By Dennis Gorecho ISTANBUL, Türkiye — My recent visit to Türkiye, a predominantly Muslim nation, reminded me of Pope Leo XIV’s message about the Gospel’s “logic of littleness.” The pope visited Türkiye in November 2025, where Christians — estimated at only 25,000 to 36,000 people — account for approximately 0.05 percent of the country’s total …
OPINION
The weight of trust
By Herman M. Lagon Tab Baldwin’s resignation was always going to be big news. For nearly a decade, he was one of the most recognizable faces in Philippine collegiate basketball. Four championships, countless victories and a reputation that stretched far beyond Katipunan. So when word came this Monday that he had stepped down following the …
A learners’ crisis
By Sonny Angara Recently, news articles came out about a very disconcerting World Bank assessment on Philippine education. Specifically, the report underscored that one in every four Grade 5 students does not have the reading and mathematics skills for Grade 2 or 3, and four in every five 15-year-old students do not understand basic mathematical …
Rash judgments, detraction, calumny
By Fr. Roy Cimagala They often go together and we are very much prone to them. Thus, we have to be properly guarded, training ourselves to practice restraint and to be quick to rectify once we fall into them. We are reminded of this phenomenon in that gospel episode where the usual critics of Christ …
Depression in couples: You, me and the illness
Six years ago, Stefan’s relationship underwent a fundamental change. Back then, when the Covid-19 pandemic began, Stefan’s wife, Jessica, had a breakdown and has been struggling with depression ever since. For privacy reasons, the couple has asked to be referred to by pseudonyms. Jessica was placed on sick leave and was unable to work for …
Blue or red ribbon?
By Ade S. Fajardo The Integrated Bar of the Philippines and other civic organizations have issued public statements declaring Senator Win Gatchalian’s ascension as Senate president pro tempore, and thus acting Senate president, as valid and legal under the Constitution and the rules of the Senate. There is a real chance, however, that this issue …
Clout without commitment
By Herman M. Lagon In every organization — from schools to professional organizations — election season feels predictable. Out come the polished speeches and the photo-ready smiles. Pledges of “service,” “commitment” and “vision” fill the air like confetti. But once the spotlight fades and the paperwork piles up, many of those loudest in promise become …
As more Pinoys get older, PH should see aging as opportunity, not burden
For decades, the Philippines has enjoyed one of the youngest populations in Asia, a demographic advantage that has helped fuel economic growth, consumption and a steady supply of workers. But beneath that youthful image, a significant shift is underway. Filipinos have fewer children, the population is steadily aging, and policymakers are beginning to prepare for …
Passing the problem
By Herman M. Lagon School gates are suddenly alive again. The first days of school are filled with small moments that matter. Parents take photos beside freshly ironed uniforms. A student gathers the courage to speak. A teacher memorizes unfamiliar names. And somewhere between those moments, another year of learning begins. Hope arrives every June …
We need to pray
By Fr. Roy Cimagala It’s amazing that Christ had to excuse himself from his very busy schedule in order to pray. He is God himself. He should have no need to pray. But as the gospel many times say, he had to go somewhere to talk to the Father. As the gospel narrates, “Jesus departed …