Bring Bar exams to Mindanao, solon asks SC
Why not extend the Bar examinations to the Mindanao region next year? Cagayan de Oro 2nd district Rep. Rufus Rodriguez made this pitch Wednesday, a day after the Supreme Court (SC) announced that it won’t hold Bar exams this year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez (MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO) The High Court also said it would carry out the next Bar exams in November 2021. “Since the SC has set the next exams for November next year, the court will have sufficient time to designate a city in Mindanao as an additional test venue,” Rodriguez said. He said the SC earlier announced that other than Metro Manila, where it has been administering the test for law graduates, the next exams would be conducted for the first time outside the National Capital Region (NCR) in Cebu City to lessen the cost for examinees. “For aspiring lawyers in Mindanao, taking the exams in Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City, or General Santos City would mean lesser expenses compared to traveling and staying for at least a month for the pre-week bar review in Cebu City or in Manila,” he said. Rodriguez pointed out that assuming the vaccine is already available or the COVID-19 pandemic is already over by November next year, people would still be suffering from loss of jobs and income, and from incurring higher amounts of personal and household expenses due to the health crisis. “So definitely, having the exams in more accessible and affordable places would benefit not only law graduates but their families as well,” he stressed. The SC is yet to announce the venues for next year’s exams......»»
Pope arrives in Mongolia to back tiny Catholic presence on China’s doorstep
Pope Francis arrived in Mongolia on Friday, beginning the first papal visit to the vast Asian nation landlocked between China and Russia. The 86-year-old pontiff's trip through Monday to the Buddhist-majority nation is a gesture of support for the tiny community of Catholics numbering about 1,400. The Argentine pontiff left Rome at 1640 GMT Thursday bound for the Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar, arriving Friday morning local time following a nine-hour journey. He was greeted by a line of Mongolian honor guards in traditional blue, red, and yellow attire and foreign minister Batmunkh Battsetseg. Aboard the papal plane soon after take-off, Francis described the vast, sparsely populated country of Mongolia as one that "can be understood with the senses." Asked by a journalist whether he found diplomacy difficult, the pope answered: "Yes, you don't know how difficult it is. "Sometimes you need a sense of humor." The nine-hour flight passed over Chinese airspace and the pontiff, following custom, sent a telegram to President Xi Jinping, bearing "greetings of good wishes" to him and the Chinese people. "Assuring you of my prayers for the well-being of the nation, I invoke upon all of you the divine blessings of unity and peace," he wrote. The voyage -- Francis' second to the region in a year after a September trip to Kazakhstan -- is geopolitically strategic. It is seen as encouraging Mongolia's fragile democracy and potentially helping the Church make inroads with the country's more powerful neighbors. "This is a clear effort of the Holy See to take care of Central Asia and not abandon it to Russia or China," Michel Chambon, a scholar of Catholicism in Asia, told AFP. The visit -- Francis' 43rd voyage in his decade as head of the Catholic Church -- is also crucial in keeping the door open for improved Vatican ties with Beijing and Moscow, which have yet to offer the Pope an invitation. "It's a way to not give up, to remind them 'I'm here!'" Chambon said. "It's a way not to just stay in Rome and wait for things to happen but to jump in." Stamina test The trip will be a stamina test for the pope, who continues to travel widely despite undergoing a hernia operation in June and pain in his knee that has forced him to use a wheelchair. After a day of rest, the pontiff's itinerary on Saturday includes a welcome ceremony, meetings with President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh and Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene, and a first address to authorities, diplomats, and members of civil society. He will meet the Catholic community -- which includes just 25 priests and 33 nuns, only two of them Mongolian -- later Saturday in Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral. Its circular nave resembles a "ger", the Mongolian nomads' traditional tent dwelling. The Jesuit pope addresses an interreligious meeting Sunday, where the rector of Ulaanbaatar's Russian Orthodox Church is expected to be present with a delegation, and later presides over a mass inside a newly built ice hockey arena. Pilgrims from nearby countries are expected at the mass, the Vatican said, including from Russia, China, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Azerbaijan. Not taking sides Once part of the empire of Genghis Khan, Mongolia is dependent on Russia for energy imports and on China for the export of its raw materials, primarily coal. But while toeing a neutral line with its powerful neighbors, it has engaged in a "third neighbor" policy, strengthening relations with other nations, including the United States, Japan, and South Korea, for balance. That makes Mongolia potentially helpful for Vatican relations with both Beijing and Moscow. The Holy See last year renewed a deal on the thorny issue of bishop appointments with China, and Francis has sought to broker an end to the war in Ukraine with Russia. Francis may use his trip to the former Soviet satellite state, a democracy since just 1992, to hammer home democratic principles. A major coal industry corruption scandal provoked street protests in December, eroding public trust amid a weak economy, high inflation, and major gaps between rich and poor. Chambon, a fellow at Singapore's Asia Research Institute, said Francis may take a page from last year's Kazakhstan visit, during which he warned authorities they have a responsibility to govern well. "The pope is not taking sides but is really putting politicians in front of their responsibilities," Chambon said. "'Who are we serving, are we honest, are we caring for the poor and marginalized, are we taking care of the entire nation in its religious and ethnic diversity?' "He plays the games but he asks the hard questions." Francis, who plans in October to publish an update to his seminal 2015 "Laudato Si'" a global call to action for the environment, will also likely bring attention to the impact of climate change on Mongolia's ecosystems. Together with mining and overgrazing, rising temperatures and their effects are fuelling desertification across swathes of the country. Severe cold, flooding and drought have killed off herds on the vast grasslands, forcing nomads who make up one-third of the population to migrate to Ulaanbaatar, now surrounded by shantytowns inhabited by displaced herders. The post Pope arrives in Mongolia to back tiny Catholic presence on China’s doorstep appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Join DepEd agenda, Sara asks private sector
Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte on Thursday urged the private sector to join the government in implementing the Department of Education’s MATATAG agenda. “As the vice president and secretary of Education, I strongly encourage the private sector to join hands with the government and our development partners to ensure that we can achieve our objectives in education,” Duterte said in a speech for the Department of Education Partners Convergence. “With the help of our partners, we can provide alternative ways of learning, and develop lifelong learning skills, which will enable students to learn in the safety of their homes, especially during emergencies and disruptions,” she added. Duterte said learners will recognize that true learning is an ongoing process and that they never stop growing and developing as individuals through the MATATAG agenda. “They will remain committed to continuous self-improvement and self-reflection, finding ways to improve and expand their own knowledge and skills so that they can better support those around them,” she said. Duterte said that “being matatag” means cultivating resilience, perseverance, and determination, not only in their own studies but also in supporting others who may be struggling or disadvantaged. “Our matatag learners will be the pillars of strength and stability for their fellow learners, providing a steady hand to guide them through the ups and downs of their educational journeys. And these learners will define the future of the Philippines,” she added. Duterte said Filipino children must be given a chance to compete on an equal playing field with the rest of the world. “They are the future of our nation and investing in their education today will bring great benefits to our country in years to come,” she said. “We greatly appreciate the support we have received from our partners and stakeholders, but we also recognize the challenges we still face in achieving our goals,” the Vice President added. She also commended all the participants who have come together from different organizations with a shared goal of improving the lives of learners and people in developing communities. “To be a matatag partner means to be strong and unwavering in the face of challenges and adversity. It means being steadfast in our dedication to the learning and growth of our Filipino learners and acknowledging the essential role that teamwork and solidarity play in achieving these goals,” Duterte said. “As Matatag partners, we recognize that education is not just about academic achievement, but it is also about personal growth, building character, and developing life skills. And, ultimately, to be a Matatag partner means to be part of something greater than ourselves,” she added. In the past two months, the DepEd has gathered representatives of Official Development Assistance (ODA) partners to align their programs to the MATATAG agenda. “Our ODA partners provided insights and suggestions for regions that may need more programs, and they identified the key areas into which partners can provide their technical assistance,” Duterte said. Duterte said local partners also expressed their support to reinforce the MATATAG agenda by renewing their commitment to providing relevant assistance to the Department of Education. “Let us work together to prioritize our interventions in education, including increasing the number of quality teachers, ensuring that our school facilities are adequate, and providing access to modern technologies that will enhance the learning experience of our students,” she added. The post Join DepEd agenda, Sara asks private sector appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
156 Sudan OFWs repatriated soon
The Department of Foreign Affairs on Monday revealed that the government is now preparing for the repatriation of at least 156 overseas Filipino workers from war-torn Sudan. DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Affairs Eduardo Jose de Vega in a public briefing said that out of 300 Filipinos who sought assistance from the Philippine post in Sudan, 156 have completed their documents. De Vega said those who have complete documents can be evacuated “at any given moment,” adding that there are now a total of 696 registered Filipinos in Sudan, of which 300 have signified their intent to be rescued. The problem, however, is that not all Filipinos in Sudan have their important documents with them such as valid passports. “The number continues to increase, whenever the embassy asks them to let us know their whereabouts the number increases too,” De Vega said. “There are now a total of 696 registered Filipinos in Sudan, out of that, 156 are ready to be rescued at any given moment. They have their passports, other documents and just waiting for the call from the government,” he added. The DFA official also stressed that OFWs are not allowed to leave Sudan if they do not have proper documentations. “You are not allowed to leave Sudan if you do not have papers… Others don’t have valid passports while there are those whose passports are possessed by their company or employers,” De Vega said. “Not everybody wants to go home, but all of them want to be evacuated,” he added. Meanwhile, De Vega also shared that at least three Filipinos were rescued by the Saudi Arabian government. He said these OFWs were employees of Saudi Airlines. “They were brought along with other employees to Port Sudan by the Saudi government. From there, they were fetched by a military vessel from Saudi Arabia that took them to Jeddah,” De Vega said. He also expressed his gratitude to the Saudi Arabian government for rescuing the said Filipinos. “We are thankful for Saudi Arabia,” De Vega said. “We are also appealing to them if they could also bring other Filipinos to Port Sudan.” “If they have future repatriation, maybe they can board other Filipinos in their military vessel as it looks like they are open to the idea,” he added. The post 156 Sudan OFWs repatriated soon appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM asks LGUs to support booster vaccine drive
MANILA - President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Friday asked local government units (LGUs) to support the booster campaign rollout in order to safely resume face-to-face classes and fully reopen the economy."I hope that you will be part of the effort that we have to bring us back to no.....»»
Bring Bar exams to Mindanao, solon asks SC
Why not extend the Bar examinations to the Mindanao region next year? Cagayan de Oro 2nd district Rep. Rufus Rodriguez made this pitch Wednesday, a day after the Supreme Court (SC) announced that it won’t hold Bar exams this year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez (MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO) The High Court also said it would carry out the next Bar exams in November 2021. “Since the SC has set the next exams for November next year, the court will have sufficient time to designate a city in Mindanao as an additional test venue,” Rodriguez said. He said the SC earlier announced that other than Metro Manila, where it has been administering the test for law graduates, the next exams would be conducted for the first time outside the National Capital Region (NCR) in Cebu City to lessen the cost for examinees. “For aspiring lawyers in Mindanao, taking the exams in Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City, or General Santos City would mean lesser expenses compared to traveling and staying for at least a month for the pre-week bar review in Cebu City or in Manila,” he said. Rodriguez pointed out that assuming the vaccine is already available or the COVID-19 pandemic is already over by November next year, people would still be suffering from loss of jobs and income, and from incurring higher amounts of personal and household expenses due to the health crisis. “So definitely, having the exams in more accessible and affordable places would benefit not only law graduates but their families as well,” he stressed. The SC is yet to announce the venues for next year’s exams......»»
Animam signs with Australia s Ringwood Hawks
Five-time UAAP champion Jack Animam is set to bring her professional career to Australia, joining the Ringwood Hawks in semi-professional league NBL1......»»
Winds destroy houses in two Central Mindanao towns
Around 40 houses were destroyed by strong winds that pummeled lowlands in the adjoining towns of Montawal, Maguindanao del Sur and Kabacan, Cotabato amid heavy rains on Thursday afternoon......»»
15 Daulah Islamiyah, BIFF surrender in Central Mindanao
15 Daulah Islamiyah, BIFF surrender in Central Mindanao.....»»
Davao Media-Citizen Council elects officers
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 24 March) – The Davao Media-Citizen Council (DMCC) on Saturday elected its officers from representatives of various fields — media, business, law and academe. MindaNews’ Special Reports Editor Carolyn O. Arguillas was elected chair while Antonio Peralta representing the business sector was elected vice chair. Peralta chairs the Southern Mindanao Business […].....»»
Dusit Thani, Sheraton to build hotels in Cagayan de Oro
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews / 24 March) — Two international hotel chains — Sheraton and Dusit Thani – are set to build hotels in this city, the third in Mindanao for Dusit Thani and the first in Mindanao for Sheraton. Dusit Thani operates two in the Davao region – Dusit Thani Residence Davao in Davao […].....»»
Solon bats for expansion of motorcycle taxis outside Metro Manila
A House lawmaker has voiced his support for expanding the government's allotment of motorcycle taxis outside Metro Manila as the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board is set to greenlight the participation of more players in its pilot study......»»
iPhone 16 Pros A18 Pro Chip Rumored to Boost AI, Retain 6-Core GPU
Apple’s upcoming A18 Pro chip for the iPhone 16 Pro models is set to bring significant improvements in artificial intelligence performance, according to analyst Jeff.....»»
Measles vaccine drive launched in BARMM
The Department of Health is conducting a non-selective immunization program against measles in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to contain an outbreak......»»
PBA All Stars hopping over to Davao next
The PBA is looking at Davao as potentially the next venue for the annual All-Star Weekend as it considers bringing the annual festivities to Mindanao after back-to-back stops in the Visayas......»»
Singaporean embassy in India extends Holi wishes, shares images of celebrations in Barsana
New Delhi [India], March 24 (ANI): As Indians across the world geared up to ring in the festival of colours, the Singaporean embassy in the national capital extended its greetings for Holi, wishing that the festival would bring peace and joy to all. It also shared mesmerising pictures of Holi celebrations in one of India's oldest and most popular pilgrimage sites, Barsana, in Uttar Pradesh. A post on the official X handle.....»»
SEC formally asks NTC to block Binance
In a letter to the NTC, SEC Chairperson Emilio Aquino says Binance 'poses a threat to the security of the funds of investing Filipinos'.....»»
‘Extreme danger heat index seen in May’
The cities of Puerto Princesa in Luzon and Cotabato in Mindanao sizzled with a heat index of 42 degrees Celsius on Saturday, according to state meteorologists......»»
Kapuso loveteams lead Sparkle’s first overseas show
For its first-ever international show, Sparkle GMA Artist Center has tapped six of its brightest stars to bring a piece (and an experience) of home to Filipinos in Canada and regale them. Hence, it is titled “Sparkle Goes To Canada” on April 5 and 7, with Southview Alliance Church, Calgary, and Toronto Pavilion, Toronto, as venues, respectively......»»
Expelled solon Teves eyes political asylum; detention extended
The legal team of expelled lawmaker Arnolfo Teves Jr. is looking to exhaust all legal remedies possible, including political asylum in Timor-Leste, Teves' lawyer Ferdinand Topacio said......»»
Singaporean embassy in India extends Holi wishes, shares images of celebrations in Barsana
New Delhi [India], March 24 (ANI): As Indians across the world geared up to ring in the festival of colours, the Singaporean embassy in the national capital extended its greetings for Holi, wishing that the festival would bring peace and joy to all. It also shared mesmerising pictures of Holi celebrations in one of India's oldest and most popular pilgrimage sites, Barsana, in Uttar Pradesh. A post on the official X handle.....»»