bettBy Sonny Angara More than 20 years have passed since Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act (GPRA) was enacted into law. Introduced by my father, the former Senate President Edgardo Angara, the GPRA was considered a world-class, landmark law for putting in place strong mechanisms to curb corruption in government procurement. …
OPINION
Beyond bullying
By Herman M. Lagon The recent Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) findings found widespread bullying. One in three Filipino students is bullied at least once a week, a statistic that has remained alarming for years now. Bullying is more common among boys and public school students. The effects on these students’ academic performance …
Suspects in the ICC investigation
By Ade S. Fajardo Last week, former Senator Antonio Trillanes presented a document purportedly issued by the office of the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court that names five people as “suspects” in its ongoing investigation of the war on drugs implemented by the Duterte administration. First in the list is Senator Bato dela Rosa, who bucked …
Mercy at the heart of God’s love
By Fr. Roy Cimagala Christ was giving his disciples instructions on how they should behave and pray. At one point, he said: “In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them.” And he proceeded to give them the Lord’s …
Fear factor
By Dr. Joseph D. Lim It’s called dentophobia. Or fear of the dentist, fear of going to the dental clinic and/or fear of sitting on the dental chair. It could be triggered by the whirring sound of the dental drill. Or the sight of the sharp stainless steel instruments common in dental clinics. Dentophobia …
Heroes behind desks, against all odds
By Herman M. Lagon It is far too simple to point fingers in the complex debates over the country’s education condition. But if we pause and shift our gaze from the blame game to the beacons of hope within our schools, we find our dedicated, heroic and committed teachers. In addition to imparting knowledge, …
Addressing persistent flooding in Metro Manila
By Ignacio Bunye The persistent flooding in Metro Manila, exacerbated by Typhoon “Carina,” has brought to light a critical oversight: Our flood-control strategies are simply not working. It’s time we confront this harsh reality head-on. The urgency for long-term disaster prevention and mitigation cannot be overstated; yet it seems we’re dragging our feet. And when billions …
Focus on God always
By Fr. Roy Cimagala “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7) Words of Christ that clearly tell us to simply focus on God in whatever we do, irrespective of the changing circumstances and conditions of our earthly sojourn. Christ reassured …
St. Iggy’s enduring legacy
By Herman M. Lagon Many, especially Ateneans and alumni of Jesuit schools, find consolation with St. Ignatius of Loyola, fondly known as “St. Iggy.” His life and teachings remain profoundly relevant today. Born in Spain in 1491, Ignatius had a promising career as a courtier and soldier. When a cannonball struck him — …
‘Plastic’ ang mga pagkilos sa mga problemang mabibigat sa PH
By Melanio Lazo Mauricio, Jr. INSPIRASYON SA BUHAY. “… Sa Diyos kayo magtiwala ng buong puso at lubusan, at huwag panghawakan ang sarili niyong karunungan …” (Mga Kawikaan 3:5, Ang Tanging Daan Bibliya). *** “PLASTIC” ANG MGA PAGKILOS SA MGA PROBLEMANG MABIBIGAT SA PH. Pansinin po nating mabuti ang mga balitang pambansa na …