By Herman M. Lagon There are storms that soak us, and storms that should sober us. Typhoon “Tino” did both. Cebu’s grief — cars stacked like toys, homes swallowed whole, families torn from roofs — asked a hard question: Why did this happen despite warnings? As Typhoon “Uwan” churned in, that question should not fade …
OPINION
What if the former Chief Justice is mistaken?
By Ade S. Fajardo Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has announced that Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa is now the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The senator is consistently mentioned as a potential co-accused in the crimes against humanity case against former President Rodrigo Duterte. In some submissions made …
Restitution makes sense
By Herman M. Lagon There are hearings you watch for noise, and hearings you watch because something in you whispers, “This one matters.” The most recent Senate exchange on the Discayas’ bid to become state witnesses felt like both. Teachers watching the feed during …
Resilience without the blindfold
By Herman M. Lagon There are moments when a word meant to uplift begins to sting. I felt that recently at the PGCA – Iloilo 2025 seminar at Iloilo Grand Hotel as Philippine Mental Health Association Executive Director Dr. Carolina Uno-Rayco walked us through the tender architecture of mental health — the stress we carry, …
Unity amid our differences, diversity, conflicts
By Fr. Roy Cimagala “Whoever is not against us is for us.” (Mark 9:40) Words of Christ in response to his disciples who said, “Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us.” If we have the spirit of Christ, as we …
Yacht race with a bold environmental mission
By Ignacio R. Bunye As the sails unfurl for the third season of the BPI Private Wealth Signature Yacht Race Series, the event has evolved into more than just a showcase of nautical prowess — it’s now a beacon of marine conservation and environmental advocacy. Sailing with purpose: A legacy of stewardship Launched in 2023, …
Respect wears sneakers
By Herman M. Lagon You often notice them before they even say a word. The teacher who starts the day with a simple nod, the janitor whose smile never misses a morning, the colleague who finishes what they promise — without needing a nudge. They are not the ones chasing attention or collecting awards. But …
Sierra Madre, other mountains ‘guardians of Luzon’?
As Super Typhoon “Uwan” exited land as a diminished storm on Monday, November 10, a number of posts on social media thanked the mountain ranges of Luzon for “protecting” the island. These supposed “guardians of Luzon” were the Sierra Madre, the country’s longest mountain range stretching from Cagayan to Quezon in eastern Luzon; the Cordillera …
Sabotage Bill vs. Sin Tax
By Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim We know that tobacco and smoking is dangerous to overall health. It is also detrimental to oral health. Now comes what critics call the “sabotage bill,” and health activists are calling for legislators to stop legislation that will roll back the gains of the Sin Tax. “We object to lower …
Planet first, people next, profit last
By Herman M. Lagon Ron Garan saw Earth from space for real — not just in science books or videos. It looked like it was glowing. Like it was alive. But what surprised him most? How thin the air is that keeps us all safe. Just one blue line between us and forever darkness. One …