By Ade S. Fajardo In a decision rendered in late November, the Supreme Court en banc, writing through Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan, declared that accused persons who refuse to surrender and submit to the court’s jurisdiction should not be entitled to legal remedies. This is called the “fugitive disentitlement doctrine.” A person accused of a …
OPINION
Rights rooted in heritage
By Herman M. Lagon Some of the boldest truths in history came from the quietest voices. Buried under Babylonian soil, the Cyrus Cylinder declared that people deserved freedom to worship and to live without chains. Centuries later, the Mande Charter in Mali proclaimed that life is sacred, women matter in governance, and children deserve education. …
Make healthier choices in food, travel this holiday season
As the holiday season peaks, the Department of Health (DOH) reminds the public to be mindful not just of what they eat but also in ensuring their safety on the road with the expected holiday rush and travel. At the DOH Metro Manila Center for Health Development’s launch of Ligtas Christmas in Valenzuela City, Director …
The city when no one else is looking
By Herman M. Lagon There are evenings when a city introduces itself without fanfare — no tourist pitch, no Instagram glow, no curated charm. Last Friday, after Day 1 of our micro-credentials workshop in Bacolod, I walked out of Northwest Inn and let my feet take the lead. It has become a small ritual I …
Virginal conception
By Fr. Roy Cimagala This is said of Mary, the mother of Christ and our Mother too. This was prophesied already of her in the Book of Isaiah 7:14: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel.” And it was realized by that famous response of Mary …
Same old names, same old games
By Ignacio R. Bunye Walk down any provincial capitol or city hall in the Philippines and ask who’s in charge. Chances are, the surname will sound familiar — because it’s the same family name that’s been plastered on campaign posters for decades. That’s the reality of political dynasties: Families treating public office like family property, …
Beyond gender lines
By Herman M. Lagon The workplace is often just a mirror of society — and the biases outside seep right in. Gender expectations still influence who gets the big tasks, whose opinions matter and whose efforts fade into the background. Gender neutrality gives us a way to change that. It is not denying inequality but …
DOH: Avoid holiday ‘bad habits’ for safety, health
The Department of Health renewed its call for the public to support the “Ligtas Christmas 2025” campaign aimed at ensuring a safe celebration of the Christmas and New Year holidays. The agency underscored the need to avoid common holiday “bad habits” that pose risks to health and safety. “Hindi natin dapat hayaang masira ang ating …
America in trouble
By Dr. Joseph D. Lim It is true that in these social media times, reading hard copy may not be the norm. Still, we love the feel and convenience of not turning on a device just for the simple pleasure of reading and manually turning actual pages. And Time magazine is our favorite hard copy. …
Christian confidence amid mysteries
By Fr. Roy Cimagala Each year, our longing for the birth of Christ is heightened, thanks to our tradition of the Simbang Gabi that up to now enjoys vast popularity especially among the simple people who are gifted with a lot of faith. Let’s hope that this tradition continues “sine fine” or “in aeternum.” We …