Happy 21st anniversary, Servants of God in Jesus Christ Christian Ministries Incorporated, Rev. Nestor Sadim, Rev. Manuel Soliman, Director Jorge Lopez
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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.
Happy 21st anniversary, Servants of God in Jesus Christ Christian Ministries Incorporated, Rev. Nestor Sadim, Rev. Manuel Soliman, Director Jorge Lopez
“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.
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.
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
Blended technology, tradition in massive Christmas drone show- Coca-Cola
By Cynthia Montojo
“We’re lucky one of the stops is Philippines because it’s important not only in Coca-Cola world but also in the world of Christmas, it’s fitting that the truck tour should stop in one of the happiest and longest Christmases in the world, ” Coca-Cola’s Group Marketing Director for ASEAN & South Pacific Teejae Sonza said beverage company Coca-Cola recently hosted country’s largest drone show to date as part of its ongoing global Christmas truck tour.
drone show, took place in Nuvali, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna last November 30, saw more than 1,300 drones light up the night sky with images of brand as well as icons of Filipino Christmas like Parol and Lechon.
Teejae said truck tour and drone show was brand’s way of “leveraging marriage of technology and tradition.”
Sonza added Philippines is one of the few stops for truck tour, also includes New York, Mexico, and Japan.
She explained further global truck tour is the brand’s way of showcasing its message of kindness where ” world needs more Santas,” how kindness can travel around the world, and people from far and wide can be connected through acts of kindness.
Another piece of innovation Sonza was digital artificial intelligence experience where, through quick-response (QR) code, individuals can converse with Santa Claus about Christmas memories. These memories will then be encapsulated in digital snow globe, to be shared with others.
“Technology is just there to enhance Christmas experience…we’ll continue to push boundaries of our imagination and provide to create magical experiences for people who love us,” Sonza ended.
14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.
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
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In Quezon City,new Christmas destination rises
By Cynthia Montojo
“In this season of love and giving, we wanted to create something that celebrates not just holidays but also shared spirit of community,” Mybelle Aragon-GoBio, Senior Vice President and Business Unit General Manager of Robinsons Destination Estates, developer behind Bridgetowne Destination Estate said “with The Wall of Victors, we invite everyone to take part in something truly special, experience blends magic of Christmas with power of shared dreams and aspirations.”
Mixed-use development Bridgetowne Destination Estate launched heartwarming new tradition invites Filipinos to come together in celebration of holiday spirit.
With aim of reshaping Metro Manila’s skyline, estate recently unveiled The Wall of Victors. Set against backdrop of season of giving, hope, and joy, wall aims to become symbol of collective aspirations, gratitude, and wishes for future. To add to festive spirit, estate is adorned with stunning Christmas lights, creating vibrant atmosphere for reflection and celebration.
Inspired by timeless traditions of love and connection around the world, such as South Korea’s iconic Love Lock Bridge, The Wall of Victors is envision to be where families, friends, and visitors can share their Christmas dreams, hopes, and messages of thanks. For weeks leading up to Christmas, The Wall of Victors is adorned with biodegradable notes, each piece carrying personal wish or expression of gratitude.
Unveiling of The Wall of Victors was marked by intimate ceremony attended by leading influencers and beloved personalities, including Albert Nicolas, Gela Atayde, and Richard Juan. These trendsetters were among first to contribute their Christmas wishes, setting stage for new tradition that would soon become integral part of holiday celebrations at Bridgetowne.
Centerpiece of tradition is The Victor, striking statue already stands as symbol of inspiration and ambition within community. Now, this powerful figure will serve as backdrop for growing tradition that celebrates not just spirit of Christmas, but shared hopes and dreams of entire community.
From families making memories to friends sharing heartfelt messages of hope, The Wall of Victors is space where everyone can contribute their wishes for season and beyond. This is not just holiday tradition; it is aimed to become celebration of connection between people, joy of shared moments, and belief in brighter future for all.
Located in Eulogio Rodriguez Jr. Ave, Quezon City, Bridgetowne Estates is proud to provide space where dreams take shape and spirit of holidays is celebrated with unity, gratitude, and love. The Wall of Victors targets to be beautiful way to reflect on the year gone by while looking forward to endless possibilities that new year holds.
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
Defend Ph waters, uphold maritime laws-FMJ
By Nidz Godino
“As stewards of our national defense, you bear solemn responsibility of ensuring security of our land, of our seas, of our skies, our cyberspace…in defending our waters, we must uphold international maritime laws, deepening our commitment to regional peace and cooperation…by fostering coordination amongst nations, we can safeguard stability while advancing our collective interests,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. administered oath of 36 newly-promoted Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) senior officials, urging them to defend Philippine waters and uphold international waters.
In oath-taking ceremony in Malacañan Palace, Marcos addressed new generals and flag officers. He lauded new officers, saying that they have shown excellence in public service.
“Diplomacy rooted in strong legal foundations is our most effective instrument in navigating these endeavors,” he stressed.
Marcos’ statement comes amid longstanding row between Manila and Beijing over West Philippine Sea.
Philippines has shifted its internal defense towards external one to maintain its hold on West Philippine Sea as China continues its maritime expansion on Philippine waterways.
During oath-taking ceremony, Marcos acknowledged geopolitical challenges facing Philippines have changed.
“However, we continue to face complex and dynamic challenges threats to our sovereignty, lawless elements that undermine peace, and increasing frequency of natural disasters…these require us to remain steadfast, resourceful, unyielding in our resolve,” Marcos said.
The president also said AFP troops should also be empowered to serve communities better.
“Train them to respond not only with skill but with empathy ensuring that their actions reflect highest ideals of public service,” Marcos said.
The president said beyond defense, AFP plays crucial role during disasters, commending them for their service during string of cyclones that struck the country in October and November.
“Your swift and coordinated efforts saved many, many lives…these actions remind us that AFP is force of compassion,” Marcos said.
Happy 21st anniversary, Servants of God in Jesus Christ Christian Ministries Incorporated, Rev. Nestor Sadim, Rev. Manuel Soliman, Director Jorge Lopez
“We call on Congress to act swiftly on this impeachment complaint… Filipino people, especially our taxpayers who bear burden of funding government operations, deserve accountability from their second highest official,”former Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño said few days after first, second impeachment complaint was filed against Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio on Wednesday, December 4.
However, second complaint only cited betrayal of public trust as ground for impeachment, in contrast to first complaint, included graft and corruption, bribery, and other high crimes.
Similar grounds were referenced in second complaint filed by over 70 complainants from various civil society groups, including marginalized, labor, peasant, environmental, student and rights organizations.
Lawmakers from Makabayan bloc endorsed impeachment complaint, sworn in before House Secretary General Reginal Velasco. Endorsing lawmakers were Rep. Raoul Manuel (Kabataan Partylist), Rep. Arlene Brosas (Gabriela Women’s Party), and Rep. France Castro (ACT Teachers Partylist).
Casiño said in statement reason for citing betrayal of public trust stems from alleged “abuse, misuse, and wastage” of P612.5 million in confidential and intelligence funds from Duterte’s offices, Office of the Vice President (OVP) and, previously, Department of Education (DepEd).
This includes “red flags” found in accounting of confidential funds through accomplishment reports and acknowledgment receipts.
Casiño stressed Duterte’s “attempt” to “obstruct” congressional investigation into use of her offices’ confidential fund by directing Commission on Audit to disregard subpoena for reports on OVP and DepEd.
During their press conference, former Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares, one of the complainants, said they decided to cite betrayal of public trust as only ground because it is “all encompassing.”
At the same time, he explained having single ground for impeachment could fast-track process, saying it could even be done in just one month.
Colmenares compared it to 2012 impeachment trial of former Chief Justice Renato Corona, lasted about four months due to three grounds and eight articles it had to tackle.
Articles of impeachmentverafilesTHE verified complaint containing the eight articles of impeachment that the House of Representatives transmitte…
Casiño agreed with Colmenares’ reasoning, saying there is need to expedite impeachment of the vice president.
“One ground, three acts…hindi magtatagal ito…because there is that factor na nagmamadali tayo…eh kailangan lang naman sa impeachment with one act, one ground to impeach high official,” he said.
Meanwhile, Brosas said impeachment complaints serve to remind lawmakers of Filipino people’s call, especially in light of findings from congressional probe into Duterte’s alleged misuse of confidential funds.
It is not meant to dictate like President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s appeal to Congress not to proceed with any impeachment against Duterte.
“Ang sinasabi natin dito separation of powers…dito dapat tumindig ang Kongreso,”she said.
Casiño reiterated that there is “system of checks and balances,” and Congress is challenged to fulfill its “mandate-bound duty” to process impeachment complaint despite Marcos’ request.
House lawmakers also said in several statements and press conferences that while lower has no agenda to impeach the vice president, they will still deliberate on any complaints filed.
Complaints should be referred to Committee on Justice for deliberation, followed by discussion at plenary.
For an impeachment case to proceed to Senate for trial, House of Representatives requires at least one-third vote of its more than 300 lawmakers.
Happy 21st anniversary, Servants of God in Jesus Christ Christian Ministries Incorporated, Rev. Nestor Sadim, Rev. Manuel Soliman, Director Jorge Lopez
Malacañang has nothing to do in impeachment raps vs. Sara-Barsamin
By Nidz Godino
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY LUCAS BERSAMIN
“Impeachment complaint filed in House of Representatives by several private citizens is clearly complainants’ independent initiative, and its endorsement prerogative of any Member of House of Representatives… Office of the President has nothing to do with it,” Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said in statement to reporters palace denied any involvement in filing of impeachment complaints against former ally Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has recently admitted to asking leaders in the House of Representatives to refrain from filing impeachment complaint, saying it would be waste of Congress’ time.
“The President’s earlier statement on the matter is unambiguous,” he stressed.
However, on Monday, civil society members, including relatives of extrajudicial killing (EJK) victims, advocates, religious leaders and more filed impeachment complaint, including members of Magdalo Partylist and Mamayang Liberal Partylist. It was endorsed by Akbayan Party-list Rep. Perci Cendaña.
Impeachment was filed on grounds of betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of constitution and other high crimes.
House panel has already been investigating vice president for alleged misuse of her confidential funds, amounted to hefty P612.5 million.
Talks of impeaching Duterte have been ongoing since investigation, as other majority lawmakers conceded that there were red flags observed with how her office handled confidential funds.
Impeachment complaint seems to only add to Duterte’s troubles. National Bureau of Investigation is also probing Duterte for publicly making death threat against Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
This death threat was included as one of the grounds for her impeachment.
However, impeachment complaint goes beyond her alleged actions in this administration.
Complainants also cited her alleged involvement in EJKs with Davao Death Squad during her term as mayor of Davao City, as well as her supposed gross incompetence during her second term.
“Our complaint is clarion call to dismantle culture of violence, corruption, and impunity , hallmark of the Vice President. Today, we rise for those who can no longer speak for themselves, demanding that Congress take decisive action to uphold truth, justice, and accountability,” Father Flaviano Villanueva, one of the impeachment complainants, said.
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