TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

Colossians 3:15

¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

21 Nobyembre,2024 Huwebes

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

No to SOGIE bill

PM for any hospital discharge problem

Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come

Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come

Family  of the late Jocelyn “Jo” Lising-Abelgas appreciates every moments shared by friends and relatives in their bereavement

JICA seeks early warning system talks with Ph

By Nidz Godino

“In comparison with many other developing countries and i with many advanced nations, I believe  Filipino management of  floods and typhoons in many ways exemplary,” Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) President Tanaka Akihiko said after back-to-back typhoons battered  Philippines, JICA has expressed interest in initiating consultations with  country to strengthen early warning systems.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. met with  Akihiko on Wednesday, November 2 0, during a courtesy call.

Tanaka said  Philippines’ approach to flood management and its preparedness for tropical cyclones is “exemplary.” 

He said  despite six storms hitting Philippines in quick succession  with some overlapping  the country reported relatively low casualties.

It shows that the country’s disaster response system works more effectively than other nations, he added. For this reason, he said improving disaster risk reduction efforts by consulting with countries like Philippines aligns with Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba priorities. 

“We would like to have deeper consultations with  government of the Philippines. Prime Minister Ishiba emphasized that disaster risk reduction is one of his priorities,” Tanaka told Marcos.

As of Thursday, November 21,  National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) recorded 12 deaths as  result of Typhoons Nika, Ofel and Pepito. 

This figure was much larger when Severe Tropical Storm Kristine and Typhoon Leon ravaged the country, reporting 162 deaths as of November 12. 

While  past three typhoons may have caused fewer deaths, they left Filipinos grappling with extensive destruction. 

Combined  impact of these typhoons caused billions of pesos in infrastructure damage, affecting homes, roads, bridges, and schools. Agricultural lands were also inundated, destroying crops worth billions and disrupting  country’s supply of rice and fish. According to  NDRRMC, Kristine and Leon damaged 207,876 houses, with losses amounting to P3.38 billion.

Meanwhile, Typhoons Nika, Ofel, and Pepito damaged  additional 51,921 homes. In total, 1,785 infrastructure projects sustained damage across all these storms, with roads and flood control systems bearing  brunt of  destruction.

All in all, these infrastructure damages cost over P12.59 billion.  

Agricultural losses are another story. Around 12,653 hectares of crops were flooded and damaged, and more than 138,000 farmers and fisherfolk were also affected by these storms. 

Marcos agreed with Tanaka’s idea of engaging in closer consultations, saying that new technologies such as early warning systems are important to develop considering intensified climate change effects.

“The early warning is becoming more and more important because we have noticed that whereas before,  usual typhoon season, when  storm is maybe two or three days away, even if it becomes  storm surge, it slowly develops,” he said. 

Currently,  Presidential Communications Office has partnered with JICA to establish Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting system, aiming to digitalize state-run PTV-4 and develop  Emergency Warning Broadcast System.

JICA is also one of Japan’s government agencies providing trillions in loans

JICA funding for Philippines transport reaches P1.5 trillionJapan remains the largest source of financing for mobility projects in the Philippines, with P1.5 trillion worth…

 for Philippines’ transportation projects, including  North-South Commuter Railway, Metro Manila Subway Project, Light Rail Transit Line 1 Cavite Extension, and Metro Rail Transit Line 3 Rehabilitation Project.

21 Nobyembre,2024 Huwebes

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

No to SOGIE bill

PM for any hospital discharge problem

Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come

Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come

Family  of the late Jocelyn “Jo” Lising-Abelgas appreciates every moments shared by friends and relatives in their bereavement

BAI top brass suspended over 66 goats with Q fever

By J.Lo

“Officials already served suspension, but I need to get  clearance to be able to release their names,”  Agriculture Assistant Secretary and spokesman Arnel de Mesa said some officials of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) have been suspended over importation of 66 goats infected with Q fever,

Sixty-six goats imported from  US tested positive for Q fever on June 20.

“There will be further investigation after those who were suspended requested creation of  panel, .. message of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and  entire agency is that, corresponding action from  department will be done if there is negligence or such action will cause a problem,” De Mesa noted.

Regulatory agencies, such as  BAI, Bureau of Plant Industry and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources are expected to implement adjustments to prevent similar incidents, De Mesa said.

Outbreak  of Q fever in the Philippines was already controlled and there are no more active cases, he noted.

Authorities must report new cases amid delays in reporting  Q fever outbreak in Pampanga, De Mesa said.

21 Nobyembre,2024 Huwebes

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

No to SOGIE bill

PM for any hospital discharge problem

Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come

Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come

Family  of the late Jocelyn “Jo” Lising-Abelgas appreciates every moments shared by friends and relatives in their bereavement

Senate to honor Juan Ponce Enrile

By Nidz Godino

“Manong Johnny not only displayed his excellence as  public servant but also continues to capture  public interest, with inspired netizens regarding him as  ‘immortal Enrile’ who has lived through various eras and world events,” Senate President Francis Escudero said for contributing to  successes of eight presidents in his various capacities, former Senate president now Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile should be honored by  Senate.

Escudero,  filed Senate Resolution No. 1223 honoring Enrile for his untiring service and contributions to the country and  Filipino people.

He said  “Enrile deserves  nation’s commendation and  snappy salute for his incomparable performance as  public servant, as well as his contributions to the country and  Filipino people  worthy of  emulation of  present and future generations.”

He noted that at 100 years old, Enrile, whether as senator or a Cabinet member, has contributed to  successes of  administrations of President Ferdinand  Marcos Jr., late former presidents Ferdinand Marcos Sr., Corazon Aquino, Fidel Ramos and Benigno Aquino III and former presidents Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Rodrigo Duterte.

Escudero said  centenarian former Senate president has dedicated his life to public service as finance secretary and acting chairman of Monetary Board (1966-1968), justice secretary (1968-1970), defense secretary (1970-1986), Batasan Pambansa parliamentarian (1978-1986), senator (1987-1992, 1995-2001, 2004-2010 and 2010-2016) and as Cagayan congressman at the House of Representatives (1992-1995).

“Known for his favorite line ‘Gusto ko, happy ka,’ the former Senate president or Manong Johnny, as he is often called, has proven to the nation that his is not  mere campaign slogan but  commitment to promote public welfare, as shown by laws  he authored on national security, health, climate change, reforms on national elections,  power industry and the national taxation regime, among others,” the Senate President added.

Escudero said Manong Johnny secured  prominent place in  pages of Philippine history when, as defense minister, he and then Armed Forces vice chief of staff Fidel Ramos led  1986 EDSA people power revolution,  followed by his being one of only two minority members (along with Estrada) in  Senate from 1987 to 1992, where he expertly scrutinized bills and resolutions.

Enrile, however, was also implicated in several coup attempts against Corazon Aquino when she was president.

He was recently cleared of plunder together with his aide Gigi Reyes in connection with  funneling of his pork barrel funds to bogus non-government organizations set up by Janet Lim Napoles.

21 Nobyembre,2024 Huwebes

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

No to SOGIE bill

PM for any hospital discharge problem

Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come

Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come

Family  of the late Jocelyn “Jo” Lising-Abelgas appreciates every moments shared by friends and relatives in their bereavement

117 of 183 Senatoriable, declared nuisance bets

By J.Lo

“As of today, all 117 petitions have been resolved by  two divisions and granted  to declare nuisance and cancel  certificate of candidacy,”  Commission on Elections (Comelec), Chairman George Garcia said  Comelec will exert extra effort to resolve pending motions for reconsideration by next week.

 Comelec has declared  total of 117 senatorial aspirants nuisance, possibly barring them from running in  May 2025 midterm elections.

Of  117 declared nuisance candidates,  Garcia said six have filed motions for reconsideration (MRs) before the commission.

If Commission junks their motions,  six aspirants may turn to Supreme Court, according to  poll chief.

Garcia said Comelec will now start deliberating on cases against “nuisance” local aspirants and come up with decisions by  end of November.

Total  of 183 aspirants filed their Certificates of Candidacy for senator but Comelec only approved 66 and filed  petition to declare 117 as nuisance bets.

For  Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE) 2025, Garcia said  Comelec has not received any petition to declare any of the aspirants as nuisance, before  Nov. 14 deadline for filing of such petition.

Meanwhile, Garcia also said  poll body would remain on guard against fake news and disinformation even if it has eased its requirement for registration of social media accounts and web pages.

Garcia said they will not hesitate to file criminal charges against individuals found spreading misinformation and disinformation during  campaign.

“We will not mind content or topics  politicians might release because there’s freedom of speech guaranteed under the Constitution…but if they churn out lies, then that’s where  Comelec steps in,” Garcia said.

He said  Omnibus Election Code prohibits  spreading of lies, and  Comelec may request social media platforms to have offensive posts removed.

“In social media, we might wrongly perceive some posts as real news even if they really are lies…so we really need help on this,” he maintained.

Garcia noted that  Comelec issued guidelines for  use of social media during  campaign period to prevent misinformation, disinformation and fake news.

Under  guidelines, candidates and political parties are required to register all their social media accounts with Comelec.

Poll  body amended guidelines and removed  requirement for private individuals to register their social media accounts, webpages, vlogs and other similar platforms as part of  poll body’s efforts to regulate online campaigning for  May 2025 national and local polls.
“Based on our regulation, only candidates, political parties, party-list nominees or party-list organizations are required to register their social media accounts…let me say this again: private individuals are not covered,” he said, noting that some candidates have begun registering their social media accounts.

There will be no extension of Dec. 13 deadline for registration of social media accounts.

20 Nobyembre, 2024 Miyerkules

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

No to SOGIE bill

PM for any hospital discharge problem

Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come

Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come

Family  of the late Jocelyn “Jo” Lising-Abelgas appreciates every moments shared by friends and relatives in their bereavement

FMJ to future leaders: be guided by faith – Marcos

By Nidz Godino

“You will draw courage from it when faced with doubt. It will temper your ambition with  sense of purpose greater than self,” President  Ferdinand Marcos said future leaders should be guided by faith, he cited  need for  leadership culture that places importance on integrity, vision and harmony.

In  speech during  49th National Prayer Breakfast at Malacañang, Marcos described faith as “beacon for the future” that should guide leaders as they navigate uncharted waters of leadership.

“You will draw courage from it when faced with doubt. It will temper your ambition with a sense of purpose greater than self,” the President said.

Marcos likened leadership without faith to ship without  compass that would drift.

“True leadership, kind that transforms people’s lives for  better, is guided by wisdom and is rooted in faith and in God,” he said.

The Chief Executive called on leaders to recommit to  responsibility of service imbued with faith, “where decisions are made not in haste but with prayerful discernment.” Leaders, Marcos said, must ensure that  spirit of love, mercy and humility is present in every action or decision they make

“Let us bequeath to the next generation  leadership culture that values integrity over expediency, vision over short-term goals and harmony over discord, let us renew our pledge to seek divine wisdom, to build bridges where there are divides and to lead with conviction our nation’s best days are ahead of us,” he said.

Marcos also cited  importance of prayer in fostering unity and in weathering  impact of storms, calling it  “powerful tool.” He said divisiveness often makes people forget their humanity and their common goals of serving others and helping country flourish.

“In a world where  pace of change can outstrip our capacity to care for others, such moments of collective introspection are more crucial than ever,” the President said.

20 Nobyembre, 2024 Miyerkules

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

No to SOGIE bill

PM for any hospital discharge problem

Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come

Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come

Family  of the late Jocelyn “Jo” Lising-Abelgas appreciates every moments shared by friends and relatives in their bereavement

Headlines

Mary Jane Veloso is returning home-FMJ

By Nidz Godino

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to President Prabowo Subianto and the Indonesian government for their goodwill…this outcome is  reflection of  depth our nation’s partnership with Indonesia united in  shared commitment to justice and compassion,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.said after 14 years of incarceration in Indonesia Filipina domestic worker Mary Jane Veloso is coming home. 

The President made  announcement on Wednesday, November 20. 

“We look forward to welcoming Mary Jane home,” Marcos said. 

Veloso was detained by Indonesian authorities in 2010 for drug trafficking. She was sentenced to death but granted  reprieve during  presidency of Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III in 2015.

There has been  14 year campaign to bring Veloso home, whose detainment has stretched across three administrations. 

“After over  decade of diplomacy and consultations with  Indonesian government, we managed to delay her execution long enough to reach agreement to finally bring her back to the Philippines,” Marcos said. 

Marcos described Veloso as  victim of her circumstances.

“Mary Jane’s story resonates with many:  mother trapped by  grip of poverty, who made one desperate choice that altered  course of her life,” Marcos stressed. 

Indonesian government has been setting policies that would allow Veloso and other similar cases to go home.

20 Nobyembre,2024 Miyerkules

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

No to SOGIE bill

PM for any hospital discharge problem

Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come

Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come

Family  of the late Jocelyn “Jo” Lising-Abelgas appreciates every moments shared by friends and relatives in their bereavement

Malaysia hit new Ph maritime laws

By Nidz Godino

New  maritime laws in the Philippines has been protested by  Malaysia it says encroach on its territory.

Deputy Foreign Minister Mohamad Alamin said Malaysia sent  protest note on Thursday over  Philippine laws.

Experts have found that reference documents related to  laws restated Manila’s long-standing claim over  oil-rich Malaysian state of Sabah in northern Borneo, he said.

Last week, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed  Philippine Maritime Zones Act and  Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act,  reaffirmed  country’s maritime territories and right to resources, including in  South China Sea.

They further cement Manila’s rejection of Chinese claims to virtually  entire South China Sea and stipulate jail terms and stiff fines for violators. Laws  have also angered China.

Philippines, China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei, Indonesia and Taiwan all claim parts of  South China Sea.

Confrontations between Chinese and Philippine coast guard and naval forces in the sea have surged since last year, sparking fears that  United States – Manila’s longtime treaty ally – might get drawn into  major conflict.

Mohamad Alamin was quoted by local media saying in Parliament on Thursday that  new Philippine laws extend its claims into Malaysian boundaries mapped out in 1979 that were internationally recognized. He said  protest note demonstrated Malaysia’s commitment to defending its sovereignty.

Sabah,  two hours away by boat from southern Philippines, and neighboring Sarawak on Borneo became part of Malaysia in 1963.

Philippines has long laid claims to Sabah, once part of  centuries-old sultanate of Sulu.

Despite  possible diplomatic row,  Philippines and Malaysia concluded their 11th Combined Defense Cooperation Committee (CCDC) meeting, with commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations as nations with shared interests.

Defense Senior Undersecretary Irineo Espino and his team welcomed Malaysia Ministry of Defense Deputy Secretary General Mohd Yani bin Daud and his delegation to Camp Aguinaldo on Friday, where two sides had discussions centering on enhancing defense cooperation, addressing regional issues and strengthening defense capabilities of both nations.

DND spokesman Director Arsenio Andolong said  Malaysian delegation reiterated productive outcomes of  CCDC meeting, where developments in  South China Sea situation were discussed.

Other key topics in  CCDC meeting were Philippines-Malaysia diplomatic relations, humanitarian assistance and disaster response and advancing defense cooperation.

Notably, discussions highlighted  finalization of  terms of reference for  proposed Defense Science and Industry Working Group,  aims to formalize collaboration in defense technology and industry.

20 Nobyembre,2024 Miyerkules

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

No to SOGIE bill

PM for any hospital discharge problem

Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come

Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come

Family  of the late Jocelyn “Jo” Lising-Abelgas appreciates every moments shared by friends and relatives in their bereavement

Enough  evidence to deport Alice Guo

By J.Lo

“These data were legally, validly and voluntarily given by your client,” Bureau of Immigration (BI) board of special inquiry  chief Gilbert Repizo believes there is evidence to prove that dismissed mayor Alice Guo of Bamban, Tarlac is not  Filipino and that she should be kicked out of the country.

Guo, said to be  Chinese citizen named Guo Hua Ping, attended for the first time  hearing  led by Repizo in Intramuros, Manila.

Accompanied by her lawyer Stephen David, Guo challenged  BI’s allegation that she is not  Filipino.

Repizo maintained there is enough evidence to dispute Guo, as he showed  finding from  National Bureau of Investigation that reported both “Alice Guo” and “Guo Hua Ping” having  exact same fingerprint, as well as Guo’s falsified birth certificate.

He called on Guo to “challenge” these findings, including biometrics, by seeking  “competent witness or expert” within 15 days.

Meanwhile, David asserted it would be “unfair” for Guo to be deported from  Philippines.

“It is unfair to deport  Filipino citizen who is not recognized…she will be stateless because no one will accept her…what will be her state then?” he said.

Guo is currently detained at the Pasig City Jail and faces charges of qualified human trafficking and graft. She is accused of using her former position as mayor to build  Philippine offshore gaming operator firm and scam hub in Bamban.

19 Nobyembre,2024 Martes

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

No to SOGIE bill

PM for any hospital discharge problem

Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come

Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come

Family  of the late Jocelyn “Jo” Lising-Abelgas appreciates every moments shared by friends and relatives in their bereavement

‘Ch wants respect, but bullies Ph’

By Nidz Godino

“While China wants  international community to respect their self-drawn nine-dash line and eleven-dash line, they do not respect us and continue to intrude in our declared 200-mile economic zone,” quad committee overall chairman Rep. Robert Ace Barbers observed  accused China of implementing  double standard with its “expansionist” conduct in  West Philippine Sea (WPS), demanding respect but continuing its bullying of  Philippines and other neighboring countries.

The Surigao del Norte second district congressman further claimed  Beijing repeatedly “ignores decision of  United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS) on issue” Manila won in July 2016.

In a statement, entitled “China wants respect over their WPS claims but disrespects Philippines, other Asian country-claimants in the region,” Barbers assailed China’s “expansionist” policies and its “bullying tactics by “questioning and trying to meddle over  country’s laws and policies.”

The chairman of the House committee on dangerous drugs issued  statement following protests by  Chinese government over President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent signing of two maritime laws Republic Acts 12064 and 12065 both aimed at reinforcing  country’s rights over its maritime zones.

“While China wanted us to respect their claims in West Philippine Sea…  were without historical and legal basis, they continuously disrespect us on our own claims and position on the matter,” Barbers said.

He said after “videotaped incidents of bullying, using water cannons, ramming ships and causing injuries” to some Philippine Coast Guard personnel, China is now trying to object, meddle, intimidate and stop us from adopting and implementing laws and policies over our maritime zones.

“Hague-based decision, constituted under UNCLOS, ruled  China’s claim of historic rights to resources in areas falling within its invisible demarcation in  WPS ‘had no basis in law and is without legal effect,’” Barbers stressed.

He also said 135-member-state UNCLOS, arbitral ruling, has upheld  Philippine’s sovereign rights and jurisdiction in its exclusive 200-mile economic zone.

“China wanted  Philippines to respect its unfounded claims in West Philippine Sea, but they manifestly disrespect our position on this issue and  decision of  UNCLOS on the matter,” Barbers said.

Marcos has stated  Philippines stays firm in its position on country’s sovereignty in  WPS, despite China’s objection to  passage of  new maritime and archipelagic sea lane laws.

Beijing said Manila should respect China’s territorial sovereignty, maritime rights and interests, immediately stop taking unilateral action, and earnestly maintain peace and stability in  South China Sea.