By Herman M. Lagon I have heard worse words shouted in a barangay basketball game over a bad foul, and nobody called it statesmanship; they called it ordinary Saturday. So when Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson opened the Senate Blue Ribbon hearing on flood control anomalies by telling the “skeptics, detractors and hijackers” to “shut the …
OPINION
Surging billionaire wealth a political threat, Oxfam warns
The collective wealth of the planet’s billionaires soared to a record level in 2025, charity Oxfam reported, warning of “highly dangerous” political consequences as the global elite gathers for the World Economic Forum (WEF). US President Donald Trump’s policies, in particular, spurred the fortunes of the ultrarich, which jumped 16.2 percent in the first year …
An attitude of gratitude
By Sonny Angara The world’s major religions all extoll the virtues of gratitude. From Christianity to Islam, Buddhism to Hinduism — some reference is always made to the importance of gratefulness to achieving a good life. Even science has shown that adopting an “attitude of gratitude” yields immense benefits — including better mental health outcomes …
God shares his power and authority with us
By Fr. Roy Cimagala One day in Capernaum, Christ with his followers was teaching in a synagogue and the people were amazed because he taught as one “with authority and not as the scribes.” Later, the people were again amazed when Christ drove away the unclean spirit that possessed a man there. They could not …
Experts closely monitoring infectious diseases; parents urged to have their children vaccinated
Health experts are closely monitoring a number of infectious diseases in 2026, including the so-called “super flu.” The Department of Health (DOH) said there have been 63 cases of super flu from January 1 to December 27, 2025. But doctors said the public should not panic as long as people take basic precautions, such as …
Beware of online loan sharks
By Ade S. Fajardo Online lending companies, Fast Cash Global Lending Inc., Unipeso Lending Company Inc., and Fynamics Lending Inc., have been summoned by the National Privacy Commission (NPC) over reports that they have accessed and used mobile phonebooks of their borrowers without the latter’s consent. Using data in the phones of their alleged victims, …
Dealing with digital drama queens
By Herman M. Lagon There is always one in every thread. You know the type. The one who snubs joy like it is a sin, who turns your good news into a courtroom drama, and who reads your promotion or your child’s graduation post like it is a personal affront. It does not matter if …
Resolutions: Should we give up on losing weight this year?
At the beginning of each year, the word “resolution” becomes synonymous with “go to the gym.” Of all new year resolutions, health-related goals are the most common. As the clock strikes midnight on January first, most of us renew our commitment to play more sports, lose weight, eat healthier, and live a more active lifestyle. …
The real life’s luxuries
By Herman M. Lagon The most expensive thing to wear today is not a Rolex or Hermès scarf — it is a peaceful face. It comes from a full night’s sleep, the warmth of morning sun through soft curtains, and the freedom of not needing to rush. We often think of luxury as something bought, …
Remain child-like even as we age
By Fr. Roy Cimagala That’s essentially the point of our celebration of the Feast of Santo Niño that, thankfully, enjoys a very popular devotion in our country. Let’s hope that the message not only sticks in our minds but also is effectively lived out in our daily affairs. Christ himself said it very clearly. “Amen, …