TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

Isaiah 9:6

⁶ For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

24 Disyembre,2024 Martes

7 days to 2025, Merry Christmas

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

No to SOGIE bill

PM for any hospital discharge problem

ABS 2025

PhilHealth to minimize  premiums, expand coverage, benefits

By J.Lo

“We are fully supporting that reduction…and that is  very huge reduction… I actually made  commitment to sit down with my team in PhilHealth to recommend for  decrease in  premium contributions,” House Assistant Majority Leader Jil Bongalon told  House pane although deprived of subsidy under 2025 approved budget program,  state-run Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) has assured lawmakers that it would still be able to reduce premium contribution and expand its coverage next year for overall better health care benefits for members.

PhilHealth president and chief executive officer Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. relayed assurance to  Bongalon of party-list Ako Bicol at last week’s hearing by  House committee on good government and public accountability on  national health insurance system.

Ledesma said  intention of PhilHealth leadership to recommend  decrease in contributions, pursuant to  pending Senate measure aiming to reduce  rate from five percent to 3.25 percent.

Ledesma explained nevertheless that premium rates are set by law and that PhilHealth does not unilaterally decide on adjustments.

“All of these are already set…and then just for  information of this honorable body, it’s currently at five percent this year… latest increase,” he said.

At the same time, Ledesma assured lawmakers  PhilHealth remains committed to increasing program benefits. “Our commitment is to increase  program benefits,  hopefully will take effect by next month ,January 2025..”

PhilHealth’s surplus funds,  stand at P150 billion, and reserve funds exceeding P200 billion, remain  key concern for House, led by Speaker Martin Romualdez,  vowed to initiate marathon hearings next year on PhilHealth’s fund management.

The PhilHealth chief  would also be expanding members’ hospitalization coverage by 50 percent, in response to lawmakers’ concerns that  state health insurer must better utilize its substantial reserve funds for  direct benefit of members.

House panel, led by Manila Rep. Joel Chua, stressed  importance of balancing financial sustainability with tangible benefits for PhilHealth members.

Ledesma’s commitment to both reducing contribution rates and expanding health care benefits was welcomed by lawmakers,  vowed to monitor PhilHealth’s progress.

There will be more hearings on PhilHealth issue when Congress resumes session on Jan. 13 next year.

Bongalon stressed that PhilHealth’s mandate includes decreasing contribution rates once reserve funds exceed  ceiling needed to meet expenditures. “That is your mandate…so, can you commit that you will not be focused on benefit expansion alone…can you decrease contribution?”

The Bicolano legislator,  lawyer by profession, also questioned PhilHealth’s allocation of government subsidies, noting that funds intended for indirect contributors appear to have been diverted to investments.

“Same with 2024 General Appropriation Act… budget of PhilHealth was P60 billion, P40 billion  for indirect contributors…so, that is the reason why we could not understand why all of these funds go to investments,” Bongalon said.

24 Disyembre,2024 Martes

7 days to 2025, Merry Christmas

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

No to SOGIE bill

PM for any hospital discharge problem

ABS 2025

Headlines

Business sector hit “booklets for meds no longer required for seniors

By Nidz Godino

“I am also  senior citizen… I know it is hard to always bring  purchase booklet with you. ..seniors need  discount on their medicines, and we must make it easy for them to get that,” Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said.senior citizens are no longer required to present  purchase booklet to avail themselves of 20-percent discount when buying medicine..

Through Department of Health (DOH) Administrative Order No. 2024-0017, Herbosa allowed  removal of such  requirement provided for under  Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.

Herbosa called his directive “gift of convenience and more affordable medicines to all of our senior citizens … on behalf of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.”

Under  AO, senior citizens no longer need to present  purchase booklet to drugstore, along with valid identification and  doctor’s prescription, in order to get  20 percent discount.

Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes, chairman of  committee on senior citizens in the House of Representatives, lauded Herbosa’s initiative.

“Thank you very much for  action, DOH, on behalf of all senior citizens nationwide,” said Ordanes,  member of  House’s committee on health.

“We also hope that this policy included our persons with disability, who also have discount booklets themselves…they also buy medicines and medical devices…unnecessary  booklet is…finally, DOH is enlightened on this, it is very good of them that they heeded House Resolution 2031, approved as Resolution 253, and listened to our joint hearings of  House committees on senior citizens, ways and means and PWDs,” he said.

House Deputy Majority Leader Erwin Tulfo had pushed for  removal of  booklet system for senior citizens, saying  requirement is “useless” and  “insult” to the elderly.

But some business groups, such as  Philippine Consumer Centric Traders Association, said booklet system is needed as  way to monitor purchases.

Meanwhile,  Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expressed concern over  proliferation of fake identification cards for persons with disabilities (PWDs).

In  statement,  CHR said  proliferation of fake PWD IDs is  serious violation of Republic Act 10754, which amended  Magna Carta for Disabled Persons that provided PWDs with 20 percent discount and exemption from value-added tax on certain goods and services.

“Fraudulent practices of this nature undermine  integrity of these privileges and trivialize  legitimate struggles and daily challenges faced by persons with disabilities…these benefits are essential to improving their quality of life and fostering inclusivity in society,” the commission said.

CHR also welcomed efforts of government agencies to address the issue, including possibly requiring  unified ID system by  Department of Social Welfare and Development.

“This system is intended to enhance transparency and accountability through real-time ID verification, ensuring that benefits reach only those who genuinely qualify,” it said.

Bureau of Internal Revenue also announced  nationwide crackdown on  sale and use of fake PWD IDs as  measure to prevent revenue losses due to fraudulent tax evasion schemes.

“We commend and support these initiatives…they are crucial in safeguarding  benefits and privileges accorded to persons with disabilities while ensuring that resources are allocated to those who genuinely need them, we call on all sectors of society, including businesses, organizations and the general public, to actively combat fraudulent activities…report any instances of fake identification cards for persons with disabilities or related schemes to  National Council on Disability Affairs at council@ncda.gov.ph,  Persons with Disability Affairs Office or appropriate law enforcement agencies” the CHR said.

23 Disyembre,2024 Lunes

8 days to 2025, Merry Christmas

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

No to SOGIE bill

PM for any hospital discharge problem

ABS 2025

‘Time to help others-gift of self better than material gifts’

By J.Lo

“But what is saddening is that we become too consumeristic, that sometimes we think of Christmas as something consumeristic, such as gift giving…but you could always give more to people…actually, nowadays, there are  lot of material things that you could give to other people, but how many of them are being used, or maybe they are handed over to someone else, or just kept inside  cabinet,” Roman Catholic Church Archdiocese of Manila Office of Communications director Fr. Roy Bellen said more than material things, there may be times when  gift of self to loved ones this Christmas season is better.

For Catholics, Christmas is  spiritual experience, according Bellen.

 “There is more to life, more to Christmas than just giving material things, and that is of course your presence,” he stressed.

Prelate  explained  offering  gift of self is  act of giving one’s time, attention and care to another person,the kind of gift that could be given by those who might be short of cash.

“There may be people who desire for material things, believing that this would be  solution to their problems…but the Lord will tell you that that is not the answer to your loneliness..for your loneliness, I will give you friends, I will give you family…spend time with your family, God has  different way of answering  needs in our lives… your presence is  gift,” Bellen said.

The archdiocese official reminded people that  Christmas season is also  opportunity for families to hold reunions, to catch up and reconnect.

23 Disyembre,2024 Lunes

8 days to 2025, Merry Christmas

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

No to SOGIE bill

PM for any hospital discharge problem

ABS 2025

Headlines

1 yr suspension of PhilHealth contribution

By Nidz Godino

“Next year,  House will conduct  thorough and impartial investigation on how PhilHealth’s funds are being managed…  investigation is not about blame; it is about finding solutions,” Speaker Martin Romualdez said in his closing remarks before Congress went on holiday break House of Representatives will conduct  investigation on how  state-run Philippine Health Insurance Corp. has been managing its funds after billions of pesos in supposedly “excess” PhilHealth funds were discovered.

Romualdez assured public that  probe “will ensure that every peso in PhilHealth’s coffers works for  benefit of its members , hardworking Filipino people who contribute month after month.”

He hinted that once  “underutilization” of PhilHealth funds is established, or are “in excess of what is needed for current operations,” they will move for  one-year suspension of members’ contributions, reduction of premium contributions and expansion of benefits until “zero billing” is reached.

Last week, members of the House committee on good government and public accountability said that on top of  P60 billion in “excess” funds that were impounded and sent to  national treasury, PhilHealth has billions of pesos in its coffers before  year 2024 ends.

PhilHealth president and CEO Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. told lawmakers, led by panel chairman Manila 3rd Rep. Joel Chua, that they still have P150 billion in surplus, P281 billion in reserves and  investment portfolio nearing P489 billion as of October.

PhilHealth’s chief financial officer Renato Limsiaco admitted to Chua that surplus funds, after covering benefit payments, are directed into investments.

“Once we’re done and OK, once we already paid  benefits, then the excess money will be used for investments,” he explained.

House leaders have criticized PhilHealth for prioritizing investments over health care services of  more than 110 million Filipinos and called for immediate premium reductions and reforms to benefit its millions of members.

Criticisms  emerged in last week’s hearing in  Chua committee, where lawmakers scrutinized PhilHealth’s ballooning funds, prompting Congress to propose  zero subsidy for the agency under  P6.35-trillion national budget for 2025.

For his part, Ledesma cited PhilHealth’s financial stability and announced plans for  50-percent increase in coverage for most case rate packages.

Representatives lamented that despite  impressive figures showing PhilHealth’s financial stability,  health insurer’s growing reserves and investments have not translated into significant relief for Filipino families burdened with rising health care costs.

“This simply means that  subsidy  government gives for purpose of improving health care have been diverted and used for investment purposes and not for health care, it seems that you’re more focused on investment aspect to  detriment of health care which is now being sacrificed…focus on health care benefits instead of investments…our investments here should be  lives of our people,” Chua said.

TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

Luke 2:11-14

¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

¹³ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

22 Disyembre,2024 Linggo

9 days to 2025, Merry Christmas

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

No to SOGIE bill

PM for any hospital discharge problem

ABS 2025

Cash  gifts from FMJ, Go Negosyo for OFW

By Nidz Godino

“We are grateful for  support of  government and  private sector in our efforts to help our OFWs become successful entrepreneurs,” Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion said over 400 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families have more reasons to celebrate OFW Month and  holiday season as they share  P2 million in cash given by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos during Go Negosyo’s Balik-Bayan 2024 event.

Cash  prize brought to P3 million  total given away to OFWs and their families who attended  event, adding to  cash prizes given by Go Negosyo and its sponsors.

Concepcion thanked the President and the First Lady for their generous donation, and invited  recipients to put their prizes to good use as entrepreneurs.

The 400 were among  thousands who attended  Balik-Bayan 2024 last Dec. 7; they were able to fulfill  documentary requirements needed to qualify for  cash prize. Most of those who came to collect their prize said they intend to use the money as additional capital for their small businesses.

Cash  gift was announced during  event by Concepcion, together with the First Lady, who conveyed President Marcos Jr.’s awarding of P2 million on top of  cash and prizes given out that day.

RFM Corporation also added P1 million in products, while additional cash prizes were awarded by Go Negosyo to early-bird attendees, some of whom were lined up as early as the day before  event.

Organized by Go Negosyo, Balik-Bayan 2024 featured informative discussions with industry leaders, inspirational and learning sessions featuring successful entrepreneurs and free onsite mentorship sessions where OFWs and their families can consult with Go Negosyo mentors about their current or planned businesses.

During  event, Concepcion invited  attendees to learn from  sessions and seek guidance from mentors.

“We don’t want you to spend your savings without proper mentorship,” he said.

“We are here to help you,” he added as he thanked  OFW families for their sacrifice and support for family members who work overseas.

“Balik-Bayan 2024 is  platform to provide business opportunities and foster investment matches for OFWs, encouraging them toward entrepreneurship and ensuring that their hard work and resources are put to productive and profitable use,” said Concepcion.

He explained that OFWs are ideally suited for entrepreneurship because they already have capital to invest and will need  mentorship and access to markets to succeed as entrepreneurs.  Success  will also mean more jobs for other Filipinos as MSMEs are credited for generating more than half of  employment in the Philippines.

Joining Concepcion and the First Lady during  event were Department of Trade and Industry Sec. Cris Roque, Department of Migrant Workers Sec. Hans Leo Cacdac, Commission on Filipinos Overseas Chairman Dante “Klink” Ang and Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano.

With  theme “Kabuhayan Para sa Kinabukasan,” Balik-Bayan 2024 became  platform for creating opportunities for collaboration between  government and  private sector as they aim to uplift not only OFWs and their families but also help  Philippine economy.

Event  featured several forums and discussions on topics that will help OFWs start or improve their small businesses. These include mentoring children in business, preparing for retirement, creating purpose-driven work, financial literacy, platforms for possible OFW businesses including franchising, agripreneurship and storytelling and content creation as a tool in entrepreneurship.

Event  also saw  awarding of  2024 Inspiring Balik-Bayan Awards to OFWs who successfully founded businesses here in the Philippines. Inspiring Balik-Bayan Awards is annual award organized by Go Negosyo to recognize success stories of OFWs-turned-entrepreneurs, celebrate their achievements and foster entrepreneurial aspirations among current OFWs.

22 Disyembre,2024 Linggo

09 days to 2025, Merry Christmas

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

No to SOGIE bill

PM for any hospital discharge problem

ABS 2025

Headlines

Comelec junked nuisance petition vs. Quiboloy

By J.Lo

“Petition deserves scant consideration for being unmeritorious and should be dismissed,” Commission on Elections (Comelec) has ruled in favor of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy after  poll body dismissed  petition by  political party asking that  religious leader be declared  nuisance candidate and his certificate of candidacy (COC) for  May 2025 elections be canceled.

Comelec First Division junked  petition filed by  Workers and Peasants Party (WPP) president Jose Sonny Matula.

According to  First Division, petition is being dismissed as it is not in accordance with  rules of Comelec , wherein petition to declare one as  nuisance bet cannot be combined with other prayers.

“Given  above-mentioned circumstance,  instant petition suffers from  procedural defect that warrants its outright dismissal,”  ruling noted.

First Division noted  petitioner failed to prove  respondent was  nuisance candidate.

Comelec also said  claim  Quiboloy’s candidacy is  “mere strategy” for him to evade criminal prosecution or to deflect  attention from  criminal cases filed against him is not enough grounds to declare him as  nuisance bet.

“There is nothing in our prevailing laws or jurisprudence that bars  aspiring candidatefrom waging  electoral campaign during  pendency of  civil or criminal case, this Commission cannot declare  respondent as  nuisance candidate based merely on speculations and  unsubstantiated allegations of  petitioner,”  First Division noted.

It also pointed out that  use of  unauthorized Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance (CONA) is not enough to cancel his COC due to alleged material misrepresentation.

“Clearly, membership or nomination by  political party is not among  qualifications for  position of senator…thus,  submission of  CONA signed by  unauthorized individual is not equivalent to  material misrepresentation that will affect  respondent’s eligibility,” Comelec said.

In response to  Comelec’s decision, WPP said  poll body’s decision on Quiboloy’s candidacy doesn’t worry them.

While clarifying that they have not yet received official copy of  Comelec’s resolution,  WPP said  “even before  promulgation of  decision, we had already achieved our first and primary objective since Mr. Quiboloy voluntarily disassociated himself from  WPP, shortly after realizing that  WPP is no push over.”

“On this matter, we can confidently say we have already secured  significant victory,”  party added.

Last October, Quiboloy filed his COC to run for senator in the May 2025 polls through his representative Mark Tolentino.

KOJC leader’s COC included  attachment of his CONA from  WPP with Tolentino as  signatory.

Matula questioned  legitimacy of Quiboloy’s CONA,  led to WPP filing  petition before  Comelec against  religious leader, saying his certificate was submitted by unauthorized persons and without  party’s consent.

20 Disyembre,2024 Biyernes

11 days to 2025, Merry Christmas

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

No to SOGIE bill

PM for any hospital discharge problem

ABS 2025

Vic Sotto a fan over ‘The Kingdom’ co-star Piolo Pascual

By Cynthia Montojo

“I heard about this guy before na magaling daw na artista ganyan, ganyan…napatunayan ko na he is seriously  good actor,” veteran actor Vic Sotto admitted  he became  fan of Piolo Pascual while doing their 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry “The Kingdom.”

During  press conference of their film, Vic complimented  matinee idol with whom he will co-star for  first time in  MMFF entry. 

 
“As a matter of fact, in one of the sequences together, medyo pinapanood ko siya, nag-fanboy mode ako…totoo ‘yon,” he added.  

Vic also said  Piolo is not just  good actor but  good person. 

“Pinapanood ko lang siya, sabi ko ‘ang galing…ang haba ng dialog pero ‘di siya nagkakamali…ako, kapraso lang buma-buckle pa e,..not just  good actor, he is  good person, in and out, ” he said. 

Directed by Mike Tuviera and produced by MQuest Ventures Inc., M-ZET TV Productions, and APT Entertainment Inc., film tells  intense family drama set against  backdrop of  fictional Kingdom of Kalayaan, realm filled with tradition, secrets, and a fierce struggle for the throne.  

At the heart of the story is Lakan Makisig, portrayed by Vic,  ruler wrestling with his own legacy while his kingdom faces upheaval. As tensions rise within  royal family, Vic’s portrayal of  aging monarch reveals  man caught between tradition and  hope for  better future.

Joining him is Piolo Pascual as Sulo,  outcast farmer  shunned by society but becomes  unlikely hero in kingdom’s quest for change.

Film’s powerful ensemble includes Cristine Reyes and Sue Ramirez as  strong-willed princesses Dayang Matimyas and Dayang Lualhati, respectively, alongside Sid Lucero as their brother Magat Bagwis, whose struggle with expectations ignites tensions within  family.

Ruby Ruiz takes on the role of  Babaylan, kingdom’s spiritual priestess, while Cedrick Juan plays  young Lakan in flashbacks that unveil  history of  royal family. Zion Cruz stars as Lakan Makisig’s grandson, bringing another layer of complexity to  family saga.

Other notable cast members include Iza Calzado, Art Acuña, Giovanni Baldisseri, and Nico Antonio.

20 Disyembre,2024 Biyernes

11 days to 2025, Merry Christmas

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

No to SOGIE bill

PM for any hospital discharge problem

ABS 2025

Coco Martin recalls riding, cleaning FX before showbiz fame

By Cynthia Montojo

“Nu’ng ‘90s, hindi ko makakalimutan kasi batang Tamaraw ako e. Kasi ‘yung FX nun, ‘yan ‘yung everyday na kasa-kasama mo sa buhay, either driver ka, nagta-trabaho ka sa opisina, sa restaurant, lahat ‘yan, sinasakyan natin,”  actor Coco Martin said to  press right after his reveal as endorser for Toyota Tamaraw Next Generation last December 8 in Glorietta, Makati. 

It is no secret that Coco Martin came from humble beginnings before he struck gold as ABS-CBN’s most prized primetime TV star. 

“FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” star fondly recalled riding  popular public utility vehicle (PUV), FX,  used to ply Metro Manila routes. 

Tamaraw FX is  wagon-type vehicle sold by Toyota from 1992 to 2002. It is most often configured as  air-conditioned public utility vehicle (PUV)  seats ideally eight passengers.

Coco recalled that like many passengers during  1990s and early 2000s, he had his fond FX memories. 

Toyota unveiled  Next Generation Tamaraw,  features  same DNA as  ‘90s Tamaraw.  New  generation features different body styles that can be configured for different passenger and cargo requirements, as seen in TV commericial starring the actor.  Configurations  include food truck, ambulance and camper van. These are manufactured locally at  Toyota Motor Philippines plant in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna. 

Apart from riding it as  commuter, Coco also used to clean his uncle’s FX, who used to drive one in 1990s. 

“Sumasakay lang ako ng FX, tapos naaalala ko, ‘yung tito ko driver ng FX. Kapag pinapalinis sa akin ‘yun, binibigyan ako ng bente (P20),” the actor recalled. 

Coco has gone  long way from doing various jobs, including as  waitstaff and barista, even as  overseas Filipino worker working as  janitor and housekeeper in Canada. 

These days, he is his own boss. Apart from starring in hit nightly action-drama, he also directs it. The actor also recently launched his own dishwashing liquid brand. 

Coco admitted  apart from being in  limelight, he is also thinking about his long-term plans,  include putting up businesses. 

His latest endorsement for  Next Generation Tamaraw aligns with his future plans. 

“Nu’ng nagsisimula ako noon, napakarami kong pinagdaanan, lahat ng mga rejection, endo-endo ,end contract… trabaho sa mga restawran…lahat pala ‘yun, may dahilan…ngayon nakikita mo ‘yung success, ‘yun pala ‘yung mga panahong tini-train niya ako… ‘yun pala ‘yung paghuhulma sa akin…sabi ko nga dati, sumasakay lang ako ng FX… tapos ngayon, umikot siya bilang pamilya ng Tamaraw ngayon,” Coco noted.