Did judges turn a blind eye to murderous intent?

Posted by watchmen
November 4, 2024

By Ade S. Fajardo   Now retired Police Colonel Jovie Espenido testified in Congress that when Albuera Mayor Rolando Espinosa was in his custody, he executed an affidavit that contained controversial allegations. It identifies police officials who received money from Espinosa’s drug operations. Jovie Espenido says the logbook containing payout entries is still with the Philippine …

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Outgrowing toxic resilience

Posted by watchmen
November 4, 2024
Posted in Impulses, OPINION

By Herman M. Lagon The term “resilience” has evolved from a badge of honor into a shield that conveniently deflects attention from persistent societal and governance issues. Hailed as a cultural trait, Filipino resilience is often invoked to praise the country’s response to frequent disasters. Yet the admiration for this resilience has grown to mask …

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Storm Kristine’s wrath

Posted by watchmen
November 1, 2024

By Ignacio R. Bunye As Tropical Storm “Kristine” pounded the Bicol Region and accelerated westward, the Philippines once again finds itself grappling with the formidable forces of nature. This tropical storm which intensified into a severe tropical storm as it approached Isabela, has left a significant mark on the nation, causing widespread disruptions and forcing communities …

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Piyesta Minatay’s true spirit

Posted by watchmen
November 1, 2024
Posted in Impulses, OPINION

By Herman M. Lagon In the Philippines, early November is unlike any other time of the year. From bustling flower markets to candlelit cemeteries, “Piyesta Minatay” — All Souls’ Day — is a unique cultural event that honors departed loved ones while uniting families and communities. For many of us, these days are far from …

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Unafraid with the things of God

Posted by watchmen
October 31, 2024

By Fr. Roy Cimagala That gospel episode where Christ shocked his apostles when they saw him walking on the water (cfr. Matthew 14:22-36) reminds us that the ways of God can overwhelm us and even throw us into the grip of fear. We should just remember what Christ told his apostles. “Take courage, it is …

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Threat of marine litter to human health, food security, economy, and environment

Posted by watchmen
October 30, 2024

By Dennis Gorecho Some 352,479 kilograms of trash and debris, ranging from plastics to other waste materials, were collected in 250 coastal sites across the country during the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) on September 21, 2024. ICC is the world’s largest volunteer effort for ocean’s health and is being conducted every third Saturday of September of each year to raise …

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Threads of heritage

Posted by watchmen
October 30, 2024
Posted in Impulses, OPINION

By Herman M. Lagon  Traditional weaving of piña fabric is a tangible, intricate and resilient way to unite a community. At Kaangtanan 2024, academics, artisans, advocates, and cultural workers discussed the significance of piña weaving in Western Visayas, revealing a rich history of resilience and innovation. This delicate but durable pineapple-based fabric has symbolized Filipino …

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Systemic solutions

Posted by watchmen
October 29, 2024
Posted in Better Days, OPINION

By Sonny Angara Recent surveys by Pulse Asia and the Social Weather Stations found that a majority of Filipinos were ready to face the new year with optimism and hope. Unfortunately, for many of our countrymen, the new year came with several challenges. Two in particular come to mind. First were the floods and landslides …

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Lessons from the sower and the seed

Posted by watchmen
October 29, 2024

By Fr. Roy Cimagala The parable of the sower and the seed (cfr. Matthew 13:1-9) prods us to undertake the urgent and most necessary task of spreading the Word of God widely and abidingly. It also urges us to be that good soil that brings good and plentiful fruit of God’s Word. Nowadays, we cannot …

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