22 Nobyembre,2024 Biyernes

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

Ph misused terror laws to target 27 humanitarian workers 

By J.Lo

“These actions seem to demonstrate  deliberate misapplication of counter-terrorism legislation, including CFT law, for  purpose of discrediting legitimate human rights and humanitarian activities,” UN mandate-holders challenged  legal basis for cases against current and former members of  Community Empowerment Resource Network (CERNET),  Cebu-based organization serving marginalized communities in Visayas.

Experts  said, referring to  Philippines’ counter-terrorism financing law ,five United Nations experts have condemned Philippine government for weaponizing anti-terrorism laws against humanitarian workers, slamming  charges against 27 development workers as  “deliberate misapplication” of security legislation to silence civil society.

In  strongly-worded communication made public on November 15,  UN mandate-holders challenged  legal basis for  cases against current and former members of CERNET.

Humanitarian  workers were slapped with terrorism financing charges in May 2023. Authorities accused them of providing P135,000 to New People’s Army in 2012.  Charges  initially included three deceased persons among  accused.

UN experts warned case exemplifies how counter-terrorism laws are being misused to harass rights defenders and paralyze legitimate humanitarian work. 

They expressed particular alarm over practice of “red-tagging”  accused, saying it normalizes violence against activists and creates environment where extrajudicial killings can occur with impunity.

Communication  was sent to Philippine government on August 29.  Government  only acknowledged receipt of  communication through its Geneva mission but provided no actual reply within  standard 60-day period before publication.

Communication  was signed by Mary Lawlor, Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders; Gina Romero, Special Rapporteur on freedom of peaceful assembly and association; Ben Saul, Special Rapporteur on counter-terrorism and human rights; Reem Alsalem, Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls; and Laura Nyirinkindi, chair of the Working Group on discrimination against women and girls.

“Targeting of these human rights defenders and humanitarian workers through intimidation, reputational harm and criminalization is of particular concern, as it appears to be in direct retaliation for their legitimate and peaceful activities promoting economic, social and cultural rights in the Philippines,” they added.

Practice  of red-tagging — labeling individuals or groups as communists or terrorists without evidence — was first institutionalized during the dictatorship of the president’s father, Ferdinand Marcos Sr., to arrest dissidents. 

Red-tagging of activists and human rights defenders surged under former President Rodrigo Duterte, who expanded  practice through  National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has repeatedly refused to disband NTF-ELCAC, dismissing  wealth of evidence that shows it has repeatedly tagged legitimate rights defenders as terrorists.

UN experts reiterated their concern about  Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020’s broad definition of “terrorism,” expansion of executive branch authority and  absence of judicial oversight. 

“We recall  States are urged to ensure measures to combat terrorism and preserve national security are in compliance with their obligations under international law,” they said, adding that these should also not prevent rights defenders from carrying out their work.

They stressed  counter-terrorism measures  include  freezing of assets of  accused – must comply with due process and procedural rights, including  right to  fair trial and effective protection by  courts.

“We further express our concerns about  potential consequences of asset freezing measures, vital humanitarian and human right services,” they said, adding that this could lead to detrimental effects on marginalized groups and vulnerable sectors of society. 

Women human rights defenders have been particularly targeted in the CERNET case.

For instance, UN experts highlighted how authorities singled out and spread false information against Estrella. Catarata,  board officer of CERNET until 2013. 

In May 2024, Cebu City Police Office posted Catarata’s photo on Facebook, falsely labeling her as  “Top 1 Most Wanted Person in Central Visayas” and  terrorist group leader. 

In doing so, police had “defamed her, putting her and potentially other colleagues at additional risk,” UN experts said.

UN experts added that  act falls under  worrying practice of targeting women with online and technology-facilitated violence.

“It is concerning when law enforcement reportedly directly participates in subjugating women human rights defenders to such violence,” they said.

Human rights group Karapatan has welcomed  UN experts’ intervention and tagged government’s charges against development workers as “bogus.”

Experts  gave  government 60 days to explain  factual and legal basis for  charges and outline steps taken to ensure rights defenders can work safely. They also demanded information about measures to investigate  police’s spread of false information about Catarata.

CERNET has faced escalating harassment since 2006, including intimidation, abductions, and extrajudicial killings allegedly perpetrated by state security forces. 

Network , established in 2001, consists of nine humanitarian organizations working to support marginalized communities through grassroots initiatives across  Visayas region.

22 Nobyembre,2024 Biyernes

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 leads groundbreaking of Meralco Terra Solar

By Nidz Godino

“Numbers alone fail to articulate  full significance of this project, we are making  statement today that  Philippines is not only keeping pace with  global energy transition but more so express our intention,  Philippines’ intention to lead  migration from thermal to renewables,” Meralco chairman and chief executive officer Manny  Pangilinan said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led  groundbreaking  of  world’s largest integrated solar and battery storage facility,  project seen to make  Philippines  leader in renewable energy while contributing to efforts to address climate change and global warming.

Meralco Terra Solar Project is expected to supply clean energy to about 2.4 million households and avoid carbon emissions by  estimated 4.3 million tons per year, equivalent to removing more than three million gasoline-powered vehicles from roads annually.

$4-billion project, spans 3,500 hectares across Nueva Ecija and Bulacan, will deliver 3,500 megawatts peak of solar power to  Luzon grid with 4,500 megawatt-hour batterenergy storage once it becomes fully operational by 2027.

Speaking during  groundbreaking ceremony in Peñaranda, Nueva Ecija, Marcos said  Terra Solar Project was designed to address two critical challenges, surging demand for electricity and  pressing need to shift to renewable and sustainable energy.By leveraging our abundant solar resources, Terra Solar Project will help stabilize our power supply, reduce energy costs, and contribute significantly to our target of 3percent renewable energy share in  power generation mix by  year 2030,” the President said.

“We take  leap toward  future, driven by innovation and sustained by our collective hope for  cleaner and greener Philippines…this landmark project will put our country on the map as  leader in renewable energy,” he stressed.

Terra Solar Philippines, Inc., Meralco PowerGen Corp. and SP New Energy Corp. are behind project,  aligned with government’s target of attaining 35 percent renewable energy mix by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.

“We will build, we will take action, and we will never stop daring…at the end, this is all showing the world what Filipinos can achieve when  public and private sectors work together with focus and urgency,” Pangilinan said.

Terra Solar Project will deliver clean solar energy under  20-year, 850 MW mid-merit power supply agreement to Meralco.  Initial  block of 600 MW is scheduled for delivery by February 2026, while  remaining 250 MW will follow in February 2027.

Before groundbreaking ceremony, Terra Solar Philippines Inc., acting as  investment and development vehicle for  Terra Solar Project, entered into  strategic partnership with United Kingdom-based Actis for  40 percent interest in the project valued at $600 million or about P34 billion. Terra Solar has also awarded engineering, procurement and construction contract for  project with China Energy Engineering Corp. and has engaged Meralco Industrial Engineering Services Corp. to link  flagship solar development to  Luzon power grid.

“With  investment of over P200 billion, this demonstrates confidence in  stakeholders in our nation’s potential and our commitment to securing  stable, steady, reliable, and sustainable power supply, strong typhoons  we have been experiencing should further strengthen our resolve to find and facilitate solutions that will save our planet and  future of mankind” Marcos said.The President said  project is expected to generate nearly P23 billion in financial benefits over next decade, create more than 10,000 jobs and open countless growth opportunities. He also called on state agencies and private sector to support the project by ensuring its timely completion. “Let us do the same for all renewable projects,” he said.

Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said  Terra Solar project is  “crucial step” toward  country’s goal of expanding  share of renewables in the energy mix to 35 percent by 2030 from  current 22 percent.

“It not only enhances our energy security and resilience but will also contribute to our broader economic development by creating jobs and promoting sustainable growth,” Lotilla said.

22 Nobyembre,2024 Biyernes

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

Clemency  for Veloso up to FMJ hands

by Nidz Godino

We created  new policy that we had never done before…not to release or give pardon to foreigners convicted by our court but instead we created  policy  called transfer of prisoners,” Indonesian Chief Minister for Law and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra said Indonesia will fully respect whatever decision President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. makes on grant of clemency to Mary Jane Veloso,  overseas Filipino worker saved from execution on drug trafficking charges.

In  video statement, Yusril said Veloso would be transferred to the Philippines in response to Manila’s request.

He said[HG1]  Philippine government or other countries that wish for transfer of prisoners must acknowledge  respect  verdict of Indonesian court, and Indonesia can prosecute their citizens if they commit  crime.

 Countries  should respect and not to question  verdict of imprisonment, life sentence or  death penalty and they must accept it.

“So for example, that is life  sentence, then Veloso will serve  life sentence in the Philippines instead based on verdict of Indonsian court…and we will fully respect  decision by  authority of President Marcos in enforcing their law in their country, Philippines had abolished  death penalty in their law system, and when she Veloso had returned to the Philippines, it will be authority of  President Marcos to give pardon from Indonesian[HG2]  death penalty sentence” Yusril said..

President Marcos  said  Indonesia has lowered  death sentence of Veloso to life imprisonment and  clemency for her is “n the table.”

In media interview, Marcos said Veloso’s sentence was reduced because of  Philippines’ ties with Indonesia. .“Since we have good relations with Indonesia, they found  way. This is the first time they did this,” he said.

Asked if the grant of clemency for Veloso was possible, Marcos replied: “We will see….this is  first time this has happened  everything is on the table,” he add

In  joint statement,  Department of Justice and   Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said  Philippines is bound to honor  conditions that would be set for Veloso’s transfer, particularly  service of her sentence in the country.

Marcos thanked Subianto and  Indonesian government for their goodwill, describing the outcome as  “reflection of  depth of our nation’s partnership with Indonesia,” countries that he said are “united in commitment , justice and compassion.”

DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega clarified  Indonesia has not requested any payback for Veloso’s return.

“So when she gets here, if she gets here and when she gets here, she will not immediately be released ,it means, we will commit to detain her until such time that we have mutual agreement that she could be given clemency…but at least, she would be here,” he said.

Veloso said  she was “elated” to be returning home and be with her family.

“I’m grateful and would like to thank everybody who keeps making efforts so I can return to my country,” Veloso said in written statement read by  prison warden Evi Loliancy on Thursday.

Veloso’s legal counsel Edre Olalia said the President now has  power to grant  absolute pardon to Veloso on humanitarian grounds considering that Indonesia has already passed on responsibility of resolving the case.

Olalia noted that there are various forms of clemency and  highest of  is absolute pardon or amnesty.

“What we are pushing for is absolute pardon…will we wait for 27 years to complete the 40 years… I hope not,” he said.

He said Veloso had already suffered much during her detention, and Indonesia’s president should be convinced to grant her clemency.

Aside from humanitarian considerations, there are also legal grounds that Marcos can cite to grant executive clemency to Veloso, National Union of People’s Lawyers president Ephraim Cortez told “Storycon” on One News said.

One of the possible reasons, he said, is the fact that Veloso is a victim of human trafficking, which under Indonesian law, Philippine law, and in international conventions, should be exempted from criminal liability if they did an act because of trafficking.

“Once her custody is transferred to the Philippines, Philippine government can consider that part of our law and treat her as  human trafficking victim and apply  appropriate protective measures under our domestic laws,” he said.

Cortez said they will immediately ask Marcos to grant clemency to Veloso upon her return to the Philippines.

Cortez said Veloso’s return before Christmas is possible given that only paperwork and actual implementation is needed.

Charges of human trafficking, estafa and simple illegal recruitment are also pending against Veloso’s recruiters.

Olalia said they intended to present Veloso as  witness against illegal recruiters if she could return to the country in time for  hearing of the case.

Meanwhile, Senate President Francis Escudero is confident the President would grant clemency to Veloso either in  form of pardon or commutation of sentence.

“However, it will have to go through process, both legal and diplomatic, and with due courtesies to Indonesian government,” Escudero said.

During  Kapihan sa Senado forum, Sen. Risa Hontiveros thanked  governments of Indonesia and the Philippines for working to bring Veloso home after her stay of execution.

But she lamented that Veloso would still languish in jail in the Philippines if she is not granted executive clemency.

“Let us celebrate her homecoming first…but if  Office of the President is studying the option of clemency, then that will be another reason to thank them,” she said.

Veloso was arrested in 2010 for smuggling 2.6 kilograms of heroin into Indonesia and sentenced to death under the country’s anti-drug laws.

Her execution was dramatically halted just hours before she was to face  firing squad, following  appeal from  Philippine government and  surrender of  recruiter whom Veloso accused of planting drugs in her luggage.

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.