TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

Deuteronomy 18:15

¹⁵ The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him.

8 Disyembre,2024 Linggo

23 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

Ph first, biggest health and wellness festival for teachers staged

By Creselda Canda-Lopez

“Our teachers play  crucial role in shaping  future of our nation…and they must be at their best for our youth,” Chaye Cabal-Revilla, Chairperson of GabayGuro, Chief Finance, Risk, and Sustainability Officer of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), and mWell President and CEO said  “Gabay Guro’s Wellness Fest is  vital first step in ensuring our teachers’ health and wellbeing  taken care of. mWell makes sure that our teachers get access to holistic wellness program from doctor consultations, food and nutrition to preventive health solutions.”

Teachers play a vital role in instilling values, inspiring dreams, and laying foundation for  brighter tomorrow. Taking care of our teachers is taking care of our children, too.

In celebration of its 17th anniversary, Gabay Guro held  country’s first Health and Wellness Festival for Teachers, launching its new program pillar with mWell recently at  Ynares Sports Complex in Pasig City.

Wellness Fest is  new initiative that underscores  importance of teachers’ holistic well-being, recognizing how vital mental and physical health are in enhancing educational success and empowering educators to thrive in their roles.

With theme “Teachers Inspiring Change, Building the Country’s Future,”  Gabay Guro Wellness Fest not only entertained but also included new elements focused on teachers’ well-being.  Event  featured wearable wellness technology and gathered Lifestyle medicine doctors, fitness coaches, celebrity athletes in one big wellness festival for teachers. 

Gabay Guro’s Health and Wellness Fest was staged in cooperation with mWell,  country’s health and wellness mega app.  Festival  provided teachers access to free health consultations, fitness sessions, and wellness workshops. At the core of the wellness fest is holistic and preventive wellness. Beyond doctor consultation,  event aims to empower teachers with health and wellness services from mWell readily available anytime, anywhere with just few taps on phone. 

Central to event were also interactive discussions on mental health, stress management, nutrition, and self-care critical areas teachers often neglect due to high pressures of their profession. Additionally, attendees explored experiential booths focusing on fitness, food and nutrition, wearables, mind health, and telemedicine.

Fully  integrated digital platform, mWell provides holistic wellness solutions for everyone.  Mega  app offers  Mind Health Score  personal compass for  self-guided journey toward enhancing emotional, social, and cognitive well-being. Based on  World Health Organization (WHO) Well-being Index, this feature provides insights into one’s current state of mind. Self-guided modules help boost self-awareness and foster empowerment, hope, and positivity through evidence-based techniques. It allows mWell users to learn more about ways to relax, reduce stress, and improve overall emotional balance at their own pace.

To complement  Mind Health Score feature,  mWellness Score provides  overall physical health score daily. This enables users to monitor physical activity, step count, and sleep for long-term health. With its gamification feature, app users may join wellness challenges, check their rank in  leaderboard, and monitor their progress.  mWellness Score works best when paired with Wearables like  mWell Watch and Rings. Lifestyle tips and programs on fitness, food and nutrition are also just  tap away.

Most importantly, mWell provides innovations that make health and wellness accessible for everyone with its mWellness wearables  ring and watch  designed to empower everyone to take control of their health powered by  holistic digital solution. 

At the core of this initiative is mWell, provides accessible healthcare services from virtual consultations to telehealth options ensuring educators can receive care anytime, anywhere. PLDT Home’s partnership with mWell allows GabayGuro to offer  digital-first solution to health and wellness, reinforcing its mission to bridge technology and well-being for educators nationwide.

Over the past 17 years, Gabay Guro has not only provided over 3,000 scholarships but has also built classrooms in underserved areas, enabling educators to teach in better-equipped environments. Through its digital tools and innovations, such as  Gabay Guro Super App, teachers have access to resources that support continuous learning and career development.

With launch of  Wellness Fest under its Health and Wellness pillar, Gabay Guro addresses teachers’ mental and physical health while demonstrating its commitment to supporting educators not just professionally but holistically.

Teachers were also treated to  day of entertainment from celebrity guests Kevin Montellano, Teacher Georcelle and  G Force, and Gabay Guro volunteer athletes Alas, PLDT High Speed Hitters, and  Meralco Bolts. For more information on how to participate in Gabay Guro’s 2024 events, visit their official website or follow their social media pages.

8 Disyembre,2024 Linggo

23 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

Warship deployment in WPS up to FMJ

By J.Lo

“The President himself has  full authority to decide on this but as far as PCG is concerned, we are going to support whatever decision  AFP ,Armed Forces of the Philippines and our commander-in-chief will carry out,” Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesman for  West Philippine Sea issue, said at  news forum when asked if there is now  need for  deployment of Philippine Navy ships in the country’s territorial waters to counter China’s hostile moves at sea, usually targeting vessels from  PCG and  Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

It’s up to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.to decide if he would allow  deployment of warships in  West Philippine Sea as  foil to China’s growing aggressiveness in asserting its illegal territorial claim.

Tarriela  sees no problem with  use of gray ships, but clarified he is not making  recommendation.

“All I am saying is that in terms of reciprocity, that can be  policy option that can be carried out,” he said.

He maintained that as earlier pointed out by Marcos,  Philippines is  peace-loving nation that will never instigate  war, especially with its neighbors.

He said it is up to  AFP to bring up policy recommendations to Marcos, who as President is  commander-in-chief of  country’s armed forces.

Tarriela declined to discuss in detail PCG’s next move in the face of  latest incident in  West Philippine Sea last Wednesday when China coast guard and naval ships fired water cannons and rammed PCG and BFAR vessels in the vicinity of Panatag Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc.

Incident  prompted Philippine authorities to file another diplomatic protest against Beijing.

He said that while Philippine Navy ships regularly conduct monitoring activities in the area, they don’t interfere in operations of Chinese vessels even if they are harassing Filipinos. “They don’t interfere with harassment of  Chinese Coast Guard,  Chinese Maritime Militia against  Filipino fishermen and  PCG and  BFAR,” Tarriela pointed out.

Last  time  Philippine warship faced off with Chinese vessels was in 2012 in Panatag Shoal, when it tried to stop Chinese poachers from escaping with their loot of giant clams, baby sharks and endangered marine resources.

Standoff  ensued when  Chinese navy ship intervened to help  poachers escape.  Chinese have since maintained  permanent presence in the shoal in violation of  “gentleman’s agreement”  both parties would leave  area to end  impasse.

Chinese ruse prompted  administration of then president Benigno Aquino III to contest in 2013 China’s claim over Panatag Shoal and other land features within Philippine territorial waters before  Permanent Court of Arbitration based in The Hague.

Arbitral  court ruled in favor of Manila in July 2016 by invalidating China’s expansive claim and reaffirming  Philippines’ own maritime entitlements.

Since  Panatag standoff,  Philippines has been deploying only civilian vessels from  PCG and  BFAR for patrol missions in  West Philippine Sea in order not to escalate tensions.

“We were  victim of  Chinese propaganda that we are militarizing  dispute,” Tarriela said.

On Friday,  Philippines completed joint air and naval exercises with  US and Japan in  West Philippine Sea, without interference or disruption from  Chinese.

AFP said this year’s 5th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) was completed successfully inside  country’s exclusive economic zone under territorial jurisdiction of  military’s Northern Luzon Command.

“None were monitored,” said Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, Philippine Navy spokesman for  WPS, when asked if any Chinese military and coast guard vessels were spotted during  combined naval exercises.

The 5th MMCA came on heels of last Wednesday’s incident near Panatag Shoal involving Chinese warships and smaller PCG and BFAR vessels.

Col. Xerxes Trinidad, AFP public affairs office chief, said  Philippine Navy’s BRP Andres Bonifacio and  C-90 aircraft, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Murasame-class destroyer JS Samidare and US Navy’s P-8A Poseidon from Patrol Squadron 47 participated in  combined naval exercises.

He said  activities included communications checks, subject matter expert exchange, pre-sail conference, photo exercise and division tactics, all showcased “enhanced interoperability and  shared commitment to maintaining regional peace and stability.”

“Activity underscored  collective commitment of  three nations to strengthen regional and international cooperation in support of  free and open Indo-Pacific,” Trinidad added.

Building on previous MMCAs and ongoing collaborative operations,  AFP said  exercise enhanced  interoperability of defense doctrines, tactics, techniques and procedures among  participating forces.

“Conducted in full compliance with international law,  MMCA emphasized respect for  safety of navigation and  maritime rights of all states,” Trinidad said.

He explained  5th MMCA included  range of coordinated operations designed to enhance interoperability and strengthen maritime capabilities.

“These drills emphasized collaborative defense strategies and reinforced  commitment of  participating forces to maintain regional security and stability,  MMCA reaffirms  partner nations’ dedication to working closely together to maintain security and stability in the region, promoting  rules-based maritime order and enhancing regional cooperation,” he said.

Meanwhile, China has branded  US and other countries that have voiced support for  Philippines as “troublemakers.”

 Spokesperson  for  Chinese embassy particularly slammed US Ambassador Marykay Carlson for allegedly making groundless accusations.

“United States and those allies are not parties to the issue of  South China Sea and have no right to interfere in  maritime disputes between China and the Philippines,”  Chinese embassy said earlier.

“We urge these countries to earnestly respect China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea, stop sowing discord and adding fuel to fire and stop being troublemakers for peace and stability in  South China Sea,”  Chinese embassy also said in  statement.

It said Carlson “overlooked basic facts and made groundless accusations against China’s legitimate measures for protecting its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.”

“We firmly oppose and condemn her accusation,” it added.

“Huangyan Dao has always been China’s territory,”  embassy spokesman said, referring to  name assigned by Beijing for Panatag Shoal. “On Dec. 4, ignoring multiple warnings from China,  Philippines sent Coast Guard and official vessels there in  attempt to intrude into China’s territorial sea surrounding Huangyan Dao,”  embassy claimed.

“China took necessary actions in response to protect our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in accordance with  law… measures are justified, lawful, professional and restrained… China has also released  on-site video,”  statement said.

“PRC’s unlawful use of water cannons and dangerous maneuvers disrupted Philippine maritime operation on Dec. 4, putting lives at risk…we condemn these actions and stand with our likeminded Friends, Partners, Allies in support of  Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” Carlson said in  post on X.

Japan, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Australia, Sweden, France, Canada, Germany, Finland and Norway also issued statements expressing serious concern over the latest incident. 

8 Disyembre,2024 Linggo

23 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

Headlines

Sched tight for VP impeach process  

By  Nidz Godino

“Timeline will be challenging here if it goes to  committee on justice… remaining nine session days is very tight….after it is referred to  committee on justice, after that, there will be  determination of its sufficiency in form,” Bukidnon Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores, vice chairman of the committee on justice of the House of Representatives told reporters with only nine session days left before  Christmas break, lawmakers would have to work on  tight schedule to process  impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio.

Flores said they haven’t even received copies of  impeachment complaints filed by Akbayan and civil society leaders and by  Makabayan bloc.

He said there was no official referral yet from  Office of the Speaker to  committee on justice of  impeachment complaints against Duterte.

“We just recently found out  second impeachment complaint…there was no referral yet… has not been read before  plenary yet…so, I think that is what they should do first…what I am aware of is that it has been already filed and endorsed by their members,” he said.

Flores explained in  determination of substance of  impeachment complaint,  committee on justice would have to require  respondent to file her answer within 10 days.

“So that alone is going to eat up a lot of days in  remaining days of  session of  House,” he said.

He noted  Makabayan bloc’s signature campaign for its impeachment complaint , second filed  on  sole basis of “betrayal of public trust.” He said  bloc may have resorted to  signature campaign in acknowledgment of limited time left for  impeachment case to proceed.

“I think they are doing that because they are also aware of  time limitations,  number of days remaining where impeachment complaint that they filed can move,” Flores said.

He  has not yet been asked for his signature by any member of the bloc comprising militant members of  House.

“I haven’t received any request for signature nor any member of Makabayan bloc approached me to sign in effect… none of that sort, yet,” Flores said.

“I have to look at  Articles of Impeachment first because I haven’t read the complaint of the Akbayan. In Makabayan’s, I know they mentioned only one ground but I don’t see the complaint yet, also,” he added.

Flores said the 10-day period for the respondent to answer complaint would include  holidays. “It’s not session days… just 10 days to file their answer… includes holidays,” he pointed out.

House Secretary General Reginald Velasco earlier said his office would first wait for the filing of a third impeachment complaint before it transmits the first two complaints.we will just have one transmittal, so, we are on hold…we’re waiting,” Velasco said, claiming that other lawmakers had revealed plans to file or endorse new impeachment complaints against Duterte.

For House Assistant Majority Leader and Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre,  limited time left for lawmakers to act on  impeachment complaints should not discourage them from proceeding with the task, as it is part of their mandate.

“We have  constitutional duty, and we’re bound by that mandate to act on all impeachment complaints filed with  House,”, Acidre, also chairs the committee on overseas workers affairs, said.

Acidre described  filing of impeachment complaints against Duterte  in defiance of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s appeal to allies in Congress  as proof of  public’s demand for accountability.

“Filing of  impeachment complaint by  civil society groups is just  proof that people are looking for accountability from  elected officials, especially in the case of the Vice President,” he said.

Acidre pointed out that  development was in sync with House’s ongoing efforts to uphold accountability.

“You were witnesses in the investigations conducted in Congress, we prioritize  search for accountability, this will be  careful balancing act on the part of the leadership and the part of  House,” he said.

Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman  is not eager to push through with  impeachment proceedings, but acknowledged it’s  mandate Congress should uphold.

“From my personal point of view, I’m not inclined to push for  impeachment process because this is also  call of the President…but from purely constitutional point of view, this is part of  mandate of Congress,” Roman, committee on women and gender equality chairperson, said.

“When impeachment is filed, we have no choice but to process this complaint.”

Roman assured  public that  impeachment process would be conducted transparently and in line with  rule of law.

“Rest assured whatever is the processing, deliberations, they will be transparent and they will follow to the letter,in everything, what we have to take in mind, for example, questions of whether it is correct in form and in substance, of course, we will listen all sides…due process will be followed,” she said.

Despite  challenges, Roman underscored  resolve of Congress to fulfill its constitutional duties. “Law must be followed…everyone is equal under the law,” Roman said.

Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, overall chairman of  quad committee, said  filing of impeachment complaints is likely to affect  investigation of  panel.

Barbers said  committee may have to terminate its hearings on Philippine offshore and gaming operators.

But he said hearings on extrajudicial killings (EJKs) and on war on drugs of  previous administration will continue on Dec.12.

“Impeachment against  Vice President will affect our schedules…we are thinking of terminating our hearing on POGO… we will just focus on  two issues, EJKs and drugs, I don’t think there is still  need to invite the former president Duterte because the 13 hours of our meeting with him in the hearing basically revealed what we want to hear from him,  little more than what he revealed or what he admitted in Senate; so, for me, those are sufficient,” Barbers said.

Quad  comm would also be presenting to  plenary its “progress report” on its investigation on EJKs, POGOs and drugs, he said.

Barbers said  quad comm wants to squeeze more information from businessman Mark Taguba and other witnesses.

Barbers said they are still finalizing  list of resource people they would invite to the next hearing.

Impeachment  proceedings might also affect pending key measures at the Senate, according to Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian.

“In case this pushes through, this will be my first time in my political career that I will be  judge, My view is, if this reaches the Senate for trial, a lot of priority measures will face delays or become second priority, because senators will focus on  impeachment trial,” Gatchalian said.

 “If I were a reelectionist, I would focus on campaigning to win  elections instead of attending  impeachment trial…that is what  campaign period is for…so we should look at practical considerations here, While the impeachment can give free publicity, it is double-edged…what is important here is to study the case carefully, especially because this is  political process,” Gatchalian said.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III, for his part, vowed to be  legal luminary instead of  politician if and when he sits as  impeachment judge.

“To be  judge is no light matter, even for  lawyer like me… makes us appreciate  daily work of  judge in court… political process…but I will look more at the law and evidence, we are independent from  House…we should not preempt them and instead just relax,” Pimentel said.

7 Disyembre,2024 Sabado

24 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

Sara’s party for media, NBI probe day

By J.Lo

“Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio cordially invites you to  OVP Year-end Thanksgiving Lunch for members of the media on Wednesday, December 11, 2024,” Vice President Sara Duterte is throwing  party for  media on the morning of Dec. 11, fueling speculation that she might not show up for  probe set on the same date at  National Bureau of Investigation.

NBI Director Jaime Santiago,  learned of the “thanksgiving party” set by Duterte, reiterated with or without her,  bureau would proceed with its investigation on alleged threats she issued against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza and Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Event  is to start at 11 in the morning at OVP office in Mandaluyong City.
Asked what action  NBI would take if Duterte fails to appear on Dec. 11, Santiago said  investigation would proceed.

“If she does not show up and fails to provide  justifiable reason, we will proceed with  investigation and refer  case to  prosecutor’s office…if the vice president falls ill or has more urgent official duties, we understand and respect that…but without  valid reason, we will move forward and consider it as  waiver of her right to explain her side on both incidents ,threats she allegedly made and those made against her,” Santiago said.

Santiago noted  invitation to the vice president has two purposes: “to address  alleged threats she made” against President Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Speaker Martin Romualdez “and  threats against her.”

Duterte was initially scheduled to appear before  NBI on Nov. 29 but begged off, citing last-minute changes in  House quad-committee hearing.

If Duterte again provides  justifiable reason for missing the Dec. 11 summon, Santiago said she would be given one more opportunity to appear.

“December 11 is the deadline…if she fails to appear without valid justification, we will move forward with our findings…even if there is  justifiable reason this time, we will only provide one more chance, and it will be  short period…we want this controversy resolved so that peace can be restored,” Santiago said.

Earlier, Duterte said her statement was “taken out of its logical context.”

In  recent Facebook post, Duterte thanked Senators Imee Marcos, Ronald dela Rosa and Bong Go for extending assistance and support to  OVP during  recent “crisis.”

“Office of the Vice President thanks everyone who helped, supported and expressed solidarity with the office when it faced  recent crisis and adversity,” the OVP said in  statement.

The OVP, specifically acknowledged Marcos’ assistance in securing  “order” from  Department of the Interior and Local Government that allowed Duterte and Dela Rosa to stay with OVP Undersecretary Zuleika Lopez during latter’s week-long stay at Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City.

Lopez was cited in contempt by  House panel over alleged interference in deliberations on confidential fund expenses of OVP and Department of Education. She was held at  Batasang Pambansa complex on Nov. 22 but was ordered transferred to  Correctional Institute for Women in Mandaluyong City before her confinement in the hospital.

Meanwhile, House Deputy Majority Leader Francisco Paolo Ortega urged Duterte to learn to forgive herself first so she can learn to forgive other people.

“If I were her, I will forgive myself first… when she forgives herself… she can now forgive others… Merry Christmas,” Ortega said. 

7 Disyembre,2024 Sabado

24 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

Sedition, defamation vs Vloggers – NBI

By Nidz Godino

“I want to remind  public, especially vloggers, that our right to freedom of expression is not absolute…it has limitations,” National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime Santiago said “if you are inciting to sedition or engaging in excessive defamation without any basis, we can investigate and file charges.”

Vloggers may face legal consequences if they issue statements that incite to sedition or “excessively” defame people without basis, Santiago said.

He also said people whose private online conversations are leaked to  public may file cybercrime complaints.

Posting screenshots of private messages on social media to defame someone can be  ground for  cybercrime complaint, falling under Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012,  can be filed with  NBI Cybercrime Division or  Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group, he said.

“It depends on  affected individual whose private conversations were made public if they want to hold accountable those who posted their private messages…it’s up to them, and they can file complaints,” Santiago said.

Santiago said NBI conducted multiple operations related to unauthorized posting of private messages, including those involving disputes over debts.

Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 penalizes offenses such as illegal access, data interference and online libel, among others.

Santiago’s comments came after  NBI received  letter on Wednesday from Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, who urged investigative agencies to take stance against cybercrimes.

Meanwhile, in  18-page decision penned by Associate Justice Mario Lopez,  Supreme Court Second Division dismissed  appeal filed by convict Eul Vincent Rodriguez who was convicted of qualified trafficking in persons under Republic Act 9208 or Anti-Trafficking of Persons Act of 2003.

“As  chat logs and videos presented by Rodriguez were submitted as evidence to assess his criminal liability for qualified trafficking, his right to privacy was not violated,” Supreme Court (SC) ruled  online chat logs and videos can be admitted as evidence in court without violating  right to privacy, if used to determine whether  crime has been committed.

Based on court records,  Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force of Region 7 began investigating Rodriguez in 2013 after receiving  tip from  United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement of his activities related to offering nude shows, some involving minors, in exchange for money.

PO3 Jerry Gambi said Rodriguez used  decoy account to communicate with Rodriguez across various online platforms. He also recorded their correspondence.

His initial investigation showed  Rodriguez offered nude shows in exchange for money. One of the nude shows involved Rodriguez’s minor cousins,  activity  Gambi ordered stopped after having  portion recorded.

Following this,  entrapment operation was set wherein Gambi told Rodriguez that  foreigner friend was staying at  certain hotel. Rodriguez offered to have  14-year-old meet them at the hotel to do  live nude show.

Rodriguez was arrested and charged after accepting marked money from  foreigner who was also  police confidential informant.

Regional  trial court convicted Rodriguez and Court of Appeals affirmed decision. Rodriguez went to  SC, saying  pieces of evidence were inadmissible as these violated his data privacy.

But  SC also upheld  decision, saying  videos and recordings of  chat logs of Rodriguez’s conversations with Gambi can be admitted as evidence.

It said videos and chat logs were presented as evidence to show Rodriguez’s method of reaching out to foreigners through Skype or Facebook and offering minors for sexual exploitation.

Rodriguez was sentenced to life imprisonment and fined P2 million. He was also ordered to pay P600,000 in damages, with legal interest of six percent per annum from  finality of judgment, until full payment.

7 Disyembre,2024 Sabado

24 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

Veloso hopefully home for Christmas

By Nidz Godino

“We agree to return  person concerned to  Philippines and furthermore obligation to provide guidance to prisoner Mary Jane Veloso becomes  responsibility of Philippine government,” Indonesia’s senior law and human rights minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra in Jakarta said  Indonesia and  Philippines signed  agreement  to send Mary Jane Veloso,  Filipina on death row for drug charges in Indonesia since 2015, back to her home country.

Announcement  came following  Philippines’ Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez meeting with Indonesia’s senior law and human rights minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra in Jakarta, where both ministers signed  agreement.

Following  signing, Indonesian authorities will discuss further details with Philippines’ embassy in Jakarta on Veloso’s transfer,  expected to occur before Dec. 25, Yusril said.

He stressed  they are hoping  transfer “will be carried out before Christmas, Dec. 25.”

Yusril said  Indonesian government would respect any decision made by  Philippine government regarding her case.

Vasquez explained that  Indonesian government has not set any conditions for Veloso’s detention after  transfer.

He also noted that Philippine government will respect  sentence imposed by  Indonesian court and it will be President Marcos’ decision whether to give her clemency or not.

“Once transferred in the country she will serve her sentence as agreed upon in accordance with Philippine laws and regulations with respect to  penal code,” he said.

Veloso was arrested in Indonesia in 2010 carrying  suitcase lined with 2.6 kilograms of heroin and later sentenced to death.

She was due to face  firing squad in 2015, but  Philippine government won  last-minute reprieve for her after  woman suspected of recruiting her was arrested and put on trial for human trafficking in which Veloso was named as  prosecution witness.

Mother-of-two’s case sparked  uproar in  Philippines, with her family and supporters saying she was innocent and had been set up by international drug syndicate.

Indonesia has some of  world’s toughest drug laws, including  death penalty for traffickers.

7 Disyembre,2024 Sabado

24 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

Headlines

Next week, VP Sara impeachment transmittal ?

By Nidz Godino

“This is about  signing of Articles of Impeachment that will be submitted to  Senate. ..they should declare it to  plenary…we will collect signatures… voting is in plenary…it can be done before collection of  signatures,” former Bayan Muna party-list representative Neri Colmenares said  signature campaign led by  Makabayan bloc is at full throttle in House of Representatives, with  aim of setting into motion impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, possibly by Monday.

 Bloc, comprising militant lawmakers, would have to gather  signatures of at least one-third or 106 of  more than 300 members of  House of Representatives before these are submitted to  plenary, Colmenares said.

Colmenares said they are eyeing  “Villar style” of impeachment process against Duterte. He was referring to  rapid procedure that led to  impeachment of then president Joseph Estrada in 2000 when Manuel Villar was House speaker.

Duterte’s ally, Sen. Ronald de la Rosa, said he expected  impeachment to proceed.

Colmenares said: “it is allowed that you will gather  signatures, and then once completed, you present it to  plenary with signatures of those 106 congressmen who will support it…hopefully, by Monday we would be able to complete  106 signatures of congressmen.”

Colmenares, who acted as prosecutor in  impeachment trial of chief justice Renato Corona, said Villar managed to immediately transmit to  Senate  Articles of Impeachment against Estrada because  signatures of one-third of House members were gathered in advance.

“Rsolution had been brought to congressmen for signing beforehand and  required one-third were already there before it was presented in  plenary, even if  majority will say no, it can be transmitted to  Senate… Constitution sees  impeachment as very rare…it says let  one-third decide or not because if you will allow  majority to rule, it will not reach anywhere because it will be outnumbered,” Colmenares said.

He stressed  process of impeachment starts with  submission of impeachment complaint to the secretary general of  House of Representatives.

From  House secretary general, it will then be transmitted to the Speaker, who will then present it before  plenary.

The Speaker may refer  impeachment complaint to House committee on justice or directly transmit  Article of Impeachment to  Senate if  signatures of  one-third or  total of 106 congressmen become available.

Colmenares said  complaint  they filed against Duterte cited only one ground  “betrayal of public trust,” containing only three acts.

“This is different from  Corona impeachment complaint… complaint cited eight acts and four grounds. ..that is why it reached four months before it was decided by  Senate…we only cited one ground and three acts… I am confident that it will not reach one month for  Senate to decide on the Vice President’s impeachment,” Colmenares said.

He also said  congressmen are unlikely to have  hard time going over  Makabayan bloc’s impeachment complaint because all of the pieces of evidence submitted came from investigations by  House itself.

“Receipts are all official. If they would want it, they can decide on it…many senators are watching  committee hearings and they are very familiar with  issues…they will not find it difficult, I am very optimistic… I can only speak on our complaint that was based on  congressional investigation…we decided to present one ground only so that it can easily be resolved,  three acts include violation of  law and circular, fraudulent receipts and refusal to account and attend  congressional hearings… I don’t see any reason why they will not act on it,” he pointed out.

Colmenares said it would be bad for  House of Representatives as  institution not to act on  impeachment complaint against Duterte.

“Yes, for me politically it would be bad for Congress… I think they conducted nine hearings at the committee…they cannot just let it slip… committee can rule within 10 days, either dismiss it or approve it,” he pointed out.

Colmenares said if  complaints are referred to  House committee on justice, it has to choose  strongest one.

“I don’t see any move to consolidate it now, ours is  strong complaint,” he said.

First  impeachment complaint against Duterte was filed days earlier by civil society leaders, including former senator Leila de Lima.

House secretary general Reginald Velasco  is holding off transmittal of the two impeachment complaints because he is still awaiting the filing of  third complaint against Duterte.

“Not yet because we were told that there are others intending to file. .., we will just have one transmittal,” Velasco said, explaining his decision to hold off  transmittal of  two existing complaints.

For his part, Bukidnon Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores, vice chairman of  House committee on justice, said they did not receive official referral of  impeachment complaints filed against Duterte.

“We just recently found out  second impeachment complaint… no referral yet,” Flores said.

Dela Rosa appears resigned to  possibility of the Vice President’s impeachment.

“I am expecting  worst…there will be  impeachment trial,” Dela Rosa said at  virtual press briefing.

While he is expected to vote against impeaching Duterte, Dela Rosa vowed to be  “impartial” judge in impeachment court.

“I will remain objective…impeachment is  political  not  judicial  process. ..chances are it will show your political color… I don’t want to reveal my vote now lest I be branded or stereotyped…but I will do my job,” Dela Rosa said.

While he welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s text message to lawmakers urging them not to impeach the Vice President, Dela Rosa said Marcos’ “words must be compensated with action, so that it would not be just lip service.”

He dared the President to stop what he described as  longtime plan of  House of Representatives  under  leadership of Marcos’ cousin Speaker Martin Romualdez  to impeach Duterte on basis of her alleged confidential funds misuse.

“That has been their plan all along… well-planned from  very beginning, to investigate her and form basis for impeachment…we are preparing for  worst,” Dela Rosa said.

Dela Rosa  couldn’t help but feel like  Duterte camp had been “scammed” by  once formidable UniTeam alliance,  catapulted Marcos and Duterte to power in 2022 elections.

Team is now in shambles after the Vice President issued death threats against the President and Romualdez.

“I just feel bad that  UniTeam  once meant to show unity among us  ended with us criticizing each other…it felt like  people were scammed,” Dela Rosa said.

The 24-member Senate needs  two-thirds vote to convict  impeachable official,  means Duterte only needs nine senators to secure  acquittal.

Echoing the Vice President, Dela Rosa said  current political tension between Marcos and Duterte may have reached  point of no return.

Dela Rosa criticized what he described as excessive scrutiny of the Vice President, especially by  House of Representatives quad committee.

“It looks like that , point of no return… really too much…even ordinary people can feel  pressure on our VP,” Dela Rosa  said.

Dela Rosa also pointed to what he described as  “grand design” to dismantle  Duterte bloc, particularly in light of  ongoing investigations on confidential fund use and other allegations.

“Just imagine, from extrajudicial killings to corruption probes, it’s all moving in one direction , to pin down  Duterte family, clear to us who’s behind this…we are not stupid. …we know  ambitions of the Speaker of the House,” he said.

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police (PNP) has started security preparations for  rally of  Iglesia ni Cristo against  impeachment of Duterte.

The religious group, in its television network NET 25, announced its members would be holding rallies in support of the President’s call against  filing of impeachment complaints against Duterte.

Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, PNP public information officer, said they have  security template for rallies by large groups. 

TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

John 11:25

²⁵ Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;

6 Disyembre,2024 Biyernes

25 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

Alfred Vargas, Best Actor at Japan Film Fest

By Cynthia Montojo

“I am very humbled and proud to receive this award…to God be the Glory…ang daming nominees from other countries like Japan, Korea, Indonesia among others, at nakakataba ng puso na na-recognize yung performance natin for ‘Pieta’,” actor Alfred Vargas won his 3rd Best Actor Award for  film “Pieta” at Japan Film Fest.

Alfred also won  Best Actor awards at both 72nd Famas Awards and  3rd WuWei Taipei International Film Festival for the same movie.
 
“I am very honored kasi international recognition ito at kahit papano ay narepresent natin ang Pilipinas dito at naiwagayway natin ang ating bandila together for other Pinoy awardees…kayang-kaya talaga nating makipagsabayan sa world stage at ang creativity at talent ng Pilipino ay walang kaparis,” he stressed.

“Pieta” also stars National Artist Nora Aunor and multi-awarded actress Gina Alajar, under  direction of Adolf Alix Jr.

“I want to thank our superstar Ms. Nora Aunor for accepting this project…kay direk Gina Alajar for guiding me and always supporting me pagdating sa improvement ng aking craft…and kay direk Adolf Alix for bringing everyone together for this film…kung wala sila, wala ako dito ngayon,” Alfred said.
 
His third Best Actor Award for  mother-son suspense drama, “Pieta,” for 2024 from  Ima Wa Ima Asian International Film Festival in Osaka Japan, certainly displays  positive momentum of his film and Alfred’s entry into  rare and exclusive list of “3-peat-in-one-movie-best-actors” such as Piolo Pascual, Christopher de Leon, Allen Dizon, and Coco Martin, to name  few.
 
Event   was organized by Global Maharlika in Kansai,  Philippine Community Coordinating Council, Korean Residents Union in Japan, and  Kyomigaru Creative Collective Group, Japan.  Award-giving body intends to recognize remarkable Asian creativity and talent.  Entertainment Special Awards extend this objective to, not only filmmaking, but also in television and new media content.  Awarding  ceremony was last December 1 in Sumiyoshi Main Hall at Osaka, Japan’s city hall.
 
In his speech, Alfred uplifted, acknowledged, and praised film workers responsible for his wins. He also thanked his wife and family for their heartfelt and invaluable support. A tender and endearing moment was witnessed by the audience and can be spotted in viral videos from the event, when Alfred Vargas called his son, Cristiano, onstage to inspire him and offer  award to him. 

“Anak …Cristiano, para sa iyo ang award na ito…pinaghirapan ito ni Daddy…always remember that I will always be by your side no matter what…reach for your dreams…at kung mangangarap ka na rin lang, mangarap ka nang malaki…don’t forget, balang araw when you’re successful at nasa rurok ka na ng tagumpay, nasa itaas ka na, huwag mong kalilimutang lalong tumulong sa mga mas nangangailangan, yung mga nasa baba huwag mong kalimutan… tsaka family is everything, anak,” he said onstage.
 
Apart from Best Actor, “Pieta” also bagged  Best Screenplay Award for screenwriter Jerry Gracio.