won Queer Palm and Best Screenplay at 2023 Cannes Film Festival.
“Perfect Days” is another drama by German Wim Wenders that picked up at the Prize of Ecumenical Jury and Best Actor for Koji Yakusho… first Japanese movie directed by non-Japanese filmmaker to be nominated as Japanese entry at last year’s 96th Academy Awards.
Filipino boxing icon Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao makes special appearance in “Dito,” set in Manila, Philippines.
“Dito” is directorial debut of Japanese actor Yuki Takashi, plays main role of Japanes boxer who relocates to Philippines after leaving his wife and child in Japan… years later, his grown-up daughter finds in living in Manila’s slums as boxer.
Apart from Pacquiao, Filipino actors Lou Veloso, Buboy Villar and Mon Confiado are part of the cast.
13 Enero,2025 Lunes
election campaign period, gun ban begins
Happy New Year!
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
No food security emergency
By J.Lo
“Our basis for declaration of food security emergency, based on section six of amendments of Rice Tariffication Law (RTL); there are two possible reasons why you may invoke declaration of food security emergency…first, there is shortage in rice supply and second, there is extraordinary increase in prices,” Agriculture Assistant Secretary and spokesman Arnel de Mesa said declaration of food security emergency is no longer option for government, since there is no rice shortage and no extraordinary spike in retail prices that would warrant its implementation.
De Mesa said DA can invoke Section Six of Republic Act 12078 or Agricultural Tariffication Act only if two conditions are met.
Newly signed law amends RA 11203 also known as RTL.
“There was drop in retail price of rice as evident by latest release of Philippine Statistics Authority ,PSA on inflation..rice was no longer big factor in inflation, unlike in previous month where staple was major factor,” De Mesa said.
He stressed retail price of rice is expected to further go down as its cost in international market is also on downtrend.
“We also expect that local production will recover this year, barring any major calamity issue, but looking at all possibilities, we could have good harvest for the year,” De Mesa also said.
He said in 2024, country’s total palay output reached 19.3 million metric tons while imported rice reached almost 4.7 MMT.
“We have enough rice supply until next harvest…so, we don’t have supply shortage in terms of rice…two possible scenarios will not be present in declaration of food security emergency,” De Mesa said.
He said various efforts are being made to bring down retail price of rice.
“Declaration of food security emergency is not part of agenda during our discussions with various stakeholders,” De Mesa said.
Meanwhile, he said DA is currently reviewing possible lifting of Executive Order 62, lowered tariff on imported rice to 15 percent.
“On possible return of original tariff on imported rice, we are looking into this… possibility that once price in international market continues to go down, DA can recommend to return tariff on imported rice to certain level, not necessarily 35 percent tariff,” De Mesa added.
De Mesa said under amended RTL law, at least P30 billion from tariff revenues will be tapped to provide assistance to local farmers.
“This will still depend on tariff collections… important that we will be able to collect taxes to meet P30 billion tariff collections,” he added.
Farmers’ groups who have been opposing implementation of EO 62, said government already lost at least P13 billion in revenues because of 15 percent tariff on imported grains.
“Review is ongoing…in fact, it was Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr who recommended periodic review, every four months, on implementation of EO 62,” De Mesa said.
He said review was done in November 2024, and next review is scheduled for March 2025.
On the other hand, De Mesa said maximum suggested retail price (SRP) of P58 per kilo effective on Jan. 20 only covers five percent broken imported rice.
“We only started maximum SRP on five percent broken imported rice…will also issue maximum SRP on 25 percent broken,” he said.
Tiu Laurel has announced implementation of maximum SRP on rice after EO 62 failed to bring down cost of rice despite flooding of imported grains.
“Our efforts to remove branding and implement maximum SRP on imported rice are aimed to tame abuses in all levels of value chain,” De Mesa said.
13 Enero,2025 Lunes
election campaign period, gun ban begins
Happy New Year!
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
Sara impeach raps looms
By Nidz Godino
“Survey results confirm that our democratic institutions must remain responsive to people’s will…this is not just about numbers anymore; it is about restoring faith in governance,” Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales represents Pampanga’s third district, said Senators and members of House of Representatives comprising country’s bicameral Congress will resume session today after nearly a month-long Christmas break, with possibility of House taking up impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio.
House secretary-general Reggie Velasco hinted earlier that House may take up impeachment complaint filed against the Vice President, should there be no more fourth complaint to be filed at Batasang Pambansa complex in Quezon City.
Meanwhile, Iglesia ni Cristo is set to hold rally today in support of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call last year not to proceed with impeachment of his former running mate, with activities concentrated in cities of Manila and Pasay where classes and work have been suspended.
Gonzales and Deputy Speaker David Suarez earlier said recent Social Weather Stations survey revealing more Filipinos support Duterte impeachment than those who oppose it highlights growing clamor for accountability and transparency in governance.
“Sends clear message: ..Filipinos demand leaders who are accountable and transparent in their actions,” Suarez, represents Quezon province’s second district, said.
Survey conducted among 2,160 respondents nationwide from Dec. 12 to 18 last year, revealed 41 percent of Filipinos support impeachment of the Vice President, while 35 percent are opposed and 19 percent remain undecided.
House Deputy Majority Leader Jude Acidre, represents Tingog party-list, claimed so-called Duterte myth is over, as “Filipinos are saying enough” based on surveys conducted by very reputable pollsters.
“With recent survey results showing 41 percent of Filipinos agreeing with impeachment of VP Duterte and 61 percent supporting quad comm hearings, one thing is crystal clear: so-called Duterte myth has been shattered, add to that consistent drop in VP Duterte’s trust ratings, and it’s obvious that people are fed up…they’re tired of the same old Duterte-style politics culture of impunity, bullying tactics and decisions prioritize power over public service,” Acidre said.
Unlike Senate, lower legislative chamber has only one measure that needs to be passed under priority list of Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC), including those bills the President wants passed at soonest time possible.
The 19th Congress (July 2022 to June 2025) under leadership of Speaker Martin Romualdez has so far produced 166 laws since Marcos took over reins of government in 2022.
“Numbers speak volumes about commitment of this Congress to making difference,” Young Guns, group of neophyte or first-term lawmakers, administration lawmakers and who defend institution against baseless attacks from critics, said in statement.
“From filing of 13,454 measures to enactment of 166 republic acts, this is testament to hard work, dedication and unwavering focus of all 307 House members on addressing needs of Filipino people,” they stressed.
By having produced 166 laws, this means lower chamber, where all but one of the priority measures under LEDAC have been passed, has been passing average of five bills per month for the last 29 months.
ISKUP! 