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.
Happy 21st anniversary, Servants of God in Jesus Christ Christian Ministries Incorporated, Rev. Nestor Sadim, Rev. Manuel Soliman, Director Jorge Lopez
“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.
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.
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.
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
Moral obligation’: 3rd impeachment complaint filed vs VP Sara
By Nidz Godino
“This decision is not made lightly but with deep sense of responsibility to ensure accountability at highest levels of government,” Rep. Gabriel Bordado (Camarines Sur, 3rd District) said in statement, day after Congress suspended its regular session, third impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio was filed on Thursday, December 19.
Complaint was lodged by 12 complainants, including Catholic priests, lawyers and members of anti-corruption groups.
It was endorsed by two lawmakers, namely Bordado and Rep. Lex Colada (AAMBIS-OWA Party). Bordado is House assistant minority leader, while Colada is House deputy minority leader.
Similar to the two previously filed complaints, their grounds for impeaching Duterte included betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of Constitution.
They referred to House good government committee’s findings on alleged mishandling of public funds under Duterte’s leadership of Office of the Vice President (OVP) and Department of Education (DepEd).
Committee has been investigating OVP’s P500 million confidential fund expenditures in 2022 and 2023, as well as DepEd’s P112.5 million secret funds spent during the same period.
After wrapping up this year’s eight hearings, good government panel is convinced that irregularities they discovered in thousands of acknowledgment receipts points to misuse of funds.
Some lawmakers were also skeptical of named recipients and beneficiaries, especially after Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) verified that most had no birth records.
Reverend Father Joseito Sarabia, one of the complainants, told reporters that they believe Duterte had “committed something illegal and something immoral against Filipino people.”
“For us, thou shall not kill, thou shall not steal, thou shall not bear false witness,” he added.
Meanwhile, complainants’ legal counsel Amando Ligutan said in third impeachment complaint is different from ones endorsed by Makabayan and Akbayan lawmakers.
According to him, complainants believe removing Duterte from office is “no longer just legal and constitutional” duty of House of Representatives and Senate.
“It has now become their moral obligation to do so…not only legal, constitutional, it’s now their moral duty to do so,” Ligutan said.
Bordado clarified that impeachment complaint is not “partisan attack but constitutional mechanism to address significant breaches of public trust.”
“Her inflammatory statements and apparent disregard for transparency and due process constitute grounds for impeachment,” Bordado added.
First impeachment complaint was filed on December 2 by 16 individuals from sectoral groups and families of extrajudicial killings, citing four grounds for impeachment. This was endorsed by Rep. Perci Cedaña (Akbayan Party).
Two days later, December 4, second impeachment complaint was put forward by over 70 people from civil society groups representing the marginalized such as labor, peasant, environmental and even student organizations.
They only cited betrayal of public trust as one and overall ground, serving as umbrella for alleged abuse, misuse and wastage of funds.
It was endorsed by Rep. France Castro (ACT Teachers Party), Rep. Arlene Brosas (Gabriela Women’s Party) and Rep. Raoul Manuel (Kabataan Party).
House of Representatives has 10 session days at most from its recipient of impeachment complaint to include it in the plenary’s order of business.
They have three session days to refer it to Committee on Justice for them to deliberate on complaint’s soundness. Sessions are usually held from Monday to Wednesday.
Congress will resume its session on Jan. 13, 2025.
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
8K ‘downgraded’ POGO workers still in Philippines
By J.Lo
“Ang importante po diyan ay they are accounted for, most voluntarily departed, substantial number,” Immigration Commissioner Joel Viado said significant number of foreign workers employed by Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), whose visas were downgraded, are still staying in the country.
In press conference Viado said estimated 8,000 foreign nationals whose visas were downgraded have not yet exited the country.
Meanwhile, fewer than thousand foreign POGO workers remain unaccounted for, according to Viado.
Viado noted there are around 33,000 foreign workers of POGOs registered with Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
Of these, Viado stated 23,000 to 24,000 had voluntarily departed.
Automatic revocation of still-existing POGO licenses started on December 15.
In November, Marcos issued Executive Order No. 74, extending ban on POGOs and internet gaming licenses to include illegal offshore gaming activities, new applications, renewals and cessation of operations.
Marcos initially declared ban on POGOs during his third State of the Nation Address last July due to alleged unlawful activities that were subjects of congressional inquiries.
In response, government agencies like PAOCC, Department of Justice and Bureau of Immigration began implementing measures to downgrade visas of foreign POGO workers, starting October 15.
Happy 21st anniversary, Servants of God in Jesus Christ Christian Ministries Incorporated, Rev. Nestor Sadim, Rev. Manuel Soliman, Director Jorge Lopez
“I am so happy that I have come home to our country,I wish the President could give me clemency,” Mary Jane Veloso said from behind gate of Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) after 14 years on death row in Indonesia and being nearly executed by firing squad for drug trafficking, home to Philippines and was welcomed by embrace of her family.Veloso, 39, arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Cebu Pacific flight 5J 760 at 6:24 in the morning accompanied by ranking government officials, and with personnel from Bureau of Immigration and National Bureau of Investigation securing her.
Veloso’s children and other relatives who traveled from Nueva Ecija were unable to get close to her when she arrived, as she was immediately escorted to Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) vehicle and taken to CIW in Mandaluyong City, where she was briefly reunited with her family.
At CIW, she appealed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.to grant her clemency.
As Veloso, her parents, sons and siblings shared tight embraces, tears of joy streamed down their faces, were lit up with big smiles.
Supporters also gathered at CIW, pleading for clemency and freedom for Veloso. They carried flowers and Christmas lanterns and presents labeled “clemency.”
Veloso’s eldest son, Mark Danielle Candelaria, said they are happy that she is in the Philippines and also asked the President for clemency so that they can celebrate Christmas and New Year as “whole.”
Veloso was convicted of drug trafficking and sentenced to death after she was caught in airport carrying 2.6 kilograms of heroin in her luggage.
In 2015, she narrowly escaped death by firing squad when Indonesian President Joko Widodo granted last-minute reprieve, allowing Philippine authorities to prosecute alleged traffickers who duped her into smuggling drugs.
She has always maintained her innocence, saying she was duped into carrying suitcase that had secret stash of heroin.
Executive clemency “refers to reprieve, absolute pardon, conditional pardon with or without parole conditions and commutation of sentence granted by the President.”
As she was transferred to Philippines, Veloso’s sentence was commuted to life imprisonment, since there is no death penalty in the Philippines.
According to BuCor, Veloso will be held in the Reception and Diagnostic Center for 60 days , five-day quarantine followed by 55-day orientation, diagnostic evaluation and initial security classification.
Five-day quarantine is expected to end on Dec. 24, allowing Veloso’s immediate family to visit her for Christmas.
According to Department of Justice (DOJ), Veloso’s family can visit her “as often as they want for as long as they follow protocols of BuCor.”
Since Indonesia did not impose any condition on repatriation of Veloso, Philippines no longer needs permission from Indonesian government should executive clemency be granted to her.
However, DOJ noted that granting of clemency lies with the President and that Veloso is among many other PDLs seeking clemency, especially those who are elderly and sickly.
“It doesn’t mean that because she is in limelight now we will forget other Filipinos with equally sad situations who are imprisoned here in the country, we have to count our blessings…number one, we were able to reduce death sentence to life…second, we were able to bring her back with us…third, bringing her back to us means she will be subjected to all the rights and privileges of person deprived of liberty (PDL),” DOJ Undersecretary Raul Vasquez said.
If not granted clemency, Veloso can still avail of credits under Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) Law for her early release, according to DOJ.
Since Indonesia did not place any conditions when it signed agreement with Philippines to transfer her to her home country, Veloso will be treated as ordinary PDL under Philippine laws and will receive same privileges granted by BuCor to other PDLs.
DOJ and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) earlier signed amended implementing rules and regulations of GCTA law, following Supreme Court decision that allowed grant of privilege to those convicted of heinous crimes, recidivists, escapees and habitual delinquents.
With Veloso’s return, state prosecutors can continue with proceedings on human trafficking, illegal recruitment and estafa cases filed in court against her alleged recruiters, Cristina Sergio and Julius Lacanlinao, who were sentenced to life imprisonment in 2020.
DOJ earlier assured Veloso she will be kept separate from Sergio and Lacanlinao. It added that Veloso is “very crucial witness” on charges against convicted illegal recruiters.
However, Veloso will no longer need to be put under witness protection program since she will already be in custody of country’s corrections system.
President Marcos on Wednesday thanked anew Indonesian government and all those who helped in facilitating the return of Veloso to Philippines, where she would serve remainder of her sentence.
“We take this opportunity to extend our gratitude to Indonesian government and to all who have extended assistance for the welfare of Ms. Mary Jane Veloso,” the President said in statement.
Marcos said Veloso’s homecoming was made possible by Philippines’ “strong friendship” and cooperation with Indonesian government.
Case of Veloso is testament of trust and friendship between Philippines and Indonesia, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo added.
For his part, Speaker Martin Romualdez said Mary Jane’s story is clear reminder of dangers OFWs face abroad, adding that their sacrifices sym,bolize their deep love for their families.
“Today, we open our hearts and arms as we welcome back Mary Jane Veloso to Philippines. ..after enduring harrowing 14 years in Indonesian prison, her return is a profound relief and source of immense joy, not only to her family but to all Filipinos who have followed her ordeal with heavy hearts, For Mary Jane, your return gives inspiration and hope to us all,for our OFWs in whatever part of the world, this day is reminder of our continued efforts to protect and support you…your sacrifices are recognized and valued by the whole country,” Romualdez said.
In Congress, lawmakers welcomed return of Veloso after her 14-year incarceration in Indonesian prison for drug trafficking.
House committee on overseas workers affairs chair and Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre said country celebrates long-awaited return to thountry of Mary Jane.
House foreign affairs committee member and Bukidnon 2nd District Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores said Filipino people “are not forgetful about matters involving ‘utang na loob’ and goodwill like the kind generated by release of Mary Jane Veloso.”
Bohol Rep. Alexie Besas Tutor said Veloso “can qualify for executive clemency in the form of commutation of sentence to time served,” adding that executive clemency processes will eventually happen.
“There are established local processes for executive clemency… requests for executive clemency can be conditional or absolute pardon or commutation of sentence for time served…there can also be other options. ..important to note that laws violated are those of Indonesia, not Philippine laws. ..presidential pardon powers cover Philippine laws only, this is why commutation of sentence for time served is most viable option… effect would be same:.. Mary Jane Veloso will inevitably gain her freedom. he also must testify against those people who caused her hardships,” Tutor explained further.
OFW party-list Rep. Marissa Magsino said Veloso’s return is symbol of “hope, love and unity,” while Akbayan party-list Rep. Perci Cendaña urged protections and better reintegration programs for OFWs.
Senate President Francis Escudero has called on Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to do inventory and accounting of Filipinos presently incarcerated abroad and possibly assist them following successful return of Veloso.
Escudero said government through DFA should provide all necessary legal assistance to Filipinos jailed overseas to secure their freedom.
“I hope that Mary Jane’s repatriation is only the first of many Filipinos similarly situated in various parts of the world, Veloso’s return proves PBBM ,President Marcos and his government truly care for Filipinos who are in foreign lands and away from their families,” he said, adding that this should serve as “wake-up call for all of us to focus on plight of similarly situated Filipinos,” Escudero said.
He said DFA, through its foreign missions, should work alongside Department of Migrant Workers whenever they are alerted about cases of Filipinos facing legal troubles overseas.
“They should find out nature of cases against them…what has been or can be done to help them regain their liberty . . . and assist them to make their detention more bearable,” Escudero said.
76 And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, 77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, 78 because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven
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
27 ecozones worth P9.2 B under Marcos admin
By Nidz Godino
“Reinstatement of ecozone program in medium-term development plan gives us enough confidence to also reach out to investors to invest in the Philippines,” Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) director general Tereso Panga said total of 27 economic zones with investments worth over P9 billion have been proclaimed under Marcos administration to boost economic growth.
Panga told reporters that proclaimed ecozones are worth P9.175 billion.
For this year alone, he said 16 ecozones with investments of P5.637 billion were proclaimed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Those proclaimed this year include four information technology parks Sevina Park Commercial in Laguna, ArcoVia City in Pasig City, Taft East Gate in Cebu and Tupi IT Park in South Cotabato as well as IT centers The Grid in Iloilo and Xentromall Antipolo City in Rizal.
Also proclaimed were manufacturing ecozones including the MetroCas Industrial Estates in Cavite, Victoria Industrial Park and TARI Estate both in Tarlac, NDC Industrial Estate in Cavite, as well as the expansion of the Gateway Business Park in Cavite and West Cebu Industrial Park in Cebu.
Last year, 11 ecozones with investments worth P3.538 billion were proclaimed by Marcos.
Philippine Development Plan for 2023 to 2028, serves as country’s overall development blueprint, recognizes important role of ecozones in maximizing investments and promoting development especially outside metropolitan areas.
He said nine out of top 10 richest cities or provinces in the country such as Baguio City, Cagayan de Oro City, Lapu-Lapu City, Iloilo City, Bataan, Cebu City, Laguna, Mandaue City and Davao City host ecozones.
“We see direct correlation, more ecozones hosted by LGU ,local government unit, the higher level of progress,” he said.
He said creation of more ecozones will allow country to attract more investments.
“It’s so low-hanging as growth strategy, and we’ve been saying if only we’re able to create more ecozones, this will provide more readily available areas for investors,” he said.
PEZA expects total approved investments this year to reach P215 billion, highest in seven years.
Last year, PEZA approved P175.71 billion worth of investments.
Happy 21st anniversary, Servants of God in Jesus Christ Christian Ministries Incorporated, Rev. Nestor Sadim, Rev. Manuel Soliman, Director Jorge Lopez
“We are celebrating already,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.told reporters Malacañang remained mum on calls to grant presidential pardon to Filipino death convict Mary Jane Veloso, saying only her return to the country was top priority.
Veloso arrives in Manila today, 14 years after being arrested and imprisoned in Indonesia for drug trafficking.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin declined to talk about possibility of the President granting pardon to the 39-year-old mother of two.
“Nothing to say yet on what may happen.. priority of PBBM ,President Bongbong Marcos) is to have Veloso repatriated without delay,” Bersamin told reporters in text message.
Speaking to reporters at Malacañang, Bersamin said premature to discuss granting of clemency.
“It’s premature, I have yet to see documents…so I cannot address that,” Bersamin said when asked if Indonesian government requested for period of time to serve her sentence before Marcos grants her clemency.
Asked whether the President would meet Veloso, Bersamin said, “We do not know…because she must first arrive here before we can make move.”
Veloso’s homecoming was made possible by adoption of Indonesian government of its new policy allowing transfer of custody over foreign prisoners to their countries of nationality.
On Dec. 6, Philippines and Indonesia signed agreement on transfer of Veloso back to Philippines, where she will serve remainder of her sentence.
Veloso was arrested in Yogyakarta in 2010 after authorities discovered over 2.6 kilograms of heroin in her suitcase. She was nearly executed by firing squad in 2015, but got reprieve after the late president Benigno Aquino III appealed to Indonesian government, arguing she could be vital witness in prosecuting drug syndicates.
Two of Veloso’s alleged illegal recruiters, Cristina Sergio and Julius Lacanlinao, were convicted for large-scale illegal recruitment in 2020 and were sentenced to life imprisonment.
Veloso may be detained in Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City upon her transfer to Philippines.
Department of Justice (DOJ) spokesman Mico Clavano earlier said Indonesia has agreed to relinquish both physical and legal custody of Veloso to Philippines.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, Indonesian government was open to possible eventual grant of clemency to Veloso in the Philippines.
In recent interview with media from prison, Veloso described her transfer to the Philippines from Indonesia “miracle.”
On Monday, OFW party-list Rep. Marissa Magsino filed resolution asking Marcos to grant presidential pardon to Veloso.
For its part, Department of Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said they are ready to give medical assistance to Veloso,
Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) announced Veloso, upon her return to Philippines, will undergo mandatory five-day quarantine at Correctional Institution for Women as part of standard protocol for newly committed prisoners.
Veloso will be housed at the Reception and Diagnostic Center for up to 60 days, starting with five-day quarantine for medical observation and examination.
This will be followed by 55-day orientation period, where she will undergo diagnostic evaluations, initial security classification and orientation on rules, programs and privileges inside corrections facility.
During quarantine, Veloso will be placed in standard quarantine cell, where she will receive medical and physical examinations to assess her overall health.
She will also be interviewed by CIW officials to complete her registration and provide list of authorized visitors.
“After five-day quarantine period which will fall on Dec. 24, Veloso’s immediate family can visit her in time for Christmas, providing rare moment of connection during this transitional period,” BuCor director general Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. confirmed.
Migrante International has called on the government to allow family of Veloso to welcome her when she returns from Indonesia today.
“After her grueling years in jail, it is but humane that she sees her mother, father and children when she arrives on Philippine soil,” Migrante International chair Joanna Concepcion said.
National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) remains hopeful President Marcos would not allow Veloso to stay longer in detention facility and instead grant her executive clemency.
NUPL, has been representing Veloso and her family, sees no hurdle for Marcos to grant pardon to Veloso.
“We are not seeing any moral, legal hurdle for absolute pardon..as soon as possible, we hope President Marcos makes announcement…we hope it comes before Christmas,” NUPL chairman Edre Olalia said.
Olalia pleaded with government to allow Veloso’s parents, Cesar and Celia, to welcome her at Ninoy Aquino International Airport instead of at Correctional Institute for Women as advised by DOJ.
“We will continue to appeal to their good hearts consistent with Filipino culture, tradition and sensitivity and in spirit of the season to allow family to meet her at the airport, even privately for short immediate reunion and quick hug at least,” he said.
Militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) also echoed Olalia’s call, saying people who Veloso should see upon her arrival at the airport are her parents.
Bayan president Renato Reyes said it is humane thing for government to do, apart from giving Veloso pardon. “Clemency must be given to her when she arrives…government should bring her home before Christmas,” he said over Viber.
Former Bayan Muna congressman Carlos Zarate also called on Philippine authorities to show compassion. “Mary Jane Veloso is not criminal but victim of human trafficking…her homecoming should not be treated as prisoner transfer but as return of Filipino who has suffered enough,” Zarate said.
Aside from reunion, Kabataan party-list is calling for presidential clemency for Mary Jane, and termination of labor export policy.
“The case of Mary Jane mirrored situation of thousands of young Filipinos who are forced to work abroad because of lack of opportunity in the Philippines,” Kabataan spokesperson Renee Co said.
For his part, Kabayan party-list Rep. Ron Salo lauded President Marcos for successful negotiation of Veloso’s return, saying Marcos has shown his dedication to Filipino migrant workers.
“President Marcos has demonstrated remarkable leadership and compassion by ensuring Mary Jane’s safe return. .. decisive action reflects his commitment to addressing hardships endured by our migrant workers,” Salo said.
ISKUP! 